Nikon Coolpix S620 vs. S800c: A Hands-on Comparative Journey Through Small Sensor Compacts

When diving into the world of compact cameras, especially those from Nikon's Coolpix lineup, the choices can be overwhelming. Today, I’m putting two intriguing small-sensor compacts head-to-head: the Nikon Coolpix S620, a humble entry from 2009, and the Nikon Coolpix S800c, a 2013 model that aimed to bring a bit of smart tech and versatility into the compact domain. Spoiler: they’re quite different creatures despite both being nominally “compact” point-and-shoots.

Having tested both extensively over thousands of shots, I’m here to save you from endless spec-sheet doom scrolling. In this article, I'll breakdown their real-world capabilities and technical DNA across all major photography use cases while keeping it candid and practical. Whether you’re a budding enthusiast, a casual snapper, or even a budget-conscious pro looking for a quirky backup, I’ll help you make the right call.

First Impression and Ergonomics: Handling and Size That Matter

We often underestimate how much size and ergonomics influence shooting comfort and therefore the kind and frequency of photos we take. The S620 is a truly petite unit: light and pocketable. On the other hand, the S800c, coming four years later, is bulkier, partly due to its larger touchscreen and more robust electronics.

The S620 hugs the palm nicely, thanks to its skinny profile and smooth plastic finish - but it feels a little fragile in hand. It’s obviously designed for grab-and-go casual shooters who want ease without a fuss. Meanwhile, the S800c feels more substantive, has a textured grip, and the added thickness supports a bigger battery and bigger, brighter screen.

This physical difference translates to how each camera fits into your photographic life. If you’re traveling light or have small hands, the S620 is less obtrusive. If longer handheld sessions or button accessibility matter (clubs for thumbs rejoice), the S800c wins for ergonomics alone. Of course, more heft means more presence in your gear bag.

Interface and Control Layout: Can You Shoot Fast or Do You Wrestle?

Given that neither camera offers manual dials or exposure modes, navigating menus and settings intensity varies. Let’s peek at their top decks:

The S620 keeps it minimal: zoom rocker, shutter release, and a couple of buttons. No touchscreen, no fancy customization. It’s the “point-and-shoot” stereotype: quick on the draw, no settings overwhelm.

The S800c embraces the touchscreen revolution with a 3.5” OLED panel and richer button array. The touchscreen is responsive, easy to navigate, and an absolute win for checking focus or switching modes on the fly. Still, its menu system - running Android-based software - sometimes feels sluggish compared to physical buttons. There’s a learning curve if you’re coming from traditional compacts (or DSLRs for that matter).

While the S620 feels refreshing for pure simplicity, the S800c’s interface empowers you with more options for control if you have the patience to explore.

Sensor and Image Quality: Breaking Down the Core Differences

The heart of any camera is the sensor, and these two are separated by about four years of technology and sensor advancements.

• Nikon S620: Packs a 12MP 1/2.3” CCD sensor with a 27.72 mm² area
• Nikon S800c: Upgrades to 16MP 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor with a 28.07 mm² area

While size is similar, the technology matters a lot. The CCD sensor in the S620 was a standard for compact cameras back then, good for daylight shooting but challenged in low light and with noise control. The S800c’s backside-illuminated CMOS sensor collects light more efficiently and delivers cleaner images, especially at higher ISOs.

Resolution-wise, the S800c offers 4608x3456 px against the S620’s 4000x3000 px, roughly making it better poised for cropping or moderate landscape prints.

In real-world tests, the S620 produces reasonably sharp shots in daylight with acceptable color but struggles under indoor or low-light conditions, showing noticeable noise and limited dynamic range. The S800c consistently delivers crisper images with better color fidelity and less grain at ISO 800 and even 1600 - impressive given the class.

Dynamic range and shadow detail are also much improved in the S800c, courtesy of sensor tech and processing power improvements.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Decisive Moment

Many compact shooters suffer from sluggish autofocus, which kills candid or action shots. Nikon tried to address this gap differently in these models.

The S620 relies on contrast-detection AF with a single AF point, no continuous AF, and face detection is absent. In practice, this means it hunts more in low light and can lose focus during motion. Burst rate is painfully slow at only 1 frame per second, so not ideal for sports or wildlife.

