Overview
The Nikon Coolpix S620 is a mid range pocket camera. It has 12 megapixels and a 4x zoom lens. The focal length of the lens is 28 - 112mm giving the Coolpix S620 wide angle capabilities, adding a little extra flexibility to the camera. Other features include a 2.7 inch LCD screen and image stabilisation. Aside from these features Nikon has equipped the camera with a fairly standard set of features for a point and shoot digital camera.
Why Buy The Nikon Coolpix S620
The main attractions are a good build quality, ease of use and unfussy design.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
12
4x
2.7 inches
90 x 53 x 23 mm
120g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
2cm
No
No
Lithium ion
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
The Coolpix S620 has an issue with the glare from the sun. This has caused a loss of detail on the boats. Some of the blue areas of the shot also take on a purple tinge.
Looking at this photo you will notice plenty of colour in the shot. The sky in particular shows a very deep shade of blue. There is a hint of darkness creeping into the corners of the shot. This can be an issue for some cameras when zoom is not being used. Sharpness is inline with expectations for a camera with a wide angle lens.
Zooming right in the Coolpix S620 has further problems coping with the glare of the sun. As in the first test shot, this detracts from the detail available in the lightest areas of the shot.
I have used the landscape scene mode setting for all four of my outdoor test shot. As I have found with other Nikon digital cameras this is the best way to ensure sharpness holds up towards the edges of landscape style photos. There are no real issues with sharpness, especially with smaller sized prints.
Portraits
This is my favourite photo taken with the Coolpix S620. With the subject much closer in the camera is able to take a good, sharp shot. It is the warmth of the colours that catches my eye here.
With this shot the camera manages to retain colour in the shot. I would like to have seen a bit more power from the flash and a brighter photo.
Turning flash off adds a little noise to the shot. On the whole it has a fairly natural look, but it does take on a pink tinge here and there.
Macro, Colours and Noise
This is a standard macro effort. There is not a great deal of difference in the quality of this shot when compared to most pocket sized cameras. I doubt you will look to buy a camera like the Coolpix S620 if you are really serious about macro work, but it can take a good quality, close in snapshot.
I like the colours this camera has produced. In terms of colour strength the Nikon generally produces softer colours than many other brands do, but the outdoor photo with no zoom demonstrates the Coolpix S620 is also capable of producing punchy colours too.
You can select from ISO levels all the way up to ISO 6400. Picture quality deteriorates long before you reach that setting though. I would recommend allowing the camera to set ISO in most instances, only going higher in darker conditions where there is no other way of getting a shot.
Summary
When it comes to picture quality the Coolpix S620 can handle most snapshot opportunities, but I am a bit concerned with the problems it is posed by bright, sunny conditions.
Style
This is a neat and tidy, pocket camera. The design is fairly plain, but in my view the camera looks good. It is available in purple, sky blue, pink, pearl and black.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.18 seconds
11.1 seconds
0.42 seconds
14.54 seconds
1.75 seconds
Ease of Use
I found the Coolpix S620 very easy to use. The menu system is easy to read and there is a selector dial on the back of the camera to speed up the process of selecting settings.
Points I Like
Ease of use - fast turn on time - low shutter delay times
Where it Could Improve
Darkness can creep into corners when the lens is zoomed out - sun glare
Verdict
The Nikon Coolpix S620 is a solid choice. It does not really stand out from the crowd, but does a good job in most situations.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Nikon Coolpix S620 Review Nikon Coolpix S620 Specification Nikon Coolpix S620 Sample Images Nikon Coolpix S620 Features
Review Date
August 2009
