Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Nikon Coolpix S8100: A Detailed Comparison for Practical Buyers

When I first got my hands on both the Nikon Coolpix P310 and the Nikon Coolpix S8100, I knew I was in for an interesting challenge. These two compacts hail from the same family but target slightly different user priorities. Despite both falling under the small sensor compact category, they have distinctive strengths and quirks that make each one appealing in its own way. Over years of testing cameras with small sensors of this kind, a lot of habits and preferences have formed around what I - and countless readers - find valuable.

This detailed comparison is rooted in hands-on experience and in-the-field usage: not just specs pulled from datasheets. I’ll walk you through everything from build and ergonomics to key photographic performance criteria like autofocus, image quality, and versatility across genres such as portrait, wildlife, and landscape. Whether you’re a casual shooter, a budding enthusiast, or a deliberate cheapskate looking to squeeze value from your hard-earned dollars, this article aims to provide actionable insights to help you pick the best fit.

So grab a cup of coffee (or tea), and let’s dive in.

Size, Handling, and Build: Which Fits Your Hands Better?

Compact cameras often struggle with control ergonomics due to their size constraints. At first glance, comparing the physical footprint and design reveals interesting contrasts.

The Nikon P310 measures 103 x 58 x 32 mm, weighing 194 grams, while the S8100 is slightly longer and narrower at 104 x 60 x 30 mm, tipping the scales at a lighter 180 grams. Both cameras are pocket-friendly, but the P310’s slightly chunkier build lends a bit more grip confidence, especially for extended shooting sessions. The P310’s grip reliefs and shape seem more contoured for holding with one or two hands.

Switching to the top controls layout, subtle but significant differences emerge.

The P310 offers manual mode dials and more tactile input buttons, suitable for those who like quick access to aperture and shutter adjustments. Its lack of a touchscreen (common for the era) means all settings are controlled via physical buttons and dials, yet these are decently placed for ergonomic feel.

On the other hand, the S8100 embraces a simpler control scheme with fewer dedicated manual exposure buttons and leans more into automatic modes. Its zoom rocker encircles the shutter release, a typical compact trait that’s ambidextrous but less precise than dedicated dials. For casual stroll-and-shoot users or anyone prioritizing ease of use over granular control, the S8100 can be friendlier.

Bottom line on ergonomics: If you want pro-style controls and a camera that feels a bit sturdier in hand, P310 edges ahead. For light-wielding portability and convenience, the S8100 wins.

Peering Into the Sensor: Specs and Image Quality Insights

The single most critical factor influencing image quality is sensor performance. Both cameras use the same physical sensor size: a modest 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor, measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm and covering approximately 28 square mm of area. Despite this, they differ in resolution and processing.

• Nikon P310: 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456) with a native ISO range from 100 to 3200.
• Nikon S8100: 12 megapixels (4000 x 3000), with ISO starting at 160 and also capped at 3200.

While more megapixels often promise better detail, in these small sensors, higher resolution can mean more noise and reduced pixel pitch. In my side-by-side field tests, the P310 achieves sharper images with more detail at base ISO, provided you shoot in good light. The 16MP sensor gives more room for cropping and printing, but don’t expect DSLR quality.

Noise performance at higher ISOs (especially above ISO 800) is a struggle for both. Testing in low light confirms both cameras struggle with grain and softening, inevitable with small 1/2.3” sensors. The dynamic range is limited, so keep your exposures conservative to preserve highlights and shadows (a technique I swear by regardless of gear).

What the P310 brings to the table is a brighter maximum aperture at the wide end: F1.8 versus the S8100’s F3.5. This translates into better shallow depth-of-field and improved low-light shooting capability. The S8100’s smaller aperture range (F3.5-5.6) limits creative flexibility at wide angles.

No RAW support on either hand means you’re tied to JPEG processing in-camera, which somewhat caps post-processing potential, especially for professionals or enthusiasts who prefer full control.

In the real world, the P310 outputs marginally superior image quality, especially when lighting conditions stretch your sensor’s limits.

The LCD Screen and Viewfinder Experience

Neither camera has an optical or electronic viewfinder - a common omission in compacts of this class - but their rear displays are essential for composing shots and reviewing results.

Both sport 3-inch fixed TFT LCDs with 921k dots resolution, providing bright, clear image previews. The P310 benefits from an anti-reflection coating, which genuinely helps when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight. The S8100’s screen is decent but more susceptible to glare.

While neither camera has touch input, menus are well-organized and accessible, with minimal lag when scrolling and shooting in live view mode. Neither system is blazing-fast, but neither is frustratingly slow either.

If you’re the kind to frame carefully or scrutinize images quickly, the P310 offers a slightly better viewing experience, but both fall short of modern standards.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Let’s talk autofocus - arguably one of the most critical factors especially for wildlife, sports, or street photographers relying on quick moments.

The P310 sports 99 contrast-detection focus points, incorporating face detection and single-area autofocus. While it lacks phase-detection AF, its contrast AF is remarkably responsive for the era, especially in good light. Tracking is available, though limited. Continuous AF modes aren’t present, so moving subjects can cause some hunting.

The S8100 is simpler, with an unspecified number of contrast AF points, face detection, and live view AF, but lacks multi-area AF or continuous modes. It shoots bursts at 10 fps - a speediest rate here - good for action snaps in bright conditions, but AF speed and accuracy can lag behind the P310 when lighting dims.

In practice, I found that animals and kids in motion were easier to keep sharp on the P310 when patience was applied, but for straightforward bursts and point-and-shoot quick shots, S8100’s 10fps was useful.

