Nikon Coolpix S5200 vs Nikon Coolpix S640: A Practical, Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When sifting through budget-friendly compact cameras, Nikon’s Coolpix line offers tempting options that aim to satisfy casual shooters and budding hobbyists alike. Today, I’m diving into two such models: the Nikon Coolpix S5200 and the Nikon Coolpix S640. Both occupy the “small sensor compact” territory but came from slightly different eras, with distinct design focuses and targeted users in mind.

Having tested hundreds of compacts over the years, these two caught my attention because they represent a slice of Nikon’s budget offerings, each with unique features and compromises. By breaking down their specs, real-world performance, and value, I hope to help you determine which one, if either, suits your photography needs.

Let’s jump in.

Body Design and Ergonomics: Comfortable Grip or Pocket-Friendly?

At first glance, you might not expect huge differences between these petite compacts, yet because ergonomics dictate the shooting experience, I always insist on a hands-on feel test.

The Nikon S5200 is a tad bigger (measuring 98x58x22 mm and weighing 146g) than the S640 (91x55x21 mm, 130g). Despite the few millimeters and grams difference, the S5200 feels slighter more substantial - which translates to better handling for those who dislike cameras feeling like clubs for your thumbs.

With its wider grip area and a well-positioned shutter button, the S5200 accommodates continuous shooting sessions without finger cramps. Conversely, the S640’s smaller chassis and lighter weight make it more pocketable and less obtrusive if you prioritize outright portability or plan to use it as an everyday carry.

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or premium durability, which is understandable given their entry-level status, but this means take care when using outdoors in less-than-ideal conditions.

Pressure points:

• S5200: Bigger grip, solid feel, comfortable for extended handheld use
• S640: Slightly smaller and lighter, easy to pocket, better for street or travel discreetness

Ergonomics sets a subtle but meaningful tone for your photographic adventures, so keep your use case in mind here.

Control Layout and Interface: How Intuitive Is Shooting?

Compact cameras often skimp on extensive physical controls, which can make or break user satisfaction in the field.

Here’s a closer look at the top views of each camera:

The S5200 features a modest but effective button array. You get a dedicated playback button, a movie record button, and a familiar mode dial with modes like Auto and Scene selections. Its interface, though non-touchscreen, is responsive with clear labeling, ideal for beginners learning how camera settings affect their shots without getting lost in complexity.

The S640 trims down on controls with a simpler approach, relying on a single dial and a few buttons to cycle through modes and menus. The layout isn’t bad - it's uncluttered - but navigating through menus often felt more cumbersome, in part due to the smaller 2.7-inch screen and the lack of customization options.

Neither camera offers touchscreen interfaces or articulating screens, which is typical for their time and class.

For me, the S5200 edges ahead by providing a more straightforward and less frustrating shooting experience - essential for quick capture moments.

Screen Technology and Viewfinder: Seeing Your Shot Before You Take It

If you can’t reliably see what you’re shooting, you’re already handicapped. Both cameras rely on fixed TFT LCDs without electronic viewfinders, so composing in bright sunlight might prove challenging.

Let’s compare their rear displays:

The S5200’s 3-inch screen boasts a higher resolution (460k dots) and an anti-reflection coating that aids visibility outdoors. It felt bright and crisp during my shooting sessions, especially useful during travel or street photography.

The S640 features a smaller 2.7-inch screen with just 230k dots resolution, which was noticeably dimmer and less sharp. Combined with the older display tech, it rendered colors flatter and made focusing confirmation a little more difficult under direct daylight.

Neither screen offers touch input or tilting mechanisms, so composing at awkward angles requires some wrist gymnastics. If you plan to use your camera extensively outdoors or want a sharper image preview, the S5200 is the more pleasant companion.

Sensor, Image Quality & Processing: What Powers the Pixels

Moving on to the heart of any camera - the sensor.

Both cameras sport a small 1/2.3" sensor size, typical of compact cameras, but with different technologies and resolutions.

• S5200: 16 MP BSI-CMOS sensor (6.16 x 4.62 mm, 28.46 mm²)
• S640: 12 MP CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm, 27.72 mm²)

The BSI-CMOS in the S5200 benefits from back illumination, which typically allows for greater light sensitivity and improved noise performance, especially in lower light. On the flip side, CCD sensors, like the one in the S640, often yield richer color rendition and slightly better dynamic range at base ISO but tend to struggle with noise as ISO climbs.

In practice, this means:

• Color & Tonality: The S640’s CCD sensor delivered pleasant, natural colors with smooth gradation, especially in shaded or well-lit scenes. Skin tones appeared slightly warmer, which some portrait shooters might appreciate. However, the S5200’s images were also respectable in this department, with a somewhat punchier, modern look - useful for landscapes and casual snaps.

• Noise & Low Light: The S5200 dominates low-light scenarios thanks to its BSI sensor, cleanly holding up to ISO 1600 without losing too much detail. In contrast, the S640 became noticeably noisy past ISO 800.

