Nikon Coolpix S620 12.2MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Jet Black)

by Nikon

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B001T2GDF4
• Item model number: S620 Jet Black
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (81 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,315 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 24, 2003

Product Description

Color: Jet Black

From the Manufacturer

The Coolpix S620 combines beauty and brains. It features fast start up in just 0.7 seconds, and a superb 4x wide-angle zoom-NIKKOR lens is matched to a 12.2-megapixel image sensor for superb image quality. High-performance features such as 4-way VR image stabilization, scene auto selector, subject tracking, smile mode with blink proof make taking beautiful pictures incredibly easy.

Coolpix S620 Highlights

12.2 megapixels for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches
Plenty of sharp resolution to capture the finest details, crop creatively and produce incredible enlargements.

4x wide-angle zoom-NIKKOR glass lens
Versatile zoom range that allows you to capture expansive landscapes or get close to the action. NIKKOR optics provide exceptional pictures. The lens is built on a proud heritage of producing precision camera optics that deliver superb color and razor-sharp results.

New EXPEED image processor
Ensures high-quality pictures with stunning color and sharpness. Nikon's comprehensive digital imaging processing concept incorporates know-how and technologies accumulated throughout our long history of photographic and digital imaging development. EXPEED is custom-tuned for Coolpix and applies optimized technologies to render natural-looking pictures of incredible quality and quick response so you will not miss that special moment. Incredible, Bright 2.7-inch High-Resolution LCD with wide viewing angle makes it easy to compose and share your pictures. In addition, the high-contrast and anti-reflection coating on the screen assist in clear viewing, even in direct sunlight.

4-Way VR Image Stabilization

• Nikon's Optical VR Image Stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake with elements built into the camera's lens. This produces clearer, sharper results in lower lighting or unsteady conditions.
• Motion Detection automatically detects moving subjects and adjusts the shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for camera shake and subject movement.
• High ISO 6400 Capability gives you sharper results when shooting in low light or capturing fast-moving subjects. This creates new opportunities to take sharper, more natural-looking photos in lower light conditions. ISO 3200 and 6400 are available at full resolution.
• Nikon's original Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically takes up to 10 shots while the shutter is pressed and then saves the sharpest image.

Scene Auto Selector
Automatically recognizes the scene in your picture and adjusts the camera setting. Just set the camera to the Scene Auto Selector and the camera changes the settings according to the scene you are photographing, automatically. Subject Tracking will track a moving subject to ensure sharp focus. The camera will automatically track your subject--even if they temporarily move out of the frame.

Nikon's Smart Portrait System

• In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically fixes most instances of red-eye in the camera. You may never see red-eye again.
• Face-Priority AF is Nikon's face-finding technology that automatically focuses on up to 12 faces in a group portrait.
• Smile Mode automatically releases the shutter when your subject smiles. The camera will detect the subject's smile and automatically fire the shutter.
• Blink Proof enables the camera to take two pictures when the subject smiles and saves the shot in which the subject’s eyes are open.
• D-Lighting rescues dark or backlit images by improving brightness and detail where needed.

What's in the Box

• Coolpix S620 digital camera
• Li-ion rechargeable battery EN-EL12
• Battery Charger MH-6
• USB Cable UC-E6
• Audio/Video Cable EG-CP14
• Strap AN-CP19
• Software Suite for Coolpix CD-ROM

Product Description

The COOLPIX S620 combines beauty and brains. It features the worlds fastest start up in just 0.7 seconds1. A superb 4x wide-angle zoom-NIKKOR lens is matched to a 12.2 megapixel image sensor for superb image quality. High performance features such as 4 way VR image stabilization, scene auto selector, subject tracking, smile mode with blink proof make taking beautiful pictures incredibly easy. Includes: Coolpix S620 12MP 4X VR Digital Camera, Jet Black, Li-ion rechargeable battery EN-EL12, Battery Charger MH-65, USB Cable UC-E6, Audio/Video Cable EG-CP14, Strap AN-CP19, Software Suite for COOLPIX CD-ROM

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

173 of 174 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Canon Killer, An incredible Camera, May 6, 2009

By 

C. A. Bayko "Roadwarrior" (Kingsport, TN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S620 12.2MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Rich Pearl) (Electronics)

Many years ago I did quite a bit of photography; and so I know what it takes to get a great photo. Unfortunately the digital cameras, particularly the small ones, have been hampered by slow ability to capture light, and thus get clear pictures in Low light without a flash, or get great shots at High Speeds. Also the digital camera's ability to distinguish between a strong backlight, faces, a variety of scenes, like bright sun, shade, cloudy days, indoor light, has been poor, but gradually getting better across the last 4 years. This Nikon S620, solves all of those problems. All of these situations are corrected in this camera automatically if you want to just point and shoot. It is a master of computer engineering. For several years now with most of the strong brands, you could get good pictures in all the above situations, by correcting for red eye, selecting special scenes, and using tripods in low light. What I wanted to see if, with this Nikon, IF you set it to complete auto, you could get great pictures. Has the computer advanced far enough, where it could anticipate all these situations and give you a great picture? Answer is a resounding yes. I have tested this for a month, and I love it so much; I have now bought one for one of my daughters. This model as some professional reviews have said is a bit more practical for everyday situations, because of the wide angle. What it lacks in the Zoom, though the S630 is tempting; it makes up in speed, to handle all the above situations well. The controls are easy to operate. The high Megapixel count let you crop photos closer and still have a great picture; like the one I uploaded with the bird nesting. The anti-shake /vibration works well; to give you almost always clear shots, in these difficult situations.
UPDATE MAY 7th. : I looked at the S630 Product page and noticed 6 reviews, all but one positive. The one negative review, talks about noise in pictures and poor performance in low light. The speed rating of the 620 is much higher than the 630, at native resolution; thus resulting in sharper pictures in the extremes of photography, low light and high speed. I belive by my own photo's the 620 is a remarkable advancement in giving excellent pictures acorss the range. I am not saying, to not buy the 630; only that the powerful zoom in such a small camera is not without compromise. Thus there may be issues with that camera when used as an all around camera. If you are looking for an excellent all around camera; the Nikon S620 is THE one to buy!

