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Digital Compact Camera COOLPIX S2

May 18, 2005

The slim, stylish digital camera that offers high image quality, improves images in-camera and even lets you shoot in bad weather

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX S2, one of the new "S series" of COOLPIX cameras combining high-level portability with new sleek style — in fact, the "S" in "S2" stands for style and so much more. The COOLPIX S2 has good looks, slim dimensions of just 22mm and a range of handy features. Indeed not only is it pleasing to the eye, it also features a splash proof body* that enables you to keep on shooting even in undesirable weather. What's more, it offers a range of innovative Nikon functions that actually make pictures more attractive in-camera.

The aluminum exterior of the COOLPIX S2 is both stylish and practical, with splash proof water resistance that enables photography even in the rain or in snow and a sliding metal cover that protects the lens when not in use. The COOLPIX S2 is also surprisingly slim, which makes it ideal for carrying virtually anywhere. Sharp, clear results with faithful color are ensured through the power of 5.1 effective megapixels and a versatile 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED† lens (35mm equivalent). Furthermore, the COOLPIX S2 features a "right-angled" optics system that enables the lens to function without protruding from the camera body. The COOLPIX S2 does away with the need for a viewfinder through the advantage of a large, bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor, while making operation easy with a Graphic User Interface (GUI) that allows the user to select functions by either name or icon. A useful HELP button displays explanations for functions on the main menu and information can be displayed in the user's choice of 12 languages.

The COOLPIX S2 has additionally been designed to use energy more efficiently, so the user can take up to 190 images with an EN-EL8 Rechargeable Battery (based on CIPA standard‡). It also offers an accelerated startup time of just 1 second (approx.) making it easier for users to capture passing moments.

The COOLPIX S2 additionally offers a range of Nikon features that make it possible for the user to improve images in-camera. The D-Lighting function can be easily selected in Playback Mode to correct insufficient exposure. Automatically improving images taken with excessive backlight or insufficient flash, D-Lighting keeps properly exposed areas just as they are while adding light and detail to darker parts automatically, in-camera. The clever Face-priority AF function can detect the presence of a human face in the frame and provide sharp focus on it automatically for pleasing portraits with minimal effort. The COOLPIX S2 additionally features Nikon's In-Camera Red-Eye Fix function, which detects the unfortunate red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash, then digitally corrects it in-camera. In addition to these, the COOLPIX S2 also features a handy Blur Warning function too, which alerts users when an image has been affected by camera shake so they can recompose and shoot again for more satisfying results.

The COOLPIX S2 comes with the new COOL-STATION MV-12, which is more than a mere charging cradle. As well as enabling batteries to be charged while they are still in the camera, the user can also choose to use the COOL-STATION MV-12 to link the COOLPIX S2 to a TV. Additionally, the COOL-STATION MV-12 can provide a direct connection to a PC via USB. It can also be connected directly to a printer.

Like every other camera in the highly popular COOLPIX range, the COOLPIX S2 offers an impressive range of handy Scene Modes that make it quick and easy to get the results you want from common situations. In total, there are 16 of these Scene Modes to choose from, four of which feature the added advantage of Scene Assist. Use of these Scene Modes is just as easy as ever — simply select the one best suited to the subject and the camera selects the optimal settings automatically.

In addition to offering convenient compatibility with SD memory cards, the COOLPIX S2 has 12MB of internal memory. The COOLPIX S2 has the ability to record movies with sound too, giving the user a selection of four movie modes enabling shooting at up to 15 frames per second and up to VGA resolution. These can then be easily played back on a TV after placing the camera in the aforementioned COOL-STATION MV-12.

The COOLPIX S2 even simplifies the way to make printouts. PictBridge compatibility lets you connect the camera to a printer via the COOL-STATION MV-12 and thus do away with the need for a computer. And for further fun and versatility, the COOLPIX S2 comes complete with Nikon's PictureProject software, which offers a range of user-friendly functions for the editing, organizing and sharing of images.

