I was quite interested in this camera, the first Nikon compact with VR (their name for image stabiliser or Vibration Reduction), I thought it could be a competitor for the one I have my eye on, the Canon Powershot A710 IS.

The main turn off for me was the lack of manual controls, being a full time SLR user, when I use my backup compact I want as much flexibility as possible.

The reviews are in though and it doesn’t seem to perform too well.

DCRP Review: Nikon Coolpix S10

If you want a fairly compact ultra zoom camera that can take some creative shots, then the Coolpix S10 is probably worth a look. If you want manual controls and lens accessories then it’s probably not the best choice. While I’m not jumping up and down with enthusiasm about the S10, it’s cool enough (pun intended) to earn my recommendation.

Nikon CoolPix S10 review

The selling points of this camera are the flexibility of the design and the powerful zoom. Neither of these will let prospective purchasers down, but anyone looking for a more general camera will be disappointed by the image quality overall and the problematic flash. The VR system is something that a big zoom really needs if in poor lighting condition, but it is hardly infallible so a few shots are generally required, rather than assuming it will have worked. It does help keep the ISO rating down, which is a good idea. While ISO800 images are noisy, they retain detail and sharpness. So, one for the person who like to get close to the action and wants a pocket-sized camera, but not for everyone else.

Nikon Coolpix S10 – Trusted Reviews

The Nikon Coolpix S10 is a well-made and attractively finished camera with some useful capabilities, excellent noise handling and is capable of producing good results under the right circumstances. However, lacklustre performance, terminally slow AF, poor low-light capability and awkward handling limits its appeal. It is also expensive compared to rival cameras with superior performance, so the overall outlook is bleak.

Nikon Coolpix S10 – CNet

The bottom line: Nikon’s S10 has some decent features, including a really nice lens, but it doesn’t live up to its potential and can’t compete with similarly priced superzooms.

Now I am a great fan of Nikon SLR cameras, but I’ve never much liked their compacts…this doesn’t leave me feeling impassioned to buy an S10 VR..