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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Color and Resolution
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03.Noise and Video
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04.Speed and Timing
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05.Components
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06.Design / Layout
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07.Modes
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08.Control Options
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09.Image Parameters
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10.Connectivity / Extras
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11.Overall Impressions
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12.Conclusion
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13.Sample Photos
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14.Specs / Ratings
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15.Comments
Nikon Coolpix S610c
Previous: Page 5
ComponentsNext: Page 7
ModesModel Design / Appearance (8.00)
While the design of the Coolpix S610c isn't anything new, it's a well made version of a familiar body. The use of faux-brushed metal and chrome beveling on the front of the camera, and the concave edge on the rear are little touches that differentiate it slightly from so many other cameras that look almost identical.
Size / Portability (8.00)
Without projections, the camera is 3.7 in. wide, 2.2 in. high and 0.9 in. deep (94 x 57 x 22.4mm) and weighs 4.6 oz (130g) without memory card or battery. It's easily small enough to fit in all but the tightest of pants, and weighs barely anything. It's not quite as tiny as some cameras, but it's on the petite side.
Handling Ability (7.00)
The S610c is easy as anything to handle, due to its small size, comfortable weight and familiar design. You can whip it out of a pocket or bag very quickly, and due to its fast startup time, be taking photos in an instant. One little touch that we really appreciate is that the right end of the camera's rear is concave, which makes it noticeably easier to grip.
Small and easy to hold.
Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (5.25)
We did hit a few problems with the camera's control scheme. First, the shutter button is on the small size, and could do with projecting a little higher, as this would make shooting a bit more responsive. The controls also feel very cramped, and the buttons are tiny. Nikon could have quite easily used some of the empty space on the camera's rear to enlarge the buttons; in their current size, we found changing settings uncomfortable.
Spinning that wheel for any length of time
is a sure step towards RSI.
Unlike most camera manufacturers, who use a system of tabs and lists for navigating menus, the Coolpix has one set of choices accessible by pressing the Menu button, and the rest by pressing the Mode button, and then going into Set Up. This is a slightly less intuitive version, but not too horrible, and having a control wheel means you can go through options very quickly. You can also set the menu system to display either text or icons, based on your preference. One small factor that bugged us was the inability to exit a menu and return to shooting mode by half-pressing the shutter button, a shortcut found on most cameras.
While taking photos, pressing the Menu button takes you to the Shooting menu. From here you can set ISO, white balance, metering, and other crucial functions. There are only eight options in this menu, though, so if it's not here, you need to go the Set up menu.
If you're in Playback mode and press Menu, you get the Playback Menu, for printing, slideshows and rotating and resizing images. Once again, there are only eight options here, so it's not exactly an extensive editing suite.
Finally, there's the Set Up menu, where you can change date, monitor and sound settings, vibration reduction, card formatting and wireless setups.
Ease of Use (5.00)
The Nikon Coolpix S610c is quite easy to use, provided you don't bring expectations from previous cameras to bear. For instance, there's no mode dial, no way to shoot in program mode, no quick menu -- in fact, the entire menu system is just a bit different from most other cameras, so it might take a minute or two to adjust. Apart from that, it's quite easy, and once you get your head around the slightly different interface, you'll be able to take photos without any trouble.
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