Samsung ST550 vs Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ Comparison
Samsung ST550
Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ
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
Features
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.
Design
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.
Power Supply
Both cameras use lithium ion batteries.
Picture Quality
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.
Ease of Use
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.
Verdict
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.
Where to Buy - Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ
Product Shots
Front View
Samsung ST550
Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ
Back View
Samsung ST550
Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ
Top View
Samsung ST550
Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ
