Nikon Coolpix S5 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Other products by Nikon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 1 x 3 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000EIBK7A
• Item model number: 25541
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,565 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 22, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
The stylish Coolpix S5 has been built with the sharing and enjoyment of digital photography in mind, combining high-quality imaging performance with a striking wave-surface design, the ability to improve images in-camera, an outstandingly large LCD, and a powerful new Pictmotion function that allows users to create entertaining in-camera shows.

The brand new Pictmotion function lets users create much more than just a slideshow--indeed it enables a radically new form of in-camera entertainment. This allows users to select favorite images and movie files, pick a style, and then select a music file from one of the five pre-installed files in the camera--or even add their own music via PictureProject for Windows only--to suit the show. Pictmotion then automatically analyzes all these elements to produce highly entertaining shows that are coupled with pace and transition selected to match the chosen music and style.

These shows can then be played back anywhere, anytime on the ample-sized 2.5-inch LCD monitor, and because the LCD offers a surprisingly wide viewing angle of 170 degrees (both horizontal and vertical), such in-camera entertainment can be enjoyed by everyone at the same time. Both cameras also feature Auto Image Rotation, which detects pictures that have been taken with the camera held vertically, automatically rotating them to suit in-camera LCD playback.

With the Coolpix S5, image quality is a top priority: the camera offers a 1/2.5-inch CCD and 6.0 effective megapixel resolution to produce images that stay sharp even when significantly enlarged. It also features a high-quality 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with a range of 35-105mm (35mm equivalent) that gives the photographer the flexibility to zoom out for beautiful landscapes, zoom in for tightly-composed portraits, and enjoy macro photography from as close as 4 centimeters.

The Coolpix S5 has been specially designed to be visually appealing as well as easy to use. The eye-catching wave-surface designs is about more than just great styling--its thin, compact dimensions and form make the Coolpix S5 really comfortable to hold.

In terms of control, the camera features a new rotary multi-selector that allows fast circular scrolling for speedy image browsing at up to 10 frames per second, a range of buttons that further simplify operation, and an on-screen icon with a cursor that tracks circular scrolling, making it easy to select desired features. Furthermore, users can select functions by name or icon according to their personal preference, and all menus and icons have been made easier on the eye with a new color scheme and optimized icon dimensions.

The Coolpix S5 also boasts a new one-touch portrait button, conveniently located at the top of the camera body, making it much simpler to take better quality pictures by offering easy access to Nikon's unique Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, and D-Lighting functions. With Face-priority AF, the camera can automatically detect people's faces in the frame, no matter where they are located, to produce sharply focused portraits.

In-Camera Red-Eye Fix detects the unfortunate red-eye effect that can sometimes happen in flash photography, automatically compensating for it in camera to produce more pleasing results. D-Lighting (available in playback mode) enables users to improve images that are underexposed or taken with too much back light--creating a copy of the image with light and detail added where necessary while leaving the well-exposed parts exactly the way they were.

A selection of 15 Scene modes--four with Scene assist--allows you to achieve satisfying results, aided by clear focus and optimal exposure in diverse situations. All you have to do is select the most appropriate Scene mode best for the scene and compose the shot, leaving the camera to automatically select the optimum settings.

Three movie modes with sound are also available for capturing action at up to 30 frames per second. The camera also features Time-lapse movie shooting capability that allows dramatic results to be created out of slow-moving action, such as shooting a flower blooming or a movie of clouds rushing across the sky, for example.

The Coolpix S5 helps speed your search for recorded images thanks to a Calendar function that automatically sorts images according to the date they were taken. For further versatility, the Coolpix S5 comes complete with the Cool-Station MV-14, to allow batteries to be recharged while they are still in the camera. It also offers USB connectivity and can even be hooked up for TV display.

On a final note, the Coolpix S5 comes bundled with Nikon's complimentary PictureProject software and an easy-to-use Wireless Camera Setup Utility which employs a simple Wizard to configure the camera for wireless operation. The beauty of PictureProject is that it makes editing pictures, organising shots and sharing images remarkably simple, while a range of available plug-ins lets users extend capabilities as they like.

