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Nikon S6500

 
Nikon Coolpix S6500 front
 
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-300mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
  • 250g - 95 x 58 x 26mm
  • Launched January 2013
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
92
Imaging
40
Features
51
Overall
44

Nikon S6500 overview

Nikon S6500 is Nikon's Small Sensor Superzoom camera first revealed on January of 2013. It includes a 16 MegaPixel, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a peak resolution of 4608 x 3456.

The S6500 is ranked #69 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all-around #555 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. You can test our Smart camera search to get camera listings based on your custom requirements.

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Here is a graph of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.

Nikon S6500 family

The Nikon S6500 comes with a history of related cameras. Underneath, you can look at all earlier and most recent models alongside main specs.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Nikon-Coolpix-S9900 front thumbnailNikon S9900
S6500 vs S9900
25-750mm
F3.7-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2015
Nikon-Coolpix-S810c front thumbnailNikon S810c
S6500 vs S810c
25-300mm
F3.3-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2014
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Nikon-Coolpix-S9700 front thumbnailNikon S9700
S6500 vs S9700
25-750mm
F3.7-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S5300 front thumbnailNikon S5300
S6500 vs S5300
26-208mm
F3.7-6.6
16MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S3600 front thumbnailNikon S3600
S6500 vs S3600
25-200mm
F3.7-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S3500 front thumbnailNikon S3500
S6500 vs S3500
26-182mm
F3.4-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2013
Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras
Nikon-Coolpix-S800c front thumbnailNikon S800c
S6500 vs S800c
25-250mm
F3.2-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S9500 front thumbnailNikon S9500
S6500 vs S9500
25-550mm
F
18MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S5200 front thumbnailNikon S5200
S6500 vs S5200
26-156mm
F
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S6500 front thumbnailNikon S650025-300mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S9300 front thumbnailNikon S9300
S6500 vs S9300
25-450mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
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Nikon-Coolpix-S3300 front thumbnailNikon S3300
S6500 vs S3300
26-156mm
F3.5-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S4300 front thumbnailNikon S4300
S6500 vs S4300
26-156mm
F3.5-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S6300 front thumbnailNikon S6300
S6500 vs S6300
25-250mm
F3.2-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S8200 front thumbnailNikon S8200
S6500 vs S8200
25-350mm
F3.3-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S6200 front thumbnailNikon S6200
S6500 vs S6200
25-250mm
F3.2-5.6
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S100 front thumbnailNikon S100
S6500 vs S100
28-140mm
F3.9-4.8
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S9100 front thumbnailNikon S9100
S6500 vs S9100
25-450mm
F3.5-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S6100 front thumbnailNikon S6100
S6500 vs S6100
28-196mm
F3.7-5.6
16MP1/2.3"2011
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Nikon-Coolpix-S8100 front thumbnailNikon S8100
S6500 vs S8100
30-300mm
F3.5-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S5100 front thumbnailNikon S5100
S6500 vs S5100
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S8000 front thumbnailNikon S8000
S6500 vs S8000
30-300mm
F3.5-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S6000 front thumbnailNikon S6000
S6500 vs S6000
28-196mm
F3.7-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S640 front thumbnailNikon S640
S6500 vs S640
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S570 front thumbnailNikon S570
S6500 vs S570
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S1000pj front thumbnailNikon S1000pj
S6500 vs S1000pj
28-140mm
F3.9-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S630 front thumbnailNikon S630
S6500 vs S630
37-260mm
F3.5-5.3
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S620 front thumbnailNikon S620
S6500 vs S620
28-112mm
F2.7-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009

Nikon S6500 Pros and Cons

Here is a collection of good and bad points of the Nikon S6500 based on aspects which are generally seen as important in a camera.

built in image stabilization (Optical)
comes with HDMI support
fairly wide (25mm)
good megapixels (16 megapixels)
good min ISO (100)
good zoom range (25-300mm 12.0 x zoom)
has built in flash
high res video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
lighter than competition in class (250 grams)
long zoom (300mm)
pretty good screen size (3")
screen is OLED
supports face detect autofocus
supports tracking focus
you can focus manually
cannot change lens (fixed lens mount)
cannot use external flash
doesn't have headphone jack
doesn't have microphone jack
doesn't have selfie friendly display
doesn't have Timelapse function
no phase detect autofocus
no RAW files
screen does not articulate
screen has low resolution (460 k dot)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
sluggish at full zoom (f5.9)
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M

Nikon S6500 Sensor features

The sensor dimension in the Nikon S6500 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor is able to resolve 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera includes Image Stabilization (Optical). In body stabilization is better than digital stabilization as the latter can easily lead to cropping.

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The BSI-CMOS sensor boasts 16 megapixels and features a native ISO range of 100 - 3200. Unfortunately, RAW photos are not saved so you have less room to maneuver in post.

The graphic underneath shows the S6500's sensor size compared to other common sizes. The S6500 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is showcased in green.

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To get a sense of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Nikon S6500 dimensions

Nikon S6500 is 0.55 lbs (250 grams or 8.82 oz) and features external measurements of 95mm x 58mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 1.0"). The weight of general Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 grams so the Nikon S6500 is lighter compared to various rivals.

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Here is a picture of the Nikon S6500 beside a soda so you can have a feel for its size.

Nikon Coolpix S6500 dimensions scale

The top view just below will provide the button layout on the S6500.

Nikon Coolpix S6500 topview buttons dials

Nikon S6500 Lens features

The S6500 has got a built-in lens giving a focal range of 25-300mm making it a 12.0 x zoom which is not at all very good however it will surely be helpful in a few conditions.

