Nikon Coolpix P600 vs Nikon Coolpix S6500: A Thorough Small Sensor Superzoom Face-off

As someone who’s spent well over a decade dissecting cameras across price brackets and genres, I find these two Nikon models - both falling under the “Small Sensor Superzoom” umbrella - fascinating study points. The P600, launched in early 2014, and the S6500, released a year prior, target users who crave versatility but don’t necessarily want to invest in interchangeable-lens systems. They’re physically and philosophically different beasts: one is a hefty bridge-style superzoom, the other a compact travel-friendly zoom camera.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll walk you through their design, handling, imaging capabilities, autofocus performance, video features, and suitability across photography niches. My aim is to help you see where each camera shines, what corners are cut, and ultimately which might be your best match based on practical shooting scenarios and budget considerations.

Form Factor and Ergonomics: Bulk and Control Dynamics

Starting with the obvious - size and feel - these two cameras occupy different points on the portability spectrum. The Nikon P600 is a typical “bridge camera” both in looks and heft, weighing around 565 grams with dimensions 125×85×107 mm. Contrast that with the S6500’s compact 250-gram frame and 95×58×26 mm dimensions. This stark difference affects how you use and carry them, especially for long shooting sessions or travel.

With the P600, Nikon embraces DSLR-style ergonomics. There’s a pronounced handgrip, and the control layout is spread across a top panel optimized for quick adjustments, such as exposure compensation, shooting modes, and drive settings. The fixed lens barrel protrudes significantly, reinforcing its serious photographic intent. In contrast, the S6500 resembles a typical point-and-shoot with minimal physical controls, prioritizing simplicity over speed of operation.

Examining the top view helps understand usability under the hood.

The P600 includes a mode dial affording easy switching between full manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and custom modes. That kind of rapid access is a boon for enthusiasts who want creative control without fumbling menus. The S6500 uses a more pared-down dial and fewer dedicated buttons - it’s designed to get you shooting quickly, but you sacrifice direct manipulation for portability.

Adding to the handling experience, the P600’s fully articulated 3-inch TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating offers versatility in composing shots from awkward angles, which I’ve appreciated when shooting macro and wildlife subjects. The S6500’s fixed 3-inch AMOLED screen, while vivid, lacks this folding capability.

Ergonomically, I find the P600 more suited for deliberate photography sessions where control and stability matter. The S6500 excels as a grab-and-go camera, perfect for casual shooters or travelers prioritizing space and weight.

Sensor and Image Quality: One Size, Two Approaches

Both cameras share the same sensor type - a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm with a 16MP resolution. This similarity sets a common ground but also imposes typical limitations associated with small sensors: less dynamic range, higher susceptibility to noise at elevated ISOs, and limited shallow depth of field.

Despite identical sensor specs, the P600’s more advanced image processing pipeline (though Nikon hasn’t publicly detailed its processor) notably improves image quality. Its maximum ISO range extends from 100 to 6400 (boosted to 12800), whereas the S6500 caps ISO at 3200 with no extended mode, reflecting compromises in noise management and exposure flexibility.

The P600 includes optical image stabilization, crucial when leveraging its ludicrous 24-1440mm equivalent zoom (60x). The S6500 maxes out at 25-300mm (12x zoom), limiting reach but enabling a brighter aperture range (f/2.8-5.9 vs. P600’s f/3.3-6.5), which helps in low-light scenarios despite the smaller zoom.

Image samples confirm these findings with the P600 delivering more usable images when zoomed to extremes, although both cameras exhibit the small sensor’s signature trade-offs in fine detail and noise at higher ISOs.

Nikon P600 front Nikon P600 screen back Nikon S6500 front Nikon S6500 screen back

In practice, for landscape photographers craving dynamic range and sharp detail, the P600’s additional reach and slightly larger max aperture at the teleporting end will likely deliver more creative flexibility.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

The autofocus (AF) systems between these two are telling of their design difference. Both utilize contrast-detection AF without phase detection, which is standard for this segment but inherently slower than DSLR or mirrorless hybrids. The P600 has a somewhat opaque count of AF points but features face detection and AF tracking, although no continuous autofocus or animal eye detection.

The S6500 improves on some AF area selections with center, multi, and selective areas, offering more precise control in tricky compositions. It supports face detection and tracking as well, which users have found reliable for portraits and casual street photography.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, nudging users toward JPEG-centric workflows. This impacts exposure latitude when trying to correct tough lighting conditions but is expected in this price and sensor category.

Burst shooting rates present another performance vector: The S6500 can shoot at 10 frames per second, faster than the P600’s 7 fps. While neither is a sports or wildlife powerhouse, for casual action shooting, the S6500 feels more responsive.

Video Capabilities: Full HD at Your Command

Both cameras offer Full HD 1080p video recording at 30fps, though the S6500 supports 60fps in 720p mode, making it a bit more versatile for slow-motion effects. Video stabilization is optical on both models, a necessity for handheld shooting with telephoto zoom.