Nikon Coolpix S5 feature highlights:

Pictmotion with high-quality music Nikon's new Pictmotion is much more than a simple slideshow function. Available on both the Coolpix S5, it allows you to select your favorite images and movie files, then pick a style and add a music file of your choice from among five pre-installed ones, or load your own choice of music (via PictureProject for Windows only) to suit the images. The Coolpix S5 then automatically analyzes each element to produce an entertaining show with pace and transitions determined by music and style for in-camera viewing anywhere. The generous LCD with an impressive 170-degree viewing angle that makes it easy for everyone to see. Furthermore, to heighten enjoyment of audio elements, the camera also features a large speaker that delivers heightened sound pressure and a sampling frequency increased from 8 to 22kHz that makes for noticeably enhanced sound clarity.

Eye-catching wave-surface design
The Coolpix S5 has been created with a unique wave-surface design that is both esthetically appealing and very comfortable in the hand.

Large LCDs
The Coolpix S5 features a large 2.5-inch 230,000-dot TFT LCD. Such generous size does away with the need for a viewfinder and makes for easier composition. The LCD also offers an impressive 170-degree viewing angle that makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the playback of still images, movies, and entertaining Pictmotion shows anywhere, at any time.

Rotary multi selector and improved GUI
Operation has been made smoother, simpler, and faster. A new Rotary multi selector incorporated into the camera back enables high-speed image browsing with circular scrolling action at up to 10 frames per second, while a range of buttons built into the Rotary multi selector make for more intuitive operation. There's also an on-screen icon with a cursor that tracks Rotary multi selector scrolling to make function selection even simpler still. The Coolpix S5 also features various screens and menus created with a color scheme that's easier on the eye, functions can be selected by the user's choice of name or icon, and all icons have been optimized and made clearer for easy viewing.

One-touch portrait functions
A standalone One-touch portrait button is conveniently located on the top of the Coolpix S5, giving direct access to three innovative Nikon features for in-camera improvement. Face-priority AF automatically finds and then focuses on people's faces no matter where they are in the frame for pleasingly sharp portraits time after time. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix can automatically detect the annoying red-eye effect that sometimes occurs in flash photography, then compensate for it in-camera to give natural-looking portraits. And D-Lighting can improve underexposed images or shots taken with too much back light by creating a copy with light and detail added wherever necessary and well-exposed areas kept exactly as they are.

Other features:

• Highly compact dimensions of S5: 93 x 59 x 20 millimeters (3.7 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches) (W x H x D)
• Carry-anywhere light weight (without battery and memory card): Approximately 135 grams (4.8 ounces)
• Internal memory: 21 MB (approximately); SD card compatibility
• BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the sharpest shot automatically from ten sequential shots
• Exposure BSS automatically selects and saves the shot most closely matching user-selected criteria from five sequential shots
• USB connectivity supports easy transfer of data to computers and other peripherals
• Swift startup of approximately 0.8 seconds; continuous shooting at up to 2.2 frames per second
• Date Counter visually records countdown of days to an occasion or number of days since an important event
• Help Button provides easy-to-understand explanations for functions on main menu
• Blur Warning informs user after shooting if an image is blurred
• Menu available in a choice of 20 languages
• Noise Reduction produces better results during low-light conditions
• Time zone function enables the camera clock to be set to local time, anywhere in the world
• 4x digital zoom extends compositional freedom
• Rechargeable EN-EL8 Li-ion Battery (supplied) can shoot approximately 210 shots on a single charge
• Field Jacket FJ-CP1 water-resistant case (optional) lets users keep the Coolpix dry to underwater depths of 3 meters (not included--must be purchased separately)
• Dock Insert PV-10/PV-11 (supplied) enable direct printing to compatible ImageLink printers
• Choice of White Balance: Auto with TTL control, 6-mode manual (Daylight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Flash, and White Balance Preset)
• Voice recording available for duration of up to 5 hours or until memory capacity is reached

