Nikon Coolpix S10 Video Guide
The Nikon Coolpix S10 is a bit different to all other super zoom digital cameras. To start with it is a lot more compact. This makes it easier to carry it around with you. The main difference though is the fact that the Coolpix S10 has a rotating lens. This means you can twist the lens through 270 degrees. This is especially useful if you would like to move the LCD screen out of the line of bright sunshine. It is also very useful if you are taking a photo at and awkward angle. You can then twist the lens to give you a better view of the screen.
Another big difference between the Coolpix S10 and other super zoom models is the fact that this camera is more of a straightforward point and shoot digital camera. It does not have the manual exposure controls normally found on this type of camera. This will be an advantage to you if you are looking for something simple, but with a long lens or a disadvantage if you like the idea of a more compact super zoom, but would still like the control offered by manual exposure settings.
Even though the Coolpix S10 is smaller than a standard super zoom digital camera with dimensions of 112.5 x 74.5 x 40.5mm it is still much too large to fit into a pocket. The camera weighs 220g. I would suggest considering a case to carry the camera around in. Whenever I am buying a case I take a trip to my local camera shop so that I can take a good look at the selection of cases on offer.
Other features you may be interested in are face detection software and image stabilisation. I am seeing face detection software appearing in more and more digital cameras. The software helps the camera to detect faces and improves the focusing. It should help for group shots as well as portraits of individuals. To be honest it is difficult to judge just how much this software enhances portrait shots. Image stabilisation plays an important role with super zoom cameras. It comes more into its own when you zoom in, especially in low light. This is because in these conditions the shutter needs to stay open longer to collect enough light to expose the photo correctly. It is harder to hold the camera completely still for this longer period, hence the need for image stabilisation.
Power is supplied by a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Nikon puts a battery and charger in the box with the Coolpix S10. They estimate you should get around 300 shots in between charges. Whether or not you can achieve this figure depends to a large degree on how you use the camera.
Photos and video clips can be stored either in the camera's internal memory or on an SD card. 16mb have been built into the camera. This isn't a tremendous amount for a six megapixel camera so it may be worth your while trying to pick up a memory card with a decent capacity when you buy the camera.
One other feature worth a quick mention is the fact that the Coolpix S10 has help text built into the menu system. This makes the camera that bit easier to use.
Click here for review: Nikon Coolpix S10 Review
Nikon Coolpix S10 Video Guide - April 2007
