Nikon Coolpix S01 vs Nikon Coolpix S3700: A Detailed Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When evaluating ultracompact cameras, particularly models from the Nikon Coolpix series, discerning buyers must look beyond spec sheets and marketing claims. The Nikon Coolpix S01 and S3700 represent distinct design philosophies within Nikon’s ultracompact lineup, both aimed at a generalist market but addressing varying priorities in image quality, versatility, and user experience. Based on direct hands-on testing and methodical analysis of their sensor performance, optical systems, and operational capabilities, this comparison aims to provide an authoritative guide for photographers seeking to understand which model best suits their specific shooting needs.

Body Design and Ergonomics: Size vs. Usability Trade-offs

Both models are categorized as ultracompact, a critical factor for photographers valuing portability for travel or street photography. The Nikon Coolpix S01 notably pushes the envelope in miniaturization, while the S3700 balances compactness with usability.

• Dimensions & Weight: The S01 measures a remarkably diminutive 77 x 52 x 17 mm and weighs only 96 grams, making it one of the smallest full-function digital cameras ever produced. The S3700, by contrast, is larger at 96 x 58 x 20 mm and heavier at 118 grams. For photographers prioritizing absolute pocketability, the S01’s advantage is tangible, while the S3700 requires slightly more carrying space.

• Control Layout and Handling: The S01’s extreme compactness necessitates minimal physical controls and smaller buttons, which can challenge users with larger hands or those accustomed to tactile dials and multiple buttons for direct adjustments. In contrast, the S3700, while still minimalistic, provides a larger grip surface and buttons, improving overall usability for quick shooting and menu navigation.

• Build Quality: Both cameras employ plastic construction to meet weight and cost objectives without significant ruggedization. Neither model offers environmental sealing or enhanced durability features, impacting their suitability for harsh outdoor conditions such as dust or moisture exposure.

Design and Interface: Control Architecture and Screen Visibility

An essential component of usability in ultracompacts lies in the intuitive placement of controls and image review capabilities.

• Top Panel and Controls: The S01 incorporates a highly minimalist interface with a single button for shutter release, zoom, and power combined, favoring simplicity but limiting quick parameter adjustments. The S3700 offers more comprehensive dedicated controls, including separate zoom rocker, shutter release, and power button, enabling more fluid interaction during active shooting.

• Screen Specifications: Both cameras feature fixed TFT LCDs; however, the S01 sports a 2.5-inch, 230k-dot touchscreen with an anti-reflection coating, while the S3700 employs a slightly larger 2.7-inch, 230k-dot non-touch LCD without specialized coatings.

• The touchscreen of the S01 facilitates basic focusing area selection and menu navigation directly on the display; however, its small screen size constrains detailed image review and live view framing. The S3700’s non-touchscreen approach relies on physical buttons but benefits from a marginally larger display, easing composition and review, albeit without touch intuitiveness.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Analysis

At the heart of any camera’s imaging capabilities is its sensor, which substantially governs resolution, dynamic range, and noise performance. Both models employ CCD sensors, a legacy choice distinct from the now-ubiquitous CMOS technology, necessitating close scrutiny.

• Resolution: The S3700 offers twice the pixel count, 20 megapixels, giving it a potential edge in resolving detail and image cropping flexibility for enthusiasts who demand larger prints or extensive post-capture editing.

• Sensor Size & Pixel Density: The larger sensor area of the S3700 contributes to lower pixel density despite higher resolution, theoretically allowing for better light gathering per pixel and improved signal-to-noise ratio at higher ISOs relative to the S01.

• Low Light Performance: With a max ISO of 3200 compared to 1600 in the S01, the S3700 shows superior capability in low-light scenarios, confirmed by testing which reveals noticeably cleaner images beyond ISO 800.

• Dynamic Range & Color Depth: Both cameras lack low-level professional dynamic range controls or raw file output, which limits post-processing latitude. However, the S3700’s sensor technology and processing pipeline deliver incrementally better color reproduction and mid-tone gradation, albeit still typical of entry-level point and shoot cameras.

