CNET reviews the Nikon Coolpix P1 and writes – ‘The Nikon Coolpix P1’s most noticeable flaw is its somewhat sluggish performance. Slower than many cameras in its class, it takes more than 5 seconds to grab its first shot after powering up, and it has a poor continuous-shooting rate of 0.7 to 1.4 frames per second’

Nikon Imaging has a great spec sheet available on the Nikon Coolpix P1.

With 8 megapixels on tap, as well as this newfangled wi-fi thing, the Nikon Coolpix P1 has got some potential. The reviews are mixed though, based on sub-par speed, and limited wi-fi use. I’m all for anything that helps clean up my desk – I have wires everywhere!

Digital Photography Review also reviews the Nikon Coolpix S4 and they write – ‘Not only is the lens of the COOLPIX S4 incredibly powerful, but it is also housed within a unique swiveling body that allows the lens to be directed independently of the LCD monitor. As a result, it provides new potential for taking pictures from a more imaginative range of angles — shooting from the hip, shooting from overhead, and allowing the photographer to point the lens and the LCD monitor in the same direction simultaneously to achieve self-portraits with more accurate composition.’

PC Magazine reviews the Nikon Coolpix S4 and writes – ‘It’s a wonderful design, especially useful for Hail Mary shots or shooting over crowds. Unfortunately, we found the pictures taken with the S4 to be a bit disappointing.’

Overall it sounds like a great design by Nikon is overshadowed by subpar image quality. In each review, you’ll hear praises being sung for the design – and it is a unique design, no question. However, at some point functionality has to take precendence over style. A digital camera should take great pictures first, and be pretty second.