Best Compact Digital Camera for Photos of Children or Pets Under $400: Nikon Coolpix S640, by picturemaker

Expert Recommendation

Best Compact Digital Camera for Photos of Children or Pets Under $400

By picturemaker

Expert (47 Recommendations and 29 Compliments)

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November 8, 2009 Updated: November 10, 2009

Overview

Never before have I been so excited about a Nikon compact digital camera. But after researching compacts that can capture children and pets, a problem I hear about endlessly, the S640 stood out among the best. With a start up speed as fast as a DSLR and features that make picture taking a snap, this is the camera to rely on to “get the shot”.

My Best In Class Pick

Nikon Coolpix S640

As the fastest Nikon compact camera so far, the S640 is just the answer to the problem of speedy, shy kids and even speedier pets.

With Nikon’s Ultra-fast focus and a start-up time of 0.7 seconds, the S640 has a quickness comparable to it’s big brother, the D40. Without the bulk. That means you can carry this camera in your jacket pocket or purse and still be ready in a split second to capture the moments that are most important to you.

Loading the S640 with features designed to make sure you get the best shot possible, Nikon makes you, and your subjects, look good.

Tired of photos where someone blinked, or forgot to smile when you said “Say cheese” just as you snapped the shutter? With a Blink Proof function and a Smile timer, the S640 is designed to outsmart even the toughest of subjects. Got a model in the family? The Smart Portrait System will apply Skin Softening automatically up to as many as 12 faces. Add Subject Tracking to follow speedy kids and pets to make sure you have proper focus all the time.

Getting the best shot has never been so easy. With four advanced image stabilising features like Motion detection, optical lens shift VR image stabilisation, 6400 ISO and Best Shot Selector, Nikon has finally designed a camera the whole family can use, creating images that are sure to please.

For shooting video, Nikon has included 2 movie modes with sound.

And Nikon solved another problem I hear about all the time, the hard to see LCD screen. The 2.7” Clear Color LCD with screen brightness boost function greatly reduces reflection and improves visibility outdoors (key for cameras without a viewfinder).

It looks like NIkon was paying attention when they designed the S640.

Comparison with Canon PowerShot A2100 IS

I like the Nikon S640 over the Canon A2100 IS for a variety of reasons. One, it’s the faster compact point and shoot, rivaling it’s bigger brother the D40. The LCD is brighter but smaller, not by much though. The S640 also boasts a higher usable ISO and more wide angle (28mm for the Nikon vs. Canon’s 36mm).

Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

The Lumix DMC-ZS3 should jump right to the head of the class for it’s 12x zoom, if that’s what you want in your Ultra Compact digital camera. Otherwise, a smaller imaging sensor, less usable ISO and a weak battery might have a hard time going up against the S640, especially for an extra $50.

Pros

+
Fast start up time
+
Bright LCD
+
Nice features
+
Slim

Cons

-
Battery wears out fast

Where to buy

Nikon Coolpix S640

Recommended with

Nikon EN-EL12 Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery for Nikon S610 Digital Cameras

$23.99 @ Amazon.com

Specifications

Zoom: 5.0x
Resolution: 12.2MP
AF Shutter Lag: 0.4 sec

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Customer Reviews

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Nikon Coolpix S640	2 Canon PowerShot A2100 IS	3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Customer Rating
Size (W x H x D)	3.6 x 2.2 x 0.8 in.	4.0 x 2.5 x 1.3 in.	4.1 x 2.3 x 1.3 in.
Easy to Use	Yes	Yes	Yes
Colors	Black, White, Pink, Red	Black	Silver, Black, Blue, Red
Video Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
Optical Zoom	5.0x	6.0x	12.0x
? Close Image Stabilization Available Image stabilization features are designed to reduce the blur that results from normal, minute shaking of a lens due to hand-held shooting. However, image stabilization does not prevent motion blur caused by the movement of the subject or by extreme movements of the camera. Image Stabilization Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
Smile Detection Available	Yes	No	No
Max ISO Setting	6400	1600	6400
? Close Face Detection Available Face detection technology will try to set the focus, exposure, and color balance so that faces appear sharp, well-exposed, and with the proper color. Face Detection Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
? Close Viewfinder Available A viewfinder is a window that you look through to compose the picture. Some cameras do not have a viewfinder and instead use the LCD display. The LCD display may be difficult to see in bright light and may make it more difficult to capture fast-moving subjects because of the time required to update the display. Viewfinder Available	No	No	No
? Close LCD Screen Size The LCD Screen Size is the length of the miniature LCD monitor measured diagonally. LCD Screen Size	2.7 in.	3.0 in.	3.0 in.
Battery Type	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable	AA-size (x2)	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable

Canon PowerShot A2100 IS

For capturing images of the kids and pets as they tear around the house, park or the backyard, the Canon A2100 IS combines lens shift Image Stabilization with Motion Detection and Face Detection Technology to ensure you get the best shot every time.

And to make it easy on yourself, set the A2100 IS to Smart Auto mode, improved Easy mode or dedicated Kids & Pets mode to let Canon’s extensive research and design solve problems you may not even be aware of.

Switch to 30fps VGA movies with sound plus Long Play option to capture video and still take advantage of the 6x zoom. Add the optional HF-DC1 high power flash attachment for low light situations and never miss a thing.

Oh, and don’t forget to take extra batteries, the A2100 takes AA’s and you don’t want to run out of power before the kids do.

Pros

+
Zoom while in video mode
+
Dedicated kids and pets mode

Cons

-
LCD too light
-
Not much wide angle