Category:
Point-and-Shoot
Nikon's
new Coolpix SQ makes a strong fashion statement
with its square, all brushed metallic body and
twist lens. The Coolpix SQ has 3.1 megapixels
resolution, a 3x optical zoom, 15 scene modes
to take the guesswork out of most exposure situations,
all in a very elegant body that is only 3.2 (W)
x 3.2 (H) x 1.0 (D) in. and weighing in at 6.3
oz.
As with the Coolpix 3500, the Coolpix SQ does
not have a viewfinder, so you will have to rely
on the 1.5 in. LCD to frame your picture. As with
the Coolpix 4300, the Coolpix SQ has only two
aperture settings at F2.7 and (probably uses a
filter like in the 4300 to simulate a second aperture
at) F5.4. Is this a limiting factor? As always,
the quality of the pictures speak for themselves.
Come to think about it, the Coolpix SQ is more
or less a 4300 with a twist lens.
The swivel lens (120° forward, 90° backward)is
a Nikon Coolpix signature, and kudos to Nikon
for advertising the lens as a 3x optical zoom,
instead of touting the total optical + digital
zoom. As readers know, we look very poorly at
camera manufacturers who tout the total zoom of
their digital cameras. We repeat again: digital
zoom is not 'real' zoom, degrades the image quality,
and can be accomplished at any time in an image
editing software. Therefore, never use digital
zoom to compare cameras; always use the optical
zoom. The Nikon Coolpix SQ wins our OriGenial™
Seal of Approval.
We
like the Nikon Coolpix SQ for the many scene modes
that cover all kinds of situations and make up
for the lack of Shutter Priority and Aperture
Priority modes. A first for Nikon is the inclusion
of a green LED low-light focus-assist illuminator.
The Coolpix SQ is aimed squarely at the fashion-conscious
point-and-shoot photographers. If you take mostly
sunny outdoors pictures (indoors, low-light photography
continues to be a challenge), then the Coolpix
SQ may be the right digital camera for you.
Read
the Quick Preview from Steve's Digicams
Read
the Quick Preview from DPReview
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Nikon
Coolpix SQ |
QuickFact™
Sheet
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Megapixels |
3.1 |
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Lens |
Zoom-Nikkor |
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 Maximum
Aperture |
F2.7
(only 2 aperture settings: F2.7 and F5.4) |
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Optical
Zoom |
3x |
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35mm
Equivalent |
37-111mm |
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Macro |
4
cm / 1.6 in. |
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Shutter
Speed |
2
- 1/2,000 sec. |
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White
Balance |
Auto,
Manual, Pre-set, White Balance Bracketing
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Exposure
Control / Shooting Modes |
Auto,
Manual, 15 Scene Modes (Portrait, Party/Indoor,
Night Portrait, Beach/Snow, Landscape, Sunset,
Night Landscape, Museum, Fireworks Show, Close
Up, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist, Sport,
Dawn/Dusk); Exposure Compensation +/- 2 EV
in 1/3 EV steps |
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Light
Metering |
Matrix,
Centre-Weighted, Center-Spot |
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Storage
Media |
CompactFlash
(CF) Card Type I (16 MB incl.) |
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Dimensions
(W x H x D) |
82
x 82 x 25.5 mm /
3.2 x 3.2 x 1.0 in. |
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Weight
(camera body only) |
180
g / 6.3 oz. |
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Other |
1.5
in. CD (117.6K pixels);
40 sec. QuickTime movie with sound;
Voice Memo;
Li-ion rechargeable battery;
ISO 80;
Cool-Station docking cradle |
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MSRP |
$499.99 |
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Product technical specifications (including MSRP and Included Accessories)
are as represented by the manufacturer and subject to manufacturer's change
without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer or of Photoxels.
Included Accessories may also differ by country or area. Please verify latest
specs from the appropriate manufacturer's site.
Before you buy, do your homework and verify a seller's reputation. One
source you may want to check with is Resellerratings.com.
And remember, if a price seems to good to be true, it probably is.
DISCLAIMER:
We strive for accuracy in reproducing these specs, but being human, we do occasionally make mistakes. Also, in the early stages of a product introduction, you can almost guarantee there will be some errors from the manufacturers themselves as they update their sites. If you see any mistakes, please contact us. We do appreciate your writing in with the corrections and thank you in advance!
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