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Nikon Coolpix S9600 Review

The Nikon Coolpix S9600 offers a 22x optical zoom lens and built-in Wi-Fi. Find out how it performs in our review.

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Review: Nikon Coolpix S9600 Black (2)

The compact Nikon Coolpix S9600 features Wi-Fi, a wide-angle 22x optical zoom lens, full HD video and is designed to be an easy to use and pocketable travel zoom camera. The S9600 is available in black, red and white.

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Features

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Review: Nikon Coolpix S9600 Black (3)

The Nikon Coolpix S9600 features a 16 megapixel backlit CMOS image sensor designed for low light conditions. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you transfer photos easily to a smart device to share them instantly on social networks or via email. Alternatively, use it to turn your smart device into a remote control.

Hybrid VR (vibration reduction) combines Lens Shift and Electronic VR for highly effective countering of camera shake, reducing blur and creating sharper images, even when shooting a movie while walking, or when shooting stills images. The 3inch screen features an anti-reflection coating for clear visibility in bright sunlight.

Pause and record the action as a still image while shooting movies in crisp Full HD with the advanced movie function mode. Meanwhile, face priority identifies your subject automatically, resulting in clear and accurate focus. The camera features Advanced Glamour Retouch, where you can whiten teeth, brighten eyes or even add make-up.

Easy Panorama and High Speed continuous shooting offer a great range of shooting variations and the Smart Portrait System ensures your pictures feature the best smiles, and are free from red eye.

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Review: Nikon Coolpix S9600 Black (4)

Key Features

  • 16 megapixel Back illuminated CMOS image sensor 
  • 22x optical zoom, equivalent to 25-550mm
  • Combination of lens-shift and electronic VR (Vibration Reduction)
  • Scene auto selector, Pre AF
  • Full HD 1080/60i movie recording with 5-Axis Hybrid VR
  • Advanced Glamour retouch, Quick effects and Special effects
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Red-eye correction for people and pets
  • High-speed battery charging with ability to shoot while charging
  • 1cm Macro shooting 
  • Record pause function
  • Save still images during movie recording
  • Consecutive shot combining tech (Night landscape, Night portrait, Backlight, Easy panorama)
  • Available in black, white and red

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Handling

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Review: Nikon Coolpix S9600 Black (5)

The S9600 has a compact and lightweight body, considering it has a long lens, and Wi-Fi, as these features tend to add considerable weight to a camera. It has a metal body, a groove on the front to aid grip and a dotted section on the rear where your thumb sits.

To select your desired shooting mode there is a mode dial on the top, this sits alongside the shutter release, zoom rocker and on / off switch. Buttons on the rear include movie record, playback, menu and delete. There is also a rotating wheel which can also be pressed to give access to the self-timer, flash, exposure compensation and macro mode.

Also on the rear is the 3 inch screen, which has a reasonable resolution of 460k dots and is bright and clear. The menu system is easy to navigate and clearly laid out.

To make use of the Wi-Fi you need to download the Wireless Mobile Utility app to your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android). This allows you to use your mobile device to download pictures from the camera to edit and share them. You can also use it as a remote release. A preview appears on your mobile device, you can control the zoom or set a timer. Other information appears on the screen, such as shutter speed, aperture, number of shots left and battery life.

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Review: Nikon Coolpix S9600 Black (6)

Battery life - Battery life is rated at 290 shots according to Nikon / CIPA test results, which is reasonably good, although we would recommend a spare battery if you plan on shooting more. Charging is via a MicroUSB cable and AC adapter.

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Review: Nikon Coolpix S9600 Black (8)

Speed - We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot, focusing speed etc. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras.

Shutter Response 0.05secs
Wide - Focus / Shutter Response 0.15secs
Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response 0.3secs
Switch on Time to Taking a Photo 1.6secs
Shot to Shot without Flash 0.9secs
Shot to Shot with Flash 1.2secs
Continuous Shooting - JPEG
(shots before stopping)
8.8fps (5 shots)

Focus and shutter response is very quick with the camera offering a very quick continuous shooting mode, shooting at 8.8fps for 5 shots. 

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Performance

Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Sample Photos

Sports Car | 1/400 sec | f/5.6 | 24.1 mm | ISO 125
Sports Car | 1/400 sec | f/5.6 | 24.1 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Drive | 1/1250 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Drive | 1/1250 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Into Sun | 1/1000 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Into Sun | 1/1000 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Portrait Flash | 1/30 sec | f/5.1 | 15.2 mm | ISO 200
Portrait Flash | 1/30 sec | f/5.1 | 15.2 mm | ISO 200 | high res
Sports Car | 1/400 sec | f/5.6 | 24.1 mm | ISO 125
Drive | 1/1250 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Into Sun | 1/1000 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Portrait Flash | 1/30 sec | f/5.1 | 15.2 mm | ISO 200

Sample Photos - Photos taken with flash have little to no red-eye and good skin tones. Colour and exposure are both very good with the camera delivering pleasing results, although fine detail is lacking in shots, particularly in areas with lots of grass or leaves. 

