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Nikon Coolpix S4 Announced
The Nikon Coolpix S4 digital camera is announced. The Nikon S4 has 6 megapixels and a 10x Zoom-Nikkor lens that is equivalent to 38-380mm. Retailing for £329.99/€492.00, the Nikon Coolpix S4 will be available at the end of September 2005.
Nikon Press Release
Nikon UK is pleased to announce the new COOLPIX S4 which features a 10x Zoom-Nikkor lens to give an outstanding 38-380mm performance (35mm equivalent). This impressive zoom allows the user to capture everything from extreme close-ups to architecture and landscapes, the camera is also swivel mounted so pictures can be taken from different angles.
The swivel capability means you can shoot from the waist or overhead, and is great for composing high quality self-portraits. The COOLPIX S4 has 6.0 effective megapixels to produce quality shots that remain impressive even when enlarged.
A large, bright 2.5-inch LCD makes it easy to compose pictures and simple to play back the results on the spot. The S4 is designed to be highly portable, with a slim 37mm depth and a light weight of 205g.
The COOLPIX S4 makes it possible to improve images in-camera with a range of unique Nikon functions. Available in Playback Mode, the ingenious D-Lighting function enables the user to ‘rescue’ shots taken with insufficient flash or excessive backlight.
In Portrait Mode, the COOLPIX S4 offers the handy Face-priority AF function, which can detect the presence of a human face in the shot. Once detected, Face-priority automatically achieves sharp focus on the face, producing pleasing portraits no matter where the subject was positioned in the shot.
In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically detects the red-eye effect that can occur when taking portraits with flash, giving better quality portraits. The COOLPIX S4 is equipped with a useful Blur Warning function which alerts the user whenever a shot may have been compromised by camera shake, providing a chance to take another image before the opportunity passes.
The S4 can be powered with a pair of AA-size batteries which are widely available. There’s also a selection of four Movie Modes offering up to 15 frames per second performance.
A choice of 16 Scene Modes simplifies shooting in a wide range of common situations. Four of these Scene Modes come with the added advantage of Scene Assist, which helps the user to achieve better composition. There’s also the Voice Recording Mode, which can record up to 5 hours of sound when used with a 256MB SD card.
The COOLPIX S4 is PictBridge compatible which allows the camera to be connected directly to compatible printers to produce photographs without the need for a computer. The camera offers USB connectivity, making it swift and easy to transfer data to computers and other peripherals. Furthermore, the COOLPIX S4 comes complete with Nikon’s versatile PictureProject software so images can be edited, organised and shared simply using a wide range of easy-to-use functions.
Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.
Nikon COOLPIX S4 Feature Highlights
10x optical zoom performance
Equipped with a powerful 10x Zoom-Nikkor lens, the COOLPIX S4 offers far more compositional freedom than other compact cameras. In fact, delivering outstanding 38-380mm performance (35mm equivalent), makes it easy for the photographer to capture a much broader range of subject matter — moving in for tightly composed portraits, zooming further out for stunning shots of architecture, or pulling right out to capture the full beauty of expansive scenery.
Dynamic swivel design
Not only is the lens of the COOLPIX S4 incredibly powerful, but it is also housed within a unique swiveling body that allows the lens to be directed independently of the LCD monitor. As a result, it provides new potential for taking pictures from a more imaginative range of angles.
Convenience
The COOLPIX S4 is ideal for carrying and using virtually anywhere. Compact dimensions and a lightweight design make it comfortable to hold in the hand and easy to carry. It’s also compatible with AA-size batteries.
Large, bright 2.5-inch LCD
The COOLPIX S4 is equipped with a large, easy-to-view LCD that makes it easy to compose shots with clarity and play back the results right away. And because it’s so large and bright, it makes navigation of the menu much simpler too.
The power to improve pictures in-camera
Equipped with a selection of unique Nikon functions, the COOLPIX S4 even makes it easy to enhance recorded images in-camera. Available in Playback Mode, the D-Lighting function lets users improve images taken with insufficient flash or excessive backlight, creating a copy with automatically enhanced light and detail wherever necessary. The COOLPIX S4 also features In-Camera Red-Eye Fix.
Nikon COOLPIX S4 Other Features
- Highly portable dimensions of 111.5 x 68.5 x 37mm (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.4 in.) (W x H x D)
- Minimized weight of approximately 205g (7.2 oz.) (without battery and memory card)
- BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the best exposure automatically from ten sequential shots
- AE-BSS selects the best relative exposure from a series of shots
- Macro mode lets the user compose as close as 4cm from the subject
- Approx. 13.5MB internal memory ensures that you get the shot even when you are without an SD memory card
- Time zone function makes it easy to set the camera’s clock to local time, regardless of where you are in the world
- 4x digital zoom takes you even closer
- Single AF and Continuous AF are selectable in Movie Mode
- Choice of White Balance: Auto with TTL control, 5-mode manual (Daylight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy and Flash) and Preset
- Playback options: Single, 4- and 9-segment thumbnail, Slideshow
- Built-in flash: features settings for Auto, Red-eye Reduction by pre-flash (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Anytime flash, Flash cancel and Slow sync.
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#1 GARY POGODA
Any theories why Nikon didn't include stabilization with this otherwise, beautiful 10x zoom, near ultra-compact. My hope is Nikon will claim its 1/1.8" CCD has such low noise, thereby making it possible to shoot with higher ISOs at faster shutter speeds (a la the Samsung Pro815). More realistically, my hope is that this feature was erroneously omitted from the press release.
