Nikon Coolpix S500

Value (6.0)
The Nikon Coolpix S500 retails for $299 which is right in the range of where it should be as a slim and sturdy point-and-shoot digital camera. This model was released alongside the Nikon S200, which was targeted to be the more budget-oriented camera. It costs $50 less and its features are worth at least that much less. Between the two cameras, I’d still go for the S500 mostly because of the optical image stabilization and much better LCD resolution. However, don't expect too much in terms of image quality from the S500; noise levels up to ISO 800 are acceptable, but the S500's dynamic range, color accuracy, and video performance are disappointing.

Comparisons
Nikon Coolpix S200 – This digital camera was released alongside the S500 as the more budget-oriented choice. The Nikon Coolpix S200 costs $249 but has the same 7.1 megapixels and 3x optical zoom. The lens is slightly different though: it has a narrower 38-114mm lens and doesn’t have optical image stabilization. The body is constructed from aluminum rather than stainless steel like the S500, and is smaller at 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches. The Nikon S200 has the same size LCD screen at 2.5 inches, but the resolution is sub-par at 153,000 pixels. The cameras have the same exposure modes and many of the same features, but the S200’s ISO range extends only to 1000. The camera has 20MB of internal memory and gets more juice out of its battery with 230 shots per charge.

Canon PowerShot SD750 – This 7.1-megapixel digital camera has a similar flat design with an extending 3x optical zoom lens. The camera has a face detection auto focus system, but no optical image stabilization. The body is taller and longer, but skinnier at 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches. It has automatic exposure modes including 10 scene modes and a stitch assist mode that helps users line up photos for a panoramic shot. The Canon SD750 has a similar ISO range up to 1600 and a longer shutter speed range from 15-1/1500th of a second. It has more picture effects in its My Colors mode that can do things like tweak skin color and adjust saturation. The 3-inch LCD screen has 230,000 pixels and the flash reaches to 11 feet. The battery isn’t much better at 210 shots per charge. It retails for $349.

Casio Exilim EX-S770 – This 7.2-megapixel digital camera also has a flat metal body and extending 3x optical zoom lens. Its profile is skinnier at 0.7 inches and its LCD screen is bigger at 2.8 inches, but the screen resolution is the same at 230k. The Casio S770 has a thin flash that shoots 12.8 feet at best and doesn’t keep subjects illuminated in low light. Another hindrance to low light photography is the 50-400 ISO range. This digital camera can snap 2 fps and has 34 scene modes. Its movie mode shoots standard 640 x 480-pixel video as well as 704 x 384-pixel widescreen movies, both at 30 fps. The Casio S770 ships with a camera dock and a battery that charges up after 200 shots. It has 6 MB of internal memory and is compatible with SD, SDHC, MMC, and MMCplus cards. One of the camera’s coolest features is its Data Transport function that allows users to upload documents and images such as train maps and menus for reference later. The Casio S770 retails for $299.

Kodak EasyShare V603 – This model isn’t exactly a high-performance digital camera but it has the same portable convenience that the Nikon touts. The Kodak V603 has 6.1 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom lens packed in a flat metal body that comes in shimmery red and black colors. The camera has 22 scene modes including a panorama mode that stitches three images together in the camera and Kodak Perfect Touch technology that automatically fixes exposure in the playback mode. The flash is weak and only reaches 8.5 feet and the LCD screen measures the same 2.5 inches and has 230k pixels of resolution. The EasyShare digital camera can snap 3 fps once its burst gets going, but it takes a full third-of-a-second to take a single picture – enough for everyone to blink and look away. The camera is more rectangular at 3.6 x 2.0 x 0.9 inches. It is compatible with PictBridge and ImageLink printers. The Kodak EasyShare V603 retails for $299 but can be easily found for $50 less.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 – These cameras could be twins. The W100 also has a brushed steely look that is flat and has an extending 3x optical zoom lens. It fits nicely in the pocket with its 3.7 x 2.4 x 1-inch body. It has an optical viewfinder along with a 2.5-inch LCD screen that has only 115,000 pixels on it. Its ISO range extends from 64-1250 and it can record videos at a standard 640 x 480 resolution at 30 fps, but only with Memory Stick Duo Pro media. The 8.1-megapixel Sony W100 has a flash that can reach 24 feet and a lens that is compatible with attachable conversion lenses. The camera body has a mode dial that is a little more intuitive, but its menus aren’t as flashy. Other nice features include a 360-shot battery and 64MB of internal memory. The W100 originally retailed for $349 but sells for under $200 now.


Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – Yes, this is designed for point-and-shooters. It has automated modes, a simple layout, and a conveniently compact body.

Budget Consumers – With a retail of $299, this is a pretty good deal. Want an even better deal? The Nikon S200 sells for $50 less and has many of the same features.

Gadget Freaks – The menus are flashy, but hardcore gadget freaks won’t be overly impressed by the Nikon Coolpix S500.

Manual Control Freaks – There are few manual controls to please this group of consumers.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – Not a chance.