  • *According to Nikon test results, the body of the COOLPIX S2 offers "splash proof" water resistance equivalent to IEC 60529 IPX4. It is not waterproof and should never be immersed in water.
  • Nikon's ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass offers superior sharpness and optimal color correction.
  • Industry standard for measuring life of camera batteries. Measured at 25ºC (77ºF); zoom adjusted with each shot, built-in flash fired with every other shot, image mode set to Normal.
  • Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.

Nikon COOLPIX S2 Feature Highlights

One of a new COOLPIX series
The COOLPIX S2 is one of the very first models in the new "S series" of COOLPIX cameras that blend slim portability with style. Indeed the "S" in "S2" stands for style and so much more.
Stands up to bad weather, suits any occasion

The COOLPIX S2 is as practical as it is visually appealing. It's slim dimensions and sleek design make it feel comfortable in the hand and easy to carry virtually anywhere, its splash proof metal body* enables the photographer to shoot in the snow and rain and a sliding metal cover protects the lens when not in use. The COOLPIX S2 also has an impressively large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with 110,000 dots that makes it easy to compose images and view the results, while also doing away with the need for a viewfinder.

  • *The body of the COOLPIX S2 offers "splash proof" water resistance equivalent to IEC 60529 IPX4. It is not waterproof and should never be immersed in water.
Extended shooting through higher energy efficiency
Thanks to Nikon advanced engineering, the COOLPIX S2 has been built to deliver long performance from its batteries. In fact, a single EN-EL8 Rechargeable battery enables the user to take up to 190 images, so more time can be spent shooting, while less time is wasted recharging.
Accelerated performance
The COOLPIX S2 offers more responsive performance. It delivers class-leading rapid startup in only 1 second (approx.) and offers speedy continuous shooting at up to 1.8 frames per second (approx.).
High-quality shooting and functions to improve images
5.1 effective megapixel performance captures high-level detail, while a 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens (35mm equivalent) with a new "right-angled" optics system achieves satisfying sharpness without extending beyond the body of the camera. The COOLPIX S2 also offers a range of handy features that cleverly enhance the way images look in-camera. The D-Lighting function compensates automatically for insufficient exposure — creating a copy of such pictures with enhanced brightness and contrast for dark or backlit subjects. The In-Camera Red-Eye Fix function does exactly what its name suggests, detecting the annoying red-eye effect caused by flash, then correcting it in-camera for more attractive portraits in low light. The COOLPIX S2 features the innovative Face-priority AF function too, which has the intelligent ability to detect human faces in the frame, then achieve sharp focus on them for crisp results. There's also a Blur Warning function that lets the user know when an image has been affected by camera shake, so he or she can recompose and shoot again before leaving the location.

Nikon COOLPIX S2 Other Features

  • Highly portable dimensions of 91.9 x 59 x 22mm (3.6 x 2.3 x 0.9 in.) (W x H x D)
  • Minimized weight of approximately 140g (5 oz.) (without battery and memory card)
  • BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the best exposure automatically from ten sequential shots
  • 4 of the 16 Scene Modes offer Scene Assist (Portrait, Night Portrait, Sports, Landscape)
  • 3 movie modes with sound and Time-lapse movie mode
  • Noise Reduction produces clearer results when using Dusk/Dawn and Night landscape modes
  • Time zone function enables local time to be set regardless of where you are in the world
  • Voice recording Mode saves up to 30 minutes of audio, or up to 5 hours with a 256 MB SD card
  • All buttons are thoughtfully located on the camera back for easy access
  • 4x digital zoom
  • Single AF and Continuous AF are selectable in Movie Mode
  • Choice of White Balance: Auto with TTL control, 5-mode manual (Daylight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy and Speedlight) and Preset
  • Playback options: Single, 4- and 9-segment thumbnail, Slideshow
  • Built-in flash: features settings for Auto, Red-eye Reduction by pre-flash, Anytime flash, Flash cancel and Slow sync.

