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THIS ULTRA-SLIM, 5-megapixel camera not only looks good, but its unique feature set is designed for photographers who want to concentrate more on taking pictures than fiddling with controls. The Coolpix S1 doesn't quite beat some of the 5-megapixel competition when it comes to image quality and performance, but its built-in technology makes ease-of-use one of its strong points.
Less than an inch thin, the S1 is slip-in-your-pocket slender and is generally comfortable to hold. Just be careful not to let your fingers slip in front of the lens. There's no optical viewfinder, but the 2.5" LCD works well in all but extreme sunlight. A cradle is included, but isn't necessary for charging.
While the camera's features are meant to take all the worry out of picturetaking, some of the camera's controls are dual-function, so you'll need to read the manual to get going. Once you understand what this camera can do, there's not much thinking involved, and when set in text mode, the on-board menu system is clear and easily legible.
Using the S1's long list of scene modes is even easier with its Scene Assist feature, which sets up frames on the LCD, so you can correctly position the subject within the scene. With Face Priority Autofocus, the camera looks for the closest person's face and makes sure it's in focus. This works some of the time, but not always, so it's important to double-check the focus before snapping the shutter. Other notable features include Nikon's D-Lighting, which lightens underexposed images in playback and an in-camera redeye fix—very cool stuff.
Other than decent continuous shooting speeds, the S1 delivered only average performance. Even with an AF illuminator, low-light focus was slow and uneven, with and its limited shutter speeds this camera is better for shooting stationary objects.
Image quality didn't shine either. Although our test shots showed vivid colors and most were accurately exposed, images weren't as sharp as we had hoped. However, snapshot-sized prints looked fine.
–THEANO NIKITAS
Coolpix S1: 
Nikon | www.nikondigital.com | 800-645-6689 | $380
Pros: Automated on-board features that make snapshooting easy, cool design, large LCD, cradle included (but not necessary for charging), printed manual.
Cons: Average performance and image quality.
Requires: Power Mac, built-in USB port, OS 10.1.5 or higher
macHOME recommends: Large SD card
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