Nikon Coolpix S230
Digital Camera Review
Mar 03, 2009
- By Alfredo Padilla
The Nikon S230 is a small, compact, point-and-shoot camera that features a 3-inch touchscreen display. The rest of the features are pedestrian, with a 3x optical zoom and 10 megapixels onboard. Not surprising given the S320's tiny size, this is definitely a pocketable camera. The Nikon S230 is currently available for $229.95.
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Design & Appearance
The Nikon S230 is small and cute, definitely for those looking for a stylish camera. We like the clean lines of the camera and one benefit of the touch-screen interface is that it's not studded with buttons and controls like other small cameras. The S230 is available in five colors, including Plum, Jet Black, Night Blue, Gloss Red and Warm Silver.
Size & Handling
Like any small camera the Nikon S230 is going to give those with large hands fits. There's not a ton of room for you to grip the camera without you reaching the LCD display on the back or covering up the flash on the front. Those with smaller hands won't have this problem, however.
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The S230 is a very small camera,
even for those with small hands. |
The major handling issue with the Nikon S230 is obviously making adjustments using the touch-screen. Except for the mode and playback buttons on the back you'll have to use the touch-screen to access every function of the camera. We found that this was very difficult to do one-handed, but when held in both hands we were easily able to navigate the on-screen menu system. No, it's not as fast as using a dedicated 4-way controller, but it likely won't drive you batty either.
Menu
The Nikon S230's menu system uses large fonts and buttons, not just for the sake of legibility but also to make them finger friendly as you use the touch-screen to interact with the interface. Combined with the relatively large 3-inch LCD we found the menus easy to use. One thing that is missing is a customizable or quick access menu that you see on higher-end point and shoots.
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The menu system has big text and buttons
to be used with the touch screen. |
Ease of Use
The Nikon S230 is not a difficult camera to use, there are no advanced manual modes and only a limited number of adjustments you can make. This is truly a point and shoot camera. The most difficult thing is to make adjustments using the touch-screen, but even this isn't overly difficult as long as you use both hands. We also imagine that most people who buy this camera probably won't be delving into the menus too much.
