Nikon AW100 vs Panasonic S3
93 Imaging
39 Features
28 Overall
34


96 Imaging
37 Features
24 Overall
31
Nikon AW100 vs Panasonic S3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 3200
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28-140mm (F3.9-4.8) lens
- 178g - 110 x 65 x 23mm
- Released August 2011
- Later Model is Nikon AW110
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-112mm (F3.1-5.6) lens
- 117g - 99 x 59 x 21mm
- Launched January 2011

Nikon AW100 vs Panasonic S3 Overview
The following is a comprehensive comparison of the Nikon AW100 and Panasonic S3, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the AW100 (16MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively well matched and they use the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The AW100 was launched 8 months after the S3 and they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).
Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the AW100 grades versus the S3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Nikon AW100 vs Panasonic S3 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix AW100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon AW100 Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon AW100 over the Panasonic S3
AW100 | S3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | August 2011 | ![]() | January 2011 | Newer by 8 months |
Screen dimension | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer screen (+230k dot) |
Reasons to pick Panasonic S3 over the Nikon AW100
S3 | AW100 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon AW100 and Panasonic S3
AW100 | S3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Lack of manual focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Missing selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Missing Touch friendly screen |
Nikon AW100 vs Panasonic S3 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Nikon AW100 features exterior measurements of 110mm x 65mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 0.9") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Panasonic S3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).
Contrast the Nikon AW100 and Panasonic S3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the AW100 versus the S3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the AW100 and S3 is 93 and 96 respectively.

Nikon AW100 vs Panasonic S3 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it is tough to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reading through a spec sheet. The image underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the AW100 and S3.
Clearly, each of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You can count on the Nikon AW100 to give you greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more modern AW100 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.

Nikon AW100 vs Panasonic S3 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon AW100 vs Panasonic S3 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix AW100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix AW100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 |
Category | Waterproof | Small Sensor Compact |
Released | 2011-08-24 | 2011-01-05 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | - | Venus Engine IV |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 14MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4320 x 3240 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 125 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Total focus points | - | 11 |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | 28-112mm (4.0x) |
Max aperture | f/3.9-4.8 | f/3.1-5.6 |
Macro focusing distance | - | 5cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3" | 2.7" |
Resolution of screen | 460k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen technology | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 4 secs | 8 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/1600 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 3.0 frames per sec | 2.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | - | 3.30 m |
Flash options | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720 (60 fps),640 x 480 (120 fps), 320 x 240 (240 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4 |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | BuiltIn | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 178 gr (0.39 lb) | 117 gr (0.26 lb) |
Dimensions | 110 x 65 x 23mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 0.9") | 99 x 59 x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 250 pictures |
Battery type | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL12 | - |
Self timer | - | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD / SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Pricing at release | $299 | $110 |