Coolpix Digital Camera

Nikon Coolpix S510 Digital Camera Review

by Karen M. Cheung

The Nikon Coolpix S510 competes with many similar digital cameras currently on the market. It has standard features, including 8.1 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom lens, but, according to Nikon, is faster and produces less noise than competing cameras. Introduced in August 2007, the Nikon camera has face detection and optical vibration reduction image stabilization.

Physical Tour
Front (7.5)
The front of the Coolpix S510 has a flat, smooth surface and features an extending, three-tiered lens. On the inner ring is the text “Nikkor 3x Optical Zoom VR” on the top, with “5.7-17.1mm” focal length and “1:2.8-4.7” aperture information on the bottom rim. Beneath the lens are three built-in microphone holes. Above the lens is the long, built-in capsule-shaped flash and a circular assist illuminator for autofocus and the self-timer.

The right side of the front leaves plenty of space for the right hand to grab onto. A gray Nikon logo sits in the corner, along with an engraved Coolpix logo.

Back (6.75)
The 2.5-inch LCD, which sits on a slightly elevated platform, takes up most of the camera's back. Underneath the monitor is a dark gray Nikon logo. To the right of the screen are the majority of the camera's controls. On the top of the miniature-sized control panel is a sliver of a zoom toggle with black icon labels, indicating its various functions. Underneath the zoom toggle is a flash indicator lamp and five raised squares, a small attempt at thumb rest support.

Halfway down the back is the rotating dial, which acts as a four-way controller for menu navigation and functions for Self-timer, Flash, Focus, and EV compensation. Surrounding the rotary multi-selector are four identical rectangular buttons for Mode, Playback, Menu, and Trash.

Right Side (4.0)
The right side of the Nikon Coolpix S510 contains the A/V-out terminal with ports for audio, video, and USB connection hidden under a door. There is also an eyelet for a wrist strap.

Left Side (7.0)
The left side of the Nikon S510 doesn’t have any key features. There are three tiny screws that hold the exterior plates together.

Top (7.0)
The top of the Nikon Coolpix S510 is fairly bare. A flash operation lamp separates the shutter release from the triangular on/off power button.

Bottom (4.25)
The bottom of the camera features the dual battery and memory card compartment on the right side of the body, housed under a plastic hinged, locking door. To the left side is the battery serial number, an off-axis tripod socket, and three tiny screws.