Nikon Coolpix S100 vs. Nikon Coolpix S8100: A Thorough Hands-On Comparison for Compact Camera Buyers

When it comes to choosing a compact camera from Nikon’s well-regarded Coolpix lineup, the Nikon S100 and S8100 offer intriguing options for photographers who prioritize portability without sacrificing essential features. Having tested both extensively over diverse scenarios - ranging from travel snapshots to controlled studio-like conditions - I aim to share nuanced insights into how these two models compare in real-world use, across a broad spectrum of photography styles and technical considerations.

Both cameras debuted in the early 2010s, carrying Nikon’s reliable EXPEED C2 processor and targeting small sensor compact users, yet they occupy distinct niches within that category. My goal here is to guide enthusiasts and professionals alike - for whom a compact camera might be a valuable secondary device or a primary tool in lightweight excursions - in navigating their specific needs relative to these models.

Let’s start with the basics and then move through detailed technical and practical criteria.

Compact Cameras on the Scale: Ergonomics and Handling

Size and comfort matter a ton when you carry a camera all day or look for discretion in street scenes. The Nikon S100 is noticeably more svelte and streamlined compared to the S8100, which has a chunkier body to accommodate its extended zoom range and slightly bigger grip.

The S100 measures approximately 99x65x18 mm and weighs a mere 175 grams, making it pocketable and easy to stash. Meanwhile, the S8100 at 104x60x30 mm and 180 grams feels more robust in hand, with a more pronounced grip that several users may find reassuring, albeit at the expense of pocket portability. In my experience, the S8100 strikes a balance for those wanting extra zoom reach without going full-on bridge body.

Both models feature a compact fixed lens mount but differ markedly in control layout and button placement, as seen in the top view comparison.

The S8100 leans towards a more traditional compact control scheme, lacking touchscreen functionality but compensating with tangible buttons for quick access. Conversely, the S100 integrates a 3.5-inch Organic LED touchscreen with a clean interface, making menu navigation intuitive, especially for photo enthusiasts who appreciate touch focus and setting adjustments on the fly.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality – The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras employ 1/2.3-inch sensors with identical physical dimensions (6.17 x 4.55 mm) typical for compact cameras but with divergence in resolution and sensor design.

The S100 offers a higher resolution 16-megapixel CMOS sensor with an antialias filter, designed to capture crisp detail, whereas the S8100 adopts a 12-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, known for enhanced light sensitivity and better noise control in low-light. Although the S8100’s resolution is lower, the backside-illuminated sensor architecture can yield superior results at higher ISOs - a critical factor in night and indoor shooting.

In my side-by-side shooting tests under various lighting conditions, the S100 produces slightly sharper images in good lighting due to its higher pixel count, but the S8100 shines when the light dims, maintaining cleaner shadows and smoother gradations, thanks to its sensor technology.

Display and Interface – Engaging with Your Camera

The rear display can make or break the shooting experience, especially when composing, reviewing images, or tweaking settings on the go.

The S100’s 3.5-inch OLED screen with 820k dots provides vibrant colors and excellent contrast, crucial for judging exposure and focus in fast-paced scenarios. The touchscreen functionality adds convenience for focusing and quick menu access. The downside: its fixed screen does not tilt or swivel, limiting creative shooting angles.

On the other hand, the S8100 sports a slightly smaller 3-inch LCD with a superior resolution of 921k dots. While it lacks touch input, the screen’s brightness and clarity are commendable. However, its fixed nature and absence of a viewfinder may challenge outdoor shooting in bright environments.

Zoom Range and Lens Capability

Here lies perhaps the most defining difference between the two cameras: their zoom lenses and optical versatility.

• Nikon S100: 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom), max aperture f/3.9-4.8
• Nikon S8100: 30-300mm equivalent (10x zoom), max aperture f/3.5-5.6

For photographers fascinated by reach - wildlife, sports, or street candid shots - the S8100 doubles the zoom capacity, opening up new compositional possibilities without carrying extra glass. I took both cameras outdoors to test telephoto reach: the S8100’s 300mm equivalent stubbornly pulls distant subjects closer with decent sharpness, especially given its optical image stabilization.

The S100’s lens performs very well but is geared towards general-purpose photography and travel, where balanced zoom and portability take precedence. Image quality across focal lengths is consistent in both, although the S8100’s longer zoom struggles slightly with diffraction towards telephoto extremes.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

For capturing fleeting moments - whether a sprightly kid, elusive wildlife, or intense sporting action - autofocus quality is paramount.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus systems enhanced by Nikon’s EXPEED C2. However, my practical tests revealed subtle distinctions in responsiveness and tracking capability.

• The S100 offers touch-sensitive autofocus points and face detection, aiding in quick acquisition of subjects; however, it lacks continuous AF and manual focus options, making it less flexible for dynamic scenes.
• The S8100, with no touchscreen but spot metering capability, surprisingly gains ground on continuous AF tracking, benefiting from a faster continuous burst mode (10 vs. 6 fps in S100), although neither camera matches DSLRs or mirrorless hybrids in predictive AF.

In controlled lighting, both cameras locked focus swiftly and accurately. In dimmer or chaotic environments, I noted slight hunting, particularly with the S100’s system, emphasizing its compact’s limits.

Burst Mode and Shutter Speed Performance

Sports and wildlife enthusiasts treasure cameras with high frame rates and swift shutter responses to capture peak action. Here, the S8100 slightly edges out with up to 10 frames per second continuous shooting compared to the S100’s 6 fps. Additionally, the S8100 offers a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000s, handy for freezing motion in bright daylight, while the S100 caps out at 1/2000s.

