Nikon Coolpix S51 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom (Matte Black)

Other products by Nikon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.8 x 0.8 x 2.3 inches ; 1.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000VD5PEM
• Item model number: 25574
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (84 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,337 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 30, 2007

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Nikon Coolpix S51 is an outstanding new compact digital camera combining Nikon's distinctive wave-surface design with advanced features that make it easier to take beautiful photos and to share them with friends and family.

The Coolpix S51 teams 8.1 effective megapixels of sharp resolution with a new high-performance digital image processing engine and the precision optics of the built-in "right-angle" optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens to produce photos with clarity and true-to-life color. Extended light sensitivity as high as ISO 1600 prevents blurred shots when shooting in lower light or when capturing fast-moving subjects.

The Coolpix S51 also includes Pictmotion, which allows users to create audiovisual shows anywhere by simply selecting favorite images and movies and adding music and visual styles.

The 3.0-inch LCD monitor offers a bright and large image that eases composition and viewing, even out in the sun. Control buttons and the user-friendly rotary multi selector are carefully positioned to provide intuitive operation. The smooth contours and refined finish of the aluminum face panel fit comfortably in the hand--both models feature a metallic finish with ultra-violet coating providing a brilliant outer sheen.

Nikon Coolpix S51 Feature Highlights

Proven optical lens shift VR image stabilization
Field-proven technology originally developed for interchangeable lenses used in Nikon SLR camera systems, optical lens shift VR image stabilization provides the ability to shoot at shutter speeds as much as three steps slower without blurring the image, while also realizing a smoother viewfinder image that aids composition. A thin VR unit was specially designed to fit the slim dimensions of the Coolpix S51.

ISO 1600 capability for extended shooting range
Manual sensitivity settings as high as ISO 1600 make it easier to take great-looking pictures in lower lighting conditions or to capture fast moving subjects with outstanding clarity, while the high-performance image processing engine preserves high image quality even when shooting with high ISO settings. Also available is AUTO ISO control, which automatically selects the optimal sensitivity for the shot across a range between ISO 100 and ISO 800, and up to ISO 1600 in High-Sensitivity mode.

Expansive 3.0-inch LCD monitor for quality viewing and menu operation
The bright, large 3.0-inch LCD monitor almost defying the compact body proportions features 230,000 dots of high resolution, a wide vertical and horizontal viewing angle of 160 degrees and anti-reflection coating for better display in bright situations, and a new acrylic panel that prevents scratches and fingerprints.

Other Features

• Three unique Nikon image innovations: Face-priority AF with improved speed and efficiency, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting
• Light weight with highly compact dimensions
• Macro shooting from as close as 4 centimeters (1.6 inches)
• 4x digital zoom extends compositional freedom
• Improved menu interface, available in a choice of 23 languages
• Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
• Approximately 13MB of internal memory
• SDHC card compatibility
• USB connectivity
• PictBridge compatibility
• Stop-Motion animation for more creative fun

What's in the box
Nikon Coolpix S51 digital camera, EN-EL8 rechargeable li-ion battery, MH-62 battery charger, UC-E12 AV/USB cable, strap, Printer Dock Accessory: Dock Insert PV-12, Software Suite CD-ROM

Product Description

A large, bright LCD monitor makes it a cinch to compose shots and play them back anywhere. Thanks to its wide 160-degree viewing angle, it's easy for everyone to gather round and see. And with the advantage of an anti-reflection coating, it allows images to be seen clearly even in direct sunlight.Not only does the COOLPIX S51 have the power to take simply stunning pictures, but it's also exceptionally elegant. Its eye-catching wave-surface design sets a high standard for quality throughout the camera, while its smooth curves and beautiful finish blend operational ease with stylish sophistication.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Compact, slick, and slow to respond, November 27, 2007

By	Ped Xing - See all my reviews

I purchased this camera as an all-around point-and-shoot for my family's use, and plan to return it and pick another - probably a Canon SD850 or similar.