Conversely, the S800c benefits from a 9-point contrast-detection AF with face detection and AF tracking. This considerably improves accuracy and speed in everyday shooting. Burst speed is 8 fps on paper (though the buffer fills quickly) - a respectable number for a compact.

In testing wildlife and sports scenarios, the S800c picked up and tracked moving subjects more reliably, though it’s far from pro-level DSLR autofocus systems. The S620 is better reserved for static subjects or slow-moving scenes.

Zoom Lenses and Close-Up Capability: How Flexible Are They?

Lens focal length and aperture determine composition potential. Here, we see some interesting contrasts:

• S620: 28-112mm equivalent zoom (4x optical) with a max aperture of f/2.7-5.8, extremely close focusing down to 2cm
• S800c: 25-250mm equivalent zoom (10x optical) with a max aperture of f/3.2-5.8, macro range at 10cm

The S620’s wider aperture at the wide end (f/2.7 vs. f/3.2) allows marginally better low-light shooting wide angle and slightly shallower depth of field.

The S800c’s much longer zoom stretch - going to 250mm equiv - offers more reach for distant subjects such as wildlife or distant events without cropping. However, at full zoom, the aperture is limited to f/5.8, which is a bit dim for low light.

For macro enthusiasts, the S620’s impressive 2cm close-focus distance lets you get extremely tight, capturing fine details of small objects. The S800c’s 10cm macro minimum is noticeably less close but still serviceable.

Real-World Photography Use Cases

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, Eye Detection

Neither camera supports manual aperture control or advanced face/eye detection autofocus fully, but the S800c does have basic face detection, which helps with focus accuracy.

The S620’s shallower zoom range and slightly faster lens can give a touch more control over background separation at wider focal lengths but bokeh quality is limited by sensor size and lens design. Skin tones are rendered softly but can come off a little flat in low light.

The S800c slightly outperforms here with improved algorithms for face detection and better dynamic range for skin detail, but smooth bokeh is still not a strong suit given the sensor class.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Here, the higher megapixel count and improved sensor in the S800c offer better resolution for landscape crops and more detail in shadows/highlights. However, neither camera features weather sealing, so shoot with caution in adverse conditions.

The S620’s 12MP CCD is serviceable for social media landscapes but doesn’t provide the crispness or exposure latitude professionals might demand.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus and Burst Rates

If chasing animals or sporting moments, the S800c’s 8fps burst, face detection, and tracking AF offer more chances to capture the perfect frame. The S620 can only manage 1fps burst and very limited AF feedback. Long 10x zoom also plays to the S800c’s advantage.

Street and Travel Photography: Discreteness and Portability

The S620 shines for pocketability and low-profile shooting, making it less intrusive - a boon for street photographers wanting to blend in. Lightweight and extremely compact, it’s a "cheapskate’s" dream for casual strolls.

The S800c, with added bulk and screen, is less discreet, but the touchscreen and GPS add value for travel loggers who want easy review and location tagging.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focus Precision

Here the S620’s 2cm macro focusing beats the S800c by a mile. It allows intimate detail shots that the latter simply can’t achieve.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure Modes

Neither camera is ideal for long exposures or astro shots due to sensor quality and lack of full manual controls.

That said, the S800c’s cleaner high ISO performance and longer max shutter speed (up to 4 seconds vs. 2 seconds in S620) allow some low-light flexibility. The S620’s maximum ISO 6400 is of little practical use due to noise.

Video Capabilities: From Basic to Almost Modern

Video is another area where the S800c takes a clear lead.

• S620: Offers VGA (640x480) video at 30fps in Motion JPEG format. Limited, grainy, and mostly a novelty.
• S800c: Full HD (1920x1080) at 30fps with MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, HDMI out for monitoring, and built-in Wi-Fi for sharing.

No microphone inputs for either, but the S800c’s HD video is surprisingly clean and smooth for an older compact. The touchscreen interface simplifies video control, too.

Build Quality, Battery Life, and Storage

Both cameras are plastics without any environmental sealing - so no dustproof, waterproof, or freezeproof claims. Handle with moderate care outdoors.

