Testing / Performance

Color reproduction is perhaps one of the greatest challenges for digital camera manufacturers. The difficulty lies in the wide variance between many user’s aesthetic preferences and the reproduction of accurate, naturalistic tones. Many cameras tend to embellish warmer colors, over-saturating red and pink (skin) tones to make images appear more lively and vibrant. While this may appear more striking to some, our tests measure the camera’s ability to realistically reproduce the scene.

To test the color accuracy of the Nikon Coolpix 5600, we recorded a series of well-lit exposures of an industry standard GretagMacbeth color chart and imported the results into Imatest Imaging Software. The software compares the camera’s rendered tones with the original colors on the chart. The results are displayed below. For each color tile; the outer squares portray the camera’s produced hues, while the vertical rectangle is the ideal. The inner squares approximate how a color corrected version of the camera’s produced tones might appear.

The same information from above is again graphed below in a more direct manner. The squares represent the colors produced by the Nikon Coolpix 5600 while the corresponding circles are the ideal. The line linking the two shapes illustrates the degree of error for that particular color tone. The longer the line, the less accurate the camera is at reproducing that shade.

Nikon apparently went for more of a mass appeal than for color accuracy with the Coolpix 5600, over-saturating tones by 123%. This earned the 5600 an 8.33 mean color error score and a just 7.02 overall color score. To my eye, the images appear vibrant, but certainly heavily embellished (red, green, blue tones – across the spectrum). For those who are enamored with Ferrari red, this will not present a problem; however those users looking for a realistic portrayal of the scene may be a bit disappointed.

Still Life Scene

Below is a colorful and still life scene photographed by the Nikon Coolpix 5600.

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Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: The linked image is very large!)](https://reviewed.usatoday.com/cameras/viewer.php?picture=Coolpix5600-StillLife-LG.gif)

**Resolution / Sharpness ***(2.72) *

We evaluate resolution by determining the effectiveness of the camera’s sensor. When tested, there will generally be a discrepancy between the camera’s advertised resolution and the exact number of pixels used to compose its images. To test how many active pixels were used by the Nikon Coolpix 5600, we recorded a series of well-exposed images of an ISO resolution chart and uploaded them into Imatest Imaging Software. The software reads the exposure and detects the exact number of pixels in use. When this is done, camera’s that utilize 70 percent or more of their advertised pixel count are considered "good" performers, while camera’s that exceed 80 percent are "very good." Anything beyond 90 percent is viewed as excellent and is quite rare among compact cameras.

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Click on the above chart to view full res. image](https://reviewed.usatoday.com/cameras/viewer.php?picture=Coolpix5600-ResCH-LG.gif)

The Nikon Coolpix 5600 boasts 5.1 effective megapixels on its 1/2.5-inch CCD. When tested, we determined the camera utilizes just 2.72 megapixels for imaging. This is 54% of its advertised count and a dismal resolution score. These results are not altogether surprising as many of the compact Coolpix models we have tested thus far seem to fall short in this department. This does not mean small (4x6-inch) prints made from the 5600 will display compromised quality, it just limits the potential print size considerably. Users who attempt to make 8x10 prints from the 5600 will likely be disappointed, particularly after realizing much of the camera’s $249.99 retail price stems from the 5 megapixel CCD included. Consumers might be better off looking for a more affordable 4 megapixel camera with additional shooting flexibility and control.

**Noise Auto ISO ***(4.60) *

Without any opportunity to manually set the ISO setting, users will have to rely on the camera’s ability to read the scene and select the appropriate sensitivity rating for the shot. With a limited 50-200 ISO range, users of the Coolpix 5600 will have to shoot under profuse light conditions or will have to constantly rely on the fixed flash unit. The good news is that the Coolpix 5600 performed well when tested in bright conditions, earning a 4.60 Auto noise score. This is a stronger performance than many compact cameras we have tested that often display considerable difficulty reading the bright scene and push the ISO rating higher than necessary. This is not the case with the Coolpix 5600, although, there is not much room to push it (with just a 200 maximum ISO rating). None-the-less, users should feel confident shooting in direct sunlight, noise should not be much of an issue.

Noise Manual ISO*(0.0)*

In line with the camera’s "Ultra Smart, Simply Digital" marketing slogan, the Coolpix 5600 does not provide any opportunity for the user to manually set the ISO setting.

