Performance, Value, Image Quality and Verdict

Nikon COOLPIX S9100 review – Performance

An element of performance worthy of note is the camera’s slow start-up. This will no doubt be frustrating for those wanting to shoot in an instant, but can reasonably be attributed to the camera’s large focal range. Also, once the camera is up and running it’s generally speedy in use – AF is both fast and accurate while the COOLPIX S9100 travels through the focal range at a reasonable pace.

As is the case frequently with new compact cameras, the COOLPIX S9100 has done away with manual shooting control in favour of a bevy of automated options. While these work well in utilising the abilities of the camera, and will no doubt suit the inexperienced photographer who wants their camera to do the work, it will disappoint the advanced camera whom will no doubt be drawn to the S9100.

The COOLPIX S9100 benefits from the presence of a dedicated video record button, offering one-click access to movie recording. Whilst there is a delay between pressing the button and video being captured, it’s no doubt faster than the equivalent would be through standard mode selection.

Nikon COOLPIX S9100 review – Image Quality

Images produced by the COOLPIX S9100 are generally good. Despite the long focal range, sharpness is well maintained throughout the frame and at various focal lengths. It’s also fair to say that barrel distortion is relatively well controlled.

Exposure is reliable in a host of lighting conditions, whilst the same can also be said about white balance. This is positive as the lack of Raw capture means the aforementioned reliability is more important.

Colour rendition is pleasing to the eye, although at times the COOLPIX S9100 can err to the more saturated end of the scale that is a slight issue. Noise reduction can smudge finder detail as you rise through the ISO range, but in general the S9100 performs well in this department.

Nikon COOLPIX S9100 review – Value

At the reviewed price, the Nikon COOLPIX S9100 faces some stiff competition. Whilst the camera is, on the whole, well specified, also performing well in use, there are certain elements in which it is lacking. When the price falls by a percentage, the cameras which the S9100 would then be up against would provide a more reasonable competition.

Nikon COOLPIX S9100 review – Verdict

There’s no escaping that the COOLPIX S9100 is a well specified compact camera that will gather admires in the compact world. However, it falls down in certain departments. The lack of manual control and Raw capture hint at the fact that the camera may well not belong in the advanced category, whilst the plasticky build quality and slow start up serve to affirm this view. If you’re looking to pick up and shoot, however, then the COOLPIX S9100 will meet your needs.