Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)When it comes to compact cameras, the single most-critical function in my opinion is the auto-focus mechanism. In low-light conditions, many compact point-and-shoot cameras have a hard time snapping the intended image into focus. This is where the Nikon Coolpix S700 stands out. The auto-focus consistently locks onto its target, and produces crisp images in some of the most-difficult conditions.
The other part of the camera's impressive low-light performance is the image-stabilization, which also works in a manner I've not experienced before. If the camera detects a distinctive "line" or "edge" in the image, it will adjust for shake under relatively long shutter intervals. The best part is the camera does not have to tap into the noisy high-ISO range (or use the flash) to get good images in low light. (The gallery link below has "indoor night shots" with the only light from the streetlights outside.)
Other positives for the Coolpix S700 include one of the sharpest LCD displays I've seen. So much so, unlike a lot of competitive products, one need not wait until download to the computer to find out whether or not a crisp shot was truly realized. However, there is some sort of "delay" enhancement algorithm, which would necessitate the use of a high-end image handling suite (such as Photoshop Elements 6.0) to fully realize the image sharpness.
Other strong points include superior color accuracy (especially with the "vivid" color setting), and a superb instruction manual. The movie mode, although vanilla by modern standards, worked smoothly and adjusted well to conditions.
That said, like just about every other compact, the Coolpix S700 has some "nagging" flaws. Above 800 ISO, the images do get plenty noisy. Although it rarely goes overboard with the noise reduction, which often robs images of depth. If the low-light shot does not provide an "edge" for the VR image stabilization to latch onto (like a low-light photo of an abstract painting without distinctive lines), the image stabilization loses its effectiveness. (This is where true optical stabilization is an advantage.) The camera tends to "overexpose" in low light or with mostly "dark objects", necessitating manual exposure compensation (this also improves image stabilization due to shorter shutter interval). The "best shot" modes require trial and error, and don't necessarily function as titled. It's not intuitive like Canon products. Although the shutter lag is virtually nil, the "sound feedback" does not seem to perform properly (the sole feedback is the LCD screen momentarily going blank). The image stabilization is not so effective in "macro" mode. The "macro" mode does not lock focus if less than 4 inches from the object. There are almost no real manual controls: No manual focus, no aperture controls, etc.. Although not unusual for a compact, given its "automatic" performance capability, manual controls may have enhanced performance even further. The intensive autofocus and BSS inflict a big hit on battery life.... Roughly 150 shots. (A "focus lock" feature would have been nice.) The flash provides an even light spread, but does not adjust well to conditions. (Close range is too bright.) The lack of a true settings "selector wheel", and instead a purely menu-driven selector requires more learning and effort for basic changes in settings. The telescoping lens mechanism does not retract when previewing images. (One could inadvertently smudge the lens or bump the mechanism while fixated on preview images or menu modes.) The USB interface is rather crude, located at the bottom of the camera. The battery cannot be charged within the camera (like with Casio models). So with the short battery life, keeping spare batteries is almost a must. Although the face detection works pretty well, it's not as elaborate as that of some competitors (like Canon). As long as you're not taking pictures of crowds, it should not be an issue. Although the camera has (barrel/pincushion) "distortion correction", it defeats the VR anti-shake image stabilization. And finally, the camera does not shut off automatically while idle after transferring images to the computer- One could end up with a depleted battery if he/she forgets to turn it off manually after the transfer. (This is not an issue when taking pictures.)
The software suite is typical, with a Nikon Transfer and Kodak EasyShare, but does not possess the image enhancement algorithms that exist in the camera, and often, the images don't quite have the sharpness like on the LCD screen. This can be rectified by using a top-end product like Adobe Photoshop, which possesses these algorithms. (If the image on the computer initially appears soft and then snaps into focus after a few seconds, like it does on the camera's LCD screen, the software has the algorithm.) The image gallery http://www.iabmed.com/images/NikonCoolpixS700Gallery.html provides sample images handled by Photoshop Elements 6.0. The "five star" rating is provisional that the Photoshop suite (or comparable) is utilized. Without the enhancement algorithms, I'd give this product four stars.
Although a lot of us would like more control over shutter, aperture, and focus settings, or maybe the functional refinement of a Canon, as compact point and shoot models go, the Nikon Coolpix S700 may set a new standard for realizing crisp, low-noise images under low light conditions.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Coolpix S700 12.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom with Vibration Reduction (Silver)
Nikon s Coolpix S700 combines 12.1 effective megapixels with a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens for prints as large as 20x30 inches. The sleek, stainless steel design slips right in your shirt pocket or purse, and the incredible, bright 2.7-inch LCD makes it easy to compose and share pictures even in bright sunlight. The COOLPIX S700 is a performance camera with incredibly fast startup time (0.9 seconds) and nearly imperceptible shutter lag (0.005 seconds). You can continue to shoot in lower light with the High ISO 3200 capability of the COOLPIX 700 plus enjoy the benefits of Nikons VR image stabilization technology for reducing the effects of camera shake.
0 comments:
Post a Comment