Low Light Performance*(4.0)*

Low light performance is critical to users looking to capture night skylines and shoot indoors. When subjects are placed at considerable distances in dark conditions, the camera’s flash unit will be of little help. For these users, the Nikon Coolpix 5600 will not be a viable option. With an extremely limited 50-200 ISO range, shooting is pretty restricted to daytime exteriors and close-up flash shots. To test the validity of these assumptions, we tested the Coolpix 5600 at four decreasing light levels, as we do with all cameras we review. We recorded four exposures of our GretagMacbeth color chart at 60, 30, 15, and 5 Lux to replicate common low light conditions; 60 Lux is comparable to a bedroom illuminated by two small lamps, while 30 Lux is a similar quantity of light to a single 40 watt lightbulb, and 15 and 5 Lux display the camera’s ability to capture in near darkness.

Click on any of the charts above to view additional image analysis

As expected, the Coolpix 5600 is not a low light performer. At 60 Lux – the brightest of our low light setups, the Coolpix 5600 was able to get by, but still displayed considerable noise levels. When this level dropped to 30 Lux, the camera was unable to focus properly, even when stabilized by a tripod and using the self-timer controls. As you can see, images captured in 15 and 5 Lux are noisy and virtually unusable, even with the camera’s majestic D-Lighting fix. The Coolpix 5600 is certainly not a camera for night shots, or maybe even day shots, unless the sun is glaring overhead or you are directly in front of 800 Lux studio lamps.**
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**Speed / Timing **
*Startup to First Shot (5.11)
*The Coolpix 5600 is certainly not a speed demon, requiring nearly 4.89 seconds to boot-up, get oriented, look proper and then record an exposure.

*Shot to Shot (8.99) *

While the Coolpix 5600 will capture subsequent shots faster than some older point-and-shoot models, by this year’s standards of compact cameras, the near full second lag between shots is tough to swallow. The 5600 requires roughly .9 seconds of rest between shots.

*Shutter to Shot (7.72)
*Again, the Coolpix 5600 is not going to display blaring speed, but even casual shooters may be disappointed at the amount of blinked eyes that result from the camera’s .64 second shutter lag.

Physical Tour

**

Front ***(7.0) *

The Nikon Coolpix 5600 displays its brand and model name in the top left corner of its front face. This branding lies at the top of the right-hand grip, which consists of a slightly raised portion with a smooth silver vertical bump for the fingers to grab. Nikon goes for all the marketing it can get with a removable sticker that boasts its 5.1 effective megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, and in-camera red-eye fix technology. The applied Nikkor zoom lens extends in two segments (when turned on) from the right side of the camera body. The lens is surrounded by an aesthetically pleasing polished silver ring. Around the inner rim are the words, "Zoom Nikkor, 5.7-17.1 mm 1:2.9-4.9." Above the lens are three features. On the left is a small LED light to indicate the self-timer. Above this LED is the Speedlight flash, which is rectangular in shape. The top right corner is occupied by a rectangular optical zoom viewfinder, which is surrounded by black in an oval-shaped window.

**Back ***(5.5) *

The back side of the camera has limited real estate, so buttons and controls are crammed in and tiny. The left side of the body is slightly raised, with the 1.8-inch LCD screen recessed inside of it. The Nikon logo is embossed onto the body, below the screen; above the LCD is an extending segment containing the optical viewfinder. While I’m not a huge fan of optical viewfinders (inaccurate framing bothers me to no end), I have to applaud Nikon for at least raising it a bit more off the camera body to make it easier for the user to engage; with this feature, users are less likely to find greasy nose prints on their LCD monitors. The viewfinder has two LED indicators on the raised portion – one for flash and one for auto focus. To the right of the viewfinder is the mode dial, with eight selections available on it: Automatic (green camera icon), Scene, Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night Portrait, Setup, and Movie. Utilization of controls would have been helped significantly by moving the mode dial to the largely barren camera top. To the right of this mode dial is the zoom rocker, which is about the width of a fingernail and unfortunately only a single control. The left side is labeled with a W for "wide" and the right is designated with a T for "telephoto." Besides zooming out, the left side of the lever displays thumbnails in playback mode. The right side of the lever acts as a Help function in menus. These two options are separated by a wide divot in the lever. This setup should be fine for most users, but could be problematic for large-fingered photographers.

Below the mode dial is a circular button labeled "Menu." Below this and to the right is the four-way navigational dial with an OK button in its center. The OK button is used to make selections and transfer images to printers and computers. The surrounding dial has four arrows on it, one pointing in each direction. The ring is a single piece of plastic, but there are divots between the arrows to differentiate the surfaces. When the camera is not within a menu, the four-way dial has other functions. The top part of the dial quickly selects the flash mode. The right side does not have a separate function. The bottom enables the macro mode and the left side activates the self-timer. Below the dial, there are two buttons. The one on the left is for the playback mode and the one on the right is for deleting files. Overall, the back is cluttered with buttons and icons – but that’s unavoidable with a camera of its size.

