Last update 30 January’10 – Review and Sample Photos @ CNET
Nikon Coolpix S640 announced on August 4, 2009 is a 4-way VR Image Stabilization 12.2 megapixel compact digital camera that features 5x wide angle lens, 2.7 inch LCD, subject tracking, smart portrait system, quick retouch, 16 scene modes, camera dimensions are Height: 2.2 in. (55mm), Width: 3.6 in. (91mm), Depth: 0.8 in. (20.5mm) and it weighs 3.9 oz. (110g).
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Review Index – (updated 30 January’10)
CNET
“The Nikon Coolpix S640 is just a little above a basic point-and-shoot ultracompact. It’s not a bad camera, but it doesn’t excel in any one or more areas. Its shooting performance is improved over other Coolpix cameras; however, that only puts it in line with the competition. It does take good photos at ISO 200 and below and to some degree ISO 400.”
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TrustedReviews
“Although it doesn’t live up to Nikon’s extravagent marketing claims, the CoolPix S640 is still a very competent camera. Build quality is good, it handles well, performs briskly and takes a decent picture in a wide range of situations; low light performance is especially good. It’s not quite a bargain, but it is a nice little camera.”
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HardwareSecrets
Here is a camera that delivers whether you are indoors or outdoors and it’s even good for fast action shots like a soccer game delivering consistent good quality images. The reviewers attempted to see if the S640 was a winner and sure enough they concluded it was an all around winner.
DigitalCameraReview
This really is a versatile compact camera plus it is easy to use. It is no slouch in the speed department either which means the camera will appeal to a wide range of users. It’s so easy to operate that beginners will feel comfortable and will be able to capture great looking images with little to no stress. It even consistently captures static and fast moving subjects which means it’s a perfect camera for families.
CNET.au
For the money this camera provides good but not excellent photos. It is quick on performance once it decides to start-up and get ready to take the first picture. There are better camera for the money and you get HD video and better image quality.
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Cameras.uk
With good photo quality the S640 is ultimately a run of the mill digital camera. The reviewer liked how it looked and how it felt to hold and operate. But in the end felt that at times it’s hard to give reasons why a particular camera stands out from the crowd or should be ignored, such is the case with the S640. It’s just so so.
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PhotographyBay
These guys indicated that if you are looking for a simple but capable compact camera the S640 would probably fit the bill. While it may not stand out in the crowd it is a pretty decent point-and-shoot. One of their gripes was that it had a pretty slow start-up time. However, once it’s engine is fully powered it turns into a decent dependable camera.
PhotographyBlog
“Bottom line – the S640 is an easy to operate compact camera that most users will really enjoy because it is fast and smart enough to deliver consistent sharp photos of both stationary and fast moving subjects – which is what everyone wants their camera to do.”
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]Sample Photos
[ISO Samples @ TrustedReviews]” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>ISO Performance Samples @ CNET]
[ISO Performance Samples @ TrustedReviews]
[Image Quality Samples @ DigitalCameraReview]
[Sample Photos @ CNET.au]
[Sample Photos @ Cameras.uk]
[ISO Comparison Photos @ PhotographyBlog]
Press Release
Four advanced image stabilising features help ensure sharper results
Nikon’s optical lens shift VR image stabilisation compensates for the effects of camera shake. High ISO 6400 capability at any image size up to its maximum of 4000 x 3000 pixels allows faster shutter speeds when shooting in low light or capturing fast-moving subjects. Motion Detection automatically controls shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for subject movement as well as camera shake. And, Nikon’s original BSS (Best Shot Selector) function automatically shoots a series of sequential frames and saves the one with the sharpest focus.
High-quality 2.7-in. Clear Colour Display provides a wider, clearer view
The high-quality 2.7-in. Clear Colour Display for the COOLPIX S640 features an ultra wide-viewing angle, anti-reflection coating, antifouling and water repellent layer, and screen brightness boost function.?Automatic colour correction and contrast adjustment at playback optimise image quality to match the viewing conditions, while also maximising power savings. The monitor’s new structure greatly reduces reflection and improves visibility outdoors.
Nikon’s Smart Portrait System with Skin Softening
As part of Nikon’s Smart Portrait System, a series of advanced functions help produce consistently great portraits. The new Skin Softening function automatically detects and analyses your subject’s skin and then adjusts smoothness for enhanced results. Automatically detecting as many as 12 faces in the shot, Face-priority AF helps produce satisfying portraits by adjusting focus and exposure. Smile Timer automatically releases the shutter when the priority subject smiles while the Blink Proof function automatically shoots two sequential frames and saves the one in which the subject’s eyes are wide open. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically corrects any perceived red-eye effect before saving the image to memory.
Subject Tracking with auto lock-on
Subject tracking with its new auto lock-on capability automatically detects a human face and then continues to track and focus on that subject. Particularly useful when capturing children as they move naturally, Subject Tracking even functions if the subject moves out of the frame and returns within three seconds.
Intelligent automation contributes to carefree shooting
Nikon’s Scene Auto Selector eliminates the need to manually select a scene mode to match the shot, making it faster and easier to capture the moment. The COOLPIX S570 uses this intelligent function to analyse the subject and surrounding setting and automatically selects the most appropriate of the following six scene modes to achieve optimal results — Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Night Landscape, Close-up, or Backlight.
Four advanced image stabilising features help ensure sharper results
Nikon’s electronic VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilisation compensates for the effects of camera shake. Motion Detection automatically controls shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for subject movement as well as camera shake. ISO 3200 capability at any image size up to its maximum of 4000 x 3000 pixels allows faster shutter speeds when shooting in low light or capturing fast-moving subjects. Nikon’s original BSS (Best Shot Selector) function automatically shoots a series of sequential frames and saves the one with the sharpest focus.
Quick Retouch
Quick Retouch adds the right finishing touch to your photos by automatically creating a retouched copy with the best balance of contrast and saturation.
