Overview
The Nikon Coolpix S710 is a 14.5 megapixel digital camera. It has a 3.6x wide angle lens. One advantage it has over other smaller compacts is the fact it also has manual exposure modes. Other features include image stabilisation and a 3 inch LCD screen.
Why Buy The Nikon Coolpix S710
The main attractions are impressive picture quality and the manual exposure controls.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
14.5
3.6x
3 inches
57.5 x 93 x 24mm
155g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
10cm
No
Yes
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
In the past I have been quite critical of the quality of photos taken with smaller Nikon digital cameras. A lot of the problems I have had have been down to the sharpness of the scenic photos. The Coolpix S710 starts off by clearly outperforming all the previous smaller Nikon compacts I have tested. This shot has surprised me with the levels of sharpness and definition. Sun glare is also handled well.
I have lost count of the number of times I have written that a digital camera with a wide angle lens has struggled for sharpness when the lens is zoomed all the way out. Therefore it makes a pleasant change to write that the Coolpix S710 handles this photo impressively. When it comes to sharpness this photo is right up there with the best I have taken. The camera also manages to produce vivid colours too.
This is another good effort. Sharpness is impressive again. I also like the amount of colour the Coolpix S710 manages to pack into the picture.
My final more distant outdoor shot confirms my earlier findings. I would give this camera 9 out of 10 for focusing. This places it above the majority of cameras I have tested.
Portraits
This photo was taken on a very cold day. Many digital cameras find it difficult to produce a warm feel to a portrait in these conditions. In this instance the Coolpix S710 has coped very well with the conditions and has managed to add a degree of warmth that makes all the difference to the photo.
Perhaps this photo could be a touch brighter. Other than that the shot works well. Focusing is good and the skin tones look natural.
I like this photo. There is less noise and more definition showing in the shot than I am used to seeing.
Macro, Colours and Noise
The one feature this camera lacks is a macro mode that can get you right in close. You can only focus from 10cm away from the subject. Although the quality of the shot is very good indeed the distance is limiting. My test shot has been cropped for display.
Taking all the different camera brands into account Nikon is my favourite when it comes to colour. Their cameras are capable of producing vivid colours when necessary, as well as giving a more natural feel when required. The contrast between colours is excellent.
At ISO 400 the Coolpix S710 works as well as any similar model. By the time you reach ISO 1600 noise levels are spectacular and picture quality is really suffering.
Summary
Picture quality is up there with the best smaller digital cameras. Aside from the macro mode I am very impressed with the quality of the photos it is able to take.
Style
The Coolpix S710 has rounded edges to take away any harshness from its rectangular shape. It feels good in the hand, giving the impression of a good build quality. The camera is available in graphite, deep red and silver.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.36 seconds
22.98 seconds
0.43 seconds
17.56 seconds
4.88 seconds
Ease of Use
Compared with other smaller cameras there are a few extra features for you to get to know. There is nothing to stop you from using this camera in fully automatic mode, but to get the most out of it you will need to spend a bit of time mastering its more advanced features.
Points I Like
Picture quality - build quality - help text
Where it Could Improve
Macro mode - turn on time
Verdict
I really like the Nikon Coolpix S710. It takes excellent pictures that are sharp and full of colour. The fact that it also offers some manual exposure controls is another plus point. So if you are in the market for a smaller camera with one or two useful, extra features then this camera is well worth looking at.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Nikon Coolpix S710 Review Nikon Coolpix S710 Specification Nikon Coolpix S710 Sample Images Nikon Coolpix S710 Features Nikon Digital Cameras
Review Date
January 2009