7:17 pm - Friday, September 2, 2005
#2 GARY POGODA
I suppose, the lack of response to the question speaks volumes.
4:46 pm - Saturday, September 3, 2005
#3 me
well, i would like to know about manual settings... my last recreational nikon had great manual settings and this one doesn't have and mention of it...
I don't think the EV is possible with a swivel design like this... I don't know, seems like it'll be a little harder... doubt it was left out from the PR but you therory on the CCD having "such low noise" would be awesome...
2:13 am - Monday, September 12, 2005
#4 SusanCD
I still use my Coolpix 950 and was thrilled to hear about the S4 today - but I have some misgivings
- no mention of shutter lag speed - one of the things that I dislike about my 950
- no mention of manual settings - are there none? I don't use Scene Modes
- I don't mind going back to AA batteries though!
- and what is with changing to SD cards!? I have several CF cards for my coolpix that will be useless!
Susan in Calif.
5:17 am - Friday, September 23, 2005
#5 GARY POGODA
From everything I have read about this camera, it is emphasizing the
three step (turn on the camera, frame the shot, and snap the picture)
method of shooting, i.e., no manual controls. Reviews will be coming
out shortly, so hopefully, we will hear good things about performance.
No OIS, but at least the Bur Warning will let you know to try again. If
you like its swivel capability and 10x optical zoom in a pocketable size,
you had better get used to Scene Modes and AE-BSS.
BTW, I hear those CF cards are great for putting under the table legs
of wobbly restaurant tables.
6:23 am - Friday, September 23, 2005
#6 ergas
There are two crucial features for power zoom cameras: shutter priority or image stabilizer.
S4 is missing both. That means, zoom 10x is not usable.
There is also no 3 fps serial shooting mode and no possibility to turn of flash.
Very bad. Oterwise, very nice camera, compact, swirl lens, power zoom. Really sorry that it's missing listed features. No chance to buy.
8:47 pm - Wednesday, October 12, 2005
#7 GARY POGODA
On one hand, we have an ultra-compact with '10x' optical zoom. So
okay, maybe it's really not quite an ultra-compact. And okay, maybe
its noise will be on the high side due to a tiny 1/2.5" CCD. And okay,
so maybe the LCD resolution is on the low side. And okay, so maybe
its 15 fps movie mode is not the greatest.
But we still have a compact camera, with a '10x' optical zoom. Okay,
so maybe the blur at high zoom will be intolerable due to lack of OIS.
At least its blur warning will politely tell us to take the shot over again,
and again, and again.
Otherwise, as you say, a very nice camera. I will wait for the reviews
before concluding no chance to buy.
Lest we forget, this is a compact camera, with a '10x' optical zoom.
6:59 am - Thursday, October 13, 2005
#8 Arabinda Mishra
I would like to know more about Nikon coolpixs4
4:57 pm - Saturday, October 15, 2005
#9 GARY POGODA
Here's Nikon's S4 link. Be sure to download their 12-page brochure.
http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/digitalcamera/coolpix/s4/index.htm
Here's the PhotographyBLOG link to an S4 review.
http://www.photographyblog.com/index.php/weblog/comments/nikon_coolpix_s4_review_at_index_digicam/
If you have any specific questions, I would be happy to answer. I do
not know very much, but that has never stopped me before.
5:50 pm - Saturday, October 15, 2005
#10 Allison Duncan
I have concerns about the lack of viewfinder- Does anyone know if on sunny days, I will be able to see my shot in the LCD screen well enough to compose a picture?
1:30 am - Wednesday, October 19, 2005
#11 GARY POGODA
According to one review highlighted in PhotographyBLOG, the LCD
is difficult to use in bright daylight.
http://www.megapixel.net/reviews/nikon-cps4/s4-gen.php
4:49 pm - Wednesday, October 19, 2005
#12 gloria
ever since i saw the nikon 990 i want a swivel body camera -an affordable one! The SQ seemed to be discontinued, so i checked out others such as Sony F88 -discontinued too!- and Canon A95 -waaaay too big, but i do like canon....-
*Now, it seems that design is never successful... are they actually any good?
*are the lack of viewfinder, manual settings, shutter priority, image stabiliser and all those features that an USELESS photographer like me don't have a clue about, essential to take decent photographs with an S4??
*The only thing that really concerns me is the plastic body of the S4, since i'm planning on travelling for a year soon, and although i'm very careful, it seems unavoidable to drop your camera at least once!
sorry for all the questions, hope they make sense!
12:57 pm - Monday, October 24, 2005
#13 GARY POGODA
High impact plastic may do even better than metal in low impact falls;
however, if you are planning on dropping the camera off a cliff or out
a second story window, maybe you should be concerned.
If you are used to using an optical viewfinder, the S4 may present a
problem, especially since its LCD performance in bright light was not
very good. Having said that, I wouldn't let it be a deal breaker, since
for the majority of situations, the LCD will be fine.
As for manual control, there is something to be said for not having to
deal with it, and the S4's abundance of scene modes makes it easier
to do without it, so again, I would not let that be a deal breaker.
Whether or not you will like the swivel functionality of the S4, that is
something only you can decide. I was wondering the same thing for
my wife.
One thing you did not mention, which is the one feature that attracted
me to the S4, and the one I am most worried about, is its "10x" zoom.
My wife would love the extra zoom in this compact size; however, I am
wondering how useful it will be without any image stabilization.
Your questions make a lot of sense. If you can, I would wait for a few
more reviews before making any decisions.
8:48 pm - Monday, October 24, 2005