Side by Side Comparison of: Sony vs Nikon

Just love it, it is the same as I have that I actually broke and I couldn't have it fixed , I didn't know what I would do with out it, and I never thought I would ever find exactly what I had. What can I say, It just saved me,

This tiny camera takes really nice pictures. The photos I take with it compare well with my husband's professional camera. The zoom lens is nice, but can make far- off scenes a bit fuzzy. Excellent camera for the price. Clear, high -def pictures.

I initially bought a bigger camera with more features for my daughter, and then decided to give her the choice between that camera and this one. She picked this one! She prefers the smaller size, but she did try both out to compare photo quality. This camera actually had truer colors than the other one did. It was also easier for her to operate. So, now I'm packing up the other camera and returning it. This camera will serve my daughter well and the fact that it's so compact just can't be beat! It's a great value and so easy to use!

I am a landlord, and an iPhone is not always the best for getting hi-res pictures, and zooming in and out. I am still a point-n-shoot kind of guy, but I really love this camera, Its simple to use, zooms really well, and takes really sharp pictures. I also like that I can drop it into my pocket and be on my way. I am no expert, but this was the right camera for the right price to do the right job. I previously had a Nikon Coolpix S70, and It was cool at first, but it just didn't do the job.

Ok, it's not gonna replace my "big" cameras, but this has become my "take it everywhere" camera. It is 3.7 inches long, 2 inches high and a bit more than a half inch thick. It weighs about as much as a pack of gum, yet it shoots 20mp, has an 8X optical zoom, a Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens and uses standard SDHC memory cards. In "P" mode you have full control over ISO, White Balance, Focus, Metering and more (though no manual mode). You never notice it in your pocket. $99 at Amazon. Amazing, and highly recommended! I can't get over the price...

I sold my DSLR camera and purchased this. This camera takes great pictures and the zoom is incredible. The videos are also great. I'm not a professional and usually just use the automatic setting. I have absolutely no complaints about this camera. I'm so glad I purchased it.

I was looking for a Canon when I found this and thought I would trya Nikon for a change of pace. I have 6 Canon and thought it maybe a time for change....and it was indeed a great change. It isUser Friendly....(I was fearful that it may not be so) and has featuresthat Canon did not offer me. So I am a happy camper with thisNikon...AND the plus to this is that 42X OPTICAL ZOOM...it reallygets in close to your smallest bird and turn out quite clear.

I'm a novice with cameras, but I wanted a decent camera for travel and something nicer than my iPhone. This camera is fantastic! I haven't even tried out all the features yet, but in the auto mode it takes really clear, beautiful pictures. Used it for a week at the beach and it got some great close-ups of seagulls. The zoom is remarkable, the grip is really secure, the camera still feel lightweight so you won't tire. The battery life is good, not great, but totally sufficient. Indoor photos have been great, that was one feature I really wanted! Crisp and clear photos at a great price!

Got this for my wife to use on our vacation. It can do a lot, much of which we will have to learn. I don't like the "point and shoot" settings, but don't like those on most any camera. So far it has been a great experience. I would tell anyone who gets this camera to immediately purchase a second battery. Like any camera like this, there is little warning of battery expiration. It is not of the quality of a good SLR, but it is a lot less expensive and you don't have to carry around a lot of lenses.

I really like this camera. I am still learning to shoot in manual mode so I have been practicing and so far my photos have been pretty nice. I really love the looks of the camera and the way it fits in my hand. I can't wait to use it more.

I am planning a trip to Utah so I wanted a good camera, but one that's easy to use. Also a very important factor was weight because I have major neck problems and the older camera I was going to be taking was just too heavy - I would have ended up with headaches every day from the weight around my neck. This camera is perfect. So much so, that my daughter in law, who photographs weddings and other events bought one. It's easy for a novice to learn how to take any kind of photo from a red moon, to that perfect portrait, yet does enough that a professional will be happy with it. I had to learn about the aperture and shutter speeds, which is so easy to use with this camera. In just trying it out I turned the waterhose on at a slow, but continuous stream and got pictures ranging from what looks like a rushing white waterfall, a clear constant stream to individual drops that even my eyes were not picking up on. This camera is P E R F E C T for me.

