Nikon S31 vs Samsung HZ30W

The following is a extensive analysis of the Nikon S31 and Samsung HZ30W, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Nikon and Samsung. The resolution of the S31 (10MP) and the HZ30W (12MP) is very close but the S31 (1/2.9") and HZ30W (1/2.3") have different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The S31 was launched 3 years after the HZ30W which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a in depth comparison, here is a quick view of how the S31 grades versus the HZ30W when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S31 and Samsung HZ30W. The complete galleries are available at Nikon S31 Gallery and Samsung HZ30W Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon S31 has got outer measurements of 105mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) and the Samsung HZ30W has measurements of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon S31 and Samsung HZ30W in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the S31 vs the HZ30W.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S31 and HZ30W is 90 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to picture the difference in sensor dimensions only by viewing specifications. The pic here will provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the S31 and HZ30W.

To sum up, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The S31 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Samsung HZ30W will result in extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The younger S31 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.