Nikon Coolpix Compact Digital Cameras
Nikon's line of Coolpix digital cameras  is a sure bet for any amateur to avid photographer. They offer superior zoom and picture quality for point and shoots and make photography a fun and user-friendly experience. On the other hand, the prosumer will want something a little more powerful and/or versatile, either along the lines of a digital SLR or a Pro Digital SLR. No matter which product suits your needs, as usual, Nikon products are constructed of high-quality materials and feature innovative technology. Their wide range of product offerings vary in price and power, and will be listed and described here in this article, categorized by series. It will help you learn about which compact digital camera best caters to your photography lifestyle, whether it be a model from their older series or from their newest product line. Before you get started, you may want to review the Digital Camera Buying Guide.
| The S Series |
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- The distinguishing property of S series is their design.
- They tend to score low comparatively in the resolution department.
- But they are ultra sleek, streamlined, and portable.
- Come in different colors.
- Less than an inch thick.
- Has a large 2.5" LCD preview screen.
- 12MB of internal memory.
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
- They are very small with little buttons, not the best for people with big hands.
- They come with a substantial amount of integrated help features within the camera, so it makes first-time use a snap for snapping pictures on the go. * Do NOT have optical view finders, which means that you will drain your batteries quicker from having to constntly use the LCD screen to aim.
- S1 and S2 (waterproof version of the S1).
- 5 megapixels.
- Both feature a 3x optical zoom.
- $330-$350
- They are both equipped to record video.
- Have a variety of shooting modes and a built in AF (Auto Focus) Assist Illuminator and D-lighting, which are onboard features meant to help improve your pics before even editing them on a computer.
- That means you can transfer them (via a USB cable or SD memory card ) to a multifunction printer to make copies without even turning on your computer.
- S3 and S4.
- 6 megapixels.
- Both of these cameras are pretty similar as far as the specs go, except that the S4 packs a whopping 10x optical zoom.
- Both have 16MB of internal memory, plus they have optional SD memory card slots.
- Video recording capability and the new Face Priority AF mode.
- This little feature allows you to aim and not have to worry about focusing on people's faces because the camera will search them out for you.
- Unlike the S1 and S2 models, these two have a camera "docking" option, which basically enables a quick way to print photos via a pict-bridge compatible printer.
- Something that is different about the S4 that stands out is its design.
- It is the only model in the S series that features a fold-out lens that allows for shooting from interesting angles.
- Keep in mind that it is slightly heavier than the rest of the S series, weighing in at 7.2 oz without battery or memory card.
- S5 and S6
- The Coolpix S5 and S6 feature large 2.5-inch and 3.0-inch 230,000-dot TFT LCDs respectively
- A high-quality 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with a range of 35-105mm (35mm equivalent)
- Thin, compact dimensions and form make the Coolpix S5 and S6 really comfortable to hold
- In-Camera Red-Eye Fix detects unfortunate red-eye
- 15 Scene modes â 4 with Scene assist â allows Coolpix S5 and S6 users achieve satisfying results
- The Coolpix S6 features the additional advantage of built-in Wi-Fi capability to add further flexibility to digital photography.
- S5: 21MB (approx.), S6: 20MB (approx.) of internal memory, SD Card compatibility
- Rechargeable EN-EL8 Li-ion Battery can shoot approx. 210 shots (S5)/ 200 shots (S6) on a single charge
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| The L Series |
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- The L1 happens to be the first and only model that makes up the L series.
- $300
- It is not super-compact.
- Does offer 10MB of internal memory.
- A 6.2 megapixel resolution.
- A 2.5" LCD preview screen.
- A wide variety of AF and shooting modes, in camera exposure and red-eye fixing.
- An SD card slot.
- The option of using AA, rechargeable, or lithium batteries.
- It's a very affordable, full-featured camera.
L2, L3 and L4 : - An array of high-quality components including a 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens and a bright 2.0-inch LCD screen with in-camera image-improvement features
- All three cameras boast powerful 3x Zoom-Nikkor lenses with a focal range equivalent to that of a 38-116mm (114mm for the COOLPIX L4) (35mm equivalent)
- Streamlined and comfortable to hold, with a smooth, elegant finish
- The Face-priority AF function automatically detects and then focuses in on peopleâs faces, regardless of where they are in the frame, ensuring superb crisp-focus portraits.
- The In-Camera Red-Eye Fix function analyzes each image, automatically finding and then correcting any accidental red-eye
- L2, L3 and L4 are compatible with AA-size batteries. The power to shoot approximately 180 shots for L2, 200 shots for L3, and 250 shots for L4
- Built-in flash
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Not so fresh, but just as popular
Nikon's older models from 4-8 megapixels have proved to be very popular with consumers. None of them are as compact or lightweight as the S series models, however, most models still offer quite a few nifty features.
| 4600 |
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- This is the least expensive model Nikon offers.
- It is easy to use and easy to print from with the use of a compact photo printer.
- 4 megapixels and 3x electronic zoom it is not a bad mid-sized point-and-shoot digital camera.
- For first time users looking for quality in a no-hassle setup, this is a good bet because it will give you room to advance as a photographer.
- If you need more zoom, try the 4800 that offers an 8.3x optical zoom, which of course, comes at a price.
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| 5600 |
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- It is worth it to dish out the little bit more for the 5900 since it offers slightly more all around
- A 2" screen that flips out and swivels.
- Better zoom.
- Better grip.
- A more versatile lens.
- Better battery system.
- More extras included and more shooting modes.
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| 7600 |
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- These are virtually the same camera internally (the 7900 has a slightly more robust package) with different looking exteriors.
- Similar prices.
- Strangely though, the more economical model has a better optical zoom.
- Otherwise, they are pretty compact, tight models with a good grip and lots of features that are included on the S series models.
- The only drawback is the interface which seems a little cluttered to me.
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| 8400 |
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- These are series of enthusiast cameras.
- They are for avid photographers who are used to shooting with a heavier, slightly bulkier setup.
- However, these are the cameras that will offer the most control over verstaility and manual settings, which are essential if you are in any way partial to SLRs.
- The ratings were generally good overall for these cameras, with kudos given to their high-quality specs such as the 8 megapixel resolution.
- The 8400 has a surprisingly low optical zoom for an 8 MP camera, however the others have an 8x and 10x optical zoom respectively.
- Complaints are mostly aimed at the convenient fold out LCD screen that happens to be a little too small for such a pricey camera with so many features.
- Inconveniently placed configuration buttons, which seem to be slightly inconvenient.
- On the other hand, the 8900 features a cool vibration reduction quick-touch button on the lens barrel that improves the quality of long shots.
- The 8400 is praised for its extra-wide angle 24mm lens.
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