Nikon Coolpix S600

Nikon Coolpix S600 features:

• 10 megapixels
• 4x optical zoom
• 2.7 inch LCD
• Optical image stabilized
• ISO up to 3200

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Read More Reviews - (updated 13 August’08)

PCMag reviews the Nikon Coolpix S600 and they write -
“The most apt descriptor I can think of for the Nikon Coolpix S600 is average. And that wouldn’t be a problem if it weren’t so expensive. You can get better performance from models like the Canon PowerShot A590 IS.”
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Pocket-lint reviews the Nikon Coolpix S600 and they write -
“The Nikon Coolpix S600’s lightening fast start-up belies an average (overall) performance elsewhere in the camera, so it is a bit of a mixed bag. And yet, the decent design and build and good image quality might just sway it for you.”

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ePhotozine reviews the Nikon Coolpix S600 and they write -
“The styling suggests a camera designed for the happy snapper while some of the features such as the build quality and 3cm macro feature lean towards the user looking to get that bit extra out of a camera.

As a camera for family snaps, the colours are good and it shoots portraits well including when the flash is used. For more serious use, you have the 3cm macro feature with a great depth of field but it falls short on the landscape mode.”

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NeoCamera reviews the Nikon Coolpix S600 and they write -
“Overall, this ultra-compact delivers a performance which is good on image quality but behind in terms of speed. Good sharpness and a fine noise pattern deliver quite usable images up to ISO 800. Beyond that, noise and noise-reduction destroys colors and details. Speed is on the slow side when we look at the most important aspects: shutter-lag, focusing and shot-to-shot speeds.”

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CNET Australia reviews the Nikon Coolpix S600 and they write -
“The Nikon Coolpix S600 is one of the fastest cameras we’ve tested, and it doesn’t compromise on features or image quality.”

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CNET has reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S600 and they write -
“That said, the S600 produces photos that are generally better than a lot of competitors. It does particularly well in outdoor shots, where it renders saturated, pleasing, and accurate colors. Highlights do tend to blow out, though. For low-detail subject matter in sunlight, you can probably go as high as ISO 800 with little image degradation; in low light, I’d keep that to ISO 400 or below.”

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TigerTV reviews the Nikon Coolpix S600.

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TrustedReviews has reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S600 and they write -
“The Nikon CoolPix S600 is a great-looking camera with a good practical list of features, especially its useful zoom range and outstanding monitor screen. It is well made, simple to use and takes superb pictures. However it very expensive, and its fiddly controls and less-than-stellar performance don’t compare well to its main rivals. Nikon still has some way to go to catch up with Canon, Sony or Panasonic in the luxury compact market.”

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InfoSync has reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S600 and they write -
“The Nikon S600 did perform impressively in this scene test: the image is bright with good contrast, colors are ‘popping’ but accurate, and edges are distinct. Despite having been taken at ISO-100, there is some noise visible in the street signs and under the store awnings, and the camera’s processor appears to be over-sharpening, yielding ghosted edges. Still, at sub-100% zooms, this is exemplary performance from a point-and-shoot.”

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DigitalCameraReview has reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S600 and they write -
“With all the emphasis in Nikon’s S600 press release about fast performance, and a good shutter lag response from its low cost sibling, the S210, I was prepared to be impressed by the S600. Unfortunately, I’m still waiting. For some reason, the S600 didn’t get the excellent shutter lag performance of the cheaper S210 (and the now-discontinued S500 remains my personal favorite compact digital for shutter lag), so it’s not like Nikon doesn’t have the means to provide a good shutter response in this class of camera. Frankly, the shutter lag takes the luster off an otherwise fairly capable camera, especially when you realize Nikon can (and has) done better.

There’s still a lot to like with the S600 – good color and image quality, optical VR, good ISO performance, a novice-friendly layout, and a wider than usual 28mm lens to capture sweeping vistas or big subjects up close. It would just be more likable with a dose of S500 genes in the bloodstream, or at least an S210 shutter lag transfusion.”

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About.com has reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S600 and they write -
“The image quality and clarity from this camera are nothing short of impressive for a point-and-shoot. Images have very little noise, which is perhaps thanks to the camera’s image stabilization features.

In shooting with this camera, there is definitely less demand for user skills and a much lower number of shots that turn out to be a disappointment, either due to blurring, graininess or washed out colors.”

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CNET Asia has reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S600 and they write -
“The good: Quick startup time; small stylish metal body.

The bottom line: The S600 is one of the fastest cameras we’ve tested, and it doesn’t compromise on features or image quality.”

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GoodGearGuide has reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S600 and they write -
“Image noise was slightly higher than normal but if you stick to lower sensitivities you shouldn’t have too many issues. While the camera boasts up to ISO 3200 settings above ISO 800 are basically unusable. Even at ISO 200 we noticed some very fine grain and by ISO 400 this was a little more prominent although still well controlled.”

