Nikon Coolpix S3100 Review

Overall 43

Imaging 5

Features 17

Size 93

Price 100

Main Features

14.0 MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor
ISO 80 - 3200
Image Stabilization: No
2.7″ Fixed Type Screen
ViewFinder: No
1.0 fps Continuous Shooting
Video: 1280 x 720p (30fps), 640 x 480 (30fps)
Built-in Wireless: No
Dimensions: 94 x 58 x 18 mm
Weight: 118 g
Environmental Sealing: No
Built-in GPS: No

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Nikon Coolpix S3100 Summary

This review is devoted to Coolpix S3100 that Nikon has first introduced to the public in Feb 09, 2011. This model is a Ultracompact camera with a resolution of 14.0 MP and a 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sized CCD sensor.

In Ultracompact cameras (Top 10 Compact Cameras) this model has taken rank #239 out of 472. Its Overall Score has reached 43/100 and it takes a rank of #572 out of 1174 in all Cameras.

Nikon Coolpix S3100 Compared to other Compact Cameras

Now let's delve into more details of our Nikon Coolpix S3100 review by assessing its features and specs, as well as checking what pros and cons it has compared to other average products in this category.

PROs

Min Native Iso: 80
AutoFocus Face Detection: Yes
Viewfinder: No
Built-In Flash: Yes
Weight: 137 g

CONs

Screen Type: Fixed Type
Touch Screen: No
Viewfinder Coverage: No
Viewfinder Magnification: No
Image Stabilization: No
External Flash: No
Sensor Resolution: 14.0 MP
Max Native Iso: 3200
Number Of Focus Points: 9
Af Phase Detection: No
Microphone Port: No

Complete Comparison of Nikon Coolpix S3100 With Other Cameras in Ultracompact Category

In this part of our review, we are going to take a closer look at the technical specs and features presented in Nikon Coolpix S3100. In addition, we are going to define the main pros and cons of this model and, based on this info, compare it to other average Ultracompact cameras.

Physical Characteristics Of Nikon Coolpix S3100

Nikon Coolpix S3100 has the following external dimensions 94 x 94 x 18 mm (37.01 x 22.83 x 7.09″) with the weight of 118 g.

The typical weight for average Ultracompact type cameras is 137g. If we compare the average indicator of the weight of Nikon Coolpix S3100, we can conclude that this model is lighter than many other similar products.

Talking about the camera’s thickness, it is worth saying that Nikon Coolpix S3100 is thinner than other average cameras from this class. Its thickness is 18mm.

Look at the pictures below to see the front and top view of Nikon Coolpix S3100 with the indication of this model’s dimensions:

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If you want to have a better idea of how big the Nikon Coolpix S3100 is, look at the pictures below to see how big it is compared to a credit card and a AA type battery.

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Finally, let's check how different are the weight and thickness of the Nikon Coolpix S3100 compared to other models from this class of cameras presented by the brand’s competitors:

Battery

Nikon Coolpix S3100 — 220 shots

Min: 150 shots

Average: 214 shots

Max: 320 shots

Thickness

Nikon Coolpix S3100 — 18 mm

Min: 13 mm

Average: 20 mm

Max: 33 mm

Weight

Nikon Coolpix S3100 — 118 g

Min: 87 g

Average: 137 g

Max: 221 g

Unfortunately, Nikon Coolpix S3100 comes without a waterproof feature, so if you want it to serve well and last longer, you will have to use it very carefully and avoid water.

Unfortunately, Nikon Coolpix S3100 comes without a dustproof feature, so if you want it to serve well and last longer, you will have to use it very carefully and protect your camera from external threats such as dust.

Nikon Coolpix S3100 Photo and Sensor Features

Nikon Coolpix S3100 boasts of a resolution of 14.0 MP and is equipped with a 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sized CCD sensor.

The base of Nikon Coolpix S3100 has the following ISO range 80 - 3200 .

Unfortunately, the support of the RAW file is not included in Nikon Coolpix S3100. However, if you are looking specifically for a Ultracompact camera with a RAW file support, you should check out one of the following models from the same class and within similar price range .

Nikon Coolpix S3100 features a 14.0 MP 1/2.3" sensor, which is not a good pick for high-quality and detailed pictures. However, we have an alternative option for you if you were looking for higher resolution.

Anti-Aliasing Filter

Nikon Coolpix S3100 is known for the lack of anti-alias (Low-pass) filter. It is one of its essential features of the sensor built in this model. The absence of this filter contributes to a higher level of details and sharpness in the pictures you take. Yet, the lack of an anti-alias filter also enhances the possibility of more occurring in certain conditions.

Now let’s check how we can compare the size of 1/2.3" sensor featured in Nikon Coolpix S3100 with other standard sensor sizes.

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Other Characteristics And Features of Nikon Coolpix S3100

LCD and ViewFinder

Nikon Coolpix S3100 is equipped with a Fixed Type 2.7" LCD screen. The resolution of this model’s screen reaches 230k dots.

In addition, this model comes with a built-in ViewFinder.

Max Shutter speed

Some of the other highlights of Nikon Coolpix S3100 are its 1.0 fps max speed and 1/2000 sec max shutter speed, which allow you to shoot continuously.

Flash

Unlike some other cameras from this category, Coolpix S3100 unfortunately, is not equipped with a built-in flash.

Focusing

In addition, Coolpix S3100 has a Face detection AF feature that quickly finds the faces that appear within the frame range and locks the focus on them automatically.

