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49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Potential King of the Compacts, April 22, 2007
This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S50 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom (Black) (Electronics)
Nikon's two newest 3" LCD entries have a tough act to follow, the very popular S7c. The first of these two is the S50. Nice sized camera that easily fits a pocket or purse. But here's what really makes it stand out:
1) Good quality 3x optical periscoping lens with true VR. The periscoping feature means the lens zooms inside the camera body, not outside. This protects the lens from damage if dropped or accidently turned on while in a case (or restricted area like a purse or pocket). The VR is of the optical shift variety, which is far superior to the "anti-blur" modes that simply boost the ISO. But this camera can also go to ISO 1600, getting the best of both worlds;
2) Large 3 inch screen you can see reasonably well at poor angels (such as when holding the camera at low angles or above your head), and better than average outside (at least well enough to take your photographs);
3) Reasonably prices accessories. Nikon reasonable? Yes. Nikon is very reasonable on additional batteries and replacement items. Additionally, they use the SD memory cards, the easiest to find and the most price competitive out there;
4) Great in camera editing. No, it's not a PC-in-a-camera, but it does allow the best in camera editing of any point-and-shoot digital. The D-Lighting is particularly good as saving photos where the important areas are too dark without washing out the light areas.
I also prefer the black finish of the S50 to the silver finish of the S50c. The latter camera features a wireless capability that will not be useful to most, for about $50 more.
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Marvelous little critter, June 15, 2007
This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S50 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom (Black) (Electronics)
My reason for buying this particular camera was the "anti-shake" image stabilization. Too many of my picture are, eh, taken during an earthquake, as the old joke goes. Well, the very first time that I gave this camera a road test, I found myself at the coast, wanting to take pictures with full zoom, while strong sea winds almost blew me off my feet. "Captain, permission to engage image stabilization?" "Make it so, number one!".
And miraculously, none of my pictures were shaken or stirred. I love this thing.
Another big plus is the big LCD on the back. It's big, it's gorgeous, and it makes you excited about your pictures while you're taking them. There is something psychological going on there, but the fact is that the LCD makes you fall in love with the camera and your own picture taking capability, even before you have seen the result.
I'm giving this thing 4 stars instead of 5 because of two niggles. One: turning off the flash is confusing. Bizarrely, it seems you can not change flash settings when the anti-shake is engaged. Two: the lens is placed to the edge of the camera body, and I regularly find a finger of my left hand dangling in front of it. As a result I need to hold it in a somewhat unnaturally feeling way.
But on the whole I'm very happy with this camera. And small and black it looks very sexy.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An awesome camera, May 18, 2007
This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S50 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom (Black) (Electronics)
I received my new S50 and left the next day on an extended trip. Having upgraded from a Coolpix 4300, I found the S50's picture quality stunning. The 3" viewing screen is easy to use for framing shots as well as viewing the results in all except the strongest direct sunlight on it. The menu options, while extensive, are easy to understand for various shooting options, although I use the manual to understand the less-often-used features. While I miss the ability to use a viewfinder as well as the view screen for composing pictures, the 3" display is so vivid and clear, and the camera such a convenient size, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. The interface cable allows you to plug into a USB port or the video/audio ports of a TV. It and the battery charger fit nicely into my travel backpack. I have ordered a spare battery as the 3" display uses some juice. I found I had to recharge the battery every night (I was shooting a lot of pictures and showing them off). I also recommend a slim case to prevent scratching the display screen. I put in a 2 Gb card and at fairly high resolution it looks like I can shoot 600 to 800 shots.
This is a great product, it takes great, crystal clear pictures which crop and blow up well.
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