Arrived quickly. It's different than the last Sony we had. This one will take a little getting use to. It is very small, and the settings are different. we didn't realize the memory card didn't come with the camera, so you would be all set to take pictures on Christmas Day. NO we bought the 32 gig memory care along with a bag of goodies, and the case separately

Camera was not a new one.

I had a camera from Sony that looked identical (W650), which worked very well, but broke by accident. So, I needed portable Sony with Zeiss lens.
This camera meets most of the expectations, except one- the speed. I've got many not focused pictures and some, which are just late. There is no manual included (I found it at manualslib.com) and there is many adjustments, which is time consuming to try. So, the camera is just little slow for now, but works right otherwise.

It was disappointing that there was no manual with this, and while it can be downloaded (for a fee) it involves several hundred pages. Not what I will be doing any time soon. I went to Best Buy and a nice young man spelled it all out for me, taking time to show me exactly how to use all the features even though it was not purchased there. I did buy the memory stick and a case from him because he was so helpful. This is an upgrade of a camera I had for several years and I expect the same good results from this one.

This camera takes good pictures, but you have to make sure you are in a well-lit area although it has a flash on it. Otherwise, the pictures come out dark, but overall I am very pleased with it. Also, please note that it does not come equipped with a memory card, so you have to purchase one separately. I would recommend this camera.

This camera is pretty good. I love, love, LOVE the zoom, I'm able to take photos of things that I'd never have been able to even see before. I went on a trip with it and also used the zoom to look at street signs a couple blocks away so I knew for sure which way I was going.
It doesn't always take a photo when you push the button however, if it isn't focused in on something, so snapping really quick shots is difficult because it wants to take time to calibrate itself. I'm sure there's a setting to change that, but I've not found it yet. It also doesn't really like taking up close photos, it takes forever to focus and even then it may not work. Again, probably a setting for it, but it's not super intuitive.
Mine came with no manual, the only paper in the box told me that if I couldn't plug in the charger box to the wall I should use a converter.
Overall it's pretty good, and way better than a simple point and shoot, but don't expect this to be a super high-end camera because it's not supposed to be.

Note that the seagull was probably a quarter of a mile away out into the bay.

Package arrived very quickly. VERY glad this is a USA model sold by an authorized Nikon dealer, so I can actually get it serviced should something happen to it.

Love the camera. It takes amazing pictures, and will take better ones once I am a more knowledgeable photographer. I like the simplicity of the presentation compared to the entry level Nikon DSLRs (3200, 3300, although they are similar). Very light weight and easy to use. LOVE the pet setting - that is a great feature that automatically focuses and takes a picture of a pet's face without me doing anything! The price is also just right for me. The DSLR-like body has a great feel to it and it makes it easy to hold and shoot steadily, unlike wee little point and shoots. Even though it is bigger than the run of the mill P&S or other Coolpix models, it is hardly cumbersome. Also glad it has a viewfinder.

Some things I dislike (perhaps I'm nitpicking):

1) Nikon does not provide a full manual. You must look it up online and print it yourself. At least they are conserving paper, but I would like to read how to use all the functions, because I am not that familiar with these types of cameras.

2) Nikon got rid of geotagging photos in this model. Why?

3) No sensor to switch between LCD screen and viewfinder.

4) Shutter speed scrolling wheel is a bit annoying, since it takes longer to adjust than the multiwheel for aperture and navigating the camera.

5) As another reviewer mentioned, you cannot attach a lens protector to take photos with (perhaps there are some made now that I am not aware of). I would like to have this protection while I am using the camera, not just the lens cap when it is stored away.

Overall this is a great starter camera for the photography enthusiast or novice who wants to learn a bit more and take sweet pictures. I hope to improve my skills a lot with this camera and get some great photos on my travels and backpacking trips. Would definitely recommend to anyone.

