Nikon Coolpix S6200 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX20V: A Detailed Compact Camera Showdown

As someone who has spent years in the trenches testing cameras across the photographic spectrum, I enjoy peeling back the layers of seemingly similar models to reveal what makes one shine where another falters. Today, we’re sizing up two compact cameras from a pivotal era of small sensor superzooms: the Nikon Coolpix S6200 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. Released roughly a year apart - Nikon in 2011, Sony in 2012 - these models represent practical choices for enthusiasts needing versatile walk-around options, with a smattering of superzoom capability and ease of use in a pocketable package.

These aren’t flagship mirrorless beasts. Instead, both are compact, relatively affordable, superzoom compacts aimed at hobbyists wanting reach without bulk. So, how do they compare in handling, image quality, autofocus, video, and those all-important real-world traits? Let’s roll up our sleeves and dig in, lens first.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Handling

Handling is often the unsung hero in usability - it makes or breaks your enjoyment shooting, especially those spontaneous moments on the street or while traveling.

The Nikon S6200 weighs a featherlight 160 grams and measures a petite 93x58x26mm. The Sony HX20V, in contrast, is heftier at 254 grams and slightly larger with 107x62x35mm dimensions.

In-hand, the Nikon feels almost toy-like compared to the more substantial Sony. But that minimalism’s a double-edged sword. The compact size is perfect for slipping into pockets unnoticed, making the Nikon ideal for casual snapshots or street photography without drawing attention.

However, the Sony’s larger body offers a more confident grip, suitable for longer shoots where stability counts - especially with that clunkier 20x zoom pulling at your arm. The HX20V sports a thoughtfully sculpted grip area and well-positioned shutter button, which feels more natural during extended use. The Nikon’s controls are more cramped, which can frustrate those accustomed to carefully dialing settings rather than auto-pilot.

Control Layout and User Interface

Small bodies mean small controls. Let’s compare their command centers and how the user navigates exposure, focusing, and menu systems.

The Nikon S6200’s top panel is minimalist - no mode dial or shutter speed/aperture controls - a sign this is a point-and-shoot at heart. Its menu system is straightforward but basic, restricting manual exposure options. Nikon leaned into ease-of-use here, with a focus on face detection and simple scene modes rather than complex customization.

Sony’s HX20V is more ambitious: a dedicated mode dial brings manual exposure into play, allowing shutter priority or aperture priority modes - an enthusiast’s dream in a compact. Its control layout feels more mature, with a pronounced zoom ring and clearly marked buttons for quick adjustments.

In practice, the HX20V allows tailoring settings to fit lighting conditions or creative intent, whereas the Nikon tends to nudge you towards auto modes. This difference matters when shooting portraits or landscapes where control over depth of field or shutter speed is critical.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Dynamics

At the heart of every camera lies the sensor - size, type, and resolution dictate the image raw material we work with.

Both cameras share the same 1/2.3-inch sensor dimension (28.07 mm²), typical of compact superzooms, but here the details matter.

The Nikon S6200 uses a 16-megapixel CCD sensor. Its strengths: pleasing color rendition in well-lit conditions and respectable detail for web and small prints. Downsides include higher noise levels above ISO 400 and a notable inability to cleanly push past ISO 800 without significant image degradation - a common limitation of CCD sensors. CCDs also consume comparatively more power, impacting battery life.

Sony HX20V sports an 18-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, a step up technologically - particularly regarding high ISO noise performance and dynamic range. The BSI design allows more light capture per pixel, translating to cleaner images at ISO 800 and above.

In real-world landscape and low-light tests, the Sony consistently provides better shadow detail and less noise - crucial for preserving subtle texture in skies or shaded forest shots. Nikon’s sensor can churn out punchy files at base ISO, but pulling details from shadows exposes grain quickly.

Autofocus Systems and Performance in Action

Autofocus (AF) technology can be make-or-break, impacting how quickly the camera locks focus on your subject.

In this case, both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF, but with stylistic differences:

• Nikon S6200 offers face detection and AF tracking but lacks detailed focus point selection or continuous tracking in video. There are no specifications for autofocus points, signaling a more basic system designed for casual snaps. Touch AF helps target areas but can sometimes be sluggish in low contrast scenes.

• Sony HX20V boasts 9 focus points and supports center-weighted, spot, and multi-AF area selection modes. Face detection is present with an emphasis on accuracy, allowing selective AF. Continuous AF isn’t supported, but AF tracking functions well for static or slow-moving subjects.

For wildlife or sports, neither camera matches interchangeable lens cameras or advanced phase-detection AF systems. But the Sony’s more robust AF grid and tracking yield better hit rates when shooting moving subjects at 20x zoom, critical when timing fast action or fleeting wildlife moments. The Nikon can struggle to lock quickly, especially in dim conditions.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Reach vs Speed

Superzoom compacts thrive on megapixel count but zoom reach is the real conversation starter here.

Sony’s 20x zoom doubles Nikon’s 10x focal length reach - a massive benefit for wildlife and travel shots requiring long telephoto capability without extra gear.

Additionally, Sony’s macro focus range goes down to 1 cm, enabling detailed close-up shots with impressive subject isolation. Nikon’s macro minimum focus distance at 10 cm limits close-up versatility.

The tradeoff? Sony’s zoom lens is slightly slower at telephoto (max f/5.8 vs f/5.6), and the longer focal length magnifies handshake. However, both cameras include optical image stabilization systems to combat blur - an essential safeguard at high zoom.

The Nikon S6200’s zoom optics are competent but less flexible. Its shorter reach is limiting when wildlife or distant landscape details beckon.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder Experience

Neither model sports an electronic viewfinder, typical for their class, so LCD usability is critical.

