Nikon COOLPIX S2500 review
Review Date : Tue, 15 Mar 2011
Author : Paul Nuttall
There are more cameras available around the £100-mark than ever before, but how does Nikon's latest S-series compact compare?
| Pros: | Good design, great value, decent images |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Simple interface and shooting controls, average LCD screen, plasticy body |
There was a time when £100 wouldn't buy you that much of a compact camera. Due to production costs, manufacturers had to cut down on specification to meet the price point, with this often affecting the performance of the compacts.
However, in recent times the circa-£100 market has seen the addition of a host of models that have offered specifications and performance belying their price-tag. Nikon's S-range of COOLPIX cameras offers a host of models around this price-point, with the S2500 being the most recent - but what exactly can you get from Nikon for around the magical £100 price tag?
Nikon COOLPIX S2500 review - Features
The times when one had to compromise in getting a compact under £100 are long gone, and this can be seen in the specification of the COOLPIX S2500. The model features a 1/2.3in CCD sensor with a 12MP resolution, while a 4x optical zoom also features covering a 27-108mm focal range in 35mm equivalent terms, even complete with electronic vibration reduction. The model also features an LCD screen with a resolution befitting it's price tag - a 2.7in, 230k-dot is hardly going to set the world alight, but it's more than adequate for review and composing images.
A lot of the camera's functionality is aimed at those who are either new to photography or want the camera to do the work, with this once again being a common feature of compacts around the £100 price tag. The S2500 features a ‘Smart Portrait' capture system - the mode features Smile Timer, Blink Proof and Skin Softening features which all combine to help take better portraits. The camera also features Scene Auto Selection technology, whereby the camera will address the scene and choose the right scene mode for the best image from one of 17 different modes.
The COOLPIX S2500 also features Subject Tracking Auto-Focus mode, which is perfect for a moving subject and a relatively high-end feature, while the model also benefits from built-in anti-blur technology, assisting in sharp subjects using four different methods.
Have your say!
Latest comments
May 21 07:26
Sandra Dunbar-Stuart
I purchased a Nikon S2500 when my camera failed on a recent visit to Australia. I know little about photography but chose this on price, functions and appearance and it has been excellent. I have taken still photos and some video clips and although I have not used all the available functions yet I am very happy with the results. My only criticism is that I had difficulty seeing the screen image in bright sunlight. My old digital camera had a viewfinder which was useful in these circumstances but it seems that manufacturers in general are phasing these out. All in all I am very pleased with my purchase and think it gives excellent value for money.
June 17 12:24
William Astley Eddleston
I purchased the Nikon as my previous camera broke after many years of use. I find it simple to use with good quality pic's and feel that I got a terrific bargain at the price paid. As other people have commented about using digital cameras to me in the past, I also agree that in bright sunlight,especialy when on holiday abroad, I found difficulty seeing the image in the screen, otherwise, great for my needs.
July 21 05:34
D300 Nikon Exposed
So I've been subsequent the information on this new EVIL digital camera from Nikon for approximately weekly now. I am 1 to the handful of on right here which have been awaiting nearly two decades now with the D700 substitute.
August 05 15:25
ajay
its a worst camera