Value (5.0)
The Nikon Coolpix S700 was announced in August 2007 and released the following month. It originally retailed for $379.95 and can be found online a few months later for about $320. The S700’s main selling points are its excellent 12-megapixel resolution and its convenience in a 0.9-inch body. Beyond that, though, its components are basic: 3x lens, 2.7-inch LCD screen, and spotty flash. It isn’t worth the original price for sure and even the recent online price isn’t stellar enough to make it a tempting purchase. The Nikon S510 is meant to be the budget model as it has many of the same features and a smaller price tag.
Comparisons
Nikon Coolpix S510 – This digital camera is the sister model released at the same time as the S700. The S510 has 8.1 megapixels, sells for $299, and has many of the same modes and features. Both have new image processors with improved face priority autofocus systems and 3x lenses with optical vibration reduction. The S510 does not have the distortion correction feature that is in the S700 and its ISO tops off at 2000 instead of 3200. It also has a 2.5-inch LCD instead of the 2.7-inch version on the S700.
Canon PowerShot SD950 IS – Yet another 12.1-megapixel digital camera in the mix. This model comes in a titanium shell and has a 3.7x optical zoom lens with image stabilization. Sounds fairly familiar, but the SD950’s face detection recognizes a whopping 35 faces instead of Nikon’s 12. It has the same LCD resolution but has a smaller overall 2.5-inch size. Announced the same week as the Nikon S700, the Canon SD950 retails for even more at $449.
Kodak EasyShare V1253 – This slim digital camera also has 12 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom lens. It has a much larger LCD screen at 3.1 inches but an inferior digital image stabilization system. The Kodak V1253 has face detection and HD capture and video recording. The movies record 720p at 30 fps. It has more Scene modes and less manual controls. Its white balance settings aren’t as complete and its ISO tops off at 1600 in full resolution. The V1253 retails for $299.
Olympus Stylus 1200 – The flagship of the weatherproof Stylus lineup has a metal body, 3x lens, and 2.7-inch LCD screen. It also has 12 megapixels, making it nearly an identical twin to the Nikon S700. The Olympus 1200, however, has digital image stabilization rather than an optical system. Perks include in-camera panorama stitching and a “Perfect Fix” function that automatically adjusts the exposure in the Playback mode. The Stylus 1200 retails for $349 but can be found online for less than $300.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100 – This 12.2-megapixel digital camera offers a wider 28mm 3.6x optical zoom lens with an optical image stabilization system. It has a smaller 2.5-inch LCD screen with less resolution of 207,000 pixels, but it has a more powerful flash that lights up to 52 feet in front of the camera. Its movies record at 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 pixels, and its Burst mode moves at a quick 2 fps clip even at full resolution. The Panasonic FX100 retails for $399.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – These consumers will love the ease of use and convenience of this pocket camera, but are the 12.1 megapixels really necessary?
Budget Consumers – At $379, these consumers will find another model and perhaps settle on the Nikon S510 that offers nearly all the same features with a little less resolution and a lower price tag.
Gadget Freaks – The sleek and metallic camera body is attractive and the monstrous resolution is a plus, but the S700 is otherwise bland when it comes to true gadgetry.
Manual Control Freaks – There aren’t enough manual controls to attract this audience.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists – Without manual controls and decent handling, the S700 is far out of the running for hobbyists. It isn’t even a thought for a pro.
