The New Nikon Coolpix S550 - A Review

Nikon recently announced the availability of the Nikon Coolpix S550, advertised as a "stylish new camera that elegantly packs high performance and advanced functions into the smallest body in its class". Let's have a look at the features and see if performance has been compromised to achieve this!

The New Nikon Coolpix S550 - A Review

The New Nikon Coolpix S550 - A Review

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The New Nikon Coolpix S550 - A Review

The New Nikon Coolpix S550 - A Review

New Features Unique to the Nikon Coolpix S550

1. In smile mode a gauge is displayed that alerts you when your subject smiles. Great idea to allow you to capture the perfect image!

2. A blink warning detects when your subject has blinked and allows you to instantly repeat the shot.

Unique Nikon Image Innovations

1. Improved Face-priority AF

2. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix

3. D-Lighting. With the D-lighting function you can adjust the lighting for underexposure due to poor back lighting or correct the contrast for overexposure.

Other Features

Vibration reduction compensates for any shaking hands and is particularly useful under low lighting conditions. Nikon Coolpix S550 has a light sensitivity range of up to ISO 2000 so is ideal for use in dimmer light conditions or for shooting moving targets. There are both manual and automatic settings giving you full control. The monitor is a large 2.5-inch and the displays have been greatly improved with lots of feedback help and clearly identifiable icons. The camera comes in a range of colours -Silver, Black, Blue, or Purple. The battery life is adequate with around 200 shots.

Smoother zooming for close-ups with the active zoom function Easy setting of multiple locations with the time zone function Time-lapse movie mode with sound SD memory card with 50 MB of memory SDHC card compatibility USB connectivity Macro shooting from 10 cm PictBridge support
Conclusion

We particularly like the new smile mode and blink compensation functions! An adequate array of features and specifications but priced at around $US220 it isn't the cheapest camera in its class The new features and small size might appeal to the discerning photographer!

The New Nikon Coolpix S550 - A Review