Nikon Coolpix S3100 vs. S6400: A Hands-On Comparison for the Practical Photographer

In the ever-evolving world of compact cameras, Nikon’s Coolpix series has long offered accessible options for casual shooters and enthusiasts needing portability without sacrificing image quality entirely. The Nikon Coolpix S3100 and S6400, though two generations apart, cater to similar ultracompact categories but with meaningful differences that merit a deeper dive - especially for those weighing an upgrade or selecting a camera for varied photography pursuits.

Having personally tested both models extensively, shooting across portrait, landscape, wildlife, and travel scenarios, I’m here to untangle their true capabilities from specs and marketing speak. We’ll walk through sensor tech, lens performance, real-world handling, autofocus, video, and suitability for different photographic niches. By article’s end, you’ll have a clear grasp on which Coolpix fits your needs and budget, avoiding common confusion between incremental updates and substantive upgrades.

So let’s start our exploration with the basics and the physicality of these two cameras - since first impressions in hand often color every shooting experience that follows.

Compactness and Ergonomics: Form Meets Function?

At a glance, the Nikon S3100 and S6400 share a similar ultracompact ethos, built for pocketability and everyday carry. Here’s how their physical presence stacks up:

You can see from the dimensions: the S3100 comes in at a featherweight 118g and a slender 94 x 58 x 18mm profile, while the S6400 is noticeably thicker (27mm) and heavier at 150g. The S3100’s slimmed down frame is undeniably handier for quick grabs and street shooting, folding neatly into smaller bags with ease. However, this compromises grip comfort during extended use.

The S6400, with its increased girth, offers a better handhold, thanks largely to subtly contoured edges and more substantial front plating. For anyone shooting handheld longer than a few minutes, that difference in grip stability isn’t trivial - a lesson I daily relearned during wildlife and travel shoots. The additional thickness also accommodates a larger rear screen and more internal tech, which we’ll explore shortly.

The cameras sport different approaches to control layouts. The S3100 favors simplicity, with fewer tactile buttons and a smaller, non-touch LCD. The S6400 responds to modern needs with a larger touchscreen and more direct-access controls.

For a detailed look at the top control clusters, check out the image below:

While the S3100 offers a clean slate with simple dials, the S6400’s top plate includes more nuanced inputs including a dedicated zoom rocker and mode dial. For users prioritizing minimalism, the S3100’s restraint is welcome; if you want control at your fingertips, the S6400 delivers.

Sensor and Image Quality: Where the Heart of the Camera Lives

Ultracompacts are often judged heavily on how well their sensors transform light into usable images. Despite similar sensor dimensions (both share the 1/2.3" type sensor size), the S6400 enjoys a newer generation sensor and processing engine, which translates into tangible gains for serious shooters.

The S3100 is equipped with a 14-megapixel CCD sensor paired with Nikon’s Expeed C2 processing. The CCD offers decent performance in bright conditions but struggles with noise at higher ISOs and less dynamic range, limiting its usefulness in shadow-rich scenes and challenging lighting.

In contrast, the S6400 leverages a 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, a notably improved technology that dramatically enhances light sensitivity and dynamic range. This sensor choice contributes to richer color rendition, finer detail retrieval, and improved high ISO performance - aspects I observed when shooting dusk landscapes and indoor portraits alike.

While neither camera offers RAW capture - a limitation for professional post-processing - the improved sensor in the S6400 visually closes the gap to entry-level DSLRs in suitable lighting. For photographers focused on JPEG output with minimal fuss, the S6400 is the clear winner for deliverable image quality.

Crystal Clear Viewing: LCD and Interface Differences

No viewfinder on these cameras, but the rear LCD experience varies markedly.

The S3100’s 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD with 230K-dot resolution feels modest and dated now, often struggling under bright outdoor light. Touch isn’t an option here, and its responsiveness is sluggish by modern standards.

On the flip side, the S6400 upgrades to a 3-inch, 460K-dot TFT LCD with touchscreen capability. The brightness and resolution gains translate into far more confident composition and menu navigation outdoors. Touch responsiveness simplifies setting adjustments and playback zoom - features I found invaluable when needing to adjust quickly in the field.

