Nikon COOLPIX S9100 review
Review Date : Wed, 8 Jun 2011
Author : Paul Nuttall
With an 18x optical zoom and 12MP backlit CMOS sensor the COOLPIX S9100 hints at being a serious compact. But how does it shape up when put to the WDC test?
| Pros: | Large focal range, striking LCD, HD video capture |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Lack of manual controls and RAW, plasticky body, slow start up |
Nikon COOLPIX S9100 review - Features
Nikon's latest entry in to the compact superzoom market is the COOLPIX S9100. The model features a large 18x optical zoom, which is supported by a host of stabilisation technologies, and covers a focal range of 25-450mm in equivalent terms. Nikon boasts that the S9100 features seven types of anti-blur technologies, which includes the aforementioned sensor-shift and electronic vibration reduction. It also covers motion detection, high-ISO settings and a series of dedicated shooting modes aimed at sharp images whatever the light conditions.
Other standout elements of the specification are the 12.1MP back illuminated CMOS sensor and full HD video capture at 1080p resolution complete with on-board stereo sound capture. A striking 3in, 921-k dot LCD fills the rear of the camera and is well towards the top end of LCD screen specifications, while the on-board EXPEED C2 image processing system also aids image processing.
A disappointing element of the COOLPIX S9100's specification is the lack of PASM shooting controls, as well as a lack of Raw capture. For a camera which, on the whole, is aimed at a more advanced shooter, you would really expect such elements to feature.
Nikon COOLPIX S9100 review - Design
Nikon sells the COOLPIX S9100 as having a ‘stunningly slim' body. If you consider the fact that it has a large 18x optical zoom, then the camera is certainly pleasingly slim. However, it's still relatively bulky compared to a standard compact camera and would struggle to fit in to an average trouser pocket.
When first picking up the camera, the first thing that strikes you is that it feels a touch plasticky. Aside of the sturdy and well fixed scene selection wheel on the camera's top plate, the camera's controls all feel of a low quality - not only that, but general imaging controls are accessed by a scroll wheel that is loosely fixed and could easily be jogged in use.
Have your say!
Latest comments
October 03 20:12
Ron Cushing
Bought s9100 because it had a good speci but most disappointed 1st s9100 wouldn't down load photos the replacement when turned on froze up and could only be turned off by removing and replacing the battery have sent it back for refund. Nikon's reliability and quality seems to be lost - shame-.
October 05 09:09
Rod Siddall
I too have had quality problems with the s9100. The first one had an intermittent problem with blurred images and an error message "lens error". The replacement froze when turned on and could only be turned off by removing and replacing the battery.
December 09 12:17
by digital camera
Nikon the COOLPIX S9100 as having a ‘stunningly slim' body. If a person consider the fact with blurred images.
January 01 14:15
Bradley
I have the intermittant focus problem on mt S9100,it wont focus at all. You have to turn the camera off & then on again & all is OK, but shot may be gone!