First, the good. Photos are very good overall, with the exceptions noted below, and much better than my previous camera, a Nikon 4300. The camera is small, nice looking, and has a huge LCD. I also appreciated the integrated (and internal) lens cover and non-protruding optical zoom. The image stabilization was another selling point for me.

Then I got the camera home... The slick look is slick (as in slippery) to hold, too. The tiny buttons are not well differentiated, and like other reviewers I found myself accidentally hitting the power switch frequently. The big LCD always looks grainy, making me think my photos weren't very good until I viewed them on my PC monitor. I also found the interface confusing (and I'm no electronics newbie).

But the real killer is the camera's speed. Although it snaps open and lights up extremely quickly, it refuses to take a photo for about two seconds. Press the shutter button again, and you're waiting 1 or 2 more seconds while it focuses and processes - by then the kids have turned away and are on to something else. In short, it's just unbearably slow in everyday use.

Back in the box, then.

UPDATE: I returned this camera and purchased a Canon SD850 IS as a replacement. I am much happier - the Canon is SUPER quick so I no longer get photos of the backs of the kids heads, their ears and hair, or the background when I was setting up the shot... Other quirks with the Nikon that I noticed in a week of use: The battery/card door is VERY hard to open and feels flimsy; the charger requires a big bulky power cord; the slim design fit very nicely in a pocket.

59 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good, but I have a problem (Muy buena, pero tengo un problema)., September 28, 2007

By	Federico Abreu - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It is very comfortable and easy to use. The 3 inches screen is fabulous. The revolving wheel is a different way to show the multiple customized options and allows the reproduction of photos in multiple ways, one of them as a carrousel that turns when it rotates.

The stabilizer of real images works efficiently! As if it was firmly supported.

The problem I have is that the on/off button, located on top, reacts to very slight pressures unexpectedly turning on. It usually happens when sliding it into the protective case and into the trousers pocket. Although it turns automatically off in five minutes, the frequency of this occurrence contributes to unload the battery.

I have found that 150 photos by battery load is very little. It forces to buy an extra battery. The battery icon appears too late when very little load on battery is left. It should be present when the camera is turned on as it does for the amount of available photos and the actual setting. This was one of the few things that made me angry about my old Nikon model which I still keep in working.

-=+=-

Muy cómoda y fácil de usar. La pantalla de 3" es fabulosa. La ruedita giratoria en una forma diferente de configurar las múltiples opciones personalizables y permite reproducir las fotos de varias formas diferentes, una de ellas en un carrusel que gira al rotarla y que simultáneamente presenta la selección en una imagen adjunta más grande.
El estabilizador de imágenes realmente funciona, es como si estuviera apoyada firme.

El problema que tengo con ella es que el botón de encendido y apagado, ubicado en la cara superior, se presiona con suma facilidad. Un simple topadito y ya está prendida. Al entrarla en el bultico protector se activa fácilmente. Y en el bolsillo de los pantalones, también se prende a cada rato. Aunque se apaga automáticamente a los cinco minutos, descarga la batería.

Encuentro que 150 fotos por carga de batería es poco. Obliga a comprar una batería extra. El medidor de batería solo se presenta cuando queda poca carga para mostrar la batería floja. Debiera enseñarlo siempre al prender, como hace con la cantidad de fotos disponibles y la configuración actual. Esto era de las pocas cosas que me hacían incomodar de mi viejo modelo Nikon que aún conservo funcionando.

FA

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read the manual people!, December 8, 2007

By	Charles Wellman "Nikon Guy" (The Woodlands, Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I keep seeing all of these review with silly problems, just read the manual! If it seems slow to take pics, change the shutter speed to the higher/faster speeds and the camera will keep up with your multi fast action photos, no delay as described by others. The power button is just like the one on the L series, although easy to turn on, the camera has an automatic sleep mode before it actually turns off. I love this camera, and when in high resolution photo mode, the display is vivid and quite clear, unlike the grainy lo res pics show on it. I give it a 5+ for outstanding ease and wonderful functions.