Nikon Coolpix SQ 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
by Nikon

Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details

• Unique twisting lens and flash can be orientated 90 degrees
• 3.1 megapixel sensor captures enough detail for prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical zoom plus 4x digital zoom (12x total); movie mode captures up to 40 seconds of video with audio
• Compatible with CompactFlash Type I memory cards; 16 MB card included
• Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL2 included); connects with Macs and PCs via USB port

• Adobe Photoshop CS5 Upgrade [Old Version]
• Serif PhotoPlus X3
• Adobe Photoshop CS4 Upgrade [OLD VERSION]
• Aperture 3
• Pixelmator [Old Version]

Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Nikon Coolpix SQ 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Customer Review: 3MP point and shoot with rotating lens
Summary: 3 Stars

cons:
- images noisier than expected, especially for a nikon.
- moderate barrel distortion at wide-angle.
- the flash and lens are very close and this leads to dust reflections and redeye.
- expensive for its feature set.
- no optical viewfinder - this makes it tough when you use this camera in bright sunlight.
- no manual controls except for white balance.
- not as compact as its competition: 3.2 x 3.2 x 1.0" weighing 6.3oz.
- RAW and TIFF formats not supported.
- so-so battery life.
- 16MB CF card provided is inadequate so add $$ to your budget to buy more memory.
- uses proprietary batteries so again, more $$ for a spare.

the coolpix sq has a unique design and looks very cool. the main selling point of this camera is its rotating lens - this is quite useful when you can't be directly behind the camera when taking your shots. i also like the AF assist light and the numerous scene modes. but the images were disappointing, especially for a nikon. plus there are other cameras out there that are smaller, have more features, and less expensive than the coolpix sq! two that i would recommend over the sq would be the pentax optio s or casio ex-z3. for even better image quality (in a slightly bigger package), also consider canon's sd100.

i hope this helps you with your buying decision. peace.

Description of Nikon Coolpix SQ 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Optics and Resolution
The Coolpix SQ's 1/2.7-inch high-density CCD employs 3.1 effective megapixels to produce 2,016 x 1,512-pixel images and 11 by 17-inch enlargements. Its 3x optical zoom Nikkor lens--featuring a 5.6-16.8mm focal range (equivalent to 37-111mm in 35mm photography)--and Nikon's advanced image-processing algorithm ensure exceptional color and sharpness. The camera also features a 4x digital zoom.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on CompactFlash memory cards (Type I), and a 16 MB card is included. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB storage-class connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the Coolpix SQ is capable of recording up to 40 seconds of video (with sound) at 15 frames per second, with 320 x 240 recorded pixels.

More Features
The Coolpix SQ comes with the Cool-Station cradle (MV-10). The battery recharges while the camera is in the cradle. Uploading images to a computer (via USB cable) requires a single press of the cradle's transfer button.

• 1.5-inch TFT (transreflective) LCD monitor for better outdoor performance.
• Built-in flash with auto, fill flash, flash cancel, and red-eye reduction modes.
• 15 scene modes, including portrait, night portrait, party/indoor, and more
• 5-mode manual white balance with fine tuning, preset and white balance bracketing.
• Automatic noise reduction function for superior images at slow shutter speeds.
• 5-area multi-autofocus for easier photo composition.
• Macro shooting capability as close as 1.6 inches.

Imaging Software
Nikon's NikonView 6 imaging software offers a number of powerful features. Add date and time imprinting (or just a date) to the front of your picture as a reminder when the image was taken. Select one or more images you want to share and use the simplified e-mail function within NikonView 6 to size it for a small, medium or large screen. A copy of the image is resized (the original is maintained), then is attached to a new e-mail message in your default e-mail program. NikonView 6 also has a new feature that automatically removes most typical occurrences of red-eye with the touch of a button.

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery EN-EL2 (included). It measures 3.3 x 3.3 x 1.0 inches and weighs 7.6 ounces with battery. This package includes the Coolpix SQ digital camera, 16 MB CompactFlash card, Cool-Station cradle (MV-10), USB and A/V cables, AC adapter, hand strap, and Nikon View CD-ROM and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

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