Review: Nikon Coolpix S60

Written by Noel Christensen in Reviews , Camera

Nikon is a well known and highly recognized brand within the photographic industry, whether the talk goes on digital SLRs, superzoom or lifestyle cameras Nikon Coolpix S60 is one.

COOLPIX S-series consists of writing the 14 models, all with their advantages and disadvantages. S60'eren as I look at this time are with S230'eren the only models in the S series with touch screen.

Nikon Coolpix S60 has a 3.5 "touch screen, 5x optical zoom, 10 megapixels, Vibration Reduction and lots of other cool features I will look at later in this review.

Specifications
The following specifications are obtained from Nikon's website

• Wide 3.5 "LCD touch screen with durable acrylic panel to protect the screen from scratches, wide viewing angle of approx. 160 degrees and an anti-reflective coating that makes it easier to see in bright sunlight.
• Revolutionary touch-screen technology with only two buttons - camera-on/off and triggers. Simply touch your subject on the screen to set the correct focus and exposure. The camera finds itself out if it is held vertically or horizontally, and the icons on the screen automatically rotates.
• Smile and Blink detection functions help capture perfect portraits with smiling faces and open eyes. Smile detection automatically takes the shot when your chosen subject smiles, and Blink detection warns you if someone had their eyes closed so you can quickly take another shot.
• Scene Auto Selector offers carefree shooting by automatically selecting the most suitable Scene mode for popular photographic situations.
• NIKKOR 5x zoom lens offers outstanding precision and sharp resolution. (Equivalent to 35 mm [135] film format: 33-165 mm). Adjust the zoom by touching the icons zoom in or zoom out on the LCD screen.
• 10.0 megapixel resolution lets you capture outstandingly detailed images that are suitable for printing complete or just from selected areas, even in large format.
• 3x anti-blur automatically counters blurred images in three ways. Sensor-shift VR (Vibration Reduction) reduces the effect of camera shake. High ISO sensitivity (3200) reduces the risk of blurred images with fast-moving subjects or in low light. Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically selects the sharpest image of a sequence of up to 10 images.
• Face-priority technology uses advanced Face Priority AF to focus accurately on up to 12 faces in a scene, and Face Priority zoom lets you one-touch zoom in on selected faces.
• Built-camera Red-eye Fix corrects false eye color due to flash. It automatically analyzes the captured image for the red eye and corrects it before saving the image in memory.
• Slideshow High Resolution: Display images as a dynamic slideshow with music on the camera's LCD screen or HDTV screen via the camera's HDMI video connection.
• Handwritten voice comment: Make pictures personalized with handwritten voice comments.
• D-Lighting creates pleasing results by correcting strong shadows to rescue underexposed images or shots taken with excessive backlight.
• Durable aluminum body designed for the perfect combination of sleek beauty and functional compact style.
• Free 2 GB myPicturetown account: Nikon's Internet based service for storing and sharing photos, you can store photos and videos securely online and share them with friends around the world, or place them in blogs and other sites.
• Color: black and purple, burgundy-red and white (colors may vary from country to country).

What's in the box?
Nikon Coolpix S60 is supplied by the previously reported Nikon COOLPIX P80, in a nice black box that oozes quality. The box is very simple, there is a picture of the camera on the front and the back is characterized by specifications.

In the box you will find the following:

- Nikon Coolpix S60
- Rechargeable battery EN-EL10
- Battery Charger MH-63
- Strap AN-CP14
- Stylus pen
- USB Cable UC-E13
- AV Cable EG-CP15
- CD-ROM with manual in 23 different languages, including Danish
- CD-ROM with Nikon Software Suite
- European Warranty
- Quick Start Guide

As shown above, included nothing Secure Digital memory cards, so you have to buy such a card next to it, unless you have a map in advance. As prices for Secure Digital memory cards are generally fallen significantly in recent months, I recommend that you obtain a 4 or 8GB card, so that there is plenty of memory for pictures, clips, etc.. A 4GB Secure Digital memory cards are available for less than 100, -

First impressions
When I first got the Nikon COOLPIX S60 in his hand was a good feeling, the camera seems solidly built, the design is different, without being particularly innovative, and the weight is just right for a point and shoot camera as it undoubtedly is.

