The Samsung ST550 and Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ both offer something very different to other digital cameras. The Coolpix S1000pj has a built in projector and the ST550 has a second LCD screen on the front of the camera for self portraits. This Samsung camera has an impressive range of features. For example the screen on the back of the camera is 3.5 inches in size and is touch sensitive. It also has a recycle bin to protect against the accidental deletion of photos.

Basic Specification
Samsung ST550 12 megapixels 4.6x Optical Zoom 3.5 inch LCD screen Macro Focus: 3cm Dimensions: 99.8 x 59.8 x 18.6mm Weight: 166g High Definition Movies	Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ 12 megapixels 5x wide angle optical zoom 2.7 inch LCD screen Macro Focus 3cm Dimensions: 62.5 x 99.5 x 23mm Weight: 120g Standard Definition Movies

As you can see from the basic specification details mentioned above the ST550 has a further advantage in that it is able to shoot High Definition movies. Both cameras sport wide angle lenses that are useful if you like to take photos of wide scenes such as landscapes and cityscapes.

Nikon has positioned the projector on the front of the Coolpix S1000pj. This gives it a unique look compared to other digital cameras. To accommodate the position of the projector Nikon has sited the lens in the top left hand corner of the camera. Samsung has gone with a high gloss finish for the ST550.

In most instances the Coolpix S1000pj outperforms the ST550 when it comes to shutter response. The Samsung camera is on the slow side.

Shutter Lag Comparison
Samsung ST550 Without Flash Single photo: 0.56 seconds Five photos: 10.39 seconds With Flash Single photo: 1.55 seconds Five photos: 25.58 seconds Start Up Time 2.59 seconds	Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ Without Flash Single photo: 0.32 seconds Five photos: 13.37 seconds With Flash Single photo: 0.45 seconds Five photos: 12.45 seconds Start Up Time 2.58 seconds

Both cameras use lithium ion batteries.

Nikon digital cameras can usually be relied upon to take good quality photos. I was a little disappointed with the Coolpix S1000pj. I felt the quality of the images I took while testing the camera did not match up to the usual high standard. One example of the problems I found was that darker areas tended to creep into the corners of the shot. The ST550 had the edge in this area. I was happy with the overall quality of the shots I took with this camera.

One of the strength of Nikon digital cameras is their ease of use. This is an area where I have no problems with the Coolpix S1000pj. It is a simple, straightforward digital camera. With its touch screen it is also easy to find the setting you are looking for with the ST550. I did find the screen to be unresponsive though. Trying to change a setting could have caused me to miss a picture. It is possible that as you get to know the camera and get used to the screen it will become easier to change settings using the screen.

In many ways the choice here is very straightforward. If you like the idea of showing off your photos on a projector the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj is the only winner here. In fact as at December 2009 it is the only digital camera with this feature. You do pay a hefty premium for the projector. This means that if you cannot see yourself making good use of the projector you are almost certain to find the Samsung ST550 to be a better choice for you.

Front View
Samsung ST550



Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ


Back View
Samsung ST550



Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ


Top View
Samsung ST550



Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ

	GBP 174.99
	GBP 184.9
	GBP 199.00
	GBP 219
	GBP 225.6
Click a flag for prices from other countries:

	GBP 279.99
	GBP 289.9
	GBP 296.00
	GBP 321.99
	GBP 349
Click a flag for prices from other countries:

Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ Review

Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ Specification

Samsung ST550 Review

Samsung ST550 Specification

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj vs Samsung ST550

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, please make sure you double check the feature set and specification at the point of purchase.