Camera Dojo

Vintage Nikon Coolpix: which CCD models to buy and what they cost

The short answer

A vintage Nikon Coolpix is worth buying used if you want the harsh direct-flash digicam look in a simple, pocketable camera, but not if you mostly shoot in dim light without flash.

Refurbished Coolpix compacts listed at $125 to $229.99 at digicam resellers in October 2026, and in March 2025 Nikon USA listed only three Coolpix models, all big-zoom bridge cameras, as current.

Sensor
CCD, 1/2.7 to 2/3 inch
Resolution
3.1 to 14.2 MP
Memory cards
SD on most; CompactFlash on early models
Batteries
Nikon EN-EL packs, or AA on L-series
Check used pricesWhat owners say

Built from 126 opinions from 43 pages and videos. Not yet tested by Camera Dojo. Updated .

A red Nikon Coolpix S2500 slim compact digital camera seen from the front on a white background
Photo: Nikon, CC BY-SA 3.0

Is a vintage Nikon Coolpix worth buying? The short version

The cameras people buy for the look are the CCD compacts Nikon made from the early 2000s to about 2012: the slim S-series (S210, S600, S3100), the AA-powered L-series and the enthusiast P5000 to P7100. Reviewers at the time liked their color in good light and their simple controls, and complained about noise above ISO 400, slow flashes and short battery life.

Condition matters more than the model name. Buying guides and resellers say to run the zoom through its full range, ask for a photo of a white wall to spot sensor lines, and budget for the right battery and a 2 GB SD card. If you are new to these cameras, start with what a digicam is.

Good fit if

  • You want the flash-heavy Y2K digicam look in a camera that fits a pocket
  • You want a fully automatic point-and-shoot that anyone can pick up and use
  • You shoot mostly in daylight or with flash, and JPEGs are fine
  • You want raw files and manual control from a compact CCD camera (P6000, P7000 or P7100)

Think twice if

  • You mostly shoot indoors or at night without flash: reviewers saw heavy noise and smeared detail above ISO 400
  • You want better photos than your phone: Lens & Shutter says a modern phone usually wins in dim light and night scenes
  • You need decent video: the S640 records only 640 x 480, and the S6000's 720p judders when things move
  • You want long battery life without spares: several models were rated at 160 to 210 shots a charge
  • You would pay collector prices for an untested camera you saw on social media

Which Nikon Coolpix models have CCD sensors?

These Coolpix models have a CCD sensor confirmed in our sources, oldest first. Not every Coolpix from these years is CCD: the S8100 from September 2010 uses a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, while cheap models kept CCDs as late as the S3700 (2015) and A10 (2016). Camera Market adds that a 5 MP CCD from 2005 and a 10 MP CCD from 2009 have little in common, so pick a model, not just the CCD label.

ModelYearSensorWhy look for it
Coolpix 99520013.1 MP CCDSwivel split body, flip-up flash, CompactFlash, EN-EL1 battery
Coolpix 500020014.9 MP, 2/3-inch CCDLarge sensor for a compact and raw (NEF) files; on Nikon's 2005 CCD advisory list
Coolpix 430020024.0 MP, 1/1.8-inch CCDSmall 38-105 mm compact on CompactFlash
Coolpix 570020024.9 MP, 2/3-inch CCD35-280 mm (8x) zoom; slow autofocus, on the 2005 CCD advisory list
Coolpix SQ20033.1 MP, 1/2.7-inch CCDSquare aluminium body with a swivel lens and SD card; on the advisory list
Coolpix 870020048 MP, 2/3-inch CCD35-280 mm (8x) zoom, raw after a firmware update, CompactFlash
Coolpix S120055.1 MP, 1/2.5-inch CCDThe first Style (S) series camera, aluminium body, SD card
Coolpix P5000200710 MP, 1/1.8-inch CCDEnthusiast compact with lens-based VR and ISO up to 3200
Coolpix L1220077.1 MP CCDBudget beginner model with lens-shift VR, face detection and scene modes
Coolpix S21020088 MP, 1/2.5-inch CCDAll-metal slim body, 100 g without battery; a What Camera Gear flash pick
Coolpix S550200810 MP, 1/2.3-inch CCD5x (36-180 mm) zoom in a compact body
Coolpix S600200810 MP CCD28-112 mm lens, flash close to the lens, JPEG only
Coolpix P6000200813.5 MP, 1/1.7-inch CCDRaw (NRW), SD and SDHC cards, EN-EL5 battery
Coolpix S3000201012 MP, 1/2.3-inch CCDSlim metal body, 27-108 mm (4x) lens
Coolpix S4000201012 MP, 1/2.3-inch CCD3-inch touch screen
Coolpix S6000201014.2 MP, 1/2.3-inch CCD7x (28-196 mm) zoom
Coolpix P7000201010.2 MP, 1/1.7-inch CCD28-200 mm lens, raw, 921k-dot screen; big for a pocket
Coolpix S3100201114 MP, 1/2.3-inch CCD26-130 mm (5x) lens, 720p video, EN-EL19 battery
Coolpix P7100201110.1 MP, 1/1.7-inch CCDTilting screen, raw, SDXC cards
Coolpix L25201210.1 MP CCDRuns on two AA batteries