The touchscreen also opens doors for more intuitive focus point selection, even if face and tracking AF remain basic. This advantage becomes relevant in fast-paced shooting contexts like street or wildlife photography when eye or face detection would otherwise be cumbersome.

Autofocus and Performance Under Pressure

Neither camera offers manual focus, and autofocus modes are understandably basic compared to DSLRs or mirrorless models. However, practical autofocus behavior can define whether a camera feels like a burden or a trusted partner.

The S3100 relies on contrast detection AF with 9 focus points, including simple face detection. It offers single and continuous AF tracking, though the latter is sluggish and unreliable in low light or with moving subjects - a frustration when shooting kids or pets.

The S6400 maintains similar AF point counts but benefits from processing speed improvements courtesy of its Expeed C2 engine and the better BSI sensor. Face detection is retained with slightly increased accuracy, although neither camera tackles animal eye AF or extensive subject tracking.

In my testing with moving targets - say a friend running across a park - the S6400 holds focus more confidently, though it cannot compete with dedicated sports or wildlife cameras. Burst rates are not officially announced for the S6400 but are negligible in everyday use, while the S3100’s 1 fps continuous mode feels sluggish and limits action capture.

For fast-moving subjects (sports, wildlife), neither camera will be my top recommendation. But for casual movement capture, the S6400 is a clear step up.

Lens and Zoom: Flexible Framing Options

Ultracompact fixed lens designs mean versatility comes down to zoom range and aperture behavior.

The S3100 sports a 26-130mm f/3.2-6.5 (35mm equivalent) 5x optical zoom lens. This focal length serves as a practical walk-around lens for portraits, everyday snaps, and moderate telephoto shots.

The S6400 shifts the game with a whopping 25-300mm f/3.1-6.5 lens - an impressive 12x zoom range in a similarly sized body. Suddenly, framing options expand dramatically, from wide-angle environmental portraits and landscapes to distant wildlife or street candid moments without hopping out the car.

Image stabilization (Optical VR) is absent on the S3100 but included on the S6400, essential for minimizing shake at telephoto ends and lower light. During my field trials, photos captured handheld on the S6400 were consistently sharper at longer focal lengths compared to the S3100, where blur crept in often.

One downside to such an extended zoom on the S6400 is the slower aperture at tele-end (f/6.5), limiting low light telephoto potential regardless of stabilization. But still, for an ultracompact, that zoom range is remarkable.

Versatility Across Photography Disciplines

A camera’s suitability often depends on your prioritized photography type. Let’s break down what each Coolpix can do in various popular genres.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Soft skin tones and pleasing subject isolation (bokeh) are critical.

The 14MP CCD sensor in the S3100 renders natural-looking tones but is constrained by a smaller sensor and fixed aperture, leading to relatively limited background blur. The lack of RAW output means post-processing latitude is limited, too.

The S6400’s improved CMOS sensor and longer zoom allow for tighter framing and background compression, producing better subject separation despite similar aperture ranges. Face detection autofocus performs better on the S6400, assisting in retaining sharp focus on eyes - a must for expressive portraits.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Detail

Landscape shooters demand high resolution and dynamic range to capture intricate textures and tonal depth.

The S6400’s 16MP sensor and broader ISO latitude produce more detailed images with superior shadow recovery. The S3100’s dynamic range is narrower, often losing detail in shadows.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so plan accordingly. The S6400’s larger screen helps with on-site composition evaluation, especially with 16:9 aspect ratio support.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed and Burst Rates

Both cameras falter here compared to DSLRs, but S6400’s faster, more reliable AF tracking and extended zoom give it an edge, particularly in wildlife.

The S3100’s slow 1fps burst rate and lag make it frustrating for capturing action.

For serious sports photography, neither is a preferred choice.

Street and Travel: Portability and Discretion

The S3100 excels with its ultra-slim profile and light weight, making it ideal for street shooters valuing low-profile gear.

The S6400 is still compact but might be a bit bulky for those seeking ultimate discretion. However, its zoom versatility can be advantageous for travel when opportunities range widely.

Battery life favors the S3100 (220 shots vs. 160), which is a consideration when traveling without chargers.

Macro and Close-up

Both cameras support macro focusing down to 10cm, but the S6400’s sharper optics and stabilization yield cleaner results.

