Although not as prominent in image quality, but at a reasonable price, stylish design, compact design and many innovative features, the Nikon Coolpix S3300 can still be a suitable choice for young people. .
- Design
The Nikon COOLPIX S3300 has a sleek exterior, with many different color variants. In addition to the feminine pink version available at Test Lab, the Nikon Coolpix S3300 also comes in four different colors for the user to choose from: blue, silver, red and black.
Featured on the front of the machine is a set of Nikkor Wide-angle Optical Zoom lens with 6x optical zoom and VR (Vibration Reduction). This lens unit has aperture values F1 / 3.5 – 6.5, focal lengths equivalent to focal lengths from 26mm to 156mm on 35mm film cameras.
With a 16-megapixel CCD sensor, the Nikon Coolpix S3300 supports up to 4608×3456 pixel resolution and 720p HD video recording at 30 frames per second with background noise filtering in a windy environment.
In general, Test Lab feels very comfortable using this compact shooting viewfinder. Compact and lightweight, it weighs about 140g (including memory cards and batteries), but with a matte coating, the Nikon Coolpix S3300 feels very solid and does not stick to fingerprints like Another model of watercolor. The Coolpix S3300’s physical controls are highly responsive and are well-positioned for quick operation.
However, due to the less pixelated support, the 2.7-inch LCD screen is not as good-looking, with subdued colors, but still reproducible in detail. When used outdoors or where there is a strong light source, the Coolpix S3300’s LCD still has a slight glare.
On top of 42MB of built-in memory, the S3300 has a card slot that takes SD, SDHC and SDXC cards. It also works with Eye-Fi cards, so if you’ve got one, you can send photos to your computer over Wi-Fi.
Nikon COOLPIX S3300 16 MP Digital Camera with 6x Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens and 2.7-inch LCD (Silver) (Discontinued by Manufacturer): Buy it now
Nikon COOLPIX S3300 16 MP Digital Camera with 6x Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens and 2.7-inch LCD (Black): Buy it now
Nikon COOLPIX S3300 16 MP Digital Camera with 6x Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens and 2.7-inch LCD (Purple): Buy it now
- Quality photos
In terms of image quality, in light conditions, with the setting of 4068×3456 image resolution in both Auto and Scene Auto Selector modes, the COOLPIX S3300 delivers color images that look exactly the same. Quite natural, the image details are pretty decent. Like all popular digital cameras, the Nikon Coolpix S3300 also has a slight purple fringing in high contrast areas.
The camera’s optical anti-shake function works quite well when the Test Lab zoom reaches a maximum focus of 27.6 meters (equivalent to a 156mm focal length on a 35mm film camera). Still images obtained in detail and color when taken at wide-angle.
Although it is possible to choose between manual white balance or preset white balance settings, Test Lab found that the color accuracy of the COOLPIX S3300’s image is not much different. Different white balance options. In indoor portraits with auto flash settings, set the white balance to Auto, the human skin color looks less natural. And when setting white balance is Fluorescent, color quality is almost also not improved.
The noise canceling capability of the camera is also not impressive when the image starts heavy noise from the ISO 400 level. Image detail and color are slightly reduced from ISO 800 and image noise is heavier at ISO 1600.
- Video quality
Particularly for video recording, with a maximum video resolution of 1280×720 pixels, a default frame rate of 30 frames per second, the video quality of the S3300 is generally medium (in bright outdoor conditions). Image detail is also impressive. The optical zoom system of the S3300, though smooth operation during recording, but the image is still light tank particles. The integrated microphone has good recording distances, and the ability to filter background noise in a windy environment is quite effective. However, due to the built-in mono microphone, the sound quality of the S3300 is still not impressive. The S3300’s built-in speakers have a much better volume than the COOLPIX L25 tested at Test Lab.
Next to the Coolpix L25, the S3300’s photos aren’t noticeably better, and battery life is about the same, at a little over 200 shots. Where the S3300 pulls ahead is in the fun extras. It has color filters and special effects such as High Key, Low Key and Selective Color, which keeps one color and turns the rest of the frame black and white.
Connections and battery
There’s no Wi-Fi or any other wireless option. To get photos onto a computer, you plug in a USB cable. There’s also an HDMI output if you want to show photos on a TV.
The EN-EL19 lithium-ion battery is rated for about 220 shots per charge. That covers a normal day out. On holiday, it’s worth packing a spare.
Using it
Ease of use is the main reason to buy the S3300. The menus are simple, and the auto modes handle the settings, so you can just point it at whatever you’re photographing.
The 3-inch screen is fine for framing and for checking a shot afterwards. It’s not very sharp by today’s standards, and in bright sun it’s hard to see, though that’s true of most cameras at this price.
Playback is basic. You can flick through your shots, delete the duds, zoom in to check focus, and bring up a histogram if you’re not sure a shot is too dark or too bright. There’s also sorting by date or file type. I doubt most people will want more.
Carrying it around
It’s small and light enough to go in a jacket pocket or a small bag, which is half the point of a camera like this: it comes with you. You hardly have to touch the settings either, so it’s an easy one to take on holiday.
Strengths and weaknesses
The 6x zoom is the other thing I like about it. It gets you reasonably close to things across a street or down a beach. In good light, the 16-megapixel sensor gives you decent everyday pictures.
Indoors and after dark, it’s a different story. Photos get noisy and soft, and the autofocus is slower than on more advanced cameras. Video tops out at 720p with no manual control, and there’s no wireless.
Verdict
If you want a cheap pocket camera you don’t have to think about, the S3300 is a reasonable pick, as long as you know its limits. If you shoot a lot indoors or want your photos on your phone straight away, it’ll frustrate you. For daylight snaps on holiday or at family events, it’s fine.
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.