Because the camera is operated using the large 3.5 "touch screen on the back, the Nikon Coolpix S60 is only equipped with 2 buttons, a trigger and on / off button, this makes the design appear very minimalist - and this will definitely appeal to many, incl. women.

When the camera is turned open the lens cover in front, and you're ready to capture images in seconds. There is nothing more frustrating than long startup times that can easily mean that the reason they have chosen themselves, do not present long after the camera is ready.

Operation and functionality
Nikon Coolpix S60 is a little different compared to other pocket cameras in the same class, since it is equipped with touch screen which is used to operate the menus, zoom, etc.. This must, of course, have to get to if you come from a camera without this feature. Nevertheless, it is really easy to go to the menus react to touch, and I have not seen the test period to "hit the wrong" because a little precise touch. The only place where I follow the touch screen is a little short is using zoom'en, here I could have wished me a "real" zoom button. This is obviously a matter of taste, and most will probably seem to touch the solution is quite excellent.

Pressing the "Home" returns you to the main menu in the camera, this consists of 4 main points and 2 points.

Shoot: Capture, everything is automatically adjusted
Scene: Choose one of all 19 different "modes", ex. Night portrait, fireworks, sports or panorama - and the camera automatically adjusts settings.
Movie: Shoot movies in 640 × 480 resolution with sound
Play: See pictures and video clips stored on the memory card, here it is also possible to create simple image editing, deleting unwanted pictures etc..
Menu: Displays the menu for the function you have used the above 4 main points
Set up: Set language TV settings and other application-independent settings.

As in the Nikon Coolpix P80 which is reported here on the site earlier, the Nikon Coolpix S60 also features a wealth of automatic programs (called Scene) which makes it possible to set the camera automatically, so that settings automatically adjusted to the object you have in the viewfinder . This is perfect for camera like this, because it is a "point and shoot" camera, where you should be able to capture an image instantly, without having to fiddle with complex settings. For those who are most comfortable with having full manual control over the camera, the Nikon Coolpix S60 may not be the optimal choice as the camera controls most settings automatically. However, I think the target group considered that the solution is pretty good, and it allows people to take really good pictures are properly exposed, without having to familiarize themselves with a lot of new terminology.

Image Quality
As always, the picture quality is just as much about the photographer's skill, as the camera's technical capacity. Nikon COOLPIX S60 manages to reduce this, with the built-in "scene" programs, and Vibration Reduction, it is actually possible to take handheld shots, though lighting is very bad. The level is really nice for the camera to be purchased for just around 2000, -

Below are a few selected photographs, all taken on Auto or one of the available "scene" programs.

Click on images for full size.

Video mode is actually quite excellent, considering the price and it can easily be used for small funny video clips of children, family, or the like. The sound is surprisingly good, but unfortunately not available at the following video as it is removed in the editing of the clip. The quality is degraded a bit due to upload to youtube, but gives an idea of ​​the quality.

Conclusion
Nikon Coolpix S60 has clearly fulfilled the expectations I had for a "nice" pocket camera, with the bonus that operation via touch screen on the back, this is more a "bladder-feature" than something you really need, but it helps increase the value of the Nikon Coolpix S60.

Like all Nikon kameaer I have recently had in their hands it is easy to use, takes excellent pictures on the automatic settings and the Nikon Coolpix S60 seems very solid, although the weight is quite low. There are no immediate exposing the Nikon Coolpix S60, so if you are looking for a solid pocket camera that simultaneously would be a little "cool", so you should definitely have the Nikon COOLPIX S60 into consideration.

Character
75%

Price & Availability
Indicative price:?? -
Set in 1938, -
Click here to find the best price on Nikon Coolpix S60

Reviewed by
Noel Christensen

Courtesy of
Nikon

Related posts:

1. Review: Nikon Coolpix S610
2. Review: Nikon Coolpix S560
3. Review: Nikon Coolpix S60
4. Review: Nikon Coolpix P80
5. Review: Nikon Coolpix P80