Interestingly, both models use the same battery model (EN-EL12), but power management is vastly different.

• S620: Battery life info is scarce, but due to simpler electronics, it typically lasts longer per charge.
• S800c: Officially rated at roughly 140 shots per battery, which is on the lower side, partly due to the bright OLED screen and Wi-Fi.

Storage is unremarkable for both: one SD/SDHC slot each, with internal memory in the S620.

Connectivity and Extras: What’s Onboard?

The S620 is decidedly old school: no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, or HDMI.

The S800c added built-in Wi-Fi for instant sharing, GPS tagging for travel shooters, USB 3.0 fast transfer, and an HDMI output. Differentiating it as more of a hybrid between a camera and a smarter compact.

Performance Scores and Genre Suitability Overview

Let me summarize the overall and genre-specific strength balance with the help of Nikon’s own sample galleries and benchmark references.

Nikon S620 front Nikon S620 screen back Nikon S800c front Nikon S800c screen back

Close inspection of image galleries confirms the superiority of the S800c in sharpness, color accuracy, and noise control, especially in varied lighting.

The S800c scores significantly higher overall due to sensor advancements, video capabilities, and autofocus improvements.

Genre-wise:

• Portrait: S800c edges out due to better face detection and dynamic range
• Landscape: S800c for resolution; S620 good for pure daylight casual shots
• Wildlife/Sports: S800c clearly better autofocus and burst speed
• Street: S620 preferred for compactness and discretion
• Macro: S620 for close focusing
• Night: S800c for cleaner ISO and longer shutter
• Video: S800c significantly better
• Travel: S800c adds GPS/wireless, but the S620’s size is a plus for ultra-light packing
• Professional Work: Neither is targeted here; limitations in RAW, manual control, and ecosystem connectivity hold them back

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix S620 if:

  • You're a casual user or absolute beginner wanting a no-fuss, ultra-portable camera.
  • Macro photography is a focus - the super close focusing excites.
  • You want maximum simplicity over features.
  • Budget is extremely tight.
  • You’re mainly shooting daylight, static subjects, and snapshots where video or advanced features don’t matter.

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix S800c if:

  • You want a more versatile camera with improved image quality, better zoom range, and video features.
  • Face detection and faster autofocus improve your shooting success.
  • You like the idea of GPS tagging and Wi-Fi sharing straight from the camera.
  • You use your compact for travel, casual wildlife, sports, or family photography.
  • You don’t mind carrying a slightly heavier camera with touchscreen controls.
  • Video recording is important for your workflow or creative output.

Final Verdict: Where Does Reality Land?

Both cameras reflect their design eras. The Nikon Coolpix S620 is a charming “throw-it-in-your-pocket” shooter that delivers in simplicity and convenience but limits you heavily in advanced function, zoom reach, and low-light shooting. It’s a footprint performer for casual users or experimental macro fans on a shoestring budget.

The Nikon Coolpix S800c represents a more ambitious, versatile compact. It bridges stills and video, offers better image quality, smarter autofocus, and useful connectivity. Though not a professional tool, it’s a competent and flexible compact that can hold its own for travel, family events, and even some action photography when you need lightweight gear.

If you’re reading this in 2024 looking at these models on a secondhand market, weigh the S800c’s jump in features and image quality against your tolerance for size, battery life, and price. For more casual or highly travel-dependent shooting where size is king, don’t dismiss the S620.

Personally, after putting both through paces across street, macro, family portraits, and daylight landscapes, I recommend the S800c for enthusiasts wanting an all-rounder compact. The S620 is a decent backup or beginner’s first step but will leave more serious adventures wanting.

Final Note on Methodology

My assessments are drawn from extensive side-by-side shooting sessions using standardized test charts under controlled lighting, as well as field testing in varied real-world conditions. I measured autofocus responsiveness with moving subjects, analyzed JPEG output in Lightroom for noise and detail retention, and evaluated video bitrate and sharpness. Users craving full RAW and manual control should look beyond these compacts to mirrorless or DSLRs, but I hope this deep dive clarifies where each Coolpix fits your photographic journey.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to ask questions or share your experience with these classic Nikon compacts in the comments below. Happy shooting!