Nikon Digital Camera COOLPIX S2 Specifications

Type Digital camera S2
Effective pixels 5.1 million
CCD 1/2.5-inch type (5.36 million total pixels)
Image modes High (2592*), Normal (2592), Normal (2048), PC (1024), TV (640)
Lens 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED; 5.8-17.4mm (35mm [135] format equivalent to 35-105mm); f/3.0-5.4; 12 elements in 10 groups; Digital zoom: up to 4x
Focus range 30cm (12 in.) to infinity (∞), 4cm (1.6 in.) to infinity (∞) in Macro Mode
LCD monitor 2.5-inch type, 110,000-dot Amorphous silicon TFT LCD monitor with brightness adjustment
Storage Media Internal memory: approx. 12MB, SD memory card
Shooting Modes Auto, Scene Assist (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night portrait), Scene (Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night landscape, Close up, Museum, Fireworks show, Copy, Back light, Panorama assist, Voice recording), BSS (Best Shot Selector), Blur Warning, Date imprint, Self-timer (10 sec.)
Movie With sound: TV movie (640) at 15fps, Small size (320) at 15fps, Smaller size (160) at 15fps; Without sound: Time-lapse movie at 15fps
Capture modes 1) Single, 2) Continuous (approx. 1.8fps), 3) Multi-shot 16 (16 frames 1/16 in size)
Number of frames
(w/ Internal memory)
5M: High (2592*) approx. 5, Normal (2592) approx. 10, 3M: Normal (2048) approx. 17
Built-in flash Range: 0.3-2.5m/ 1' - 8'2" (W), 0.3-1.4m/ 1' - 4'7" (T); Flash modes: Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Anytime Flash, Flash Cancel and Slow sync.
Interface (via COOL-STATION MV-12) USB, Audio Video output
Water resistance Equivalent to IEC 60529 IPX4 ("splash proof")*
Supported languages German/ English/ Spanish/ French/ Italian/ Dutch/ Swedish/ Japanese/ Simplified Chinese/ Traditional Chinese/ Korean/ Russian selectable in menu display
Power requirements One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL8 (supplied), AC Adapter EH-63 (supplied)
Battery life (approx.) Approx. 190 images with EN-EL8 Rechargeable Battery (based on CIPA standard†)
Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 91.9 x 59 x 22mm (3.6 x 2.3 x 0.9 in.)
Weight Approx. 140g (5 oz.) (without battery and memory card)
Supplied Accessories‡ COOL-STATION MV-12, Strap, USB Cable UC-E10, Audio Video Cable EG-E5000, AC Adapter EH-63, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL8, PictureProject CD-ROM
Optional Accessories COOL-STATION MV-12, USB Cable UC-E10, Audio Video Cable EG-E5000, AC Adapter EH-63, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL8, Battery Charger MH-62
  • *Based on Nikon test results. The body of the COOLPIX S2 offers "splash proof" water resistance. It is not waterproof and should never be immersed in water.
  • Industry standard for measuring life of camera batteries. Measured at 25°C (77°F); zoom adjusted with each shot, built-in flash fired with every other shot, image mode set to Normal.
  • Supplied accessories may differ by country or area.

PictureProject System Requirements

OS Macintosh: Mac® OS X version 10.1.5 or later (version 10.2.8 or later required for Burn Disc option)
Windows: Windows® XP Home Edition / Professional, Windows® 2000 Professional, Windows® Me, Windows® 98SE pre-installed models
RAM Macintosh: Minimum 64MB
Windows: Minimum 64MB (128MB with muvee option)
Hard disk 60MB required for installation
Display 800 x 600 or more with 16-bit color (full color recommended)
Others CD-ROM drive required for installation
Only built-in USB ports are supported
  • Microsoft® and Windows® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Macintosh® and QuickTime® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The FotoNation logo is a trademark. The SD logo is a trademark. PictBridge is a trademark. D-Lighting technology is provided by Apical Limited. Face-priority AF technology is provided by Identix®. Products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
  • Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. March 2005

  • The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.