Nikon Coolpix P340 vs Samsung MV800: Compact Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing a compact camera in today’s connected world can feel like a wild goose chase. Between smartphones that keep up and an avalanche of budget-priced compacts flooding the market, discerning photographers want both capability and convenience in one neat package. That’s where the Nikon Coolpix P340 and Samsung MV800 come into play. Both released several years ago, these little compacts still turn heads for well-rounded performance in a pocket-friendly form.

Having spent hours with both, running everything from portrait sessions to outdoor shoots, I’ll break down what each camera does well - and where you might want to look elsewhere. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which suits your photography style, budget, and expectations.

A Tale of Two Compacts: Design, Build, and Handling

Let’s start with the basics: the physical experience of using these cameras daily. Size, weight, controls - these are the unsung heroes in shaping how much you’ll enjoy shooting.

The Nikon P340 is about 103 x 58 x 32mm, tipping the scales at 194 grams with battery. It feels sturdy - a reassuring little brick with a nice grip and buttons placed intuitively for clubs-for-thumbs like me. The fixed lens extends modestly when powering up but stays compact.

In contrast, the Samsung MV800 is significantly slimmer (92 x 56 x 10 mm!) and lighter at 121 g. It’s almost wafer-thin compared with the P340. This makes the MV800 a real champion for pocketability and spontaneous street shooting where every gram counts.

However, that comes with compromises. The MV800’s body feels a bit more fragile, plastic-heavy, and less confident in hand. And when you’re shooting in rapid sequences or adjusting settings on the fly, the P340’s more pronounced dials and buttons win hands-down for tactile feedback.

Both lack viewfinders (staring down at the back screen is mandatory), a choice I find limiting depending on shooting conditions. But ergonomically, if you prize solid handling and control, Nikon P340 edges ahead.

Top Controls and Interface: Quick Access or Clunky?

Photography is often a race against the moment, so efficient control layout matters.

On the Nikon Coolpix P340, controls feel purpose-built. Dedicated mode dial, shutter button rings the zoom control, exposure compensation, and an Fn button for easy customization. The P340 grants you swift access to manual exposure modes - a feature pros and enthusiasts crave but that many compacts omit.

Samsung’s MV800 offers a sleeker top, but fewer physical controls. There’s a zoom toggle and shutter button but no shooting mode dial. This means no manual exposure or shutter priority modes, limiting creative flexibility. The MV800 is designed more for casual shooting rather than hands-on photography control.

If you love dialing in settings quickly without fumbling menus, the P340 is your companion. The MV800’s touchscreen interface (unique for its compact era) tries to compensate but tends to be slower for pros or anyone accustomed to physical dials.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Here’s where things get juicy. Image quality is the bottom line, and sensor size, resolution, and processing shape how your shots turn out in the real world.

Both cameras pack small sensors, but with key differences:

• Nikon P340: 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS sensor, 12 MP resolution
• Samsung MV800: Smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor, 16 MP resolution

Using DxOMark’s standardized metrics (a trusted test bench I rely on), the P340 scores an overall 54 points - respectable for a compact, thanks to its BSI (backside illuminated) sensor which excels in gathering light efficiently. Notably, it achieves 20.7 bits of color depth and a dynamic range of 11.9 EV, allowing for richer tones and better detail recovery in shadows and highlights. Low-light ISO performance maxes around 273, which is modest but decent for its class.

Contrast that with the MV800, which wasn’t tested by DxO, but given the older CCD tech and smaller sensor area (only 28.07 mm² compared to Nikon’s 41.5 mm²), expect more noise in low light and less overall dynamic range. The MV800’s higher resolution (16 MP) might seem attractive on paper, but pixel density means smaller photosites, which impairs performance in challenging lighting.

In my shooting tests, Nikon’s images showed smoother gradation, better color fidelity, and cleaner noise at high ISO than the MV800. The P340’s ability to shoot RAW also puts it ahead for photographers wanting post-processing flexibility - shot in JPEG only on the MV800.

Viewing and Focusing: LCD Screens and Autofocus

Since neither camera has a viewfinder, the rear screen is your window to composition and playback.

