Review: Nikon Coolpix S9 digital camera

In today’s marketplace, a 6-megapixel digital camera such as this might give the impression of a camera desperately in need of an extra megapixel or two. But, Nikon’s Coolpix S9, rather than playing the numbers game, makes a small but choice selection of features that help you take the best pictures effortlessly and tucks them into a delightfully crafted body.

Following the design of previous Coolpix S-series cameras, the S9 is compact, thin and has a gently sweeping front face that sits comfortably in the hand. The small integrated flash and lens are kept out of the way up in the corner of the camera body, which helps avoid accidental finger-in-shot moments, while the build quality is exceptionally good with a look worthy of a jeweller’s shop window.

The lens itself recessed into the body and protected by a motorised cover that flicks rapidly out of the way, to enable reasonably quick, though not lightning-fast start-up. If you really want to draw attention to yourself, you can enhance the experience with a short animation which is accompanied by an arpeggiated sonic flourish.

When it comes to taking photos, the Coolpix S9 has a number of tricks up its sleeve. Best of all is the one-touch portrait button. In shooting mode, this button enables automatic face detection. The camera will find your subject’s face within the frame and draw a box round it before configuring the focus and exposure automatically to ensure a good portrait.

In playback mode, the same button activates the D-Lighting function - this attempts to enhance your photos by compensating for poor lighting or exposure. It’s a simple “yes or no” option which leaves the original in place should you not like the results, which are usually very good.

In portrait mode, the red-eye reducing flash is complemented by in-camera s oftw are-based red-eye removal. This doesn’t always work properly, however, and the only way to disable it is to select a different flash mode.

When shooting close up, we found the flash was often hugely overpowering – you need to put a good distance between the camera and the subject to avoid over-exposure as there’s no flash power adjustment available.

In most situations the standard and portrait modes should be sufficient, but no consumer camera would be complete without a full selection of scene modes - and the S9 has plenty. In addition to a main selection of eleven, many have sub-modes which help you arrange your subject in an aesthetically pleasing way.

This is achieved by drawing outlines on the LCD which function as guides, showing you where to place people or how to position the horizon to best effect.

A standard movie mode produces video clips at up to VGA resolution. The optical zoom is disabled in this mode, leaving you with a less than wonderful digital zoom; we recommend you leave it well alone. Also located in the movie menu are time-lapse and stop-motion options.

If you’re more interested in fun and fashion than photography, the Coolpix S9 fits the bill admirably. It’s attractive, well-made and very easy to use.

Unsurprisingly, for a camera of this size, there’s image noise in evidence even at the camera’s lowest ISO setting of 64, and at ISO 400 close inspection reveals liberal application of noise reduction algorithms. It also lacks some of the features of the pricier S-series models, such as the vibration-reduction and Wifi of the S7c.

Despite these limitations, the Coolpix S9 makes the best of the available technology to create a desirable and competent camera that will help snappers take better pictures. It looks great too, although the funky pink and blue versions available in some regions are sadly not on sale in the UK.

Also consider:
Samsung NV7 OPS
An unusual design that refuses to join the megapixel war

Casio Exilim EX-770
An extremely capable, stylish and portable camera that’s ideal for beginners with enough photo control in a compact for more advanced photographers

Pentax Optio T-20
An elegant ultra-compact with a big touch-sensitive screen and a compendium of options ranging from the surprisingly useful, to the outright gimmicky

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