**Left Side ***(7.0) *

The left side of the Nikon Coolpix 5600 has a decorative darker silver line running down its center. To the left of the line are two screws that hold the frame together. In the center of this side is the built-in speaker, composed of 7 holes. In the bottom right corner, a rubber door to the USB / A/V port can be pried open from the bottom.

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**Right Side ***(7.5) *

The right side of the Coolpix 5600 has a similar design to the left side, except its dark silver band is thicker. This coincides with the extra thickness of the right side which allows it to serve better as a hand grip. The screws that hold the camera together are placed on the decorative dark silver band. To the left of the band is a wrist strap loop at the top and a plastic door that opens to a Secure Digital card slot at the bottom.

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**Top ***(5.0) *

There are hardly any features on the top of the Nikon 5600. There is a dark silver band that runs from the left side to the thicker right side, where it fans out into a thicker band. The Coolpix logo is embossed into the band on the left side. Just right of the center is the power button, with a built-in microphone and LED indicator nearby. Forward from and to the right of the power button is the shutter release button, which sits at the tip of the right-hand grip. The front side of the top is nicely beveled for a pleasing look and grip. It seems to me that the camera would be far easier to use if some of the many features crammed onto the back were moved to the vacant top face.

Components

**

Viewfinder ***(1.5)*

The optical viewfinder on the Nikon 5600 is not very accurate and is quite small. When you frame a subject in the viewfinder, you actually record a lot more space than you think. So while you won’t be cutting your subject’s head off, you will have to crop your photo later if you want that tight frame. The real image zoom viewfinder covers only 82 percent of the recorded image, but offers 0.3-0.76x zoom. This zooming function appears slightly distorted and almost looks like a fish-eye effect when viewed in the small window. The viewfinder is located on a slightly raised platform, which does help keep nose grease off the LCD screen below.

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LCD Screen ***(3.5) *

Luckily, the LCD screen applied to the Coolpix 5600 is more accurate than the viewfinder. The 1.8-inch LCD is the same amorphous silicon monitor that is on the Nikon Coolpix 4600. Both cameras’ screens have 80,000 pixels and 97 percent frame coverage. The model I reviewed arrived new and already had a dead pixel, so I was working off of 79,999. The little blue pixel put a zit on my subjects’ faces on the LCD screen, but of course this did not affect the final print. Other digital camera manufacturers are offering larger LCD screens with over two or three times the resolution; Nikon hasn’t quite caught on to this trend. 1.8 inches and 97 percent coverage are unimpressive when compared with other manufacturers’ 2.5-inch, 215,000 pixel LCD screens with 100 percent coverage.

Flash* (6.0) *

The 5600’s built-in Speedlight flash is powerful within its range of 16 inches to 10’10". Many inexpensive digital cameras have weak flash units that don’t evenly light a scene. However, this camera does not skimp in this regard. Nikon’s Speedlight flash works well and evenly lights subjects. With that said, it does not do that beyond its effective range, which is a bit short. Many point-and-shoot cameras offer flashes that are effective to about 12 feet or so, while the Coolpix 5600 only extends about 10 ft 10 inches when zoomed out. When the lens is zoomed all the way in, it can only reach 6 ft 7 in.

The Coolpix 5600 offers the following flash modes: Auto Flash, Auto with Red-Eye Reduction, Flash Off, Fill Flash, and Slow Sync. These modes can be easily found by pressing the top portion of the four-way navigational dial, so users won’t have to dig through menus to turn the flash off. Many of the scene modes won’t provide access to the flash modes though. For example, the Indoor scene mode automatically uses the Auto with Red-Eye Reduction mode, which looks like a disco party with its four quick flashes. Ironically, the most flash modes are available in the Auto mode.

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Zoom Lens ***(6.5) *

The Nikon Coolpix 5600 is equipped with a 35-105mm (equivalent) zoom lens constructed from seven elements in six groups. The 3x optical zoom lens lets users know it’s there; the mechanical noise it makes when zooming in and out is definitely audible. While it’s not loud enough to irritate the neighbors, I wouldn’t zoom at the silent and suspenseful climax of a play. The Nikkor lens measures 5.7-17.1 mm and has aperture openings of f/2.9 and f/4.9. When the digital camera is turned on, the lens extends from the body in two segments and the built-in lens cap snaps open. The cap itself is there to protect the glass, but the cap is not very sturdy. The little doors of the cap can be pushed open easily by a fingernail or just about anything that catches it at the right angle. Most digital camera lenses retract in the playback and setup modes; however, the Nikon Coolpix 5600’s zoom lens remains outside of the camera body and ready to shoot. This can be annoying for some photographers, who like to show off their pictures from the LCD on a flat camera. This can also be a plus for other photographers, who appreciate the decreased lag time that occurs between playback and shooting modes on cameras where the lens retracts. While I don’t recommend using the digital zoom, I must also note that 4x digital zoom is available on the Coolpix 5600.