When testing fast-moving cyclists on a sunny day, the S8100 produced more usable frames per burst, raising its appeal for hyperactive subjects despite its other limitations.

Image Stabilization and Macro Capabilities

Optical image stabilization is integrated into both models, a boon when shooting telephoto or in low light handheld.

Close-up photography also finds a place here, with both cameras offering a 1cm macro focusing distance. In my macro tests, the S100 surprised with crisp close-ups, aided by its balanced zoom range that flexibly frames composition. The S8100’s longer zoom demanded careful handling to avoid motion blur, albeit stabilized well at short ranges.

Neither camera supports focus stacking or bracketing - unsurprising for their class - but for occasional macros and detailed casual shots, they perform admirably.

Video Recording: Specifications and Real-World Footage

Video shooters will find comparable Full HD 1080p recording in both cameras, albeit with some nuances.

The S8100’s support for 720p at 60fps allows smoother motion rendering, useful for action-footage enthusiasts. The S100’s touchscreen adds manual focus on the fly during video, a distinct advantage for creative control. Still, both cameras lack microphone inputs, limiting serious audio capture.

Footage from both cameras is commendable for casual use - sharp with good color - but limited in dynamic range and low-light usability, reflecting their small sensors.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery stamina and convenience weigh heavily on travel photographers’ minds.

The S8100 impresses with a rated 220 shots per charge versus the S100’s modest 150. In field conditions, I consistently experienced more shooting time from the S8100, beneficial for longer excursions without charging or spare batteries.

Both utilize the same EN-EL12 battery pack and single SD card slots - supporting SDHC and SDXC standards - offering good storage flexibility. Connectivity is otherwise sparse: no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC exists on either, meaning image transfer requires physical cables or card readers.

Build Quality and Durability Considerations

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or rugged protection, as expected in this compact segment. Both are vulnerable to dust and moisture but feel sturdy enough in hand. The S8100’s thicker body may withstand occasional rough handling slightly better.

Real-World Image Samples: Quality and Output

To visually demonstrate performance differences and strengths, I captured a variety of test scenes: portraits under natural light, landscapes at golden hour, wildlife from a distance, and handheld street snapshots at dusk.

Nikon S100 front Nikon S100 screen back Nikon S8100 front Nikon S8100 screen back

The S100’s images display vibrant skin tones and pleasing bokeh in portraiture despite the narrower zoom range, aided by the crisp 16MP sensor. Landscapes reveal decent sharpness and nuanced dynamic range for a compact, albeit with expected limitations at shadow extremes.

The S8100, with its longer lens, excels in wildlife and sports shots where reach is a factor, capturing isolated subjects with reasonable clarity. Its lower resolution sensor renders images slightly softer, but superior noise control in dim settings often compensates.

Performance Overview: Which Camera Shines Where?

Assigning quantified scores allows an aggregated view of strengths and trade-offs.

• Nikon S100: Strong in image resolution, touchscreen UI, portability, and video manual focus. Limited by slower burst rate and shorter zoom.
• Nikon S8100: Strong in zoom reach, burst speed, battery life, and low-light noise handling. Limited by lower resolution sensor and no touchscreen.

Photography Discipline Analysis: Matching Cameras to User Needs

Breaking down genre-specific suitability helps focus recommendations.

• Portrait Photography: S100 edges out with higher resolution and touch focus; better skin tone rendition.
• Landscape Photography: Both adequate, S100’s higher resolution favours detail.
• Wildlife Photography: S8100 preferred for extensive zoom and faster burst.
• Sports Photography: S8100’s 10 fps and reach beneficial; S100 struggles with rapid sequences.
• Street Photography: Both discreet; S100’s slimness offers more stealth.
• Macro Photography: Comparable performance.
• Night/Astro Photography: S8100’s BSI sensor delivers cleaner high ISO images.
• Video Use: S100’s touch focus helpful; S8100’s 60fps HD provides smoother motion capture.
• Travel Photography: S100 wins on size; S8100 on zoom versatility and battery life.
• Professional Work: Neither fulfills advanced workflow needs (no RAW support); more suited as convenient companions.

Wrapping It Up: Who Should Buy Which?

After months of shooting, comparing, and analyzing these cameras through my professional lens and personal curiosity, here’s my distilled advice:

• Choose the Nikon S100 if:

  • You prioritize compactness and touchscreen-driven ease of use.
  • You want sharper, detailed images for portraits and landscapes.
  • Video recording with touch autofocus is important.
  • You’re focused on everyday, travel, and street photography.
  • Battery life is manageable around 150 shots per charge.

• Choose the Nikon S8100 if:

  • You need an extended zoom (10x) for wildlife, sports, or distant subjects.
  • You desire faster continuous shooting for action sequences.
  • Better low-light capability and noiseless images at higher ISO matter.
  • Longer battery life suits your shooting habits.
  • Video versatility in frame rates and traditional controls appeal.

If your budget and shooting style allow, I recommend testing both hands-on to feel which ergonomics and shooting modes align best with your style. Neither camera replaces advanced DSLRs or mirrorless systems but each brings Nikon’s accessible imaging in a small package.

Final Reflections

Cameras like these illustrate the compromises and compromises that define compact cameras: sensor size constrains image quality; zoom range trades off size and speed; lack of manual exposure control limits creative latitude.

But with conscientious testing and honest appraisal - as I’ve aimed to provide here - enthusiasts can find genuine value in these models tailored to their priorities.

Whether capturing a delicate flower’s details or a thrilling outdoor event, knowing your camera's strengths ensures you bring home images that satisfy your creative vision.

If you appreciated this detailed comparison or have questions about other Nikon legacy models, please feel free to reach out - I’m always eager to share knowledge gathered from years on the front lines of camera testing.

Happy shooting!