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, camera-wiki.org, camera-wiki.org, camera-wiki.org, old.imaging-resource.com, thephoblographer.com, retro-digitals.com, retro-digitals.com, decafjournal.com, whatcameragear.com, photographyblog.com, cameramarket.us

What reviewers and buyers say about the Nikon Coolpix, topic by topic

We sorted 126 opinions about the Nikon Coolpix from 43 pages and videos on 17 websites and channels. Each row shows how many people raised a topic and how many of them were positive. Open a row to read short quotes, each linked to its source.

All 88 text opinions come from editorial reviews and blogs, most of them reviews of these cameras when new (2006 to 2011) from CNET, Trusted Reviews, Expert Reviews, Digital Trends and Photography Blog. Used-buying advice comes from a handful of guides and resellers (Lens & Shutter, Digital Camera World, What Camera Gear, Film Lab). Reddit and forum threads could not be read, so owner voices are thin. The five video reviews cover newer Coolpix models (P510, P900, P950, B700, L29), not the CCD compacts this page is about, and their points mostly land under video, screen and handling.

  1. Image look57% positiveof 23

    Mostly positive: reviewers praised bright, pleasing color in good light on the S3000, S550 and P7000, while the S210 and S8000 drew complaints about soft pictures and the S3000 and S4000 about heavy noise reduction. Lens & Shutter says retro buyers want a rendering that feels less processed than a phone.

    • “but it's probably one of the worst we've seen with respect to sharpness”

      Lori Grunin, CNET 2008-06Hands-on review

    • “Image quality is very good, with more than acceptable results in terms of noise”

      Mark Goldstein, Photography Blog 2009-11Hands-on review

    • “Colour rendition is very good, with rich natural tones and plenty of detail in highly saturated areas.”

      Cliff Smith, Trusted Reviews 2008-06Hands-on review

    • “reasonable colour reproduction, although sunlit faces came out rather pink”

      Ben Pitt, Expert Reviews 2010-03Hands-on review

  2. Low light and flash25% positiveof 20

    The weakest topic: reviewers found heavy noise or smeared detail above ISO 400, plus weak or slow-recycling flashes on several S-series and L-series models. Fans of the digicam look like the harsh direct flash anyway.

  3. Ease of use78% positiveof 18

    Mostly praised: reviewers say most models can be used straight out of the box, with quick menus. Complaints are few: the P7000's dials and menus lag by a second or two, and the P4's mode dial is badly placed.

  4. Screen and viewfinder47% positiveof 17

    Split: the 921k-dot screens on the S8000 and P7000 earned praise, but the screens on the P5000, S230 and P1 were hard to see in sun, and the P7000's optical viewfinder is small and cropped.

    • “When the sun hits the LCD screen it is impossible to view.”

      ReviewedHands-on review

    • “The screen is rated only 150k pixels but it worked well, even in direct sunlight.”