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Lens test images

Wide | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Wide | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Zoom | 1/800 sec | f/5.6 | 24.1 mm | ISO 125
Zoom | 1/800 sec | f/5.6 | 24.1 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Full Zoom | 1/250 sec | f/6.3 | 99.0 mm | ISO 125
Full Zoom | 1/250 sec | f/6.3 | 99.0 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Macro | 1/1000 sec | f/5.2 | 17.0 mm | ISO 125
Macro | 1/1000 sec | f/5.2 | 17.0 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Wide | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Zoom | 1/800 sec | f/5.6 | 24.1 mm | ISO 125
Full Zoom | 1/250 sec | f/6.3 | 99.0 mm | ISO 125
Macro | 1/1000 sec | f/5.2 | 17.0 mm | ISO 125

Lens Performance - There is slight vignetting and corner softness when shooting wide-angle shots. The camera has good macro performance, with the camera focusing on subjects just 1cm away from the front of the lens. Purple fringing and chromatic aberrations are well controlled, with some appearing at the very far edges and corners of the frame. Dynamic range is quite good, and the camera can help expand this by using either D-Lighting, or the backlit / HDR mode.

Nikon Coolpix S9600 ISO test images

1/4 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 125
1/4 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 125 | high res
1/6 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 200
1/6 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 200 | high res
1/13 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 400
1/13 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 400 | high res
1/25 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 800
1/25 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 800 | high res
1/50 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 1600
1/50 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 1600 | high res
1/100 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 3200
1/100 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 3200 | high res
1/200 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 6400
1/200 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 6400 | high res
1/4 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 125
1/6 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 200
1/13 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 400
1/25 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 800
1/50 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 1600
1/100 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 3200
1/200 sec | f/5.3 | 18.9 mm | ISO 6400

ISO Noise Performance - ISO125, ISO200 and ISO400 show relatively low levels of noise, and reasonable levels of detail. ISO800 shows little increase in noise, but a noticeable decrease in the level of detail recorded. ISO1600 shows a slight increase in noise, but a further decrease in detail, although results may still be usable for sharing on the web. ISO3200 shows more noise and less detail, although, again results may still be usable. ISO6400 shows the highest level of noise and is best avoided. 

Nikon Coolpix S9600 White-balance test images

AWB Tungsten | 1/20 sec | f/4.0 | 6.5 mm | ISO 200
AWB Tungsten | 1/20 sec | f/4.0 | 6.5 mm | ISO 200 | high res
WB Tungsten | 1/20 sec | f/4.0 | 6.5 mm | ISO 200
WB Tungsten | 1/20 sec | f/4.0 | 6.5 mm | ISO 200 | high res
AWB Fluorescent | 1/6 sec | f/4.0 | 6.5 mm | ISO 200
AWB Fluorescent | 1/6 sec | f/4.0 | 6.5 mm | ISO 200 | high res
WB Fluorescent | 1/6 sec | f/4.0 | 6.5 mm | ISO 200
WB Fluorescent | 1/6 sec | f/4.0 | 6.5 mm | ISO 200 | high res
AWB Tungsten | 1/20 sec | f/4.0 | 6.5 mm | ISO 200
WB Tungsten | 1/20 sec | f/4.0 | 6.5 mm | ISO 200
AWB Fluorescent | 1/6 sec | f/4.0 | 6.5 mm | ISO 200
WB Fluorescent | 1/6 sec | f/4.0 | 6.5 mm | ISO 200

White Balance Performance - Auto White Balance (AWB) performs well under tungsten light with a slightly warm result. The tungsten preset gives a more accurate result, and AWB performs well under fluorescent lighting. The fluorescent preset gives a magenta/orange colour cast. 

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Review: Panoramic | 1/400 sec | f/7.2 | 5.1 mm | ISO 125

Panoramic | 1/400 sec | f/7.2 | 5.1 mm | ISO 125

Panorama mode - The camera features an automatic panoramic mode, where you simply press the shutter release button and pan the camera from one side to the other. Results are reasonably good, and well stitched together, although the resolution is low.

