Nikon COOLPIX S9500 Review: Is This 22x Zoom Travel Camera Still Worth It Today?
The Nikon COOLPIX S9500 is a compact travel zoom camera that once stood out for its sleek design, powerful 22x zoom, and wireless features. Originally released in 2013, it continues to attract attention from budget-conscious buyers and travelers seeking a pocket-sized alternative to bulky DSLRs. In this detailed guide, we explore whether the Nikon COOLPIX S9500 still holds its value in 2025, especially with the rise of smartphones and modern compact cameras.
Nikon COOLPIX S9500 Key Features Overview
The Nikon COOLPIX S9500 offers a rich mix of features that were ahead of their time and still serve casual users today. Some of its highlights include:
- 18.1MP BSI CMOS Sensor – Delivers sharp images with decent low-light performance.
- 22x Optical Zoom – Covers 25–550mm focal range (35mm equivalent), great for landscapes to distant subjects.
- Full HD 1080p Video – Records at 30fps with stereo sound and electronic vibration reduction.
- Built-in Wi-Fi & GPS – Instantly share images and geotag your shots without extra gear.
- 3.0-inch OLED Display – With 614,000 dots for vibrant and bright playback.
- Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction – Helps reduce blur, even at high zoom levels.
These features combined make the Nikon COOLPIX S9500 an appealing choice even today for casual shooters and travel photographers.
Design & Build Quality
The Nikon COOLPIX S9500 boasts a sleek, minimal design with a slim profile that fits easily into a pocket or small bag. Its aluminum body feels sturdy in hand while remaining lightweight at just 205g. Button layout is intuitive, with a dedicated zoom rocker, mode dial, and quick-access playback and menu buttons. The pop-up flash is seamlessly integrated, and the grip, though small, adds to the overall secure handling.
Lens Performance & Zoom Test
One of the standout features of the Nikon COOLPIX S9500 is its 22x NIKKOR optical zoom lens. Ranging from a wide 25mm to a powerful 550mm telephoto, this camera excels in versatility. Whether you’re capturing wide-angle landscapes or zooming into wildlife from a distance, the lens performs admirably.
In real-world use, sharpness is excellent up to about 15x zoom. Beyond that, some softness appears, but nothing unmanageable for everyday photography. The lens-shift VR stabilization helps a lot when hand-holding the camera at high zoom levels.
Image Quality in Daylight & Low Light
During daytime, the Nikon COOLPIX S9500 produces crisp images with vibrant colors, good contrast, and minimal distortion. The 18.1MP BSI CMOS sensor captures plenty of detail, especially at lower ISO settings (100–400).
Low-light performance is passable but not class-leading. ISO 800 introduces visible noise, and ISO 1600 or above reduces sharpness significantly. The lack of RAW support limits post-processing flexibility, which may bother advanced users but won’t affect casual shooters.
Video Recording Performance
The Full HD 1080p video on the Nikon COOLPIX S9500 holds up well for casual vlogging or travel clips. It records at 30fps with clear audio and decent color balance. The camera also includes options for slow-motion (up to 120fps at 480p), which is a fun bonus for action shots.
The VR (Vibration Reduction) works well during video to keep footage steady, especially when walking or zooming. However, since there is no external mic input, audio capture depends entirely on the built-in mic, which may pick up wind or background noise.
Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS in 2025: Still Useful?
Back in 2013, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS were standout features. In 2025, while smartphones now dominate these tasks, the Nikon COOLPIX S9500 still holds its ground:
- Wi-Fi: Works with Nikon’s Wireless Mobile Utility app (though outdated, it’s still functional on many Android devices). You can transfer photos to your phone wirelessly.
- GPS: Tags locations accurately, useful for documenting trips or organizing photos by location. Just note that GPS consumes battery quickly, so it’s best used selectively.
For a camera over a decade old, these features still offer convenience for casual users.
OLED Screen & Menu System
The 3.0-inch OLED screen with 614k dots offers excellent visibility, even in bright sunlight. Colors are vivid, and contrast is strong. Though it’s not a touchscreen, the navigation via buttons is easy and responsive.
