Nikon's wave-styled 2007 compact — 8MP CCD, 3x 38-114mm equiv VR zoom, 3in LCD, EN-EL8 power
The Coolpix S51 was a slim wave-styled compact announced by Nikon on 30 August 2007, sold alongside the Wi-Fi-capable S51c. It represented the style-first strand of the S series, with a curved metal body dominated by a large screen.
An 8.1-megapixel CCD sits behind a 3x zoom equivalent to 38-114mm at f/2.8-5.4, stabilised by lens-shift Vibration Reduction. The 3.0-inch anti-reflective LCD fills the back, sensitivity reaches ISO 1600, and power is Nikon's EN-EL8 lithium-ion battery, CIPA-rated at about 150 shots.
Contemporary reviews praised the metal body, stabilisation and large screen but criticised soft, noise-reduced output, slow telephoto focusing and short battery life — worth knowing before buying one to shoot with rather than collect.
Battery life was weak even when new, so a tired EN-EL8 may manage very few shots; replacements exist but budget for one, and make sure a charger is included. Distinguish the S51 from the Wi-Fi S51c in listings, and check the LCD, the camera's sole finder, for scratches and bright pixels.