Video Features

As for the video quality characteristics of Nikon Coolpix S3100, it gives you a possibility to shoot videos at the highest resolution of 1280 x 720 You also have enough flexibility in terms of how you can save your files. Namely, Nikon Coolpix S3100 allows you to save files in Motion JPEG formats.

Comparing the technical characteristics of this model with the modern standards, we have to admit that 1280 x 720 is a rather poor indicator of video resolution. However, if you are looking for a camera that has 4K video support, we recommend you to consider our Cheapest Camera with 4K video.

Nikon Coolpix S3100 is not equipped with any ports that would allow you to connect external headphones and microphones to it.

Connectivity and Storage

You can connect Coolpix S3100 to compatible devices via USB 2.0 port.

Battery Life

In concordance with generally accepted CIPA standards, the battery featured in Nikon Coolpix S3100 provides a shooting life of 220, while the average battery life of cameras in this class is 214 shots.

Compared to all models in the Ultracompact category, Nikon Coolpix S3100 offers the highest battery life that reaches 220 shots.

How Good is Nikon Coolpix S3100 for Different Types of Photography?

In this part of our review, we are going to focus on Nikon Coolpix S3100’s performance in various fields of photography. Each sub-section stands for a specific photography area. In every part, we will review Nikon Coolpix S3100’s name performance and give it an overall score. This first spider web graph indicates how we can compare the Coolpix S3100 to the average Compact camera.

Hover your mouse over the points to see the score details for each photography type.

Nikon Coolpix S3100 for Portrait Photography

After carefully reviewing how well Nikon Coolpix S3100 performs Portrait Photography, we gave it a score of 8. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Nikon Coolpix S3100 can be called a Underclass model for this type of photography.

If the score of this model doesn’t impress you and you are still looking for a model that is better suited for Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check out our Top 10 Cameras for Portrait Photography.

Advantages:

Face Detection Focusing

Disadvantages:

Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
You might not like Nikon skintone
No Image Stabilization

Nikon Coolpix S3100 for Street Photography

After carefully reviewing how well Nikon Coolpix S3100 performs Street Photography, we gave it a score of 3. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Nikon Coolpix S3100 can be called a Underclass model for this type of photography.

Advantages:

Small size (94 x 58 x 18 mm)
Live View

Disadvantages:

No Built-in View Finder
No Image Stabilization
Small 1/2.3"(6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Small Number of autofocus Points (9)

Nikon Coolpix S3100 for Sports Photography

After carefully reviewing how well Nikon Coolpix S3100 performs Sports Photography, we gave it a score of 28. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Nikon Coolpix S3100 can be called a 28 model for this type of photography.

Advantages:

No View Finder

Disadvantages:

Slow Continuous Shooting (1.0 fps)
No Environmental Sealing
Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/2000s)
Smal Number of autofocus Points (9)
Bad Max Native ISO (3200)
Small battery life (220 shots)
Small size (94 x 58 x 18 mm)

Nikon Coolpix S3100 for Daily Photography

After carefully reviewing how well Nikon Coolpix S3100 performs Daily Photography, we gave it a score of 28. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Nikon Coolpix S3100 can be called a Underclass model for this type of photography.

Advantages:

Small weight (118 g)
Small size (94 x 58 x 18 mm)
Built-in Flash
Live View
Video is available

Disadvantages:

Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Built-in View Finder

Nikon Coolpix S3100 for Landscape Photography

After carefully reviewing how well Nikon Coolpix S3100 performs Landscape Photography, we gave it a score of 35. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Nikon Coolpix S3100 can be called a 35 model for this type of photography.

If the score of this model doesn’t impress you and you are still looking for a model that is better suited for Landscape Photography, we recommend you to check out our Top 10 Cameras for Landscape Photography.

Advantages:

Live View

Disadvantages:

Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Low resolution sensor (14 MP)
No Environmental Sealing
No RAW Support
Bad Max Native ISO (3200)

Nikon Coolpix S3100 Detailed Specs

General
Brand	Nikon
Model	Coolpix S3100
Announced	Feb 09, 2011
Body Type	Ultracompact
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	Fixed lens
Number of Lenses	n/a
Focal Length Multiplier	n/a
Macro Focus Range	10
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Size	2.7″
Screen Resolution	230k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
ViewFinder
ViewFinder
ViewFinder Resolution	0k dots
ViewFinder Coverage	%
ViewFinder Magnification
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	4 s
Max Shutter Speed	1/2000 s
Continuous Shooting	1.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	4.5
Flash Modes	Auto, Red-Eye
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
Sensor
Sensor Type	CCD
Sensor Size	1/2.3"
Sensor Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Sensor Area	28.07 mm²
Sensor Resolution	14.0 MP
Max Image Resolution	4320 x 3240
Max Native ISO	3,200
Max Boosted ISO	n/a
Min Native ISO	80
RAW Support
AutoFocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	9
Number of Cross Focus Points	n/a
Video Features
Video Resolutions	1280 x 720p (30fps), 640 x 480 (30fps)
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720
Video Formats	Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity
HDMI
USB	USB 2.0
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	118 g
Physical Dimensions	94 x 58 x 18 mm
Battery Life	220 shots
Battery Type	220 shots
Battery Model	EN-EL19
Other Features
Self Timer
Timelapse Recording
GPS
Storage Type	SD / SDHC/SDXC
Storage Slots	1