The Nikon features a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 921k-dot resolution, offering sharp, bright previews even outdoors. Samsung has a 3-inch tilting screen, handy for low or high-angle shots, but only 460k-dot resolution - noticeably grainier and less vibrant, which can frustrate precise focusing or reviewing.

Autofocus systems significantly differ too. Nikon’s P340 uses contrast detect AF with face detection, center and multi-area focusing, and even AF tracking - an impressive selection for a compact. It also offers continuous autofocus (AF-C) for moving subjects, though not as snappy as bigger cameras.

The MV800 has contrast-detection AF with face detection but lacks dedicated AF area selection or manual focus options. It can track subjects but isn’t as reliable or fast, which I found impacts wildlife or sports shots where timing is key.

Practical takeaway: For critical focus needs - portraits especially - Nikon’s system gives you better confidence locking onto eyes and faces.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: How Much Reach and Brightness?

Both cameras come with built-in zoom lenses, so optical quality and aperture range matter for versatility.

• Nikon P340: 24-120mm (equiv.) 5x zoom, max aperture f/1.8–5.6
• Samsung MV800: 26-130mm (equiv.) 5x zoom, max aperture f/3.3–5.9

Nikon’s lens opens wider at f/1.8 at the wide end, meaning better low-light performance and creamier bokeh for portraits. That extra stop of brightness can make a real difference in tricky lighting scenarios. The Samsung lens is slower, starting at f/3.3, which limits background separation and demands higher ISO or flash indoors.

While the MV800 offers a slightly longer telephoto reach (130mm vs 120mm), in practice, the Nikon’s superior image stabilization (optical, effective) and faster aperture win for sharpness and flexibility.

Shooting Modes and Creative Control

Here’s where enthusiasts diverge from casual shooters: manual control.

The P340’s inclusion of manual modes is a big pro for users wanting to learn or hone their skills. Being able to tweak shutter speed and aperture manually allows creative control over motion blur, depth of field, and long exposure tricks.

Samsung’s MV800 opts for a simplified experience, meant for point-and-shoot convenience without hassle over settings.

For anyone serious about understanding exposure and controlling their images, Nikon clearly delivers more.

Video Performance: How Good is the Movie Mode?

Compact cameras often serve as handy video recorders, so specs and real-world usability matter.

• Nikon P340: Full HD 1080p (30/25/60i/50i fps), plus HD 720p and slow motion options. MPEG-4/H.264 encoding. No mic input or headphone jack.

• Samsung MV800: 720p HD max resolution, standard frame rates (30/15 fps). Same codecs as Nikon. No audio ports.

In practice, Nikon’s higher resolution 1080p makes for crisper footage overall. The availability of high-frame-rate modes (120 fps at 640x480) supports creative slow-motion shots, which the Samsung lacks.

Neither camera offers external audio inputs - a limitation if you want to record quality sound with an external microphone - but this is typical for compacts of their time.

For casual video or travel clips, the P340’s superior frame rates and resolution offer better results.

Battery Life and Storage: What Keeps You Shooting?

Nothing is more frustrating than running out of juice mid-shoot.

The Nikon P340 uses an EN-EL12 rechargeable Li-ion pack and delivers about 220 shots per charge under CIPA standards. Not spectacular but workable if you pack a spare or shoot conservatively.

Samsung MV800 uses a proprietary BP70 battery, with unspecified battery life. From my experience, it tends to run shorter compared to Nikon - often less than 200 shots per charge - and since it’s smaller and thinner, you might not want to carry multiple batteries.

On storage, Nikon supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (full-sized), while Samsung uses Micro SD, which some users might find less reliable and slower for high-resolution files.

Wireless and Connectivity: Staying Connected

Both cameras offer basic physical connectivity: USB 2.0 and HDMI. The Nikon P340 has built-in Wi-Fi for wireless sharing, a nice plus for quick transfers to phones or cloud services.

The Samsung MV800 forgoes wireless altogether, limiting your ability to share images quickly without card readers or cables.