Product Description
Style meets performance with the Nikon Coolpix S5 Digital Camera. The sleek, stylish and compact design fits easily into your purse or pocket and still produces stunning pictures. 6 Megapixels and a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED Glass Lens combine to create stunning photographs. Create picture perfect portraits with the One-Touch Portrait Button to activate the Face Priority AF feature to automatically find and focus in on a subject's face while the In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically removes most occurances of red-eye. Use Pictmotion to create an in-camera slideshow with your own music! Finally, use the included COOL-STATION dock to sync your camera to your PC or Mac. With these features and more, the Nikon Coolpix S5 packs tons of features into a stylish package that anyone can enjoy! Rotary Multi Selector makes feature selection fast and easy Voice memos In Camera Red-Eye Fix Face Priority AF automatically finds and focuses in on the subjects face for stunning portraits 23MB Internal Memory; SD Memory Card Slot An SD Card is NOT included, therefore we suggest purchasing an Optional 512MB memory card. It will allow you to store a lot more Video and images, as well as take advantage of the camera's high resolution abilities. PictBridge compatible for printing images without a computer USB and A/V interface (A/V with COOL-STATION) Approximate Unit Dimensions (w x h x d) - 3.7 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches / Unit Weight - 4.8 ounces (without battery and SD memory card)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Excellent camera. But beware the design flaw., March 24, 2006

By	M. Martin "Fried Toast" (Takikawa, Hokkaido, Japan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I recently purchased the Nikon Coolpix S5 to replace my ailing Sony Cybershot P-8. The P-8 was my 3rd Cybershot and I'd never had a Nikon before.

While browsing for new cameras, I'd settled on the Canon IXY 700 as a replacement. However, my friend motioned me over to look at the S5. I'd looked at some of the other Coolpix models and didn't like the menu setup. I figure the menu is something that is going to be used a lot, so I wasn't going to consider any cameras with hard-to-use menus. I'd disqualified a Kodak EasyShare model earlier for that very reason; wanted to buy American, but alas, the menu was horrible. First impressions make or break a sale. And my first impression upon seeing the S5's menu was that it was very easy to use. And it has been.

The camera takes fairly decent pictures. However, not much of a difference vs. my previous Sony P-8 (3.2mp). I was hoping for a bit of an improvement, but didn't really see anything that impressed me overall that was "different."

The root of my review, though, is the design flaw that I believe this camera has. I'd taken several pictures at a going-away party recently and noticed that it looked like there were water splotches on the lens as there were white stars in the pictures. I took the camera to a photo lab and they blew the lens off in the case of any dust being on it. No water marks were visible on the lens (and the white splotches/stars in the pictures were never in the same place twice). When that didn't fix the problem, a photographer friend suggested that there might be dust on the sensor; although that doesn't explain the spots being in different places in each picture. I should note that not every picture has these spots. The common element seems to be that they are all evening, low-light situations using the red-eye flash function.

I took the S5 back to the place of purchase and exchanged for an identical unit. However, the problem has not gone away. A fellow from work noticed that the majority of the spots appear on the right side of the photos. Rarely are any (or any significant number) on the left side. Also, we were speaking of distance to object regarding the different photos, but near (~3 ft.) and far (~15-20 ft.) both resulted in similar splotchy problems. At this point, I suggested that perhaps the flash was too close to the lens and the rapid multiple flashing of the red-eye flashes was causing the bursts/splotches. My co-worker also suggested the lens being small may have played a factor in that, too.

That's where I'm at now. I believe my theory about the flash being too close to the lens is pretty close to the mark. I've never had this problem with any of my previous Sony Cybershots (and their lens to flash proximity was greater than the Nikon S5's).

As a result, I believe I'm going to request a refund and go with my original choice- the Canon IXY 700.