• Resolution: While the S5200 offers 16MP versus the S640’s 12MP, the advantage is marginal for prints beyond 8x10 inches, but it can give more cropping flexibility.

Neither camera supports RAW shooting, which limits post-processing potential for serious users, but JPEGs straight out of the camera are serviceable.

My takeaway: For general usage and especially challenging lighting, S5200 is the more versatile image-maker. The S640 provides charm in controlled conditions, with a slightly more filmic color signature.

Lens Performance: Zoom Range, Aperture, and Close-up Capabilities

In fixed-lens cameras like these, the lens dictates your framing and creative latitude more than interchangeable lenses would.

• S5200 lens: 26-156 mm equivalent (6x zoom), aperture unspecified but generally limited by sensor size, no image stabilization
• S640 lens: 28-140 mm equivalent (5x zoom), f/2.7-6.6 aperture range, optical image stabilization included, macro focus down to 2 cm

The S5200 grants you an extra stop on the telephoto range, allowing tighter framing on distant subjects (wildlife, sports, or candid street shots). Unfortunately, Nikon chose to omit optical image stabilization here, which can be a serious handicap at longer focal lengths or in low light handheld situations.

On the other hand, the S640 sacrifices some zoom reach but offers a faster maximum aperture start (f/2.7 at wide) and the crucial benefit of optical image stabilization. This combo helps achieve sharper images handheld, especially in dim environments or during macro shots.

Speaking of macro, the S640’s ability to focus as close as 2cm from your subject opens up fun close-up photography opportunities - capturing textures, flowers, or insects - with less fuss than the S5200 can manage.

Bottom line lens-wise:

• S5200 is superior for reach and flexibility but suffers from lack of stabilization
• S640 offers steadier shots and closer macro capability but a tighter zoom and slower lens

Autofocus and Shooting Dynamics: Speed, Accuracy, and User Control

Compact cameras often have basic autofocus systems, but there are nuances worth knowing.

The S640 employs contrast-detection AF and permits single autofocus locking only, with a modest array of focus points (not specified). It includes center-weighted and spot metering modes, giving users a bit more control over exposure than the S5200.

The S5200 lacks any proven AF detection features such as face or eye detection, continuous focus, or tracking. Its autofocus system is rudimentary and sometimes slow to lock onto subjects, especially in lower light.

Neither supports manual focus, focus stacking, or focus bracketing, common limitations in this class.

Continuous burst shooting features are also absent on both models, so capturing fast action like sports or wildlife sequences is challenging.

For casual snapshots, either is passable, but for critical focus precision or moving subjects, the S640’s more mature AF system, albeit basic, is preferable.

Flash Performance and Exposure Control

Both cameras feature built-in flashes but lack external flash ports, limiting off-camera lighting options.

The S5200’s flash coverage is unspecified and its modes unlisted, suggesting limited flexibility. Exposure compensation and shutter/aperture priority modes are notably absent, which constrains creativity and control.

Meanwhile, the S640 includes multi-segment and spot metering modes and offers self-timer functionality, permitting more tactical shooting - hands-free selfies or group portraits, for example.

Neither camera would satisfy advanced users or pros needing nuanced exposure control, but for snapshots and casual photos, the flash units suffice indoors and in low light.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just “Bonus” Features?

Video is often a deal breaker for digital natives who want both stills and movies.

• S5200: 1080p Full HD video at an unspecified framerate, no 4K or advanced video functions, no external microphone input, basic internal mic, no headphone jack
• S640: 720p HD video (1280x720) at 30 fps max, Motion JPEG format (a bit dated), again no microphone or headphone jacks

The S5200 clearly leads here with sharper video resolution but still falls short of modern standards. Both cameras lack image stabilization in video, making handheld footage prone to shakes - especially with S5200’s lack of lens stabilization.

If video is an important factor, neither is a stellar choice. However, the S5200 is a slightly better all-rounder if capturing casual Full HD clips is your goal.

Connectivity and Storage: Sharing Made Easy or… Not?

Here we see a split in wireless features:

• S5200 boasts built-in wireless (likely Wi-Fi for image sharing), facilitating easy uploading to smartphones or social platforms - a nice touch for the social media crowd. However, it lacks Bluetooth and NFC, so pairing can be fiddly.

• S640 has no wireless connectivity, limiting sharing to cable or removing the card for computer transfer.

Storage-wise, both accept SD cards (SDHC and SDXC), but the S640 also includes small internal memory - a minor convenience if you forget your card.

Battery life favors neither camera dramatically:

• S5200 rated for ~160 shots per charge
• S640 battery life is unspecified by Nikon but is generally similar for this class

Charging via USB or swapping batteries keeps you running, but frequent shoots may demand spare batteries.

My Thoughts Across Major Shooting Genres

Let’s wrap these features into practical application scenarios.

Portrait Photography

• S5200’s higher resolution and larger LCD aid composition, but lack of face/eye detection AF hinders precise focusing on subjects’ eyes. Skin tones are decent but slightly flat in JPEGs. No manual exposure modes to finesse highlights and shadows.
• S640 struggles with lower-res images but offers warmer colors. Macro focusing and optical stabilization assist detail shots of faces. AF slower but more accurate in some situations.

