Nikon Coolpix SQ 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

by Nikon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 1 x 3.2 x 3.2 inches ; 6.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0000A2QAB
• Item model number: 25511
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,843 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Nikon Coolpix SQ demonstrates that compact design is both cutting edge and functional. Capture stunning images with its 3.1-megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom Nikkor lens. The uniquely square Coolpix SQ also has a twisting lens and flash, which can be orientated 90 degrees to the front in normal shooting situations. It also features a quick start-up time and fast autofocus so you won't miss a great shooting opportunity.

Optics and Resolution
The Coolpix SQ's 1/2.7-inch high-density CCD employs 3.1 effective megapixels to produce 2,016 x 1,512-pixel images and 11 by 17-inch enlargements. Its 3x optical zoom Nikkor lens--featuring a 5.6-16.8mm focal range (equivalent to 37-111mm in 35mm photography)--and Nikon's advanced image-processing algorithm ensure exceptional color and sharpness. The camera also features a 4x digital zoom.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on CompactFlash memory cards (Type I), and a 16 MB card is included. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB storage-class connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the Coolpix SQ is capable of recording up to 40 seconds of video (with sound) at 15 frames per second, with 320 x 240 recorded pixels.

More Features
The Coolpix SQ comes with the Cool-Station cradle (MV-10). The battery recharges while the camera is in the cradle. Uploading images to a computer (via USB cable) requires a single press of the cradle's transfer button.

• 1.5-inch TFT (transreflective) LCD monitor for better outdoor performance.
• Built-in flash with auto, fill flash, flash cancel, and red-eye reduction modes.
• 15 scene modes, including portrait, night portrait, party/indoor, and more
• 5-mode manual white balance with fine tuning, preset and white balance bracketing.
• Automatic noise reduction function for superior images at slow shutter speeds.
• 5-area multi-autofocus for easier photo composition.
• Macro shooting capability as close as 1.6 inches.

Imaging Software
Nikon's NikonView 6 imaging software offers a number of powerful features. Add date and time imprinting (or just a date) to the front of your picture as a reminder when the image was taken. Select one or more images you want to share and use the simplified e-mail function within NikonView 6 to size it for a small, medium or large screen. A copy of the image is resized (the original is maintained), then is attached to a new e-mail message in your default e-mail program. NikonView 6 also has a new feature that automatically removes most typical occurrences of red-eye with the touch of a button.

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery EN-EL2 (included). It measures 3.3 x 3.3 x 1.0 inches and weighs 7.6 ounces with battery. This package includes the Coolpix SQ digital camera, 16 MB CompactFlash card, Cool-Station cradle (MV-10), USB and A/V cables, AC adapter, hand strap, and Nikon View CD-ROM and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars 3MP point and shoot with rotating lens, October 13, 2003

By 

jemaerca (River Forest, IL, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix SQ 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

pros:
- unique square metal body with rotating lens (the rotating lens is very useful in situations where you can't be directly behind the camera).
- 3MP resolution.
- 3x optical zoom.
- 15 scene modes!
- i like the simplicity of the included Cool-Station camera dock for charging the battery and transferring files to your computer.
- AF-assist lamp.
- short shutter lag in good light.
- fast shot-to-shot speeds.
- bright, fluid LCD display.
- impressive macro ability.

cons:
- images noisier than expected, especially for a nikon.
- moderate barrel distortion at wide-angle.
- the flash and lens are very close and this leads to dust reflections and redeye.
- expensive for its feature set.
- no optical viewfinder - this makes it tough when you use this camera in bright sunlight.
- no manual controls except for white balance.
- not as compact as its competition: 3.2 x 3.2 x 1.0" weighing 6.3oz.
- RAW and TIFF formats not supported.
- so-so battery life.
- 16MB CF card provided is inadequate so add $$ to your budget to buy more memory.
- uses proprietary batteries so again, more $$ for a spare.

the coolpix sq has a unique design and looks very cool. the main selling point of this camera is its rotating lens - this is quite useful when you can't be directly behind the camera when taking your shots. i also like the AF assist light and the numerous scene modes. but the images were disappointing, especially for a nikon. plus there are other cameras out there that are smaller, have more features, and less expensive than the coolpix sq! two that i would recommend over the sq would be the pentax optio s or casio ex-z3. for even better image quality (in a slightly bigger package), also consider canon's sd100.

i hope this helps you with your buying decision. peace.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Had to ship back twice for technical problems!, January 11, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix SQ 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Initially loved the camera. I'm a longtime Coolpix fan, and use the swivel lens at work all the time (I'm a plastic surgeon). It fits easily in your pocket, and every single time I pull it out, I get ooohs and aaahs. The macro function is great, but the flash causes a lot of shadows indoors.

HOWEVER, after using the camera for two months, I had to return it because it would no longer sync with my computer from its base. The company took 3-4 weeks to return it to me. Now, just two months later, it's making grinding noises and won't boot up. Not sure if it's just my camera, or overall quality control issues, but I expect a top-notch product from Nikon. The design is awesome, but if you can't use it, then it's a waste.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars easy to use, original design, few manual options, October 20, 2003

By 

Jose (Spain) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix SQ 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I've bought this camera a week ago. This is my review

Pros:
- Nice design, breaks with the typical design in compact cameras.
- The optical it quite good (similar to the one used in nikon's reflexs)
- Very well designed menus
- Craddle is very useful and comfortable, it also allows for charging an auxiliar battery without having to connect the camera on it.
- 15 scene modes, including night photos (iso increases), sports (shutter speed increases), macro, etc.
- If you want to take photos in black and white there is a scene mode for taking photos to text which works in black and white

Cons:
- only few manual options, not incluiding focus, iso, shutter speed and few more (you have to rely on scene modes to make the camera automatically change this)
- limitation on 40 secs for recording movies (do you really want to record movies with a photo camera?), however this nikon allows for recording sound too (many nikon coolpix don't allow).