Nikon Coolpix S640: Review

Posted to Digital Cameras 2009-11-27

Nikon Coolpix S640 review:

The Nikon Coolpix S640 digital camera is a compact point and shoot 12.2 megapixel model with a true wide-angle 28mm zoom. It features a 2.7 inch color LCD display with 230,000 dots resolution, an ISO range of 100-6400 and 16 scene modes. It is very similar to the S630, with a wider minimum zoom and a few added features. The Coolpix S640 also features optical image stabilization and motion detection, which automatically detects a moving image and adjusts shutter speed to stop the action.

Other features include Nikon's BSS (Best Shot Selector), which automatically takes 10 shots and chooses the sharpest image, scene auto selection, which automatically selects the best scene mode based on the setting and subject tracking, which tracks moving subjects to keep them in focus. It also includes Nikon's Smart Portrait System, which includes skin softening, red-eye correction, face priority autofocus, face self-timer and D-lighting, which automatically detects backlighting and adjusts for it.

Rating:

3.8 out of 5

Value

The Coolpix S640 represents an excellent value for the money in a compact point and shoot camera. It's compact size, fast 0.7 second power-up and fully automatic operation ensures that you'll never miss another important shot. This camera is definitely designed with the user who doesn't want to fiddle with controls, and takes excellent images on full auto. It offers more automatic features than most of the competition at this price point.

Features

The Coolpix S640 is packed with features. The host of automatic features makes for a true point and shoot camera - you will seldom need to set anything in order to achieve excellent images. It does lack a viewfinder, and the LCD is has a lower resolution than some of the competition (400,000 dots and higher is becoming the norm at this price point). However, the LCD display does include Nikon's Clear Color technology, which allows for greater viewing angles and thus better picture-taking opportunities.

Summary

If you're in the market for a true point and shoot camera with decent zoom, small size and light weight, then the Coolpix S640 makes an excellent choice. The camera takes excellent images on full auto, has best in class power-up time, and easily fits in a pocket (the camera measures a mere 2.2 x 3.6 x 0.8 inches a weighs only 3.9 ounces). A very good offering from Nikon that definitely deserves to be on your short list.

Pros

12.2 megapixel resolution
2.7 inch color LCD display
5X zoom, 28mm wide angle zoom
Smart Portrait System

Cons

Relatively low-resolution LCD display