In summary
Essentially identical to the Coolpix S1 model, which was released mid-year, the slightly heavier, 5.1-megapixel Coolpix S2 features a splashproof aluminium alloy body that allows it to be used in challenging weather conditions – but is not actually waterproof. The camera should never be immersed in water, although a scattering of raindrops should do no harm and can be easily wiped off. . . [more]
Full review
Quality rating (out of 10) Build: 8.5Ease of use: 8.5Image quality: 8.0Value for money: 8.5
Essentially identical to the Coolpix S1 model, which was released mid-year, the slightly heavier, 5.1-megapixel Coolpix S2 features a splashproof aluminium alloy body that allows it to be used in challenging weather conditions – but is not actually waterproof. The camera should never be immersed in water, although a scattering of raindrops should do no harm and can be easily wiped off.
The zoom lens is built with the same ‘right-angle’ optical design as the S1, and remains totally enclosed in the camera. A slide-down lens and flash cover doubles as an on/off switch. Like most slimline digicams, the S2 lacks a viewfinder; the 2.5-inch LCD being seen as an acceptable substitute. In most situations, this display is easy to read and controls are easily set, thanks to a clear and well-designed menu. However, in bright lighting, users will find it difficult to frame shots accurately and almost impossible to discern the on-screen icons. Using playback zoom is pointless.
To simplify settings for point-and-shoot photography, the Coolpix S2 has a slider that selects between Auto, Scene and Movie modes. The first supports Program AE with full access to adjustments like image size/quality, sensitivity and white balance settings. The second accesses a menu with 12 scene modes, four of them with ‘assist’ settings to help users frame shots effectively. The movie mode records VGA, QVGA or QQVGA movie clips with sound at 15 frames per second. Time-lapse movies can also be captured and voice clips can be appended to still shots. Other features include Nikon’s Best Shot Selector, Face-priority AF and D-Lighting settings. Face-priority AF automatically detects a human face in the field of view and focuses on it, while D-Lighting allows users to add fill-in light to backlit shots, thereby correcting insufficient exposure while leaving properly-exposed areas alone.
The camera is supplied with the MV-12 Cool-Station docking cradle, which recharges the camera battery when the S2 is installed. It also allows image files to be viewed on a TV set (PAL or NTSC), copies to a computer or printed via a PictBridge compatible printer. The battery can also be charged directly in the camera. Charging a depleted battery takes roughly two hours and a fully-charged battery should have enough power for 190 shots.
On test, the Coolpix S2 delivered hue-accurate pictures with vibrant saturation, high contrast and a restricted tonal range. Sharpness declined towards image corners and Imatest revealed chromatic aberration in all test shots. Overall image sharpness was slightly below expectations.
White balance performance was above average but the flash was only usable with close subjects – especially at ISO 100. Image noise can be detected at all ISO settings in low light shots and the camera and subject must be quite still when the shot is taken if it is to be in focus.
We measured an average capture lag of 0.7 seconds, which reduced to 0.1 seconds with pre-focusing. In continuous mode the camera recorded 19 large/fine shots at 0.6 second intervals before slowing down to 2.9 seconds/shot. It took roughly 15 seconds to flush the buffer memory.
As a ‘take-anywhere’ pocket camera, the Coolpix S2 has plenty in its favour, not the least being its all-weather usability. Like the Coolpix S1, it’s a good choice for travellers who want a pocketable point-and-shoot camera that produces good snapshot-sized (or slightly larger) prints, and will also suit fashion-conscious users looking for a smart-looking digicam to slip into a briefcase or purse. [25]
Specifications
Image sensor: 5.34 x 4.01mm CCD with 5.36 million photosites (5.1 megapixels effective)
Lens: 5.8-17.4mm f3.0-5.4 Zoom-Nikkor ED (35-105mm in 35mm format)
Zoom ratio: 3x optical, up to 4x digital
Dimensions (wxhxd): 91.9 x 59 x 22mm
Weight: 140g (without battery and card)
Image formats: Stills – JPEG (Exif 2.2); Movies – (VGA, QVGA or QQVGA at 15 fps)
Shutter speed range: 2- 1/350 sec
Focus system/range: range 30cm to infinity, macro to 4cm
Exposure metering/control: 16 Scene modes (4 with Scene Assist)
White balance: Auto, Daylight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy and Speedlight and Preset
Flash modes/range (ISO auto): Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Anytime Flash, Flash Cancel and Slow sync; range 0.3-2.5 m
ISO range: Auto, ISO 50, 100, 200, 400
Sequence shooting: approx. 1.8 fps
Storage Media: 12 MB internal memory plus SD card slot; internal memory holds 5 high-res. images or up to
LCD monitor: 2.5-inch amorphous silicon TFT LDC with 110,000 pixels
Power supply: EN-EL8 rechargeable lithium-ion battery
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