Lens and Optical Versatility: Fixed Zoom Performance

The fixed lens mount restricts interchangeability, making the native zoom capability paramount for versatility.

• Zoom Range: The S3700’s 8x zoom covering from moderate wide-angle 25mm to substantial telephoto 200mm makes it far more versatile for a variety of subjects - from landscapes to wildlife and portraits - compared to the very limited 3x zoom of the S01.

• Aperture and Lens Brightness: Both lenses start at a similar aperture around f/3.3 to f/3.7 wide open but narrow significantly at telephoto ends. The S01’s slightly faster aperture at wide angle suggests better performance in brighter conditions, but neither lens offers substantial depth-of-field control or shallow depth-of-field bokeh.

• Macro Capabilities: The S3700’s closer macro focusing distance (2 cm vs 5 cm) offers superior close-up performance with tighter framing and better edge-to-edge sharpness in actual use.

Autofocus and Exposure Control: Evaluating Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus system robustness is critical across genres, influencing successful capture in dynamic situations.

• AF System: Both cameras rely exclusively on contrast-detection AF, which is inherently slower and less reliable in low contrast or low light environments compared to phase-detection modules.

• The S01 offers no continuous autofocus, face detection, or tracking, whereas the S3700 supports face detection, center-weighted metering, and limited autofocus tracking, enhancing usability for portraits and moving subjects.

• Exposure Modes: Neither camera provides manual exposure modes or aperture/shutter priority settings. Only fully automatic exposure is available, with the S3700 having spot metering and more sophisticated scene modes.

• This limitation restricts professional workflows but is acceptable for casual or travel photographers who demand simplicity.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Speed Range: Impact on Shooting Conditions

• The S3700 features optical image stabilization - a significant advantage in reducing blur from hand shake, particularly at telephoto focal lengths and in low light. The S01 lacks any form of image stabilization, challenging handheld shooting without a tripod, especially at longer shutter durations.

• Shutter speed ranges differ subtly: S01 ranges 1s to 1/2000s; S3700 from 4s to 1/1500s. The longer maximum shutter speed on the S3700 (4s) theoretically benefits night photography but must be balanced with stabilization and noise performance.

Video Capabilities: HD Recording with Limitations

Video capture represents a secondary use case for both cameras.

• Both models cap video at 720p HD recording at 30fps, using Motion JPEG compression for the S3700. No 4K or advanced video features are present.

• Neither camera supports external microphones or headphone monitoring, limiting audio quality control.

• Lack of electronic or digital image stabilization in video further constrains usability in handheld scenarios.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

• The S3700 outperforms the S01 in battery capacity, rated for approximately 240 shots per charge compared to 190 shots on the S01. While neither is class-leading, the longer endurance of the S3700 supports longer outings.

• Storage flexibility is a critical distinction: the S3700 includes an SD card slot compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards alongside internal memory, providing ample storage and user control. The S01 lacks any user-expandable storage, relying solely on fixed internal memory or proprietary solutions, which severely limits shooting duration and workflow flexibility.

Connectivity and Modern Features

• The S3700 incorporates Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing wireless image transfer and remote control via smartphone applications - a considerable convenience for casual sharing or social media enthusiasts.

• The S01 offers no wireless capabilities, demanding physical USB connections for data transfer.

Performance in Different Photography Genres

This section addresses applicability across photography styles, referring also to sample image tests.

Nikon S01 front Nikon S01 screen back Nikon S3700 front Nikon S3700 screen back

Portrait Photography

• S3700 provides more advanced face detection autofocus and a longer zoom, enabling flattering framing and subject isolation. However, both cameras lack aperture control and do not produce significant background blur, limiting creative control for artistic portraits.

• The S01’s limited zoom and no AF face detection reduce accuracy and composition flexibility.

