The Nikon COOLPIX S3600 is a step up from budget compact zooms. It has a capable 8x optical zoom lens, optical image stabilisation, offers a multitude of AF modes (though not manual focus), a great range of special effects that can be applied in the camera at shooting time as well as later, and 720p HD video.

All of this comes in a very compact as well as stylish body, but though the COOLPIX S3600 itself looks a picture, its results are less than sparkling. The photo quality isn’t up to the same standard as you’ll find in compacts with a lower pixel density, so if image quality is important, you’d be better off looking at compacts with 16, or even 12 Megapixel sensors. Of course, it’s a difference you’re only going to spot at, or close to 100 percent viewing sizes and the COOLPIX S3600’s 20.1 Megapixel sensor does afford the opportunity to make A2 sized prints. Then again, that’s when you’re going to spot the shortcomings.

The other thing you need to look out for with the COOLPIX S3600 is video quality. Here there are three issues. The CCD sensor doesn’t cope well when shooting into the light or when recording subjects with bright highlights like reflections on water. Second, the MJPEG codec used to compress video isn’t very efficient; the result on the COOLPIX S3600 is the worst of both worlds, poor quality video that takes up a lot of space on your memory card. Lastly, there’s the issue with the digital zoom which ambushes you at the end of the optical zoom range regardless of being turned off in the Setup menu.

That sounds like a lot of criticism, but I wouldn’t write the COOLPIX S3600 off. Despite it’s failings it’s an enjoyable compact to use and one that I found myself liking very quickly. Its numerous shorcomings and odd niggle didn’t sour our relationship as time went on. Don’t get me wrong, if image quality and shooting movies are your top priorities the COOLPIX S3600 isn’t for you. But it still has plenty to offer, particularly if you’re a fan of in-camera effects.

Compared to Sony W830

Like the COOLPIX S3600, the Sony Cyber-shot W830 is a point-and-shoot compact with an 8x stabilised optical zoom. Both are ultra compact and will fit in your shirt or jeans pocket (though the W830 is a bit smaller) and both sport 2.7 inch LCD screens with a resolution of 230 thousand dots.

The similarities don’t end there. Like the COOLPIX S3600, the Cyber-shot W830 has a 20.1 Megapixel CCD sensor and both models can shoot 720p HD video at either NTSC or PAL frame rates of 30 and 25fps respectively.

They’re also prettly closely matched on price, so beyond tossing a coin how do you decide which one to go for? Well, despite the similarities there are also enough differences to differentiate these two models and make a buying decision easier. First of all, despite the fact that both models share the same sensor resolution and both are equipped with CCD sensors, there are significant differences in the picture quality. In my tests the Sony W830 produced better quality photos with more detail than the COOLPIX S3600 and also produced less noise at the lower ISO sensitivity settings.

Then there’s video quality. You can check for yourself by comparing my video samples on the Design and features page with those from my Sony W830 review, but in my view the H.264 codec in use on the W830 produces visibly superior results to the Motion JPEG codec used on the COOLPIX S3600. Not only that, the better quality H.264 video on the W820 takes up less space on the card, meaning you can shoot longer clips before bumping up against the 2GB filesize limit imposed by both models.

Beyond image quality, lets take another look at their respective lenses. Both models have an 8x stabilised optical zoom, but the W830’s lens is about a third of a stop brighter. It’s a small difference, but added to the W830’s superior noise performance it does mean you’ll get cleaner results in all lighting situations.

Both models have a good range of shooting modes including auto with scene detection, program auto and scene modes. But the COOLPIX S3600 goes way beyond what the Cyber-shot W830 has to offer in the way of special effects filters. Not only does the COOLPIX S3600 have a lot more of them, it provides several routes to effects in camera either applying them as the shot is taken, immediately after, or later while you’re reviewing. The W830’s four Picture effects look pretty scant in comparison. Against that, the W830 has the excellent Sweep panorama mode with a variety of angles and resolutions including a full 360 degree sweep.

Neither model has a full resolution continuous shooting mode worth talking about, but the COOLPIX S3600 does at least, like most Nikon compacts offer a range of reduced resolution and feature continuous modes. Ultimately, the W830 has more to offer and produces better quality stills and video. But the COOLPIX S3600 wins on classy good looks and a box load of special effects filters.

See my Sony W830 review for more details.

Nikon COOLPIX S3600 final verdict

The COOLPIX S3600 is a lovely looking compact, but in the end it’s let down by poorer than average image and video quality. If you never print big A3 or even A2 sized photos to hang on your wall that may not be an issue, but then why consider a compact with a 20 Megapixel sensor?

On the positive side, the S3600 has a great range of effects filters, but that should be the encore to a solid performance, not the main event. It also has a quality 8x zoom, something that’s not easy to find in a compact in this price bracket. While it’s still available, the S3500 could prove a bargain, though what you sacrifice is the 8x zoom range – one of the best things about the S3600. If you’re prepared to spend just a little more, the 16 Megapixel Panasonic Lumix SZ8 is worth considering, it offers an even longer 12x zoom and has the benefit of built-in Wifi. Or there’s the Sony W830 which, in my view, is arguably the best sub-100 compact around right now.

Good points
8x stabilised optical zoom.
Compact, stylish design.
Good range of effects filters.
In-camera battery charging.

Bad points
Lacklustre image quality.
Poor quality 720p MJPEG HD video.
Video digital zoom can’t be turned off.
No Wifi.