Product Listing

Nikon S1000pj - More than a Camera

By Seow Tein Hee - 6 Oct 2009

Performance

Steady Hands

Like most point-and-shoot cameras, the S1000pj is all about making things simple for the user. That, it did. The learning curve for the S1000pj isn't too steep, with just a few automatic features to take note of.

In the speed department, the S1000pj is quite fast when it comes to auto-focusing, taking less than one second to grab the focus. But we noticed that its start-up time took almost two seconds, which could cost you a golden moment in photography. Processing time is acceptable at slightly more than one second.

Our test results showed that the S1000pj's 12.1-megapixel sensor managed readings of 1200 on both the vertical and horizontal LPH. Noise levels are expected on the ISO800 and above range. Note that the S1000pj does come with ISO values of 3200 and 6400, but it's limited to a 3-megapixel resolution. The trade-off for this isn't worth it, with too much noise generated due to the higher ISO values. Not to mention, the reduced resolution will probably be another reason why you should avoid using these boosted ISO values.

The resolution chart gave us readings of approximately 1200 on both the horizontal and vertical LPHs. Click on the image for the full resolution shot.

Noise levels are handled quite well until we reached the ISO800 range and above. The colors are well-balanced with no excessive color tinge on the color chart. Click on the image for the full resolution shot.

Generally, shots turned out well in daylight. While the image stabilization is great for daytime shots, the story is altogether different when we're indoors. With less natural light to work with, the S1000pj pushed both its ISO values higher and reduced its shutter speeds to gain the correct exposure level. Images turned out pretty noisy and unfocused even with the aid of the image stabilizer.

Similarly, night shots tended to see a reduction in shutter speeds, a higher ISO value and in essence, overexposed and blurred shots. Do note that such a dip in quality for night shots is mostly unavoidable even for the best compact cameras out there. As always, we advocate the use of a tripod, or simply leaving the camera on a stable surface with the self-timer to prevent unnecessary movements. Here's a sample of images taken with the S1000pj under Auto mode.

In an outdoor environment, the S1000pj returned great colors as seen here. Taken on Auto mode, F3.9, 1/428 sec, ISO200. Click on the image for the full resolution shot.

Another shot with colors showing great reproduction in an outdoor area. Taken on Auto mode, F4, 1/308 sec, ISO200. Click on the image for the full resolution shot.

Night shots will be possible, but requires a steady surface with a 2 second self-timer. Noise level is significantly high due to the high ISO values used on the Auto mode. Taken on Auto mode, F3.9, 1 sec, ISO800. Click on the image for the full resolution shot.

Indoor shots in general pushed the ISO values up to the 800 range with significant noise being spotted. Taken on Auto mode, F3.9 1/65 sec, ISO800. Click on the image for the full resolution shot.

If you surmised that the mileage for the S1000pj might be slightly lower than conventional compact cameras, then you're right. However, its 1050mAh battery did manage to cover up to just slightly beyond 200 shots. Out of these 200 shots, an estimated 40 shots were taken with flash during the night. So what's really eating into its stamina? Probably the projector. But do note that even with the projector used quite often, the S1000pj managed to keep itself going for more than a day's worth of usage.

Besides its imaging capability, video recording is (of course) available on the S1000p, with a maximum resolution of up to 640 x 480 pixels. The only downside we see here is the lack of 720p, or HD video recording. Surprising? We were, at first. But considering that the S1000pj is already packed to the brim with features with debatable practicality, throwing in a 720p video format could significantly raise the price point.

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