Nikon Coolpix S5100

This largely metal-built compact camera combines a 12-megapixel resolution with a 5x optical zoom lens (equivalent to a wide 28-140mm on an old film camera), making it suited to both portraits and landscapes.

The lens retracts when the camera is not in use, so with a width of only 2.2cm it easily fits into any pocket.

The S5100 was commendably quick to respond, powering up in around a second. The camera’s size isn’t enough for a handgrip, but Nikon has helped minimise blurred images by including mechanical image stabilisation to counterbalance shaky hands.

A half-press of the shutter button and the camera determined focus and exposure settings very quickly. The point it’s auto-focusing on is highlighted in green and a beep indicates that it’s ready to shoot. A top-resolution file took just two seconds to be saved to the SD memory card (not included).

Without an optical viewfinder, the 2.7in screen at the rear is used to compose and review pictures. This is supported by a basic but functional control layout that won’t fox first time users. A camcorder-like record button, for filming video clips in the 720p high-definition resolution, is a helpful addition.

If we’ve a minor grumble it’s that the choice of shooting modes is hidden behind a button marked Scene rather than the more obvious Mode, or using a dial. There are in fact several modes available, including a fully automatic one, 18 subject-specific scene options, plus Nikon’s smart portrait and subject tracking option, which are useful if the people you’re shooting are on the move as you photograph them. All we had to do was point and shoot.

While the 5x zoom lens was useful, allowing more framing options than smaller lenses, it made a buzzing mechanical noise so it can’t be used when recording video with sound.

Though photos appeared a little muddy in lower-than-ideal light conditions, when brightness was better the camera delivered impressively sharp results.

While the Coolpix S5100 is £50 more than direct rivals, we felt the extra spend was worth it in return for better picture quality and the fast, consistent performance.