One of the latest additions to Nikon's popular "S" series of ultra-compact models, the Coolpix S200 offers users 7-megapixels of resolution, a Nikkor 3x optical zoom lens, Electronic Vibration Reduction technology, large 2.5-inch LCD, 640x480 (30fps) AVI Motion JPEG movie mode, Face Priority AF, 20MB of internal memory, etc. Weighing just 4.4 ounces (without battery/SD memory card), and measuring less than one inch in thickness, the S200 is very pocketable, yet durable too with its stylish brushed aluminum. This is a simple to use point-n-shoot camera, the includes the usual Auto exposure mode with limited adjustments for ISO, white balance, etc. Geared toward the beginner to novice user, it also features a multitude (15) of pre-programmed scene modes for just about every shooting situation.

Despite its small size, the s200 has a nice well built feel to it. It also fits nicely in your hands (even those of us with large hands), and the durable aluminum body ensures it will stand up to everyday life. Controls are well-placed and functional, just within reach of your thumb. Having no optical viewfinder, the S200 includes a high quality LCD. This 2.5-inch display features an anti-reflection coating, which I found worked great outdoors, even with the harsh sunlight beating directly on to it. The LCD was also very effective indoors, intensifying the live image in dim lighting to aid with shot composition.

Shooting performance was good for a camera in this class. Power up to first image captured measured 2.5 seconds. Shutter lag measured 1/10 second when pre-focused and 3/10 second including autofocus time. The shot to shot delay averaged about 2.7 seconds between frames without the use of the flash and, but quickened to 2.2 - 2.5 seconds with the flash, which is the opposite to most cameras. When using red eye reduction flash mode, the LCD blanks during the pre-flash, a critical period of about one second.

There are three Sequential shooting modes to choose from; Continuous, Multi-shot 16, and Interval Timer. Continuous mode was responsive, capturing 4 images in 2 seconds, without filling the cameras buffer. Multi- shot mode captures 16 frames in 8.3 seconds and combines them into a single 7M/Normal image. Interval Timer mode allows you to choose the interval between shots (30 sec. - 60 min.) and once started, will continue to record until the sequence is stopped by pressing the shutter release. The LCD viewfinder briefly displays the last image captured in all Continuous modes, making it somewhat difficult to follow moving subjects; this is when an optical viewfinder would come in handy. All tests were done using a Lexar High-speed 1GB SD card, 7M/Fine size/quality, flash off, and all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc.

The overall image quality of the S200's 7M Fine images was good for a 7-megapixel consumer digicam. Outdoors, it captures sharp photos with pleasing color saturation. The exposure system also does well, and if there's any clouds in the sky, it produces beautiful sky detail. Noise levels were very low at sensitivity settings of ISO 50 -200. Shadow noise is present at ISO 400, and noise is noticeable throughout the image at ISO 800 and 1000, although those images are still usable for smaller prints. I also noticed that the higher you set the sensitivity, the less saturated the images become. The S200's Nikkor 3x optical zoom covers a 35mm equivalent range of 38 - 114mm. This is a typical range for an ultra-compact, and is sufficient for most indoor, and outdoor shooting; just don't expect to bring distant subjects up close. There's also a 4x digital zoom feature, however we strongly urge you not to use this option unless absolutely necessary, as image quality suffers.

I was also happy with our results when using the "One-touch" portrait mode. It uses Face Priority AF technology (which is becoming standard on so many digicams these days) to detect human faces in the frame. While it worked well to produce sharp facial detail and pleasing skin tones, I found it to be a bit slow at times. There were several instances where I would have to wait as long as 2 seconds for the AF "square" to comes up and lock on to m subjects face, which as you can imagine was quite frustrating. The S200's tiny flash is rated to cover just over 17 feet at wide angle using ISO Auto. This is a pretty powerful little unit, which I found worked great indoors during close-up portrait photography from about 6 - 7 feet away as well as outdoors as a Fill in flash.

The S200 includes several unique features that help you overcome common causes of poor images, like:

1. Electronic Vibration Reduction (VR) helps reduce the effects of camera shake, allowing you to capture sharper handheld photos in marginal lighting conditions. It automatically detects camera movement and compensates accordingly. You can also turn this feature off via the menu.

2. D-lighting solves a different problem, one of underexposure due to back lighting or insufficient flash coverage. D- lighting operates in image playback mode; if you find an underexposed subject, simply select the option in the playback menu and the image will be brightened and displayed on the LCD monitor. If you like the result, confirm that you want it saved; it will be recorded with a different file name. You can see an example of D-lighting on our Sample Photos page.

Movies can be recorded at resolutions of 640x480, 320x240 or 160x120. The length of these clips is limited only by the amount of available memory. The S200 includes a microphone and movies are always recorded with sound; as a result, the optical zoom can be used to compose movies before recording starts, but not during recording. Our movie samples were good, showing minimal amounts of compression noise. One downfall I did see was that you can see when the exposure system is adjusting its settings, the clip will get brighter or darker, etc. The VR system can also be used with movie mode, which will help you capture steady handheld videos much easier.

Power is supplied by a tiny EN-EL10 3.7v 740mAh Lion battery that is charged in the included MH-63 battery charger. Nikon claims you can record up to 230 shots on a fully charged battery. We found battery life was good, capturing about 50 sample images, several movie clips and concluding our other testing before with plenty of power to spare. As always, to avoid the inevitable disappointment that a dead battery brings to a unique photo op, we suggest you purchase a spare and keep it charged and ready at all times.

Bottom line - The Nikon Coolpix S200 is an appealing ultra-compact model, with easy to use features, good image quality and performance, all packaged in a very compact and stylish shell. With a street price of US$249 or less, the S200 offers a good value for such a capable little digicam. Therefore, if you're one who is on the market for a camera that can be tucked away almost anywhere and shoots nice photos without much fuss, be sure to take a good look a this model.