Jump to a part
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Introduction
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01.Testing / Performance
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02.Physical Tour
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03.Components
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04.Design / Layout
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05.Modes
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06.Control Options
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07.Image Parameters
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08.Connectivity / Extras
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09.Overall Impressions
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10.Conclusion
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11.Specs / Ratings
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12.Photo Gallery
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13.Comments
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Nikon Coolpix S6
First Impressions Review
Previous: Page 7
Image ParametersNext: Page 9
Overall ImpressionsConnectivity
Software (6.5)
The S6 comes packaged with a CD-ROM that includes PictureProject version 1.6 software and a wireless setup utility. The setup utility prompts users to connect the S6 to the computer so it can add a wireless profile. Users must add information like the SSID, network password, and type of network. Once all of the info is entered, the setup utility closes: users who enter incorrect information won’t know it until they try connecting to the network from the camera. They also cannot edit profiles: changing a profile requires adding the new version, then deleting the old.
The PictureProject software is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh systems, but the Pictmotion files can only be transferred to Windows. This is only one of this software’s many quirks. When it is loaded, it automatically uploads any Nikon pictures on the computer. However, if file names have been changed, the software won’t recognize them. Thus users must manually import photos if they’ve changed their names or taken them with other cameras. This process is incredibly tedious, as users have to import photos one by one – the old school way.
Like most software programs, PictureProject offers three viewing modes: thumbnail, preview, and list. The first shows a screen full of pictures; a sliding bar on the bottom of the window adjusts the size of the thumbnails. Preview mode shows a strip of thumbnails across the top and the selected image enlarged on the bottom. Finally, list mode shows the thumbnail on the left and all kinds of shooting information on the right.
Across the top of the window are three tabs: Organize, Edit, and Design. From the Organize tab, users can view shooting information for each file and add comments and keywords for searching. The Design tab lets users create and print layouts for photo books, choosing from about 30 layout options, and add captions to images. It functions like a digital scrapbooking tool.
Pushing the Edit tab brings up a few options: Brightness, D-Lighting HS, Color Booster, Photo Effects, Sharpening, and Straighten. Panning, rotation, cropping, and red-eye tools also appear above the picture. A sliding scale on the Brightness tool facilitates adjustments from +100 to -100 and even has an automatic enhancement function. Users who forgot to fix pictures in the camera can do so via the D-Lighting editing function, which has Low, Normal, and High options. The Color Booster has a 0-100 adjustment scale, with People and Nature saturation choices; it, as well, has an automatic adjustment. Photo effects include Black and White and Sepia. Sharpening settings are Low, Normal, or High. The image can also be straightened +/- 10 degrees.
The Nikon PictureProject software can sync with a home printer or email from the default mail program on the computer. Slide shows are interesting because users can choose from 12 transitions and 33 included soundtracks. The Pictmotion mode is even more interesting. It lets users select photos, music, and the style of the slide show. Users can add captions to the photos as well, and can manually stitch the pictures into a movie clip or have the program do it automatically. Once the Pictmotion shows are refined, they can be saved and burned onto CDs.
Overall, the software provides decent options for a compact digital camera. The biggest drawback is importing files one by one by one.
Jacks, ports, plugs (6.0)
The Nikon Coolpix S6 has a single jack on the bottom of the camera that connects to the included Nikon CoolStation MV-15. The camera sits atop the cradle, which has several jacks going out the back, including an AV-out jack and included cable that send photos and video to televisions. This can be set to NTSC or PAL formats, so users can watch their slide shows in Europe or America. A USB port and included cable can also be connected to a PictBridge compatible printer or computer: users must select PTP or Mass Storage in the setup menu to send data to the appropriate device. The CoolStation also has a jack for the included power adaptor, which comes in a set of two connecting cables. This powers the camera dock and allows it to charge the camera’s battery while uploading pictures and playing slide shows. In the end, the Nikon S6 has tons of wires for a wireless camera. The CoolStation setup will be great for users who download pictures onto a personal computer frequently, but could be inconvenient for users who tote their primary computer around as a laptop. Of course, there is always the wireless function, which can send pictures to a WiFi enabled computer. However, users have to charge the battery every 200 shots or so anyway. They might as well upload pictures at the same time. Direct Print Options (9.0)
With 6 megapixels on its sensor, the Coolpix S6 supposedly can print as large as 16 x 20 inches. Most users of this model will only print 4 x 6-inch photos though. This could be complicated by the fact that the camera does not have a perfect 3:2-format. Thus, if users want control over the crop, they will have to use editing software. However, they can automatically enhance their pictures with Nikon’s D-lighting compensation technology.
Users can create print orders in the playback menu by selecting all the photos or scrolling through and marking only some for printing. The quantity of prints for each picture can be adjusted from 0-9. In the setup menu, users can choose whether to include the date and info on the print. Once the print order is completed, users can delete it or send it to a printer via the OK button in the center of the rotary dial. The Nikon Coolpix S6 is DPOF compliant and sends pictures directly to PictBridge printers. It can do this either through the included Nikon CoolStation camera dock or wirelessly if the printer is enabled. When the wireless profile is set up and profiles are created, the camera attaches a networked printer to each computer profile – even if there is no printer. Still, this streamlines the home printing process later. Pictures can be wirelessly sent within 20 meters of the printer.