Landscape Photography

• The wider zoom starting at 25mm on the S3700 encourages expansive landscapes and better composition options. Its larger sensor and higher resolution support better detail retention.

• The S01’s narrower field of view and lower resolution constrain landscape applications.

• Neither camera features weather sealing; outdoor durability is limited.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The S3700’s extensive 8x zoom and autofocus tracking afford some utility in wildlife or sports capture, though burst shooting is unavailable, and autofocus speed remains average.

• The S01 is unsuitable, lacking zoom reach, autofocus tracking, or continuous shooting.

Street Photography

• The S01 is arguably better suited for discrete candid shooting due to its minute footprint and lightweight design.

• The S3700 is more versatile but less pocketable, and its louder zoom and shutter may draw attention.

Macro Photography

• The S3700’s close 2 cm focusing and optical stabilization enable more successful macro captures.

• The S01’s 5 cm minimum focus and lack of stabilization limit macro precision.

Night and Astro Photography

• Both cameras have limited ISO ceilings and lack manual exposure controls, constraining long exposure and astrophotography utility.

• The longer shutter on the S3700 supports more flexibility but does not compensate for noise levels or lack of raw output.

Video Use

• Both record only 720p video with minimal features.

• The S3700’s wireless connectivity allows remote capture, a minor advantage.

Travel Photography

• The S01 excels in portability but is hamstrung by limited zoom and storage.

• The S3700’s zoom range and battery life provide more versatile travel shooting but increase bulk.

Professional Applications

• Neither camera meets professional standards for file formats (no raw), manual control, or ruggedness.

• Primarily suitable for casual documentation rather than client work.

Operational Interface and Workflow Insights

In testing, the S3700 consistently outperforms the S01 in image quality metrics, autofocus reliability, and handling. However, the S01’s ultra-minimalist design serves a niche audience valuing size over versatility.

Genre-Specific Performance Summary

Final Assessment and Recommendations

Who Should Choose the Nikon Coolpix S01?

The S01 is tailored for users who prioritize extreme compactness and lightweight design above all else and desire an entry-level point-and-shoot for casual daytime snapshots. Its minimal zoom range, lack of advanced autofocus, and storage limitations render it impractical for demanding photography endeavors or extended outings. It is best suited as a backup or conversation piece rather than a primary camera for serious hobbyists.

Who Is the Nikon Coolpix S3700 For?

The S3700 represents a substantial upgrade within the ultracompact category, offering a broad zoom range, better sensor resolution, optical image stabilization, and wireless connectivity. These features align with casual enthusiasts and travelers seeking an easy-to-carry all-rounder that benefits from improved image quality and usability. While it cannot meet the needs of professionals or semi-professionals due to the absence of manual controls and raw capture, it serves well as a general-purpose travel companion or family camera.

Summary Table: Key Comparative Metrics

Concluding Remarks

Both the Nikon Coolpix S01 and S3700 represent Nikon’s approach to providing straightforward ultracompact cameras that target beginners and casual users. However, the clear superiority of the S3700 in sensor capability, zoom versatility, autofocus sophistication, screen usability, and connectivity leaves the S01 overshadowed outside of its extreme size advantage.

For serious photography enthusiasts who demand flexibility, image quality, and a satisfying user experience within a small package - and who are willing to accept a moderate increase in bulk - the Nikon Coolpix S3700 is the more compelling choice. The S01, while innovative in miniaturization, sacrifices too many essential features to be a practical primary camera.

Decisions ultimately rest on use case: collectors and minimalists may appreciate the S01 for novelty and portability, whereas practical-minded photographers will find the S3700’s balanced feature set better aligned with varied photographic pursuits.

This comparison integrates extensive hands-on testing and evaluation methodologies aligned with current industry standards to clarify the nuanced distinctions between these two ultracompacts. For further personalized advice, readers are encouraged to evaluate their specific genre preferences and shooting scenarios alongside these insights.