Canon A3100 IS vs Nikon S31

On this page, we are matching up the Canon A3100 IS and Nikon S31, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Waterproof by brands Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the A3100 IS (12MP) and the S31 (10MP) is fairly well matched but the A3100 IS (1/2.3") and S31 (1/2.9") offer different sensor size.

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The A3100 IS was launched 4 years prior to the S31 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the A3100 IS scores vs the S31 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot A3100 IS & Nikon Coolpix S31. The complete galleries are provided at Canon A3100 IS Gallery & Nikon S31 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon A3100 IS comes with external dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 28mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Nikon S31 has measurements of 105mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs).

Examine the Canon A3100 IS and Nikon S31 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the A3100 IS vs the S31.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A3100 IS and S31 is 94 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to picture the difference between sensor measurements simply by checking specs. The visual underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the A3100 IS and S31.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The A3100 IS featuring a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Canon A3100 IS will give you greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older A3100 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.