Canon PowerShot A3300 IS vs Nikon Coolpix S30: A Hands-On Compact Camera Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting the right compact camera in today’s market can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when you’re balancing budget considerations with practical performance needs. In this detailed comparison, I dive deeply into two modestly priced, small sensor compacts that once held appeal for casual photographers but still find relevance for those craving simple, lightweight options: the Canon PowerShot A3300 IS and the Nikon Coolpix S30.

Both cameras are firmly rooted in the early 2010s compact scene, yet their design philosophies, technical features, and overall user experiences differ in ways that matter more than you might expect for day-to-day photography. You’ll find this article packed with my firsthand insights - derived from hands-on use, careful technical analysis, and direct field tests - aimed at helping you make an informed decision based not just on specs but real-world value.

Let’s begin by sizing up these contenders - physically and technically.

Size and Ergonomics: How They Feel in Your Hands

When you first pick up the Canon A3300 IS and Nikon S30, the differences are noticeable. The Canon is decidedly smaller and thinner (95x57x24 mm at 149g) compared to the Nikon’s chunkier build (102x65x40 mm at 214g). For everyday carry, the Canon feels pocketable and light - ideal if you want a true grab-and-go camera.

The Nikon’s weight and girth stem partly from its ruggedized design; it offers environmental sealing, which I’ll touch on later, but it also means you’re carrying a bulkier camera. This extra heft can translate to a steadier feel in hand, but it’s a trade-off if portability is your top priority.

Ergonomically, the Canon’s compact shape limits the size and layout of buttons, but it manages a straightforward, if minimal, control scheme. Nikon, on the other hand, offers a chunkier grip area, which I found easier to hold securely, especially when shooting for extended periods.

Both cameras use fixed lenses and lack manual focus controls, which fosters simplicity but restricts creative freedom. The Nikon’s reliance on AA batteries means you can source power globally - very handy - but these are less energy dense than Canon’s NB-8L rechargeable battery pack, potentially influencing extended shooting sessions.

Looking Deeper: Sensor Size and Image Quality Potential

This is where the story really begins to diverge. The Canon A3300 uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor with a 16MP resolution - respectable for its class, offering 4608x3456 maximum image size. The Nikon S30 employs a smaller 1/3" 10MP CCD sensor at 3648x2736 pixels.

Why does sensor size matter? Larger sensors physically capture more light and generally yield better image quality, crucial for dynamic range, low-light performance, and noise control. When I tested these cameras in earlier lab setups, the Canon consistently outperformed the Nikon under all but very bright conditions.

That said, neither sensor is large by today’s standards - both sit well below Micro Four Thirds or APS-C sizes found in advanced compacts or DSLRs. So while the Canon’s sensor holds an edge, you should temper expectations accordingly; these cameras excel best in well-lit environments.

Both sensors feature anti-aliasing filters (helping reduce moiré patterns), but the Canon’s 16MP resolution brings higher detail, more room for cropping, and better prints up to 8x10 inches or larger.

Control Layout and User Interface: Speed and Intuition Matter

On the Canon A3300 IS, the top deck keeps things minimal - no mode dials, just a shutter button and a zoom rocker, plus the power switch. It’s simple, but such limited control means you won’t find dedicated buttons for ISO or exposure adjustment. Exposure compensation is absent, although customizable white balance is available.

Nikon’s S30 shares this simplistic control scheme, with just a few buttons and a zoom rocker. Notably, the Nikon lacks image stabilization, so the optical IS on Canon is a definite advantage when handheld or in low light.

Both cameras lack touchscreen or articulated screens, which feels dated now but was typical for compact models of their generation.

Speaking of screens…

LCD Screen Quality and Live View Performance: A Window to Your Image

The Canon A3300 sports a 3-inch fixed LCD with 230k dots, slightly larger than the Nikon’s 2.7-inch screen, also at 230k dots. Image preview clarity is similar, but the larger size on Canon makes framing and menu navigation easier in practice.

Neither camera offers touchscreen interaction, which means all adjustments rely on physical buttons - a cumbersome approach for novices but adequate once you memorise the layouts.

Canon’s live view autofocus performs more reliably during preview, while the Nikon’s contrast-detect AF is slower and less consistent, particularly in low light or when tracking moving subjects.

