Nikon Coolpix S9

Nikon Coolpix S9

Sudeep Naik, Feb 22, 2007 1800 hrs IST

I know, it's nothing new, but Nikon has added one more to its s-series, Coolpix S9, yet again. Let's check it out.

Design, Compact, Build quality, Easy to use interface.

Slow operation, Red eye reduction systems fail most of the times, Below average picture quality, Bad low light performance, Images appear fuzzy most of the times.

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Performance

The design is something we've talked a lot about; the slim and compact body, wavy design is a hit with everyone while the menus and controls are just a thumb away.
The high-quality Nikkor ED lens gives the flexibility to zoom out for beautiful landscapes, zoom in for tightly-composed portraits.

The picture quality though is a huge let down. The images were not as sharp as one would expect them to be. The only good part here is the color reproduction which, if I may say so, is above average. Overall, the images appear quite blurred. The camera takes a long to start up and even longer to display the captured pictures on the LCD screen. The LCD quality is mediocre at best.

Sometimes, it takes around 5-7 seconds for the S9 to display a picture on the LCD after it has been shot. Pretty lousy, I say, and it becomes worse if you use flash. Which reminds me, I did read something about the S9 being equipped with a Red-Eye Reduction system, but I think it got lost somewhere on the way here. Obviously, the S9 was meant for leisurely shooting, literally.

The images shot in daylight from the Nikon S9 appear to be decent enough, but the moment you switch to a location with low light the image quality just takes a dive to hell. Noise creeps up from all possible parts of the image and it's so high on higher ISO settings that you could actually hear it (pun intended.)

We tried recording video in all modes (with and without sound) and, although the sound could have been better, the results were all well average but nothing exceptional.

Battery Life

The S9 comes bundled with a proprietary rechargeable Li-Ion EN-EL8 battery, which lasts for around 150 shots (if you have the patience to click so many) with minimal surfing between shots and around 130 shots with some fiddling around with options and image surfing, which is decent enough.

But I must say, having a fully charged spare battery always helps no matter what camera you use.

Conclusion

The Nikon Coolpix S9 sells for Rs. 17,750 (officially) with a one-year warranty but you can pick it up from JJMehta for Rs. 11,000 without bill and 3 month warranty.

It is 'supposedly' the budget version in their S-series and they sure have cut some corners to get it in the market. Overall, the camera looks like an S-series member, but surely doesn't behave like one. I'm sure you can give slip to this one. Ciao.

Test Unit Sourced from: J. J. Mehta, Mumbai

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USER COMMENTS

This camera takes awful, blurry pictures in almost every conceivable situation. I am a surgeon, and my hands do not shake *at all* - yet this problem still manifests in nearly every photo. The photos it does manage to take without blurring usually look awful because of the ridiculously harsh yet astoundingly ineffective built-in flash. 9 out of 10 shots are bad. Nikon's cameras have been nothing but disappointing lately. Sad, as I've been a loyal customer for years, but will not be coming back.

by Stephen H., Athens, on Nov 15, 2008 12:11 AM, Report abuse   Reply

Is there any service centre in Kolkata?

by Suparna Chatter, Kolkata, on Feb 23, 2008 09:54 PM, Report abuse   Reply

really poor

by pravin, mumbai, on Mar 21, 2007 01:33 PM, Report abuse   Reply

This is the worst camera review I have seen or read. Wake up TT. Just check the review in Dpreview or Steves digicams and you will know what to test and how the camera works. You seriously have to review this product again. This is one of the best cameras...canon sucks infront of this

by Zack, Pune, on Feb 27, 2007 10:27 AM, Report abuse   Reply

is there any NIKON camera ( digital ) SERVICE CENTER IN PUNE

by VINOD V KANANNA, PUNE, on Feb 23, 2007 04:57 PM, Report abuse   Reply

Hello, I have used this camera for my marriage ceremonies and for my honeymoon pics. I was initially confused due to indoor shots appearing so blurry. But then I read in the manual that such a thing is expected, solution is to turn on the flash for indoor (aka low light) pics. With the flash on, every single pic was crisp and detailed. Which is why I don't agree with your cons.

by Bawaji, Bombay, on Feb 23, 2007 04:08 PM, Report abuse   Reply

truth be told until anyone comes up with something like DIGIC-II, canon will just rule in consumer category. Also now there are unbeatable even on the price front

by subiet, living in the cyber trance, on Feb 23, 2007 03:55 PM, Report abuse   Reply

I see the same sample images over and over again for all digicams, grow up TT. Where is the color test, macro test, night shot etc. Even if the camera sucks, atleast some decent test photos should be posted. Very sad!

by Riddler, Gotham city, on Feb 23, 2007 10:19 AM, Report abuse   Reply

hey if you are so concerned then why are u hiding behind an alias, give ur real name and email address and then u might receive the full review in ur email

by batman, gotham city, on Feb 23, 2007 11:13 AM, Report abuse

Fine

by pradeep, bangalore, on Feb 23, 2007 09:57 AM, Report abuse   Reply

techtree seems to be promoting the grey market ?

by shailesh, mumbai, on Feb 23, 2007 09:18 AM, Report abuse   Reply

How can JJMehta sell without a bill when there are VAT implications ?

by jagdeeshm, chennai, on Feb 23, 2007 01:07 AM, Report abuse   Reply

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