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Review of the Nikon Coolpix S51c

Nikon Coolpix S51c

Nikon Coolpix S51c
http://www.europe-nikon.com
Upon first inspection, the Nikon Coolpix S51c looks as if it wouldn’t look out of place in a wine bar. Matt-black and chrome finished, and full wave-surface design give the S51c immediate trendy appeal. The camera features an 8MP sensor and large, 3in LCD screen, with a decent ISO range of 100-1600 also thrown in. Start-up time is a little slow, and the tardy auto focus means you’ll miss any shots that need instant snapping. It does have a convenient wi-fi option, should you wish to use it (though a cheaper wi-fi free S51 model also exists, should you not). When it comes to images, the camera performs well throughout. Noise is well controlled up to ISO 800, and though the camera meters well, highlights seem to be forgotten and are left blowing their detail.

Our Verdict:
A sleek looking camera, but slow focusing and some fiddly controls let it down a bit.

What We Like:
3 inch LCD screen, wi-fi

What We Don't Like:
Slow focusing, complex menu system

Features: 16
Design: 17
Performance: 16
Image quality: 17
Value: 16
Nikon Coolpix S51c Review Score %: 82

Specification

Price £190
Sensor 8.1mp
Lens 38-114mm
LCD 3.0-in., 230,000-dot, wide viewing angle TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating
File format JPEG, Movie Mode Motion JPEG (AVI)
Shutter speeds 4-1 - 2000s
Exposure modes 6 modes
Metering system 224-segment matrix metering
ISO Range 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, Auto (auto gain ISO 100-800)
White balance 5 modes
Flash Modes 5 modes
Memory card SD/SDHC + 13MB internal memory
Connectivity USB 2.0
Power Li-ion
Weight 125g
Dimensions 98 x 59 x 21mm
Video output PAL, NTSC