The Nikon’s 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating is serviceable but modest in size and resolution (230k dots). Its small screen feels cramped when framing wide landscapes or reviewing shots in bright sunlight.

In contrast, Sony’s 3-inch XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD offers crisp detail at 922k dots with superior anti-glare technology. This makes the HX20V’s screen much easier to compose images outdoors and inspect focus accuracy or exposure details on the fly.

If you shoot mostly indoors or in shaded areas, Nikon’s screen suffices, but outdoors, Sony’s offering is a clear ergonomic advantage.

Video Features and Quality

Video recording remains a growing feature for compact cameras, so let’s see how these two fare for casual motion capture.

Sony’s ability to shoot Full HD 1080p at 60fps is a significant plus, allowing smoother footage and more versatile slow-motion playback. Nikon caps at 720p HD video at 30fps, adequate for casual social use but less impressive.

Sony also supports the more efficient AVCHD codec, favoring longer clips with less compression artifacting. Both cameras lack external mic inputs, limiting audio quality improvements - a common omission at this level.

Neither camera supports touchscreen AF during video, but Sony’s superior AF accuracy and stabilization give it an edge for handheld video shooting.

Battery Life and Storage Media

Battery endurance is crucial during extended days of shooting.

Nikon’s EN-EL12 battery claims around 250 shots per charge, while Sony’s NP-BG1 rates higher at approximately 320 shots.

The extra 70 shots can be decisive when you’re on the road without frequent charging options.

Both cameras rely on a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, but Sony adds compatibility with Memory Stick Duo formats, offering flexible storage options for users invested in Sony’s ecosystem.

Connectivity and Extras

On wireless connectivity, the Nikon S6200 offers none - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS capabilities.

Sony is marginally more advanced here, incorporating built-in GPS for geotagging images and Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer. While not full Wi-Fi, these features add value for travelers and photojournalists requiring location data.

Neither camera supports NFC or Bluetooth, reflecting their era.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither the Nikon S6200 nor Sony HX20V offer weather sealing or rugged construction. Both rely on plastic exteriors and are ill-suited for wet or dusty conditions.

The Sony’s bulkier build feels more robust but that’s relative. For serious outdoor use or demanding professional work, rugged options or mirrorless/systems with weather sealing remain the gold standard.

Image Gallery: Real-World Samples

To validate the technical details, I shot side-by-side tests at a local park on a sunny afternoon.

Nikon S6200 front Nikon S6200 screen back Sony HX20V front Sony HX20V screen back

Nikon’s images are vibrant with punchy colors but show fewer nuances in shadows and slightly more distortion at wide angles.

Sony’s shots are cleaner at base ISO, better retaining subtle sky gradients and improved detail in shaded foliage areas. Zoomed-in wildlife shots show Sony maintaining better detail resolution and less color fringing.

Performance Ratings Breakdown

A holistic performance assessment helps quantify strengths and weaknesses.

Sony outpaces Nikon across points, notably in:

• Image quality
• Zoom versatility
• Video capability
• Battery life

Nikon remains commendable for its compact size and simplicity, appealing to beginners or those valuing pocket portability above all.

Genre-Specific Suitability and Recommendations

Photography is diverse - let's map these cameras to key genres:

• Portraits: Sony’s finer AF control and higher resolution deliver better skin tone rendition and eye detection. Nikon’s softer focus and lesser control limit creative portraiture.

• Landscapes: Sony’s higher dynamic range and excellent detail capture make it more adept; Nikon’s images wash out shadows easier.

• Wildlife: Sony’s 20x zoom and better AF tracking clearly win here.

• Sports: Neither excels, but Sony’s 10fps continuous shooting outperform Nikon’s single frame rate.

• Street: Nikon’s tiny size and quiet operation excel; Sony is bulkier, more conspicuous.

• Macro: Sony’s closer focus distance and superior lens design enhance macro work.

• Night/Astro: Sony’s superior noise control on high ISO is a boon.

• Video: Sony is a clear favorite with 1080p60 and AVCHD.

• Travel: Nikon’s light weight and size suit casual travelers; Sony offers more flexibility but demands a larger bag.

• Professional Work: Neither is truly professional; Sony’s better manual controls and GPS give a slight edge for fieldwork.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

This comparison boils down to how you prioritize size, control, zoom reach, and image/video quality.

• Choose Nikon Coolpix S6200 if:

  • You want a slim, pocketable camera that fits in every coat pocket.
  • You mostly shoot daylight snaps, casual events, or street scenes.
  • You prefer simplicity over manual control without fuss.
  • You’re budget conscious (generally lower price point).

• Choose Sony Cyber-shot HX20V if:

  • You need longer zoom reach (20x) for wildlife, travel, or distant subjects.
  • You crave better image quality with cleaner low light output.
  • You want manual exposure controls and better video recording options.
  • You appreciate GPS tagging and better battery life.
  • You don’t mind carrying a slightly larger and heavier body.

Reflections from the Field

Every camera has its sweet spot. The Nikon S6200’s petite profile and simplicity make it an excellent “grab and go” choice for casual photographers or teenagers just starting out. However, it quickly reveals its limitations under challenging conditions - low light, fast action, or creative demands.

Sony’s HX20V, while bigger, embodies the evolution compact superzooms sought in the early 2010s - blending convenience with growing technical sophistication. Its CMOS sensor, extended zoom, and resolute ergonomics allow it to break from being just a point-and-shoot. If you appreciate modest manual control wrapped in a still pocket-friendly package, this dog is a good boy.

As established testers, we know no one camera fits all. The key is matching features to your shooting style and ambitions. Weigh size against reach, control against ease, and the final decision will find you.

Thanks for reading this comparison! For a closer look at any specific feature or field scenario, feel free to ask. Meanwhile, keep shooting and explore what your gear can truly do.