The BEST Coolpix Cameras (the Ultimate Guide)
Since its inception in the mid-90's, the Coolpix has been one of the go-to point and shoot cameras for image makers around the world. With hundreds of iterations released over the course of two decades, Nikon's strived to create something for just about everyone. But, with so many choices out there, it can be difficult to point out the best Nikon Coolpix cameras. This review is meant to go over what each model has to offer – good and bad – so that you can make an informed decision on which model best suits your purposes.
1. COOLPIX A10
The COOLPIX A10
Price: $86.95
Sensor: 16.1 MP, CCD
Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches
Weight: 5.7 oz
Features:
- Captures 720p HD video footage
- “Easy Auto Mode” automates the entire photo making process
- 26-130mm f/3.2-6.5 lens with 5x optical zoom
- 2.7 inch fixed LCD monitor with adjustable brightness
For under $100, the Coolpix A10 certainly doesn't disappoint. Whether you're 7 years old or 70, using this camera really is as simple to use as pointing and shooting. With 15 intuitive scene modes as well as fully automated settings, photo novices will have no issues getting properly exposed images wit correct color balance. The A10 also has a Smart Portrait mode with a slew of automatic functions including face priority AF, red eye reduction, and skin softening.
However, the cost-cutting of the A10 shows. Unlike many modern day digital cameras, it's fueled by standard AA batteries. While at times this is convenient, they simply don't pack the power that many rechargeable power packs included with standard cameras. What's more, users may be disappointed to learn that this camera lacks built-in image stabilization. Instead, it utilizes a motion detection feature – which the manual is quick to point out is unable to reduce camera shake and is liable to increase digital noise.
- 16.1-megapixel CCD image sensor for excellent photos and 720p HD videos
- 5x optical zoom NIKKOR glass lens
- 2.7-inch large, bright QVGA LCD display; It accepts alkaline, lithium and Nikon rechargeable batteries, available as an optional accessory
2. COOLPIX A300
Price: $136.95
Sensor: 20.1 MP, CCD
Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches
Weight: 4.2 oz
Features:
- Captures 720p HD video footage
- Wi-Fi Compatibility
- 25-200mm f/3.7-6.6 lens with 8x optical zoom
- 2.7 inch fixed LCD monitor with adjustable brightness and anti-reflection coating
Like the A10, one of the Coolpix A300‘s bragging points is its ease of use for photographers of all skill levels.
A sleek, lightweight choice, it's effortless to store this camera in a pocket for wherever life happens to take you. And while it includes many of the automated features that the A10 offers to make photography simple, it also goes the extra mile to improve upon its predecessor's specs.
Notably, the A300 can utilize Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections to instantly transfer images for easy sharing.
That's not to say that it's without its shortcomings. Slow to capture and store photographs, it can be frustrating to use for those accustomed to the instant gratification offered by higher end models. What's more, some users claim that its image and video quality leave something to be desired.
- Nikon COOLPIX A300
- Capture what's happening from wide-angle to telephoto with 8x optical zoom NIKKOR glass lens/16x Dynamic Fine Zoom
- High resolution 20.1-megapixel image sensor
- Using Nikon SnapBridge, the camera has built-in Wi-Fi®, NFC and Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) technology for wirelessly sharing photos to a compatible smartphone
3. COOLPIX A900
The Nikon A9000
Price: $379.00
Sensor: 20.0 MP, CMOS
Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.7 x 1.6 inches
Weight: 10.2 oz
Features:
- Captures 4K ultra HD footage
- Built in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth
- Full manual exposure control
- 24-840mm f/3.4-6.9 lens with 35x optical zoom
- 3.0 inch LCD monitor with adjustable brightness and anti-reflection coating
With a detailed 20MP sensor and the ability to simultaneously produce telephoto and wide angle images packed into a device only slightly larger than a credit card, the Coolpix A900 is nothing to sneeze at. It captures 4K video effortlessly. It displays its shots on a high def articulating LCD lens. It can capture up to 7 frames per second without delay. In these regards, the A900 surpasses many of its compact competition.
But despite offering users full manual exposure control, it lacks a manual focus feature. In addition, it lacks a flash hot shoe, limiting users to the often ugly built in flash component. For these reasons, it impedes on its users ability to make all of the decisions in the image making process. Another significant detractor is that, despite its good image and video quality, it cannot record RAW files, significantly reducing post-processing editing options.