After several compact cameras demonstrated that, for me, their shortcomings overshadowed their convenience, I went looking for something a bit better. Although DSLR appeals to me, my photographic skills and use do not justify it. The Coolpix looked to be a viable alternative, and the price was right. The camera has delivered good quality photos for me on several long trips and even worked out OK in getting good shots of a lunar eclipse.

The things I wish it could do are less significant to most people. First, the auto focus is pretty good, but often cannot make a decision. Single point focus and multipoint focus both have their failings. Consequently, there were way too many shots at dusk on the Grand Canal that ended up out of focus, regardless of my efforts - even selecting infinity focus. If I'd been able to manually focus the camera, all would have been well. Second, the lens only stops down to f5.9. f16 would be much better, but since this is a mid-range camera, there's only so much one can expect of the lens.

All in all, the camera does a good job of producing decent photos in the hands of this semi-skilled user.

Great camera, but if you like using a view finder, the one built into this camera is really small, as I had read in other reviews. Also, the instructions that came with the camera were very basic and did not show you how the 1080 video system works - just had to play witht the camera until I figured it out. The pictures are of excellent quality.

I have had this camera for less than a month, but I can tell already it fills my need for a relatively compact digital camera that has most of the features of a SLR. For photography in full daylight, LCD screens can be problematic. This camera's view finder option solves the bright daylight problem as well as photographing moving objects in the telephoto mode. I have been experimenting with its functions and have found that the telephoto (42X) is quite good. The preset options such as Birds is handy to set and shoot. Resolution of photos is impressive. The camera did not come with a case, but there is one listed as an accessory. I do not have it. There appear to be threads on the lens, but I am not aware of the availability of filters. A back up battery direct from Nikon was not listed as available at this time. Overall, this is a very good camera and very versatile.

The camera seems OK, but the light that is supposed to indicate it is charging does not come on. The seller claims they do not do "trouble shooting", as if somehow the light can be made to come on, so they said I should contact Sony. I don't see the point in exchanging the camera, since another one might have worse problems. Perhaps there is a quality control issue here.

***UPDATE AFTER MANY MONTHS OF USE***- For my videos, this is an OK camera, but it dies SUPER fast. You need like 3 extra batteries on hand if say going out for a day trip No other camera I have had (about 20 of them in my life) has died this fast. The pictures are rough. I would say 3 out of 5 are blurry. I have to take numerous photos to get any that aren't the least bit fuzzy. It might be closer to 4 out of 5. Sometimes it's minor and you don't notice w/o zooming in. I didn't realize that problem very fast because I use it more for YT videos than anything else. Also, the shutter speed for photos is rather slow, but it's a cheap camera, so that isn't too abnormal there.

The pros to this camera are that it is small, light-weight and films video in the 16:9 widescreen I need for my online videos. IF I could turn back time, I would have returned this camera and bought something a little bit pricier and better all around. Oh well. Hopefully, I get a better one from Santa Claus :)!!

I love this camera so far, as far as what I bought it for, my You Tube videos and other stuff. I only used it one full day, but the battery STINKS!! My other cameras last 5x's or more longer. Did I get a bum battery???? I charge it fully and take video and it starts going down to one bar and done FAR too fast to be normal. I read reviews that said it lasted people through many flash photos and videos during the day. I'm wondering if this is a camera I can take out for a day trip or not. My husband thinks maybe I got a bad battery. Anybody have any issues??? I love that it doesn't change the lighting to an orangey color, which is what the problem was with my more expensive, larger cameras. It's all over the place with those, which makes editing sooo difficult. This seems to stay true, and the video quality is very good. I wanted a 1080, but I cannot tell the difference to be honest. This is worth the $$ in the quality dept. & it is a Sony. I haven't taken photos yet. I'm just concerned about the battery. If the battery gets replaced and lasts a lot longer, than I will give this a better review. PS- The size is great, but very tiny compared to my old point and shoot. In a crazy house like mine it may not last the year lol. All is good but the battery. I'm thinking that may be a defect.

This camera is just ok - nothing special. I purchased it for work for Facebook posts. You have to hold the camera VERY VERY still to get a clear picture or it's blurry. I have tried many settings and still it is a hit or miss. Lighting is a big factor for a clear picture. Settings are easy to understand and the screen is a good size.
Pros - it fits in my pocket which is good since I work outside.
Cons - Hard to get a good clear picture.

