Nikon recently announced the availability of the Nikon Coolpix S550, advertised as a "stylish new camera that elegantly packs high performance and advanced functions into the smallest body in its class". Let's have a take a look at the features and see if performance has been compromised to accomplish this!
New Features Special to the Nikon Coolpix S550
1. In smile mode a gauge is displayed that alerts you when your subject smiles. Excellent thought to enable you to capture the ideal image!
2. A blink warning detects when your subject has blinked and enables you to immediately repeat the shot.
Special Nikon Image Innovations
1. Improved Face-priority AF
2. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix
three. D-Lighting. With the D-lighting function you may adjust the lighting for underexposure because of poor back lighting or correct the contrast for overexposure.
Other Features
Vibration reduction compensates for any shaking hands and is particularly helpful under low lighting conditions. Nikon Coolpix S550 has a light sensitivity range of up to ISO 2000 so is ideal for use in dimmer light conditions or for shooting moving targets. You will find both manual and automatic settings giving you full control. The monitor is really a big 2.5-inch and also the displays have been significantly improved with plenty of feedback aid and clearly identifiable icons. The camera comes in a range of colours -Silver, Black, Blue, or Purple. The battery life is adequate with around 200 shots.
Smoother zooming for close-ups with the active zoom function
Straightforward setting of multiple locations with the time zone function
Time-lapse movie mode with sound
SD memory card with 50 MB of memory
SDHC card compatibility
USB connectivity
Macro shooting from 10 cm
PictBridge support
Conclusion
We particularly like the new smile mode and blink compensation functions! An adequate array of features and specifications but priced at around $US220 it is not the cheapest camera in its class The new features and modest size may appeal to the discerning photographer!