Nikon Coolpix B600 Review - Not the superzoom camera you'd expect

[@jay1970]

That’s how camera reviews should be done.

[@HamerReviews]

jay1970 thank you 🙂 appreciate your comment and glad you like the video!

[@michaeld6438]

Great review and it’s exactly how I found it using it. I literally take a million pictures on one shot and hope the auto setting gets what I want it to show.

[@alanwatts8239]

Even though i don't own one (i'm waiting for the p950 to be locally available in my region), i'm happy with how it turned out. It's not terribly expensive and it does the job, it has nice macro and the zoom works really well, you can get crispy pics from not too far away (200-300mm mark), and even though the max zoom does have bad quality, it's not as bad as you would expect from most low-end superzoom cameras. It should be more than a good start for a beginner.

[@HamerReviews]

That's fair enough, I think for me personally, it just didn't live up to my expectations.

[@xxassasinerz2354]

im planning to get into photgraphy and i barely have experience with camera, is it good for beginners? and should i upgrade to a better one in the future?

[@HamerReviews]

I think it is a great starting point, it's not fully automatic in the traditional sense so it'll allow you to learn. You will probably want to upgrade in the future, but for now it's worth a go to see if you enjoy photography!

[@xxassasinerz2354]

@@HamerReviews thank you so much

[@xxassasinerz2354]

@@HamerReviews i subbed and liked

[@DragonClif]

Great review. I like your honesty and style of presentation.

[@HamerReviews]

I appreciate that! Thank you for your comment. Please consider subscribing to support the channel.

[@apocalypticbehaviors1560]

My grandad was explaining shutter speed to me. I had just bought this and got it for bird and nature pics but really birds. I got some nice photos but I want something in the same price range or at least close. Can you recommend a picture for bird viewing

[@HamerReviews]

Hi there, thanks for your comment! I honestly believe that a budget SLR like a Nikon D5200 or D5300 plus a 70-300mm VR Lens would be a great place to start. If you buy those used you may end up around that price. It’ll give you much more versatility though you may have to try and get closer. Your photos will definitely be better though! 🙂

[@RetroTechnologyConnections]

Bought the black version last month, like new for £30 with carrying bag, memory card, charger, pocket tripod etc. I agree with your review.

[@HamerReviews]

At £30 that's pretty good value :)

[@Frenchylikeshikes]

I got one of those a couple of weeks ago, and honestly I kind of like it.

[@HamerReviews]

I hear you, it is going to be what some people look for, but from my personal standpoint, it's not for me. I found it too limiting unfortunately and think many people would get more from other products.

[@Bee_Mavrick]

Is 200 a good price

[@HamerReviews]

I mean it’s not bad... if you’re sure this is what you want. I would recommend this P600 over this if you really really want this form factor. Otherwise for that kind of money you could get a Nikon D300 + 18-70 lens and potentially even a cheap 70-300 G

[@93greenstrat]

I bought an L840 (used) and it's a or was a decent camera. Basically the same camera with a 38x optical zoom. I will upgrade to a proper DSLR, but about a week ago, I started getting a lens error message and unless it's a cheap fix, this will be the end of my L840. Wondering if this is a common issue with Nikon's COOLPIX series?

[@HamerReviews]

I'm not sure how common it is, but I have seen it happen a few times - especially if they are ever knocked in any way. Good luck on your DSLR journey - worth considering the Z system if you want to stick with Nikon...

[@93greenstrat]

I got it working again. Still going for a DSLR, but I'm glad to have the L840 back up and running.

[@hue4512]

Very nice! I bought one after seeing your review.

[@HamerReviews]

Interesting, I'm surprised I didn't put you off, that being said, it can do a lot for the money, personally it wasn't right for me. I hope you take great pictures with it!

[@wordofjahislove4177]

What's the best budget bridge camara out there, for video and photography

[@HamerReviews]

Maybe look at a Panasonic FZ330? If you want a cheaper used one: the Sony RX10 series from the II upwards is also quite good. Personally though I’d avoid bridge cameras and look at entry level mirrorless ones by Sony or Panasonic as the results will be better 🙂

[@brennanfassett2345]

Any recommendation of a good camera. It is for my teen daughter who is interested in art and taking photos (mostly with her phone). My budget is not high for this.....maybe $350 dollars US max. I like your review so would like your opinion for a beginner. Thank you

[@HamerReviews]

Hi there, sorry for my late response, if you are still looking my advice would be to buy her a used DSLR. I'd go for something like a Nikon D300 ($100 ish) and a Nikon 18-70mm AF-S lens. For your budget you could even get a Nikon 50mm 1.8 AF-D as well. That'd be a solid experimental setup for someone. The camera IS advanced, but it's an amazing way to learn. My first DSLR - at 16 was a Nikon D1, and I learned so much from it! Hope that helps, sorry if it's too late!

