Nikon Coolpix S230 Digital Camera Review

Nikon Coolpix S230 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom and 3 inch Touch Panel LCD (Warm Silver)

nikon-coolpix-s230-digital-camera

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Slim, compact stylish and with touch screen technology the Coolpix S230 redefines the compact digital camera category. It's designed 3-inch touch screen has all shooting and playback functions at one's fingertips. Advanced features such as scene auto selector, motion detection and smile mode add to the Coolpix S230's appeal.

Nikon’s slim, stylish Coolpix S230 combines 10.0 effective megapixels with an amazing 3.0-inch high-resolution touch-panel LCD for taking and sharing great pictures. The Coolpix S230 has a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens and combined with Nikon’s 4-Way VR Image Stabilization gets you sharp pictures with a touch of ease. The Coolpix S230, with Nikon’s EXPEED image processor and new Smart Portrait System also enables you to get incredible pictures, incredibly easy. Nikon’s Scene Auto Selector automatically analyzes the scene you are taking and adjusts the scene mode for you. All you have to do is compose and click!

Coolpix S230 Highlights

10.0-megapixel resolution - for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches.
3x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens - provides exceptional pictures and gets you close to the action.
New EXPEED image processor - ensures high-quality pictures with stunning color and sharpness.
3.0-inch high-resolution touch-panel LCD - enables easy access to all the camera controls without the conventional buttons to push. The anti-reflection coating that is applied to the touch panel enhances viewing even in bright light.
Scene Auto Selector - automatically recognizes the scene in your picture and adjusts camera setting.

4-Way VR Image stabilization

Nikon’s Electronic VR image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake by adjusting the shutter speed and the ISO to get the optimal results
Motion Detection automatically detects moving subjects and adjusts shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for cameras hake and subject movement
High ISO up to 2000 capability helps give you sharper results when shooting in low light or capturing fast-moving subjects.
Nikon’s original Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically takes up to 10 shots while the shutter is pressed and saves the sharpest image

Nikon’s Smart Portrait System:

Smile Mode The camera automatically takes the shot when the subject smiles
Blink proof camera automatically takes two shots and saves the one in which the subject’s eye are open
In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically fixes most instances of red-eye in the camera. You may never see red-eye again.
Improved Face-Priority AF - Nikon’s face-finding technology that automatically focuses on faces faster than ever. Up to 12 faces can be detected and Face priority AE adjusts brightness of the subject’s face
D-Lighting rescues dark or backlit images by improving brightness and detail where needed

Technical Details

10.0-megapixel resolution for photo-quality prints up to 16 x 20 inches
3x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens; 4-way VR image stabilization
3.0-inch touch-screen LCD scren
Nikon's Smart Portrait System; Red-eye Fix, Face Priority AE and more
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.5 x 0.8 inches ; 4.2 ounces
Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
Item model number: S230 Warm Silver
Date first available at Amazon.com: February 2, 2009

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

By M. Randall "Meg R" (Oregon) - READ THE MANUAL!!! This is a great camera if you learn how to use it correctly!, August 19, 2009

When I first turned on the camera and started taking pictures, I too noticed the grainy quality of the pictures. Then I started reading the manual! What a great idea, huh? It has different "scenes" in which you can choose whatever current situation you are in while taking the picture. If you press the scene button, you can select up to 18 different scenes in which to take your pictures. You can choose anything from museum (no flash)and sporting events, to candlelight/parties and fireworks! All you need to do is select what's right for the situation you're in. You can also select auto scene where the camera will automatically select which scene it thinks you're in. This is a great camera!! I love being able to turn my photos to black & white and sepia, and write little notes on them. You can also record messages to go with your pictures! I love the large touch screen, and being able to touch-up the pictures directly on the camera! Bottom line is, if you know how to use the camera, you shouldn't have a problem, and you'll most likely love it just as much as I do!

*****

By Iceman (Freezing in MI, 2 cold USA) - Strong compact camera with quality pictures, October 17, 2009

I purchased this camera for my daughter to replace a beat up 5MP pocket camera (Samsung) that used batteries up like no tomorrow. It was a competent little camera but it was time for an upgrade for her. At 16 years old it was time for her to have an update for taking snapshots of family and friends and to give her the ability to document our many family vacations. I own a Nikon DSLR that is up in the 1,000 to 2k dollar range and it gets frequent use and has been quite durable. The issue with it is size. This camera is no where near as advanced as my DSLR but it is quite competent for a camera in its price range.

For those critics out there who have had issues with picture quality READ THE OWNERS MANUAL!! This is a very easy camera to use right out of the box but to get the most out of it you need to choose the right mode for the type of photo you are taking. It seems many are reporting grainy photos or problems with image quality. We have never seen that with this camera. It is small, has a decent lens with a rechargeable battery and takes SDHC memory which allows larger capacity SD memory cards. I was able to pair this camera with a 8gb SDHC memory card I found for 18.00. That will give this camera the ability to take well over 500 photos.

I picked this camera up for 200.00 and I feel its a good value for that price with the touchscreen, rechargeable battery, good lens and solid build quality. If you don't want to read the manual and take a little time getting familiar with the many features of the camera then move on. Reading is fundamental! LOL

*****

By J. Hall (El cajon, ca United States) - Just what I wanted, May 17, 2009

I bought this camera as a brainless alternative to my full-featured high end DSLR. Guess which one comes with me everywhere? It's so easy to shoot with this little pocket camera, and so guiltless. Easy to use, small and convenient. I have no issues with the image quality. Then again, I know what the high end looks like, so maybe my expectations are more reasonable. You gets what you pays for - and I like it a lot.

*****