Best Nikon Coolpix 2011: Performance models
Nikon's Coolpix range is broken up into four segments: Performance, for serious amateurs looking to elevate snapshot photography to the next level; Style, for the trend-conscious consumer looking for a small-format fashion statement; Life, for beginners and those with less experience simply looking for a no-frills option; and All Weather, a new rugged line which to date has only welcomed one model.
Today the range includes a number of models with the most recent backlit sensor technology, as well enthusiast cameras to rival compact system alternatives and also the only current cameras with a built-in projector.
But with a total of twenty two models as part of the current range, how do you know which one to go for?
The following guide examines each offering one by one, so that you can find the best Coolpix camera to suit both your budget and your requirements.
Nikon Coolpix P7100
£435, 10.1MP, HD video: 720p
More a gentle refresh of the P7000 than a radical improvement, the P7100's headline improvement is a now-articulating LCD screen, one which maintains the same 3in dimensions and 921,000dot resolution as before.
Nikon has also made space on the front for a new control dial, and has included a handful of new effect options for instant image treatments. The company also claims to have improved write speeds for raw files and both the speed and accuracy of its AF system.
Our review of the model validated these claims, and the model further impressed us with both its image quality and the direct control offered through its multitude of physical controls.
Read our Nikon Coolpix P7100 review
Nikon Coolpix P7000
£300, 10.1MP, HD video: 720p
Nikon's answer to Canon's G series and Panasonic's LX models, the P7000 incorporates a 28-200mm optical zoom lens and a relatively large 10.1MP CCD, along with a high-resolution 3in LCD screen and full manual control over exposure.
A lens-based Vibration Reduction system also helps to keep images sharp, while HD movie recording captures 30fps action at 720p with stereo sound recorded alongside.
Although we weren't exactly blown away by the camera's movie mode when we came to review it we did find more to like with its images, making it a capable and more portable backup for a DSLR.
Read our Nikon Coolpix P700 review
Nikon Coolpix P500
£280, 12.1MP, HD video: 1080p
Not only is the Coolpix P500 one of a handful of Nikon models to sport a 12.1MP backlit sensor, but it also boasts a staggering focal range of 22.5-810mm.
It also betters the flagship P7100's movie mode by offering 1080p full HD recording with stereo sound, and there's an additional 240fps QVGA option should you want to record any slow-motion footage.
Other notable highlights include a 3in articulated LCD screen with a 921,000dot resolution and an 8fps burst mode at the camera's full 12.1MP resolution. In our review of the model, we were impressed with the flexibility of its zoom and the level of manual exposure control on offer, although we found its autofocus performance at times to be, quite literally, hit and miss.
Nikon Coolpix P300
£200, 12.2MP, HD video: 1080p
The P300's spec sheet belies its small form, with a 12.2MP backlit sensor and full HD movie recording combined with a 24mm wideangle zoom lens that boasts an impressively wide maximum aperture of f/1.8.
Full manual control is offered through the standard PASM quartet of options, while the rear's 3in LCD claims to include technology that reduces not only reflections but power consumption too. All of this is encased in a magnesium-alloy body, giving it a high-end build quality to match its capable feature set.
When we came to review the model we found the standard of images to be very good at high sensitivities (no doubt thanks to that backlit sensor), and the camera did just as well elsewhere across the sensitivity range. It also impressed with its general operational speed and with the quality of its LCD, making it an overall winning proposition.
Read our Nikon Coolpix P300 review
Best Nikon Coolpix 2011: Style models
Nikon Coolpix S9100
£195, 12.1MP, HD video: 1080p
With an 18x optical zoom lens inside a pocketable body, the S9100 seems an ideal travel companion for those not wanting the bulk of a bridge camera or DSLR.
One of a number of models to incorporate a backlit sensor, the camera captures images at 12.1MP and full HD movies with stereo sound, while Sensor-shift and Electronic Vibration Reduction are joined by Motion Detection and Best Shot Selector technologies to make sure you only ever capture sharp and focused results.
Our review of the model found its autofocus system to hit a few rough patches, but the camera redeems itself with its expansive focal range together with stellar high-ISO image quality.
Nikon Coolpix S8200
£220, 16.1MP, HD video: 1080p
Straight from the outset it's clear the S8200 is something different; a 16.1MP back-illuminated sensor and a 14x optical zoom range are impressive enough, but with the further inclusions of a 921,000dot LCD screen, full HD movie recording and a 6fps burst mode, the camera looks set to rival the more established bridge models such as those within Panasonic's acclaimed TZ range.
Our review of the model shows it to be a snappy performer, in terms of both operation and its focusing system, while its images did well to reach a similarly impressive standard. We did, however, feel the omission of manual exposure modes would alienate those wishing to step outside simple point and shoot operation.
Read our Nikon Coolpix S8200 review
Nikon Coolpix S8100
£190, 12.1MP, HD video: 1080p
The small-format S8100 combines a number of high-end features and delivers them for less than £200.
