Review: Nikon Coolpix S7c digital camera

The latest pocket camera in Nikon’s slim-line S (for Style) series, the subtly curvaceous S7c, upgrades the S6 by marrying a 7.1-megapixel resolution to a 3x optical zoom.

But the headline features are electronic vibration reduction to counteract camera shake, Face Priority AF that zeroes in on a human face, plus a built-in Wifi for wirelessly downloading or printing images. Alternatively there’s a USB docking cradle via which the 200-shot battery is charged.

The first thing you notice upon picking up the solid-feel Coolpix S7c is its huge and clear 3in screen in the absence of an optical viewfinder. Buttons ranged to the right include controls for swapping between image capture and review, plus a mode button which summons up a virtual iPod-like dial onscreen for selecting key functions.

Also featured is a multi-selector control that has a scroll wheel and ‘ok’ button at its centre for confirming changes. Since the likes of flash settings, self-timer and macro (close up) function are accessed via a thin strip of plastic around its outer circumference, it makes for a slightly fiddly operation.

More positively, the camera powers up in under two seconds, the LCD blinking into life with the internally stacked zoom set at maximum wide angle, perfect for those spur-of-the-moment party group shots.

Such use is fitting, because, with its large screen and cool styling, the Coolpix S7c is a camera as much for sharing pictures as taking them, while vibration reduction and ISO1600 light sensitivity aid shooting in the dim without the bleaching effect of flash.

Fifteen pre-optimised scene modes and graphic menu icons complete the easy-to-use package. Fast to capture and write maximum resolution images to 14MB internal memory or optional SD card, results are coolly naturalistic.

Grain-like image noise is however unavoidable when shooting indoors (most noticeable upwards of ISO800) and, despite the vibration reduction, the S7c delivered its share of soft shots. If you opt for the flash, you’ll need the built-in red-eye reduction.

On the downside, the location of the lens to the far right of the camera body (if viewed front on) means you have to watch out for stray fingertips creeping into frame when gripping with both hands.

Despite the occasional lack of critical sharpness, Nikon has packed just about all you could want from a point-and-shoot into the S7c.

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