Autofocus Systems Compared: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

For such entry-level compacts, autofocus systems are naturally limited. The Canon A3300 IS utilizes a 9-point contrast-detection AF with face detection and continuous autofocus modes. Its AF response is relatively quick indoors and outdoors, with decent accuracy for casual shooting.

The Nikon Coolpix S30 employs a contrast-detection AF with an unknown number of focus points. Interestingly, it doesn’t support continuous or tracking AF, meaning focusing tends to lock once and not follow moving subjects.

For scenarios like portraits and street photography where you want dependable eye-detection and precise focus, Canon’s setup is clearly superior.

Image Stabilization and Burst Shooting: Getting the Shot Sharper and Faster

If you shoot handheld, optical image stabilization (OIS) is a real advantage. The Canon A3300 has optical IS, which I found crucial in lower shutter speeds to reduce blur. Nikon’s S30 notably omits any image stabilization, which can lead to more soft images unless lighting is ample.

Regarding continuous shooting, both cameras are slow - Canon at 1 frame per second (fps), Nikon slightly faster at 1.5 fps. These rates are insufficient for sports or wildlife action sequences but adequate for casual snapshots.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Focal Range Matter?

The Canon’s 5x zoom lens covers 28-140mm (equiv.), giving a fairly versatile reach for landscapes to moderate telephoto portraits.

The Nikon’s 3x zoom ranges 29-87mm, a noticeably narrower scope, favoring wide-to-short-telephoto shots but limiting reach for distant subjects.

Optical quality on both was average for fixed zooms of their time, but I observed slightly better sharpness towards the telephoto end on the Canon.

Close focusing distance favors Canon again: 3cm vs. Nikon’s 5cm macro capability. So Canon edges ahead in close-up shooting versatility.

Build Quality and Weather Protection: Ready for the Elements?

If you’re an enthusiast who occasionally wants to shoot in environments that aren’t pristine, Nikon’s Coolpix S30 is sealed against environmental factors - dust and light moisture. This adds practical reliability if you take your camera hiking or to damp locations.

The Canon is not weather sealed, meaning you should be cautious around dust, rain, or harsh conditions.

Neither camera is fully waterproof or shockproof.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery life is quite similar: Nikon S30 offers a slight edge at approximately 240 shots per charge (using two AA batteries), while Canon promises around 230 shots per charge with the NB-8L battery.

The Canon’s proprietary rechargeable battery coupled with USB charging offers convenience if you can recharge regularly; Nikon’s AA batteries mean on-the-go replacements worldwide but at a potential cost of more frequent purchases.

Both cameras use single SD card slots supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC formats, so you won’t find dual card redundancy here.

Video Capabilities: Supporting Your Multimedia Needs

Both cameras record HD video at a maximum of 720p:

• Canon A3300 IS: 1280x720 @ 24fps; also VGA and QVGA options.
• Nikon S30: 1280x720 @ 30fps.

Neither offers full HD (1080p) or 4K, unsurprising given their era. Neither has external mic or headphone jacks, limiting audio control.

In my tests, Nikon’s video autofocus was less reliable and often hunted noticeably. Canon’s optical image stabilization noticeably improves handheld video stability, while Nikon lacks any IS.

Overall, video on either is basic and more suited for casual family or travel clips than professional tasks.

Real-World Performance: Photo Quality and Sample Images

Canon A3300 IS front Canon A3300 IS screen back Nikon S30 front Nikon S30 screen back

In examining real shooting scenarios - portrait, landscape, and casual snapshots - the Canon consistently produced cleaner, sharper images with better color reproduction. Skin tones on Canon rendered more naturally, with softer bokeh due to its slightly faster aperture starting at f/2.8 wide-angle.

The Nikon images tended towards lower resolution, and even at their maximal ISO 1600, noise was more apparent on its smaller sensor.

Landscape shots on both were serviceable but limited in dynamic range and fine detail - typical for small sensor compacts.

Portraits benefited from Canon’s face detection AF and more forgiving optics. The Nikon is better suited to bright, controlled lighting situations.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

I scored each camera across key parameters: image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, battery, and value.

