Nikon vs. Coolpix?

Question

I'm thinking of getting either a Coolpix S550 or S600, but my brother wants me to think about getting a Samsung (maybe an L210, something with 9-12 mega-pixels)

Which one would be better? Things like the quality of the pictures will be very helpful

Answer 1

The title of the question Nikon vs. Coolpix is actually a little mistake. Nikon actually makes the Coolpix series cameras.

Now for choosing, there is no question Nikon is the way to  go as far as picture quality. Regarding which model the S550 or the S600:

First look: they both have 10 Megapixel sensors.

However the S550 has a 5x optical zoom(get closer without loosing image quality) compare to the 4x wide optical zoom(don't get as close, but wide means more people in a group pic).

After further comparing specs:the S600 comes out a winner with a better Optical Image Stabilization(no picture quality loss) instead of Electronic, bigger LCD 2.7inch instead of 2.5inch, and wide angle zoom for better panoramic (postcard type pics) and group pics (weddings, sport teams, family reunions etc...).

By the way make sure you get a good SD memory card with it. It has to be fast, so it can take less time to save each picture onto the card, that means more battery life and eventually more pics taken!

Go for Lexar Professional High speed Cards 133x or 150x with 2GB of ram, and you're ok. You can try Kingston, Patriot and PQI memories as well. *** One more thing, never get the memory card from where you get  the camera, they always charge you triple the price!

(try http://www.meritline.com for free shipping deals on PQI 150x speed memory, try 2GB and up and compare)

Good Luck!

This is a suggestion for where to get the camera:

http://www.fotoconnection.com/p84535-nik...

Answer 2

Nikon COOLPIX S550 Feature Highlights

VR image stabilization

Compensating for the effects of camera shake to realize sharper results, electronic VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization frees you to enjoy capturing special moments without worrying about slight hand movements, particularly in lower light conditions.

ISO 2000 capability provides extended shooting range

Extended light sensitivity range with manual settings up to ISO 2000 makes it easier to take great-looking pictures in lower lighting conditions, or to capture moving subjects with outstanding clarity. Automatic sensitivity control is also available, freeing you to concentrate on the shot while the camera selects the optimal setting across a range between ISO 64 and ISO 800. And High-Sensitivity mode minimizes blur by automatically selecting optimal light sensitivity.

Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor for quality viewing and menu operation

The COOLPIX S550 is equipped with a quality 2.5-inch LCD monitor that features 230k-dots of high resolution, a wide 170-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angle, anti-reflection coating for better display in bright situations, and an acrylic panel that prevents scratches and fingerprints. Improved shooting displays with revised icons and information feedback help make framing and shooting easier.

Nikon COOLPIX S550 Other Features

Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations

– Improved Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting

Active Zoom allows smoother zooming for close-ups

Macro shooting from as close as 10 cm (4 in.)

Three movie modes with sound, plus time-lapse movie mode

Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations

SDHC card compatibility

Approx. 50 MB of internal memory

USB connectivity

PictBridge support

Nikon COOLPIX S550 specifications

Sensor • 1/2.3" Type CCD

• 10.34 million pixels total

• 10.0 million effective pixels



Image sizes 3648 x 2736 (High: 3648/Normal: 3648), 2592 x 1944 ( Normal: 2592), 2048 x 1536 ( Normal: 2048), 1024 x 768 (PC: 1024), 640 x 480 (TV: 640), 1920 x 1080 (16:9)

Lens • 3x optical zoom

• 36-180 (35mm equiv.)

• 6.3 - 31.5 mm

• f/3.5 - 5.6

Image stabilization No

Conversion lenses No

Focus distance • 35cm (1 ft 2 in.) to infinity (∞)

• Macro close-up mode: 10cm (4 in.) to infinity (∞)

ISO sensitivity ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 2000, Auto (auto gain ISO 64 - 800), High-Sensitivity mode (ISO 64-1600)

Viewfinder No



LCD monitor 2.5-in., approx. 230k-dot, TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating  

Connectivity USB

Storage • SD/SDHC card

• Approx 50MB internal memory

Power • Li-ion battery EN-EL11(http://www.espow.ca/digital-camera-batte...

• AC Adapter EH-62E (optional)

Weight (no batt)  120 g (4.2 oz.)

Dimensions 90 x 53.5 x 22 mm (3.6 x 2.1 x 0.9 in.)

Answer 3

Undoubtedly go for the Nikon. I owned a Coolpix, I own a D3, I've seen a lot of Samsung's, both compact and semi-pro and they really suck. Lot of chroma-noise, even at low ISO, vignetting, plus that their lenses, Schneider - Kreutznach are well below those of Nikon's, Nikkor. No question N I K O N! If you want even more info's please contact me!

Answer 4

Here's the honest truth, the dirty little secret of digital point and shoots.

There are maybe three large suppliers of the image chips that go into these cameras. A HUGE number of them have Sony image chips, that means Nikon, Canon,  and many, many others. Nearly every maker has used a Sony chip at one time or another. Never compare one company's dSLR to their point and shoot digital pocket cameras.

The truth is, most compact digital cameras have blah picture quality at ISO of 400 or above, all of them regardless of price. They all use tiny image sensors. These sensors are the same size as when the cameras had only two megapixels. They are cramming 8,10 and 12 megapixels on the same size sensor.

Back to the samsung and Nikon thing. I bet if you compare two models from each brand that are similar in price, the images will be very close in quality.

My advice, google this.

Type in the model number of say the coolpix, and the word 'samples' look for full rez examples. Blow them up, look at them in acutal size. Repeat for the samsung, I bet they aren't that far apart. I'd even bet that some samsungs are better than some nikon models.

Don't worry about megapixel counts, just go for the features you want. At this point, more megapixels is just making things worse.

Bottom line, when it comes to point and shoots pocket cams, I mean actual ratings from real consumers and pro reviewers, Sony cybershots and Canon are wiping the floor with everyone when it comes to image quality, features, nice LCD screens and bells and whistles. Nikon might be tops in dSLRs but they can say the same about their position in the pocket cam market.

Answer 5

Stick with Nikon because Nikon makes the glass and Nikon is known for high quality glass.

Answer 6

i own a nikon coolpix s51...