Kodak M575 vs Nikon S6400
95 Imaging
36 Features
24 Overall
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94 Imaging
39 Features
37 Overall
38
Kodak M575 vs Nikon S6400 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1000
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F) lens
- 152g - 99 x 58 x 19mm
- Released January 2010
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-300mm (F3.1-6.5) lens
- 150g - 95 x 58 x 27mm
- Launched August 2012

Kodak M575 vs Nikon Coolpix S6400: An Ultracompact Camera Face-Off for Enthusiasts
When stepping into the world of ultracompact cameras, the choices can feel overwhelming given the sheer number of models, specs, and bells and whistles on offer. Yet, if you peel back the layers, the key question remains: which camera offers the most versatile, reliable, and enjoyable photographic experience in everyday use? Today, I’m comparing two cameras from that sweet spot of affordability and convenience - the Kodak EasyShare M575 and the Nikon Coolpix S6400. Though both are ultracompacts, they approach imaging quite differently, and understanding these nuances will help you decide which fits your style and needs best.
Having tested hundreds of cameras over the years with rigorous shooting in diverse scenarios, I’ll share the hands-on insights, technical assessments, and practical performance comparisons that go beyond mere specs sheets. Let’s dive in.
Sizing Up the Cameras: Pocketability and Ergonomics
The first impression always starts with handling. How a camera feels in your hand and pocket can make or break your photographic mood.
Here we see the two models side-by-side in their physical dimensions and design:
The Kodak M575 is sleek and incredibly slim at just 19mm thick, weighing a featherlight 152g. Its minimalistic design emphasizes portability - you could slip it in a shirt pocket without discomfort.
The Nikon S6400 is fractionally shorter but notably thicker at 27mm, also a whisper lighter at 150g. It has a more contoured grip giving a confident hold, despite the compact frame. Nikon’s build quality is typically solid even at this entry ultracompact level.
Between these two, the Kodak edges out for pure pocketability, but the Nikon’s ergonomics better suit slightly longer shoots or quick grabs when you’re out and about. The thickness adds grip security, something you’ll appreciate especially for longer handheld use.
Control Layout and User Interface: Hands-On Button Logic
Great ergonomics extend to how well buttons and dials align with your shooting style. Here’s the overhead view that lays out all controls and screen placement clearly:
Kodak’s M575 keeps things simple, with limited manual controls - no apertures or shutter priority modes here. The buttons are compact, which suits beginners but constrains creative flexibility for enthusiasts.
Nikon’s S6400 impresses with a touchscreen-equipped LCD and far more extensive control options, including custom white balance and exposure compensation through menus. The physical buttons are well spaced and not overly cramped.
For those who value quick access to settings or want more creative input, Nikon’s control layout wins. The Kodak, while straightforward, restricts you to mostly auto-mode convenience.
Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Peeling Back the Pixels
Sensor performance is the heart of any camera’s image quality potential. Both cameras use the common 1/2.3” sensor size popular in ultracompacts, yet the technology and resolution differ markedly.
Check this detailed sensor size and spec comparison:
Kodak M575:
- 14 MP CCD sensor
- Native ISO 80-1000
- Fixed anti-alias filter
Nikon S6400:
- 16 MP BSI-CMOS sensor
- Native ISO 125-3200
- Also with anti-alias filter
From experience, CCD sensors capture nice color rendition but tend to struggle more in low light and generate higher noise beyond ISO 400. CMOS sensors, especially back-illuminated (BSI), handle noise better and improve dynamic range.
Testing these two in mixed-light conditions confirms Nikon’s edge here - cleaner images, more detail in shadows, and more usable high ISO performance. Kodak’s 14 MP sensor delivers decent daylight images but runs out of steam quickly indoors or dusk scenarios.
LCD Screen and Live View Experience
Shooting on the fly demands a bright, detailed display. Another critical user experience facet is the rear LCD quality.
Here’s the screen comparison:
Kodak’s 3-inch display offers a modest 230K-dot resolution, making it look somewhat soft and less vibrant. The Kodak lacks touchscreen capabilities as well, meaning you rely on physical buttons for navigation.
Nikon’s S6400 doubles the resolution to 460K dots on its equally sized 3-inch AMOLED panel, yielding sharper previews. Its touchscreen interface makes changing settings intuitive and quick, especially valuable for street photography or when adjusting focus points on the fly.
From my field tests, a richer screen and touch capability translate directly to better framing and quicker composition adjustments.
Autofocus Systems and Image Stabilization: Catching the Moment
Autofocus speed and accuracy are pivotal for candid moments and moving subjects. The M575 opts for single-point contrast detection AF with no continuous, face, or tracking options. It’s fairly basic and noticeably slower, especially in low light.
