Nikon Coolpix 5600

Value (6.0)
Originally retailing for $279.95 (USD), the Coolpix 5600 offers 5.1 megapixels, 16 preset scene modes, automatic assistance (D-Lighting correction, Scene Assistance), and 14 MB of internal storage for a recently reduced $249.95 price tag. This camera is a decent deal for point-and-shooters, looking for a camera to do ALL the work. The drawback is that users will have no room to grow or opportunity to craft the image when desired. Additionally, the automatic 50-200 ISO range is extremely limited and will restrict shooting to outdoor settings and close-range flash exposures. The 5600 provides one more megapixel than the 4600, with all same features, so unless users are going to print their snapshots larger than 8 x 10, the 4600 seems to be a stronger value.

Comparisons
Nikon Coolpix 4600 – This Coolpix model is one step down the Nikon line with the same 1/2.5-inch CCD, but with 4 effective megapixels instead of 5.1. The 4600 has a movie mode, but it does not record sound like the one on the 5600. Both cameras have a 3x optical zoom lens and a 1.8-inch LCD screen. The cameras have the same dimensions and scene modes. The automatically oriented 4600’s major differences are in pixel count and price. The Nikon Coolpix 4600 retails for $199.95.

Canon PowerShot A520 – With one less effective megapixel, the A520 still offers some enticing features. The A520 has a 4x optical zoom lens that is compatible with macro and telephoto conversion lenses. The PowerShot A520 can also hook up to a slave flash unit, giving it far more illumination. There are several scene modes on this model, but the Canon A520 has far more to offer in terms of shooting flexibility and control with a full manual mode and priority modes to boot. The compact A520 includes a similarly size 1.8-inch LCD screen, but it is composed of 118,000 pixels. Like the Coolpix 5600, the A520 also offers 16MB of internal memory. Retailing for $299.99, the A520 can be found online for about $250 and seems to offer a far better value.

Kodak EasyShare C340 – Kodak takes the prize for ease of use with their designated Share buttons and simple layouts. The C340 is slightly larger than the Coolpix, but packs the same 5 megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD. A 3x optical zoom lens, 16MB of internal memory, and 12 scene modes highlight this EasyShare’s list of features. This digital camera is very much automatically oriented with programmed exposure control. The Kodak EasyShare C340 offers a bit more and retails for at $249.95.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – Look no further. The Nikon Coolpix 5600 will satisfy your craving for simple no-nonsense digital photography. There are hardly any manual functions, so users don’t have to mess with controls. With 5.1 effective megapixels, users can get larger prints without much fuss.

Budget Consumers – These consumers may be able to pull a deal with Nikon. The company recently lowered the price from $279.95 to $249.95 – and threw in some printer rebates. Perhaps in another month or so, Nikon will lower the price even more and throw in an SD card? Although, probably not!

Gadget Freaks – The freakiest aspect of this camera is its multi-burst mode, which isn’t all that exciting. Alas, the gadget freaks will have to look on. This Coolpix is pretty void of color.

Manual Control Freaks – Get your freak on and look elsewhere. While the Nikon Coolpix 5600 does have manual white balance, it does not offer selectable shutter speeds, apertures, or even ISO sensitivities. Yikes.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – This segment of consumers wouldn’t even give the 5600 a glance. With its lack of manual control options and its sub-par performance, this Nikon won’t even pass as a disposable camera for a professional.