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Photoxels - 24 March’08 - reviews the Nikon Coolpix S600 and thought it was fun to use. Here’s a summary of their review -
“While the S600 is a fun camera to use for all levels of experience advance shooters will particularly appreciate some the cameras more sophisticated abilities. One feature the review liked a lot was the manual AF Area which allowed them to specify where the camera focuses out of 99 focus areas. Image quality like the majority of point-and-shoots suffers digital noise at higher ISO settings, lower ISAO settings produced great looking images.”

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Amazon User Review Snippets

Nikon D700 body only

Size Doesn’t Matter - Impressive!
I own a Nikon D70, so I’m a little jaded when it comes to image quality. This little thing with a slim profile and a big clear lcd screen feels well-made in the hands. It is point and shoot picture taking at its best.

Disappointing Nikon
Got this camera for the wide angle lens, Nikon name and small size only to be sorely disappointed.

Very nice little point and shoot
This really is a great little camera that gives surprisingly wonderful shots — it’s hard to classify it as a snapshot digital camera with such high IQ.

Fairly good product
Not so good auto white balance (but manual works well). Noisy at high ISO (but 200 is fairly good).

Great Camera
I have no idea why this camera got so many bad reviews. I find it to be a great camera with awesome features and ease of operation. Pictures are crisp and lustrous in color.

Sample Photos

[Sample Photos at Pocket-lint]
[Sample Photos at NeoCamera]
[Sample Photos at CNET Australia]
[Sample Photos at CNET]
[Sample Photos at TrustedReviews]
[Sample Test Photos at CNET Asia]
[Sample Test Photos at Photoxels]

Specifications

[Official Nikon Specifications]

Press Release

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX S600, a stylish new camera that combines swift start-up time, advanced functions and outstanding photographic performance into the world’s most compact body*. Built on a custom application of Nikon’s innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept and incorporating the precision optics of a NIKKOR lens, the COOLPIX S600 offers the added pleasure of sophisticated design.

The 10 megapixel COOLPIX S600 boasts ultra-swift response, and maintains image clarity even at sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200. A 4x Zoom-NIKKOR lens featuring Nikon’s optical lens shift VR image stabilisation enhances compositional freedom with 28mm wide-angle capability (35mm format equivalent) and has the range to cover scenes from panoramic landscapes to close-up portraits.

The COOLPIX S600 delivers high-speed auto focus performance and the world’s fastest start-up time*1, 2 within 0.7 seconds. The clean lines, solid feel and reassuringly firm hold of its metallic body demonstrate dedication to quality materials and fine craftsmanship. Large buttons and the user-friendly rotary multi-selector are also carefully positioned to provide intuitive operation, whilst the clear, bright image offered by large 2.7-inch LCD monitor makes it a pleasure to use. The COOLPIX S600 will be available in a choice of Titanium Silver, or Urban Black body colours. (Colour availability may vary according to region.)

*1 Among compact digital cameras equipped with 28mm (35mm format equivalent) zoom lens and optical vibration reduction as of January 29, 2008 (according to research conducted by NIKON CORPORATION). *2 Based on CIPA industry standard.

Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area. Nikon COOLPIX S600 Feature Highlights

Proven lens shift VR image stabilization for sharper results Optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization helps achieve sharper results by applying field proven technology originally developed for Nikon SLR camera lenses to counteract camera shake in lower light or when shooting moving subjects. Active full time, VR also stabilizes images displayed on the 2.7-inch high-resolution LCD monitor for easier framing and more reassured shooting.

ISO 3200 capability provides extended shooting range Extended light sensitivity range with manual settings up to ISO 3200 adds the power to shoot more effectively in lower lighting conditions, or to capture moving subjects with outstanding clarity. Automatic sensitivity control is also available, freeing you to concentrate on the shot while the camera selects the optimal setting across a range between ISO 100 and ISO 800.

Large 2.7-inch LCD monitor for quality viewing and easier menu operation Practically defying the COOLPIX S600’s compact body proportions is a high quality 2.7-inch LCD monitor with improved shooting displays and revised icons. Features include approx. 230k-dots of high resolution and a wide 160-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angle.

New Active Child mode for carefree shooting with beautiful results Active Child mode joins the lineup of 14 different scene modes and three movie modes tuned to produce the best results to match the moment. In Active Child mode, simply frame and select your subject before shooting. The camera then tracks and focuses on that moving subject as you shoot for faster, more reassuring operation with clearer results. Nikon COOLPIX S600 Other Features

• Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations – Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting
• Active Zoom allows smoother zooming for close-ups
• New Pastel mode produces bright images with a watercolour effect
• Macro shooting from as close as 3 cm (1.2 in.)
• Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
• SDHC card compatibility
• Approx. 45 MB of internal memory
• USB connectivity
• PictBridge support

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See also: Nikon, Nikon Review Roundups