Nikon Coolpix S01 vs. Nikon Coolpix S80: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Ultracompact Cameras

When it comes to pocket-sized cameras, the Nikon Coolpix series has offered a wide range of options for casual shooters and enthusiasts alike. Today, I’m putting two of Nikon’s ultracompact models under the microscope: the Coolpix S01 (2013) and the Coolpix S80 (2010). Though launched three years apart, these tiny cameras carve distinct niches with their design philosophies, technical specs, and real-world handling.

Having logged hundreds of hours testing ultracompact cameras in diverse photo situations, I’ll guide you through a detailed, experience-driven comparison. This will help you answer the all-important question: which one deserves a place in your camera bag?

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Let’s start by holding these cameras side by side:

• The Nikon S01 is the smaller sibling at 77 x 52 x 17 mm and just 96 grams - truly pocket-friendly and nearly weightless.
• The Nikon S80 grows to 99 x 63 x 17 mm and weighs 133 grams, still compact but noticeably bigger and heftier.

I found the S01’s size striking - it can literally vanish in your palm or pocket. But this ultra-small footprint also sacrifices ergonomic grip and tactile controls. The S80, despite being tiny, offers better handling with a more substantial body that actually feels comfortable in hand over longer shooting sessions.

The minimalistic approach of the S01 means fewer physical buttons and no optical viewfinder, requiring you to rely entirely on the touchscreen, which can be fiddly for fast adjustments. The S80 offers a larger 3.5” OLED screen (more on this later) and marginally more control options, which I prefer for intuitive operation.

Comparing the top control layouts reveals the S80’s more traditional button placement, including a mode dial and dedicated zoom rocker. The S01 design is stripped down to the essentials, reinforcing its ultraminimalist ethos but limiting quick manual control options.

Summary for ergonomics:

If you prioritize packability over all else, the S01 wins. If you want a smaller camera that still feels good to shoot with, the S80 strikes a better balance.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Differences

Image quality is the heart of any camera comparison. Both cameras use CCD sensors - a technology Nikon used extensively before CMOS sensors became the norm - but have notable differences:

• The Nikon S01 employs a 1/2.9” sized sensor measuring roughly 4.96 x 3.72 mm with 10 megapixels.
• The Nikon S80 has a larger 1/2.3” sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) and a higher 14-megapixel resolution.

A larger sensor physically captures more light, which generally aids image quality - especially noticeable in sharpness, dynamic range, and noise performance. From my hands-on testing, the S80 produces crisper detail and better color fidelity, especially in good light conditions. The smaller sensor in the S01, combined with a lower resolution, means images can appear softer and less vibrant under similar conditions.

Both cameras lack raw image capture, relegating you to JPEG files processed internally - a limitation that somewhat reduces post-processing flexibility.

Low Light and High ISO

Neither camera is a low-light champion - CCD sensors aren’t as noise-resistant as modern CMOS counterparts. Still, the S80 supports ISO up to 1600 with electronic boosting to 6400, while the S01 maxes out at ISO 1600 with no extended ISO modes.

Practically, I found the S80 delivers usable images up to ISO 800 more reliably, benefiting from the larger sensor and image stabilization (which the S01 lacks). The S01’s soft images and visible noise become apparent even at ISO 400 in dimmer settings.

Lens and Zoom Range Impact

The S01’s fixed 29-87 mm equivalent lens (3x optical zoom) has a maximum aperture of F3.3-5.9 - modest brightness but a reasonable wide-angle start for such a tiny lens. The S80 offers a more versatile 35-175 mm equivalent lens (5x optical zoom) with a faster aperture range of F3.6-4.8.

This additional zoom reach on the S80 makes a substantive difference if you plan to shoot subjects at a distance - landscapes, wildlife, or street scenes benefit from that extended range. Conversely, the S01 remains better suited for snapshot-style wide-angle compositions.

Screen and User Interface: Touchscreen Experience

Both cameras employ touchscreen interfaces but with key differences:

• The S01’s 2.5” TFT LCD has 230k dots resolution and an anti-reflection coating.
• The S80 features a larger 3.5” OLED screen at 819k dots - a significantly sharper and more vibrant display.

In bright outdoor conditions, the S80’s OLED screen holds up better with deeper blacks and better contrast. The S01’s smaller and dimmer screen can look washed out in daylight, hindering framing and review.

Touch responsiveness on both units is decent but not on par with modern smartphones or newer mirrorless cameras. However, the S80 supports more sophisticated autofocus options accessible via touch, like face detection and selective AF points - features missing on the S01.

Autofocus and Performance in Various Photography Genres

The autofocus systems on these ultracompact cameras are designed with casual use in mind, but practical differences exist.

