Just received the COOLPIX S33 Waterproof Dig Camera from Beach Camera -
Shipping was quick and although this was refurbished, the camera was perfect. Not a scratch on it. It was pretty much almost fully charged when we got it so we started using it right away.
It was in a brown box and bubble-wrapped, but no "Nikon" information other than it was refurbed by Nikon. No manuals. Easily downloaded with a search.
We've only been using the camera for a few days so this may be premature, but I love the camera.
I got the camera for mostly my 5 year old to use instead of grabbing my DSLR. I looked for a camera that was good in the pool and had a little toughness to it.
For the first part - the camera was fantastic in the pool. The shots underwater were fun, clear, quick and vibrant. Outside the pool, the shots were equally very nice and sharp.
The camera all-in-all (so far) has exceeded expectations.
The buttons are easy to use and navigate. I like that the Video button is simply a separate (single) button to push without changing modes or going to a menu. The picture review button is a single pressed button as well, which is nice for my daughter to use and review. Deleting a picture takes a couple steps, which is a nice safeguard against accidental deletions.
One CON of the camera, which may only be a rookie mistake since I just got it and haven't looked all through the manual yet, is when taking underwater shots, unless one can look at the display it is a guess whether the picture was taken. Would be nice if I find a light that flashes when a picture is taken (and not the flash).
I've been very pleased and will probably buy this camera as a gift for my family. We haven't dropped the camera, and I'm not looking forward to testing that aspect, but it seems rugged. The S33 is not manufactured anymore, so refurb is probably the only way to get one, but I may look at the other model of Nikon COOLPIX that seems to be a next version.
One additional Con is the shutter button, for my five year old, requires a bit of getting used to. A half-press initiates an autofocus and then the full-press takes the shot. During darker scenes, a half-press is needed before the full to get a good focus which means a slower push of the button. My daughter presses hard and we need to teach her to press slowly and still have the strength to keep the camera level. It's not a big issue, it's just a "don't forget to press slowly" sort of moment.
She loves the camera and is taking it everywhere.
I'll report back if my opinions change.
There is a newer model of this item:
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 | Waterproof Digital Camera Underwater Camera Full HD 2.7K 48 MP Video Recorder Selfie Dual Screens 16X Digital Zoom Flashlight Waterproof Camera for Snorkeling (DV806) | OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera, Red | Polaroid IS048 Waterproof Instant Sharing 16 MP Digital Portable Handheld Action Camera, Teal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | (1296) | (1428) | (1899) | (634) |
| Price | $144.95 | $76.98 | $499.99 | $49.99 |
| Sold By | JD E-Commerce LLC | Yisence Tech | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| Includes External Memory | No | — | No | No |
| Display Size | 2.70 inches | — | — | — |
| Optical Zoom | 3x | 1.00x | 4x | 1x |
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Customer reviews
I was skeptical to buy this camera given that it had only review and even that was negative. But I went ahead anyway. I purchased it for my Hawaii trip where I was expecting to be on the beach and also snorkeling. I have had several digital cameras (canon/nikon) and also DSLRs. The quality of picture is actually very much comparable to my canon Elph 530HS. Bonus is I could take this one to water. I took it snorkeling one day and took several pictures and videos under water. Quality of pictures underwater was surprisingly good. But that will depend on the day and how much sunlight was going under the water. I took it about 5 feet deep into the water and no leak or damage. For the price I think it definitely is a good buy. BTW it also takes great picture out of the water ! Only thing I have not tried is taking pictures at night. Attaching a couple of pictures.
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Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
Señor Spook
Solid, capable and versatile little shooter
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on September 23, 2016Color: BlueStyle: BaseVerified Purchase
Solid, capable and versatile little shooter
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on September 23, 2016
The Nikon Coolpix S33 is a surprisingly solid, capable and highly affordable little submersible snapshot camera whose virtues outweigh its flaws.Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on September 23, 2016
Dealing with the flaws first, the biggest of these would be the rather lacklustre image quality, with considerable high-ISO image noise in low-light conditions. Common to cameras of this price point, and class, manual control is non-existent, leaving users at the mercy of presets and the autofocus mode. Nikon’s drive to make this a family-friendly beast means the menu icons have a rather cartoonish quality, although some customization is possible to render them more “serious” (or as “serious” as is possible for a unit designed to appeal to children). Condensation can build up inside the sealed lens housing when moving from cold-to-warm conditions, necessitating a couple minutes of clearing as the camera adjusts to the change in temperature. My biggest bugbear: the big video record button is easy (far too easy) to switch-on by accident — definitely watch your fingers with that one.
Onto the virtues: this camera can go practically anywhere you can, and record your doings for posterity, ably fulfilling the role of a “poor man’s GoPro.” The S33’s amphibious nature opens up an entirely new world of photography; being able to shoot pictures of salmon underwater, then take photographs of the research team on shore seconds later is, frankly, a bit of a kick. The camera is easy to hold without slippage, controls are reasonably intuitive, and both menus and buttons are simple enough to toggle while snorkelling. Battery life is pretty good, as well; I’ve been able to squeeze several days out of a single charge for both photo and short video use at roughly an hour per trip.
As with any camera — from the most expensive Hasselblad to the cheapest kiddie-cam — you’ll achieve either good, or bad, results depending on a few factors. These include: your imagination, your subject, your surroundings, and your knowledge of (and ability to work around) the limitations of your equipment. If you venture into the water with an intent and some inspiration, you can create some truly marvellous, printable photos — the camera yacks them out natively at 13.8 X 10.4 inches, 300 DPI maximum size. I’m not a professional photographer, although I do derive a small annual income from regional photo sales, and I can comfortably report that the S33 has allowed me to produce several saleable shots within the three highly intensive months that I’ve snorkelled with it. Its ability to handle cold oceanic, and river, conditions down to depths of 15 feet has impressed me to the extent that this is now my go-to snapper for general use whenever my larger, beefier Nikon D5100 would merely serve as overkill (or become hopelessly waterlogged).
Consider that a recommendation.
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Elena Revorg
Perfecta para viajes a la playa y para los niños !
Reviewed in Mexico 🇲🇽 on June 1, 2016Color: BlueStyle: BaseVerified Purchase
McGadget
Seems perfect so far.
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on November 23, 2016Color: BlueStyle: BaseVerified Purchase
Seems perfect so far.
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on November 23, 2016
[[VIDEOID:889a5d0d7c84343292081cd891cc084f]] Update: Took it to Mexico and impressed with the quality for the price. Snorkeling was on a cloudy day and the water was not clear on the reef as the sea had not been calm. I have included some underwater video and pictures. ** I noticed that the video I uploaded is highly degraded compared to the original that I have on my PC and does not do the camera justice - the quality in reality is quite good. The degraded video does show that it works under water.**Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on November 23, 2016
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Takes very good pictures. Bought this to take on a trip to Mexico where I did not want to bring my more pricey camera equipment. We will be staying mostly on the beach and needed something small and rugged. This seems to fit the bill. Will provide an update upon return. My test pictures have proven to be very good for a point and shoot camera.
I am giving it a five star rating based on initial impression and cost.
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Grace
Great for an older man who drops things!
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on August 10, 2016Color: BlueStyle: BaseVerified Purchase
maria.
en proceso de reclamación
Reviewed in Mexico 🇲🇽 on August 23, 2016Color: BlueStyle: BaseVerified Purchase
