Nikon COOLPIX S9100 review

Nikon COOLPIX S9100: Sitting at the top of Nikon’s Style range

Compared to many of the superslim compacts available on the market today, the new Nikon COOLPIX S9100 is a weighty affair. Measuring nearly 35mm thick, and tipping the scales at over 210g, the S9100 aims to set itself apart from the competition.

Inside the well-built and well-finished exterior is a set of features that will make potential purchasers sit up and listen. The modest 12MP sensor shows that Nikon isn’t interested in winning the megapixel war, and has instead built in a whopping 18x optical zoom, the EXPEED C2 image processor, seven different anti-blur technologies as well as the all-important 1080p movie recording ability. These features add up to a great camera for travellers, providing every focal length and shooting medium in one portable camera.

Image quality seems to have been high on Nikon’s list of demands for this camera too, with all of the features claiming to improve performance, reduce noise or eliminate blur. The back-illuminated sensor, for instance, has been designed to receive more light and aid performance, especially in lower light settings. Combine this with the EXPEED C2 processor, which claims to provide enhanced high-sensitivity performance and maximum image quality, and you start to see a trend.

Nikon has even included features to make sure those with no photographic knowledge can achieve great shots, thanks to the Best Shot Selector, Smart portrait system and in-camera editing options.

With all these technologies on board, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Nikon might be complicated to set up and use. However, the simplicity of the camera buttons and menu system make the Nikon very intuitive to use. There are no manual modes, limiting users to Auto, scene modes, smart scene selector or Effects. If you want some manual control over compositions, the Auto mode allows for ISO, WB, AF, Metering and the like to be altered, but there are no manual settings for shutter speed or aperture.

The simple design of the S9100’s body does mean you’ll be dipping in and out of the menus for any settings changes you do want to make, but as the menus are so simple, this really isn’t a problem.

In the field, we found the S9100 to be quick to start up, as well as from shot to shot, and the LCD bright and clear to use. In bright conditions the camera coped well with highlight and shadow details, and even in overcast scenes the camera still managed to pick out some cloud detail rather than washing out all the white.

Low-light images were, on the whole, impressive, and street scenes and landscapes with artificial light sources appeared with very accurate colour representation, even when the Nikon was left to its own devices. Macro shots in low light struggled a bit more, with candles, food in dimmed restaurants and even low-light flowers causing the camera to have trouble finding and locking focus.

A review of the images on the computer post-shoot showed the LCD to represent the image quality well with no surprises. Noise was well controlled throughout the ISO range, and on Auto settings. Colours were very faithful too, with blue skies appearing vibrant.

On overcast and cloudy days, the S9100’s Effects menu comes into its own, with some wonderful settings to play with including: Selective Colouring, Soft, Nostalgia Sepia, High Contrast Monochrome, High Key and Low Key. We especially like the combination of sepia on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

For £299, Nikon really has packed the S9100 with features and effects aplenty. However, at this cost, we feel that you start to stray into advanced amateur or enthusiast camera territory, so it would have been nice to see a few manual modes. That aside, the Nikon produces great images, is easy to use and has great build and features. You can’t go far wrong with it.