The Nikon Coolpix S640 is touted as the fastest camera in the Coolpix range with an autofocus speed that compares favorably to digital SLRs. It also has a 28-140mm equivalent Nikkor 5x zoom lens with optical vibration reduction, a 12-megapixel sensor, and a 2.7” LCD screen. With specs like this the Coolpix S640 looks like a real winner. So we set out to find out if it would come out as a champion in our testing.

The Nikon Coolpix S640 comes in an unassuming black box, shown in Figure 1. The contents of the box are shown in Figure 2. The camera comes with a lithium-ion battery, a small wrist strap, the USB charging cable and AC adapter plug, video cables, a software disk, a User’s Guide and a Quick Start Guide. As you can see in this figure, the AC adapter has a fold-down plug. This is a feature that we always like to see since it adds to the portability of the camera’s accessories.

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Figure 1: The box.

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Figure 2: What’s included.

As you can see in Figure 3, the brick-shaped camera itself is small and very pocketable. Measuring in at 3.6” x 2.2” x 0.8” (91 x 55 x 20.5 mm) and weighing 3.9 oz (110 g) without the battery and memory card, the S640 is ultra compact. The all-metal body is strong and durable. We reviewed the black model. The S640 also comes in Champagne Silver, Velour Red, Pearl White, and Precious Pink.

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Figure 3: The Nikon Coolpix S640.