Design / Layout

Model Design / Appearance ***(7.0)*
**Available only in the traditional silver color, the Nikon Coolpix 5600 displays a sleek look with polished silver highlights and slightly rounded edges. The camera’s features look a little crammed on the camera’s scant surfaces. The diminutive Coolpix 5600 is designed to attract point-and-shooters with its many automatic features and extremely compressed, pocket-friendly casing. The compact silver camera body is attractive, although also a bit generic, joining scores of other digital cameras that have a similar build and familiar aesthetic. The distinguishing characteristic is the camera’s short, yet thick frame.

**Size / Portability ***(7.5)*

The Nikon Coolpix 5600 is smaller than consumers might expect (based on images of it), but maintains a solid weight and thickness that helps the camera avoid feeling feeble. Unlike other compact cameras, the Coolpix 5600 also feels as though it could sustain a substantial fall or drop, though we unfortunately did not have the opportunity to test this properly. At 3.3 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches, the Coolpix 5600 is short and thick appearing very small without being "ultra-thin." The 5600 can be crammed into a pocket, but the 1.4-inch thickness will likely make your pocket bulge a bit. I stuffed the camera in my shirt pocket and it fit all right, but the 4.6-ounce weight (without the card and batteries) made the pocket sag and look a bit silly. To aid in portability, Nikon included a wrist strap with the camera. I’ve never quite understood the real purpose of wrist straps though. Do you really want this camera dangling from your wrist like a bracelet? If so, there’s a strap and a tiny recessed loop to painstakingly thread it through.

**Handling Ability ***(6.5) *

Some of the thinner cameras are harder to hold and cause finger cramps after a few minutes of shooting. However, the Nikon Coolpix 5600 is small without being skinny. The camera is thick enough to grasp and handle with its slightly fanned out right-hand grip, although the short frame feels a bit awkward and will not lend itself to two-handed shooting. All of the buttons on the back are within easy reach of the right thumb, so accessing menus and changing modes and zoom levels is easily achieved.

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Control Buttons / Dial Positioning / Size ***(6.0) *

The control buttons on the Coolpix 5600 are all primarily located on the right side of the back of the camera except for the power and shutter release buttons, which are located on top. With the limited length of the camera body, the back of the Nikon 5600 is crammed with various controls and dials. The main mode dial and the zoom toggle are a bit too close for my liking; when users zoom out, they’re also pressing the mode dial. Granted, this doesn’t do anything; to switch the mode, users must turn the dial (not press it). However, I still like a little breathing room between controls. The tiny camera body and its tiny controls are not suited for large-fingered folks.

**Menu ***(7.0) *

Without many manual options, the menus on the Nikon Coolpix 5600 are quite uncluttered. The Menu button is simple to find and navigating through the sparse menus is intuitive with the navigational dial. The menus differ depending on what mode is currently selected. For example, the Auto mode has the lengthiest shooting menu, while the scene assist modes have a shorter menu consisting only of framing options. All of the menus are clearly labeled with the type of menu on the top (for example, Shooting Menu) and directions on how to navigate on the bottom (for example, press Menu to exit). The menus can be displayed in text or icons, whichever the photographer prefers; this can be changed in the setup menu.

In the Auto mode, the menu displays the following options: Image Mode, White Balance, Exp. +/-, Continuous, BSS, and Color Options. When the Scene mode is selected, the Menu button only lets users choose between scene modes; there are no other options to choose from (except image size). The scene assist modes have menus of framing options. For example, the Portrait mode offers the following menu options: Portrait Left, Portrait Right, Portrait Close-up, Portrait Couple, Portrait Figure, and Image Mode. The Coolpix 5600’s movie mode has a short menu consisting of Movie Options and Auto Focus mode selections – and the Movie Options title only refers to the video resolution.

The Setup menu is the longest menu on the camera, but it will probably be seldom used. It lets users change everything from the sound the shutter makes to the picture shown on the screen when the camera powers up. These are the options available in Setup: Welcome Screen, Date, Monitor Settings, Date Imprint, Sound Settings, Blur Warning, Auto Off, Format Memory, Language, Interface, Auto Transfer, Reset All, Battery Type, Menus, and Firmware Version. The Playback menu is much shorter, with only six options: Print Set, Slide Show, Delete, Protect, Transfer Marking, and Small Pic. Copy.

Because the menus are so short, the camera’s settings are easy to change. The white balance and exposure compensation menus offer live views, although the actual view is quite obstructed by the menu’s text.