Battery (5.25)
The Nikon S6 comes with an EN-EL8 rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows the camera to 
snap about 200 shots per charge. With this short battery life, the S6 will be spending a lot of time in its CoolStation camera dock. Because of this, users may forget that the S6 is "wireless." The camera comes with lots of wires, including two that make up the power adaptor for the camera dock. In short, the battery life of this Coolpix stinks.
snap about 200 shots per charge. With this short battery life, the S6 will be spending a lot of time in its CoolStation camera dock. Because of this, users may forget that the S6 is "wireless." The camera comes with lots of wires, including two that make up the power adaptor for the camera dock. In short, the battery life of this Coolpix stinks. Memory (4.0)
The Nikon Coolpix S6 comes with 20 MB of internal memory, which holds about 7 pictures at the maximum resolution. Because this is definitely not enough to capture the essence of the family reunion, there is a slot for a SD card down by the battery. If users have an old card from a previous camera, they just need to make sure it’s formatted. The Nikon S6 won’t read or write to it if it isn’t.
Other features (7.75)
WiFi capable – The wireless function has its own position on the on-screen mode dial, which can be found by pushing the Mode button while in the recording mode. It is from here that users can wirelessly transfer images with its IEEE 802.11b/g signal to profiled computers and printers within about 20 meters. The wireless function cannot be used straight out of the box. First, users must download the wireless setup utility from the included CD-ROM. The setup utility asks for the network SSID and the security settings and password. With the camera connected – with wires – the setup utility saves the profiles to the S6. If users need to change the password or otherwise edit their profile, they will have to hook the camera up – with wires – once again, delete the profile, and start over. There is no editing of existing profiles, which is quite inconvenient. Once the profile is correctly saved on the digital camera, the S6 can remain somewhat wireless (it still needs to be connected to the power adaptor or included CoolStation MV-15 to charge the battery).
The camera opens its list of profiles in the wireless mode. Users must choose a profile before the S6 connects to the network; a blue LED on the left side flashes to indicate that it’s working hard to try and talk to a computer or printer. Once the camera’s connected, the following options appear: Easy Transfer (PM), Easy Transfer (No PM), Shooting Date, Selected Images, Shoot and Transfer, Marked Images, and PC Mode. The first two options transfer new pictures that have not yet been uploaded or printed, with the only distinguishing feature being whether a Pictmotion (PM) clip is to be loaded (they take longer to transfer). The Shooting Date option lets users pick a dated folder and send its pictures. If users want to pick and choose, the Selected Images option works well. For those users who take all of their pictures within 20 meters of the computer, the Shoot and Transfer option uploads after each shot. If users have created a print order, they can send it with the Marked Images option. Finally, the PC Mode links the camera with the included PictureProject software. Once an option is selected from that menu, the camera shows a "Connecting…" display, then the pictures to be sent. Once users confirm the selection, the pictures will transfer wirelessly to the computer or printer.
The Nikon S6’s WiFi setup is more complicated than similar features on other manufacturers’ wireless models. The process of hooking up the camera to the computer to change the profiles seems a little silly on a "wireless" model. The setup utility is simple if users already know their network’s information. If this is a gift for Grandma Maude, consider setting it up for her. Once the setup process is finished and correct, the only complications arise from wireless signal problems. Users have to stay within range to transfer, and sometimes the connection fails and takes numerous attempts to work. The Nikon Coolpix S6 has to sit in its CoolStation MV-15 anyway to charge its lithium-ion battery; users might as well just transfer pictures from there at the same time to avoid waiting for the connection. The wireless connectivity is always nice – the more options the better, right? – but this setup isn’t very streamlined or easy to use.
Voice Recording Mode – Users can add up to 20 seconds of audio with each picture by holding down the shutter release button continuously while viewing the photo in playback mode. The on-screen mode dial also includes a separate voice recording mode; this is completely independent of any picture taking capability. It records audio without a limit and could be used to record a graduation speech or a lecture, but the camera will not take pictures during recording.
Value (7.0)
The Nikon Coolpix S6 originally retailed for $449 when it was announced in February 2006. Just a few short months later, Nikon lowered the retail price to $399. This is just fifty dollars more than the similar Nikon S5, which has a half-inch smaller LCD screen and no wireless capability. For consumers looking to save a few dollars, the cameras have almost the same body and exactly the same modes and options – with the exception of the wireless function on the S6. If you don’t care about wireless transfer and just want a skinny, automatically oriented digital camera, the Nikon S5 would be a feasible option. If wireless transfer and a sexy design are important, the Nikon Coolpix S6 might just be the pick. It comes with a Nikon CoolStation to charge the included lithium-ion battery and connect to televisions, computers, and printers. The $449 price tag is still too much for an automatic camera, but the $399 price tag makes the S6 look that much better.
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