      David Elrich, Digital Trends 2006Hands-on review

    • “the 3in screen has a 921,000-dot resolution, giving an incredibly sharp picture and crisp menus”

      Ben Pitt, Expert Reviews 2010-06Hands-on review

    • “making it very difficult to see what's on the screen when outdoors in bright conditions”

      Cliff Smith, Trusted Reviews 2009-03Hands-on review

  5. Video36% positiveof 11

    Mixed: 720p on the S8000 and S1200pj drew praise, while VGA-only clips on the S640 and juddery 720p on the S6000 did not. These are not cameras to buy for video.

    • “Unusually for a modern compact the video recording mode is a bit lacklustre”

      Cliff Smith, Trusted Reviews 2010-01Hands-on review

    • “720p videos looked and sounded great, despite the lack of access to the optical zoom.”

      Ben Pitt, Expert Reviews 2010-06Hands-on review

    • “Video performance is better thanks to the 720p mode, the ability to use the optical zoom during recording”

      Mark Goldstein, Photography Blog 2011-11Hands-on review

    • “Movie quality is on par with a pocket video camera; it's good but juddery when the shooter or subject is moving.”

      Joshua Goldman, CNET 2010-08Hands-on review

  6. Build quality88% positiveof 8

    Praised across the board: reviewers describe sturdy bodies and comfortable grips, with the S3000 singled out for its metal body. The S600's flimsy battery hatch is the only gripe under this topic.

  7. Batteries and charging14% positiveof 7

    Mostly negative: rated battery life of 160 to 210 shots on models like the S560, P4 and S6000 drew complaints, and buying a missing battery or charger can wipe out a used bargain.

    • “The 160-shot battery life is one of the worst we've seen for a while.”

      Ben Pitt, Expert Reviews 2009-02Hands-on review

    • “powered by a lithium ion rechargeable pack that is rated for a measly 210 shots”

      Joshua Goldman, CNET 2010-08Hands-on review

    • “the supplied lithium ion battery which is rated a poor 200 shots per charge using the CIPA standard”

      David Elrich, Digital Trends 2006Hands-on review

    • “I was able to shoot well over 200 photos, many of them with flash, over the course of a week”

      Cliff Smith, Trusted Reviews 2008-06Hands-on review

  8. Memory cards and transfer0% positiveof 6

    Negative: slow card writes on the S550, painful Wi-Fi setup on the P1, slow Ethernet transfers on the P6000 and card-capacity limits on very old models.

  9. Size and weight50% positiveof 6

    Split by series: What Camera Gear calls the slim S-series thinner than a deck of cards, while Trusted Reviews found the 8800 large and heavy for a compact and Digital Trends called the P7000 hardly pocketsize.

  10. Reliability today0% positiveof 5

    Negative but thin: reviewers flagged thin plastic battery hatches on the P4 and S2500, and buying guides treat a grinding lens or a lens error as a reason to walk away.

  11. Price and value40% positiveof 5

    Leans negative: buying guides say the retro trend has pushed some Coolpix prices above what the specs justify, though CNET said the S210 had price on its side when it was new.

PositiveMixedNegative

Which Nikon Coolpix series to look for

Nikon sorted the line by letter. The S-series is the slim, style-led pocket range, and Lens & Shutter calls it central to the current retro-digicam interest; the first Style camera was the aluminium-bodied Coolpix S1 in March 2005. The L-series is the budget beginner line, and models like the L4 and L25 run on AA batteries.

The P-series (P5000, P6000, P7000, P7100) used bigger 1/1.8-inch or 1/1.7-inch CCDs, and the P6000, P7000 and P7100 record raw files in Nikon's NRW format. They suit you if you want to edit files later, not just shoot JPEGs.

Before the letters came numbered models. The Coolpix 950, 990 and 995 have a split body whose screen half swivels against the lens half, and the 5000, 5700 and 8700 used 2/3-inch CCDs, large for a compact. The 995, 4300, 5000 and 8700 take CompactFlash cards, not SD.

Sources: lensandshutter.com, en.wikipedia.org, digitalcameraworld.com, retrospekt.com, camera-wiki.org, camera-wiki.org, en.wikipedia.org

Coolpix S-series vs P-series: which one fits you?