Ease of Use ***(6.5)*
**This digital camera is the epitome of a point-and-shoot. It aims to please users in search of a no-fuss digital camera. It does this with its menu options that can be displayed in text or icons depending on the user’s preference. It also promotes its "Simply Digital" ways with a Help function that explains any option or mode within the camera’s menus. That said, the Nikon 5600 has a few drawbacks in this area as well. The physical body of the camera is tightly packed with controls and may not be easy to navigate with large fingers. Also, there is no clearly labeled Print/Share button, as many compact cameras have now. The 5600 has a button that functions as a transfer button (marked ‘OK’), but it is not clearly labeled that way. And if it’s not clearly labeled, what are the chances it will be used?

Modes

**Auto Mode ***(7.5) *

Like the slogan indicates, this Nikon is designed to be "ultra smart, simply digital." This camera attracts point-and-shooters because of its many automatic features. Not only does the 5600 automate shutter speed and aperture, but also automatically fixes red-eye and lighting problems. The Auto mode can be easily found on the main mode dial by the green camera icon. Ironically, the Auto mode has the most manual control of the modes on this camera – but don’t worry, point-and-shooters, that’s not saying much. Photographers can toy with white balance, exposure compensation, and color effects in the automatic mode. The Nikon Coolpix 5600 remembers settings too, so when users choose Fluorescent white balance and then switch modes, the white balance will still be set to Fluorescent when users return to the Auto mode. Not all digital cameras do this. In fact, most auto modes that offer a few options will reset to defaults every time the mode is accessed or the camera is turned on. Depending on personal preferences, some photographers will love this feature and others will despise it. Personally, I think this feature is fine on the 5600 because all of the other scene modes reset to default settings.

**Movie Mode ***(5.5)*

Perhaps you haven’t saved up enough for a camcorder yet or don’t want to get out your bulky camcorder just to record your baby’s adorable yawn. The movie modes on digital cameras are perfect for conveniently capturing those little moments like your son’s first pitch and your best friend’s Wookie impression. The Nikon Coolpix 5600 records video in QuickTime movie file format and is easily emailed. There are three file sizes on this model: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120; all shoot at a rate of 15 frames per second. Unfortunately, the recording speed is a bit sub-par and may result is a choppy reproduction of the scene and the resolution does not reproduce as well as it should.

The only other option within the menu is the auto focus mode, which can be changed from single to continuous auto focus. The movie clips are easy to recall in playback mode, and a simple VCR-like setup complete with rewind, pause, and fast forward is available. Videos can be recorded with sound on the Nikon 5600, but the quality is not very good if you want your subject to be clearly heard. The microphone is positioned on the top of the camera, so this mode is better suited for narration by the photographer. The biggest downside to the movie mode is that it just plain doesn’t look good. Videos are riddled with noise, especially in low light. I shot a video in my living room, which has four large windows. It was dusk, so the sun was low in the sky, but the room was still well lit. I turned on the light in the room, yet the Coolpix 5600 recorded an extremely dark movie that had a reddish hue and lots of purple noise in the final product. It was extremely disappointing. Photographers cannot use the optical zoom in the movie mode, but digital zoom is available. But as always, digital zoom only degrades the quality of the already substandard image the more it is used.

**Drive / Burst Mode ***(5.0) *

The burst mode can be activated in the Auto mode or automatically accessed via the Sports scene mode. The Nikon Coolpix 5600 can shoot 1.3 frames per second, which isn’t much to brag about. That rate also refers to the Continuous shooting mode. According to Nikon, the 5600 also has a 16-shot multi-burst mode available; this shoots sixteen 640 x 480 thumbnail images and stores them as a single image file. Surprisingly, this mode is not much faster than the continuous. Most cameras – even compact ones – are shooting 2 or 3 frames per second now, so the Nikon Coolpix 5600 lags behind the competition in this area.

**Playback Mode ***(7.5) *

After taking pictures of your baby’s first steps, you can gawk at the images over and over again by accessing the playback mode on the 5600. This mode has its own designated button and can be accessed at any time and within any shooting mode. The advantage is that the camera is easy to get in and out of playback mode. The disadvantage is that the does not retract, so some users may get annoyed that the camera is not completely flat and easier to handle. Also, most cameras that enter into playback by the depression of a button and are not reliant on a rotation of the mode dial will exit playback and return to capture mode by pressing the shutter release – the Coolpix 5600 will not!

