Nikon Coolpix S6

Sudeep Naik, Aug 16, 2006 1500 hrs IST

It seems it's raining slim cameras this season and world is getting slimmer. Cashing in on this trend, Nikon launched another in a series of slim cameras, the S6.

Expert Rating:

Slim, Sleek, Extremely good looking, Easy to use interface, Good quality still pictures, Battery life.

Red eye reduction systems fail most of the times, No support for USB 2.0, Camera dock required for USB or A/V output, No Image Stablization Fuctions

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EXPERT REVIEW

Performance

The Nikon Coolpix S6 gets high points on looks and feel. Its simple design is something that will draw a lot of people who are most interested in the end results; capturing the moments.

Although the rated Start up time is approx 0.8 second, it takes around 1.5 seconds till you get the image on the LCD; which, by the way, is pretty neat. All image and scene modes are easily accessible. Unlike a lot of other cams that we have reviewed here, I found the menus have been made easier for the eye with a pretty decent color scheme. The Help button provides easy-to-understand explanations for functions on main menu, which can be very helpful for novices to get acquainted to digicam terminology.

Image quality is decent (if not exceptional) thanks to a 1/2.5-inch CCD and 6.0 effective Megapixel resolution that produces sharp image that don't get blurred or grainy even when significantly enlarged. There were times when I was really irritated with the camera for not having any image stablization fuctions, but after a few attempts I did manage to get it right. Delay between shots is pretty low as well.

The high-quality Nikkor ED lens gives the flexibility to zoom out for beautiful landscapes, zoom in for tightly-composed portraits. As you can see from the sample pictures, the camera gives good quality images for far-out scenes and for close-ups as well. But, I must say I was expecting a better low light performance.

Note: Please go to next page for sample pictures.

The Coolpix S6 has a two-stage redeye reduction system. The camera first uses preflashes to shrink the subject's pupils, and if it still detects redeye the camera removes it with software. Unfortunately, both these systems failed very often during our tests.

Continuous shooting mode allows you to take images at a rate of 2.2 fps. It's pretty handy when the subject is in motion. For still subjects, the BSS (Best Shot Selector) works pretty fine. Exposure BSS automatically selects and saves the shot most closely matching user-selected criteria from five sequential shots.

We tried recording video in all modes (with and without sound) and, although the sound could have been better, the results were all well above average but nothing exceptional. There's also an electronic vibration reduction feature which digitally reduces any "shakes" in your movies.

A major con of this camera is that it is not USB 2.0 compatible making image transfers very slow. The WiFi support that Nikon broadly claims works well but, you cannot e-mail or upload files wirelessly. Another irritating con is that the camera dock required for USB or A/V output.

The rechargeable Li-Ion EN-EL8 battery lasts for at least 180-195 shots with minimal surfing between shots and around 150 shots with some fiddling around with options and image surfing, which is decent enough. But I must say, having a fully charged spare battery always helps no matter what camera you use(I found that out the hard way.)

Conclusion

The Nikon Coolpix S6 is available for Rs. 15,995 with a one-year-warranty. I'd say it's a decent camera with really easy functions. This is the most ideal for point and shoot enthusiasts who want a bit more than just capture frames from life. We strongly advise users to try out a few options before settling down on any single camera.

Test Unit sourced from: J.J. Mehta & Sons, Mumbai.

USER COMMENTS

I wanted to purchase a digital camera range between 10000 to 12000 of Fuji, Canon, Nikon. Above 6x please advice me

by Praful, Bhandara, on Nov 03, 2009 08:46 AM, Report abuse Reply

please let me know where to buy nikon coolpix s6 camera please send me the contact number & address

by santosh, bangalore, on Jul 25, 2009 04:48 PM, Report abuse Reply

hi i want a battery of nikon coolpix s52 in nagpur where i can get this battery please inform me at this no 9970855025

by gaurav kunte, nagpur, on Dec 12, 2008 08:13 PM, Report abuse Reply

WHICH IS BEST DIGITAL CAMERA OF NICON BETWEEN RANGE OF RS. 10000 TO 14000/- WITH MOVIE RECORDING AT LEAST ONE HOUR. please provide address of authorised dealer in ghaziabad

by MANMOHAN KUAMR, DELHI, on May 05, 2007 04:21 PM, Report abuse Reply

u can visit reliance digital in SHIPRA MALL @ GAZIA BAD i think they sujjest u better

by umesh, bangalore, on Sep 27, 2007 03:47 PM, Report abuse

how i can get drivers for windows vista home edition for nikon digital camera model coolpixs6

by pradeep, delhi, on Aug 25, 2007 08:39 PM, Report abuse Reply

Please let me know the stores where can i get the Ac Adapter for Coolpix S6 in Bangalore

by Madhukar N, Bangalore, on Jun 25, 2007 11:24 AM, Report abuse Reply

Kindly let me to know the models and price for digital cameras (Nikon) >Rs.10000

by Dr.Sankar, Chennai, on Jun 21, 2007 11:59 AM, Report abuse Reply

Can i get the other models available and price structure of the camaras with photo of camara,,,, i will be purchase a digi camara very soon....

