Nikon Coolpix S70 Digital Camera, Black {12.1MP}

Nikon Coolpix S70: A Touchscreen Ultracompact With a 5x Zoom

The Coolpix S70 pairs a 3.5" touchscreen LCD with a fixed-lens 12MP CCD sensor in a body that weighs just 160 g and slips into a shirt pocket at 20mm thick. The 28-140mm equivalent lens covers a 5x optical zoom range at a modest f/3.9 maximum aperture, backed by optical image stabilization to keep handheld shots steady at the long end. A macro focus range of 3 cm lets you get in tight on small subjects without a dedicated macro lens.

There's no viewfinder here, which makes sense given the touchscreen-first design: framing, menu navigation and playback all run through that 288,000-dot display. Subject and scene modes handle exposure decisions automatically since there's no aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual exposure control on board, making this a point-and-shoot in the truest sense. Video tops out at 1280 x 720 at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, fine for casual clips though not built for serious video work.

ISO runs from 80 to 2000 natively, with boost modes reaching 3200 and 6400 for low-light situations where you'd have an usable shot than a clean one. Storage runs on SD/SDHC cards with 20 MB of internal memory as backup, and the EN-EL12 battery pack keeps things running without disposable cells. For a camera built around simplicity and pocketability, the S70 delivers a genuinely different interface experience than the button-heavy compacts of its era.

Who It's For

Casual travel photographers get a 5x zoom range (28-140mm equivalent) in a 160g body that disappears into a jacket pocket, useful for street scenes and landscapes without hauling extra glass. Parents and everyday snapshooters benefit from the touchscreen interface and automatic scene modes, since there's no manual exposure system to fuss with, just point, tap, and shoot. Close-up and tabletop shooters can lean on the 3 cm macro focus range for small objects, food, or detail shots. Anyone wanting simple video alongside stills has 1280 x 720 30 fps capture on tap for quick clips without switching gear.

Key Features

• 12.0MP CCD sensor in 1/2.3" format
• 28-140mm equivalent 5x optical zoom
• f/3.9 maximum aperture with optical image stabilization
• 3.5" 288,000-dot touchscreen LCD, no viewfinder
• 3 cm macro focus range
• ISO 80-2000 native, 3200-6400 with boost
• 1280 x 720 Motion JPEG video at 30 fps
• 160g ultracompact body, 20mm thick

FAQ

Does the S70 have a viewfinder?

No. The 3.5" touchscreen LCD is your only framing surface, which aligns with the touchscreen-first design.

What's the zoom range on the 28-140mm lens?

5x optical zoom at a fixed f/3.9 maximum aperture. Digital zoom extends to 4x if you need it, though optical is what matters for image quality.

Can I shoot in manual exposure mode?

No. The S70 relies on subject and scene modes for exposure control-there's no aperture priority, shutter priority, or full manual mode.

How close can the macro focus get?

3 cm (1.18"), which lets you frame small subjects without a dedicated macro lens.

What video specs does it have?

1280 x 720 at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format. You can also shoot 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 at 30 fps if needed.

What ISO range does it support?

Native range runs 80 to 2000. Boost modes push to 3200 and 6400 for low-light work where noise matters less than getting the shot.

Does it have optical image stabilization?

Yes. OIS helps steady handheld shots, especially at the long end of that 140mm equivalent focal length.