Pictures can be viewed as single frames and zoomed in up to 10x. There is also an info display that reminds the photographer of what image size was used and how many copies the user has asked the camera to print. Pictures can also be viewed in thumbnail pages of four or nine images. And of course, the Nikon 5600 can play slide shows either once through or in a continuous loop. Printing photographs from the playback menu is simple; users can select the number of prints desired quite easily before transferring the information to a printer. I had the most fun playing movie clips back on this Coolpix model. The movies play with sound and have a complete VCR-like setup, with rewind, fast forward, and pause. **
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**Custom Image Presets ***(8.0) *

Because the Nikon Coolpix 5600 is so automatically oriented, its 16 scene modes are its bread and butter. Nikon placed some of the most widely used scenes on its mode dial and called them "assist" modes. These include the Portrait, Landscape, Sports, and Night Portrait scene modes. These four modes all have framing aids within their shooting menus. The other custom image presets are available in the Scene mode selection of the main mode dial and when the Menu button is pressed: Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Close Up, Museum, Fireworks Show, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist, and Underwater. Menu options are not available in these scene modes; users can only control the scene mode selection and the image size.

These scene modes are not designed as a one-size-fits-all fix. For example, the Party/Indoor mode assumes that people will be at the party or indoors. It uses a flash mode with red-eye reduction, which isn’t really necessary for taking indoor shots of your T-shirts to sell on eBay. If that’s what you’re using this camera for, try the Close Up mode. Better yet, use the Auto mode so you can white balance the exposure yourself. Inherently, there is a substantial absence of control on these settings; Nikon has included enough options to span most shooting occasions. This changes the photographer’s task from designing the shot to deciphering the proper customized setting.

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Control Options

**Manual Control Options **

If you’re a manual control freak, this is not your digital camera. The Coolpix 5600 is designed to streamline the digital process for the technologically impaired. It does this by automating pretty much everything. Users can manually select the flash mode, exposure compensation value, and white balance setting. However, there is no manual option for shutter speed, aperture, or even ISO. This may be fine for point-and-shooters, but would drive more tech-savvy users crazy.

Focus**
Auto (7.0)

The Nikon Coolpix 5600 uses a through-the-lens contrast detection system, like many other compact digital cameras. This camera automatically focuses on the center of the frame, which is where most point-and-shoot photographers will likely want to focus anyway. The lens can focus from 1 ft to infinity in the normal shooting mode, while the macro shooting can focus on subjects as close as 1.6 inches.
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Manual (0.0)*

The focus cannot be manually adjusted on the Nikon Coolpix 5600. **
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**Metering ***(6.0) *

The Coolpix 5600 uses Nikon’s all-purpose 256-segment metering system. This is the only metering option on this model, so beware of backlit subjects.

**Exposure ***(7.0) *

As with many settings on this digital camera, the Nikon Coolpix 5600 automatically selects the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings. The only manual control the user has over the exposure is the exposure compensation, which is available in the auto mode from +/- 2 EV in 1/3 increments. Photographers can get a live view of the compensation in the shooting menu, although again the view is small.

**White Balance ***(7.0) *

The most manual option on the Nikon Coolpix 5600 is the preset white balance option. It is a bit surprising to find manual white balance on a digital camera that doesn’t even let users select the ISO rating. This is a welcome surprise though, especially because the automatic white balance option is so inaccurate. When I took pictures using the auto white balance, they all came out with a reddish hue – and I didn’t shoot all my pictures in low light or under a heat lamp. Unfortunately, most users of the Coolpix 5600 will rely on the auto setting to make their whites look white in a range of lighting. Hopefully, more point-and-shooters will venture to the preset option – it is very easy to use on this model. Once selected within the menu, a small frame appears which users should expose to something truly white. Surrounding the frame are clear directions on which buttons to press and how to calibrate the white balance. Best of all, this option works well – accurately and easily. Along with the manual and automatic white balance settings, the Coolpix 5600 includes preset five options: Daylight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, and Speedlight. When users scroll through these options, there is a live view on the LCD screen. However, the text from the menu hides most of the view, making it somewhat ineffective and self-defeating.

**ISO ***(1.5) *

Most compact digital cameras offer manual control over the ISO rating. However, Nikon left this option off of the Coolpix 5600 and went for a purely automatic approach instead. The camera’s ISO can range from 50-200, but users won’t know which rating the camera chose to use. In dark lighting, the word "ISO" shows up on the LCD screen, but this doesn’t really provide actual information to the photographer. Additionally, the 50-200 ISO range is extremely limited and will restrict users to outdoor shots or constant flash usage.

Shutter Speed* (0.0) *

With its mechanical and charge-coupled electronic shutter, the Coolpix 5600 shoots at speeds of 4-1/3000th of a second. This range should be adequate for the typical point-and-shooter. This range certainly wouldn’t work for photographing galaxies and stars or even the night skyline because the shutter cannot stay open long enough to attain a proper exposure. Photographers also do not have control over the shutter speed; the digital camera automatically chooses an appropriate speed – or it’s supposed to. Many of the action shots I took were blurred. The Nikon 5600 does have a blur warning that appears on the LCD screen, but it doesn’t actively do anything to prevent blurred pictures!

