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| Click photo for more images of the Nikon Coolpix S50, S500, and S50c. |
Comparing the Nikon S50 ($299.99, street) to the Nikon S500 ($259.99, street), you'd expect the S500 to be the much better camera. It only makes sense, right?
I had to wonder too, since the names are so similar, would people mistake one for the other and if they did, would they be as happy with the camera they thought they were getting? There's a lot of communal technology shared between these two cameras and in most aspects they are almost identical internally, yet packaged differently. Still, there are subtle differences that can move a consumer to choose one over the other and by researching the differences, you can ensure that what you pay for is really what you wanted.
The confusing nomenclature of these two cameras is only aggravated by the differing S50 models. There's the S50 and the S50c. The "c" designates the wireless model that allows you to connect, upload and send images from Wi-Fi hotspots. This feature allows the user to locate a wireless network SSID and either e-mail images using the Nikon Coolpix Connect 2 or store them on a photo file server. The S50c also allows the user to use WEP wireless security, which enables the camera to register with secured networks. It's a great feature that begs the question: Why does Nikon market a "with" and "without" version -- with just about a ten dollar price difference (on store shelves, that is -- list is about $50 apart). Just give us the wireless already!
The 7.1 megapixel S500 is a "Camera of Steel." The entire body is made of high grade, thick stainless steel that feels rock solid in your hands and has a surprisingly weighty feel to it. The S500 is also considerably boxier than the S50 and is almost utilitarian in its simplistic design. The backside controls on the S500 are also more graphically muted than the S50, having a 2.5 inch (230,000 pixel) LCD viewfinder/screen and button design/function keys that are noticeably larger than the S50. The zoom toggle has a longer width on the S500, but is thinner vertically than the S50, making zoom functions on the S500 more difficult. Yet, even with that one shortfall, the S500 is the overall winner in button placement and design.
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The 7.2 MP Coolpix S50 has some thoroughly modern design elements and features a sexy, black satin finish that oozes luster in between the highly polished chrome embellishments. It's a good looking addition to any pocket and the chrome treatment for the buttons and components gives it that air of sophistication that few can ignore when it's pulled out for a snapshot. Flipping the S50 over, you see the generous 3-inch (230,000 pixel) LCD viewfinder and viewing screen and to the right, an additional collection of chrome buttons that feel solid and ergonomically well placed but small in comparison to the S500.
A stand-out feature on the back panel of both cameras is the function button, which turns either clockwise or counter clockwise and allows you to scroll through menu selections. The readouts on the screens of both cameras are identical as well. The text and graphics on the LCD are oversized and incredibly easy to view under almost any lighting condition. The menu makes sense and is intuitive, even for inexperienced users. One of my favorite functions using the menu is reviewing the images. In review mode, the images are contained in a small semi-circle, and rotating the function button either clockwise or counter clockwise advances the image preview in the same direction and then shows a larger version when you stay on the image.
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