Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FH7

Below is a in depth comparison of the Nikon S3100 and Panasonic FH7, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the S3100 (14MP) and the FH7 (16MP) is very well matched and both cameras boast the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The S3100 was launched 7 months prior to the FH7 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Nikon S3100 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic FH7 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise summary of how the S3100 scores against the FH7 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S3100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon S3100 Gallery and Panasonic FH7 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Nikon S3100 offers outer measurements of 94mm x 58mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 118 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Panasonic FH7 has specifications of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check the Nikon S3100 and Panasonic FH7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the S3100 and the FH7.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the S3100 and FH7 is 96 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor measurements only by looking at technical specs. The graphic here will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the S3100 and FH7.

As you can tell, each of the cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Panasonic FH7 to give you extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos way more aggressively. The older S3100 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.