[@dovidell]

AWESOME REVIEW !! - so nice to see a British camera review full of honesty and cynicism !!.I just wonder what your daily ride is ( which camera gear do you take with you on a daily basis , be it a trip to Tesco , or a dog walk . My daughter tired of getting lousy sunset pictures with her phone camera , and with Black Friday coming up , and a ( very) limited budget , I recommended her this model ,BECAUSE it's auto everything , and because the programmes take all the thinking away from the ( complicated ) decision making , thus leaving her to compose and shoot . On your advice , I'll try and ween her away from the top end of the zoom , and encourage her to experiment with exposure compensation - pity there isn't a bracketing function ( or is there ?!! ) From what I can tell , there is no hot shoe ( correct me if I'm wrong ). If you have recommendations for a similarly sized camera , at a similar budget ( with slightly reduced zoom length ) , I'd like to know - thanking you in advance

[@HamerReviews]

Sorry chap, missed your comment. However, I would say if you don’t mind used, get something like a Nikon D90 or Nikon D50 plus a 18-70 and 70-300mm lens - cheaply had used online but with all the creativity you can muster. As for what I carry around, either a Nikon Z6 II or Z8 or the Z50 when I want something smaller

[@Holiday-home-Dunamis]

Lumix fz 82, nicon p900, this one or entry level dslr? Photo quality?

[@HamerReviews]

Definitely entry level DSLR if you're ready for that. In terms of photo quality, nothing will come close, Nikon do the 3XXX and 5XXX series which can be bought used for good prices. You can then get something like an 18-200 or 18-300 to give you a real all in one solution that will get much better images than any of the options mentioned.

[@Holiday-home-Dunamis]

@@HamerReviews you late.. 🙄, i buy nikon p900... Aniway tnx for ansver! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ChrisCrossingWires1212]

I have the p600 it has manual controls aperture priority and shutter priority

[@HamerReviews]

It does indeed, which highlights why it is so frustrating that Nikon decided to dumb the B600 down so much by not including any manual controls! 🙁

[@apocalypticbehaviors1560]

So the p600 is better for bird watching?

[@HamerReviews]

Not necessarily - it just means you have more control on the P600, in theory you can get similar photos but you won’t be able to influence the settings as you become more competent

[@jlina]

Thoughts on Sony a6100? With 55-200 lens? Mostly nature and birds :) vs Lumix fz1000? My old point and shoot Lumix is dying.

[@HamerReviews]

Hi Jlina, interesting question. I have to say comparing those two is a bit like chalk and cheese ;) My experience with the A6100 is limited, I've only used one once in a camera store out of interest, but my impression was good, equally Sony's AF tracking on mirrorless is enviably good, and I suspect that it would be way above the FZ1000 in terms of performance. Eqaully, the Sony's larger sensor will get you better performance than the FZ1000. As such, I would recommend making sure you try out the Sony in a store first, but that defintiely would be a better pick over the Bridge camera that is the FZ1000. I do like it a lot but if you feel ready to move up to a full mirrorless system, it'll allow you to grow far more than a bridge camera and you'll be able to choose lenses based on what you want to achieve. the 55-200 would be a good starting point, but you'll probably find you'll want something wider as well (55mm is closer to 85mm in traditional terms due to the crop factor). Buying used lenses is always a good way to save money though, I have done so a lot - especially for more specialist lenses. Hope that helps!

[@jlina]

@@HamerReviews hey, thanks so much! I took oil painting lessons for years so really only use a camera as a frame for something "artsy," lol. It's what's in the picture that counts. That's why I'm comparing chalk and cheese. If I only want to point and shoot, will having to learn stuff and carry around lenses annoy me.....is my big concern. I never even figured out how my current camera works, but people oooh and ah over my photos. I developed pictures in school but could never get into f stops et al. I've read for hours, and I do think the a6100 is the latest and greatest. And....I still can't decide! Shoot!

[@HamerReviews]

I think you could benefit from an A6100. You don't have to learn you can what all the settings do, auto mode or P mode will suffice. I worry what you say about lenses annoying you, to be honest, an A6100 is going to really need different lenses. 200mm isn't actually that close, you'd probably want 300mm+. I still think it's the better choice, but if you really don't think you'll use different lenses though, you should try and work that out before making your decision.

