$429
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Launched together with the Nikon Coolpix L10/11, the S200 is the trimmer version of the two cameras.

Some notable features that users, especially the ladies, would like: its fantastic build quality (thanks to its aluminium casing), its thinness (it won't take up much space in the handbag), and its2.5-inch LCD screen (so you can share the image with giggling friends). Plus,there are features that make fool-proof photo-taking even more foolproof.

There a few notable features that comes with the S200 such as Image stabilisation-cum-vibration reduction or eVR, in-camera correction and ISO 1000 for high image sensitivity.

What all this means is that no matter what you do to try and spoil your shots,the camera automatically processes the information and corrects the image in such a way to make those images "acceptable".

But is it really what it promises to be?

Yes, the S200 is really a foolproof camera: what with all that self-correction,it takes photos in most circumstances without you having to do much else -except point and shoot, of course.But the auto functions also means less flexibility that even the 15 scene modes could help little with.

What disappoints most is the S200's claims of its vibration reduction system.At best, it is really a misnomer or at worst, a misrepresentation.

There is no way that a $429 camera could have an adaptive lens stabilising system that could erase hand vibrations.

After some tests, I can safely conclude that the eVR is just the camera processing software trying to erase the vibration effects perhaps through sharpening the images.

My recommendation for casual photographers is always to shoot below ISO200.

That would also mean shooting with a tripod or steadying yourself against a wall or lamp post or placing the camera on a wall or fence and invoking the timer.

As it turned out, some images from the S200 still showed purple fringing due to chromatic aberrations or exhibited slight a blue overcast.

On its redeeming values, the camera's auto red-eye reduction mechanism kicks in at the right moment to prevent red-eye and the D-lighting feature improves pictures post capture.

FINAL SAY

The S200 is slick, thin, easy to use and will get the photos by hook or by crook. The eVR, however, is more of a marketing gimmick than a really useful feature for users.