What's this? Note: We've recently changed the way we test cameras. Some models may have different scores than what was previously shown. Overall score is based mainly on image quality, ease of use, versatility, LCD-panel quality, and flash and video quality.
Approximate retail price:
$185.00
Summary:A 16-megapixel camera from Nikon with a 3-inch LCD, 14x optical zoom, and an image stabilizer.
The Coolpix S8200 is a 16-megapixel camera with 14x optical zoom and has a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 25mm-350mm. It has a 3-inch LCD (921,600 pixels).
Because of its slightly larger size, we consider this model a compact.
The Coolpix S8200 stores photos and video on SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards and has 89MB of in-board storage. It captures images as JPG files at a top resolution of 4608 x 3456 and full HD-resolution video as MOV files at a top resolution of 1920 x 1080.
Like most digital cameras, this model comes with a proprietary rechargeable battery.
The image stabilization system for this camera is optical.
The Coolpix S8200 measures 4.1 inches wide by 2.6 inches high by 1.4 inches deep, and weighs 8 ounces (with battery, memory card, and strap).
About This Brand
Nikon has a fairly extensive line of point-and-shoot models, known as Coolpix cameras. Its subcompacts, compacts, and super zooms are divided into four series, the budget L, step-up S, high-end P series, and AW series, which Nikon claims is waterproof and shockproof. Nikon also has an innovative S series camera that includes a built-in projector that lets you beam images or video clips onto any surface. Like Canon's SLR lineup, Nikon's D series offers cameras for every SLR user and budget and a wide range of lenses. High-end SLRs include large, full-frame sensors, which offer better quality in low light. Nikon also offers a new SLR-like series, the Nikon One, which has large sensors and accepts interchangeable lenses but has no through-the-lens viewfinder.
Viewfinder Found on virtually all models, this optical device allows you to look through an eyepiece to frame the subject before taking a picture. Not to be confused with the LCD image display found on the back of the camera, which is mainly to view photos you've already taken.
Viewfinder
No
Manual controls Some cameras allow the user to set the aperture (f-stop), shutter speed, or (usually) both. This feature is used to override the automatic exposure settings when more control is needed. During a sporting event for example, you may want to use a high shutter speed to freeze the action. Or, you may want to use a low shutter speed to blur moving objects (like a waterfall) while keeping stationary objects sharp. Using shallow depths of field can be used to blur the background of photos while keeping the foreground in focus. Typically up/down arrow keys are used to change settings displayed on the LCD or in the viewfinder. These controls are not as easy to use as on conventional film cameras.
Manual controls
No
Optical zoom Optical zoom is the maximum magnifcation of the lens.
Optical zoom
14
LCD size (in.) Digital cameras have a small liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen on the back so you can see the images and decide which to keep. You can also use the LCD to help frame photos, but that's a sure way to run down the battery in a hurry. Most LCD screens are too dim for viewing clearly in sunlight. Many cameras also use the screen for displaying menus and camera settings. It is desirable to have both an LCD display and a viewfinder with an eyepiece.
LCD size (in.)
3
Touch screen Touch screen indicates touch capability on the LCD.
The S8200 was a had a good price and features. But The Auto Focus was bad. When it would malfunction the only way to correct the problem was to power off and on. I lost a lot of shots!
How long have you owned it:
One-to-three months
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
By Rasta
from Shakopee, MN
(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)
4.0
Very good camera
5/27/2012
Pros
Easy To Use
Easy to use panorama
Good Image Quality
Good Image Stabilization
Good in Low Light
Good video quality
Great Zoom
Cons
Auto focus sometimes lag
Flash Location Poor
Poor Flash
Best Uses
Family Photos
Indoors/Low Light
Landscape/Scenery
Sports/Action
Travel
Video
Wildlife photos
Comment:
We needed a camera with good zoom, low light capability and panorama shot capability. We found this camera to contain all we needed and more. <br /><br />There are just two things I wish were better on the camera and they are the placement of the flash. It pops up under your finger. The second is there is some delay in the auto focus, I have on several occasions have to re zoom for the auto focus to work.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By Happy Camper
from Phoenix, AZ
(11 of 11 customers found this review helpful)
4.0
Flash location only drawback
5/22/2012
Pros
Easy To Use
Fast/accurate auto-focus
Good Image Quality
Good Image Stabilization
Good in Low Light
Good macro focus
Good pet photos
Great Zoom
Large Clear LCD
Nice Body Color
Short Lag Time
Small / Compact
Cons
Awkward flash location
Best Uses
Family Photos
Landscape/Scenery
Pets
Wildlife photos
Comment:
It took some time to adjust to the location of the pop-up flash. Once I trained myself for that, I use the camera almost daily for close-ups of my artwork, my very active retrievers, a wide variety of urban wildlife, including hummingbirds on the wing. The video is ok, but i don't use that too frequently. I like the fact that I can upload my photos to my computer program, close crop them and greatly enlarge them to crisp , vibrant images and then print them or create a big screen slideshow. I've done a lot of work with digital images and this camera is the best relatively inexpensive camera I've used. The body is comparatively light and compact, a quality I really like because I can put it in my pocket or purse and it doesn't weigh me down. There are enough options for shooting if one doesn't use auto-focus to most non-pros happy.
How long have you owned it:
Three-to-six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
Other User Reviews
5.0
(based on 1 reviews)
By
anonymous
User has 1 Year of experience with this product
5.0
Great Camera
11/08/2012
Strength
Awesome clear pictures, easy to use, face recognition, and choice of colors!
Weakness
Lens protection....I cant use my camera anymore because the lens got scratched when the lens cover slid open in my purse and apparently something sharp made contact with the lense.
I really loved this camera...and had no complaints until my lens got scratched. It was a gift and so there was no product protection to replace it. Other than that, it is a very good camera and I would recommend it to anyone.
6 people have reviewed this model.
Viewfinder
