“If the picture matters, so does the camera.” A saying often heard of, this is quite true when it comes to the art of photography. No matter how good a photographer you are, you may not be able to capture captivating shots without a proper camera. If a photographer is an artist, then a camera is his tool of art.
So now comes the hot debate: Nikon Coolpix S3100 vs Nikon Coolpix S4100. It is indeed tough to choose between these two versatile and competent cameras, but on the other hand, choosing the right camera for you as a photographer is rather a necessity. This is where I shall help you out. So, get ready for a detailed, comprehensive comparison between these two iconic cameras.
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Nikon Coolpix S3100 vs Nikon Coolpix S4100: An Overview
Well, these are two of the undeniably iconic cameras by Nikon. Often considered as retro cameras by many, these cameras are still desired by photographers who prefer simplicity over modern features.
But as a photographer, which one should you really choose? The veracity of the comparison between Nikon Coolpix S3100 and Nikon Coolpix S4100 is a difficult one, but don’t worry. This section would take you through a detailed walkthrough about both these cameras and help you choose the better one.
The Nikon Coolpix S3100
Originally released in 2011, the Nikon Coolpix S3100 is an easy to carry yet robust compact digital camera. It was designed for daily usage, and is still a hot favourite for many photographers worldwide. Let’s now delve in deeper and have a look at the features that this camera has to offer.
Robust Sensor
The Nikon CoolpixS3100 comes with a 14 MegaPixel CCD image sensor, ensuring clear cut images. This makes the digital camera ideal for capturing precious moments in the form of photographs.
Powerful Lens
Far from your subject? Don’t worry. The Nikon Coolpix S3100 comes with a Zoom-NIKKOR lens. This lens enables a 5x optical zoom, providing a 35mm equivalent focal length of 26-130mm, making it ideal to take shots from moderately far distances with ease without compromising image quality.
Reliable Processor
The Nikon Coolpix S3100 comes equipped with an EXPEED C2 Image Processor. This processor ensures proper functionality of the camera. This includes image processing, color reproduction, and noise reduction.
Different Video Recording Modes
The Nikon Coolpix S3100 offers two videographic options. Let’s have a look.
HD Video Recording (1280 x 720 Pixels)
The digital camera manages to capture videos at 720 pixels in High Definition in 30 Frames Per Second. This makes it equivalent to the mobile phone cameras of this generation, which is quite commendable itself.
Standard Video Recording (640 x 480 Pixels)
The camera also has a standard Definition recording feature, recording videos at 480 pixels in 30 Frames Per Second. Although a bit outdated, it still gives a retro feel for those who cherish a vintage display.
Easy To Carry Around
Talking of its weight, the Nikon Coolpix S3100 is a lightweight, ultra compact digital camera. It weighs approximately 118 grams (included with memory card and battery). The camera has dimensions of 93.5 x 57.5 x 18.4 mm. This adds up to the overall portability of the camera.
Ahead Of Its Time LCD Screen
The Nikon Coolpix S3100 consists of A 2.7 inch LCD screen, with 230,000 dots. It comes handy while clicking and reviewing clicked images, making you assess your photographs more efficiently.
Dedicated Internal Storage
The Nikon Coolpix S3100 boasts of a SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory card storage. Not only that, the camera also boasts of a dedicated internal storage of 45 mb. This used to be a big thing when this camera was launched.
Wide Color Varieties To Choose From
The Nikon Coolpix S3100 comes in an array of colors. You can choose the color which matches your personality and compliments your looks. Some of the color variants include black, blue, pink, red, and purple.
Device Specifications Of Nikon Coolpix S3100
Now that we have seen the features of the Nikon Coolpix S3100, it’s now time to have a glance at the specifications that this retro digital camera has to offer.
| Specifications | Description | Purpose |
| Sensor | 14MP CCD Image Sensor | Ideal for casual photography |
| Lens | Zoom-NIKKOR Glass Lens | Ensures clear images while zooming |
| Processor | EXPEED C2 | Image processing, color reproduction |
| ISO Sensitivity | 80-3200 | Good quality media in low light |
Shutter Speed | 1/2000 – 1 s | Fast movement photography |
| 4 s (Fireworks Scene Mode) | ||
| Connectivity | USB/AV output | Transferring media |
Storage | Internal (45 mb) | Media Storage in camera |
| SD/SDHC/SDXC | ||
| Battery | Li-ion battery EN-EL19 (NIkon) | 220 shots per charge (CIPA) |
Well, let’s now shed some light on the contemporary of this camera, the Nikon Coolpix S4100. Afterall, it would give you a clearer insight of the topic: Nikon Coolpix S3100 vs Nikon Coolpix S4100.
The Nikon Coolpix S4100
The counterpart of the S3100, the Nikon Coolpix S4100 was rolled out in the market in 2011, around the same time the S3100 was launched. This digital camera has aspects quite similar to its counterpart. Let’s have a detailed look at the features that this camera has to offer.