S-series (S210, S600, S3100)P-series (P6000, P7000, P7100)
Sensor1/2.5-inch to 1/2.3-inch CCD1/1.7-inch CCD
Resolution8 to 14 MP10.1 to 13.5 MP
Raw filesNo (the S600 is JPEG only)Yes, NRW
Lens28-112 mm (S600), 26-130 mm (S3100)28-112 mm (P6000), 28-200 mm (P7000, P7100)
SizeS210: 100 g without batteryP7000: 360 g with battery, 4.5 x 3.1 x 1.8 in
BatteryEN-EL10 (S210, S600), EN-EL19 (S3100)EN-EL5 (P6000)
Shop price, Oct 2026S210 at $135 and S3100 from $185 (Retro Digitals, both sold out)No price we could verify

Pick the S-series (S210, S600, S3100) if

  • You want the slim, flash-heavy pocket camera the digicam trend is about
  • You want the cheapest way in and plan to shoot JPEGs

Pick the P-series (P6000, P7000, P7100) if

  • You want raw files and manual control to edit later
  • You can live with a camera Digital Trends called hardly pocketsize

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, decafjournal.com, retro-digitals.com, wasabipower.com, wasabipower.com, digitaltrends.com

How to get the digicam look from a Nikon Coolpix

Most Coolpix compacts are fully automatic, so flash mode and ISO are the main controls you have. These are the settings resellers and reviewers suggest; our guide to the Y2K digicam look goes further.

  1. 1

    Force the flash on

    Retro Digitals suggests flash on, with your subject a few feet away and a darker background. What Camera Gear calls the S-series flash "harsh in the best way possible", and on the S600 the flash sits so close to the lens that Decaf Journal found portraits effortlessly flattering.

  2. 2

    Keep ISO low

    In daylight, Retro Digitals suggests starting at ISO 100 to 200, or auto. CNET says you really don't want to go above ISO 400 on the S210, and Retro Camera Land's Y2K rules keep ISO between 200 and 400 with the flash on.

  3. 3

    Half-press before you shoot

    Some of these cameras lag between the press and the picture. Decaf Journal half-presses the S600's shutter to confirm focus first, and Chance Talks Cameras holds the S3100 still for about half a second after each shot.

  4. 4

    Watch bright skies

    Chance Talks Cameras says daylight shots from the S3100 can look soft or bloomy with very limited dynamic range, and Trusted Reviews found the S230 blowing out bright highlights. The S600's exposure compensation shifts exposure by up to 2 stops either way.

  5. 5

    Add the date stamp and keep the originals

    Retro Camera Land includes the date stamp in its quick rules for the look. Retro Digitals suggests shooting normal JPEGs in 4:3 and copying the original files off the card before adding any filters.

Sources: retro-digitals.com, whatcameragear.com, decafjournal.com, cnet.com, retrocameraland.com, chancetalkscameras.com, trustedreviews.com

Which battery and memory card does an old Nikon Coolpix take?

Check the battery code before you buy. Lens & Shutter warns that a missing battery, charger or cable can erase the saving on a cheap camera, and Retrospekt says Y2K-era digicams drain batteries quickly, so its first tip is to shorten the automatic power-off time.

The S-series and L-series models in our sources take SD cards. The original SD format tops out at 2 GB and some early cameras accept less, so Retro Digitals sells used 2 GB standard SD cards for $14 and tells buyers to check the manual. Format the card in the camera, because Nikon says its cameras may not recognize a card formatted elsewhere. The P6000 also takes SDHC, and the P7100 takes SDXC.

To copy files, note that an SD-only reader cannot read SDHC or SDXC cards and CompactFlash needs its own reader. Retro Digitals sells a 6-in-1 USB reader for SD, xD, CF and Memory Stick for $19. Kitting out a bare Coolpix S210, S600 or S3000 with an aftermarket EN-EL10 battery, a 2 GB card and that reader comes to $11.99 + $14 + $19 = $44.99.