4. COOLPIX AW130
The Coolpix AW 130
Price: Check on Amazon
Sensor: 16.0 MP, CMOS
Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.1 inches
Weight: 7.8 oz
Features:
- Captures 1080p HD footage
- Waterproof (up to depths of 100 ft), freezeproof (down to temps of 14F), and shockproof (falls up to 7 feet)
- Wi-Fi connectivity and built in GPS mapping
- 24-120mm f/2.8-4.9 lens with 5x optical zoom
- 3.0 inch OLED monitor with adjustable brightness and anti-reflection coating
If you're seeking out durability the AW130 is an excellent place to start. It can withstand falls of up to 7 feet and performs in temperatures as low as 14°F. And while it doesn't quite compare to a DSLR in underwater housing, it can take photos and 1080p HD video footage at depths of up to 100 feet.
With easy to access control settings, intelligent autofocus, and vibration reduction, this camera makes it easy to get a great shot regardless of what's happening around you. Adventurers might also appreciate the device's built in GPS mapping capabilities, which can record the location of every shot you take.
This camera does have one major design flaw – the LCD screen has a tendency to collect condensation caused by changes in temperature and pressure. Without a viewfinder, those experiencing this issue will have a difficult time seeing what it is that they're photographing. But outside of this issue, the flaws are primarily superficial. At times the screen can be a bit dim and the color correction can be a bit off, but these faults are forgivable considering the the impeccable features and durability it features.
5. COOLPIX B500
Price: $256.95
Sensor: 16.0 MP, CMOS
Dimensions: 4.5 x 3.1 x 3.8 inches
Weight: 19.1 oz
Features:
- Captures 1080p HD footage
- Built in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth compatibility
- 22.5-900mm f/3-6.5 with 40x optical zoom
- Dynamic Super Fine Zoom reaches up 80x, enhanced with Vibration Reduction
- 3.0 inch LCD monitor with adjustable brightness and anti-reflection coating
The Coolpix B500 keeps things simple above all else. Bundled into a familiar package, it's got an Easy Auto Mode installed to make your point and shoot experience as stress free as possible. Despite relying solely on AA batteries, it boasts a long battery life that can easily last through a day of considerable use. Another bragging point of the B500 is its 80x Dynamic Fine Zoom, which can make clear images of subjects far off in the distance.
The Achilles heel of this camera? The auto focus. Users complain that it can easily stray a bit off, and often takes quite a while to hone in on an appropriate subject. Without manual focusing available, this can be especially frustrating for photographers seeking some control over their focal plane. Another aspect to consider before purchase is the B500's size. Lacking the portability and small size of some of the other Coolpix models, it's a bit much for those seeking a device that fits conveniently into a pocket or purse.
6. COOLPIX B700
Price: $446.95
Sensor: 20.2 MP, CMOS
Dimensions: 5.0 x 3.4 x 4.2 inches
Weight: 20.0 oz
Features:
- Captures 4K ultra HD footage
- Built in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth compatibility
- 24-1440mm f/3.3-6.5 lens with 60x optical zoom
- 3.0 inch articulated LCD monitor with adjustable brightness and anti-reflection coating
- RAW image capture
There's no denying that the Coolpix B700 has a lot in common with the B500. However, it goes the extra mile to deliver an even greater shooting experience. Where the B500 produces 1080p footage, the B700 captures 4K.
The B500 captures JPEGS, while the B700 can process RAW images. Notably, this camera manages to improve upon the B-Series already stellar zoom capabilities. With a 60x optical zoom and a 120x Dynamic Fine Zoom, it blows most of the competition out of the water when it comes to getting close in.
It is a bit pricier than most of the point and shoots Nikon and its competitors have to offer. What's more, it's not as intuitive as some users with like, with more than a few reporting connectivity issues between the camera and Bluetooth or WiFi. However, the B700 is about as close as a person can get to DSLR quality while still remaining in the realm of point and shoots.
7. COOLPIX L32
Price: $98.00
Sensor: 20.1 MP, CCD
Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches
Weight: 5.8 oz
Features:
- Captures 720p HD video footage
- “Quick Effects” makes immediate edits in camera
- 26-130mm f/3.2-6.5 lens with 5x optical zoom
- 3.0 inch fixed LCD monitor with adjustable brightness and anti-reflection coating
An easy to use camera, the affordable Coolpix L32 is worth your consideration if you're seeking something that can withstand the ins and outs of everyday use. Like the members of the A-Series, the L32 prioritizes size, portability, and ease of use for its users.
Many of Nikon's innovations specifically designed to make photography simple are included, such as the Smart Portrait System and a number of Quick Effect filters. And with a relatively small price tag, it still manages to deliver adequate quality images and video.
Critics offer mixed reviews for this little camera. The fact of the matter is, it doesn't have some of the frills other cameras in the Coolpix line offer. In particular, its optical zoom is weak compared to other models out there.