Night and Astro Photography

Limited ISO ranges, small sensors, and no RAW limit astrophotography prospects, but the S6400’s better low light performance and higher max shutter speed (4 sec vs. 2 sec) are an improvement.

Video Capabilities: The Upgrade You Might Notice

Don’t expect cinema-grade footage, but transitions in video specs are worth noting.

The S3100 records at 720p 30fps using Motion JPEG format - a bulky codec that quickly eats storage and yields mediocre quality.

The S6400 advances to Full HD 1080p 30fps, encoded in MPEG-4 H.264, which is more efficient and visually superior. It has HDMI out for easy playback on external monitors, a feature absent in the S3100.

Neither camera offers external mic inputs or advanced video features, so serious videographers will seek beyond this lineup. Still, casual video recording benefits from the S6400’s clearer output and stabilization.

Build Quality and Durability: What You Can Expect

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing or ruggedness features. Both are non-waterproof, non-dustproof, and not shock resistant.

Build quality is typical for entry-level ultracompacts: mostly plastic bodies with plasticky buttons.

The S6400’s bulkier body feels more robust in hand, but neither is intended for extreme conditions.

Usability: Interface, Battery, and Connectivity

The S6400’s touchscreen and more intuitive interface provide a smoother experience, especially for beginners transitioning from smartphones. The S3100’s interface feels dated, which can slow operation.

Battery-wise, the S3100 wins out, delivering around 220 shots per charge compared to 160 on the S6400.

Connectivity in the S6400 adds Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility, easing photo transfer - a boon for travelers wanting quick social sharing or backups. The S3100 lacks any wireless features.

Price-to-Performance: Stretching Your Dollar

Price is where the two diverge most! The S3100 is a budget ultracompact, priced around $139, ideal for casual use and those new to photography wanting a no-fuss camera.

Conversely, the S6400 retails higher, near $500, reflecting its advanced features, longer zoom, and improved sensor tech.

Considering the real-world benefits - improved image quality, touchscreen, stabilized zoom - the S6400 justifies its cost for enthusiasts seeking more creative control in a pocketable package.

Visual Evidence: Comparing Sample Images

To truly understand differences, inspecting sample photos is enlightening.

Nikon S3100 front Nikon S3100 screen back Nikon S6400 front Nikon S6400 screen back

Here you can observe the improved color vibrancy, finer detail, and better handling of shadows on the S6400 images versus the flatter, softer look from the S3100. Zoomed telephoto shots are notably sharper on the S6400, thanks in part to stabilization.

Overall Performance Ratings at a Glance

For a data-driven summary, here’s how each camera scores across general use parameters:

The S6400 scores consistently higher in image quality, autofocus, and video capability, while the S3100 is strongest in portability and battery life.

Specialty Performance: How They Score by Photography Style

Now, focusing on photographic genres relevant to users:

The S6400 outperforms the S3100 in almost all categories except ultra-portability and battery longevity, where the S3100 holds a slight edge.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Nikon S3100 if:

• You want a simple, ultra-affordable camera for snapshots and casual use.
• Pocketability and light travel kit are your priority.
• You avoid low light scenes and mostly shoot outdoors in good light.
• Battery life is a major consideration.

Choose the Nikon S6400 if:

• You want better photo quality, especially for portraits, landscapes or telephoto subjects.
• You value the convenience of touchscreen controls and improved interface.
• You desire Full HD video and optical stabilization.
• You are willing to invest more upfront for features that extend creative options.
• You need versatile zoom capability from wide to super-telephoto.

Final Thoughts

The Nikon Coolpix S3100 and S6400 serve photographers at different levels of sophistication and budgets while inhabiting the same ultracompact category. While the S3100 fares well as an instant grab-and-go camera, its outdated sensor, lack of stabilization, and less responsive interface limit it.

The S6400, though pricier and slightly bulkier, brings notable refinements in image quality, zoom flexibility, video, and user experience that hold up well for enthusiasts needing a pocketable yet capable secondary shooter or a step-up from smartphones.

No matter your choice, Nikon’s Coolpix line underscores the trade-offs inherent in compact camera design: balancing size, speed, quality, and features. Hopefully, this side-by-side exploration with hands-on insights clarifies what you can expect and guides you toward the right fit for your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!