Nikon S31 vs Samsung HZ15W

In this article, we are reviewing the Nikon S31 versus Samsung HZ15W, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Nikon and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the S31 (10MP) and the HZ15W (12MP) is fairly close but the S31 (1/2.9") and HZ15W (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The S31 was manufactured 4 years later than the HZ15W and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the S31 scores versus the HZ15W with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S31 and Samsung HZ15W. The entire galleries are available at Nikon S31 Gallery and Samsung HZ15W Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Nikon S31 offers outside dimensions of 105mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Samsung HZ15W has measurements of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon S31 versus Samsung HZ15W in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the S31 vs the HZ15W.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the S31 and HZ15W is 90 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to see the contrast in sensor measurements merely by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the S31 and HZ15W.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S31 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Samsung HZ15W will provide you with more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher S31 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.