Nikon Coolpix S6000

The Nikon Coolpix S6000 is a sleek, user-friendly compact ultra zoom camera with a surprisingly long 7x optical zoom (a 35mm equivalent lens range of 28mm to 196mm). It occupies the middle ground between standard ultra compact point-and-shoot cameras with 3x or 4x optical zoom, such as Nikon's own S4000, and compact ultra zooms with 10x optical zoom and higher.

Specifications:

• 1/2.3″ CCD Sensor Size

• 14.2 Megapixels

• Maximum Image Size: 4320 x 3240

• 7x Optical Zoom

• Focal Length Equivalent: 28 - 196 mm

• Aperture Range: f/3.7 (wide) - f/5.6 (tele)

• Optical Image Stabilization

• 2.7 LCD Display with 230,000 pixels

• Macro Focus: 3 cm

• Sensitivity: ISO100 - 3200

• Scene Auto Selector

• 16 Scene Modes

• Quick Retouch

• Advanced Flash Control

• Sport Continuous Mode: 4fps

• Subject Tracking AF

• Movie Mode: 1280×720 at 30 fps

• SD / SDHC Memory Cards

• 32.0 MB Included Memory

• Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery

• Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.2 x 1.0 in. (97 x 56 x 25 mm)

• Available Colors: Champagne Silver, Black, Red, Bronze.

The S6000 was my constant companion during the two weeks I had it for review. We endured some of the hottest weather the Washington, D.C. area had seen in quite a while. Throughout my experience shooting with the camera, I was continually impressed with its small size, quick operation and, above all, its ability to produce accurate colors. Let's examine this interesting camera more closely.