Nikon S30 vs Nikon S5100

Lets look more closely at the Nikon S30 vs Nikon S5100, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras and both of them are manufactured by Nikon. The image resolution of the S30 (10MP) and the S5100 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the S30 (1/3") and S5100 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The S30 was launched 18 months after the S5100 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the S30 grades versus the S5100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S30 & Nikon Coolpix S5100. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon S30 Gallery & Nikon S5100 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Nikon S30 enjoys external dimensions of 102mm x 65mm x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") and a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Nikon S5100 has measurements of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon S30 vs Nikon S5100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view size comparison of the S30 compared to the S5100.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the S30 and S5100 is 90 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by checking a spec sheet. The image below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the S30 and S5100.

Clearly, each of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The S30 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Nikon S5100 will give more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The newer S30 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.