Capture the Fun: A Review of the Waterproof Nikon Coolpix S33

Want to capture all the fun during your beach vacation or pool party? The Nikon Coolpix S33 is a waterproof camera that is perfect for outdoor activities. Read on to learn more about its features, performance, and overall value.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix S33 article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 10 2015

Announced

13 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/3.1'
SensorCMOS
Weight221g
MSRP$149USD

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Overview of the Coolpix S33

As summer approaches, many of us are starting to plan outdoor activities such as beach trips, pool parties, and camping outings. And what better way to document all the fun and memories than with a great camera? Enter the Nikon Coolpix S33, a waterproof camera that is built to withstand even the most active and adventurous lifestyles. Whether you're snorkeling in the ocean or splashing around in the pool, the S33 promises to capture every detail and moment in high quality. Let's take a closer look at this camera's key features, performance, and value, and find out why it's a must-have for your summer adventures.

Nikon Coolpix S33 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix S33 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

Waterproof
Shockproof
Easy to use
Good image quality
Lightweight
Affordable

Cons

Limited zoom range
No manual settings
No viewfinder
Small LCD screen
Slow autofocus
Not very compact

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix S33

Weather sealed
Dimensions110 x 66 x 27mm
Weight221g
Thickness27mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix S33 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Coolpix S33 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeCompact

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 S33 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Nikon Coolpix S33 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Coolpix S33 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix S33 has a 13MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 13 pixels. Nikon Coolpix S33 has a native ISO range of 100 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Feb 10 2015

Announced

100 - 1600

ISO Range

Sensor1/3.1'
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 S33 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 S33 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: 1/3.1'

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life220 shots
Battery ModelEN-EL19
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix S33 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon Coolpix S33 uses the EN-EL19 model of battery pack. This is rated for 220 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 S33 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 S33 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, 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 S33 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 S33?

The Nikon Coolpix S33 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix S33 weather sealed?

Yes the Coolpix S33 does have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix S33 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix S33 was announced on Feb 10 2015

Does the Nikon Coolpix S33 have in-body image stabilization?

No the Coolpix S33 does not 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 S33?

The Coolpix S33 has a native ISO range of 100-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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