by Adhivaragan, Chennai, on May 05, 2007 05:28 AM, Report abuse Reply

Iwant to purchase digicam for my personnel use while surfing i didnt find any corner whre you might have mentioned the prices of the product neither the comparision as we normaly get in while selecting mobile hand sets etc

by manish, ghaziabad, on Apr 11, 2007 10:47 PM, Report abuse Reply

Want to know authorise dealer for Nikon for servicing in Mumbai

by Harish, Mumbai, on Mar 27, 2007 01:17 PM, Report abuse Reply

Kindly furnish details of Servce center for Nikon Digital camaras in CHENNAI with models and price list

by Mr.T.M.Srinivas, CHENNAI - S.India., on Mar 25, 2007 11:58 AM, Report abuse Reply

I want to buy a nikon digicam .So i want the range of available cams with their specifications and prices..with their showrooms in delhi

by anurag goyal, new delhi, on Mar 17, 2007 02:19 PM, Report abuse Reply

i need wifi drivers.how can i find it.can you help me?

by ibm, cos, on Feb 23, 2007 11:30 PM, Report abuse Reply

good , where in hyderabad one can get. What is the best price?

by Kallol Polley, Hyderabad, on Feb 15, 2007 05:42 PM, Report abuse Reply

Great looking camera,sleek, decent photos, horrible battrey life..about75-100 snaps(That sexy 3" LCD sucks the life out of it) Red-eye problem, outdoor photos amazing during day time.

by Bobby Chopra, nagpur, on Feb 15, 2007 01:34 AM, Report abuse Reply

yesterday i got this camera realy it is an beautiful one but when i take a snap of evening sky the picture is full of dots what it is ? i dont know why this happen other whise camera is good

by pritpal, moga-142001 punjab, on Dec 02, 2006 06:01 PM, Report abuse Reply

the dots are actually dust

by Devs, Chennai, on Jan 24, 2007 02:05 PM, Report abuse

please send price for nikon s6- and s9

by rajesh, surat, on Jan 18, 2007 06:23 PM, Report abuse Reply

Where can I buy a Nikon Digital camera from in Kolkata? Where are its service centres located in Kolkata?

by Shilpi Dutta, Kolkata, on Jan 16, 2007 11:25 AM, Report abuse Reply

I want to buy a nikon digicam .So i want the range of available cams with their specifications and prices..with their showrooms Chennai

by SatheeshKumar, Chennai, on Oct 17, 2006 03:03 PM, Report abuse Reply

I wamt to buy a nikon digital camera.So i want the range of available cams with their specifications and prices... with their showrooms in Chennai

by prakaash., Chennai, on Jan 15, 2007 09:03 PM, Report abuse

pls tell me the price of S6 and suggest for the Dg camera of nikon make.

by anit, pune, on Nov 10, 2006 10:54 PM, Report abuse Reply

Your may contact Mr. Ravi on Mobile: 9822049331 (M/s. Grace Enterprises)

by Ravi, Pune, on Jan 15, 2007 02:50 PM, Report abuse

pls tell me the price of S6 and suggest for the Dg camera of nikon make.

by amit, kolkata, on Nov 03, 2006 11:25 PM, Report abuse Reply

I want to buy a nikon digicam .So i want the range of available cams with their specifications and prices..with their showrooms Kolkata

by biswajit, kolkata, on Oct 31, 2006 07:06 PM, Report abuse Reply

I want to buy a nikon digicam .So i want the range of available cams with their specifications and prices..with their showrooms Chennai Plz Reply

by SatheeshKumar, Chennai, on Oct 17, 2006 03:00 PM, Report abuse Reply

I want to buy a nikon digicam .So i want the range of available cams with their specifications and prices..with their showrooms also..

by shailender kuma, Delhi, on Oct 03, 2006 10:39 AM, Report abuse Reply

its a good and informative site

by hitesh kamodia, mumbai, on Sep 13, 2006 10:57 AM, Report abuse Reply

No words to describe simply SUPERB....

by gdionesh, Singapore, on Sep 12, 2006 04:27 PM, Report abuse Reply

I do not really mean to be rude but you really do need to fix up your accuracy. I have an S6 and it works fine with my USB 2.0. I think there was something wrong with the test system used. If you make errors like these, no one will trust your content any more.

by Blogger, Delhi, on Aug 21, 2006 01:33 PM, Report abuse Reply

USB 2.0 is a newer version of the protocol/specification used for data transfer which features higher transfer rates. In case one does not have USB 2.0 support the devices run on USB 1.1 which has a comparatively lower data transfer speed. Remeber, Higher USB version numbers describe the USB interface with more features and higher speed. So, dear Blogger, although your device is working, it transfers data at a lower speed.

