Overview
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.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
7
3x
2.5 inches
91.5 x 56.5 x 18.5mm
125g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
10cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/MMC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
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.
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.
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.
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.
Portraits
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.
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.
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.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Despite a few attempts I found it difficult to get the Coolpix S200 to produce a suitably sharp photo. Not recommend for macro work.
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.
Not a bad effort at a higher ISO setting compared to some rival cameras. Even so quality is beginning to slip away.
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.
Summary
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.
Style
I like the look of the Coolpix S200. It is a simple, clean looking camera.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.39 seconds
8.27 seconds
1.65 seconds
10.35 seconds
Ease of Use
You should not 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.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
Canon IXUS 310 HS Rating 86/100
The Canon IXUS 310 HS is one of the best touch controlled digital cameras. It has 12 megapixels and a 4.4x wide angle lens. The screen is very responsive to touch. This is due partly to the larger screen size than many touch controlled digital cameras offer. Picture quality is excellent and the build quality is top quality. If you are looking for a touch controlled digital camera the IXUS 310 HS is worth a very close look.
Read Review: Canon IXUS 310 HS Review
Canon IXUS 220 HS Rating 86/100
The Canon IXUS 220 HS is a pocket sized digital camera. It looks good, is well made and can take an impressive snapshot in most situations. It may not have every in vogue feature, but it has an extra touch of all round quality about it
Read Review: Canon IXUS 220 HS Review
Canon IXUS 115 HS Rating 86/100
The Canon IXUS 115 HS is a classy looking, pocket digital camera. It can shoot Full HD movies and has a high quality 3 inch LCD screen. When it comes to picture quality the IXUS 115 HS outclasses many of its direct competitors.
Read Review: Canon IXUS 115 HS Review
Related Pages
Nikon Coolpix S200 Review Nikon Coolpix S200 Specification Nikon Coolpix S200 Sample Images Nikon Coolpix S200 Features
Review Date
September 2007
