This ultra-compact packs a somewhat wide 5X optical zoom lens and a 3.5" LCD in a 1" thick body, along with a 10 megapixels sensor and vibration reduction. A touch screen interface replaces most controls resulting in a frustratingly slow interface for anything more than pure point-and-shoot operation.

The Nikon Coolpix S60 turns in average image quality and performance for an ultra-compact, so chosing this model requires placing high value on its 3.5" LCD or at least its 5X optical zoom lens which, by the way, is not unique among ultra-compacts. The most important flaw to note is that to change anything, even something basic like exposure compensation, is a slow process with the S60.

Pure point-and-shoot operation is easy with the Nikon Coolpix S60 and results in well-exposed images with natural colors and a reasonable amount of details. That being said, the camera's weak high-ISO performance and slow focus system makes in unsuitable for indoor photography, particularly of moving subjects. This is a problem more prominent of ultra-compacts but there are much better performers under those conditions.

Competion by the present champion of ultra-compacts, the Fuji Finepix F100fd, represents the biggest challenge to the Nikon Coolpix S60. Given that the F100fd performs extraordinarily well in low-light, responds quickly and has a larger feature set, including expanded dynamic range mode and a true wide-angle 5X optical zoom, we highly recommend it instead. Other ultra-compact models with a 5X optical zoom lens include the Sony Cybershot T500 and Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd. Placing more importance on usability than on zoom, the Canon PowerShot SD880 IS and SD950 IS are great options with great image quality and speed of operation, combined with a highly intuitive interface.

See our full-length review for an in-depth look and images samples at all ISO sensitivities.