Nikon COOLPIX S4000 review

Review of the Nikon Coolpix S4000

For a compact costing over £200, it’s surprising that Nikon has omitted optical image stabilisation. This means that rather than preventing blurry handheld shots by moving components within the lens, the S4000 relies upon electronic VR (vibration reduction), which just boosts the ISO and generates more noise as a result. This is particularly evident because of its light, slender design. Weighing in at 116 grams with batteries and possessing a width of only 20mm means that the S4000 is prone to camera shake, but it’s also extremely portable. Our review sample came in a metallic pink, but there is a choice of black and red for the stylish snapper.

Its design is rather traditional with a large lens that sits flush against the body whilst the camera is not in use and extends to approximately an inch. The S4000 is quick to fire up, taking only a second until you are able to capture a shot. This can be done via the shutter, which is surrounded by a zoom rocker switch, or even by using the Touch Shutter function. Once selected, this enables the user to take the picture by tapping the screen twice. It also selects the optimum focus and exposure for point-and-shooters.

There is a big restriction on creativity, as you are only permitted to change the ISO speed, and oddly enough only in Auto mode. Low light lovers will be disappointed with noticeable noise at 400, and a slow shutter speed of only four seconds. It’s clear that this compact is more suited to sunny daytime trips with its bright LCD and anti-reflective coating, but even then the image quality is far from impressive. Shots are often blurred due to the aforementioned digital stabilisation, but colour rendition is true to life.

Another genre where the S4000 fails to deliver is macro. The closest you can get is 8cm, which is nowhere near as good as its competition that can focus at 1cm or even 0cm. It seems that the only subject where this compact excels is portraiture. Nikon’s Smart Portrait System that comes with automatic modes like Smile Timer, Skin Softening, Blink Proof and Advanced Face Priority AF with in-camera Red-eye Fix.

On a positive note, the touch screen is delightfully responsive, even with the tap of a fingernail. As you would expect, there are only two buttons on the rear of the compact. These are dedicated to playback and movie modes. To access the 16 scene modes and shooting options including Auto, Scene, Smart Portrait, and Movie, the user must delve into the Menu icon. Other important settings like white balance and ISO are also hidden away within the LCD, which can slow the shooting process down.

Once you’ve filled your memory card and depleted the battery, you will discover the difficulty of charging the S4000. The battery must remain in the camera whilst you plug it in to your computer using the adapter or the USB cable. However, as the connection port resides on the under belly of the camera, you have to risk damaging the lens or the LCD screen, as it will only lie on its side.

The S4000 has advanced a little in the movie department though, stepping up to high-definition from its predecessor the S230. It records at 30 fps with the latest firmware update, but unfortunately the optical zoom cannot be accessed while filming. Also, there is no HDMI port for connecting the compact to a HDTV to watch your recorded videos.

Photography enthusiasts will be best staying clear of Nikon’s S4000, with its severe lack of manual modes and below par image quality. It is a compact best reserved for those who want a stylish model that boasts a reactive touch screen interface. There are cheaper options on the market though, such as the Panasonic DMC-FP3 that retails at £179. The S4000’s cost and lack of features will make the majority think twice.