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Nikon P300 vs Nikon S100 Comparison

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Nikon P300

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

Nikon P300
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Nikon S100

16 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS Sensor

Nikon S100
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Nikon P300 vs Nikon S100 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing P300 and S100, two Small Sensor Compact cameras by Nikon. Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Nikon P300 has a 12.0 MP and Nikon S100 has a 16.0 MP resolution. Nikon P300 was introduced to market in May 2011 and Nikon S100 was launched in August 2011. There is only 3 months difference between P300 and S100 so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and technology level.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon P300 and Nikon S100 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon P300 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-05-31
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 160 - 3200
  • 24-100 mm F1.8-4.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 7 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 120fps High-Speed Video
  • 189g. 103 x 58 x 32 mm

Nikon S100 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-08-24
  • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 3200
  • 28-140 mm F3.9-4.8 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.5" Fixed Type Screen
  • 6 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 175g. 99 x 65 x 18 mm

Nikon P300 was replaced by Nikon Coolpix P310. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Nikon Coolpix P300
Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Nikon Coolpix S100

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon P300 and Nikon S100 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix P300 over Nikon Coolpix S100
LCD Screen Resolution
922k dots vs 820k dots 12% higher resolution screen
Continuous Shooting
7.0fps vs 6.0fps 1 fps faster
Battery Life
240 shots vs 150 shots 90 more frames with a single charge
Manual Exposure
Yes vs No better exposure control
Focal Length - Wide
24mm vs 28mm 4 mm wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide
1.80 vs 3.90 faster lens at wide
Sensor Pixel Area
2.34µm2 vs 1.76µm2 32% larger pixel area


Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix S100 over Nikon Coolpix P300
Touch Screen
Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
Max Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 12 MP 33% more pixels
LCD Screen Size
3.5" vs 3" 0.5 inches larger display
Weight
175 g vs 189 g 14 g lighter
Focal Length - Tele
140mm vs 100mm 40 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
5× vs 4.2× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Tele
4.80 vs 4.90 faster lens at tele

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix P300 and Nikon Coolpix S100
Image Stabilization
Optical vs Optical Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
LCD Screen Size
3" vs 3.5" Large display
Continuous Shooting
7.0fps vs 6.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix P300 and Nikon Coolpix S100
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe
No vs No Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder
None vs None No eye-level shooting option
RAW Support
No vs No Lower image quality
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
New4
Nikon P300 vs Nikon S100: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Nikon P300 and Nikon S100 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon P300 has external dimensions of 103 x 58 x 32 mm (4.06 x 2.28 x 1.26″) and weighs 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz) (including batteries). Nikon S100 has external dimensions of 99 x 65 x 18 mm (3.9 x 2.56 x 0.71″) and weighs 175 g (0.39 lb / 6.17 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon P300 and Nikon S100. Nikon S100 is 4mm narrower and 14mm thinner than Nikon P300 but it is also 7mm taller.

Nikon P300 vs Nikon S100 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon P300 and Nikon S100 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon P300 and Nikon S100.

Nikon P300 vs Nikon S100 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Nikon P300 and Nikon S100 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon P300 and Nikon S100.
Nikon P300 vs Nikon S100 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon P300 and Nikon S100 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon S100 is 14g lighter than the Nikon P300 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

P300
S100
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

P300
S100
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix P300 nor Nikon Coolpix S100 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon S100's 3.5" LCD screen is slightly larger than Nikon P300's 3" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Nikon P300 vs Nikon S100: Sensor Comparison

Nikon P300 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed C2 processor. On the other hand, Nikon S100 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed C2 processor.

Below you can see the P300 and S100 sensor size comparison.

Nikon P300 vs Nikon S100 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon P300 and Nikon S100 Cameras


Nikon P300 and Nikon S100 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Nikon P300 has 32% larger pixel area compared to Nikon S100, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Nikon P300 vs Nikon S100 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon P300 features a 24-100 mm F1.8-4.9 4.2× zoom lens whereas Nikon S100 features a 28-140 mm F3.9-4.8 5× zoom lens.

Nikon P300 has 4mm wider coverage than the Nikon S100. At f1.80, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Nikon S100 has 40mm longer reach than the Nikon P300. At f4.80, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

P300
S100
Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

P300
S100
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

P300
S100
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

P300
S100
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon P300 and Nikon S100 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon P300 and Nikon S100 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Nikon P300 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Nikon S100 for Portrait Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon P300 for Street Photography

GOOD

Nikon S100 for Street Photography

GOOD
Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f1.80
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Slow Lens at Wide: f3.90
Read the details

Nikon P300 for Sports Photography

POOR

Nikon S100 for Sports Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 7.0fps
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 240 shots
100 mm Tele Lens
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Average Continuous Shooting: 6.0fps
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
140 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Unknown Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 150 shots
Read the details

Nikon P300 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon S100 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE
Compact Body
189g
4.2X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
Compact Body
175g
Body Thickness 18mm
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Nikon P300 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Nikon S100 for Landscape Photography

POOR
Manual Exposure Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Manual Focus Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon P300 vs Nikon S100: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Nikon P300 and Nikon S100, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Nikon P300 and Nikon S100 scores compare:

Nikon P300
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #177 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #732 out of 1223 in all Cameras
Nikon S100
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #160 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #695 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Nikon S100 is the clear winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Nikon P300 in all criteria.
It has better general image quality, more features, more compact body and offers more value for the money

Nikon P300
Nikon P300
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Nikon S100
Nikon S100
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Nikon S100 vs Nikon P300 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix P300 Nikon Coolpix S100
Brand Nikon Nikon
Announced 2011-05-31 2011-08-24
Body Type Compact Compact
Sensor
Type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Size 1/2.3-inch 1/2.3-inch
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area 28.07mm2 28.07mm2
Megapixels 12 megapixels 16 megapixels
Max Resolution 4000 x 3000 4608 x 3456
Max Native Light sensitivity 3,200 ISO 3,200 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 160 ISO 125 ISO
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 n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 24-100 mm (4.2×) 28-140 mm (5×)
Max Aperture F1.8-4.9 F3.9-4.8
Macro Focus Range 3cm 1cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3" 3.5"
Resolution 922k dots 820k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Optical Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 6.50 m n/a
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps 6.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080
Video Formats H.264, Motion JPEG MPEG-4, Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 189g 175g
Dimensions 103 x 58 x 32mm 99 x 65 x 18mm
Battery Life 240 shots 150 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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