At its heart lies a backlit 12.1MP CMOS sensor which is capable of full HD movie recording, and in front of it sits a 10x optical zoom lens with a focal range of 30-300mm.
The rear is dominated by a 3in LCD screen with a 921,000dot resolution, while on the inside Nikon has kitted the model out with Subject Tracking AF and a Hybrid VR system to help keep images sharp.
As impressed as we were with the S8100's images in our review of the model, we feel it lets itself down somewhat with a lack of manual exposure options.
Read our Nikon Coolpix S8100 review
Nikon Coolpix S6200
£135, 16MP, HD video: 720p
One of a number of high-zoom compact models pitched at entry-level users, the S6200 combines its 25-250mm lens with a 16MP sensor, and goes on to offer 720p movie recording.
Four separate anti-blur technologies have been included to help keep images sharp, while a range of special effects are on hand for instant stills and movie treatments.
If it is lacking in any way it's perhaps with its fairly pedestrian 2.7in LCD, which only offers the basic 230,000dot resolution, but its availability in five colours for under £150 means that it's likely nevetheless to appeal to a broad audience.
Read our Nikon Coolpix S6200 review
Nikon Coolpix S6150
£160, 16MP, HD video: 720p
With the S6150, a 16MP sensor is twinned with a capable 7x optical zoom lens which stretches from 28mm right up to 196mm.
It's its touchscreen, however, which is arguably its headline feature, measuring 3in in size and with 460,000dots of resolution, and primed with an anti-reflection coating for better visibility.
Further niceties include 720p movie recording and a lens-based Vibration Reduction system.
When we came to review the camera we found both its image and video quality to be more than satisfactory - sadly, this wasn't matched by the performance of the camera's touchscreen, which lowered its overall score.
Read our Nikon Coolpix S6150 review
Nikon Coolpix S6100
£130, 16MP, HD video: 720p
The S6100's intentions appear to be to deliver a number of high-end features to a novice-friendly price point. These include a 16MP sensor capable of 720p movie recording with stereo sound, as well as a 7x optical zoom lens with a 28mm starting point.
Nikon has also been generous enough to furnish the model with a 3in 460,000dot LCD screen with touchscreen functionality built in, as well as a quartet of anti-blur technologies to keep images sharp and detailed.
As if that weren't enough, there's even a Smart Portrait System on hand to ensure subjects are captured as flatteringly as possible.
Nikon Coolpix S5100
£90, 12.2MP, HD video: 720p
The S5100 blends a capable core of a 12.2MP sensor and 28-140mm zoom lens with a range of portrait-orientated technologies.
These include a Blink Proof function which is said to alert the user when subjects have their eyes closed, and a Smile Timer for capturing images the moment a subject smiles. There's also a Skin Softening feature, Red-Eye Fix and Face Priorty AE mode for up to 12 faces per frame, making it the one of the best Coolpix cameras for people shots.
We found the S5100 to be perfectly competent with respect to its image quality, and ideal for those after simple operation, although its movie mode did little to impress.
Read our Nikon Coolpix S5100 review
Nikon Coolpix S4150
£100, 14MP, HD video: 720p
Despite being pitched at the novice market, the S4150 contains a handful of features which allow it to stand out from a sea of options. Chief among these is a 3in touchscreen display with a 460,000dot resolution, as well as a 5x optical zoom lens which begins at a useful 26mm wideangle.
There's also a 14MP sensor which captures HD video at 720p, as well as a collection of in-camera editing features.
At around £100 it's also competitively priced, although in our review of the model we did have some reservations with regards to the performance of its touchscreen display and results in low light. Still, considering its price it's a well specified contender for the first-time user.
Read our Nikon Coolpix S4150 review
Nikon Coolpix S3100
£80, 14.0MP, HD video: 720p
Available in both sober and striking finishes, the S3100 partners a 14MP sensor with a 28-140mm zoom lens, and manages to squeeze in 720p movie recording activated by its own dedicated button.
The 2.7in LCD screen, Scene Auto selector and 18 scene modes befit the camera's modest asking price, while four anti-blur technologies – Electronic VR, Motion Detection, Best Shot Selector and high ISO of 3200 – are on hand to help maintain a high standard of image quality in a range of conditions.
Indeed, its image quality proved to be excellent in our review of the model, and we were pretty impressed by it's snappy Subject Tracking AF mode too.
Read our Nikon Coolpix S3100 review
Nikon Coolpix S2500
£60, 12.1MP, HD video: none (VGA)
Inside its 20mm thick body, the S2500 marries a 27-108mm zoom lens with a 12.1MP CCD sensor.
The Subject Tracking AF function promises to stick with a subject as it moves around a scene, while the Smart Portrait System includes a Skin Softening option to adjust uneven skin tones on people's faces.
The bad news is that instead of HD video recording you only get a standard VGA option, although the S2500 is hardly the only sub-£100 camera to not feature this.