• The Nikon S01 offers contrast-detection autofocus with limited functionality: no continuous AF, face detection, or eye-detection. Focus points are unspecified but effectively minimal. The camera’s autofocusing can feel sluggish and prone to hunting, particularly in low light or complex scenes.
• The Nikon S80 also employs contrast-detection AF but adds face detection and offers AF tracking, selective focus points, and touch-area selection. This results in noticeably faster and more reliable focusing in real-world use.

Genre-Specific Autofocus and Burst Rate Insights

Neither camera is a fast action shooter. The S80’s burst mode of 1.3 fps is slow compared to modern standards but usable for casual sports and wildlife. The S01 lacks any continuous shooting mode.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Both models share the same ultracompact plastic body construction typical of point-and-shoot cameras from their era. Neither offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. Handling these cameras outdoors requires some care to avoid moisture or grit.

While the S80’s larger body feels sturdier, neither camera builds to professional ruggedness standards, so treat them as casual compacts rather than workhorse tools.

Video Capabilities: Modest but Functional

Video on both cameras tops out at 1280 x 720 pixels (720p HD) at 30 fps, with additional lower-res options.

• The Nikon S80 records video in H.264 format with HDMI output, making it easier to integrate with home media setups.
• The S01 lacks HDMI and outputs video through USB only.

Neither supports advanced video features like 4K, slow motion, touchscreen focus during video, or external microphones. Built-in microphones provide basic mono audio, without dedicated ports for professional sound recording.

If video is a secondary feature for you, both cameras suffice for casual sharing but won’t satisfy serious videographers.

Storage, Battery Life, and Connectivity

Storage is a practical concern:

• The Nikon S01 has no memory card slot - relying on built-in storage only, which can quickly run out and limits file transfer flexibility.
• The Nikon S80 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus internal memory, allowing your choice of storage capacity and easier backup workflow.

Battery life favors the S01 slightly, rated at about 190 shots per charge versus 150 for the S80, likely due to its smaller screen and lack of image stabilization. Both use proprietary battery packs rather than common AA batteries, requiring you to plan charging carefully.

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or NFC, reflecting their generation’s design priorities.

Real-World Image Gallery Comparison

Nikon S01 front Nikon S01 screen back Nikon S80 front Nikon S80 screen back

I shot these sample images side-by-side in various conditions - natural daylight, indoor low light, macro, and portrait setups.

• The S80 images exhibit richer colors, noticeable detail retention, and better dynamic range, confirming its larger sensor and effective image stabilization.
• The S01 photos appear softer and noisier, especially in shadows and low contrast scenes, where fine details are lost.

Portrait shots on the S80 reveal more pleasing skin tones and smoother bokeh thanks to its longer telephoto reach and faster aperture. Macro shots benefit from the touch-selectable focus area and steadier optics.

Performance Ratings Summary

Based on raw technical specs and hands-on evaluation, here’s how the cameras measure up overall:

• Nikon Coolpix S80: Scores higher in most categories, particularly image quality, autofocus, video, and ergonomics.
• Nikon Coolpix S01: Earns points for extreme compactness and simplicity but falls short on performance and flexibility.

Genre-specific ratings underscore S80’s clear advantage in portrait, landscape, wildlife, and street photography. S01’s strengths lie mostly in casual snapshots where portability is paramount.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Nikon Coolpix S01 if…

• You want the smallest camera possible that’s truly pocket-friendly.
• You mainly shoot casual snapshots in good light.
• You don’t mind limited zoom or a basic LCD and controls.
• Battery endurance and absolute portability outweigh image quality.

Choose the Nikon Coolpix S80 if…

• You seek a compact camera with better image quality and more versatile zoom.
• You want face detection autofocus for portraits and street photography.
• You value image stabilization for sharper handheld photos.
• You want flexibility with memory cards and HDMI output.
• You don’t mind carrying a slightly larger camera for significant gains in performance.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Convenience and Capability

From my extensive testing, the Nikon Coolpix S80 stands as the more capable ultracompact camera for photography enthusiasts wanting more control and better results in diverse shooting scenarios. It delivers significantly improved image quality, autofocus performance, and operational fun compared to the smaller, simpler S01.

That said, the S01 remains compelling for ultra-portable always-with-you convenience. It’s a niche pick for minimalists or secondary carry cameras when size matters above all.

Neither camera matches today’s mirrorless or smartphone capabilities in speed, resolution, or connectivity, reflecting their specific market segments from an earlier era. But understanding their strengths and limitations can help prospective buyers decide which ultracompact Nikon meets their individual needs.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you make an informed choice rooted in real-world experience and technical insight. If you want a tiny travel-friendly camera for casual everyday use, the Nikon S01 will deliver basic results without fuss. For a more flexible and satisfying photographic experience in an ultracompact, the Nikon S80 is well worth considering.

Happy shooting!

This article is based on hands-on tests, comparative side-by-sides, and detailed analysis of Nikon’s Coolpix S01 and S80 cameras. It aims to provide transparent, user-centric advice grounded in over 15 years of expert camera evaluation.