Nikon S31 vs Nikon S5100

Here is a thorough overview of the Nikon S31 and Nikon S5100, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Nikon. The resolution of the S31 (10MP) and the S5100 (12MP) is very close but the S31 (1/2.9") and S5100 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The S31 was manufactured 2 years later than the S5100 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a short highlight of how the S31 matches up vs the S5100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S31 and Nikon Coolpix S5100. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon S31 Gallery and Nikon S5100 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Nikon S31 features outside measurements of 105mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) and the Nikon S5100 has sizing of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon S31 and Nikon S5100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the S31 and the S5100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S31 and S5100 is 90 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to see the difference in sensor sizing only by looking through specifications. The graphic underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the S31 and S5100.

To sum up, both of those cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S31 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Nikon S5100 will result in more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics much more aggressively. The more recent S31 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.