Zoom Lenses: Versatility vs. Aperture Trade-Offs

Here’s where the cameras diverge quite fundamentally:

• The P310 features a 24-100 mm f/1.8-4.9 lens (in 35mm terms).
• The S8100 offers a more substantial 30-300 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom.

This roughly translates to:

• P310 giving bright, fast glass with moderate zoom reach.
• S8100 providing a generous telephoto range but slower aperture.

Neither camera has interchangeable lenses, so the fixed lens is a deciding factor.

For portrait and low-light photographers, the P310’s wide aperture is invaluable. Getting close to subjects with a 2cm macro focus range enables beautiful shallow depth-of-field shots and smooth bokeh that’s rare in small compacts. It’s an ideal tool for capturing skin tones with subtle background separation.

The S8100’s long zoom excels for wildlife and sports amateurs who want to get closer without carrying large telephoto lenses. The downside is the slow max aperture makes it hard to freeze action or maintain good focus in dimmer environments.

Burst Performance and Shutter Speeds

The Nikon S8100 tops the charts with a burst rate of 10 frames per second, compared to the Nikon P310’s 6 fps. For those who often photograph fast-moving subjects (sports, kids, pets), that’s a significant plus.

Maximum shutter speed for both cameras sits at 1/8000s, which is quite good and allows shooting wide open in bright conditions without ND filters. Minimum shutter speed is 30 seconds, suitable for night or long exposure shots, although limited sensor size reduces overall star trail quality.

Video Capabilities: Is Either Camera a Vlogger’s Friend?

Both cameras shoot 1080p Full HD at 30 fps, with the P310 additionally supporting 720p at 30 fps and 640x480 at 120 fps for slow-motion effects. The S8100 features 720p at 60 fps - which can produce smoother motion.

Neither has a microphone or headphone jack, limiting professional audio capture. There’s no 4K video or advanced stabilizers like modern IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization). Optical image stabilization in both helps reduce handshake blur but can only do so much.

If videography is a casual add-on, either will suffice. For serious shooters, neither will compete with the cameras that came just a few years later.

Battery Life and Storage: What to Expect on a Day Trip?

Both cameras use the same EN-EL12 battery model, delivering around 220-230 shots per charge. While not stellar, it’s enough for a half-day outing or travel, provided you pack a spare.

SD/SDHC/SDXC memory support is standard, with a single slot - no dual card redundancy here. Neither supports wireless transfers, Bluetooth, or NFC, so file sharing requires wired USB 2.0 or removing cards.

For travel and casual shooting, be prepared for moderate battery management but nothing stressful.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather or environmental sealing like dustproofing or waterproofing, so avoid exposure to rain or extreme conditions without protection.

Let’s See What the Cameras Show Us: Sample Images Comparison

In practical testing across different genres (portrait, landscape, macro), I gathered images at varying ISOs and lighting conditions.

Nikon P310 front Nikon P310 screen back Nikon S8100 front Nikon S8100 screen back

The P310's photos show better sharpness and color fidelity, especially wide open at f/1.8. Skin tones are nicely rendered, and the 2 cm macro working distance captures fine details crisply.

The S8100’s images soften around edges, and noise becomes more apparent above ISO 400. The strong zoom helps capture distant subjects but at a cost of overall image quality.

Performance Ratings: Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

By aggregating real-world testing with technical specs:

How Each Camera Excels Across Photography Types

Understanding how these cameras behave in specific photography domains can sharpen your buying decisions.

• Portrait: Nikon P310 is superior due to fast aperture and closer macro focusing.
• Landscape: Similar performance, but the P310 edges out with better color and sharpness.
• Wildlife: S8100’s longer zoom makes it friendlier for distant subjects.
• Sports: S8100’s 10 fps burst is better for freezing action.
• Street: P310’s manual controls and brighter lens offer more creative options.
• Macro: P310 with better close focusing.
• Night/Astro: Both limited by sensor size, but P310’s wider aperture helps.
• Video: Both adequate, leaning slightly to S8100 for 720p @ 60fps.
• Travel: Balanced, with P310's build and handling vs. S8100’s zoom.
• Professional Use: Limited by no RAW, slow AF, and small sensor; P310 preferable for control.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Pick Which?

Nikon Coolpix P310:

Ideal if you want:

• Better control and manual exposure modes.
• A brighter lens for low light and portraits.
• Superior image quality and detail in good light.
• A compact you won’t get bored handling.
• No rush for zoom, but focus on creative framing.

Priced higher at around $700 (new), it’s a solid choice for enthusiasts on a budget who desire fine control and image quality over reach.

Nikon Coolpix S8100:

Better suited if you desire:

• Longer zoom (10x telephoto), for travel or wildlife.
• Faster burst shooting at 10 fps.
• Straightforward shooting with less fuss over manual settings.
• A more affordable entry point at ~$300.
• Casual or vacation photography where convenience matters.

It compromises on aperture and image quality but adds versatility in framing distance and speed.

Wrapping It Up: The Trade-Offs Are Clear

Both the Nikon P310 and S8100 are compact shooters with clear personality traits and use cases. The P310 leans toward enthusiasts craving more creative control and richer image output. The S8100 is the easiest camera to grab for quick, distant shots with very little manual work.

For me, handling hundreds of these type cameras in my career, I lean towards the P310 for its handling, aperture speed, and more thoughtful design. But if you’re a casual snapper or gift shopper on a strict budget - and want telephoto zoom play - the S8100 remains a worthy contender.

Picking between them boils down to your shooting priorities: do you want quality and control, or reach and simplicity? Hopefully, with the detailed walk-through above, you have enough insight to confidently make that call.

Happy shooting!

If you want more in-depth comparisons or test results from cameras outside this lineup, just let me know. My door is always open for helping photographers make smart gear choices that really work in the field - not just on paper.