Nikon Coolpix S6500 - A Compact Camera That Delivers Impressive Results

Looking for a camera that offers high-quality performance in a small, portable package? The Nikon Coolpix S6500 might be just what you need. With its impressive features and user-friendly design, this camera is perfect for both amateurs and professionals alike. In this blog post, we explore the different facets of the Nikon Coolpix S6500 and why it is the ideal camera for your next adventure.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix S6500 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 08 2013

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight250g
MSRP$219USD

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Overview of the Coolpix S6500

In today's world, when everything is fast-paced and on-the-go, capturing the perfect moment has never been easier. Thanks to the advancements in camera technology, we now have access to pocket-sized cameras that deliver impressive results without the hassle of bulky equipment. One such camera is the Nikon Coolpix S6500, a compact camera designed to provide stunning pictures and videos without sacrificing portability. The Nikon Coolpix S6500 comes packed with impressive features, including a 12x optical zoom lens, 16 megapixels CMOS sensor, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, and a variety of shooting modes. Whether you're looking to capture your favorite moments in high quality or experimenting with creative photography, the Coolpix S6500 is up to the task. If you're a travel enthusiast or someone who loves to explore new places, the Nikon Coolpix S6500 can be your perfect travel companion. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry anywhere, allowing you to click stunning pictures and videos on the go. Overall, the Nikon Coolpix S6500 is a feature-packed camera that delivers impressive results, making it an ideal choice for photography enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a pocket-sized camera for your next adventure or a device to enhance your creative photography skills, the Coolpix S6500 won't disappoint.

Nikon Coolpix S6500 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix S6500 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

16 megapixel sensor
Built-in Wi-Fi
VR image stabilization
12x optical zoom
1080p Full HD video recording
3-inch LCD display
Numerous creative modes and filters
Slim and compact design

Cons

Poor low-light performance
Limited manual control options
Lens distortion at maximum zoom
Slow autofocus and shot to shot time
Short battery life
Limited ISO range
No viewfinder
No manual focus ring

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix S6500

Weather sealed
Dimensions95 x 58 x26 mmmm
Weight250g
Thicknessnullmm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix S6500 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution460k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Nikon Coolpix S6500 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Nikon Coolpix S6500 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Coolpix S6500 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix S6500 has a 16MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Nikon Coolpix S6500 has a native ISO range of 100 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jan 08 2013

Announced

100 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon Coolpix S6500 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Coolpix S6500 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life
Battery ModelSLB-10A
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix S6500 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon Coolpix S6500 uses the SLB-10A model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon Coolpix S6500 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Nikon Coolpix S6500 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Nikon Coolpix S6500 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon Coolpix S6500?

The Nikon Coolpix S6500 features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix S6500 weather sealed?

No the Coolpix S6500 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix S6500 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix S6500 was announced on Jan 08 2013

Does the Nikon Coolpix S6500 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Coolpix S6500 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon Coolpix S6500?

The Coolpix S6500 has a native ISO range of 100-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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