Update on Mar 24, 2007:
The dealer promptly repaired the problem with my camera and has shipped it back in great condition! I can now take great pictures again using the Coolpix S4 and qualit of the pictures shot seems to have gotten better after the dealer serviced it. The dealer did mention that he’d charge Rs 1500/- for services and mentioned that the camera was handled roughly. After convincing him that the camera was handled smoothly and that it was still under warranty, dealer did not further question me and did not press for the Rs 1500/- charges. So, I’m happy with the transaction.
I’m again happy with the camera now and I’m impressed with the dealer’s response. The dealer is:
J.K.Electronics, Chennai.
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Update on Mar 8, 2007:
Just as I wrote the review below, my camera had problems the very next day! I now see that I cannot take pictures anymore using Nikon Coolpix S4 -- can’t see the image (everything’s dark). I tried all settings, but it’s not that -- the camera is just not working (some problem with the lens I guess).
I called up the dealer since it’s still under warranty (1 year). The dealer has asked me to ship the item and that he’d solve the problem for me. I’m doing that now..
Next update after my transaction with the dealer.
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Review content as of Mar 2, 07:
I own a Nikon Coolpix S4 for about 10 months now. I got it for a price of 14, 800/- plus Rs 700/- for shipping and handling. I think it sells for far less now.
In summary, it is an average product (but it has it’s share of good features). I don’t think any other camera with a 10x Optical Zoom feature, is available at this price. But, there are things you should know. First, the Pros:
Pros:
The 10x Optical Zoom with Nikkor Lens works well. If you use the manual controls/options (to set the appropriate shooting modes and the pixel modes to shoot pictures etc...), the 10x zoom works well and does take clear pictures at that.
The batteries that come with the camera are reliable and hold charge long enough to take 160-200 pictures at one ago (with re-chargeable Ni-MH batteries). I feel, you should use the same charger that came with the camera.
Several ’shooting modes’ available and most work well. It’s easy to choose the modes once you get used to the camera.
A decent 2.5 inch LCD (it’s not the best). The LCD, for some reason, doesn’t show the exact image that gets eventually shot. The image that is eventually shot is slightly different from what you see on the LCD, as you start to shoot a picture. As you continue to use it, you sort of get used to this gap; it’s not been a great concern to me.
5 . Seamlessly connects to a TV and you can start off a slide-show in seconds. There’s nothing fussy about getting your pictures onto to a TV display and starting off the slide show. Just use the cable and read the steps in the manual (it’s easy).
There is also a "Movie Mode" option (15 fps) that works okay. You need to have steady hands.
I have a 1GB SANDISK SD card plugged in and the camera uses it in a very stable fashion. I’ve had no problems with the camera’s handling of the 1GB SD card.
There’s also something called as a "D-Lightning" option that allows you to recreate a brighter image of an already shot image with poor lightning. I’ve used it a couple of times -- at times it’s useful, but at times you compromise on the clarity of the originally shot image. But, it is a handy option to have.
Cons:
The "automatic" shooting mode option is good. The pictures come out with good clarity but I prefer using the manual settings since I feel the pictures are of better quality when you go for the manual options.
The camera is slightly on the "slower" side, when it comes to capturing a shot and getting ready for the next shoot. It’s not the fastest and there’s room for improvement here. I hope Nikon has improvised on this in the S6 model.
There is No Image Stabilization (the ability to shoot clear pictures even with shaky hands) -- you have to be really steady with your hands. If you’re someone who has "shaky hands", you wouldn’t probably be able to shoot high-quality pictures. However, with proper manual settings and with experience, you can somewhat work your way out of this.
It’s not the easiest camera to transfer your images from your camera to your PC via USB -- you need to read the manual before you transfer the images to your hard-disk. Or maybe I was looking for an easier flow than what’s available. Others might disagree, but I definitely feel it can get better.
I do manage to take good quality pictures when I’m out on vacation or during family functions and at the price that I purchased it, I can say I’m satisfied with the product, but it is not the easiest camera to configure and produce those quality pictures.