Get the Best Shots with Nikon Coolpix S02: A Comprehensive Review

Check out the Nikon Coolpix S02, a tiny point-and-shoot camera that packs a powerful punch. Discover its key features, image quality, and user interface to help you capture every moment with confidence.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix S02 article cover photo

Key Features

Sep 05 2013

Announced

13 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/3-inch
SensorCMOS
Weight100g
MSRP$179USD

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Overview of the Coolpix S02

If you're looking for a compact camera that doesn't skimp on performance, the Nikon Coolpix S02 might just be the perfect device for you. This little camera packs a punch with its advanced features, easy-to-use interface, and excellent image quality. Whether you're a professional photographer or amateur, this camera promises to capture and preserve your best memories in high resolution. The Nikon Coolpix S02 is an upgrade from its predecessor, the S01, and it boasts a sleeker design, user-friendly interface, and a more powerful lens. It's perfect for those who love having a camera at their fingertips or those who want to travel lightly without sacrificing quality. But to truly understand what makes this camera stand out, let's take a closer look at its features.

Nikon Coolpix S02 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix S02 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Compact and lightweight
User-friendly interface
Good image quality
Affordable
Convenient touch screen interface
Built-in image stabilization
Wide angle lens
Easy to use WiFi connectivity
Good battery life

Cons

Limited manual controls
Small sensor
Limited zoom range
No optical viewfinder
Lacks image editing features
Limited low-light performance
Small screen size
No hot shoe
No external mic input

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix S02

Weather sealed
Dimensions77 x 51 x 18mm
Weight100g
Thickness18mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix S02 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeUltracompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.70" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Nikon Coolpix S02 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

Nikon Coolpix S02 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Coolpix S02 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix S02 has a 13MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 13 pixels. Nikon Coolpix S02 has a native ISO range of 125 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Sep 05 2013

Announced

125 - 1600

ISO Range

Sensor1/3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4160 x 3120 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon Coolpix S02 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Coolpix S02 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

Storage
Battery Life210 shots
Battery ModelBuilt-in
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix S02 does not support slots for storage.

Battery

The Nikon Coolpix S02 uses the Built-in model of battery pack. This is rated for 210 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon Coolpix S02 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Nikon Coolpix S02 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of n/a, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Nikon Coolpix S02 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon Coolpix S02?

The Nikon Coolpix S02 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix S02 weather sealed?

No the Coolpix S02 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix S02 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix S02 was announced on Sep 05 2013

Does the Nikon Coolpix S02 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Coolpix S02 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon Coolpix S02?

The Coolpix S02 has a native ISO range of 125-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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