How useful the S32 is, in my opinion, I describe based on 4 aspects:
1 feel, appearance, processing
The camera about the size of a pack of cigarettes, all the corners are very rounded, which protects from drops and makes it - easy to grip just for children. At just 200 grams, it is also nice and light.
The lens is relatively centrally and the lightning about it, sounds banal but in my experience is quite advantageous because in a flash at the upper corner quickly sometimes a finger is over it.
Well like I have the big trigger buttons: right for photos, left (with red point) for videos. The menu keys to the left of the display, I found a bit irritating at first, they simplify operation but enormous.
The display is rather small, but still sufficient for snapshots with 6.7 cm diagonal.
The processing makes a very high-quality impression (though I had expected nothing less from Nikon).
Rating 5 out of 5
2. lens, image quality
(Even) Due to the design here is the weak point of the camera. NIKKOR zoom lens is fixed in the housing and can not enter and leave. It has only a 3-fold zoom (equivalent to 30-90 mm small picture).
The light intensity is also relatively limp with 3.3 to 5.9. In low light, the danger is so shaky images quite large. The flash is quite strong, but the Committee is particularly in areas quite high (at digital pictures fun, too, however, is not sooo critical as before with paper prints).
An optical image stabilizer has saved only a digital present.
The photo results are good (exposed to sun) until sufficient (indoors - large, dark rooms).
One should always keep in mind that we are dealing here with an underwater camera.
Rating 3 out of 5
3. Battery, Connectors, Accessories
The camera is powered by a lithium-ion battery, which is loaded into the camera. Charging is done via the USB cable. A USB power adapter is included, but you can also use other sources with USB Output used - if you have the original cable here. For some reason, namely Nikon annoyingly dispense with the use of a standard USB cable.
The battery is barely larger than a piece of chocolate. Depending on the use of the flash, he creates easy 200 images. Measured by the field of application I find it perfectly adequate.
An SD card is not included, nor a bag. Instead, are currently doing small brush to rid the device of any grains of sand.
The opening of the cover for SD card and battery is a bit fiddly, this is due to the fact that you want to prevent accidental opening under water (the'd otherwise probably destroy the device)
Rating 3 out of 5
4. practicality
In practice, it shows the strength of the S32. The operation is so simple and straightforward that it is also suitable for children (from about primary school age). The menu is clearly structured and provides fortunately not thousands of options but is limited also clearly a few.
The water resistance we have tested in the swimming-pool, there were no problems. The manufacturer recommends to wash even the camera, as if it has become sandy or dirty.
Also in the pool, we have (however unintentionally!) The shatter test (about 1m height with momentum on tiles) that has left hardly visible optical wounds.
(I recommend everyone before pool visit to install the wrist strap).
The 7 creative effects are a nice gimmick, well my children play admittedly quite happy so rum.
Of course the pictures a lot of committee is, but we got great shots that we would not otherwise have. Underwater the usability of the screen is obviously very limited, you can only keep roughly to the subject.
The video function is quite acceptable. And because the normal Videocam now time shall not with the water and on the beach, the S32 is also a great supplement for corresponding scenes in the family film.
Rating 5 out of 5
Conclusion
The Nikon Coolpix S32 can have a lot of fun if you have the right expectations. It does not replace the family camera, but it can complement fine. In the image quality you have to make significant concessions, but the purchase price is very moderate.
Also you can press this camera relaxed the young into their own hands (or purchase them for the next generation), without fear of having them falls down, or is dirty.
The special field of application you have the chance to get shots that otherwise would not exist (unless one creates sündteure underwater housing to).
Overall, my camera has received despite the compromise really liked in image quality, and I can as children or water sports camera recommend.
