Nikon's 2004 mid-range compact — 4MP 1/1.8in CCD, 38-114mm ED zoom, 15 scene modes
The Nikon Coolpix 4200 was announced on 12 February 2004 together with the 5-megapixel Coolpix 5200, the pair forming Nikon's mid-range compacts for that year. It offered a better lens and sensor than the entry models below it while staying a straightforward point-and-shoot in a small metal-fronted body.
It carries a 4-megapixel 1/1.8-inch CCD — larger than the sensors in most budget compacts of the day — producing 2272x1704 images. The retractable 3x Zoom-Nikkor covers a 38-114mm equivalent range and includes aspherical elements and an ED glass element, unusual at this level. There are 15 scene modes, a macro mode focusing to about 4cm, a movie mode with sound, and a 1.5-inch LCD. Storage is SD plus 12MB internal memory, and the EN-EL5 lithium-ion battery gives roughly 150 frames.
The 4200 suits collectors and casual users who want early-2000s CCD rendering with slightly better optics than the era's cheapest models. The relatively large 1/1.8-inch sensor gives it cleaner base-ISO files than most 2004 compacts, though the small screen and modest battery life show its age.
Check the EN-EL5 battery — it was used across many Coolpix models, so replacements and chargers remain easy to source — and confirm it holds charge. Test the retractable lens for smooth extension, inspect the 1.5-inch LCD for dead pixels, and shoot a bright scene to check for CCD smear or banding; SD capacity support predates SDHC, so bundle a small older card if possible.