Nikon Coolpix S620 Digital Camera Review

Nikon Coolpix S620

First Impressions Review

The S620 is part of Nikon's Coolpix Style series, which also includes the recently announced S630, S230, and S220 models. The camera has 12-megapixel image capability and a 4x optical zoom all tucked into a slim, sleek design. The camera is also available in a variety of colors. Style and design aside, the S620 is also a decent little camera, although it definitely isn't for people who want access to manual controls. The Nikon S620 is available now with an MSRP of $270.  
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Coolpix S620 Prices

Hardware
 
image Product Tour Page 3 of 8 Design & Layout image

Viewfinder


As with most compact digital camera's, the Nikon S620 doesn't have a viewfinder.
 

LCD


On the back you'll find the 2.7-inch LCD screen with a 230,000-pixel resolution. According to Nikon the screen offers a wide-viewing angle, anti-reflective coating, and boasts an "antifouling" and water repellent layer.
 

The 2.7-inch LCD screen

Flash


The flash is located right above the lens on the S620. Nikon hasn't released specs about the flash, but the camera does offer in-camera automatic red-eye correction.
 

The little flash on the S620

Lens


The NIKKOR lens on the S620 has a 4x optical zoom, which isn't anything too impressive. The aperture range is f/2.7 - f/5.8 and the focal length is 5 - 20mm (a 35mm equivalent of 28 - 112mm). If you're looking for a little more zoom in your camera, the Nikon S630 offers a 7x optical zoom, but it also has a slightly larger body to make room for it.
 

The lens has a 4x optical zoom.

Jacks, Ports & Plugs


Nikon keeps things simple here — the only port on the S620 is an A/V-output jack that doubles as a USB connection. The camera ships with both cables, so you don't have to worry about purchasing them separately. We should say, however, that the port cover didn't feel all that strong when we tested it out at PMA.

The port cover felt too flimsy.
 

Battery


The S620 uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (model number EN-EL12). According to Nikon the camera should be able to take approximately 250 shots per charge. The battery loads into the bottom of the camera, just above the memory card slot.
 

The battery loads from the bottom.

Memory


Don't get excited if you saw an ad that said the Nikon S620 includes internal memory. The camera only has 45MB of internal memory built in, which is good for roughly a dozen shots or so at the highest quality setting. You'll have to purchase an SD/SDHC card if you want to actually use the camera to take lots of pictures. The memory card slot is located on the bottom of the camera, in the same compartment that houses the battery pack.

The S620 is compatible with SD/SDHC cards.

Other Features


Nikon touts the S620 as having the world's fastest startup time of 0.7 seconds. We couldn't fully test this feature on the floor, but in our time with the camera it did appear to power-up extremely quickly.
 

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