Very small camera, probably the smallest I have seen, which is great for those who don't like carrying a big camera with them. The picture quality was not the best when seen it on the camera, but the image looks better when seen on the computer.
I gifted it to my dad who loves small cameras and is not concerned too much about the resolution of the image. I will possibly buy a new one that shoots a better quality of pictures even if it is a bigger size. The 20.1 MP really does not add much to the picture quality as expected.

its an ok its not a bad camera ether its a point and shoot camera. I will say this though the zoom is not great it has a hard time focusing no matter what settings you are in I've tried everything but no luck. I did upload some pictures I took with the camera in the photo section of a Bee and clouds. but over all its an ok camera it will be great for kids to have to. but one thing to add is the price is a little to pricey just for this small type of point and shoot camera it should be way lower the price tag.

The Macro sucks but otherwise I really like this camera!

It's a decent camera, I bought this as a gift, but it is not as good as the P510. The body is plastic and feels cheaper made. It does take good pictures but can take a while to save them to the card, even with a good sd card. It is still better than most others I have looked at.

I didn't notice until after purchasing the camera that it stated that it was a new product in the original package but after adding it to the cart it states that it is refurbished. The camera over all was in great condition and has no issues. It does not come with a memory card which a new one would.

The camera, itself, is very nice and meets my expectation. That said, it arrived without an owners/operations manual which I had fully expected would be included. I would hope that Nikon would correct that oversight -- it distracts from and complicates the otherwise quality of the purchase

I only rated it 3 stars because there is no insturction book and I can't figure it out on my own....otherwise it looks great and came fast...

As a former professional photographer, I was seriously underwhelmed by this camera. For $120, you'd expect something that would, at the very least, produce sharp images. This one doesn't. But there are times when I don't want, or can't, or didn't bring along my big Nikons with all of my interchangeable lenses, filters, lens hoods and tripods; times when I simply want something small, portable to take quick images, to record a place I might want to lug all of my equipment back to, or simply to quickly record an event. Well...I spent a week testing the DSC W830, both indoors and outdoors. I do mostly nature and wildlife photography, not people. I don't need a camera that detects smiles or faces: trees, rocks, mountains, wildflowers, and squirrels don't smile! I just wanted something to take some quick, but sharp images. The autofocus on this camera is less accurate than expected. And though it supposedly focuses at about five centimeters (two inches), this unit did a very poor job. Frankly, the camera in a smartphone can do a better job.

The slow auto-focus, constant blur, unpredictable light changes, and the display have me really annoyed. I have an older model of this camera which is much better and creates sharper more accurate images, albeit less pixels. The body and size on this overall feels a lot cheaper than the older model. The video isn't all that great either. I feel like some serious corners were cut with this and it was assumed no one would notice. The only difference so far that seems to be a real plus is the battery life. Seriously though, the display is killing me; the colors are nowhere near accurate and it looks no better than a circa 2003 display.

The camera worked well for a month or so. It is a cheap camera that is cheap. Just after the return period, the screen acted up rendering it useless. The camera has an overall cheap feel and the screen was never all that great. I hope the warranty will fix it. Other cameras are much better overall.

I got this camera as a quick point and shoot for a vacation to Florida. The camera takes great pictures and footage with little to no issue. The only problem I had is that the display screen died in the middle of my vacation. Since it has passed the 30 day window for a return, I'm stuck with dealing with Sony to get the screen repaired. I have to say they need to have a better setup for warranty repairs.

It is considerably smaller in size than it looks in the picture. Also, it seems like made of cheap plastic and very light, almost like a toy camera. I do not think SONY should even built a camera of this quality. However, picture/shooting quality is not bad. The pictures looked decent enough. It came with a battery and charger. There was no memory card included in the package, neither did any carrying pouch.

