Nikon Coolpix S800c
Announced August 22, 2012
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Mediocre
The Nikon Coolpix S800c attempts to bridge the gap between a compact camera and an Android mobile device, yet the final product suffers from a clunky user experience and underwhelming image quality. While the integration of apps and Wi-Fi offers a glimpse into the future of connected photography, the camera is hampered by poor battery life, a lack of mobile data connectivity, and a high price tag.
Weighted from 15 reviewer scores
Pros
- Bright and responsive touchscreen display
- Integrated Wi-Fi and GPS functionality
- Versatile Android ecosystem for editing and sharing photos
- Capable 10x optical zoom lens
- Fast startup and high-speed shooting performance
Cons
- Extremely short battery life
- High retail price relative to performance
- Lack of 3G or 4G mobile connectivity
- Outdated Android operating system
- Unreliable user interface with frequent freezing
- Launch price $349.95 (USD)
- Sensor 16MP Smaller than 1-inch BSI CMOS
- Video 1080p 30p
What the Reviewers Say
All 15 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 67/100
The Nikon S800c is an interesting hybrid of connected mobile device and traditional compact camera.
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After shooting with the S800c for some time is equally conflicted: there were things we liked about its design, and others that drove us batty.
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The Nikon Coolpix S800c has the feel of a camera rushed through to be the first of its kind.
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A camera running Android sounds like a great idea and the S800c gives a good account of how useful it can be.
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The first of any new product line is never going to offer value for money alongside the thrill of the new.
- CNET 6.7/10
The Nikon Coolpix S800c has so much going for it by virtue of being the first Android camera to hit the market in Australia. [...] However, the user experience is mostly clunky, and the photos the S800c produces are not leaps and bounds better than those from a smartphone.
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The camera world now has its proverbial toe dipped into Android waters and, from this initial insight, it should make for a great partnership in the future.
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The 16 megapixel, 10x optical zoom S800c is one of those good ideas that make us wonder why camera companies didn't attempt it sooner.
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Its lack of anywhere-internet, however, mars the whole purpose of running Android on it.
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All in all, the S800c left us with a very questionable shooting experience. Looking past all the hangs and lock-ups, the image quality wasn’t good enough given the price of the camera, let alone enough to get us over the bad Android Experience.
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Considering the S800c lacks good zoom range and manual modes, coupled with the fidgety user interface and performance that doesn’t match up to other cameras in its price range, the asking price is too high.
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The final word is just that it's a very interesting but flawed camera.
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SO overall if you are looking for an amazing quality & clarity of photos from a point & click camera I have never used a better one than this one.
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At the end of the day, the Nikon COOLPIX S800c comes up short in both regards, failing to achieve either goal in a way that doesn’t make you feel like you’re sacrificing something.
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All in all, I'd say it's a good attempt by Nikon. I would still say it offers more than any Android phone camera; you do get better image results and you have a lot more flexibility too.
