Nikon’s flagship Coolpix S9100 series is a pretty functional and stylish camera. Its compact size makes it possible to carry it with you at all times. The new 18x zoom lens will capture almost any scene, and the easy operation allows you to easily respond to changing shooting conditions.
Functionality
Nikon S9100 features a back-illuminated CMOS sensor BSI-CMOS . Compared to previous generations of sensors, it offers reduced digital noise. The three-inch LCD screen holds 912,000. points, so just like on professional DSLRs, it is quite realistic to assess the accuracy of focusing and detail of the pictures. To combat blurred images the camera uses Hibryd VR technology – a combination of matrix shift system and electronic vibration reduction.
The selector dial modes offer photographers more options. In night landscape and night portrait modes, you can use the menu to specify whether you want to shoot handheld or tripod I guess this is how the stabilization system is indirectly turned on/off . Backlight mode offers HDR function, which automatically combines shots taken with different exposures into one.
In burst mode it offers the richest choice. First of all, you can shoot in full resolution at high and low speeds. Pre-shooting cache mode is useful for fleeting events: It records several frames before you’ve even pressed the shutter button. High-speed shooting though with a low resolution makes it possible to capture very quick movement or process. The good old fashioned BSS function that automatically chooses the sharpest picture in the burst sequence. To study the phases of rapid movement of the subject, when you do not need high detail, Nikon cameras and this model is no exception offer multi-camera mode: one five-megapixel image contains 16 small frames taken in series.
No separate position on the dial for video, but a button to instantly start shooting. The camera records video in a large number of formats. We get the best quality when shooting in Full HD resolution 1920×1080 pixels and at 30 frames per second. It’s worth mentioning that HS mode has the ability to record slow motion 120 and 60 fps as well as high speed 15 fps video.
When shooting a dynamic scene is very useful function auto ISO selection: by default, the automatic operates the values within the range of 160-800 units. In other situations, the range limitation function within the range of 160-400 is very useful.
Smart Portrait Mode, in addition to its now standard Face Detection function, also offers a smile detection shutter release and a blink warning. Also noteworthy is the panoramic photography. The camera allows you to shoot a series of overlapping exposures in both horizontal and vertical camera positions. The device creates a separate folder for each series, which is very convenient.
Test Shooting
Looking at the pictures taken by Nikon S9100 outside in good light, I was pleased with the natural and saturated colors, as well as the correct exposure. But when shooting with low light I noticed that the automatic system was too enthusiastic about taking out details from the shadows, which made the picture look brighter than the original. Yet nothing prevents you from making the necessary exposure compensation.
When shooting portraits in natural light from a window using the appropriate scene program, the camera automation boldly “juggled” the values of shutter speed and light sensitivity. She doesn’t let herself use shutter speeds over 1/30 second, and increases the ISO to a maximum of 640. Image quality and detail at this value can be considered quite acceptable. When shooting portraits in backlight, the bright background did not mislead the robot, and it processed the face and the figure very correctly, however, sacrificing the bright areas of the background. I was also pleasantly surprised with the results of portrait photography with flash. This mode was a bit of a challenge for previous generations of Nikon compacts, but in this case I cannot really complain about the exposure, colors and details.
I tested the effectiveness of the stabilization system at the maximum f-stop of the lens, where it is most useful. Well, the shutter speed was slowed down to about 3.5 stops 1/40 sec , and the majority of the pictures came out sharp. If you try hard, you can get about half of the shots sharp, and the rest just a little blurry. As for the image detail in general, owners of cameras with large sensors may find it insufficient, especially in non-contrast parts of the pictures. But you can’t expect the same from a camera with a 1/2.3 inch sensor and lens with such a high magnification. By the way, it keeps the back light well and keeps contrast in most parts of the frame.
I noticed that in low light conditions at over 400 ISO the picture quality suffers from digital noise. And it’s not just the shutter speed. Though in such situations as taking pictures in shallow shade, the pictures are almost “noisy” even at 800, and even at 1600 ISO. But this extreme value of 3200 ISO should only be used as a last resort. In general, if you don’t demand too much from the camera for this class it will be good for travel photography.
Picture tests
Clicking on the picture enables you to see a larger image. You can exit the full screen mode by clicking outside the field of view
Taken from the same point at different focal lengths, it shows the range of the zoom.
High quality lens. Holds backlight well against the sun, no decrease in contrast 25mm, f/3.5, 1/1000s, ISO 160 .
When shooting a portrait against a bright background, the face and silhouette are nicely exposed 91mm, f/4.9, 1/160s, ISO 160 .
True color reproduction with saturated colors and accurate exposure metering on a bright sunny day 25mm, f/7, 1/500s, ISO 160 .
Telecro mode. Despite the relatively slow shutter speed, it’s quite sharp. Almost no over-lit areas in high contrast lighting 292mm, f/5.3, 1/200s, ISO 160 .
Water shots are always a challenge for the exposure metering system, but in this case, the camera handled the difficult scene well 450mm, f/5.9, 1/320s, ISO 160 .
At maximum focus I prefer to shoot with a tripod, but even with handheld photography the quality is still good 450mm, f/5.9, 1/160s, ISO 160 .
I am really interested in purchasing a compact camera, specifically the Nikon Coolpix S9100. Can anyone provide me with a review or personal experiences with this model? I would love to hear about its image quality, zoom capabilities, ease of use, and any other standout features. Thank you in advance for your insights!
What specific features does the Nikon Coolpix S9100 compact camera offer?
The Nikon Coolpix S9100 compact camera offers a variety of features that make it a popular choice for both amateur and professional photographers. Some of the key features include a powerful 18x optical zoom lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths, up to 12.1 megapixel resolution for high-quality images, a back-illuminated CMOS sensor for improved low-light performance, Full HD video recording capabilities, a high-resolution 3-inch LCD display, built-in GPS for geotagging images, and various shooting modes and creative filters to enhance your photos. Overall, the Nikon Coolpix S9100 is a versatile and compact camera that delivers excellent image quality and performance.
I recently came across a test of the Nikon Coolpix S9100 compact camera and I’m quite impressed with its features. However, I wanted to ask fellow readers if anyone has experience using this camera and if they could share their thoughts on its image quality, ease of use, and overall performance. Are there any notable drawbacks or limitations I should be aware of before considering this camera? Your insights would be greatly appreciated!