Nikon Coolpix batteries by model (aftermarket prices at Wasabi Power, October 2026)
BatteryCoolpix models listedAftermarket price
EN-EL1995, 4300, 4500, 4800, 5000, 5400, 5700, 8700$13.99, sold out at Wasabi Power
EN-EL5P5000, P5100, P6000; also 3700, 4200, 5200, 5900, 7900$12.99
EN-EL8S1, S2, S3, S5 to S9, S50 to S52, P1, P2$10.99
EN-EL10S210, S220, S500, S520, S570, S600, S3000, S4000$11.99; $19.99 for two plus a charger
EN-EL12S610, S620, S630, S640, S6000$12.99
EN-EL19S2500, S3100, S3300, S3500, S4100$12.99
AA cellsL4, L25 and the 990Any AA; rechargeables for heavy use

Never put non-rechargeable AA batteries in a charger, and use a charger made for the exact battery model, Retro Digitals advises.

Sources: wasabipower.com, wasabipower.com, wasabipower.com, wasabipower.com, wasabipower.com, wasabipower.com, wasabipower.com, camera-wiki.org, retrospekt.com, retrospekt.com, lensandshutter.com, en.wikipedia.org, retro-digitals.com, retro-digitals.com, retro-digitals.com, retro-digitals.com, nikonimgsupport.com, en.wikipedia.org

What to check before buying a used Nikon Coolpix

A clean outside tells you nothing about the retracting lens or the flash, Lens & Shutter says, so test those first or buy where you can return the camera.

  1. 1

    Run the zoom

    Power the camera on several times and run the zoom through its full range. Lens & Shutter treats grinding, hesitation or a lens error as a reason to walk away.

  2. 2

    Fire the flash and press every button

    Check the flash, every button and dial, and touch screens at the edges as well as the center, as Lens & Shutter's checklist says.

  3. 3

    Ask for a white-wall photo

    Camera Market says some old CCDs develop spots or horizontal lines that may not show on the rear screen. From a private seller, ask for a photo of a white sky or light wall, and skip the camera if you see any line or spot. Open sample files at full size and look for dust, haze and dead pixels.

  4. 4

    Confirm the battery and its door

    Ask which battery the camera takes and whether the original holds a charge; Camera Market warns that many proprietary batteries are no longer made. Look at the battery door and contacts for damage or corrosion.

  5. 5

    Buy with a return window

    Digital Camera World advises buying from a company that inspects used gear and offers a brief return window. Retrospekt kits its refurbished cameras with batteries, a memory card and a card reader, and Retro Digitals grades its tested cameras excellent, good or average.

  6. 6

    Pay for condition, not hype

    Digital Camera World says the compact-camera trend is pushing some Coolpix prices well above what they are worth, and Lens & Shutter would not pay collector prices for an untested camera seen on social media. For other brands, see our best vintage digicams.

Sources: lensandshutter.com, cameramarket.us, ifixit.com, digitalcameraworld.com, retrospekt.com, retro-digitals.com

Common Nikon Coolpix problems and what fixing them costs

These are the faults repair guides, resellers and reviewers report on aging Coolpix compacts. We found no sourced US repair prices, so for lens and sensor faults the usual advice is to test before you buy.

Lens error: the lens will not extend or retract

Raised in 1 opinion

How you notice
The camera shows a lens error, or the lens jams or grinds when you power on or zoom.
Fix
iFixit's Coolpix guides say to remove the batteries, clean any corrosion from the battery port and fit fresh ones. Dust or sand blocking the lens may need professional help, and a broken lens needs replacing.
Typical cost
No sourced repair quote found. Lens & Shutter treats a lens error as a reason not to buy.

Sources: ifixit.com, ifixit.com, lensandshutter.com

CCD failures covered by Nikon's 2005 service advisory

How you notice
In heat and humidity, the CCD fails: no picture at all, or extreme distortion with strong purple or green casts. Imaging Resource traces the fault to some Sony-made sensor chips built in 2002 to 2004 and lists the Coolpix SQ, 3100 and 5700, later joined by the 3500, 4500, 5000 and 5400.
Fix
The advisory dates from 2005 and we found no current Nikon page for it, so assume there is no free repair today. Test any of these models with a photo of a plain light wall before buying.
Typical cost
No current repair price found.

Sources: old.imaging-resource.com

Aging CCD shows lines or spots

How you notice
Camera Market says some old CCDs develop spots or horizontal lines that can be invisible on the rear screen but obvious on a computer.
Fix
Ask the seller for a photo of a white sky or light wall and check it at full size. If you see lines or spots, do not buy.
Typical cost
No sourced repair cost; sellers treat a sensor fault as a reason to pass.