The Nikon Coolpix P530 is a really nice camera in the aspects of Image quality and Video Ability. Beautiful pictures can be taken with ease. However, after using the camera for about a couple of months; it will result in the camera to malfunction. I am almost furious at that fact. A company as legit as Nikon shouldn't have a camera that malfunctions like this! If you're looking for a solid camera, maybe reconsider something that has a better life span.

Had to return it. I really wanted to like this camera, but it would never focus and the shutter speeds were atrocious! Blurry every time even with still photography, and most of my photos are of nature, birds, and other wildlife..

For a relatively inexpensive bridge style camera it has a ton of features. My major problem is with its inability to focus quickly, accurately and sometime just focus at all. I admit I push my cameras and use mostly higher end gear -- I really wanted to see what the telephoto could do and it lives up to expectations. The image stabilizer works extremely well and for just day to day shots it's probably an average camera. Takes a while to get used to it, to find all the menus and functions. The manual that comes with it is horrible -- download a decent one. The sensor size is small which limits the size of prints you can make without noise. I've probably run about 800 photos through it so far ... getting more used to how it operates and it's focusing limitations. It's an OK knock about camera. Don't expect to track birds or fast action ... color and sharpness are pretty much right on.

I have purchased several Nikon cameras and this is by far the worst. The reaction time is slow, the digital zoom is very jerky. Yes, the pictures are ok but the motion sensor doesn't work very well. Next time spend a bit more and get a better camera.

I was very impressed with the features, but was very disappointed with image quality. I expected sharper images from this camera. They are not noticeably better than pictures from my point and shoot or smartphone camera.

Absolutely terrible camera. My daughter's iphone did better. We bought it for her trip to Peru. She just came home and took maybe 30 pictures before deciding they were so bad she would be better off with her phone camera. Unfortunately we can not return it because the window has closed (she was gone for three weeks out of the country). I definitely do not recommend this camera.

terrible. broken and won't turn on. It has been 3 months and 1 week. Charged it all day and can't get it to power on. Didn't take very good quality pictures anyways. Wish I had never bought.

Absolutely stunned by the poor picture quality. My iPhone 5 takes better pictures.

It doesn't point and shoot. It takes 1 - 2 seconds to actually shoot. My grandchildren don't stay still that long and I can't keep steady that long. It doesn't come with any directions- returned it right away.

A dud. Poor lens makes the 20 MP irrelevant. Terrible focus unless bright sunlight & still subject. Don't buy this unless using just for snapshots, but then why bother with 20 MP? I have a Sony SLR that I love, so I thought I'd try this, but the DSCW830 is not worth even the budget price.

The camera worked just fine for a day or two. Actually, I was more than happy with the quality of photos (I use it for songbirds on nice days and keep it in a waterproof case). Buyers beware- if it is certified refurbished, you may get a faulty camera, battery or charger. I missed out on several photo opportunities because my camera just wouldn't hold a charge. I would see a rare bird and take my camera out just to find it dead after charging it all night. I contacted the seller and they asked for a order number, then ignored me after that. I guess that this happens often.

Thankfully amazon support was able to accept a return of this product. Amazon support and customer service were extremely helpful. After seeing other reviews, it sounds like a recurring issue. I just don't want this happening to anyone else!!

Buyer beware I thought I was buying a new camera with full warranty, but this camera was new old stock, with no warranty it worked for ,6 weeks then quit and I have no recourse, just make sure when you buy that it is brand new from the manufacturer not some store that's had it on a shelf for a year and then unloaded on me now my daughter Christmas present that she was using for school is a paperwait just because it's a good deal watch out, go a brick and mortar store and buy one , Don't get screwed like me

Received with faulty charging port.

This camera has not work properly since day one. It is not simple to use and I have been in and out of hospital but finally recovering to find it is too late to return. I will never recommend refurbished. Just not worth the small discount. Not I am having trouble with the 3 year return I purchased. My photographer friend warned me and it is the computer! One star because you cannot give 0. And now I received notice from The one I purchased it from that it is not eligible fro return Huh! Has not even been a year! They won't stand behind it for 1 year and you go elsewhere for coverage. We shall see, I keep getting a meesage has not been approve for return ....

Often wouldn't focus and then stopped working completely after using it only a couple of days.