Nikon S30 vs Sony S2100
90 Imaging
32 Features
18 Overall
26


93 Imaging
35 Features
17 Overall
27
Nikon S30 vs Sony S2100 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- 29-87mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
- 214g - 102 x 65 x 40mm
- Launched February 2012
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- 640 x 480 video
- 33-105mm (F3.1-5.6) lens
- 167g - 98 x 61 x 27mm
- Introduced January 2010

Nikon S30 vs Sony S2100 Overview
In this write-up, we are comparing the Nikon S30 and Sony S2100, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by companies Nikon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the S30 (10MP) and the S2100 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the S30 (1/3") and S2100 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

The S30 was introduced 2 years after the S2100 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before diving through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the S30 scores against the S2100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Nikon S30 vs Sony S2100 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S30 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon S30 Gallery & Sony S2100 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S30 over the Sony S2100
S30 | S2100 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | February 2012 | ![]() | January 2010 | Newer by 26 months |
Reasons to pick Sony S2100 over the Nikon S30
S2100 | S30 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Common features in the Nikon S30 and Sony S2100
S30 | S2100 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Lack of manual focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Exact same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Lacking Touch display |
Nikon S30 vs Sony S2100 Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to travel with your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Nikon S30 comes with exterior dimensions of 102mm x 65mm x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Sony S2100 has measurements of 98mm x 61mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).
Check the Nikon S30 and Sony S2100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the S30 versus the S2100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the S30 and S2100 is 90 and 93 respectively.

Nikon S30 vs Sony S2100 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions only by checking technical specs. The picture underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the S30 and S2100.
As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The S30 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Sony S2100 will give you greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images far more aggressively. The younger S30 should have a benefit in sensor technology.

Nikon S30 vs Sony S2100 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S30 vs Sony S2100 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S30 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Sony |
Model | Nikon Coolpix S30 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 |
Category | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Launched | 2012-02-01 | 2010-01-07 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 4.8 x 3.6mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 17.3mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10MP | 12MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | - | 9 |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 29-87mm (3.0x) | 33-105mm (3.2x) |
Max aperture | f/3.3-5.9 | f/3.1-5.6 |
Macro focus range | 5cm | 5cm |
Focal length multiplier | 7.5 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 2.7" | 3" |
Resolution of screen | 230 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen tech | TFT-LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 1 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/1200 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 1.5 frames/s | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | - | 3.30 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow-sync | Auto, On, Off, Slow syncro |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps) | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 640x480 |
Video data format | MPEG-4 | Motion JPEG |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
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 seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 214 gr (0.47 lbs) | 167 gr (0.37 lbs) |
Dimensions | 102 x 65 x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") | 98 x 61 x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 240 shots | - |
Style of battery | AA | - |
Battery model | 2 x AA | 2 x AA |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo, optional SD, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Launch price | $119 | $0 |