Sources: cameramarket.us, lensandshutter.com

Short battery life and dead original batteries

Raised in 4 opinions

How you notice
Rated battery life was 160 shots on the S560, 200 on the P4 and 210 on the S6000, which reviewers called poor. Retrospekt says Y2K-era digicams drain batteries quickly, and Camera Market warns that a swollen or dead original can be hard to replace.
Fix
Check the battery code first. Aftermarket EN-EL10, EN-EL19 and EN-EL5 packs are still sold, AA-powered L-series models avoid the problem, and shortening the auto power-off time helps.
Typical cost
$11.99 for an EN-EL10 and $12.99 for an EN-EL19 or EN-EL5 at Wasabi Power; $19.99 for two EN-EL10 packs plus a charger (October 2026).

Sources: retrospekt.com, cameramarket.us, wasabipower.com, wasabipower.com, wasabipower.com

Memory card not recognized

Raised in 1 opinion

How you notice
A large SDHC or SDXC card does not work in an SD-only camera, some early cameras accept less than 2 GB, and the oldest models need CompactFlash.
Fix
Use a 2 GB standard SD card in SD-only cameras, format it in the camera, and match your card reader to the card type.
Typical cost
$14 for a used, tested 2 GB SD card and $19 for a 6-in-1 USB reader at Retro Digitals (October 2026).

Sources: retro-digitals.com, retro-digitals.com, nikonimgsupport.com, retro-digitals.com

Flimsy battery doors, corroded contacts and fragile ports

Raised in 3 opinions

How you notice
Reviewers called the battery hatches on the P4, S600 and S2500 thin or flimsy, Chance Talks Cameras taped shut the broken battery door on an S3100, and camera-wiki calls the 995's USB connector tiny and flimsy.
Fix
Inspect the battery door and contacts in the listing photos, and copy files with a card reader instead of the USB port.
Typical cost
No sourced repair cost.

Sources: chancetalkscameras.com, ifixit.com, camera-wiki.org

Slow autofocus and shutter lag

How you notice
Decaf Journal noticed a delay between shots on the S600, and camera-wiki says the Coolpix 5700 takes 1 second or more to focus in daylight and about 3 seconds at night.
Fix
Half-press the shutter to focus before the full press, and do not expect to catch fast action.
Typical cost
Not a repair item.

Sources: decafjournal.com, chancetalkscameras.com, camera-wiki.org

How much is a vintage Nikon Coolpix worth in 2026?

Refurbished Nikon Coolpix compacts listed at $125 to $229.99 at digicam resellers on October 28, 2026, and four of the S-series models at Retro Digitals were sold out. Batteries, cards and readers for them cost $10.99 to $19.99 each.

  • Retrospekt (Milwaukee, WI)

    vintage refurbished, lowest cosmetic grade, Coolpix L4 kit with AA batteries, 2 GB SD card and card reader

    from $125

    See listing

  • Retrospekt (Milwaukee, WI)

    vintage refurbished, top grade, Coolpix L4

    $179

    See listing

  • Retrospekt (Milwaukee, WI)

    vintage refurbished, Coolpix 3200

    from $149

    See listing

  • Retrospekt (Milwaukee, WI)

    vintage refurbished, Coolpix L10

    from $149

    See listing

  • Retrospekt (Milwaukee, WI)

    vintage refurbished, Coolpix L18, red

    from $169

    See listing

  • Retro Digitals

    used, tested, graded, Coolpix S550 with battery, charger and memory card

    $149

    See listing

  • Retro Digitals

    used, tested; sold out, Coolpix S210

    $135

    See listing

  • Retro Digitals

    used, tested; sold out, Coolpix S4000

    from $150

    See listing

  • Retro Digitals

    used, tested; sold out, Coolpix S3100

    from $185

    See listing

  • Retro Digitals

    used, tested; sold out, Coolpix S6000

    from $199

    See listing

  • Cute Camera Co.

    restored, Coolpix L110

    from $139.99

    See listing

  • Cute Camera Co.

    restored, Coolpix S3100

    from $179.99

    See listing

  • Cute Camera Co.

