Nikon S6400
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-300mm (F3.1-6.5) lens
- 150g - 95 x 58 x 27mm
- Released August 2012
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
94 Imaging
39 Features
37 Overall
38
Nikon S6400 overview
Nikon S6400 is Nikon's Ultracompact digital camera first released on August of 2012. The camera comes with a 16MP, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456.
The S6400 stands at #24 out of 151 in Ultracompact cameras & all-around #775 out of 1465 for cameras in our database. Remember to use our Smart camera finder to see camera listings based on your custom factors.
Here is a graph of various criteria used in the scoring system.
Nikon S6400 history
The Nikon S6400 is part of a family of products. You can read the detailed list underneath.
F3.1-6.516MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon S6400 Gallery
You can view the S6400 from different angles in the gallery below.
Nikon S6400 Pros and Cons
Here is a checklist of positives and negatives of the Nikon S6400 based on features which are often viewed as essential in a digital camera.
Nikon S6400 Sensor information
The Nikon S6400 houses the Expeed C2 chip. The sensor measurement in the Nikon S6400 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera comes with Image Stabilization (Optical). In body stabilization is more effective than digital stabilization as the latter can lead to cropping.
Photography GlossaryThe BSI-CMOS sensor has 16 megapixels and gives a standard ISO range of 125 - 3200. Sadly, RAW format is not supported therefore you have less margin for error.
The image underneath shows the S6400's sensor size when compared to other popular sizes. The S6400 sensor has a crop factor of 5.8 and is presented in green.
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesTo get an idea of different aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.
Nikon S6400 dimensions
Nikon S6400 weighs in at 0.33 lb (150 grams / 5.29 ounces) & the overall size of the camera is 95mm x 58mm x 27mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 1.1"). The weight of normal Ultracompact camera is 121 grams so the Nikon S6400 is heavier than other rivals.
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneHere is a image of the Nikon S6400 with a soda so you're able to get a feel for its size.
The top view underneath will show the button design on the S6400.
Nikon S6400 Lens information
The S6400 comes with a built in lens with a focal range of 25-300mm giving it a 12.0 x zoom which isn't significant but it will probably be convenient in some situations.
At it's widest 25mm, the lens comes with an aperture of f3.1 making it really sluggish and not great for low light conditions and you may find it hard to get a shallow depth of field. You might also have to up your ISO setting causing noisy shots. With the long end, 300mm is incredible zoom and comes at f6.5 making it very sluggish and you might have to choose slower shutter speeds.
Nikon S6400 Connectivity
The S6400 has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- Wireless Yes
- HDMI Yes
Cameras that consist of NFC or Bluetooth support can easily be controlled wirelessly through smartphones. You can transfer files and usually alter settings without the hassle of connecting directly with the camera.
Certain apps also stream a Liveview and click the shutter in case you aren't close to the camera. If the camera comes with a HDMI port, it could be attached to an external display. A good number of cameras enable you to charge the battery through the USB port.
Nikon S6400 Video information
The maximum video quality in the Nikon S6400 is 1920 x 1080 and you can save in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 1080p quality gives a great balance for video quality vs file size but FULL HD won't give you any room to crop. The body doesn't feature a microphone or headphone port which means that you have zero control over the audio. It is probably a better idea to find another model should you need decent audio for your videos.
Nikon S6400 Weather Sealing
Nikon S6400 doesn't have weather proofing so wet conditions can easily ruin the camera.
Nikon S6400 Screen and Viewfinder
The Nikon S6400 comes with a 3 inch fixed display with a resolution of 460 thousand dots.
Additionally the display is touch friendly which means you can shift focus points plus change settings using your finger.
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsThe ViewFinder details for Nikon S6400 are as follows:
- ViewFinder None
Viewfinders can be very helpful for sunny outdoor conditions which will make the camera screen washed out and hard to see.
Nikon S6400 Shutter information
The maximum shutter speed is 1/4000 seconds.
Nikon S6400 Flash and Hot shoe information
Nikon S6400 comes with just in-built flash with no external flash ability.
Nikon S6400 Autofocusing information
Nikon S6400 comes with only Contrast Detect AF & does not have Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot faster & precise than Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera comes with Face detection which can be useful for portrait photography.
It also comes with Tracking AF for subjects on the move. Nikon S6400 doesn't have manual focus. Manual focus is good for low light scenarios or you need more exact control on focusing.
Nikon S6400 Battery life
The battery (EN-EL19) in the Nikon S6400 is fashioned to last for 160 shots according to the CIPA requirements making it lesser than it's competition. The general Ultracompact camera battery life is 214. Nikon L32 has got the highest possible (320) battery life for this kind of cameras.
Below is a collection of Ultracompact cameras which have the best battery life:
Nikon S6400 for various types of photography
The following illustration presents a analysis of the Nikon S6400 for various types of photography. To see more, go to the specific paragraph underneath.
Nikon S6400 as a Portrait photography camera
The Nikon S6400 has a points tally of 34 which is subpar, meaning that it is just not suitable for portrait photography. Taking portrait photos leans heavily to sensor size, support for RAW photos & flexibility to work with external flash.
Nikon S6400 as a Street photography camera
Getting a decent points total of 55, the Nikon S6400 is relatively suited to use in street photography. A very good street photography camera features a fine balance of image quality and portability.
Sports photography with Nikon S6400
A subpar sports photography rating of 40 means the Nikon S6400 is just not suitable for photographing sports. A camera should have excellent focusing and shutter speeds for sports photography.
Nikon S6400 Travel photography highlights
Size is extremely critical when picking a camera for travel. On the whole, the Nikon S6400 gets a above average 63 as a travel camera which is a very decent fit to take on your holidays.
Nikon S6400 Landscape photography factors
When you are planning to purchase a camera for landscape photography, the most critical aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Nikon S6400 and it's subpar grade of 41 for a landscape camera is just not suitable within the current market.
Vlogging with Nikon S6400
A camera for vlogging should offer a articulating display, microphone input and ideally image stabilization. Considering all things, the Nikon S6400 is just not suitable for vlogging as it gets a subpar score of 33.
Nikon S6400 Alternatives
If you are searching for alternatives to the S6400, below is a list of the highest ranked cameras that fall in to the category of Ultracompact.
The line graph listed below will give you a bird's eye view of the S6400 vs it's top scoring rivals suggested previously.
These are some more cameras you may check out as alternative options. To review a thorough comparison, just click on the "compare" link.