Overview
The Nikon Coolpix S60 has a touch controlled LCD screen. This is used to select all the camera options including basic features such as flash and zoom. It has 10 megapixels. The Coolpix S60 is small enough to slip into a pocket and has a slightly longer than standard 5x zoom lens for this type of camera. One feature I really like is being able to touch the screen to set focusing and auto exposure.
Why Buy The Nikon Coolpix S60
With its touch controlled LCD screen this camera offers something different from most pocket digital cameras. It also looks good, takes a decent picture and is relatively easy to use.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
5x
3.5 inches
97.5 x 60 x 22mm
145g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
9cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
I like the colours and the overall look of this photo. The Coolpix S60 does well with focusing with only a small amount of softening as you move towards the edges of the photo. It also copes well with the glare produced by the low sun.
Focusing is good for such a small camera with the lens zoomed right out. In places there is a purple tinge to some areas of the photo. To be honest this is not likely to show up unless you are planning to make super sized prints. One factor that does concern me is that the corners of the photo are darker. This is a problem that shows in a number of my test shots and there is no way to get round this problem aside from cropping your photos.
Here you can see the benefit of the extra zoom over many smaller digital cameras. This is another picture where the colours are vivid. This helps to produce a pleasant scene.
The sharpness of the photos I have taken with the Coolpix S60 is good, but they do not hit the heights of those I produced with the Nikon Coolpix S710 recently. This photo is another example of darker areas creeping into the corners of the shot.
Portraits
This is good effort from the Coolpix S60. Most cameras are capable of reeling off this type of photo without much of a problem. You should be able to produce plenty of portrait shots for the family album.
The flash unit does not produce a great deal of light. Although there is enough for the face to be lit, the hair is dark in places. Darkness also creeps into the corners again.
It is quite difficult to tell the difference between the indoor photo taken with flash and the one without. This photo has a natural look to it and the skin tones are about right. The darker corners are in evidence here too.
Macro, Colours and Noise
I like the macro shot. It is very clear and has great definition. It works much better than most of the Nikon digital cameras I have tested recently. While this is not a camera for a serious macro photographer you should be able to produce good quality, close up snap shots. According to the specification you need to be 9cm away before the camera is able to focus, but I managed to get the camera to focus from closer in than that.
The colours are well balanced and have power without being overbearing. The brightness of the photos is also worth commenting on.
The Coolpix S60 is inline with a lot of other smaller digital cameras when you increase the ISO rating. The noise levels at ISO 400 are noticeable, but if it's the only way to get a picture, then it levels are acceptable. At ISO 1600 there is little picture quality.
Summary
It is a shame that so many of my test shots have darker corners. This may or may not be that important to you, but it can be quite noticeable. Otherwise picture quality compares well with other pocket cameras.
Style
The Coolpix S60 has a high gloss finish. This gives the impression of good quality. The front curves to add interest and all in all this is a stylish camera. You should not have a problem slipping it into a pocket.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.33 seconds
21.8 seconds
0.44 seconds
23.77 seconds
3.95 seconds
Ease of Use
The touch screen does not make the camera any easier to use, but I would say it is a bit more fun. The text used in the menu system is a good size and you should have no problem reading it.
Points I Like
Touch screen control - build quality - help text - touch control auto focusing and auto exposure
Where it Could Improve
Darkness in the corner of many photos
Verdict
If you are attracted by the touch screen then there are not many alternatives out there. The Nikon Coolpix S60 is as good if not better than its competitors when it comes to picture quality. Nikon appear to have most things right with the Coolpix S60.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
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If you are prepared to pay a bit more for extra quality then the Canon IXUS 510 HS is likely to be of interest to you. For a pocket camera picture quality is very good. Add in the impressive set of features including a touch screen and Wi-Fi and you can start to see that you do get more for your money compared to a lot of digital cameras. The power of the lens also gives you plenty of scope for capturing a wide range of photo opportunities. It is true you pay a little extra than with more standard pocket cameras, but if you also include the stylish look of this model there is a lot on offer for the price tag.
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Canon IXUS 125 HS Rating 86/100
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Canon IXUS 1100 HS Rating 85/100
The Canon IXUS 1100 HS is a very good choice if you are looking for a pocket digital camera with a combination of a longer zoom lens and touch control. Once you get used to the screen and improve your touch accuracy it responds well. Picture quality compares favourably with other pocket cameras. The style and build suggest a bit of extra class too. The IXUS 1100 HS ticks most of the boxes for a camera in this category.
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Related Pages
Nikon Coolpix S60 Review Nikon Coolpix S60 Specification Nikon Coolpix S60 Sample Images Nikon Coolpix S60 Features Nikon Digital Cameras
Review Date
January 2009
