Great Camera

I bought this camera for my Mother after doing extensive research to see if it fit our needs. As point-and-shoot cameras go, this is a GREAT little device. The picture quality is very good, and using the Sport setting it captures action fairly well. I love any camera with a rechargeable battery, and this camera also uses the fairly universal SD and SDHC cards. My research showed that commercially this was one of the best cameras in its class -- even compared to others in Nikon's S Series -- and one of the most affordable.

Just remember, this IS a point-and-shoot, so you're not going to get the highest quality pictures possible. In fact, some of the reviews said that the quality of image varied from shot-to-shot with this camera, but we have been using it for a month now and have yet to see any variation.

Performs like a $400 camera. Read the comparison.

You wouldn't believe that you bought if for around $200-$250. I got mine for a steal on Ebay, but I wouldn't have a problem paying that much after experiencing it.

The color on the S620 is vivid with my indoor shots and is definitely a step up from the 10mp Coolpix, which lacked a great deal in indoor pics and/or low light (regardless of the settings).

The drawback is the zoom quality for far away pictures. The image needs a lot of adjustments, and even then it loses a lot of the detail (common for most cameras and I'm not surprised).

However, for true close ups, there is an option for a "Close Up" shot in your photo settings. I have experimented with this feature and it works wonderfully.

I also love to play with the "Quick Retouch" option. It really does make a difference in definition, clarity, and color. A fun effective add-on for this series.

I have the Sony Cybershot 12.1 MP S2100, which initially is a lot cheaper than the Coolpix S620.

I found that the Cybershot has a quicker response time. However, it lacks in features when compared to the Coolpix, among other things.

Inside pics were not notably different, as each have close to the same vivid color and definition.

The Cybershot and Coolpix take very good close-up nature shots, and I actually preferred the effect of the Cybershot close up. What is notable however, is that the Cybershot lacks in color on closeups, especially in cloudy conditions. The Coolpix however, fixes issues with dull color on cloudy days with the "Quick Retouch" option. Because of that, the Coolpix won in this comparison.

A photograph of the sun by the Coolpix was submitted to a photography forum. Without stating publicly the camera I used, it received rave reviews from professionals. Many were surprised by the fact that I used a "cheaper" camera, and it turned out so beautifully. A true testament to what this camera can do with the right features.

Coolpix has a universal SD Card slot and rechargeable battery. I am even able to recharge the battery from my old Coolpix 10mp battery charger, so this gives me an additional charger. Although, make sure that voltage on your batteries do not vary greatly, though they may fit, it may not be recommended to charge the battery with any Coolpix battery charger.

Sony is notorious for not being compatible with universal objects, such as an SD card. Additionally, the Cybershot uses two AA batteries. Thus, you have the extra expense in the Sony SD card, rechargeable AA batteries, and AA battery charging station. These are major drawbacks for me, and enough reason to chose the Coolpix over the Cybershot.

This makes the Coolpix much more economic and an overall better buy, even though the initial price is more expensive. And, the additional features for the Coolpix gives it the ability to compete with some of the more expensive cameras.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is on a budget and wants to take great family photos, as well as some amateur nature shots. A very dependable camera.

I gave it a well-deserved 5 Stars. Compared to others in the same price range, it stands alone because of it features and dependability.