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Nikon Coolpix S6200

*Est. $150

Reviewed

June 2012

by ConsumerSearch

Low-price ultrazoom falls short with budget camera performance

Pros

Compact
10x zoom lens
Excellent image stabilization
Easy to operate

Cons

Limited shooting options
Mediocre photo, video quality
Slow shooting speeds

Where to Buy

for $148.98

Our Analysis
Specs
90 Amazon Reviews

Reviewers consider the low-cost Nikon Coolpix S6200 a worthy ultrazoom, as long as you're willing to settle for mediocre photos and performance. The S6200 squeezes a generous 10x zoom lens into a lightweight frame that's an inch thick, rivaling the ultra-compact Samsung PL210. With a respectable lens span of 25 mm to 250 mm, the S6200 captures panoramic landscapes as well as close-ups just inches away, and critics are enthusiastic about the exceptional image stabilization. This well-designed camera, which comes in five colors, has a rubberized grip, raised controls and a dedicated video-record feature for easy handling.

Lackluster camera

Although the S6200 covers the basics, experts say it's unremarkable. "The S6200's 16-megapixel resolution means little in terms of quality," says CNET's Joshua Goldman about the mediocre photo and video quality. Other limitations include the strictly automatic shooting features, cramped 2.7-inch LCD display, fussy autofocus and slow shooting speeds.

The bottom line

You can get slightly better photo quality with the Samsung PL210, which also has a 10x zoom along with a larger 3-inch LCD. For a better all-around budget camera, some experts suggest the highly rated Canon PowerShot Elph 100 HS. It only has a 4x zoom lens but compensates with versatile features, faster shooting speeds, a 3-inch LCD, full HD video (1080p) and great image quality.

CNET offers the most well rounded review of the Nikon Coolpix S6200 with a video, writeup and test results that show how the camera stacks up next to competitors. ConsumerReports.org and Which? magazine base their brief summaries on scores from rigorous lab tests, while DigitalCameraInfo.com and PhotographyBlog.com have lengthy yet informative evaluations. Users at Amazon.com aren't shy about sharing their opinions about the S6200.

Where To Buy

Nikon COOLPIX S6200 16 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and HD 720p Video (Black)

(90 reviews)
Buy new: $229.00 $148.98 17 Used & new from $75.00

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. CNET

"The Nikon Coolpix S6200 is a perfectly average point-and-shoot camera," says Joshua Goldman. The small, unassuming camera packs a nice wide-angle zoom lens and is easy to use. However, Goldman says that shooting performance -- especially the autofocus -- "drove me a little crazy."

Review: Nikon Coolpix S6200 (Red), Joshua Goldman, Dec. 14, 2011

2. ConsumerReports.org

The Nikon Coolpix S6200 is among more than 170 point-and-shoot cameras put through rigorous tests by editors. A ratings chart shows how the S6200 stacks up next to competitors for features such as image quality, ease of use and versatility. Camera reviews include a newly expanded summary of detailed test results.

Review: Point and Shoot Digital Camera Ratings and Reliability, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

3. Which? magazine

Editors of Which? magazine (U.K.'s version of ConsumerReports.org) put the Nikon Coolpix S6200 through comprehensive tests alongside hundreds of digital cameras. They praise the 10x zoom lens, the image stabilizer's "superb job" and the good pictures. Setbacks include the lack of manual controls and small LCD.

Review: Nikon Coolpix S6200 Review, Editors of Which?

4. DigitalCameraInfo.com

Liam McCabe says the Nikon Coolpix S6200 makes a decent choice for those who "have their hearts set on a big zoom for small dollars." He cautions that the camera comes with the usual budget-model liabilities: "bush league" shooting speeds, poor low-light shooting, a clunky user interface and cheap plastic body. Nevertheless, McCabe says it's the best point-and-shoot around with an ultrazoom lens.

Review: Nikon Coolpix S6200, Liam McCabe, Nov. 23, 2011

5. PhotographyBlog.com

"The Nikon Cooplix S6200 is a solid if slightly unexciting travel zoom," says Mark Goldstein, who likes the camera's versatile 10x zoom lens and ease of use. The camera is good enough to earn a Recommended rating, even though image quality is "just above average" and the LCD and 720p HD movies top out at "run of the mill."

Review: Nikon Coolpix S6200 Review, Mark Goldstein, Nov. 8, 2011

6. Amazon.com

Over 40 owners offer reviews of the Nikon Coolpix S6200 at Amazon.com. About half say it's a great point-and-shoot camera; they give it a 5-star rating for its compact size, ease of use, nice zoom lens and good photo quality. Other users are disappointed with the weak flash, poor battery life and so-so image quality.

Review: Nikon Coolpix 16 MP Digital Camera, Contributors to Amazon.com

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