The Nikon Coolpix S200 is a pocket sized digital camera. It is a fairly typical point and shoot model and the main attraction is likely to be its size and also ease of use. The Coolpix S200 has seven megapixels and a three times optical zoom lens. It also has vibration reduction built in. This is more commonly known as image stabilisation.
Image Quality Nikon Coolpix S200 test shots
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom)
An average shot. Focusing does drift as you move towards the edges of the photo. There is a small loss of detail where the sun is striking the boats. I can also see traces of purple fringing creeping in.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom)
This is a creditable effort. Here the Coolpix S200 manages to produce a good level of sharpness to the shot. I also like the strong colours the camera produces.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom)
I have seen much better efforts from other cameras with a similar specification. With the zoom used to its maximum the photo is quite soft in places. There is also a degree of purple or blue fringing on the edges of bright objects. This is normally only found on cameras with a long zoom lens.
Outdoor Portrait
This is my favourite photo out of my test shots. I like the colours and the Coolpix S200 handles the lighting well. Even with this picture I would not go as far as to say that it is pin sharp.
Indoor Portrait with Flash
I am disappointed with this photo. Although it is taken indoors under artificial lighting the lighting should be good enough for the camera to produce a much sharper photo.
Indoor Portrait without Flash
With the flash off the camera automatically pushes the ISO setting upwards. This leads to a lot of noise in the photo. It also takes on an orange glow.
Colours
Well if there is one area I do like about the photos the Coolpix S200 managed to produce it is the colours. They have a natural feel to them and they are strong enough, without becoming overpowering.
Macro
Despite a few attempts I found it difficult to get the Coolpix S200 to produce a suitably sharp photo. Not recommend for macro work.
ISO 400
Not a bad effort at a higher ISO setting compared to some rival cameras. Even so quality is beginning to slip away.
ISO 1000
At the highest ISO setting picture quality is really beginning to suffer. There is a lot of noise in the photo giving it a very grainy effect.
Overall
Most of the digital cameras I have reviewed recently have produced some pretty good photos. Unfortunately the Coolpix S200 tended to struggle whenever the light was not perfect. This is really a digital camera for outdoor use on a sunny day. Even then I has some reservations.
Shutter Lag
I was able to take a single shot in 0.39 seconds and five photos in 8.27 seconds. These are a bit above standard times. With the flash on a single photo took 1.65 seconds and five photos took 10.35. The time it takes for the flash to activate is disappointing. Speed picks up compared to other models if you are reeling off a number of photos with flash, but the time for a single photo should be quicker.
You can compare this camera to other models by taking a look at the Shutter Lag Comparison Table.
Style: I like the look of the Coolpix S200. It is a simple, clean looking camera.
Dimensions: 91.5 x 56.5 x 18.5 mm
Weight: 125g
Batteries: A lithium ion battery is used to provide power to the camera. Both a battery and charger are supplied as standard. Nikon estimate you should be able to take in the region of 230 shots in between charges.
Memory cards: SD cards are used for storing photos. A card is not supplied with the camera as 20MB of storage have been built in. This is enough for around 17 shots.
Click here to save money on SD cards.
Ease of use rating: Very Good - You shouldn't have many problems finding your way around this camera.
Points I like:
Build quality - Style - LCD screen on a sunny day
Where it could improve:
Picture Quality - Shutter lag with flash on
Verdict:
I'm afraid I would give the Nikon Coolpix S200 a miss. It looks good, but the picture quality the camera produces is a disappointment.
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
| Nikon Coolpix S200 Summary |
| Description: | 7 megapixels and a 3x zoom lens |
| Ease of Use: | 9 |
| Features: | 8 |
| Colour: | 8 |
| Macro: | 6 |
| Indoors: | 6 |
| Value for Money: | 7 |
| Style: | 8 |
| Movie Mode: | 8 |
| Image Quality: | 6 |
| Build Quality: | 8 |
| Total: | 74 |
| Verdict: | "The Nikon Coolpix S200 left me feeling disappointed. It looks good, feels good and is easy to use, but I struggled with picture quality. I would suggest having a good look at other pocket sized digital cameras before buying this one." |
| Review Date: | September 2007 |
| Click for: | Specification Sample Images Features |
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