Performance, Image Quality and Verdict

Nikon COOLPIX S100 review – Performance, image quality and verdict

The model’s touchscreen performs well in use, no doubt assisted by the option of multi-touch functionality. Menus are easily negotiated and several usability tweaks, such as touch shutter release and pinch zoom, will no doubt be familiar to those who have become accustomed to shooting with their touch screen smart phones. The camera’s focus system is also impressive, with the aforementioned touch screen offering touch to focus and pinch zoom functionality that aids this performance. One slight curiosity with regards to the performance in use is the camera’s white balance – shifts are noticeable between warm and cool temperatures when moving the focal point through the scene, although having said that the right results are normally met once the shutter button is released.

Nikon COOLPIX S100 review sample image gallery

Image quality is generally reliable. Colours display a pleasingly natural palette, one that is aided by reliable white balance at the point of capture. However, noise can prove a touch problematic on higher ISO settings, hampering fine detail, while there is a slight softening towards the edge of the frame throughout the focal range. Exposure is generally reliable, with the COOLPIX S100 capturing an even tonal range with a lack of clipping at either highlight or shadow, therefore giving photographers room to edit images in post production, should they so require.

It’s clear from the first time you lay your hands on the COOLPIX S100 that it’s a striking compact designed with the stylish compact user in mind. The good news is that it’s not solely style over substance, as the S100 has a specification to match its looks and delivers good results. The 3.5in OLED touch screen is impressive and facilitates some excellent video capture, while the multi-touch functionality is a welcome addition. The price tag, however, is certainly one stumbling block and, whilst images are generally good, there are some issues that one wouldn’t expect from a compact of this price tag. With regards to a stylish, slime line compact, the S100 is certainly one to consider