[@jlina]

@@HamerReviews hi! Thanks! I don't use Facebook so I'm having a hard time getting any actual feedback on my photos. I got an Osprey near here (they were almost extinct) but I didn't have nearly the zoom I needed! Is there some way I can send you some photos or I can put them on my Instagram even though they're not great and you could give me more feedback? Thanks again. My current camera only has 10x zoom though too. Pretty sure anything's going to be a huge improvement it's from 2012.

[@HamerReviews]

Yes sure, what’s your Instagram username?

[@Rodrigo-uy1ni]

It could be use for plane spotting?

[@HamerReviews]

Good luck getting any photos, it's autofocus is very slow and not hugely effective at 1440mm I personally think there are better choices - consider a used P900.

[@MarkMcDougall]

Fantastic review. Thanks.

[@MilePost106]

I have the Nikon B500 and very happy with the zoom. Would like to upgrade to more zoom.

[@HamerReviews]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@adventurecoalition3690]

Thanks for the review

[@HamerReviews]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@vineetkumargiri499]

Great review! What is your view on Canon Powershot SX540 Hs?

[@HamerReviews]

I'm afraid I haven't used that one - I'd recommend buying a used DSLR instead.

[@vineetkumargiri499]

Thanks a lot for your recommendation. I will try to get a basic DSLR then may be Canon EOS 1500 D.

[@pnotuner1]

Hi. SX540 is a good easy to use Bridge Camera. It fairly jumps into focus. It is small and light and easy to handle. I would recommend it for casual use if it was your only camera. Carry extra batteries and a charger because there is no on board charging.

[@napnip]

I just bought one of those for a friend's son who absolutely loves to take pictures. He's like 8 or 9 y/o, so he's basically starting out learning photography, and all he's ever used was his mom's phone. So I figured this would be something good to start with, plus it came as a "kit" with a basic tripod, camera bag, etc... I hope I made a good choice. (Plus it was a good price which I could afford.) If he continues to show an interest in photography I'll consider getting him perhaps an entry-level DSLR or something similar.

[@purgeyt8655]

I just got mine and I was wondering how can I take pics zoom in in the dark with no flash is that possible

[@HamerReviews]

You should be able to deactivate the flash in the menu.

[@Inaworldoflove]

Good review. It seems like a standard digital camera, dressed up to look like a DSLR.

[@HamerReviews]

I think that’s a really good way of looking at it - a sheep in wolfs clothing perhaps!

[@michaelmorley42]

I’m selling mine because I find not having an eye level viewfinder is a big problem. Plus the screen is fixed and the reflection issue if the sun is behind you can make taking photographs almost impossible. I’ve ordered the Coolpix P 950 as a replacement.

[@HamerReviews]

Fair enough, hope you enjoyed the P950

[@rivitedrailfan]

I’ve had this camera for about two years now, and to be honest, I really go between loving and hating the thing. A lot of times, it has trouble focusing, and it doesn’t do good when the heat is rising off something, and the backlit shots are absolutely horrible, and an older IPhone 6 does better with backlighting. For quality, it really just depends. I’ve gotten some great shots with full zoom on it, but I also haven’t. I did have to have one replaced after my tripod fell over and broke it, and now, all my grips are coming loose, and it does freeze every so often. But at the same time, it is an amazing camera for beginners like me. I still have yet to get really in depth with its controls, but when something (In my case, a train) is approaching quickly it’s kinda hard to change your settings anyways. Another con about it is nighttime Photography. If you don’t hold the thing completely still it’s gonna be a bad shot. I’ve become used to getting good zoomed in shots as in keeping on target, but it can still be difficult at times, and the light doesn’t always want to work with you. All in all, it’s an amazing beginner camera, and it’s highly recommended. But for professionals, stick to something better. Also, the reason I got it originally was for the far off shots I wanted, and it does okay for that, but it’s really a better video camera than Photography camera.

[@HamerReviews]

thanks for sharing your experiences

[@josemir1698]

Nikon B600 or the Lumix FZ80? What do you think?

[@josemir1698]

I need to decide between the two

[@HamerReviews]

I’d probably go with the LUMIX due to better build quality

[@josemir1698]

@@HamerReviews Oh ok thanks a lot for your opinion! Have you had the FZ80? Because I think some pictures are grainy on internet

[@jimchuk8511]

Good informative video review. I just saw one today at walmart marked down to $74. The B500 was $64.

[@HamerReviews]

Glad you found it useful

[@AlexMkd1984]

thisnor sony with carl zeis lens?