Reliable Sensor
Similar to its counterpart, the Nikon Coolpix S4100 is equipped with a 14 Megapixel CCD sensor. It helps you to get better shots at low light. Not only that, it was due to this sensor that these cameras were considered to be ahead of their time.
Efficient Lens
The Nikon Coolpix S4100 comes with a 5x optical zoom NIKKOR lens, which provides a 26-130mm equivalent focal length.This lens thus offers similar features in this regard, such as good quality while zooming.
Commendable Processor
The Coolpix S4100 comes with an EXPEED C2 Processor, the same processor used by its contemporary. It ensures similar functionalities such as proper image processing as well as color reproduction.
Video Recording
The Nikon Coolpix S4100 provides two video recording modes for you. This aspect is quite similar to that of the Coolpix S3100. Let’s have a look.
HD Recording (1280 x 720 pixels)
The S4100 is capable of recording HD videos up to 720 pixels in 30 Frames Per Second. The video format is motion JPEG.
SD Recording (640 x 480 pixels)
This digital camera also offers a Standard Definition video recording option. It manages to record videos in 480 pixels, 30 Frames Per Second.
Bigger LCD Screen With Touch Response
This is where the Coolpix S4100 gets an edge. You see, the S3100 comes with a 2.7 inch LCD display with button navigation. The S4100, on the other hand, comes with a 3 inch LCD display along with touchscreen navigation. This adds a tinge of modernity in this camera.
Highly Portable
The Nikon Coolpix S4100 is highly attributed to portability due to its lightweight design and ultra compact frame. The camera weighs approximately 130 grams (including battery and memory card) and has the dimensions 95.0 x 56.8 x 19.9 mm.
Internal Storage
Although the S4100 relies on SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards for its storage, it has also got a dedicated internal storage within the camera. The digital camera comes with an internal storage of approximately 20 mb.
Different Color Options
Much like the S3100, the Nikon Coolpix S4100 also has color options. You get to choose within 4 colors- black, plum, red and silver. Choose the one which suits you!
Specifications Of Nikon Coolpix S4100
Let’s now have a detailed look at the specifications that the Nikon Coolpix S4100 has to offer. Perhaps a table would help.
| Specifications | Description | Purpose |
| Sensor | 14MP CCD Image Sensor | Ideal for casual photography |
| Lens | Zoom-NIKKOR Glass Lens | Ensures clear images while zooming |
| Processor | EXPEED C2 | Image processing, color reproduction |
| ISO Sensitivity | 80-3200 | Good quality media in low light |
Shutter Speed | 1/2000 – 1 s | Fast movement photography |
| 4 s (Fireworks Scene Mode) | ||
| Connectivity | USB/AV output | Transferring media |
Storage | Internal (20 mb) | Media Storage in camera |
| SD/SDHC/SDXC | ||
| Battery | Li-ion battery EN-EL19 (Nikon) | 200 shots per charge (CIPA) |
A Comparison
Now that we have seen the features and specifications of these cameras, let’s have a comparison chart which would help us decide the winner of the Nikon Coolpix S3100 vs Nikon Coolpix S4100 contest.
Nikon Coolpix S3100 vs Nikon Coolpix S4100 (Comparison)
| Parameters | Nikon Coolpix S3100 | Nikon Coolpix S4100 |
| LCD Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Navigation | No | Yes |
| Internal Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Capacity | 45 mb | 20 mb |
| Price | $20-$250 (Second Hand) | $20-$200 (Second Hand) |
Which One Is The Better Choice?
Well, you have seen the features and specifications of both these cameras. When it comes to specs, the Nikon Coolpix S4100 and the Nikon Coolpix S3100 are almost similar. The truth is, it is impossible to rule out one of these cameras as a clear winner. So, what should you do? The answer lies in your preference.
If you are someone who cherishes a retro feel, then the Nikon Coolpix S3100 would be the perfect choice for you. The compact LCD screen along with button navigation makes it a demanding camera for retro enthusiasts.
However, if you are someone who is more inclined towards modernity, then the Nikon Coolpix S4100 would be ideal for you. The touchscreen navigation gives you a feeling of modern tech- it would feel as if you are operating a smartphone.
Wrapping Up
The Nikon Coolpix S3100 and S4100 are undoubtedly legendary cameras of their time. Although technological advancements have pushed them into the category of retro cameras, these cameras can still deliver clear shots. Afterall, cameras like these are considered to be the Picasso of the digital camera era.
To address the Nikon Coolpix S3100 vs Nikon Coolpix S4100 debate, there is no clear winner among these cameras. You need to choose the right one for yourself according to your niche and preferences. With that being said, the comparison comes to an end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Camera Should A Retro Enthusiast Buy?
If you are someone who is into retro cameras, then the Nikon Coolpix S3100 would be a great choice for you.
Which Camera Is More Affordable Among The Two?
These cameras are no longer in production, and hence you would have to buy these second hand. However, if you are lucky, then the Coolpix S3100 would cost you a bit less than the S4100.
Which Camera Would Be A Better Option?
As mentioned before, these cameras are incomparable. Both these cameras are suitable for persons with different tastes.
