Nikon COOLPIX S510 8 Megapixel Digital Camera - Silver

I purchased this camera 4 the sole purpose of having a time lapse camera. That is a small feature that is noticeably absent from most point & shoots out there. This feature doesn't disappoint. You can have it automatically record a 30 fps .avi file, or just keep the images from the time lapse separate. I was a little apprehensive that the time lapse was only VGA quality, but with video that's fine. I kind of wish there were an option 2 take pictures at intervals less than 30 seconds. The camera is smart enough 2 turn off the display in time lapse 2 save battery life. I love this feature & it has really opened my eyes 2 see things in a new light.

Other thoughts: VERY noisy above ISO 400. ISO 1600 unusable - unless you're using it 2 time lapse, at which point the noise is not so noticeable. Don't ask me why I had the ISO kicked up so high since I obviously had the camera stationary, it was a mistake. On that note, this camera does allow you 2 set the ISO, & of course it does have auto ISO.

I like the metal front. I love the very fast startup time. The screen in the back is pretty bad. It really makes images look grainier than they are.

I would buy this camera again. Given the features & the low cost, I can get over the bad screen & poor low-light performance. The images are what matters & this camera definitely performs.

Purchased this camera as a gift & the recipient is thrilled with it. We both like the image stabilization feature, particularly in a pocket-sized camera. Camera has the versatility 2 allow the simplest of high quality point-and-shoot 4 the beginner, but with the capability 2 control more of the picture taking process, if desired. Great camera with nice array of features 4 a fantastic price.

My wife asked 4 a low frills, easy 2 use camera 2 take with her on vacation & 2 use 2 document work situations. This camera fit the bill; I didn't have 2 spend more than 5 minutes helping her become familiar with it. Next 2 jewelery, it is probably her favorite present.

The Nikon S510 is a very good small camera. If you want a small take along camera you can't find a better camera. I took several photos with my Canon S30 & compared them 2 this camera & the Nikon had better sharpness & depth of field focus at same lighting & same all auto settings. It looks like this camera has been replaced by the S210 which is similar in specs, but sells 4 a lot less. If you get a good deal on the S510 it still might be a better deal than the S210 since they look like about the same camera. Movies come out great if you like 2 play with that stuff. If I had 2 give it a rating comparing it 2 all the cameras at any price & size it would probably be a 3.8 star, but 4 a small inexpensive camera it is a 5.

Nikon COOLPIX S510 8 Megapixel Digital Camera - Silver


I'm a digital portrait photographer, & I have a DSLR & alot of equipment that I lug around whenever I'm on a shoot. My digital SLR is a workhorse... however, it's heavy & it's an expensive camera (not 2 mention the lenses that I work with), & it's just not practical or logical 2 carry it around when I'm not doing a formal shoot with a client.

So, I looked into getting a small, compact, & cheap (money-wise) point-and-shoot camera that I could slip into my pocket or my purse 4 everyday moments, that I could whip out at any second & start taking pictures.
I had a Canon SD800 IS 4 awhile... & while it was an okay camera, it tended 2 blow out the highlights more often than not... so I searched again... & knowing that Nikon tends 2 be a bit more conservative with highlights, I came across this little camera, the s510.
I didn't need a high-end point-and-shoot. I already have my DSLR, & high end compacts tend 2 be larger than a pocket... & I wanted something cheap, around $150 or so, & this fit the ticket.

The image quality is good, if you're not expecting gallery quality photos, but it's still great 4 prints up 2 8x10, at least... it's great 4 snapshots of friends, family, kids, pets.... it's an everyday camera. The video quality is something I am impressed with, taking decent sized videos that look great, especially in the right lighting conditions... but the audio is so-so, so if you're looking 4 a camera that'll take clear sound files, look elsewhere.

It is definitely 4 people with smaller hands... if you have bigger, bulky hands, then you'll find the small buttons annoying, especially the zoom. I'm a young female with average hands, & I don't have a problem with it, but my boyfriend, who has much larger hands, can't stand it.

Overall, it's a fantastic camera if you're not expecting miraculous pictures all the time, & if you're just looking 4 a small (and it is indeed a very, VERY small camera) that you can store in your pocket or purse.

I found this review, http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/CPS510/CPS510A.HTM ,
very helpful, if you are interested in this camera.

Seize the day, moment by photogenic moment, with the Nikon Coolpix S510. With the 3x zoom Nikkor lens, you've got the quality optics 2 capture a great image, while the 8.1 megapixels ensure a fine high resolution 4 large prints & images. This model also has VR Optical Image Stabilization built in, eliminating motion blur from even the shakiest photographer's work. High Response allows the camera 2 power-up within 0.7 seconds & shutter delay of only 5ms. You can use the One Touch Portrait Button 2 focus on faces & instantly fix red-eye, & the Auto adjusts up 2 ISO 2000, so you can even shoot in low light. When you're done, you can review & show off your pictures on the 2.5 inch high definition LCD monitor. Finally, its slim, compact design lets it find a home in any pocket or bag until the next memorable moment comes along. 2.5-inch high-level contrast LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating High sensitivity of up 2 ISO 2000, High-Sensitivity mode Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations 4 high performance - Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix & D-Lighting Face-priority AF can be selected outside of Scene Modes Stores images on SD & SDHC memory cards (13MB memory built-in, additional 1GB memory card or higher recommended) Sophisticated wave-surface design characteristic of COOLPIX S series Slim & compact, stylish silver exterior Aluminum front panel exuding a sense of high quality, metal-plated side panel AV out 4 viewing images on TV screen USB 4 data transfer 2 Windows PC or Macintosh computer Unit Dimensions - (W x H x D) - Approx. 3.5 x 2.0 x 0.9 in (88 x 51 x 22mm) excluding projections Weight - Approx. 4.4 oz (125 g) without battery & SD memory card