- 12.2-megapixel resolution for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches
- Start-up time 0.7 seconds for extremely fast autofocus and quick shooting
- 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens; 4-way VR image stabilization system
- 2.7-inch Clear Color Display LCD; Subject Tracking and Scene Auto Selector
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Product Description
The COOLPIX S640 ultra-fast autofocus helps you capture once-in-alifetime expressions with just the right timing. Tie these features together with the fastest start-up time* of only 0.7 seconds, and you have a powerful photographic tool…. More >>
Nikon Coolpix S640 12.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
tried the S640 for 4 days.
NONE of the pictures had even reasonable detail.
what I tried: ISO 100, auto 100-400, auto 100-800, auto; 12.2 (max) resolution; tripod and start with timer
ISO 100 with 1/500″, 1/100″, 1/30″, 1″, 8″
checked the pictures on a 1920×1080 HD resolution monitor, where pictures of 3 Mpixel have enough detail that I zoom in 4 times and still see decent contrast and detail
even at no zoom in, ALL pictures (and I mean indoor/ outdoor, morning/ noon/ afternoon/ evening, landscape/fixed subject) had VISIBLE lack of detail. As I would look at a painting with details painted with a brush.
On the good side, you can take almost any indoor and evening picture with no flash. With the cost of further lacking details, as ISO on auto jumps at 6400.
Nikon Coolpix S640 12.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Calm Back)
Nikon Coolpix S640 12.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Precious Pink)
Nikon Coolpix S640 12.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Velour Red)
Nikon Coolpix S640 12.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Calm Back)
Nikon Coolpix S640 12.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Precious Pink)
Nikon Coolpix S640 12.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Velour Red)
Rating: 25 / 5
It’s what I wanted, something compact and light that didn’t require much set up or fancy footwork to get operational. The features on the camera could be better, I’ve seen more options and better detail on other camera designs. If your just looking for something that you can have around and use on the go without too much flipping through a user guide this is definitely your type of camera.
Construction is neat enough that slipping in and out a new battery or Memory Card is a breeze. The only thing I found a bit of a bug was the small buttons with only icons to tell you what their use is, though once you master those icons its not much of an issue.
Picture quality is a bit sub-par even for a 12.2 megapixel camera, switching through the very limited features to different conditions and settings, it seems to do best without using the flash, and does better with more exposure time which is a bit out of the ordinary, the setting for best shot selection in particular allows for more exposure without too much fiddling with the settings. Obviously, there is a reason that was put on this camera.
As far as Portability goes this camera is compact enough for any purse or glove box, or even a pocket on the side of your pant leg. It weighs next to nothing and has the convenience of always being ready if you need it with its Lithium Ion Battery. Just a simple flick of a switch its ready to go and shoot 10 or 100 or 10,000 pictures depending on your memory card, and the picture quality selection.
I have yet to test the video clip setting on this camera, though am quite sure it would have the same quality or worse than a normal picture due to the already below average quality of pictures.
Overall, I got what I asked for, in some regard though was a bit disappointed at the picture quality and was forced to clip a star from it. Just don’t expect the world from it and you’ll be satisfied.
Rating: 45 / 5
I have been looking for a compact all around point and shoot camera for awhile now. I have used multiple cameras in the last few months, and I think I have found my favorite. I’m not an expert in terms of color reproduction, or other details aspects of the final photo, but I don’t see much to complain about in terms of photo quality.
PROS:
Ultra fast focus. This baby can focus and lock on in < 1 sec. This ensure that you'll be able to capture those timeless moments in a blink of an eye.
Fast startup. The startup of 0.7s is true, BUT only if you are in Auto Mode and Single Shot mode with AF/Center Focus. If you are in another mode or continuous/BSS, face detect, the camera takes almost 5 seconds before you can take your first show. Although I’m a little bit disapointed that the startup of the camera is limited to a very specific mode, I use Auto/Single/AF 99% of the time so I’m not too concerned.
Easy, intuitive controls. I didn’t have to read the manual, and I can get around easily.’
High ISO modes, up to 6400. Although I would not recommend anything greater than 800 (or even 400 if you can help it), just have a capability just in case is nice.
Fast 5x wide angle lens. This lens has a pretty standard wide angle lens, 28mm, but the nice thing is that is also a fast lens – maximum aperture of 2.7. Helps a bit in low light. 5x is more than what basic P&S have (usually 3x).
Extremely compact and solid. Its pretty small, but still has a good feel in your hand. Easily slips into your pocket.
CONS
Picture quality is just SO-SO. There hasn’t been many compact 12mp P&S that excel in picture quality. While its not terrible, its not something to be excited about. Its comparable to any of the SD800-SD960, SD1200 cameras.
ISO800 is barely usable, and anything above that I don’t recommend. Of course, I’ve been spoiled by DSLRs, but I was hoping for better.
Battery drains pretty quickly. I don’t get the 200+ shots that Nikon says I can get. I get maybe 100? Of course, I use flash sometimes, I replay the photo’s quite a bit, turn it on/off a lot. Maybe that 270 shots per battery is 270 continuous shots? I don’t know. Get a second one in my opinion.
This camera takes a while to write to the SD flash card. On my previous Canon SD800 and Panasonic ZR1, I was able to take a picture, and flip it to the playback mode instantly. Now, it takes about 1.5 seconds to write to the card, before I can enable the playback mode. Slightly annoying.
So, who is this camera for? Its for the amateur photographer who needs a fast, compact, basic Point and Shoot that will get the job done. I would recommend this over the Canon SD1200, SD800-SD960. But, because of the wide angle and fast shooting capability, you will be able to take quick shots which usually lead to more keeper photo’s.
Rating: 45 / 5