Nikon's 2015 family waterproof compact — 13.2MP, 3x zoom, 10m waterproof, shockproof, 1080p video.
The Nikon Coolpix S33 was a family-oriented waterproof compact announced by Nikon on 10 February 2015 alongside the tougher Coolpix AW130. Designed for worry-free use by anyone from children to adults, it was among the cheapest rugged waterproof cameras on the market and replaced conventional menus with a simplified, kid-friendly interface.
The S33 offers 13.2 effective megapixels with a 3x optical zoom NIKKOR lens, extendable to about 6x via Dynamic Fine Zoom. It is waterproof to 10m for up to 60 minutes (IPX8), shockproof against drops from 1.5m, freezeproof to -10C and dustproof (IP6X). Full HD 1080/30p movies record with stereo sound, and stills bursts run at 4.7fps for 11 frames. Novelties include Underwater Face Framing, which automatically detects and shoots faces under water, and Target Finding AF. It charges over Micro-USB with the supplied EH-71P adapter and runs on the common EN-EL19 lithium-ion battery.
The S33 is built for pools, beaches and sandpits: four big buttons, a symmetrical grip sized for small hands, and playful extras such as makeup effects, a miniature-movie mode and a message-exchange function. It is a fine first camera for a child or a cheap holiday knockabout. The main compromise is image quality — the small sensor delivers modest detail and struggles in low light, with a maximum of ISO 1600.
Used examples have often lived hard poolside lives, so inspect the sealed battery/card door gasket for grit, tears or corrosion — the waterproofing depends on it — and never buy one with moisture haze behind the lens window. The EN-EL19 battery is shared with many Nikon compacts and still easy to buy new; confirm the Micro-USB charging works. Check the body for cracks around corners from drops beyond its 1.5m rating.