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Nikon S6100 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Nikon S6100

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    Main Features

    • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 3200
    • 28-196 mm F3.7-5.6 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • 1.0fps continuous shooting
    • 175g. 98 x 58 x 27 mm
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon S6100 Overview

    First introduced in February 2011 , Nikon Coolpix S6100 is a 16.0MP Small Sensor Compact camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 7.0x zoom 28-196 mm F3.7-5.6 lens.

    Nikon S6100 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Nikon S6100 is a member of Nikon's Small Sensor Compact class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Nikon Small Sensor Compact Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Nikon S33
    Compare
    2015 13.0MP - 1/3.1' 4.7 fps 110 x 66 x 27mm 221g
    Nikon P340
    Compare
    2014 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch 10.0 fps 103 x 58 x 32mm 194g
    Nikon S5300
    Compare
    2014 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 7.0 fps 97 x 58 x 21mm 138g
    Nikon S3600
    Compare
    2014 20.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 1.0 fps 97 x 58 x 20mm 125g
    Nikon P7800
    Compare
    2013 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch 8.0 fps 119 x 78 x 50mm 399g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side-by-side:
    Nikon S33 vs P340 vs S5300 vs S3600 vs P7800


    **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.

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    Nikon S6100 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon S6100 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Touch Screen
    Face Detection Focusing
    Face Detection Focusing
    175g Light Body
    Manual Focusing
    20 MB Internal Storage
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon S6100 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Full HD Video
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Low Battery Life: 210 shots
    No Manual Exposure
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.70
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.60

    Report a correction


    Nikon S6100 Physical Specs
    Nikon S6100 weighs 175 g (0.39 lb / 6.17 oz) and has external dimensions of 98 x 58 x 27 mm (3.86 x 2.28 x 1.06″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 27mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon S6100
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon S6100
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon S6100 with the dimensions:

    Nikon S6100 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon S6100 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon S6100, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon S6100 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon S6100 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Nikon S6100 with its main competitors:

    Nikon S6100 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs S6100 Thickness vs S6100
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S6300
    Compare
    160g 15g lighter 26mm 1mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S6000
    Compare
    156g 19g lighter 25mm 2mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S4100
    Compare
    g 175g lighter 20mm 7mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S3300
    Compare
    128g 47g lighter 19mm 8mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S6500
    Compare
    250g 75g heavier 26mm 1mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S7000
    Compare
    165g 10g lighter 27mm equal thickness
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S3600
    Compare
    125g 50g lighter 20mm 7mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S8100
    Compare
    180g 5g heavier 30mm 3mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon S6100 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Nikon S6100 Lens

    Nikon S6100 features a 28-196 mm F3.7-5.6 7× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm and 196mm reach on tele gives a lot of flexibility and satisfy most of your needs.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    S6100
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    S6100
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.70 at 28mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end and neither at tele end with its f5.60.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    S6100
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    S6100
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    S6100 is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Nikon S6100's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Nikon S6100 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon S6100 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Expeed C2 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. S6100 has a native ISO range of 80 - 3200 but unfortunately, Nikon S6100 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Canon PowerShot S100 in the same price range.

    Nikon S6100 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero11 Black with its 27.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon S6100 vs GoPro Hero11 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon S6100's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon S6100 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon S6100 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Nikon S6100 LCD

    Nikon S6100 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 460k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    Nikon S6100 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Nikon Coolpix S6100 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    S6100 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (Lumix DMC-TZ100) (Compare) or Nikon Coolpix P7800 (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Compact cameras with viewfinder..

    Nikon S6100 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect S6100 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Nikon S6100 Battery

    Nikon S6100 is powered by EN-EL12 battery which provides a battery life of 210 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 256 shots, Nikon S6100 has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend S6100 owners to invest in some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Compact Cameras

    Nikon S6100
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm X30 with its 470shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Compact cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon S6100 vs Fujifilm X30 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Nikon S6100 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S6300
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 230shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S6000
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S4100
    Compare
    1280 x 720 190shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S3300
    Compare
    1280 x 720 180shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S6500
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S7000
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 180shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S3600
    Compare
    1280 x 720 230shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Camera Nikon S8100
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 220shots No No No

    Nikon S6100 Video Features

    With Nikon S6100, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30 fps and save in MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

    Video Resolutions Comparison Chart



    Microphones, Speaker and Headphone Connections

    Nikon Coolpix S6100 has a built-in Stereo microphone but no speaker. On the other hand, Nikon S6100 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    If you are getting into videography and want to know what are the must-have video accessories for your camera, read our article:
    Essential Videography / Filmmaking Accessories for your Camera

    Nikon S6100 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon S6100 can shoot continuously at max speed of 1 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately S6100 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Nikon S6100 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

    Nikon S6100 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.



    What type of Photography is Nikon S6100 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon S6100 in 5 different photography areas.

    Nikon S6100 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon S6100 has a score of 27 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theS6100.
    Image Stabilization
    Manual Focus Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon S6100 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon S6100 for Street Photography

    Nikon S6100 has a score of 60 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small Body

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon S6100 for Street Photography

    Nikon S6100 for Sports Photography

    Nikon S6100 has a score of 18 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theS6100.
    Manual Focus Mode
    Image Stabilization
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    196 mm Tele Lens

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon S6100 for Sports Photography

    Nikon S6100 for Daily Photography

    Nikon S6100 has a score of 56 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    175g
    7.0X Optical Zoom

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon S6100 for Daily Photography

    Nikon S6100 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon S6100 has a score of 21 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theS6100.
    Manual Focus Mode
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon S6100 for Landscape Photography
    Nikon S6100 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon S6100 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon S6100 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon S6100

    Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Nikon S6100 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon S6300
    Nikon S6300
    Compare
    Nikon S6000
    Nikon S6000
    Compare
    Nikon S4100
    Nikon S4100
    Compare
    Nikon S3300
    Nikon S3300
    Compare
    Nikon S6500
    Nikon S6500
    Compare
    Nikon S7000
    Nikon S7000
    Compare
    Nikon S3600
    Nikon S3600
    Compare
    Nikon S8100
    Nikon S8100
    Compare

    Nikon S6100 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon S6100 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Nikon S6100's price range.

    Nikon S6100 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Nikon S6100 has an Overall Score of 38/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Nikon Coolpix S6100 is ranked #189 out of 631 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #793 out of 1259 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #793 out of 1259 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #189 out of 631 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #52 out of 262 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Compact Cameras
    #277 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #303 out of 536 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(175g)
    #466 out of 918 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen
    Geek Score: 0

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon S6100
    Does the Nikon S6100 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon S6100 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon S6100 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon S6100 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon S6100?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon S6100?
    is the Nikon S6100 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon S6100 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon S6100 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon S6100?
    What is the Weight of Nikon S6100?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon S6100?
    Nikon Coolpix S6100 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon Coolpix S6100
    Announced 2011-02-09
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 28-196 mm (7×)
    Max Aperture F3.7-5.6
    Macro Focus Range 3cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT touchscreen LCD with Anti-reflection coating
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 460k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 4s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Max Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation n/a
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 4.50 m
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 16 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3456
    Max Native ISO 3,200
    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 Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720p (30fps), 640 x 480 (30fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats MPEG-4, Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 175g
    Physical Dimensions 98 x 58 x 27mm
    Battery Life 210 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model EN-EL12
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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