Overview

The Nikon Coolpix S3 is a sleek ultra compact digital camera with a 6 megapixel resolution and 3x optical zoom. The S3 is only 20mm thin and the internal zoom lens means that the lens never protrudes from the camera body.

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Available Reviews

• Nikon Coolpix S3 review at CNet Asia
• Nikon Coolpix S3 review at imaging resource
• Nikon Coolpix S3 review at Steve's Digicams
• Nikon Coolpix S3 review at Bytesector
• Nikon Coolpix S3 review at Cameras.co.uk
• Nikon Coolpix S3 review at LetsGoDigital
• Sony Cybershot DSC T7 vs Nikon Coolpix S3

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Features

Ultra Compact Design
The Coolpix S3 fits comfortably in any pocket and it a true go anywhere camera. It is only 20 mm thick and weighs only 118 grams (without the battery). Also, because of its internal, non protruding, zoom lens design there is no risk of damaging the lens if the camera is switch on accidentally while being carried inside a pocket

Large LCD Display
Despite its small size, the Coolpix S3 features a large 2.5 inch LCD display, which makes it easy to take photos and view them afterwards.

Energy efficient
The Coolpix S3 manages to take up to 190 shots with one and the same battery, quite remarkable for such a small camera.

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Specifications

Resolution: 6.0 megapixel, 1/2.5 in. CCD
Lens: 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED; 5.8-17.4mm (35mm [135] format equivalent to 35-105mm); f/3.0-5.4; 12 elements in 10 groups;
Focus range: 30cm (12 in.) to infinity (∞), 4cm (1.6 in.) to infinity (∞) in Macro Mode
Display: 2.5 in. LCD
Storage media: SD card
Movie: 640×480 at 15 fps
Capture modes: 1) Single, 2) Continuous (approx. 1.6fps), 3) Multi-shot 16 (16 frames 1/16 in size)
Built-in flash: Range: 0.3-2.5m/ 1 ft. – 8 ft. 2 in. (W), 0.3-1.4m/ 1 ft. – 4 ft. 7 in. (T)
Flash modes: Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Flash cancel, Anytime flash and Slow sync.
Interface: USB
Battery: battery pack
Battery life (approx.): 190 shots
Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 89.9 x 57.5 x 19.7mm (3.5 x 2.3 x 0.8 in.)
Weight: Approx. 118g (4 oz.) (without battery and memory card)

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Press Release

Nikon has taken digital camera design and shooting power to a new level with the announcement of the latest COOLPIX S3 compact camera.

Like the COOLPIX S1 and COOLPIX S2, the COOLPIX S3 has a slim, elegant and ultra-portable design. In addition, the camera offers higher shooting performance of 6.0 effective megapixels and features innovative Nikon functions that enable the user to improve images in-camera.

Slim yet powerful
Like the S1 and S2, the COOLPIX S3 manages to pack a powerful 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens** (35mm equivalent) whilst retaining a surprisingly slim depth of just 19.7mm. The lens also makes use of Nikon’s “right-angled” optics system, which enables the lens to function throughout its focal range without ever protruding from the camera body.

The COOLPIX S3 has a large, bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor, eliminating the need for a viewfinder and makes it easy to play back shots on the spot. Operation is easy thanks to a choice of Graphic User Interfaces (GUI) that gives the user the ability to select functions by either name or icon.

Always ready to use
Designed to deliver swift and efficient performance, the COOLPIX S3 lets the user take up to 190 shots (approx.) with a single rechargeable EN-EL8 battery (based on CIPA standard***), while delivering a speedy start-up time of just 1 second (approx.) and continuous shooting at up to 1.6fps (approx.).

A range of exciting Nikon features make it possible to improve images in-camera to help produce great shots even in challenging conditions.

D-Lighting
The D-Lighting function can be easily selected in Playback Mode to rescue shots with insufficient exposure. This allows the user to select shots taken with insufficient flash or excessive backlighting.

Face priority function
Nikon’s clever Face-priority AF function is available in Portrait Mode. Automatically detecting the presence of a human face in the frame, this function then achieves sharp focus accordingly to produce pleasing portraits, regardless of where the subject is located in the shot.

No more red eye
The COOLPIX S3 also features the In-Camera Red-Eye Fix function, which has the ability to detect the red-eye effect that can sometimes be caused by flash, then automatically corrects for it in-camera. The COOLPIX S3 is additionally equipped with the convenient Blur Warning function. Assisting the achievement of the best possible results, it alerts users whenever an image has been affected by camera shake, giving them the chance to recompose and shoot again before leaving the scene.

Setting the Scene
Making operation even easier still, the COOLPIX S3 offers a range of Scene Modes that make it simple to achieve pleasing results in a wide range of common shooting situations. There is a total of 17 different Scene Modes to choose from in all.

Featuring 12MB of internal memory, the COOLPIX S3 lets users go on shooting even if they are not carrying any memory media. Such internal memory also makes it possible for users to transfer images between SD memory cards. The COOLPIX S3 has the ability to shoot high-quality movies too, offering four different movie modes with 15fps performance.

Taking the fun and versatility even further still, the COOLPIX S3 also comes complete with Nikon’s proprietary PictureProject software — making it easy to edit, organise and share images with a wide range of user-friendly functions.

* Colour availability varies according to region.
** Nikon’s ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass offers superior sharpness and optimal colour correction.
*** Industry standard for measuring life of camera batteries. Measured at 25ºC (77ºF); zoom adjusted with each shot, built-in flash fired with every other shot, image mode set to Normal.
**** Not available in some countries or areas.

Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.