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Nikon Coolpix S6

First Impressions Review

Previous: Page 8

Connectivity / Extras

Next: Page 10

Conclusion
June 13, 2006 By Emily Raymond
2 Comments
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Comparisons
Nikon Coolpix S5 – This digital camera has nearly identical specifications: 6 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom lens, all the same scene modes as the S6, and even the one-touch portrait button. Both cameras also have the Pictmotion mode, which creates funky slide shows with music. The most obvious difference between the two cameras is that the S5 does not have the WiFi chip, so it cannot send pictures floating through the air like the S6. This model also has a slightly smaller body – mainly because it doesn’t need to provide real estate for the WiFi chip. The tiny body has a smaller LCD screen at 2.5 inches, but has the same resolution and wide viewing angle. It also has the same handy rotary dial. The Nikon Coolpix S5 can get 10 more shots to its battery life, but is still quite disappointing in that respect. Still, the S5 provides a good option for consumers searching out a sexy digital camera that can slide in a pocket and won’t be difficult to use. The Nikon Coolpix S5 retails for $349.
 
Canon PowerShot SD430 – This model comes as the only wireless model in Canon’s Digital Elph series. It has 5 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom lens, and a 2-inch LCD screen with 118,000 pixels. This model also has an optical viewfinder, a feature that was omitted from the Nikon S6. The SD430 has 15 shooting modes and a My Colors mode that lets users add interesting color filters and effects to pictures. Although it doesn’t offer manual control for shutter speeds and apertures, there is more of a selection for the camera to choose from. Shutter speeds range from 15-1/1500th of a second, while the maximum apertures in the wide and telephoto ends of the lens are f/2.8 and f/4.9, respectively. The Canon PowerShot SD430 is equally behind the times when it comes to ISO options; it offers 50-400 only. This model is similarly sized to the S6, at 3.9 x 2.1 x 0.9 inches, and comes with a designated Print/Share button. The wireless enabled Canon PowerShot SD430 does not come with a camera dock, but does include a wireless print adapter that streamlines the printing process. Users can also capture pictures remotely and communicate with other SD430 cameras wirelessly. This model is more expensive at $499, but the wireless print adapter is a significant bonus.
 
Kodak EasyShare-one 6 MP – This brand new model is very similar to its predecessor, the Kodak EasyShare-one that had 4 megapixels. The EasyShare-one was the first consumer wireless digital camera available on the market and started the whole wireless craze in consumer digital photography. The new model has 6.1 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom lens, and a 3-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels that rotates and folds into the body. Best of all, it is totally wireless. The WiFi chip can come out of the body, but it is included in the price of the camera. The Kodak EasyShare-one 6 MP comes with 16 scene modes and a movie mode that utilizes the 3x optical zoom while recording. It has ease of use features like automatic picture rotation and Kodak Perfect Touch Technology, which works much like Nikon’s D-lighting compensation technology. The Kodak EasyShare-one 6 MP comes with 256 MB of internal memory and a Favorites mode that easily accesses slide shows – although it does not have background music like the Nikon S6. Amazingly, the EasyShare-one 6 MP retails for only $299 and even comes with a leather carrying case. With the big screen, wireless functionality, 6-megapixel resolution, and vast amount of internal memory, the Kodak EasyShare-one 6 MP is a steal at its price.
 
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The Nikon S6 is manufactured and marketed for this demographic. It can fit in a pocket and take decent pictures (in optimal settings) but isn’t comfortable to handle at all. Still, taking a picture is easy – which is the most important aspect for point-and-shooters.
 
Budget Consumers – Consumers on a budget should just go straight for the S6’s little sibling, the 6-megapixel Coolpix S5, if wireless isn’t a priority. It has all of the same features except a smaller LCD and no wireless capability, but comes for fifty dollars less. If wireless is a must, Kodak’s EasyShare-one series is very affordable and contains some great options.
 
Gadget Freaks – The WiFi capability seems to attract this crowd right off the bat. However, the Nikon Coolpix S6 comes with a ton of wires for being so-called "wireless." Gadget freaks will have fun snapping shots and printing them from their WiFi enabled printers, but may become bored after a few days.
 
Manual Control Freaks – The Nikon Coolpix S6 sure doesn’t cater to these folks. It does have a manual white balance option, but its offerings are otherwise quite scant. These consumers will be bored with the S6, despite its wireless mode.
 
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – These consumers will be disappointed at the lack of manual control and the terribly uncomfortable handling. They will also dislike the overall picture quality and will thus be able to easily resist the "provocative" Nikon S6.

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Nikon Coolpix S6
First Impressions Review
2 Comments
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Previous: Page 8

Connectivity / Extras

Previous: Page 10

Conclusion