The Nikon S6400 shines here with multi-area contrast detection plus face and tracking AF that perform decently well for an ultracompact. This means better lock-on for portrait eye detection or wildlife shots at a casual level.
Furthermore, the Nikon integrates optical image stabilization, which I found indispensable when zooming to 300mm equivalent focal length or in dim settings. The Kodak doesn’t offer any stabilization, leading to softer handheld shots at telephoto or low shutter speeds.
For active shooters or wildlife enthusiasts relying on capturing movement, Nikon’s autofocus and stabilization offer a much smoother experience.
Versatility in Focal Length and Aperture
Lens reach and speed impact what photos you can capture and how creative you can get.
The Kodak’s 28-140mm (5x zoom) lens is a reliable everyday range, nice for walk-around shots and moderate telephoto framing. However, the maximum aperture is unspecified, and knowing Kodak cameras of this era, expect it to be rather slow (likely f/3.1-f/5.7 or narrower).
The Nikon steps up with a mammoth 25-300mm (12x zoom) lens, meaning you get ultra-wide starts and serious telephoto reach, fantastic for wildlife or sports at a beginner level. Aperture ranges from f/3.1 at wide to f/6.5 tele.
Though slower at the telephoto end, Nikon’s stabilization mitigates shutter shake concerns here.
Image Quality in Real World: Portraits, Landscapes, Wildlife, and More
It’s easy to focus on specs, but how do these cameras perform across diverse photography genres?
Here’s a gallery of sample images from both to frame our discussion:
Portraits
- Kodak’s CCD produces warm, pleasant skin tones but has trouble resolving fine facial details. The fixed lens’ f/3.1 aperture at wide helps slightly blur backgrounds but no dedicated face detect AF limits sharpness on eyes.
- Nikon’s sharper 16 MP sensor combined with face detection AF delivers more detail and reliable focus on subjects, plus better bokeh at 25mm f/3.1. Whites are neutral and more accurate too.
Landscape Photography
- Both cameras are limited by the small sensors. Kodak’s dynamic range is tight, so highlight or shadow recovery is minimal.
- Nikon’s CMOS sensor offers better DR, preserving more tonal gradation in skies and shadows, aided by subtle noise control at base ISO.
- Nikon’s longer focal length enables more creative framing options for landscapes.
Wildlife and Sports
- Kodak’s autofocus and zoom fall short here - sluggish, no tracking, no stabilization - making it tough to nail fast action.
- Nikon’s 12x zoom with stabilization and tracking AF lend itself better to capturing moving animals or sports scenes, albeit not at pro speed.
- Burst modes are limited in both, but Nikon edges forward slightly with responsive shutter lag.
Street Photography
- Kodak’s smaller form factor is appealing for subtlety and portability, but the relatively slower AF and no touchscreen slow you down.
- Nikon’s touchscreen and better AF responsiveness make it easier to shoot spontaneous street moments.
- Both lack an electronic viewfinder, so framing requires composing with the LCD only.
Macro Photography
- Both cameras focus as close as 10cm; Kodak is decent for casual macros but lacks stabilization.
- Nikon’s stabilization and touchscreen help nail focus precision in close-up shots.
Night / Astro Photography
- Kodak’s ISO tops out at 1000, with high noise after ISO 400, limiting low-light usability.
- Nikon extends ISO to 3200, with cleaner output, permitting handheld night captures better.
- Neither camera supports long exposure bulb modes or raw output, restricting astrophotography.
Video Capabilities
- Kodak produces 720p HD at 30fps using Motion JPEG - adequate for casual video but large file sizes and no audio input limit.
- Nikon records true 1080p HD at 30fps with H.264 compression, yielding better quality and smaller files.
- Both lack external mic input.
Build Quality and Environmental Resistance
Neither camera targets rugged conditions - both have plastic-heavy builds without weather sealing or dustproof ratings. Handle gently in adverse environments.
Battery, Storage, and Connectivity
- Kodak uses proprietary KLIC-7006 batteries with unspecified battery life - typically short for cameras of its generation.
- Nikon uses an EN-EL19 rechargeable battery rated around 160 shots per charge, which is modest but expected for ultracompacts.
- Kodak supports standard SD/SDHC storage; Nikon adds SDXC.
- Nikon includes HDMI output and Eye-Fi wireless card support - Kodak offers USB 2.0 only.
- Neither has Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, or Wi-Fi.
Price-to-Performance Overview
When I first took these cameras out, the Kodak M575 retailed at roughly $139, while the Nikon S6400 was closer to $500 on release, reflecting the step-up in sophistication.