It also lacks the connectivity and accessibility to the internet many of the other Coolpix cameras come with. However, if you're seeking something that nails the basics and remains uncomplicated, look no further than the L32.
8. COOLPIX P900
Price: $579.00
Sensor: 16.0 MP, CMOS
Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.1 x 5.5 inches
Weight: 31.8 oz
Features:
- Captures 1080p HD footage
- 24-2000mm f/2.8-6.5 lens with 83x optical zoom
- Dynamic Super Fine Zoom reaches up 166x, enhanced with Vibration Reduction
- Full manual exposure control
- Built in Wi-Fi and NFC compatibility
- 3.0 inch articulated LCD monitor with adjustable brightness and anti-reflection coating with electronic viewfinder
Some people may be turned off by the Coolpix P900‘s price tag. However, this camera offers some of the most impressive specs in the entire Coolpix line. It was a recently a recipient of dpreview.com's Silver Award for good reason.
For starters, it can attain an unrivaled 166x dynamic fine zoom. It also contains advanced Dual Detect Optical VR to ensure that every shot comes out clear, no matter how far the subject happens to be. Along with offering standard Coolpix goodies, it also employs less common features such as full manual exposure control and focusing for maximum control.
What users should take into consideration is the fact that this is not a full fledged DSLR. It lacks many of the features a more advanced user might want from a camera such as RAW image processing, hot shoes, or mic jacks. Its autofocus is not infallible, and in difficult situations it can be slow to get the picture perfect. However, so long as you have realistic expectations of this little camera, you won't be disappointed.
9. COOLPIX S33
The Nikon Coopix S33
Price: $149.95
Sensor: 13.2 MP, CMOS
Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.7 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 6.3 oz
Features:
- Captures 1080p HD footage
- 30-90mm f/3.3-5.9 lens with 3x optical zoom
- Waterproof (up to depths of 33 ft), freezeproof (down to temps of 14F), and shockproof (falls up to 5 feet)
- 2.7 inch fixed TFT-LCD monitor with adjustable brightness
Its bright blue coloring immediately conveys to users that this is a fun camera to use. However, what may be surprising to some users is the fact that this model is actually quite durable.
Capable of shooting underwater at depths of up to 33 ft, the Coolpix S33 also withstands cold temperatures and falls. And it's capable of taking a great picture to boot. Capable of capturing 1080p HD footage, its CMOS sensor performs in low light conditions and its Easy Auto Mode helps novices take great shots.
That being said, the hardware is fairly unsophisticated. Point and shoots are known to be limited compared to their DSLR counterparts, but S33 is a bit basic even by those standards. In addition, its design is a bit clumsy. However, for the budget friendly price, it's hard to be too critical of the camera's shortcomings.
10. COOLPIX S3700
The Coolpix S 3700
Price: $175.00
Sensor: 20.1 MP, CCD
Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches
Weight: 4.2 oz
Features:
- Captures 720p HD video footage
- Wi-Fi & NFC Compatibility
- 25-200mm f/3.7-6.6 lens with 8x optical lens
- 2.7 inch fixed TFT-LCD monitor with adjustable brightness and anti-reflection coating
- Target finding intelligent autofocus
For a low price, the Coolpix S3700 offers quite a bit with very little fuss. A small and lightweight camera, it's easy to charge, easy to connect, and easy to use. It's got plenty of auto options packed into it, including vibration reduction, a number of scene modes, and even artistic filters capable of applying effects such as selective coloring.
Nevertheless, the 3700 has its flaws. Notably, the focus feature can be a bit slow. And ergonomically, it's a mixed bag – it doesn't offer a firm grip, making it a bit too easy for the camera to slip right through one's fingers.
Another inconvenience is the restricted viewing offered by the camera's LCD screen. It's only 2.7″ and is rather pixelated compared to the standards established by other cameras. It may not rank in the same class as other cameras in the Coolpix series, but it is a reliable camera overall at a great value.
11. COOLPIX S7000
Price: $169.00
Sensor: 16.0 MP, CMOS
Dimensions: 4.0 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches
Weight: 5.9 oz
Features:
- Captures 1080p, 60i HD footage with stereo sound
- Wi-Fi & NFC Compatibility
- 25-200mm f/3.4-6.5 lens with 20x optical zoom
- 3.0 inch fixed TFT-LCD monitor with adjustable brightness and anti-reflection coating
- Subject-tracking focus for moving objects
Despite its slim, stylish design, the Coolpix S7000 packs a surprisingly powerful punch. The specs it offers alone are enough to be alluring for most users out there. Along with the ability to capture cinematic 1080p HD footage, it has target finding intelligent autofocusing to ensure the best possible photographs. It very easily connects to smart devices via the Wireless Mobile Utility App, making it easy to share pictures and videos alike.
