Nikon Coolpix S60 10.0 Megapixel

This was a present for my wife, who was infatuated with the diverse features the camera advertised to have. I have to admit that even I was anxious to see what the camera could do when I heard about it's capabilities; flip-screen view, touch-screen options, in-camera photo editing & writing, etc. But marketing ploys aside, there is a legitimate concern about what the camera can really do and how it compares to other digital cameras. Here is an objective look at the Nikon Coolpix S60, and what Ashton doesn't mention in the ad's.

The PRO'S:

The camera is just as fun as you've heard. MASSIVE screen which you can flip to view photos in another perspective (although it serves no practical purpose since the photo becomes smaller to accomodate the rotated view). You can add diverse fun-frames for any occasion, edit the photo in the camera (including photo zoom, photo crop), and even add extras to photos like mini hearts or thought bubbles, or write on the picture itself. Also, any changes you make to a photo, the camera will save the original and edited copy. The camera is fairly user-friendly (assuming you are vaguely familiar with other cameras), and the touch-screen is enough to keep you preoccupied for hours. The camera comes with a stylus that can attach to the wrist strap in case you don't want anyone's greasy fingers getting all over your screen, and the video camera records audio too. Along with it's (now) 5x zoom, the digital zoom is also surprisingly clear, and the resolution lag is near non-existent. Along with the facial highlight feature that helps provide a well-centered photo, the camera is very comprehensive.

So the camera is perfect, right? Well just before we get to happily ever after, there are some concerns that any practical digital camera consumer should take into mind before making such a hefty purchase.

The CON'S:

Although the camera is flip-sreen it's notorious for taking it's time, which can range from a brief moment to a few seconds. Sensitivity is also iffy, randomly changing the view itself on occasion, or refusing to change at all. The various options are simple enough to navigate through, but it is easy to get lost in all the different screens required to perform various tasks. Although I'm not an advocate for the usual track wheel design with other digital cameras, you'll want to keep your owner's manual handy for this one. The touch screen can also get a little moody on you. More often than not it will function without reservation, but on occasion it will confuse which direction you're navigating or glitch while transitioning from photo to photo. Probably the MOST CONCERNING down-side to the camera is the grain-ee view you get on the camera screen. Especially considering its retail price, one would anticipate a crystal clear shot of whatever your looking at, but the screen gives an unfortunate grain-like haze over everything you view pre-photo.

Concluding opinion:

If you're looking for a fun camera with a few options to dazzle your friends, then this is the camera for you. It's fun & it's entertaining, but in the realm of a cool toy you may be better off getting yourself an ipod touch or iphone. If you are one that is serious about performance from your digital camera, you may disappointed, but this is a reasonable compromise between practical application and flashy options. But be warned, the hefty price is mostly for the cool features.