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CONCLUSIONS
Compact cameras have always been popular (at least in part) because they're unobtrusive and not intimidating to subjects. The inconspicuous little Nikon Coolpix S640 should fit right in - it does a remarkably good job across the board and it's tough enough to go just about anywhere. Auto focus speed is on par with many entry-level DSLRs and the S640 is as fast or faster than any camera in its class. Image quality is dependably very good to excellent with balanced contrast, bold bright colors, and acceptable noise levels up to ISO 800. Chromatic aberration (purple fringing) is very well controlled, and the 0.8 inch macro shooting capability is very useful. The S640's triple threat VR system is also a welcome feature.

The Nikon Coolpix S640 provides users with an impressive mixture of versatility, ease of use, and operational speed to efficiently and effectively meet the needs of a surprisingly diverse group of shooters. The S640 is an excellent general-use digicam that is so simple to operate that even absolute beginners can capture stunning images. The S640 is tiny, it's fast, and it consistently delivers first-rate images of both static and active subjects - making it a great choice for family photographers and casual shooters looking a stylish ultra-compact digicam capable of capturing great images outdoors and indoors.

Unlike most of its competition, the Coolpix S640 will also appeal to candid/street/documentary shooters looking for a low-profile picture machine with a little extra reach that's quick enough to capture the decisive moment. The S640 also offers hikers, backpackers, off-trail bikers, extreme sports fans, and adventure travelers lots of photographic potential in a small, light-weight package.

Pros:

• Fast
• Moderate wide-angle to short telephoto 5x zoom
• Tough and versatile
• Easy to use

Cons:

• No optical viewfinder
• No manual exposure options
• Weak flash

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