Nikon continues to add to its popular S-series of Coolpix cameras with the new 6-megapixel Nikon Coolpix S9, a lower priced (and lower-end) model that keeps the attractive slim look of its predecessors while eliminating some noteworthy features. Retailing for $250 — about $100 less than what the Nikon S5 debuted at — the Nikon Coolpix S9 combines a prism-folded Nikkor ED-branded 3x optical zoom lens (38 – 114 mm in 35mm equivalent) with a six megapixel image sensor, a 2.5″ LCD display, and 15 beginner-friendly scene modes.The Nikon Coolpix S9 is a fairly typical pocket sized digital camera. It has six megapixels and a three times digital zoom. The lens is internal and does not protrude from the camera when you zoom in on a subject. In terms of features the Coolpix S9 is a straightforward, point and shoot camera. It is likely to appeal to someone who is looking for a no fuss digital camera that will slip easily into a pocket.

The 3x optical zoom lens has a focal length of 38 – 114mm in 35mm format. The aperture of the lens works in the range f/3.5 to f/4.3. 4x digital zoom is also available. For macro work the Coolpix S9 can focus from 4cm away from the subject.One feature that is very rare is the one touch portrait button. By pressing the button the camera realises you are taking a portrait shot. This also activates the automatic red eye fix. This sounds good, but in my indoor portrait test the red eye fix produced a very unnatural looking result.For composing images there is a 2.5″ LCD screen. This is made up of around 153,000 pixels. There is no room for a viewfinder. To help you take the best possible photos there are a series of scene modes you can use. By selecting a scene mode you indicate to the camera the type of photo you are about to take. It can then use what it considers to be the optimum settings. The available scene modes are: Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Close up, Museum, Fireworks show, Copy, Back light and Panorama assist.