Nikon Coolpix S550 Digital Camera Review

The Nikon Coolpix S550 is a 10 megapixel digitalaway from the subject. This may not sound a lot, but it
camera with a 5x optical zoom lens. It is small enoughmeans that most close up shots will need to be
to slip into most pockets.cropped to achieve a true close in effect.
Why Buy the Nikon Coolpix S550?ISO 400 and 1600
If you like the idea of a smaller camera, but would likeThe Coolpix S550 handles noise quite well at ISO 400.
a bit more zoom power than many pocket compactsIt is only in more shady areas where the problem
offer then the Coolpix S550 may fit the bill. It alsobecomes apparent. As ISO 1600, noise can be seen
scores well for ease of use and comes with many ofthroughout the photo.
the more popular features such as image stabilisationOverall
and face detection for sharper portraits.If I could have achieved better focusing results with
Image Quality Nikon Coolpix S550 test shotssome of more distant test shots, I would have been
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom)very happy with the Coolpix S550.
One point I like about Nikon digital cameras is theShutter Lag
combination of colour and brightness. This helps toA single photo was on the slow side (0.59 seconds
produce vibrant photos as seen in my first test shot.without flash, 1.72 seconds with flash). Reeling off a
There is a small amount of detail lost from the boatsfew consecutive shots was better (9.83 seconds for
towards the right of the picture. This problem is only5 shots without flash, 12.20 seconds for 5 shots with
likely to become an issue if you plan to make largerflash).
prints.It took 2.62 seconds to turn the camera on and take a
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom)photo.
This is another decent effort. Again, I like the colours inYou can compare this camera to other models by
the shot. Owing to the distant scene, this is a toughtaking a look at the Shutter Lag Comparison Table.
shot for focusing, but the Coolpix S550 handles theStyle: The Coolpix S550 is a straightforward, no
scene well enough.nonsense digital camera. It is a pretty standard
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom)rectangular shape. It is available in blue, black and
With the zoom lens fully utilized focusing is not asplumb.
sharp as in the first two photos. The photo isDimensions: 51 x 88 x 22mm
noticeably softer as you move towards the edges.Weight: 120g
This is particularly evident in the trees and bushes onBatteries: Lithium Ion. Both a battery and charger are
the right hand side of the photo.supplied with the camera. Nikon estimates you should
Outdoor 4 (Building)be able to take around 220 shots in between charges.
For my outdoor scenic shots I have an issue with theMemory cards: Nikon have built a generous 52mb of
focusing options offered by Nikon digital cameras.storage into the Coolpix S500. This is plenty to give the
Most other cameras give you an option to select multicamera a thorough test. I was able to take 31 photos
point focusing. This means the camera will select abefore the memory was full. To enhance the
large number of points right across the photo andcamera’s storage capacity you will need to pick up
check they are in focus. My belief is that this helps toan SD or SDHC memory card.
produce landscape type shots where focusing isEase of use rating: Very Good. As with Nikon digital
strong for the majority of the photo. Nikon do notcameras in general it should not take you long to find
normally provide this option and instead use anyour way around. The menu design is simple and clear.
automatic focusing mode where the camera decidesPoints I like: Ease of use
the areas it wishes to focus on.Where it could improve:
In this shot, focusing again drifts, especially on the rightSoft focusing on scenic shots
hand side. This may or may not be a problem for you.Alternatives
It will depend on the type of photographs you plan toAnother straightforward, pocket sized camera with 10
take and whether or not you plan to make prints largermegapixels and a 5x optical zoom is the Sony DSC
than the standard snapshot sizes.W170.
Outdoor PortraitVerdict:
Working closer to the subject all the focusing issuesThe Nikon Coolpix S550 is an effective, pocket sized
has gone away. There is plenty of colour in the skindigital camera. It takes bright, colourful photos. I would
tones and this suggests the Coolpix S550 is able tolike to have seen greater sharpness in my scenic test
producing pleasing family snapshots for your album.shots, but aside from that I have no real complaints.
Indoor Portrait without FlashThe Coolpix S550 also scores well for ease of use.
This is a good effort. It possible could have been aFront View
shade brighter, but overall the photo works well.Verdict:
Indoor Portrait with FlashThe Nikon Coolpix S550 is an effective, pocket sized
With flash, the photo is not surprisingly a lot brighter.digital camera. It takes bright, colourful photos. I would
Despite the flash being used, the Coolpix S550 haslike to have seen greater sharpness in my scenic test
managed to retain plenty of colour in the photo.shots, but aside from that I have no real complaints.
ColoursThe Coolpix S550 also scores well for ease of use.
As mentioned earlier I like the colours produced by theBack View
Coolpix S550. In fact, when it comes to reproducingVerdict:
colours in photos, Nikon is one of my favourite brands.The Nikon Coolpix S550 is an effective, pocket sized
Macrodigital camera. It takes bright, colourful photos. I would
I have no problems with the quality of the macrolike to have seen greater sharpness in my scenic test
photo, but you need to take into account that thisshots, but aside from that I have no real complaints.
Nikon digital camera can only focus once it is 10cmThe Coolpix S550 also scores well for ease of use.