Nikon S30 vs Nikon S9100

The following is a complete analysis of the Nikon S30 and Nikon S9100, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both produced by Nikon. The sensor resolution of the S30 (10MP) and the S9100 (12MP) is pretty close but the S30 (1/3") and S9100 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

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The S30 was revealed 7 months after the S9100 which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the S30 scores against the S9100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S30 and Nikon Coolpix S9100. The full galleries are provided at Nikon S30 Gallery and Nikon S9100 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Nikon S30 provides external measurements of 102mm x 65mm x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Nikon S9100 has proportions of 105mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Examine the Nikon S30 and Nikon S9100 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the S30 and the S9100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S30 and S9100 is 90 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions only by looking through a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the S30 and S9100.

Clearly, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The S30 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Nikon S9100 will provide you with more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more recent S30 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.