Canon PowerShot A3300 IS: Strong in image quality and stabilization, moderate autofocus and ergonomics, good battery, average value given current pricing.

Nikon Coolpix S30: Good ergonomics and ruggedness, average image quality, weaker autofocus, slightly better battery life, better value for very budget-conscious buyers.

How They Stack Up in Different Photography Genres

• Portrait: Canon dominates with better AF and sharper lenses.
• Landscape: Close, but Canon’s higher resolution tips scales.
• Wildlife: Neither to rely on; Canon if forced.
• Sports: Both too slow and limited AF.
• Street: Canon for size and speed; Nikon’s bulk less discreet.
• Macro: Canon better due to closer focusing.
• Night/Astro: Neither excels, but Canon’s lower noise is a plus.
• Video: Canon’s stabilized video edges ahead.
• Travel: Canon’s compact size preferable; Nikon useful in wet environments.
• Professional work: Neither suitable beyond casual or backup uses.

Who Should Buy Which? Clear Recommendations

If you prioritize image quality, compactness, and versatility for casual to moderate photography, especially portraits and daylight scenes, the Canon PowerShot A3300 IS is hands down the better choice. Its optical image stabilization, longer zoom range, and superior sensor make it more flexible in varied scenarios.

However, if you want a rugged, easy-to-maintain camera for kids or as a rugged backup, and budget is your prime consideration, the Nikon Coolpix S30 appeals with its environmental sealing and simple operation. It’s especially good for families or casual shooters who prefer AA batteries and are less concerned with image perfection.

Both models are showing their age in today’s smartphone camera era, but they still hold value for niche users or collectors.

Additional Technical Insights and Thoughts from My Testing

• The Canon’s DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology processor helps optimize image quality despite the small sensor’s limitations.
• Nikon’s lack of image stabilization combined with a slower autofocus caused challenges in hand-held video and low-light stills.
• During burst shooting tests, even Nikon’s modest 1.5 fps was not enough to keep up with active subjects, a limitation rooted in hardware processing speeds of compact cameras in this class circa 2011-2012.
• Custom white balance is present in both, giving users some latitude in tricky lighting scenarios.
• Neither camera supports RAW capture, which limits post-processing flexibility - important if you’re aiming for creative control.
• USB 2.0 is standard on both for file transfer, but no wireless features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are present, meaning no direct social media uploads or remote control.
• No HDMI out or external microphones limit advanced video uses, but this is consistent with entry-level compacts of their generation.

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Still Holds Appeal?

After extensive hands-on testing, I find the Canon PowerShot A3300 IS a better “all-rounder” compact camera from the two, particularly for enthusiasts valuing image quality and portability. The Nikon Coolpix S30’s environmental sealing and battery practicality are nice, but its compromises in key imaging areas hamper broader use.

If you’re hunting for a simple “point-and-shooter” with balanced performance and low-light help, Canon is my pick. If you want something to hand to a toddler or for rugged travel where you might get wet or dusty, Nikon offers peace of mind at a budget.

For those deeply invested in photography quality, these aging compacts lag behind today’s smartphone cameras or mirrorless hybrids, but within their class and price point, there’s still something to appreciate.

Thanks for reading my detailed comparison! If you want to see how these cameras handle specific subjects or need custom advice for your style, feel free to reach out or check my video review for live demonstrations (linked above). Until then, happy shooting and may your next camera help you capture your best moments yet.

FAQs

Q1: Can either camera shoot RAW files?
A1: Unfortunately no. Both only save JPEG files, limiting advanced editing.

Q2: Which camera is better in low light?
A2: Canon’s larger sensor and optical IS give it an edge, but expect noise at high ISO on both.

Q3: Are these cameras suitable for serious wildlife photography?
A3: Not really. Their slow burst rates and basic AF systems limit action capture.

Q4: Is Nikon’s environmental sealing waterproof?
A4: No, it’s resistant to dust and light moisture but not waterproof or shockproof.

This concludes my comprehensive side-by-side review of the Canon PowerShot A3300 IS and Nikon Coolpix S30. I hope it helps you find the right compact camera for your needs. Remember: the best camera is the one you actually enjoy using. Happy clicking!