However, it is lacking in a few areas. Though it's one of the best the S-series has to offer, the camera still has a very small sensor size. This can be problematic in low light situations and result in the omission of some details. And although it does offer a lot of automatic options (like many of the Coolpix cameras), users looking for a higher grade camera may be frustrating by the lack of manual controls.
12. COOLPIX S9900
The Coolpix S9900
Price: Check on Amazon
Sensor: 16.0 MP, CMOS
Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches
Weight: 10.2 oz
Features:
- Captures 1080p HD footage with stereo sound
- Wi-Fi & NFC Compatibility and built in GPS mapping
- 25-750mm f/3.7-6.4 lens with 30 x optical zoom
- 3.0 inch articulated LCD monitor with adjustable brightness and anti-reflection coating
- Adjustable aperture and shutter speed
The “S” in the Coolpix S-series is said to stand for “style”, and in many ways the S9900 embodies just that. Its appearance. With a look more reminiscent of a 35mm Leica than a run-of-the-mill point and shoot, this model offers much more than the majority of handheld cameras out there.
Unlike many of the cameras in the Coolpix line, the S9900 utilizes a PSAM mode dial similar to those seen on professional grade DSLRs. With a high res articulating LCD for viewing, this camera makes it easy to take control of your shots. Added bonuses such as Wi-Fi accessibility and GPS mapping simply sweeten the detail.
Unfortunately, the S9900's software does have a few bugs. On their own, they're rather benign – playback time can be slow, and the auto focus isn't always reliable. However, when working in conjunction with one another, these flaws can quickly become a nuisance.
13. COOLPIX W100
Price: $156.95
Sensor: 13.2, CMOS
Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.7 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 6.3 oz
Features:
- Captures 1080p HD footage with stereo sound
- 30-90mm f/3.3-5.9 lens with 3x optical zoom
- Built in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth Compatibility
- 2.7 inch fixed TFT-LCD monitor with adjustable brightness and anti-reflection coating
- Waterproof, freezeproof, and shockproof
Recognized by the Technical Image Press Association Awards in 2017, the W100 has a bit more to it than meets the eye. Though it looks a bit like a toy, it's capable of withstanding underwater environments, cold weather, and even falls of up to 5.9 feet. Combined with the fact that it's easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and can record high definition video, it's tempting to bring this small lightweight camera just about anywhere.
Unfortunately, it is a lacking a bit in a few areas. It doesn't have the focal range that many of the other Coolpix cameras boast, which is a major detractor for some. And despite being capable of recording shots with decent image quality, the LCD monitor has a low resolution. On top of all that, most of its functionality is automatic. While this is par for the course with many point and shoots, some manual control would be desirable for more experienced photographers seeking out a camera that can endure the elements.
14. COOLPIX W300
Price: $386.95
Sensor: 16.0 MP, CMOS
Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.2 inches
Weight: 8.2 oz
Features:
- Captures 4K ultra HD footage
- 24-120mm f/2.8-4.9 lens with 5 x optical zoom
- 3.0 inch fixed TFT-LCD monitor with adjustable brightness and anti-reflection coating
- Waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof, and dustproof
- Built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Compatibility
In many of the areas the W100 lacks, the Coolpix W300 delivers. Unlike any of more rugged Coolpix models, the W300 is dustproof and designed to completely seal off the device's inner workings from harmful sand, dirt, or debris. It can also withstand forces of up to 220lbs without the risk of being crushed. Luckily, its durability does not involve sacrificing other top of the line features. With a powerful 16MP CMOS sensor, it's capable of capturing 4K UHD footage. It can even track features such as altitude, depth, steps, and atmospheric pressure using tools installed within the camera itself.
As with anything, there's always room for improvement. The manufacturers drop the camera's Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities, which is included on even some of the most rudimentary Coolpix cameras. In addition, it does fall short when compared to some of the competition in that it does not support RAW image capture.
And the Verdict is…
After evaluating all of the information, here are a few of the best Nikon Coolpix cameras divided by aspects most important to consumers:
- Best budget camera: Coolpix L32
- Most durable camera: Coolpix W300
- Best camera for beginners: Coolpix S33
- Best camera specs: Coolpix B700
- Most portable camera: Coolpix A300
What might be the best choice for one person may not necessarily be the best choice for another.
If you want to find the camera that's right for you, determine what factors and features are most important.
In the end, there is no one Coolpix that definitively rises above the others. But with an open mind, careful research, and a little bit of introspection, it's more than possible to discover which model is best for you.
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Meghan
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