The menu system is logically organized with simple icons and clear descriptions. Beginners will find it easy to navigate, and the mode dial on top adds fast access to scene modes, auto, and special effects.
Battery Life and Charging
The Nikon COOLPIX S9500 uses the EN-EL12 lithium-ion battery, which offers approximately 230 shots per charge. This isn’t stellar by 2025 standards, but it’s decent for a compact zoom. Wi-Fi and GPS use can significantly drain the battery, so be mindful when enabling those features.
Charging is done via USB with a wall adapter or through a compatible power bank, making it travel-friendly. Keeping a spare battery on hand is a smart move for longer shooting days.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful 22x optical zoom in a pocket-size body | No RAW support or full manual controls |
| Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi for travel and sharing | Average low-light performance |
| Sharp OLED display with vivid colors | Outdated app support for modern smartphones |
| Optical VR for sharp handheld shots | No external mic support for better audio quality |
| Decent Full HD video with slow-motion options | Battery drains faster with GPS/Wi-Fi active |
Nikon COOLPIX S9500 vs Other Travel Zooms (2025 Comparison)
If you’re considering alternatives, here’s how the Nikon COOLPIX S9500 stacks up against some current compact zoom cameras:
| Camera Model | Optical Zoom | RAW Support | 4K Video | Wi-Fi | GPS | Price Range (Used) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon COOLPIX S9500 | 22x | No | No | Yes | Yes | $80–$120 |
| Canon PowerShot SX740 HS | 40x | No | Yes | Yes | No | $250–$300 |
| Sony HX90V | 30x | No | No | Yes | Yes | $200–$250 |
| Panasonic Lumix ZS70 | 30x | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | $300–$350 |
While newer models offer 4K and RAW, the Nikon COOLPIX S9500 still offers great value for basic needs.
Who Should Buy the Nikon COOLPIX S9500 in 2025?
This camera is ideal for:
- Casual users who want an easy point-and-shoot with zoom.
- Travelers looking for something compact and affordable.
- Gift buyers for parents or kids starting photography.
- Smartphone upgraders who want more zoom flexibility.
It may not be suitable for professionals or content creators who require manual control, high ISO performance, or 4K video.
Buying Tips: New vs Used Units
Since the S9500 is discontinued, you’ll likely be shopping used. Here are tips:
- Inspect lens for scratches or dust inside.
- Test zoom mechanism and flash operation.
- Check battery health and consider buying spares.
- Look for packages that include charger, case, and extra SD cards.
- Buy from trusted sellers with return policies.
Conclusion
The Nikon COOLPIX S9500 remains a feature-packed compact camera that delivers impressive zoom capabilities, wireless sharing options, and reliable image quality for casual photographers and travelers. Its 22x optical zoom, built-in GPS, and Wi-Fi functionality were ahead of their time when it launched—and even today, it still holds value for those seeking a lightweight point-and-shoot camera without diving into expensive interchangeable lens systems.
While it may not compete with today’s advanced mirrorless or smartphone cameras in every aspect, it excels as a budget-friendly travel companion or a reliable backup camera. For users who want something more traditional than a smartphone but easier than a DSLR, the COOLPIX S9500 hits a sweet spot.
FAQs – Nikon COOLPIX S9500
Q1: Does the Nikon COOLPIX S9500 support RAW image format?
No, it only saves images in JPEG format.
Q2: How is the zoom compared to newer models?
Its 22x zoom is still respectable, though newer cameras offer 30x–40x.
Q3: Can I connect the S9500 to my smartphone via Wi-Fi?
Yes, using Nikon’s Wireless Mobile Utility app (limited support for newer phones).
Q4: Does the GPS still work in 2025?
Yes, but it may require a clear view of the sky and affects battery life.
Q5: Is the Nikon COOLPIX S9500 good for vlogging or YouTube?
It’s good for casual video, but lacks 4K and external mic input.