**Aperture ***(0.0) *

The Coolpix 5600 has an electronically controlled preset aperture that is limited to just two steps of f/2.9 and f/4.9. When the Nikkor lens is zoomed out, both apertures can be used. However, the camera can only select the f/4.9 setting when zoomed in. This is common for some lower-end point-and-shoot digital cameras. Once again, users do not have control over the aperture setting.

Image Paramaters

**Picture Quality / Size Options ***(6.0) *

The Nikon Coolpix 5600 offers five image size options for still pictures: 2592 x 1944 high res, 2592 x 1944 normal, 2048 x 1536, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480. These JPEG image files do not have compression settings (except for the high and normal 5-megapixel pictures) like many other compact cameras offer. The largest image file should be able to produce a 11 x 14-inch print without "looking digital." The movie mode offers three sizes: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. This is sufficient to view movie clips on television screens or on a PC via email.

**Picture Effects Mode ***(7.0) *

Within the Auto mode’s menu, there is a Color Options setting with live views. This Nikon lets adventurous photographers change from Standard Color to Vivid Color, Black and White, Sepia and Cyanotype. However, I’d probably stick with the Standard Color myself and then tweak colors later in a software editing package. The fact that the computer can be eliminated from the process may appeal to point-and-shoot photographers, however. The Black and White mode does not have enough contrast for my liking and looks a bit washed out. The other modes look decent, although everyone has an opinion on what color Sepia really should be. Most compact cameras offer only black and white and sepia options with the standard color, so Nikon has gone slightly further in their options on the Coolpix 5600.

Connectivity / Extras

**Connectivity **
*Software (6.5) *

The Nikon Coolpix 5600 comes with PictureProject software version 1.1. The CD-ROM also comes with a reference manual to the software program. The software is pretty basic and will allow users to transfer images, make basic alterations, burn photos to a CD and print. For the Coolpix 5600’s intended audience, the correction options available should be sufficient. With PictureProject 1.1, users can alter color, brightness, render basic effects, and adjust lighting either manually or automatically (D-lighting) to help salvage improper exposures. While this is not as extensive as some other, more expensive alternatives, it provides the necessary options in a simplified interface that should appeal to the 5600 crowd.

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*Jacks, ports, plugs (6.0)
*The Nikon 5600 has one port for both USB and A/V cables. The A/V option can be configured to fit NTSC or PAL format, so you can watch movie clips on your television in France or Canada.

*Direct Print Options (6.5) *

Like most digital cameras these days, the Nikon 5600 model can print directly to a printer when connected with the USB cable. The camera is compatible with PictBridge compliant printers. Printing photographs directly from this camera is quite easy. Printing can be facilitated in the playback menu, and users can choose the number of prints to be made of each image.

*Battery Power (7.5)
*To appeal to point-and-shooters who just want a simple camera, the Nikon Coolpix 5600 uses two AA batteries. The camera comes with alkaline batteries, which can take about 220 shots before needing a replacement. However, this Coolpix model also accepts rechargeable NiMH batteries and a lithium battery. The lithium sort last the longest at 600 shots per charge. The AA option is nice to have though, as they can be found at any convenience store – unlike the lithium battery.

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Memory ***(5.5)***

The Nikon Coolpix 5600 has 14MB of internal memory, which is enough to fit 5 images at the highest resolution. That is not very much, so be sure to get an optional Secure Digital card while you’re purchasing camera equipment. And users take note: the camera took a ridiculously long time to write image files to the internal memory.
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Other features***(6.0)

Help Button –* The telephoto end of the zoom lever doubles as a Help function in menus. Users can access explanations and definitions for all the features on the Coolpix 5600. For example, there is a "BSS" option in the recording menu. The help button offers the following explanation: "BSS: Let the camera choose the sharpest picture."

Panorama Assist – The 5600 has a panorama assist mode available within its scene selections. The mode allows photographers to take several pictures that can later be stitched together into a single file. The camera displays a third of the previous picture to make it easier for photographers to line up the following shot. Panoramas can be stitched together using the included PictureProject software.

*Self-Timer – *The Nikon Coolpix 5600 has a ten-second self-timer.

Box Contents – In the slim box, you will find the Coolpix 5600 digital camera, a wrist strap, USB cable, audio video cable, 2 AA batteries, a PictureProject CD-ROM, a Quick Start Guide, and the Coolpix 5600 instruction manual. There is also a warranty and registration card in the box. The warranty covers manufacturer defects for up to one year. 

