Samsung SL620 vs Nikon S3100 Comparison

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Samsung SL620

12 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

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Nikon S3100

14 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD Sensor

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Samsung SL620

Nikon S3100

Samsung SL620

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Nikon S3100

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Samsung SL620 vs Nikon S3100 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the SL620 and the S3100, two Ultracompact cameras from Samsung and Nikon. Samsung SL620 was introduced to the market in February 2009 and Nikon S3100 was launched in February 2011. As you can see, SL620 is 2 years older than S3100. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of the Samsung SL620 and Nikon S3100 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Samsung SL620 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2009-02-17

12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 1600

35-175 mm F2.8-5.7 Zoom Lens

2.70" Fixed Type Screen

fps continuous shooting

- 640 x 480 video resolution

168g. 92 x 61 x 23 mm

Also known as PL65

Nikon S3100 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2011-02-09

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 3200

26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 Zoom Lens

2.70" Fixed Type Screen

1.0fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

118g. 94 x 58 x 18 mm

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Samsung SL620 and Nikon S3100 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reasons to choose Samsung SL620 over Nikon Coolpix S3100

Focal Length - Tele	175mm vs 130mm	45 mm longer tele reach
Max Aperture - Wide	2.80 vs 3.20	faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele	5.70 vs 6.50	faster lens at tele

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Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix S3100 over Samsung SL620

Internal Storage	45 MB vs 30 MB	More built-in storage
Sensor Resolution	14 MP vs 12 MP	16% more pixels
Max Native ISO	3.200 vs 1.600	100% higher Max Native ISO
Weight	118 g vs 168 g	50 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide	26mm vs 35mm	9 mm wider coverage
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720 vs 640 x 480	Higher Resolution Video

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Common Strengths of Samsung SL620 and Nikon Coolpix S3100

Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs Yes	Easy focusing on portrait shots

Common Weaknesses of Samsung SL620 and Nikon Coolpix S3100

In-body Image Stabilization	No vs No	No Built-in stabilization
Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs Fixed Type	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
LCD Screen Size	2.70" vs 2.70"	Small display
LCD Screen Resolution	230k dots vs 230k dots	Low resolution screens
Manual Focusing	No vs No	No manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure	No vs No	No manual exposure control
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions
Max Aperture - Tele	5.70 vs 6.50	Slow lenses at tele

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Samsung SL620 vs Nikon S3100: 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 Samsung SL620 and Nikon S3100 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Samsung SL620 has external dimensions of 92 x 61 x 23 mm (3.62 x 2.4 x 0.91″) and weighs 168 g (0.37 lb / 5.93 oz) (including batteries). Nikon S3100 has external dimensions of 94 x 58 x 18 mm (3.7 x 2.28 x 0.71″) and weighs 118 g (0.26 lb / 4.16 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Samsung SL620 and the Nikon S3100. Nikon S3100 is 3mm shorter and 5mm thinner than Samsung SL620 but it is also 2mm wider.

Comparison image of the Samsung SL620 and the Nikon S3100 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Samsung SL620 and Nikon S3100.

Comparison image of the Samsung SL620 and the Nikon S3100 Size and Weight - Back View

Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon S3100 is significantly lighter (50g ) than the Samsung SL620 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

SL620

S3100

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

SL620

S3100

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither the Samsung SL620 (PL65) nor Nikon Coolpix S3100 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

Samsung SL620 and Nikon S3100's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 2.70 inches.

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

Samsung SL620 vs Nikon S3100: Sensor Comparison

Samsung SL620 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Nikon S3100 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Expeed C2 processor.

Below you can see the SL620 and S3100 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Samsung SL620 and Nikon S3100 Cameras

Samsung SL620 and Nikon S3100 have almost the same sensor size, so neither of them has any significant advantage over the other in terms of providing control over depth of field when used with the same focal length and aperture.

Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the Samsung SL620 or the Nikon S3100, including hyperfocal distance.

Samsung SL620 vs Nikon S3100 Lens Specs Comparison

Samsung SL620 features a 35-175 mm F2.8-5.7 5× zoom lens whereas Nikon S3100 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens.

Nikon S3100 has 9mm wider coverage than the Samsung SL620. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.80, Samsung SL620 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Samsung SL620 has 45mm longer reach than the Nikon S3100. At f5.70, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

SL620

S3100

Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

SL620

S3100

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

SL620

S3100

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

SL620

S3100

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Samsung SL620 and Nikon S3100 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Samsung SL620 and Nikon S3100 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.

Samsung SL620 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Nikon S3100 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
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

Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
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

Samsung SL620 for Street Photography

POOR

Nikon S3100 for Street Photography

POOR

Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

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

Samsung SL620 for Sports Photography

POOR

Nikon S3100 for Sports Photography

POOR

Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
175 mm Tele Lens
No Image Stabilization
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
Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.70
Read the details

Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
130 mm Tele Lens
No Image Stabilization
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
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 220 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
Read the details

Samsung SL620 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon S3100 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Compact Body
168g
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Compact Body
118g
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

Samsung SL620 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Nikon S3100 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
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

Samsung SL620 vs Nikon S3100: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision regarding which camera best suits your needs and budget. However, if you're curious about how we rated the Samsung SL620 and the Nikon S3100, below you'll find their scores across 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 Samsung SL620 and Nikon S3100 scores compare:

Samsung SL620

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #123 out of 156 in Ultracompact cameras
Ranked #1281 out of 1384 in all Cameras

Nikon S3100

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #114 out of 156 in Ultracompact cameras
Ranked #1248 out of 1384 in all Cameras

Nikon S3100 is the clear winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Samsung SL620 in all criteria.
It has better general image quality, more features, more compact body and offers more value for the money

Samsung SL620

Check price at AMAZON

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Nikon S3100

Check price at AMAZON

Check price at B&H PHOTO

General	Samsung SL620	Nikon Coolpix S3100
Brand	Samsung	Nikon
Announced	2009-02-17	2011-02-09
Body Type	Ultracompact	Ultracompact
Sensor
Type	CCD	CCD
Size	1/2.3-inch	1/2.3-inch
Dimensions	6.08 x 4.56 mm	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area	27.72mm²	28.07mm²
Megapixels	12 megapixels	14 megapixels
Max Resolution	4000 x 3000	4320 x 3240
Max Native Light sensitivity	1,600 ISO	3,200 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	80 ISO	80 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	n/a	9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	35-175 mm (5×)	26-130 mm (5×)
Max Aperture	F2.8-5.7	F3.2-6.5
Macro Focus Range	5cm	10cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	2.70"	2.70"
Resolution	230k dots	230k 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
Built-in Image Stabilization	No	No
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	4.60 m	4.50 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	n/a	1.0 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	640 x 480	1280 x 720
Video Formats	Motion JPEG	Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	168g	118g
Dimensions	92 x 61 x 23mm	94 x 58 x 18mm
Battery Life	n/a	220 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction

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