Pocket zoom Nikon Coolpix S630, touch screen Coolpix S230 unveiled

[David Rasnake]

Nikon completely refreshed its line of Coolpix Style models this evening as well, launching a slate of new cameras that includes a touch screen model as well as compact long-zoom camera.

Coolpix S630 is Nikon's take on "pocket zoom" concept
Although it doesn't pack the long-zoom punch of cameras like Panasonic's new ZS3, the 7x zoom Nikon Coolpix S630 nonetheless breaks new ground for Nikon, bringing the manufacturer into the growing "pocket zoom" space.

Available in five colors including purple, blue, and red, the curvaceous S630 features a 12 megapixel sensor behind its 7x zoom lens, and a 2.7 inch anti-glare screen on the back panel.

Like the advanced P90 ultrazoom, the S630 takes advantage of Nikon's newly developed Sport Continuous high speed shooting mode (which provides 11 fps reduced-res shooting in this application), as well as the manufacturer's Smart Portrait System for capturing better people pics with minimal user input.

Sensor-shifting image stabilization is employed in this application, and the S630 is capable of capturing shots at up to ISO 6400 (with some limitations on image size).

Touch screen interface returns in Nikon Coolpix S230
Building on both the success of Nikon's previous touch screen efforts in the Coolpix S60 and the popularity of the company's ultra-slim, low-cost S210, the Nikon Coolpix S230 combines an ultracompact form factor with touch screen control.

Unlike the S60, which relied almost exclusively on the touch interface (even for functions like zoom control), the S230 strikes what may ultimately be a better balance – combining its 3.0 inch touch-sensitive display with a handful of dedicated buttons and a traditional zoom toggle.

Built around a 3x Nikkor zoom lens and a 10.0 megapixel imager, the S230 features many of the auto-exposure options – including the Scene Auto Selector and Smart Portrait System – seen in Nikon's other 2009 launches. Image stabilization is handled by Nikon's Electronic VR technology in this case, which measures camera shake and applies post-shot sharpening accordingly.

Additionally, the S230 brings several touch-related features to the table. Users can draw on their images using the aptly named Draw Function in playback mode, or add stamps or frames to images using the Paint Function. In both cases, the S230 saves the edited image as a new file, keeping unaltered originals intact.

S620 provides stylish, wide-angle ultracompact alternative
For those who like the S630's style but prefer a more conventional 4x, wide-angle optic, Nikon is also launching the 12 megapixel Coolpix S620 ultracompact.

Touting quick performance courtesy of Nikon's EXPEED processing, the S620 features an AF tracking mode, an automatic scene preset selection system, lens-shift image stabilization, and, perhaps most impressively, ISO 6400 shooting at full resolution.

Other basic specs and features of the S620 include a 2.7 inch LCD, Nikon's D-Lighting shadow/highlight balancing function.

S220 gives Nikon's budget ultracompact a facelift
The Coolpix S210 has consistently ranked among the most popular cameras on this site: we're suspecting users were drawn to the value-minded model's combination of high-end features and budget-friendly pricing.

With the S220, Nikon has simultaneously updated its most frugal ultracompact and dropped its initial retail price. The new junior S model features a 10 megapixel sensor, a 3x optical zoom, and, in what has become this camera's trademark, a tiny, slender body measuring less than 0.7 inches thick.

A 2.5 inch handles shot composition and image playback. Other advanced features include D-Lighting, Electronic VR, high-sensitivity shooting at up to ISO 2000, and Nikon's Scene Auto Selector.

Pricing and Availability
Available in five colors, including pink, blue, and pearl, the S620 goes on sale later this month for a suggested price of $269.95. The higher spec S630 will also be available in February, retailing for $279.95.

The S220 continues the S210's tradition as Nikon's value leader, with an extremely attractive retail price of just $149.95. In the same vein, the touch screen S230 makes a premium touch-interface ultracompact more affordable than ever, priced at $229.95. As with the 600-series models, both 200-series cameras will be available for purchase this month.

[KCook]

Now I need a magic wand to blend the lens and stylish case of the new S620 with the geezer proof controls of the S220 and the cool thumb pocket on the back of the S630.

geezer Kelly

[KCook]

Got to see the new S220 at a Target today. While the styling has been refreshed, the controls and user interface seemed unchanged from the prior S210. So, in my view, this model remains an attractive auto-shooter. But enthusiasts may find more satisfaction in a Fuji F45fd, Panny LZ-series, Samsung SL2##, or Sony W-series.

Kelly