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Digital filters

Cross Proces | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Cross Proces | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
High Contrast Mono | 1/1500 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
High Contrast Mono | 1/1500 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
High Key | 1/800 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
High Key | 1/800 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Low Key | 1/1000 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Low Key | 1/1000 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Pop | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Pop | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Selective Colour Blue | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Selective Colour Blue | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Selective Colour Green | 1/1000 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Selective Colour Green | 1/1000 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Sepia | 1/1250 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Sepia | 1/1250 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Soft | 1/1250 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Soft | 1/1250 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Super Vivid | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Super Vivid | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Toy Camera 1 | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Toy Camera 1 | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Toy Camera 2 | 1/1250 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Toy Camera 2 | 1/1250 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125 | high res
Cross Proces | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
High Contrast Mono | 1/1500 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
High Key | 1/800 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Low Key | 1/1000 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Pop | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Selective Colour Blue | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Selective Colour Green | 1/1000 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Sepia | 1/1250 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Soft | 1/1250 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Super Vivid | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Toy Camera 1 | 1/400 sec | f/6.8 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125
Toy Camera 2 | 1/1250 sec | f/3.4 | 4.5 mm | ISO 125

Digital Filters - There are a large number of different effects available from the "Effects" option on the mode dial, with examples shown above. The effects are available in playback editing as well. 

Video - Video quality is good with the camera recording full HD video at 30 or 25fps, with stereo sound and optical zoom. Some wind noise is picked up by the camera, as well as lens noise when using the optical zoom. 

Value For Money

The Nikon Coolpix S9600 is available for £199 which makes it quite good value for money, offering slightly more optical zoom than most of the competition in this price range. The following cameras are its nearest competition:

Canon Powershot SX600 HS, 18x optical zoom, Wi-Fi, NFC, £173
Sony Cyber-shot WX350, 20x optical zoom, Wi-Fi, NFC, £199
Canon Powershot SX280 HS, 20x optical zoom, GPS, Wi-Fi, £179
Panasonic Lumix TZ55, 20x optical zoom, Wi-Fi, £199
Olympus Stylus SH-50, 24x optical zoom, £180

You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Verdict

The Nikon Coolpix S9600 offers a 22x optical zoom lens, a 3inch screen and built-in Wi-Fi for sharing images with your smartphone. The camera has a stylish metal body, with high speed continuous shooting and an impressive 1cm macro mode. While images aren't as detailed as we would have liked to see and do suffer from some corner softness, we think this camera would make a useful pocket camera, particularly if you want to share your images via your smartphone. The camera also offers quite good value for money and is available in a number of colours. 

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Review: The Nikon Coolpix S9600 offers a 22x optical zoom lens and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity making it great for sharing images to social network sites.

View Full Product Details

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Specifications

Manufacturer
Nikon
Lens
Max Aperture
f/3.4 - f/6.3
35mm equivalent
25mm - 550mm
Optical Zoom
22x
Image Sensor
Pixels
16Mp (Megapixels)
Pixels (W)
4608
Pixels (H)
3456
Sensor Type
CMOS
Sensor Size
1/2.3inch
Sensor Size (width)
No Data
Sensor Size (height)
No Data
Aspect Ratio
4:3
16:9
1:1
LCD Monitor
LCD Monitor
3in
Screen resolution
460k
Touch Screen
No
Focusing
Min Focus
1cm
Focusing modes
Autofocus
Face Detection
AF Tracking
Multi
Centre
Exposure Control
Shutter speeds shortest
1/4000sec
Shutter speeds longest
4sec
Bulb mode
No
Exp modes
Program
Scene modes
Metering
Centre-weighted - Average
Multi Pattern
Spot
ISO sensitivity
125 - 6400
White balance
Auto
Manual
Outdoors/Daylight
Cloudy
Incandescent
Fluorescent
Flash
Exposure Comp
+/-2
Shooting Options
Continuous shooting
6.7fps
Video
Movie mode
Yes
Video Resolution
1920x1080 FullHD
Video FPS
30p, 25p
Stereo Sound
No Data
Optical Zoom with Video
Yes
Other Features
Image Stabilisation
Yes
Interface
HDMI
Yes
USB
USB 2
Wi-Fi
Yes
Storage
Card Type
SD
SDHC
SDXC
File Type
JPG
Power Source
Battery Type
One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12
Battery Life (CIPA rating)
290shots
Box Contents
Box Contents
Camera Strap, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12, Charging AC Adapter EH-71P, USB Cable UC-E21
Dimensions
Weight
206g
Width
108.6mm
Height
61mm
Depth
31.6mm

Nikon Coolpix S9600 Verdict

Features
Handling
Performance
Value for money
Verdict
Pros
  • 22x optical zoom lens
  • Good colour
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Metal body
  • 2 year warranty
  • 8.8fps continuous shooting
  • 1cm macro mode
Cons
  • Awkward tripod socket position
  • Soft images, more detail expected
  • Soft corners