    restored, Coolpix S4100

    from $229.99

    See listing

  • Wasabi Power

    new, aftermarket, EN-EL10 battery (S210, S600, S3000, S4000 and others)

    $11.99

    See listing

  • Wasabi Power

    new, aftermarket, Two EN-EL10 batteries plus charger

    $19.99

    See listing

  • Wasabi Power

    new, aftermarket, EN-EL19 battery (S2500, S3100, S4100 and others)

    $12.99

    See listing

  • Wasabi Power

    new, aftermarket, EN-EL5 battery (P5000, P6000 and others)

    $12.99

    See listing

  • Retro Digitals

    used, tested, 2 GB standard SD card (not SDHC or SDXC)

    $14

    See listing

  • Retro Digitals

    new, 6-in-1 USB card reader for SD, xD, CF and Memory Stick

    $19

    See listing

Prices checked on October 28, 2026. They move every week, so treat them as a range, not a quote. Retro Digitals showed the S210, S4000, S3100 and S6000 as sold out, so those are its last asking prices, not stock you can buy. eBay sold prices need a sign-in and MPB's pages could not be checked by our scripts, so neither is listed.

Video reviews worth your time

  • Nikon Coolpix P900 w/ 2,000mm Zoom! Hands-on Review!

    AuthenTech - Ben Schmanke, 2015

    The Nikon Coolpix P900 is a highly versatile superzoom camera with impressive optical reach, fast autofocus, and rich manual controls, despite some noise in low light and a basic mobile application.

    • 0:20 Amazon pricing and affordability overview.
    • 1:34 Overview of camera hardware and technical specifications.
    • 2:01 Demonstration of the 83x optical zoom performance.
    • 3:08 Review of video modes and stabilization capabilities.

  • Nikon Coolpix P510 Review - Giant Zoom!

    Jon Rettinger, 2012

    The Nikon Coolpix P510 offers an impressive 42x optical zoom and solid daylight image quality, but it is held back by unreliable video autofocus, poor GPS performance, and an outdated menu system.

    • 0:20 Introduction to the Nikon Coolpix P510 camera
    • 1:38 Demonstrating the 42x optical zoom on a distant boat
    • 2:27 Testing the pet portrait mode and face recognition on a dog
    • 4:01 Showing video autofocus hunting issues during a hockey game

  • Nikon Coolpix B700 Review and 4K Video Zoom Test

    ReviewLamp, 2017

    The Nikon Coolpix B700 is a versatile bridge camera featuring impressive 60x optical zoom and 4K video recording, though it is hindered by unreliable smartphone connectivity and a non-touch screen.

    • 0:13 Reviewer showing camera exterior and design
    • 1:33 Demonstrating the articulating flip-out LCD screen
    • 2:33 Showing the included USB charging adapter and cable
    • 4:35 Demonstrating 60x optical zoom capability across a river

  • Nikon Coolpix P950 Hands-on Review

    DPReview TV, 2020

    The Nikon Coolpix P950 delivers an unmatched 83x zoom range with RAW support and an improved EVF, making it a versatile superzoom camera despite low-light autofocus and audio monitoring limitations.

    • 0:33 Overview of the Nikon Coolpix P950 superzoom lens
    • 3:24 Demonstrating the snap-back zoom assist button
    • 5:34 Testing optical image stabilization at 2000mm equivalent
    • 8:28 Demonstrating close-up macro shooting capabilities

  • Nikon Coolpix L29 review

    Camerahoarders, 2014

    The Nikon Coolpix L29 is a budget-friendly compact camera that offers good daylight photo quality and easy single-handed handling, though low-light photos and video zooming are lacking.

    • 0:00 Introduction to the Nikon Coolpix L29 camera.
    • 1:04 Inspection of battery compartment and SD card slot.
    • 2:12 Overview of the rear screen and button controls.
    • 3:08 Review of sample photo quality in daylight and low light.

Questions people ask about the Nikon Coolpix

Is the Nikon Coolpix still being made?

Only as big-zoom bridge cameras. As of March 2025, the only Coolpix cameras Nikon USA listed as current were the P1100, P1000 and P950, according to Digital Camera World. That leaves every slim S-series, L-series and CCD-era P-series compact on the used and refurbished market.

