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Nikon S9100 vs Nikon S9300 Comparison

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Nikon S9100

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

Nikon S9100
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Nikon S9300

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

Nikon S9300
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Nikon S9100 vs Nikon S9300 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the S9100 and the S9300, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by Nikon. Nikon S9100 was introduced to the market in July 2011 and Nikon S9300 was launched in July 2012. There is 12 months difference between S9100 and S9300 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger S9300, especially in sensor tech.

S9100 and S9300 are members of Nikon's S9XXX series of cameras. Below you can find the latest models from this series.

Nikon S9XXX Series History
Model Release Date Sensor Dimensions Weight
Nikon S9900
  
2015 16.0MP - 1/2.3' 112 x 66 x 40mm 289g
Nikon S9700
  
2014 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 110 x 64 x 35mm 232g
Nikon S9500
  
2013 18.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 110 x 60 x 31mm 205g
Nikon S9300
2012 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 109 x 62 x 31mm 215g
Nikon S9100
2011 12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 105 x 62 x 35mm 214g

Here is a brief look at the main features of the Nikon S9100 and Nikon S9300 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon S9100 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-07-19
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 160 - 3200
  • 25-450 mm F3.5-5.9 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 10.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 240fps High-Speed Video
  • 214g. 105 x 62 x 35 mm

Nikon S9300 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2012-07-16
  • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 3200
  • 25-450 mm F3.5-5.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 6.9fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 120fps High-Speed Video
  • Built-in GPS
  • 215g. 109 x 62 x 31 mm
  • Replaced Nikon Coolpix S9100 Compare

Nikon S9300 was replaced by Nikon Coolpix S9500. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon Coolpix S9500 vs Nikon Coolpix S9300
Nikon Coolpix S9500 vs Nikon Coolpix S9100

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Nikon S9100 and Nikon S9300 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix S9100 over Nikon Coolpix S9300
Continuous Shooting
10.0fps vs 6.9fps 3.1 fps faster
Battery Life
270 shots vs 200 shots 70 more frames with a single charge
Weight
214 g vs 215 g 1 g lighter
Sensor Pixel Area
2.34µm2 vs 1.76µm2 32% larger pixel area
CHECK S9100 PRICE


Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix S9300 over Nikon Coolpix S9100
GPS
BuiltIn vs None track your location
Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 12 MP 33% more pixels
Max Mech. Shutter
1/8000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
CHECK S9300 PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix S9100 and Nikon Coolpix S9300
Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift 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 Resolution
921k dots vs 921k dots High resolution screens
Max Continuous Shooting
10.0fps vs 6.9fps Fast shooting speeds
Focal Length - Tele
450mm vs 450mm Very good Telezoom
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix S9100 and Nikon Coolpix S9300
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No Screen tilts or Flips out independently, perfect for both stills and video
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
Manual Exposure
No vs No No manual exposure control
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Max Aperture - Tele
5.90 vs 5.90 Slow lenses at tele
Nikon S9100 vs Nikon S9300: Physical Specs and Body Features Comparison

Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, we are going to illustrate the Nikon S9100 and Nikon S9300 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon S9100 has external dimensions of 105 x 62 x 35 mm (4.13 x 2.44 x 1.38″) and weighs 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz) (including batteries). Nikon S9300 has external dimensions of 109 x 62 x 31 mm (4.29 x 2.44 x 1.22″) and weighs 215 g (0.47 lb / 7.58 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon S9100 and the Nikon S9300.

Nikon S9100 vs Nikon S9300 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of the Nikon S9100 and the Nikon S9300 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon S9100 and Nikon S9300.

Nikon S9100 vs Nikon S9300 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of the Nikon S9100 and the Nikon S9300 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon S9100 and Nikon S9300.
Nikon S9100 vs Nikon S9300 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of the Nikon S9100 and the the Nikon S9300 Size

Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon S9100 is 1g lighter than the Nikon S9300 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

S9100
S9300
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

S9100
S9300
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix S9100 nor Nikon Coolpix S9300 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, 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 S9100 and Nikon S9300's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.


Nikon S9100 vs Nikon S9300: Sensor Comparison

Nikon S9100 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 S9300 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor .

Below you can see the S9100 and S9300 sensor size comparison.

Nikon S9100 vs Nikon S9300 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon S9100 and Nikon S9300 Cameras


Nikon S9100 and Nikon S9300 have the same 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 S9100 has 32% larger pixel area compared to Nikon S9300, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Nikon S9100 vs Nikon S9300 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon S9100 and Nikon S9300 features 25-450 mm F3.5-5.9 18× zoom lenses so they have the same focal range and light collecting ability.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 25mm and have the same max aperture of f3.50 at this focal length. Both cameras have a tele angle reach of 450mm and have the same max aperture of f5.90 at this focal length.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

S9100
S9300
Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

S9100
S9300
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

S9100
S9300
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

S9100
S9300
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon S9100 and Nikon S9300 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon S9100 and Nikon S9300 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 S9100 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Nikon S9300 for Portrait Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus 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 Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Image Stabilization
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 Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon S9100 for Street Photography

GOOD

Nikon S9300 for Street Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
25 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

Nikon S9100 for Sports Photography

POOR

Nikon S9300 for Sports Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
450 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 270 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Fast Continuous Shooting: 6.9fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
450 mm Tele Lens
Average Continuous Shooting: 6.9fps
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Unknown Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 200 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Nikon S9100 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon S9300 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE
Compact Body
214g
18.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
Compact Body
215g
18.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Nikon S9100 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Nikon S9300 for Landscape Photography

POOR
Manual Focus Mode
25 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 Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Built-in GPS
25 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 Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon S9100 vs Nikon S9300: 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 S9100 and Nikon S9300, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 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 S9100 and Nikon S9300 scores compare:

Nikon S9100
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #175 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #773 out of 1259 in all Cameras
Nikon S9300
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #207 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #824 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Nikon S9100 has a higher Overall Score than the Nikon S9300 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Nikon S9100
Nikon S9100
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Nikon S9300
Nikon S9300
CHECK PRICE

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Nikon S9300 vs Nikon S9100 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix S9100 Nikon Coolpix S9300
Brand Nikon Nikon
Announced 2011-07-19 2012-07-16
Body Type Compact Compact
Sensor
Type BSI-CMOS BSI-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 25-450 mm (18×) 25-450 mm (18×)
Max Aperture F3.5-5.9 F3.5-5.9
Macro Focus Range 4cm 4cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3.00" 3.00"
Resolution 921k dots 921k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/8000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Sensor-shift Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 4.00 m n/a
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps 6.9 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080
Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 214g 215g
Dimensions 105 x 62 x 35mm 109 x 62 x 31mm
Battery Life 270 shots 200 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None Built-in
DxO Sensor Scores
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