by jumbo king, vada-pav land, on Aug 24, 2006 12:17 PM, Report abuse

"dear" jumbo king. Please dont tell me abt the whole USB 2.0 thing etc. in case u DONT know, you shud, that when u plug in a device which is USB 2.0 into a 1.1 socket, windows nags u with a blip saying that uve plugged in a 2.0 device into a 1.1 socket. If u DONT get the notification it usually means that uve plugged a 2.0 into a 2.0 Also, to finally remove all realms of doubt from ur mind, the motherboardi m using is an ASUS A8N32-SLI. that has NOTHING but USB 2.0. So, as i was saying, "dear" jumbo king, this review is rubbish because its either not even DONE or done on a low end system. Who ships a 1.1 usb these days???

by Blogger, delhi, on Sep 05, 2006 12:46 AM, Report abuse

its good but i want to know th price

by shrikar, jaipur, on Aug 30, 2006 10:01 AM, Report abuse Reply

Waah! its very nice. I would like to owner of this.

by Ujjal Dutta, Kolkata, on Aug 28, 2006 09:53 PM, Report abuse Reply

i want to purchase this camara

by abhijeet, gandhidham, on Aug 26, 2006 10:21 AM, Report abuse Reply

Price

by Lopita Bose, Kolkata, on Aug 24, 2006 10:07 PM, Report abuse Reply

Need Price list

by Ramesh.K, Tiruvarur, on Aug 25, 2006 08:31 PM, Report abuse

by ojasvi, Faridabad, on Aug 24, 2006 09:46 PM, Report abuse Reply

you cant beat my DSC W5 SONY monster :) slim or otherwise. The DSC W5 rocks!

by Anish Nambiar, Hyde Park, on Aug 17, 2006 10:37 PM, Report abuse Reply

wanna challege my with my S3IS .....!!!

by quaker, bangalore, on Aug 24, 2006 04:13 PM, Report abuse

i m interested in buying Nikon coolpix S6. Can anyone tell me what is it's expected price and the places where to purchase(which offers genuine products with reasonable price)?

by vikas, Jaipur, on Aug 23, 2006 03:23 PM, Report abuse Reply

same as above .

by thanggarathinam, chennai-600081, on Aug 24, 2006 11:29 AM, Report abuse

I, want to know price of coolpix S6

by D.V.Bahrani, Ulhasnagar-42`1001, on Aug 23, 2006 06:03 PM, Report abuse Reply

poor nikon. go to canon powershot s70 or s80.

by camera wala, New delhi, on Aug 23, 2006 12:25 PM, Report abuse Reply

Its nice but Lit' bit costly....Anyway I like it very much..

by Manikam, Chennai, on Aug 23, 2006 10:19 AM, Report abuse Reply

hey Sudeep Naik..so u have come up with the options!good....!!!i liked ur reveiw, let c even i m searching for a digi cam...and this one is the good ones... hey so u believe in love at first sight!! yes by looks it is sexy...n its Nikon so it will be very easy going...keep it up... n from next time plz work out on ur sample pics....tk care...waiting for some new to come...cheers!!!!

by Toru, Mumbai, on Aug 17, 2006 03:09 PM, Report abuse Reply

VOW! I am inrtested to buy this, please guide me

by Bhavesh, Mumbai, on Aug 17, 2006 11:22 AM, Report abuse Reply

Sounds overpriced. Features-wise, it is nowhere near Canon Powershot S2-IS which is priced some 4k more.

by badvt, Chennai, on Aug 16, 2006 08:45 PM, Report abuse Reply

I use a S2 IS, which i deem to be perhaps the best all round cam within 20k, but then it is much bigger in size and almost unwieldy to carry except on special occasions. After some time one desires a pockatable compact cam like S6- but i selected the best one- that is Canon ISUS 800 IS- because of its fantastic camera performance, 4X optical zoom and image stablisation- of course also because this has a optical view finder.Though slightly more expensive- i deem the Canon IXUS 800 a better investment, because of good experience with Canon digicams- my son is still using the 4 yr old Canon A-60.

by vijayshimla, Shimla 171001, on Aug 17, 2006 07:59 AM, Report abuse

Hii I'm lookin for one Nikon Digital Camera, Coolpix L3. Could any kind soul plz share his views abt this particular or any other entry level Digital still camera.Does Canon perform well than Nikon? If so plz suggest one entry level digital still camera within Rs. 15,000/-.

by souravin, Howrah, on Aug 16, 2006 06:06 PM, Report abuse Reply

sauravin- at mid entry level within Ts. 15000 the best all round camera that U can buy will be Canon A-620- though not available from canon direct anymore- it is about 12-13 k & with 35 to 140 mm excellent optical zoom- plus 7 MP- it is unbeatable value, not too big- not too small & its movies mode with sound is very good. Of course within the same budget - U could pick up a Canon A-700 with a 6X optical zoom- which is even better- saw it on Ebay india- Canon digicams are the best and they have better service from canon india.

by vijayshimla, Shimla 171001, on Aug 17, 2006 07:50 AM, Report abuse