Nikon Coolpix S60 Review: The Touch Camera of 2008

In 2008, smartphone touchscreens were just starting to become widespread. That same year, Nikon equipped its compact camera with a 3.6-inch touchscreen. The Nikon Coolpix S60 is a rare model that features one of the most daring design decisions of its era.

What is the Nikon Coolpix S60?

The Nikon Coolpix S60 is a compact digital camera released in 2008, featuring a 10-megapixel CCD sensor and a massive 3.6-inch touchscreen LCD. Its cherry red color option makes this model particularly appealing to collectors.

The S60's front surface is almost entirely screen—the number of buttons was kept to a minimum, with everything designed for touch interaction. This radical approach captivated audiences both in 2008 and today.

Technical Specifications

• Sensor: 10 MP CCD
• Screen: 3.6" touchscreen TFT LCD (the largest screen on a compact camera of its time)
• Optical Zoom: 5x (35–175mm equivalent)
• Face Detection: Yes (up to 12 faces)
• Video: 640×480 (VGA)
• Memory: 45 MB internal + SD card
• Color Options: Cherry Red, Black, Silver, Coffee

3.6-Inch Touchscreen: Why Was It Revolutionary in 2008?

The first-generation iPhone was introduced in 2007 with a 3.5-inch screen. The Nikon S60, within a year, offered a touchscreen of similar size on a compact camera. Focus point selection, zoom control, and menu navigation were all done via the touchscreen.

Today, this feature might seem nostalgic, but back then, it was a bold engineering decision. Using the S60 feels genuinely different—it's not a camera you constantly click, but one you swipe and tap.

Cherry Red Color and Collector's Value

The cherry red version of the S60 was produced in much smaller quantities compared to the black or silver. Today, finding a functional and unfaded cherry S60 is becoming increasingly difficult. This rare color commands a premium among collectors.

Who Is It Ideal For?

• Enthusiasts of touchscreen camera history
• Those looking for a colorful and striking collectible
• Completers of the Nikon Coolpix S series
• Anyone wanting to discover the most interesting cameras of the Y2K era

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nikon Coolpix S60 touchscreen sensitive?

It uses resistive touch technology (not capacitive), meaning it works with light pressure rather than fingertip-only touch. Once accustomed to it, it's quite functional, but it feels different from modern smartphone screens.

What battery does the S60 use?

The Nikon EN-EL10 Li-ion battery. This battery model is still available, and many compatible third-party alternatives exist.

Can the Nikon Coolpix S60 do macro photography?

Yes, its macro mode allows you to get as close as 7 cm. With the CCD sensor's detail processing, it achieves strong results in close-up shots.