Nikon Coolpix P6000 Review

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Nikon Coolpix P6000 Conclusion
Just as I said about the Coolpix P5100, experience with the P6000 comes down to expectations and photographic needs. Despite its shortcomings, the P5100 had a lot going for it and I hoped Nikon would really step up their game against Canon and Panasonic with the P6000. When Nikon announced the return of RAW for the P6000, I thought they might finally have a class-leading Coolpix that could stand alongside their new DSLRs. But alas, it was not to be. The P6000 is a respectable camera in its own right. But is it a contender against others in its class or a DSLR-in-your-pocket? I have to agree with the many other reviewers who have already weighed in on the P6000: No.

Basically, the P6000 just doesn’t offer enough additional performance to justify the cost. Frankly, my new Canon PowerShot SD880 IS is more fun to use than the P6000 – and at half the cost. And why bother with a dedicated Speedlite or attachment lens system for the P6000 when you could just buy a D40 or D40X DSLR and get a better camera? Spending $400-$500 for 13.5 MP in your pocket just isn’t a compelling equation, even with RAW format. Maybe for $250. Maybe.

While my time with the Nikon Coolpix P6000 was basically satisfying, I wasn’t inspired to keep using the camera because it didn’t get out of my way and let me take pictures as fast as some other cameras I’ve owned and tested. It’s a decent compact camera for most general photographic uses, and I would recommend buyers try it if they want to comparison shop. But you can’t avoid the fact that the P6000 isn’t the best value out there. Premium compact digital cameras from Panasonic and Canon offer more compelling feature sets for less money. They’re just better cameras. But if the Nikon P6000′s features, fit and finish suit your compact camera needs, then the P6000 is a capable performer.

Who Should Buy The Nikon Coolpix P6000
Who Should Buy It:

  • Nikon system owners
  • Landscape photographers
  • GPS geo-tagging photographers

Who Should Consider Other Cameras:

  • Sports photographers
  • Child/pet/wildlife photographers
  • Small camera seekers
  • Casual shooters
  • Superzoom shooters

- end -

Nikon Coolpix P6000 with box

Contents of the Nikon Coolpix P6000 Box

  • Nikon Coolpix P6000 digital camera
  • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5
  • AC Adapter
  • USB Cable
  • Audio Video Cable
  • Strap
  • Software Suite CD-ROM

About Laurence Chen
Laurence Chen is a freelance editorial, commercial, and wedding photographer based in Seattle, Wash. His clients have included Fortune Magazine, Sunset Magazine, and America 24/7. Visit his portfolio at www.lchenphoto.com and buy his e-book, “Take Control of Buying a Digital Camera”, at http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/buying-digicam.html.


Other Resources:
Nikon Review Page >>
Nikon Coolpix P6000 Preview >>
Nikon Coolpix P6000 Announcement >>
Compare Prices For Nikon Coolpix P6000 >>
Nikon Coolpix P6000 User Reviews >>
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Nikon Coolpix P6000 Camera Specs >>
Nikon Coolpix P6000 Sample Gallery >>
Nikon Web site >>
Download Nikon Coolpix P6000 Camera Manual >>
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Digital Camera Buyer’s Guide >>
All Digital Camera Studio Sample Photos >>

All photos copyright Laurence Chen and/or PhotographyREVIEW.com.

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  • Nowell Wisch says:

    Why even sell a camera with slow focus, slow write speed, slow lens, bad manual focus, built-in charger (it is always the first to break) and a high price for all this?

    I own three Nikon DSLR’s and two film SLR’s but my two P&S are Canon. They mostly get it right. I would like to be an all Nikon family but my only P&S is a 5600 which is terrible. I have a broken 950 in the closet that was the closest thing to a perfect P&S from Nikon.

    Hey guys… how about asking us what we want then engineering something to fit our desires?

  • Aaron says:

    Someone recently posted these instructions for using radio triggers with the p6000: that might address one concern:

    1. In Flash Control option, turn built-in flash to off
    2. At Multi selector, turn flash always on.
    3. Now yur flash/trigger mounted on the hot shoe will be working…

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