Overall Impressions

Value*(6.0)*

Originally retailing for $279.95 (USD), the Coolpix 5600 offers 5.1 megapixels, 16 preset scene modes, automatic assistance (D-Lighting correction, Scene Assistance), and 14 MB of internal storage for a recently reduced $249.95 price tag. This camera is a decent deal for point-and-shooters, looking for a camera to do ALL the work. The drawback is that users will have no room to grow or opportunity to craft the image when desired. Additionally, the automatic 50-200 ISO range is extremely limited and will restrict shooting to outdoor settings and close-range flash exposures. The 5600 provides one more megapixel than the 4600, with all same features, so unless users are going to print their snapshots larger than 8 x 10, the 4600 seems to be a stronger value.

**Comparisons
***Nikon Coolpix 4600 –*This Coolpix model is one step down the Nikon line with the same 1/2.5-inch CCD, but with 4 effective megapixels instead of 5.1. The 4600 has a movie mode, but it does not record sound like the one on the 5600. Both cameras have a 3x optical zoom lens and a 1.8-inch LCD screen. The cameras have the same dimensions and scene modes. The automatically oriented 4600’s major differences are in pixel count and price. The Nikon Coolpix 4600 retails for $199.95.

Canon PowerShot A520 – With one less effective megapixel, the A520 still offers some enticing features. The A520 has a 4x optical zoom lens that is compatible with macro and telephoto conversion lenses. The PowerShot A520 can also hook up to a slave flash unit, giving it far more illumination. There are several scene modes on this model, but the Canon A520 has far more to offer in terms of shooting flexibility and control with a full manual mode and priority modes to boot. The compact A520 includes a similarly size 1.8-inch LCD screen, but it is composed of 118,000 pixels. Like the Coolpix 5600, the A520 also offers 16MB of internal memory. Retailing for $299.99, the A520 can be found online for about $250 and seems to offer a far better value.
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Kodak EasyShare C340 –* Kodak takes the prize for ease of use with their designated Share buttons and simple layouts. The C340 is slightly larger than the Coolpix, but packs the same 5 megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD. A 3x optical zoom lens, 16MB of internal memory, and 12 scene modes highlight this EasyShare’s list of features. This digital camera is very much automatically oriented with programmed exposure control. The Kodak EasyShare C340 offers a bit more and retails for at $249.95.

**Who It’s For **
Point-and-Shooters – Look no further. The Nikon Coolpix 5600 will satisfy your craving for simple no-nonsense digital photography. There are hardly any manual functions, so users don’t have to mess with controls. With 5.1 effective megapixels, users can get larger prints without much fuss.

Budget Consumers – These consumers may be able to pull a deal with Nikon. The company recently lowered the price from $279.95 to $249.95 – and threw in some printer rebates. Perhaps in another month or so, Nikon will lower the price even more and throw in an SD card? Although, probably not!

Gadget Freaks – The freakiest aspect of this camera is its multi-burst mode, which isn’t all that exciting. Alas, the gadget freaks will have to look on. This Coolpix is pretty void of color.

Manual Control Freaks – Get your freak on and look elsewhere. While the Nikon Coolpix 5600 does have manual white balance, it does not offer selectable shutter speeds, apertures, or even ISO sensitivities. Yikes.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – This segment of consumers wouldn’t even give the 5600 a glance. With its lack of manual control options and its sub-par performance, this Nikon won’t even pass as a disposable camera for a professional.

Conclusion

**Conclusion **

The Nikon Coolpix 5600 packs a few cool features into a very traditional silver structure. Nikon advertises the camera’s D-Lighting, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, and Scene Assistance functions as effortless alternatives to improve image quality. These functions do work to a degree and will help salvage some improper exposures; however, many of these flaws stem from the camera’s limitations that would not arise on other similarly priced models. To make the camera a more attractive alternative, Nikon is now offering the 5600 at a reduced price of $249.95 with printer rebates on Nikon website. This does add to the appeal, but the potential audience is extremely narrow. The Coolpix 5600 will grant consumers a 5.1 effective megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD, with a 3x optical zoom lens and 1.8-inch LCD screen but lacks resolution on the LCD screen and any semblance of user control. It seems as though the majority of the 5600’s automatic in-camera image corrections are designed to cover up the camera’s flaws rather than correct problems that arise from difficult shooting situations. The Coolpix 5600’s primary marketing campaign revolves around these automatic adjustments but the $249.99 price tag is directly correlated with the 5 megapixels of resolution available. This seems to be a bit of a contradiction, as most completely hands-off, near anti-photographers drawn to the camera would not print their snapshots larger than 8x10 and surely will not be doing much cropping and editing after the fact. Therefore, the 5600 will serve a specific type of user; however, for that demographic, there are stronger values out there.

Specs

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**Specs Table **
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