The Coolpix SQ may be small but it is equipped with a 3x Nikkor optical zoom lens with a 37 - 111mm (in 35mm equivalent) focal length coverage. The maximum aperture is F2.8 to 5.6 and it has a dedicated macro mode.

Focusing is handled by a Contrast AF system that uses a Multi Area (Auto: 5 points, Manual: 9 point) Autofocus. This is the first Coolpix to feature a focus assist illuminator (green LED), its working range is 1 - 7.2 ft (W), 1 - 4.3 ft (T). The user can select Continuous AF or Single AF mode. The focus range is 11.8 in. to infinity in normal wide angle (23.6 in. to infinity in telephoto) and from 1.6 in. to infinity in Macro mode.

The built-in speedlight has a shooting range of approx. 0.5 - 16.4 ft. (W) 0.5 - 12.1 ft (T) and can be set for Auto Flash, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill Flash or Disabled.

Just like the Coolpix 4500 and the Coolpix 9xxx series, the Coolpix SQ features a 210° (120° forward and 90° backward) swiveling lens. This makes taking a crowd shot over your head as easy as shooting a picture from your hip or even down on ground level. The lens can be turned completely around to facilitate self-portraits.

On the back:   The button puts the camera in Play mode, next to it is the flash indicator LED. To the right are the zoom lens buttons which also serve as the Index and Magnify buttons in Playback. The 4-way selector is for navigating menus and selecting pictures. Under the color LCD (left to right) is the Macro focus/selftimer button, it serves as the image delete button in playback. In the center is the Exposure compensation/Flash mode button, it's used in playback to tag images for transfer. The MENU button calls up the onscreen menu system. Over to the right is the built in speaker.

On the top:  The power on/off switch is built around the shutter release. The Mode Dial has positions for Setup, Movie, Manual Record, Auto and Scene modes. Between the mode dial and the shutter release is the built in microphone.

On the side is an Audio-Video port for connecting the camera to a television or other video device. The output signal is selectable for NTSC or PAL standards. Audio output is monoraul.

Next to that is the DC INput jack for an optional AC power supply or external battery pack.

On the back of the COOL-STATION is the USB port for uploading data to the host computer. On the front is a One-Touch button that starts the image transfer process. The supplied AC power adapter plugs in the back of the docking cradle.

The Coolpix SQ is equipped with a CompactFlash Type I card slot and is supplied with an 16MB size Nikon/Lexar Starter Card. Cards are easily removed by pushing the ejector button.

The camera is powered by the Nikon EN-EL2 rechargeable lithium ion battery pack. It is charged in the included COOL-STATION docking cradle and can power the camera for up to 65 minutes. A completely exhausted battery pack takes approximately two hours to fully charge.

A second EN-EL2 can be charged in the side slot while you're using the camera.