[@HamerReviews]

Aleksandar be together not the same - if the Sony has more manual control, Id say get that

[@pnotuner1]

I just got a used P520 and it shows signs of being a good camera, if it weren't malfunctioning.

[@allstate125]

This video is misleading. You still have control over the light. Also you need to use a TRIPOD for telephoto photography. It takes incredible pictures.

[@HamerReviews]

Not properly.

[@LizLoriz]

One of the best camera reviews ive seen. Honestly i just bought this camera and for paying $300 plus tax. I am kind of disappointed in the way it functions. It is quite a complicated one. For being my first camera my experience with it was awful. pass this if you're interested. just my opinion! also just to mention the zoom is amazing. Thanks for reading! Have a nice day!

[@HamerReviews]

Thanks for your comments, glad you found it useful, if you'd like to support the channel, please do consider subscribing :)

[@cluelessfish]

I am tempted just to get one for an webcam hahahah only because it dose Full HD: 1920x1080/ 60i

[@mkhegde1156]

Christopher I would like to know is Nikon manufacturing 70-300 4-5.6 D and is sigma manufacturing 70-300 apo dg macro for Nikon

[@HamerReviews]

MK hegde I believe your assumption is correct but I would not buy either of those lenses today to be honest. I would look for a 70-300 AF-S VR as it’s much better

[@mkhegde1156]

@@HamerReviews thanks

[@boratsagdiyev1586]

looks like a good camera for snapping Ufo's

[@HamerReviews]

I'd wish you luck on that endeavour but I think you'll be hard pressed to get a sharp photo of a bird at 1440mm let alone a UFO!

[@boratsagdiyev1586]

@@HamerReviews i've seen em close enough to see with bare eyes.

[@HamerReviews]

You might stand a chance with this then! Personally I shoot fast moving objects with a DSLR and lenses line the 70-200 2.8 🙂

[@boratsagdiyev1586]

​@@HamerReviews I never had a DSLR camera, never had telescope or binoculars but i guess for a noob like me it's cheaper to get a 60-200x telescope and slap my S10 on it to record. I'm on a tight budget and dont really know what to buy. I'm also kinda interested in the moon thats why.

[@HamerReviews]

Je Moeder no worries - you might find this useful kzbin.info/www/bejne/l53QZoaCj6iWnNk 🙂 - you can get some great moon shots with something like a D300 and used longer lens for the price of the B600 new 🙂

[@jub8891]

at least it comes in red

[@HamerReviews]

I really disliked the red to be honest haha

[@gaynorberry5759]

The most annoying thing I’m finding - though I love mine - there’s no view finder 😑

[@jonathansmith5954]

A good honest review: I have this camera and also a micro four thirds Olympus Omd em5 mark iii. I thought I could use the Nikon for birds in flight and wildlife instead of buying a super telephoto which was over £1000. How wrong I was, the zoom function beyond 400mm is totally useless and impossible to keep steady. You'd have more chance of winning the Euro millions than capturing a bird in flight. To sum up, I think this camera is totally useless for anything other than basic snapshots. You can buy a lovely secondhand camera like a Nikon D330 with a zoom lens for the same price

[@HamerReviews]

Completely agree, thanks for your comment but was sorry to hear you didn’t have the best experience with it. Funnily i recently posted a review of the D300 in 2020 - in combination with an 80-400 AF-D it’d be much preferable to this camera

[@jonathansmith5954]

@@HamerReviews thanks for the reply. much appreciated 🙂 that sounds like a good combination with a zoom equivalent 35mm of 600mm at the high end. I ended up buying the zuiko 75-300 which also gives 35mm equivalent of top end of 600mm. Unfortunately I'm stuck with this awful camera which I'm afraid will be going on ebay at a large loss

[@HamerReviews]

I hope you Enjoy your OMD - that’s a great camera and lens combo. As for the B600, sadly as you say they’ve depreciated heavily - probably not helped by people like myself... I’d recommend selling it sooner rather than later to avoid losing more to be honest. Thanks for your comments - please consider subscribing to support the channel🙂

[@jonathansmith5954]

@@HamerReviews just subscribed sir 🙂 I love the portable size of my omd, I'm not into pixel counting 50mega pixel but 51 is better. If I'd seen your review I wouldn't have bought the d600, but I guess we've all done impulse buys at times 😐 thanks again

[@nianparpaduan7692]

review without picture sample. what a

[@HamerReviews]

04:13 …

[@Agent.K.]

I got it for free

[@HamerReviews]

That’s an excellent way to get a camera! I hope you enjoy it!

[@Agent.K.]

@@HamerReviews Yup, and it's brand new! I just finished opening the box.