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Nikon S6400

 
Nikon Coolpix S6400 front
 
  • 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
Portability
94
Imaging
40
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 #26 out of 151 in Ultracompact cameras & all-around #783 out of 1465 for cameras in our database. Remember to use our Smart camera finder to see camera listings based on your custom factors.

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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.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Nikon-Coolpix-S6900 front thumbnailNikon S6900
S6400 vs S6900
25-300mm
F3.3-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2015
Nikon-Coolpix-S7000 front thumbnailNikon S7000
S6400 vs S7000
25-500mm
F3.4-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2015
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Nikon-Coolpix-S2900 front thumbnailNikon S2900
S6400 vs S2900
26-130mm
F3.2-6.5
20MP1/2.3"2015
Nikon-Coolpix-S3700 front thumbnailNikon S3700
S6400 vs S3700
25-200mm
F3.7-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2015
Nikon-Coolpix-S6400 front thumbnailNikon S640025-300mm
F3.1-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S1200pj front thumbnailNikon S1200pj
S6400 vs S1200pj
28-140mm
F3.9-5.8
14MP1/2.3"2011
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Nikon-Coolpix-S4100 front thumbnailNikon S4100
S6400 vs S4100
26-130mm
F3.2-6.5
14MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S3100 front thumbnailNikon S3100
S6400 vs S3100
26-130mm
F3.2-6.5
14MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S80 front thumbnailNikon S80
S6400 vs S80
35-175mm
F3.6-4.8
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S1100pj front thumbnailNikon S1100pj
S6400 vs S1100pj
28-140mm
F3.9-5.8
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S4000 front thumbnailNikon S4000
S6400 vs S4000
27-108mm
F3.2-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2010
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Nikon-Coolpix-S3000 front thumbnailNikon S3000
S6400 vs S3000
27-108mm
F3.2-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S70 front thumbnailNikon S70
S6400 vs S70
28-140mm
F3.9-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S220 front thumbnailNikon S220
S6400 vs S220
35-105mm
F3.1-5.9
10MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S230 front thumbnailNikon S230
S6400 vs S230
35-105mm
F3.1-5.9
10MP1/2.3"2009

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.

good zoom range (25-300mm 12.0 x zoom)
has built in flash
has HDMI support
has image stabilization (Optical)
includes face detection focusing
includes tracking autofocus
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
nice screen size (3")
reasonably wide (25mm)
touchscreen capability
very long zoom (300mm)
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
doesn't have selfie friendly screen
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
focusing manually not possible
heavier than competitors (150g)
lacks phase detect AF
lacks RAW support
low resolution screen (460 thousand dot)
max zoom aperture not good (f6.5)
missing external mic jack
missing headphone jack
missing Time Lapse recording
no aperture priority
no external flash support
no manual control
no moving screen
no shutter priority mode
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.1)
terrible battery (160 CIPA)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
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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.

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The 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.

Nikon Coolpix S6400 sensor size Kodak's Tri-X Black-and-White Film Now 30% Cheaper

To get an idea of different aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

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.

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Here is a image of the Nikon S6400 with a soda so you're able to get a feel for its size.

Nikon Coolpix S6400 dimensions scale

The top view underneath will show the button design on the S6400.

Nikon Coolpix S6400 topview buttons dials

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Nikon Coolpix S6400 screen and viewfinder Photographer Triumphs in Lawsuit Over Creative Commons Image Rights

The 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.

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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.

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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 35 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.

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good megapixels (16MP)
features face detection focus
no manual focus
lack of manual mode
can't use external flash
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
has no RAW support

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.

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image stabilization (Optical)
no articulating screen
sensor is small (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
more heavy than others in class (150g)

Sports photography with Nikon S6400

A subpar sports photography rating of 41 means the Nikon S6400 is just not suitable for photographing sports. A camera should have excellent focusing and shutter speeds for sports photography.

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image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
supports tracking focus
no shutter priority mode
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
not so great battery power (160 per charge)
lack of phase detect autofocus

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.

OM System OM-1 Set to Enhance Autofocus
good MP (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
fairly wide (25mm)
very long reach (300mm)
no Time Lapse recording
low battery (160 shots)
heavier than average in class (150g)
display is not selfie friendly
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.1)

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 42 for a landscape camera is just not suitable within the current market.

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decently wide (25mm)
nice screen size (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
good megapixels (16MP)
no manual focus
cannot swap lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
no manual mode
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
terrible battery (160 shots)
doesn't have Time Lapse function

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.

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fairly wide (25mm)
has touchscreen
image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detection autofocus
video res high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
display is not selfie friendly
doesn't have external mic socket
heavier than average in class (150g)

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.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Nikon
Model
Nikon Coolpix S6400
Category
Ultracompact
Released
2012-08-22
Body design
Ultracompact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Chip
Expeed C2
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Maximum resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW support
Maximum native ISO
3200
Lowest native ISO
125
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
25-300mm (12.0x)
Max aperture
f/3.1-6.5
Macro focus range
10cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen size
3"
Screen resolution
460 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Screen technology
TFT LCD monitor
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Slowest shutter speed
4 seconds
Maximum shutter speed
1/4000 seconds
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
External flash
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution
1920x1080
Video format
MPEG-4, H.264
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
150 gr (0.33 lbs)
Dimensions
95 x 58 x 27mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 1.1")
Other
Battery life
160 pictures
Battery format
Battery Pack
Battery model
EN-EL19
Self timer
Yes (10 or 2 seconds)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
1
Launch pricing
$500