Nikon Coolpix S70: Review

Posted to Digital Cameras 2009-11-29

Nikon Coolpix S70 review:

The Nikon Coolpix S70 digital camera is a new compact point and shoot camera from Nikon with a 3.5 inch color OLED display with touchscreen interface. Other features include 12 megapixel resolution, a 5X zoom (28-140mm 35mm equivalent) with optical image stabilization and an HD (720p) movie mode. The camera also includes Nikon's Smart Portrait System, which includes skin softening, face detect AF, blink detection and red-eye correction.

Additional features include SD/SDHC image storage, 16 scene modes and Touch Shutter, which locks focus and takes the shot with a single shutter press. The Coolpix S70 measures 3.8 x 0.8 x 2.4 inches and weighs 4.9 ounces. The camera also features Scene Auto Selector, which automatically sets the correct scene mode for the subject, a macro mode which allows focusing down to 1.2 inches and D-lighting, which automatically detects backlighting and adjusts the exposure accordingly.

Rating:

4.2 out of 5

Value

The Coolpix S70 is a bit pricey for a 12MP, 5X zoom point and shoot compact, but most of the price difference is in the OLED touchscreen - and it's worth the price. The large 3.5 display is a joy to use, even in bright sunlight. And the touchscreen interface makes this one of the easiest to use digital cameras on the market. It's equally well-suited for changing settings and for viewing images already taken. And it allows for much more versatility in composing shots, with its wide viewing angle.

Ergonomics

The Coolpix S70 gets high marks here for the OLED touchscreen. This is the wave of the future - replacing all those mechanical buttons that are too small for large fingers. The menu system for camera settings is very intuitive - you won't need the manual often with this camera. And the camera delivers best in class performance when viewing images and videos - the touchscreen interface operates much like the one on the iPhone.

Summary

If you're in the market for a true point and shoot camera that is compact and easy to use, the Coolpix S70 makes an excellent choice. It has all of the same features as Nikon's (and the competition's) other cameras in this class with the added bonus of the OLED touchscreen. The minimum zoom is a true wide angle, and the camera takes excellent photos on full auto. All in all an excellent offering from Nikon.

Pros

12 megapixel resolution
5X (28 - 140mm) zoom
3.5 inch OLED touchscreen
Smart Portrait System
16 scene modes

Cons

There are no cons for this product