At it's widest 25mm, the lens offers an aperture of f2.8 which will be somewhat sluggish and not great in low light conditions and you will probably find it hard to capture good bokeh. You might also have to up your ISO setting which results in noisy photographs. On the long end, 300mm is fantastic zoom and comes at f5.9 making it quite sluggish and you may have to use slow shutter speeds.

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Nikon S6500 Connectivity

The S6500 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes
  • GPS Yes

Cameras with NFC and Bluetooth connectivity can be used wirelessly by smartphones. You will be able to transfer photos and usually change camera settings without connecting straight with the camera.

Many apps also stream a Liveview and press the shutter in case you aren't close to the camera. If the camera comes with a HDMI out, it can be hooked up to an external monitor. A lot of cameras enable you to charge the battery through the USB socket.

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Nikon S6500 Video features

The highest video resolution in the Nikon S6500 is 1920 x 1080 and it can save in MPEG-4 and H.264 format. 1080p resolution gives a great balance in quality and file size but FULL HD won't leave you with much room to downsample. The body doesn't include a mic and headphone socket so you have zero control over your audio. It is probably best to have a look at an alternative model if you want decent audio in your video clips.

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Nikon S6500 Weather Sealing

There is no weather proofing in the Nikon S6500 so you have to be cautious in wet or dusty situations.

Nikon S6500 Display and Viewfinder

The Nikon S6500 includes a 3" fixed screen with a resolution of 460k dots.

Please note that the screen offers no touch support.

Nikon Coolpix S6500 screen and viewfinder Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability

The View Finder specs regarding Nikon S6500 are as follows:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders are really useful in sunny outdoor situations which can easily make the camera display washed out and very difficult to view.

Nikon S6500 Shutter features

Nikon S6500 continuous shooting rate is 10.0 frames per second. The maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 seconds.

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Nikon S6500 Flash and Hot shoe features

Nikon S6500 includes just built in flash with no external flash ability.

Nikon S6500 Autofocus features

Nikon S6500 includes only Contrast Detect AF and is missing Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot snappier and exact compared to Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera includes Face detect which can be helpful for people photography.

It also comes with Tracking AF for subjects on the move. Nikon S6500 has manual focus if required in low light scenarios or you need to have more accurate focus control.

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Nikon S6500 Battery life

The typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR has got the highest (600) battery life in this class of cameras.

Here is a collection of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras with the best battery life:

Nikon S6500 for specific types of photography

The following illustration presents a overview of the Nikon S6500 for specific types of photography. To find out more, check out the specific section underneath.

Nikon S6500 Portrait photography information

The Nikon S6500 gets a points tally of 44 which is bad, and means the camera is not really appropriate to use for portrait images. Shooting portrait images favors greatly towards sensor specs, support for RAW files plus the capability to work with external lighting.

Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M
manual focus
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
provides face detection autofocus
can't use external flash
small sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format

Nikon S6500 Street photography advice

Having a above average points total of 62, the Nikon S6500 is a fine pick to use in street photography. A good street photography camera provides a good balance of image quality and portability.

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image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition (250 grams)
fixed screen
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files

Nikon S6500 Sports photography advice

A average sports photography rating of 50 means the Nikon S6500 is fairly acceptable for taking pictures of sports. A camera needs to have good autofocus plus continuous shooting for sports photography.

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image stabilization (Optical)
decent MP (16 megapixels)
includes tracking autofocus
sensor is small (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect AF

Nikon S6500 Travel photography advice

Weight is very critical in buying a camera for travel. Over-all, the Nikon S6500 gets a very good 69 for a travelling camera which makes it a good choice to purchase for your holidays.

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lighter than competitors (250g)
decent MP (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
really wide (25mm)
very long zoom (300mm)
lack of Timelapse mode
doesn't have selfie friendly screen
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)

Nikon S6500 Landscape photography highlights

For anybody planning to buy a camera for landscape photographs, the most essential aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Nikon S6500 at it's modest score of 50 for a landscape camera is relatively suited compared to its competitors.

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focusing manually
relatively wide (25mm)
nice screen size (3")
image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (16 megapixels)
can't change lens (fixed lens mount)
slow max aperture (f2.8)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW format
missing Time Lapse mode

Vlogging with Nikon S6500

A vlogging camera should really come with a moving screen, microphone port and preferably IBIS. Considering all things, the Nikon S6500 is not really appropriate for vlogging as it comes to a bad rating of 34.

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reasonably wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
comes with face detection autofocus
high quality video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
lighter than competition in class (250 grams)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
screen isn't selfie friendly
does not have external mic jack

Nikon S6500 Alternatives

If you are looking for alternatives to the S6500, here is a range of the top rated cameras which fall under the family of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The chart followed below shows you an overview of the S6500 versus it's top scoring competitors shown above.

Here are a few more cameras you might see as alternate options. To see a full comparison, go to the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand Name
Nikon
Model
Nikon Coolpix S6500
Category
Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched
2013-01-08
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW format
Max native ISO
3200
Lowest native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Lens
Lens mounting type
fixed lens
Lens focal range
25-300mm (12.0x)
Max aperture
f/2.8-5.9
Macro focus range
5cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Range of display
Fixed Type
Display diagonal
3"
Resolution of display
460k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Display tech
AMOLED display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
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
Lowest shutter speed
8 seconds
Highest shutter speed
1/2000 seconds
Continuous shooting speed
10.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation
Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range
3.50 m
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 480fps (176 x 128), 240fps (384 x 288)
Max video resolution
1920x1080
Video data format
MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless
Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
BuiltIn
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
250 gr (0.55 pounds)
Dimensions
95 x 58 x 26mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 1.0")
Other
Battery model
SLB-10A
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec, Double)
Time lapse recording
Storage media
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
1
Pricing at launch
$170