Nikon Nuvis S
Written: Feb 01 '01 (Updated Feb 01 '01)
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Pros: Small, Sturdy, Good lens for camera type, mid roll change.
Cons: Not exactly as compact and easy to carry around as you would think.
The Bottom Line: Good sturdy camera from a company who is known for quality lenses. Larger and bulkier than competitors, but still compact.
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| coffeeaddict's Full Review: Nikon Nuvis S APS Film Camera |
If you've come this far and are looking for a compact APS camera, then most likely you've narrowed down your choices to the Nikon Nuvis S and one of the camera's in the Canon ELPH family. The following review will focus on the Nikon camera, it's Pros and Cons with some references to the Canon ELPH family (of which I have some experience with as well). I will not go over the usual advantages or using an APS camera such as ease of fill loading, etc..
Nikon Nuvis S
First looks at this camera, one can't help but notice that it's built like a tank. The entire camera is encased in a stainless steel case which is pulled out horizontally when the camera is in use. The flash bulb is built into the case protecting it. Like all APS cameras, it allows for the three picture formats (C, H, P). There are five flash modes including the red eye reduction feature. The camera has a 3X zoom lens and runs on a lithium CR2 battery.
Pros - Why not the Canon?
Nikon Nuvis - Like a Rock...
As alluded to earlier, the Nikon camera is very sturdy. I wouldn't be surprised if it could be thrown around without causing damage to it (I'm not recommending that one actually tries it!). Since most compact camera will be used during vacations and times where you are on the go, a sturdy camera with many protective features is a good bet. This is one of the reasons I chose it over the Canon ELPH series. The canon series cameras, though have a retractable zoom lens, only has a plastic aperature cover which slides closed. This can easily be damaged when you don't keep it in the leather holster case. Furthermore, the flash bulb comes out from the camera when you are taking pictures (much like that of headlights on most sports cars). Though it definitely adds a "coolness" factor to it, it makes it more fragile. Also, after careful observation of teh camera after a few months use, one realizes that the flash bulb does not fully retract back into the camera housing.
Date Recording and Titles
It is also worth noting that the Nuvis comes with a date record function that has leap year compensation till the year 2030. Furthermore, it allows you to choose between 30 titles to put on the back of your pictures - in 12 different languages!
Lens!
I must admit, the thing that really clinched it for me was the fact that after consulting many photography experts (I don't claim to be one), every one of them said that Nikon lenses are much better than Canon ones. Considering that the price between the Nuvis and the Canon ELPH cameras are virtually equal, the Nuvis wins out.
Mid Roll Change
One last neat feature to include is that the Nikon allows for mid roll change. Meaning that you can keep your vacation pictures separate from other pictures you are taking. Just pop the film out, keep it in the protective case, use a different roll and then pop the other one in later when the situation calls for it.
Ease of Use
The good thing about the case is that once pulled open, it acts to make the camera longer. This helps stabilize your hand and allows for more focused pictures (marginally), not to mention, is more comfortable to hold. The Canon camera is so small that it is actually just easier to hold it with one hand, which takes away from the accuracy a bit.
Cons - what could be better for the Nuvis camera
The camera can be carried around your neck and weighs approximately 8 oz. Well, anything carried around the neck no matter how light it sounds become heavy. Furthermore, the rope used to hold the camera burns when moved. You'd think they'd take a look at other cameras in their line which uses a non abrasive harness to go around your neck.
It would also be nice if the camera came with a holster type case which can be attached to your belt (much like the Canon ELPH cameras). I have looked far and wide for them and have yet to find a case that fits the Nikon perfectly. It must be noted that you can get a case for it, but all that your get is a pouch with a noose closure, which is more of a nuisance than a help.
The camera itself, because of the protective case is rather bulky. It measures 3.7 X 2.6 X 1.3inches which is a bit larger than the Canon cameras.
Conclusions
The Nikon Nuvis camera is for people on the go who don't mind a slightly larger "compact camera". As I said, the lens is better and there a marginally more features included in the Nikon. The camera has better protection and can stand a good beating. However, the Canon is an adequate camera for its purposes and if you are looking for portability and compactness, than you should consider it.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 230
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Epinions.com ID:
coffeeaddict
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Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 18
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