84 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tiny, powerful and fast., June 10, 2009

By 

Mark Dalzell (Jersey City, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S620 12.2MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Jet Black) (Electronics)

I purchased this S620 as a replacement for my aging and failing Coolpix S51. I was looking for something faster and smaller and this camera is definitely both of those things. It was a tough decision between this and the S630.. which has a slightly higher resolution and a 7x zoom, but I decided that the speed more than makes up for it.

The advertised .7 second startup time is pretty much right on... power button press to first image recorded is a little less than 2 seconds, and it can take 2 pictures in about 3 seconds in single mode. This varies a bit depending on light, subject and which extra features that you have on. The smile detector and blink proof are nifty toys, but I don't really care and I leave them off. It's true that it takes about 3 seconds to load up the zoom and other features, but if you just need to power up fast to catch an unexpected shot, then 2 seconds is all it takes.

The pictures it takes are very sharp and the colors are vibrant, and the macro works great down to less than 1". It takes pretty clear pictures in nearly pitch black, automatically adjusting to ISO 1600. I tried setting it to ISO 6400 to see what would happen but the resulting picture was mostly useless. It must be for high speed action rather than low light applications.

As for negatives, my biggest would be that the metering options are limited. The 2 choices are Matrix and Center Weighted, but the Center Weighted is all over the place. On my old S51 if you told it center, then it focused on whatever was in the center no matter what. The center weighting on the S620 tries to guess what you were aiming for somewhere near the center, and it's often not right.... so you have to keep trying until it figures out what you want. The other negative was already mentioned by another reviewer, and that's that Nikon uses a non-standard USB cable. I usually pull the card out to save battery power when I'm transferring pictures, but it's worth noting for other potential purchasers.

As a side note, I purchased this from J&R, and when it arrived it was the kit version, which included the Nikon 5811 leather case - so I'm glad I didn't spend the extra $18 on that... before you buy the case separately, check with the retailer to see if it's included.

** Update ** Okay - it's been a few weeks, a few thousand miles and 1000 or so pictures and I have one negative to add to my review. The camera boots up and shoots instantly and takes a few seconds to load up everything else, which is already known. What I discovered is that between about 2 and 4 seconds after the camera is turned on it won't do anything at all. So 0-2 seconds = take a picture, 2-4 seconds = miss your shot, 4+ seconds = full power. I tend to turn my camera off and was relying on the instant startup, but I had to plan accordingly if something was coming in 3 seconds that I wanted a shot of... :)

Otherwise, the camera has worked perfectly in every other respect so far.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/metropolismusic/

139 of 152 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great camera, but has a few caveats..., June 1, 2009

By 

M. Paisner (Los Angeles, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S620 12.2MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Jet Black) (Electronics)

Pros: Great Flash, Three inch LCD, Easy Controls
Cons: Made in China, Long time to take picture, PROPRIETARY USB CABLE
Best Uses: Point and shoot, Flash shots

I just got back from two weeks in Australia and bought this a couple days before I left for my point and shoot as an adjunct to my Nikon D200 DSLR.

I got flash shots the wimpy flash on my D200 wouldn't get.

Startup time is a bit too long for me. Time between shots is great.

I didn't take the manual figuring if I needed it, I'd download it. I didn't need it. Controls are intuitive although it takes getting used to the rotary control. HOWEVER, the flash is fast and easy to shut off (or change settings) and that's a big plus over my old Canon.

On the negative side, this baby takes a long time to take the photo. It's about 2 seconds. It must be doing all the face searching and focusing, etc., but I had to learn to hold the button down until it went through it's gyrations, and that's a long time.

MOST ANNOYINGLY: I went to download the pictures at the end of the first day in Australia only to find it doesn't use a standard USB cable. I left the proprietary cable at home because I carry one standard USB cable. I didn't have a card reader with me (I have about 3 at home) and they were very expensive in Austalia. So I waited until I got back to download and backup my photos. With my girlfriend's Canon point and shoot and my D200, I downloaded the photos each night to my Macintosh laptop, then copied the full sized photos to my iPod. That way, there were 3 copies. And I never keep the 3 devices in the same place.

I'd give this camera 4 stars with faster shoot times and 5 stars for a standard USB cable interface.

Lastly, I would never take the advice of "get a large memory card." Get several 2Gb cards and rotate them. This way, if you lose a card or the camera gets stolen, you don't have all your vacation photos in one place. This tip was given to me by a pro photog friend.

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