Nikon Coolpix S550: Digital Photography Review

Before PMA 2008: The Nikon Coolpix S550 is clearly the smallest 10-megapixel compact camera with 5x retractable zoom (as of time of publication, etc.). Very cool, but what we want to know is how many compromises must be made in pursuit of such a meaningless prize. The lens has an equivalent focal length of 36-180mm. but ‘stabilization’ is electronic – a more efficient lens or sensor based optical system. Click through to see the full story.

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Press Release:

Nikon COOLPIX S550

High performance, elegant design and advanced functions help capture a more stable and beautiful smile

January 29, 2008, Tokyo — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX S550, a stylish new camera that elegantly packs high performance and advanced functions into the smallest body in its class.*first. Built on the custom application of Nikon’s innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept and incorporating the precision optics of NIKKOR lenses, the COOLPIX S550 offers new ease and enjoyment of Capture smiling faces with the full beauty of special moments.

The COOLPIX S550 combines an effective 10-megapixel sharp resolution with responsiveness and maintains image quality when taking advantage of sensitivity settings as high as ISO 2000. Enhancing creative freedom is the lens. NIKKOR 5x Zoom with easy coverage of scenes from buildings and group photos to close-up portraits.

New functions unique to the COOLPIX S550 make it easier to capture beautiful portraits and faithfully capture precious smiles as they appear. Smile mode displays a gauge indicating when the selected subject is smiling, allowing the user to capture the right moment. Blink alert displays a notification when a subject has blinked, providing quick magnified image confirmation and allowing immediate re-shot. COOLPIX S550 will be available in Titanium Silver, Urban Black, Blue or Purple body colors*2.

*1 Among competing effective 10-megapixel class compact digital cameras equipped with 5x retractable zoom as of January 29, 2008 (according to research conducted by NIKON CORPORATION).
*2 Available colors may vary by region.

Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories and release schedule may vary by country or region.

Highlights of Nikon COOLPIX S550

VR . Image Stabilization
Compensating for the effects of camera shake for sharper results, electronic VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization gives you the freedom to capture special moments without worrying about slight movements hand, especially in low light.

ISO 2000 capability offers extended shooting range
The extended sensitivity range with manual settings up to ISO 2000 makes it easy to capture beautiful photos in lower light or capture moving subjects with outstanding clarity. Automatic sensitivity control is also available, giving you the freedom to focus on your shot while the camera chooses the optimal setting between ISO 64 and ISO 800. Additionally, High Sensitivity mode reduces minimize blur by automatically selecting the optimal light sensitivity.

Large 2.5 inch LCD screen for quality viewing and menu operation
COOLPIX S550 is equipped with a quality 2.5-inch LCD screen with 230 thousand dots, wide 170 degree viewing angle horizontally and vertically, anti-reflective coating for better visibility in bright light conditions. and acrylic panel prevents scratches and fingerprints. Improved shooting screen with revised icons and informative feedback for easier framing and shooting.

Nikon COOLPIX S550 Other Features

• Three unique Nikon image enhancements
  – Improved Face Priority AF, Fix red-eye in camera, D-Lighting
• Active zoom allows smoother zooming for close-ups
• macro shot from as close as 10 cm (4 in.)
• Three movie shooting modes with sound, plus time lapse movie method
• Time zone function to easily set up multiple locations
• SDHC card compatibility
• Approximately 50 MB of internal memory
• USB connection
• PictBridge donate

Specifications of Nikon COOLPIX S550

Sensor	• CCD type 1/2.3″ • Total 10.34 million pixels • 10.0 million effective pixels
Image size	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 equivalent) • 6.3 – 31.5 mm • f/3.5 – 5.6
Image Stabilization Mode	No
conversion lens	No
Focus distance	• 35cm (1 ft 2 inches) to infinity (∞) • Macro mode: 10cm (4 in.) to infinity (∞)
ISO sensitivity	ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 2000, Auto (ISO 64 – 800 auto-increment), High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 64-1600)
viewfinder	No
LCD screen	2.5 inches, approx. 230k-dot TFT LCD display with anti-reflective coating
connection	USB
Warehouse	• SD/SDHC card • Internal memory approx. 50 MB
Power	• Li-ion battery (EN-EL11) • AC adapter EH-62E (optional)
Weight (without ball)	120 g (4.2 oz.)
size	90 x 53.5 x 22 mm (3.6 x 2.1 x 0.9 inches)