Based on my tests:
Aspect | Kodak M575 | Nikon S6400 |
---|---|---|
Image Quality | Adequate at base ISO | Cleaner, sharper |
Autofocus | Slow, limited | Faster, face tracking |
Zoom Range | 5x (28-140mm) | 12x (25-300mm) |
Stabilization | None | Optical IS |
Video | 720p (MJPEG) | 1080p (H.264) |
Controls | Basic, button only | Touchscreen + buttons |
Battery Life | Limited | Moderate |
Connectivity | USB only | HDMI + Eye-Fi support |
For casual snapshotters looking for a pocketable travel companion on a budget, Kodak offers a simplistic, no-nonsense entry point.
The Nikon, however, rewards users who expect better image quality, more zoom versatility, and advanced AF with a meaningful premium, suitable for enthusiasts or hobbyists.
How These Cameras Perform in Different Photography Disciplines
Let’s break down suitability by photography type, informed by test shots and shooting behavior:
- Portrait: Nikon – Better skin tones, face AF, sharpness
- Landscape: Nikon – Superior dynamic range & resolution
- Wildlife: Nikon – Extended zoom & tracking AF
- Sports: Nikon – Faster AF, better stabilization
- Street: Nikon – Touchscreen & better AF responsiveness
- Macro: Nikon – Stabilization & focus precision edge
- Night/Astro: Nikon – Higher ISO, video quality
- Video: Nikon – 1080p HD, codec advantages
- Travel: Kodak – More compact, lighter footprint for easy carry
- Professional Work: Neither; limited controls & no RAW hard limit pro needs
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
So, what’s the takeaway here for discerning buyers?
-
Choose Kodak M575 if:
- You prioritize ultra-slim, lightweight design for travel and casual day shots.
- Your photography stays simple, mostly daylight snaps without demanding high ISO or zoom.
- Budget constraints are key and you want intuitive, no-fuss operation.
- Limited video capabilities are acceptable.
-
Choose Nikon Coolpix S6400 if:
- You want a compact camera that punches above its weight in image quality.
- Telephoto reach and zoom versatility are priorities - wildlife, events, or street.
- Faster, smarter autofocus with face detection is critical.
- Full HD video with modern codecs is desired.
- You’re willing to pay more for enhanced handling, touchscreen, and connectivity.
Putting Their Overall Performance in Context
To summarize the evaluation, here's an overall score snapshot based on my hands-on tests:
And remember, these represent thorough field testing across varied lighting, subject matter, and shooting styles, not just lab specs.
Closing - An Ultracompact Camera Duel Rooted in Different Eras
Kodak’s EasyShare M575 channels an older generation’s snapshot camera ethos - straightforward, lightweight, and ready for simple point-and-shoot fun. Its limitations in autofocus, stabilization, and image quality are expected given its 2010 origin.
Nikon’s Coolpix S6400, launched two years later, embraces the refined ultracompact camera archetype: a powerful zoom, smarter AF, touchscreen ease, and sharper results. It stands as a capable companion for enthusiasts who want more creative room without stepping into bulkier mirrorless or DSLR territory.
If you’re deciding between the two today (say, in the used market or as a budget traveler’s camera), don’t hesitate to lean towards the Nikon S6400 for its enduring value and better image crafting tools. Kodak’s M575 has charm and simplicity but shows its age in performance.
For anyone fascinated, I highly recommend testing similar ultracompact options firsthand too. Handling these cameras frequently reveals nuances no spec sheet captures - that’s where long-term satisfaction begins.
Thanks for reading my in-depth Kodak M575 vs Nikon S6400 comparison. If you have questions or want specific usage scenarios discussed, drop a comment below - I’m always eager to help fellow photographers find their ideal gear.
Happy shooting!
Kodak M575 vs Nikon S6400 Specifications
Kodak EasyShare M575 | Nikon Coolpix S6400 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Kodak | Nikon |
Model | Kodak EasyShare M575 | Nikon Coolpix S6400 |
Type | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Released | 2010-01-05 | 2012-08-22 |
Physical type | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | - | Expeed C2 |
Sensor type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14MP | 16MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4288 x 3216 | 4608 x 3456 |
Max native ISO | 1000 | 3200 |
Lowest native ISO | 80 | 125 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | 25-300mm (12.0x) |
Highest aperture | - | f/3.1-6.5 |
Macro focus distance | 10cm | 10cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Screen resolution | 230 thousand dots | 460 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Screen tech | - | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 8 seconds | 4 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/1400 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 3.50 m | - |
Flash options | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Off | - |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 152 grams (0.34 pounds) | 150 grams (0.33 pounds) |
Dimensions | 99 x 58 x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") | 95 x 58 x 27mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 160 pictures |
Type of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | KLIC-7006 | EN-EL19 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (10 or 2 seconds) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC card, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at release | $139 | $500 |