Nikon S230 vs Panasonic FP3
96 Imaging
33 Features
21 Overall
28


95 Imaging
36 Features
25 Overall
31
Nikon S230 vs Panasonic FP3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 2000
- Digital Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 35-105mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 115g - 91 x 57 x 20mm
- Released February 2009
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 35-140mm (F3.5-5.9) lens
- 155g - 99 x 59 x 19mm
- Introduced January 2010

Nikon S230 vs Panasonic FP3 Overview
In this article, we are matching up the Nikon S230 and Panasonic FP3, both Ultracompact cameras by brands Nikon and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the S230 (10MP) and FP3 (14MP) but they possess the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The S230 was launched 11 months before the FP3 and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Ultracompact).
Before getting in to a full comparison, below is a short summary of how the S230 matches up vs the FP3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Nikon S230 vs Panasonic FP3 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S230 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon S230 Gallery & Panasonic FP3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S230 over the Panasonic FP3
S230 | FP3 |
---|
Reasons to pick Panasonic FP3 over the Nikon S230
FP3 | S230 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | January 2010 | ![]() | February 2009 | More recent by 11 months |
Common features in the Nikon S230 and Panasonic FP3
S230 | FP3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Lack of manual focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent display measurements |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Nikon S230 vs Panasonic FP3 Physical Comparison
If you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon S230 enjoys outside measurements of 91mm x 57mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 115 grams (0.25 lbs) and the Panasonic FP3 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).
Contrast the Nikon S230 and Panasonic FP3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you select during that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the S230 against the FP3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the S230 and FP3 is 96 and 95 respectively.

Nikon S230 vs Panasonic FP3 Sensor Comparison
Often, it is very tough to picture the difference in sensor measurements just by researching specifications. The graphic underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the S230 and FP3.
To sum up, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You can expect to see the Panasonic FP3 to provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images a little more aggressively. The older S230 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.

Nikon S230 vs Panasonic FP3 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S230 vs Panasonic FP3 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S230 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix S230 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 |
Type | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Released | 2009-02-03 | 2010-01-06 |
Physical type | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | - | Venus Engine IV |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10MP | 14MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4320 x 3240 |
Maximum native ISO | 2000 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 35-105mm (3.0x) | 35-140mm (4.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/3.1-5.9 | f/3.5-5.9 |
Macro focusing range | 10cm | 10cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3" | 3" |
Resolution of display | 230k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 8 seconds | 60 seconds |
Highest shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/1600 seconds |
Continuous shooting rate | 11.0 frames per sec | 5.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | - | 4.90 m |
Flash options | Auto, Red-Eye reduction, Off, On, Slow sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 640x480 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 115 gr (0.25 pounds) | 155 gr (0.34 pounds) |
Dimensions | 91 x 57 x 20mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") | 99 x 59 x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery ID | EN-EL10 | - |
Self timer | Yes (3 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Price at launch | $150 | $182 |