Sources: digitalcameraworld.com

Is an old Nikon Coolpix still a good camera?

For some jobs. Lens & Shutter says older Coolpix cameras stay relevant when they fit a pocket, add optical zoom or deliver the direct-flash digicam look, but a modern phone usually beats an older small-sensor compact in dim indoor light, night scenes and automatic HDR. Digital Camera World says some Coolpix models are well worth the cash, while others are worth more in reminiscing than in pictures.

Sources: lensandshutter.com, digitalcameraworld.com

Which Nikon Coolpix is best for the Y2K digicam look?

Start with the slim S-series. What Camera Gear names the S210, S51 and S220 for their harsh flash and sliding lens covers, Decaf Journal liked the S600's flattering close-to-the-lens flash, and Lens & Shutter says to buy on condition rather than internet hype. If you want raw files to edit, the P6000, P7000 and P7100 are CCD compacts that record NRW raw.

Sources: whatcameragear.com, decafjournal.com, lensandshutter.com, en.wikipedia.org

How much is a vintage Nikon Coolpix worth?

Refurbished Coolpix compacts listed at $125 to $229.99 at digicam resellers on October 28, 2026: Retrospekt's Coolpix L4 from $125; Retro Digitals' S550 at $149; and Cute Camera Co.'s S4100 from $229.99. Digital Camera World says the compact-camera trend has pushed some Coolpix prices above what the cameras are really worth, so compare a few sellers before paying.

Sources: retrospekt.com, retro-digitals.com, cute.camera, digitalcameraworld.com

Is a Canon PowerShot or a Nikon Coolpix better?

It depends on the model, not the brand. CNET pointed S210 shoppers to Canon's older PowerShot SD1000, which it called fast and better for photos, while Trusted Reviews found the Coolpix S560 had the best high-ISO image quality of any recent compact it had reviewed. Our [Canon PowerShot ELPH guide](/cameras/canon-powershot-elph/) covers the Canon side.

Sources: cnet.com, trustedreviews.com

How do I reset a Nikon Coolpix camera?

Use the full factory reset option in the setup menu if your model has one, Nikon's support checklist says. Settings cannot be restored after a reset, so Nikon recommends saving them first where the camera offers that. The same checklist also covers battery health and formatting the memory card in the camera.

Sources: nikonimgsupport.com

Why won't my old Coolpix turn on or open its lens?

Start with power. iFixit's Coolpix S5200 guide lists the hold switch and a drained or bad battery for a camera that will not turn on, and for a lens that will not open it says to remove the batteries, clean any corrosion from the battery port and fit fresh ones. Dust or sand in the lens may need professional help, which is why buying guides tell you to walk away from a used camera with a lens error.

Sources: ifixit.com, ifixit.com, lensandshutter.com

What memory card does an old Nikon Coolpix take?

The S-series and L-series models take SD cards, and a 2 GB standard card is the safe choice because the original SD format tops out at 2 GB and some early cameras accept less. The P6000 also takes SDHC, the P7100 takes SDXC, and older models like the 995, 4300, 5000 and 8700 use CompactFlash. Format the card in the camera before shooting.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, retro-digitals.com, en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, nikonimgsupport.com

What people compare it with

  • Canon PowerShot ELPH (SD1000, SD1100 IS)

    The usual first comparison: CNET pointed S210 shoppers to the SD1000 for better photos, and Retro Digitals' CCD guide starts with the SD1000 and the stabilized SD1100 IS.

  • Sony Cyber-shot W series (W55, W80, W220)

    What Camera Gear lists Sony's W series (W55, W80, W220) next to Nikon's S-series and praises its sharp Carl Zeiss optics.

  • Fujifilm FinePix F-series (F10, F20, F30)

    Sought for color and low-light performance from Super CCD sensors, but they take xD cards, which What Camera Gear says are hard to find.

  • Canon PowerShot S90 / S95 and Panasonic Lumix LX3 / LX5

    Premium CCD compacts with raw files, in the same tier as the Coolpix P6000 and P7100.

Every source behind this page

Read them yourself. How we pick and count them is in our methodology.

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Editorial reviews 35

Manuals and references 35

Video reviews 5

Independent blogs 3