Read our Nikon Coolpix S2500 review
Nikon Coolpix S2550
£80, 12.1MP, HD video: 720p
Virtually a carbon-copy of the S2500 (above), but with the bonus of 720p HD movie recording at 30fps. Unlike the S2500 the camera is also only available in two finishes - black and red - but otherwise it offers the same 12.1MP CCD sensor, 4x optical zoom lens and 2.7in LCD as its stablemate.
Other features of note include an Auto Scene Selector, designed to pick the right shooting parameters for the scene being captured, as well as four separate anti-blur technologies including Motion Detection to compensate for both camera and subject movement.
Nikon Coolpix S1200pj
£350, 14.1MP, HD video: 720p
The third projector-equipped model in Nikon's Coolpix line, the S1200pj has compatibility with Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod products as its headline improvement. As such, it can project images and videos stored on these devices, as well as those found online (such as through YouTube).
Nikon has also revamped the projector to now offer VGA-quality projections at up to 60 inches and a contrast ratio of 1:200, although the core of a 14.1MP sensor and 28-140mm zoom lens remain from the S1100pj it replaces.
As we had reservations about the S1000pj, it'll be interesting to see whether the changes made here will be able to justify the heavy premium over that model.
Read our Nikon Coolpix S1200pj review
Nikon Coolpix S1100pj
£360, 14.1MP, HD video: 720p
One of only two current compacts with an integrated projector, the S1100pj updates the S1000pj with a revised design and a boost to many of its specs.
Nikon claims that the projector can now display images and videos at up to 47in in size, while the built-in stand means you can angle it upwards with no additional accessories.
Elsewhere the camera packs in 720p HD movie recording, a Hybrid VR system and a 3in touchscreen LCD with 460,000 dots, and even comes with a free remote for both slideshow operation and wireless shooting.
Still, as competent as its projector proved to be in our review of the model, the images produced by the camera were somewhat disappointing.
Read our Nikon Coolpix S1100pj review
Nikon Coolpix S100
£200, 16.1MP, HD video: 720p
Although the S100 maintains the style and general idea of its S80 predecessor, Nikon has fitted the new model with a 16.1MP backlit sensor and opted for a 28-140mm lens in place of the previous 35-175mm optic.
HD movie recording has now also been upgraded to the 1080p standard, and a 3D shooting mode has also been thrown in.
Elsewhere the model maintains the same 3.5in OLED touchscreen display as before, with its 819,000 dots giving it an impressive resolution for such a model.
We look forward to seeing whether these changes will result in it getting a higher score than the 3 stars awarded to the Coolpix S80.
Nikon Coolpix S80
£180, 14.1MP, HD video: 720p
The Coolpix S80 stands out from its siblings with a 3.5in multi-touch OLED display with an 819,000dot resolution, and a two-tone design.
On the inside there's a 35-175mm zoom lens, as well as a 14.1MP sensor capable of 720p movie recording, and a Hybrid VR system which uses both lens-shift and electronic VR stabilisation systems.
A collection of filter effects is also on hand, which allows the user to apply fisheye, soft-focus, miniature and other treatments directly to images.
We had mixed feelings about the S80 in our review; the sensitivity of its touchscreen was a little lower than expected, although the camera handled image noise with aplomb, keeping images clean and detailed until the higher few sensitivities.
Read our Nikon Coolpix S80 review
Nikon Coolpix AW100
£270, 16MP, HD video: 1080p
Nikon's first foray into the rugged compact sector, the AW100 is replete with technology that places it in direct competition with the likes of Panasonic's acclaimed FT3.
It's waterproof down to 10m and can be taken down to temperatures as low as -10∞C, as well as being drop-proof from a height of 1.5m.
On the inside Nikon has equipped the model with a GPS system, compass and even a world map, while a 16MP back-illuminated sensor is on hand for both high-resolution stills and full-HD video capture.
Best Nikon Coolpix 2011: Life models
Nikon Coolpix L120
£130, 14.1MP, HD video: 720p
Updating the previous L110, the L120 boosts the sensor's pixel count to 14.1MP and also increases the 3in LCD's resolution to 921,000 dots.
In addition to this, the focal range of the lens has also been broadened to an impressive 25-525mm, while support for both autofocus and zooming is maintained while recording 720p HD videos. It's also powered by a set of AA batteries, which is handy when you're on the move.
Our review of the L120 found it to be capable of more than reasonable image quality, although autofocus performance and a lack of manual control let it down somewhat.
Read our Nikon Coolpix L120 review
Nikon Coolpix L23
£60, 10.1MP, HD video: none (VGA)
With a 10.1MP CCD sensor the L23 takes a step back resolution-wise from the L22 before it, but it extends the zoom's reach to cover a range of 28-140mm.
At 2.7 inches the LCD screen is also a shade smaller, but then so is the asking price: at just £60 this is one of the cheapest compacts around, and possibly the best Coolpix camera if you need a decent zoom but you're on a budget. Available in a choice of five colours, including pink.
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