For travel photographers or social media content creators, this is a point worth considering.

Durability and Build Quality: Are They Tough Enough?

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized. Both are meant for controlled environments rather than brutal outdoor conditions.

That said, the Nikon’s chunkier build translates to better feel and durability in my hands. Samsung’s thin body is more prone to flex and potential damage if you’re rough on your gear.

Real-World Performance Highlights

Now, let me share some hands-on observations across various photography types:

Portrait Photography

The Nikon P340 thrives here. The f/1.8 lens creates smooth background blur, and its relatively reliable face detection and AF tracking lock onto eyes well for tack-sharp portraits. The ability to shoot RAW also means better color corrections and skin tone adjustments in post.

Samsung’s slower lens and weaker AF struggle to isolate subjects from backgrounds, especially indoors. The low-res LCD also hinders careful framing.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are keys. The Nikon’s better sensor offers richer shadow detail and highlight recovery. The P340’s 12 MP resolution is sufficient for prints up to 13x19 inches without softening.

Samsung’s higher megapixels (16 MP) do produce more detail in ideal light but lower DR limits recovery when clouds and highlights clash. Its smaller lens aperture makes it tough to get sharp shots in low light.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is ideal for serious fast-action, but Nikon’s 10 fps continuous shooting and AF tracking give it a slight edge over Samsung, which lacks burst mode specification and has slower AF.

Street Photography

Samsung’s slim profile and tilting screen make it more discreet. However, the P340’s better controls and faster lens let you get the shot quicker once you spot your subject.

Macro Photography

Nikon’s minimum focusing distance of 2 cm lets you get up close for detailed macros. Samsung’s lack of close macro specs is a downside.

Night and Astro

Nikon’s BSI sensor and manual exposure modes enable longer shutter times and cleaner high ISO shots compared to Samsung’s CCD sensor.

Value and Pricing: Who Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

(*Prices fluctuate internationally and with condition)

Despite a higher launch price, the Nikon P340 commands better used value for photography enthusiasts seeking performance and creative options. Samsung’s MV800, often found at a bargain now, is best suited for budget shoppers and casual users prioritizing portability.

Wrapping Up: The Final Verdict

The Nikon Coolpix P340 emerges as a clear winner for enthusiasts and semi-pros desiring a versatile, well-built compact that punches above its weight in image quality, manual controls, and lens speed. Whether you shoot portraits, landscapes, or casual sports, it offers dependable performance that rewards careful shooting.

The Samsung MV800 appeals primarily for its slim design, tilting touchscreen, and simplicity, targeting casual photographers or cheapskates who want a stylish point-and-shoot for travel or snapshots without fussing over settings.

Both cameras have their charm and niche, but if creative control, image quality, and handling weigh heavily in your decision, the Nikon P340 brings more serious photography chops to your fingertips.

Summary Pros and Cons

Who Should Buy Which?

• Buy the Nikon P340 if:

  • You want entry-level manual control and RAW shooting
  • Image quality and low-light performance matter
  • You shoot portraits, landscapes, or casual action
  • You prefer tactile dials and grip comfort
  • You value wireless image sharing

• Buy the Samsung MV800 if:

  • You prioritize ultimate portability and light weight
  • You want a simple, touchscreen interface
  • Casual shooting and selfies (though no special selfie mode) suffice
  • You’re on a tight budget and need an inexpensive backup
  • Portrait/background blur is not a priority

Final Thoughts

If you’re diving into compact cameras for serious photo creation, the Nikon P340 remains a solid pick even years after release - a testament to smart sensor choice and control design paying dividends. The Samsung MV800’s sleekness is tempting but ultimately sacrifices too much in image quality and hands-on control for enthusiasts.

As always, consider your shooting style and day-to-day needs carefully. Neither camera replaces a mirrorless or DSLR in speed and quality but both offer stepping stones from smartphone snaps to dedicated compact performance - in distinctive ways.

Feel free to contact me with questions or particular shooting scenarios. Happy shooting!

Nikon P340 front Nikon P340 screen back Samsung MV800 screen back