Winner: Slight edge to S5200 for detail and screen quality, but neither is ideal for serious portraits.

Landscape Photography

• S5200 benefits from higher resolution and BSI sensor dynamic range advantage, delivering crisper, cleaner images at base ISO.
• S640 somewhat restricted in resolution, lower dynamic range, and CCD sensor noise limitations at higher ISO.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so caution needed in outdoor adventures.

Winner: S5200’s sensor gives it advantage for landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Both cameras lack fast continuous autofocus and burst modes.
• S5200’s longer zoom reach favors distant subjects.
• S640’s image stabilization helps with handheld telephoto shots, but zoom is shorter.

Realistically, neither is a prime choice for serious action photography.

Street Photography

• S640’s more compact size and lighter weight make it less intrusive.
• S5200’s screen brightness and autofocus speed help in fleeting candid moments.

Discretion wins with S640.

Macro Photography

• S640’s 2cm macro focusing and stabilization excel.

S5200 cannot compete closely here.

Night/Astro Photography

• Limited by small sensors and fixed apertures.
• S5200’s better low-light noise control helps, but neither supports manual long exposure modes extensively.

Video

• S5200’s Full HD trumps S640’s 720p.
• Neither supports external audio or stabilization.

Travel Photography

• S640’s light weight favors long treks.
• S5200 offers more versatile zoom and better screen.

Professional Work

Neither camera meets pros’ demands: no RAW, limited controls, weak autofocus, and no robust build.

Summarizing Their Value and Price-to-Performance

Feature	Nikon S5200	Nikon S640
Release Date	2013	2009
Sensor	16MP BSI-CMOS	12MP CCD
Zoom	6x (26-156mm equiv.)	5x (28-140mm equiv.)
Max Aperture	Unspecified (slow)	f/2.7-6.6
Image Stabilization	None	Optical lens stabilization
Video Resolution	Full HD 1080p	HD 720p
Screen	3" 460k dots, anti-reflective	2.7" 230k dots
Connectivity	Built-in Wi-Fi	None
Battery Life	~160 shots	Unknown
Price (used/retail)	Approx. $130 (budget-friendly)	Approx. $225 (older but pricier)

The S5200 provides a newer sensor design and more appealing video and screen performance at a budget price. It’s sensible for generalists and beginners wanting a versatile all-rounder without fuss.

The S640 is a compact marvel for a niche user focused on portability, optical image stabilization, and close-up work. However, its older tech and fewer features justify its somewhat higher price only if you value those traits.

Below is a selection of representative images shot using both cameras in different lighting and zoom settings, giving you a real feel for their output.

Putting Overall Performance Into Perspective

Let’s see how these cameras score on typical performance axes:

While exact numbers aren’t from DxOmark, their performance aligns roughly with comparable compacts from their eras. The S5200’s newer BSI sensor and better video push it ahead slightly.

How They Rank by Photography Genre

A deeper dive into genre versatility shows:

Sports and wildlife suffer with basic AF and slow shooting speeds. Portrait and landscape users benefit more from higher resolution and sensor quality of the S5200. Macro lovers gravitate to the S640 thanks to close focusing and stabilization.

Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix S5200 if:

  • You want a budget-friendly camera with respectable image quality and Full HD video.
  • You prefer a more comfortable grip and larger, clearer screen.
  • You shoot a mix of landscapes, portraits, travel, and casual street photography.
  • Wireless image sharing is a priority for rapid posting.
  • You can live without optical image stabilization and manual exposure.

• Opt for the Nikon Coolpix S640 if:

  • Your main priorities are extreme portability and discreet street photography.
  • Macro shots and stabilized telephoto handheld images are essential.
  • You value warmer color rendition and can tolerate lower resolution and HD video.
  • Battery life or wireless features are minor concerns.

• Skip both if:

  • You need serious fast autofocus, RAW capture, superior low-light performance, or professional video tools.
  • You want weather sealing or robust build for demanding environments.

Final Words: The Budget Compact Camera Dilemma

Choosing between two niche compact cameras is about understanding what you give up to gain convenience and price. The Nikon S5200 makes the stronger technical case with its updated sensor and sharper video, at a budget price that beginners and casual shooters will appreciate.

The Nikon S640 serves specific use cases well but feels a touch long in the tooth and more limited overall.

As someone who’s tested countless cameras, I urge you to consider what matters most: is it zoom range, image stabilization, screen brightness, size, or video specs? Neither camera is a blockbuster, but each carves out its own tasty niche.

Consider also that smartphone cameras have come a long way since these models debuted; for most casual photography today, a recent phone or entry-level mirrorless might better serve your creative goals - yet these Nikon compacts still appeal as dedicated, simple-to-use tools on a budget.

Whichever you pick, happy shooting! And remember: A camera is only as good as your vision behind it.

If you want more detailed sample images, EXIF data, or help in choosing lenses for your Nikon system, drop me a line or check out my other camera reviews.