Nikon Coolpix S630 review

The S630's face-detection capability is no better than average. In smile mode, face detection only kicks in when the subject actually smiles. This can make you think that smile mode isn't working. It's all too variable, too unpredictable and too hard to fathom. The S630 also seemed to think that two bits of sticky tape on a nearby filing cabinet was a person.

At ISO 64, the S630's 1/2.33-inch sensor records a surprising amount of fine detail. As soon as the ISOs start to climb, though, this goes out the window (click image to enlarge)

Such flaws are likely to make you unfavourably disposed towards the rest of the camera. It looks pretty, but the buttons are small, the spinning controller on the back is fiddly and the LCD screen isn't that big.

Conclusion
By the time you've worked out everything the Nikon Coolpix S630 does and how to use it, it'll be time to get a new camera. The S630 does everything it sets out to, but not especially well and often with restrictions you may not have anticipated.

Edited by Charles Kloet