I did have one more nitpick regarding the menu- it takes a little menu jogging to turn off the photo info details on the viewer (something that was a one-button deal on the P-8). But other than that, the S5 has been very pleasant to use. I'm disappointed to have found this flaw as the Canon's a little heaver and little thicker than the S5.

So overall, it's a very nice camera. If the red-eye flash + low-light problem was fixed, I'd have no problems recommending this to anyone. As it is, I'd suggest finding a different model in the meantime as this is definitely a deal-breaker to have splotches/bursts/spots in one's photos. Simply not enough time in the day to digitally airbrush every single picture with these problems.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Bad camera, extremely bad customer service, July 7, 2006

By	Zubin J. Dalal - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've had the Nikon S5 for about three months now. I bought it because I'd been looking for a slim digital camera that had a decent resolution, good battery life and was easy to use and carry around. I also thought Nikon, being a camera and optics company would offer me a product superior to the many other digital cameras offered elsewhere. I'd be the first to admit that I'm not super-savvy when it comes to photography but I've had my fair share of cameras, both digital and film.

I would NOT recommend this camera.

1. The picture quality is substandard to say the least. My Sony DSC-P10 from 4 years ago with a 2.1 mega-pixel resolution takes better pictures. Pictures are very grainy.
2. This camera is loaded with features. However it's extremely difficult to coerce the camera to capture a decent picture. I took it on a ski trip, set the camera to the "Snow" mode and resulted in a bunch of underexposed pictures (at different times of day, with varying levels of sunlight)
3. The camera takes an excessively long time to auto-focus resulting in one missing even the simplest of opportunities.
4. CUSTOMER SERVICE IS LESS THAN ADEQUATE

My camera hung at some point during the second month. By hung I mean it wouldn't move beyond an error screen (in Nikon Customer Service rep's words... something he had never seen before). I had to mail it in to get it fixed. Nikon Service refused to pay shipping because that's their policy (even for a two month old camera that suddenly refuses to work). It took numerous phone calls to locate my camera and the status of service. They mail (snail-mail) you your service order number that is used to locate the status of your service request.

I received the camera back two weeks after I had sent it in to their NY facility. The error was gone but now each time the lens moves back and forth to focus (either auto or manual) there's a loud ticking sound. One that can be heard at an arm's length away, one that would put a grandfather clock to shame. Another call to Nikon Digital Tech Support center resulted in me being informed that since there were moving parts in the camera, noise is to be expected (even though the noise did not exist prior to sending it in for service). The clicking noise is so loud that the Nikon rep could hear it through the phone. He insisted that since he had the same camera with him and it too made the clicking sound that this was normal for a digital camera. I pointed out that this might be a design problem or a flaw with the camera which was something the rep was not willing to entertain. An argument and call transfer to a supervisor later, I was told that I would have to call Nikon Service directly and arrange for the camera to be shipped back to them (presumably, again at my cost).

Also, the many times I've tried to contact Nikon Service, their phone lines are incessantly busy. I was advised by Nikon Digital Technical Support that I could either keep trying for 20 to 30 minutes or if I could wait I could try back in a couple of hours.

Bad camera, EXTREMELY BAD customer service. I WOULD NOT recommend this camera.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars better than ever, September 24, 2006

By	M. Frew "lipomaman" (Bethesda, MD) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've had the S5 about two weeks now and payed about $150 less than the S1 I bought a year and a half ago...that one went swimming with me by accident. So far, I've notice a few substantial improvemements. 1) faster time from button pushing to picture. So much so that I've been waiting for it to take the picture long after it already has and I'd missed it. 2) Considerable improvement in the movie mode (15fps before to 30fps now) and the playback no longer requires a microscope. 3) the definition has improved even more so than the 5.1mp to 6.0 megapixel bump would suggest. Lastly, the controls are far better positioned and thought out for ease of use.
OVERALL: When the D200 is too big, this S5 is pretty durn close to perfect