Nikon CoolPix S9100 pocket megazoom camera

Nikon introduced their latest addition to their S9xx category in February. The camera, called the Nikon S9100, is a pocket megazoom that both fits comfortably in your pocket and zooms to a whopping 18x.

The megazoom – or ultra zoom – category is a specialized branch of point-and-shoot cameras that combines the maneuverability and spontaneity of a small pocket sized camera with the performance of a DSLR. While it’s true that the versatility of a megazoom is by no means comparable to that of a true DSLR, the former is much less expensive, lighter and more compact, which means it settles well with people that need to bring home a special memento from their travel and don;t have the money or the time to invest in a DSLR.

Lens extended for 18x zoom

The Nikon Coolpix S9100 has a wide angle zoom NIKKOR ED glass lens that goes anywhere from 25mm to 420 mm. The camera supports stereo video shooting with as much as full HD 1080p, and comes with a three-inch Color display on the back. Also, at 1.4 inches thin and weighing as little as 200 grams, this camera is comfortable to use and to travel with.

Also note the HDMI port

The software that comes with the Nikon is also impressive. Because 18x is a massive zoom for a point-and-shoot camera, the S9100 comes with a five-way Hybrid VR Image Stabilizer. The stabilized image is then translated in as much as 12.1 megapixels per picture. You will have an array of 19 scene settings to choose from, and if you’re a novice then the camera will make your choice for you with the Auto selection.

Panoramas will be easily constructed via the internal processing engine that will combine your images on the fly, without the need for post-photo image handling. The Coolpix S9100 further broadens the processing choices for your pictures with Sepia effect, B&W, High key and Low Key effects, Soft effect that smooths the rough elements of the image. You can even choose Color Selection to bring life to an otherwise dull and monotone picture.

View from the top

A final point on Nikon’s Motion Detector technology, that will work on Auto mode and will detect whenever something is moving and will prep your camera in terms of ISO and shutter so you only need press shoot and the setup will have been already adjusted. Add to that the Best Shot selector that lets you take a burst of up to 10 images in a row and chooses the sharpest of them.

View from back

The Nikon S9100 has a rechargeable Li-Ion battery to last you for 270 shots. This might not be that much, but the features involved will clearly make up for the lack in stamina. The camera will set you back $330, but we think it is well worth it. Take a look at the following videos as well to see the Nikon S9100 in action.

Availability

If you want one of the three colors Nikon CoolPix S9100: the black, silver or red versions you have to pay $329 on Amazon.com. It’s a small price for such a nice featured camera.