Nikon Coolpix S220

Nikon Coolpix S220 Review

The CoolPix S220 is Nikon’s entry-level compact snapper which blends user-friendliness and stylishness to an impressive level. Featuring 10 megapixels of effective resolution, a Nikkor-branded lens with optical 3X zoom, a high ISO 2000 sensitivity range and advanced engineering such as Motion Detection and BSS, it’s a well-stacked compact unit which will both surprise and satisfy. It is ideal for everyday users who need a stylish camera which can capture special moments without costing an arm and a leg.

Probably the most eye-catching feature of the Nikon S220 is its slick good looks. Attractively designed, fashionable and slim, it passes all the criteria in a fashionista’s shopping list. Most of the S220’s entry-level competitors like Canon PowerShot A480 and FujiFilm’s FinePix J10 all pale in comparison and look like inferior and cheap imitations. There is a varied selection of camera colors to match your taste and includes black, red, purple, magenta, aqua green and blue and silver in various shades.

Apart from being socially trendy, the Nikon S220 camera is highly compact as well. With a dimension of 3.8 x 2.5 x 0.8 inches and weighing just 3.5 ounces, it can conveniently slip into a pocket, purse or a lady’s handbag. This compact shooter can be a light and attention-getting companion in any social gathering.

This camera’s beauty is further enhanced by the presence of Motion Detection engineering. It automatically adjusts the shutter speed and ISO to allow for camera shake and subject movement. This means that it has the ability to eliminate light streaks and disappointing motion blurs from low-light exposures.

This feature alone allows the camera to stake its claim in the image department, indoors as well as outside. The 1/2.33-inch CCD detector does quite a fine job of reducing image noise, and the images are exposed using ISO 400 still sharp and clearly-defined. However, the CoolPix S220’s image quality isn’t exactly the best to be found, but for its affordable price, it’s pretty much the best there is.

Another top feature worth mentioning is the CoolPix S220’s BSS, an exclusive best shot selection function of Nikon digital cameras which takes a number of consecutive frames and saves the frame having the clearest image. This feature is not clearly-defined as to practicality but it will surely be valued by novice users who are the camera’s key targets.

The S220’s graphical user interface is well defined and quite intuitive. For a low-priced camera, this one packs a number of cool modes and functions such as face detection, multiple sequential shot options, movie recording, adjustable color, nine ISO settings, 16 scene modes, user-defined focus and seven white balance presets.

It’s a pretty cool gadget for its asking price. As a blend of camera and fashion accessory, this decent little performer’s got it made.

All in all, the Nikon S220 has about what everbody expects – fine images, useful modes and features, and average battery duration. You can get a much better device for a little more, but if you’re looking for a slick and affordable camera, then the Coolpix S220 fits the bill. GP