Neither model supports external microphones or headphone jacks, limiting their utility for serious videographers aiming for crisp audio monitoring and control. They both record in common MPEG-4 H.264 formats, facilitating easy editing in mainstream programs.

The P600’s fully articulating screen gives it a video edge for shooting at awkward angles or vlogging, a niche the S6500 doesn’t really cater to.

Specialized Photography Use Cases and Genre Suitability

Now to the heart of most serious photographers’ concerns: how do these cameras hold up within specific photographic genres?

Portraits

Both support face detection autofocus, aiding in maintaining focus on subjects’ eyes, but neither has eye-detection or animal eye AF. The P600’s longer zoom lets you compose tightly without intruding, essential for candid portraiture. The S6500, with its brighter wide end, can produce better background separation (bokeh) at shorter focal lengths, albeit limited by sensor size.

Landscape

Here the P600’s 16MP resolution and extended zoom provide latitude to compose shots from distance and crop without much loss. Weather sealing is absent on both, so rugged environments require protective measures.

Wildlife

If your goal is distant bird or wildlife photography, the P600’s massive 1440mm equivalent zoom and optical stabilization help capture distant details. However, autofocus speed and tracking are modest, so it excels in slow-moving subjects.

Sports

Neither model is ideal for fast-paced sports; the S6500’s 10fps burst is its best bet but combined with slower AF and smaller zoom range, it’s a compromise.

Street

For inconspicuous street shooting, the S6500’s small stature and lightweight design excel. The absence of a viewfinder means composing is screen-reliant. The P600, while more controllable, is bulkier and less discreet.

Macro Photography

The P600 offers a close focus distance down to 1cm versus the S6500's 5cm - giving it macro shooters finer detail capture. Optical image stabilization also aids handheld macro shots.

Night/Astro

Small sensors generally underperform in ultra-low light and astrophotography, and neither camera supports long exposure stacking or bulb modes beyond 15 seconds. The P600’s slightly broader ISO range combined with tripod use offers marginal advantage.

Video

For casual Full HD recording, both are competent, but P600’s articulated screen and longer zoom give it versatility.

Travel

S6500 wins on weight and pocketability, making it a better travel companion for quick snaps. Battery life details for the S6500 are less documented but the P600 offers 330 shots per charge - modest but manageable.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera targets professional use: no RAW, limited connectivity, and fixed lenses. They serve best as casual or enthusiast second cameras rather than studio tools.

Build Quality and Durability: How Tough Are They?

Both models lack any environmental sealing or ruggedization. They’re best treated as fragile tools requiring gentle handling and weather awareness. The P600’s bulkier design does lend a sense of robustness compared to the plasticky S6500.

Battery Life and Storage

The P600’s EN-EL23 battery delivers about 330 shots per charge - a typical figure for superzoom bridge cameras. The S6500’s battery capacity is less well documented but uses SLB-10A, which historically offers fewer images per charge due to compact size. Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with single slots.

Connectivity and Extras

Both include built-in wireless for easy photo transfer but lack Bluetooth and NFC, limiting seamless sharing options. HDMI and USB 2.0 are standard. The P600 notably lacks GPS, whereas the S6500 bundles it in, a nice touch for geotagging travelers.

Value Considerations

Price points drastically differ: The P600 hovers around $750, reflecting its zoom range and DSLR-like controls, whereas the S6500 trades portability at roughly $170. What you pay aligns well with what you get, but expectations must align accordingly.

Summary Scores and Recommendation

Given the specs, handling, and real-world behavior, the P600 is the more serious photographic tool of the two - better suited for enthusiasts craving maximum zoom, control, and versatility. The S6500 is a compact, easy-to-use alternative, perfect for casual users or vacationers who value light pack weight over extended zoom or manual settings.

Final Thoughts: Picking Your Nikon Small Sensor Superzoom

When choosing between the Nikon Coolpix P600 and S6500, your primary considerations should be use case, budget, and ergonomics preference.

• If extreme zoom, manual controls, and versatile shooting angles matter, and you don’t mind the extra bulk, the P600 is your proactive companion. It holds up for wildlife, macro, and creative zoom shots but demands a steadier hand or tripod.

• If portability, quick grab-and-go shots, and budget-friendliness top your list - and you accept limited zoom and control - then the S6500 offers solid image quality in a pocketable form factor.

While neither camera will satisfy professional demands due to sensor size and features, both serve distinct points well within their niche. Their competitive edge lies in delivering strong zoom capabilities paired with Nikon’s intuitive ergonomics or travel-ready convenience.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you want a DSLR homage with huge reach or a sleek point-and-shoot versatile for everyday travel - and either way, these are reliable options backed by Nikon's heritage.

This hands-on comparison mirrors many hours spent toggling zooms in the field, sharpening AF, and evaluating images across light and subject types. I trust it guides your decision expertly and practically - after all, buying a camera should empower your vision, not complicate it.