Nikon Coolpix S3100 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7: The Ultimate Ultracompact Camera Showdown

Choosing the right ultracompact camera can seem straightforward at first glance; they’re small, easy to carry, and simple to use. However, even in this category, subtle technological differences can substantially affect your photography experience and image quality. Today, we delve into two contemporaries from early 2010s compact camera lines: the Nikon Coolpix S3100 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7. Both released in 2011, these cameras promise portability with respectable imaging capabilities - but which one delivers more value for your photography needs?

Having tested both extensively in controlled conditions and real-world scenarios over many months, I’m here to unpack their design, performance, and suitability for varied photography disciplines. Whether you prioritize image quality, ergonomics, video, or versatility, this detailed comparison will help you decide which ultracompact fits your style and expectations.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Let’s start with the physical feel and design - often the most immediate factor when you pick up a camera.

• Nikon S3100 measures a compact 94mm x 58mm x 18mm and weighs just 118g.
• Panasonic FP7 is slightly larger at 101mm x 59mm x 18mm, with a heftier 147g weight.

Both fit snugly in the pocket, but Panasonic’s marginally larger footprint accommodates a bigger 3.5-inch touchscreen, compared to Nikon’s smaller 2.7-inch fixed display. This size trade-off impacts handling: the Nikon's ultra-slim profile can feel delicate in hand, whereas the Panasonic’s thicker body offers a bit more grip, conducive for steadier shots.

Neither camera features weather sealing or robust environmental resistance, so be mindful of moisture or dust exposure - typical of consumer ultracompacts.

Top Control Layout: User Interface and Ease of Use

How easily you can operate the controls without fumbling is crucial - especially in street or travel photography.

• Both cameras offer minimalist control schemes geared towards point-and-shoot simplicity.
• Nikon’s fewer buttons and absence of touchscreen mean most functions require menu navigation, which can interrupt shooting flow.
• Panasonic’s touchscreen interface allows quick adjustments, live focusing, and better menu navigation; it also incorporates a slightly faster continuous shooting mode (4 fps vs. Nikon’s 1 fps), beneficial for capturing fleeting moments.

In my hands-on testing, Panasonic’s touchscreen responsiveness significantly expedited operation, particularly for novice users or those switching between shooting modes frequently. Nikon’s approach favors straightforward shooting but at the cost of some flexibility and speed.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both models employ 1/2.3-inch back-illuminated CCD sensors, standard for ultracompacts of their era. Despite similar sensor sizes, their resolution and image processor differ:

Image Quality Insights:

• Resolution: Panasonic’s 16MP sensor provides slightly higher resolution, beneficial for large prints and cropping flexibility.
• Color Rendition & Processing: Nikon’s EXPEED C2 processor delivers accurate natural color tones, though images can appear softer. Panasonic’s Venus Engine IV shows more vibrant colors and better noise handling.
• High ISO Performance: Panasonic’s ISO extends up to 6400, doubling Nikon’s max of 3200. Realistically, both cameras produce usable images mostly up to ISO 800–1600; beyond that, noise becomes intrusive.
• Dynamic Range: Both struggle with highlights and shadows due to small sensor size but Panasonic's processor rescues details better - useful in bright outdoor or mixed-light shoots.
• Raw Support: Neither camera supports raw files, limiting post-processing flexibility for enthusiasts.

I tested both under identical lighting and found Panasonic’s images exhibited marginally better sharpness and reduced chromatic aberration, especially in well-lit conditions.

Screen and Viewfinder: Finding Your Framing Sweetspot

Given the absence of optical or electronic viewfinders in both models, the LCD screens become crucial framing and review tools.

• Nikon S3100’s 2.7-inch non-touch TFT LCD (230k dots) is modest but serviceable for casual framing.
• Panasonic FP7’s larger 3.5-inch touchscreen (also 230k dots) improves composition confidence and offers touch-to-focus functionality, elevating user control.

From my testing experience, the FP7’s touchscreen and larger display significantly reduce missed focus or framing errors outdoors under bright light. The Nikon screen, while smaller, remains usable but feels cramped for critical composition.

Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy for Critical Shots

Ultracompact cameras typically have limited focusing systems. Here’s a comparison based on my lab and field tests:

• Both rely on contrast-detection AF, which excels in good lighting but slows in dim conditions.
• Panasonic’s slightly more focus points and touchscreen focus assist provide quicker manual intervention and tracking during live view.
• Nikon’s AF is less flexible without touch controls but reliably locks focus in standard conditions.

In wildlife and sports scenarios, neither camera excels due to slow AF motors and limited burst speeds, but Panasonic’s 4 fps continuous shooting marginally outperforms Nikon’s 1 fps.

Lens and Zoom Range: For Versatile Framing

Fixed lens ultracompacts offer convenience but limit focal length flexibility.

• Nikon S3100 lens: 26–130mm equivalent (5x zoom), aperture f/3.2–6.5
• Panasonic FP7 lens: 35–140mm equivalent (4x zoom), aperture f/3.5–5.9

Nikon’s wider starting focal length (26mm versus Panasonic’s 35mm) provides a real advantage for landscapes, interiors, and street photography, capturing more within the frame.

Panasonic offers a slightly longer telephoto reach (140mm vs 130mm), beneficial for moderate portrait cropping and some wildlife or sports snapshots.

In practical shooting, I found Nikon more flexible for travel and landscapes, while Panasonic leans towards portraits and closer details.

Flash and Low Light Capabilities

Both cameras incorporate built-in flashes with auto, on, off, and red-eye reduction modes.

• Nikon flash range: 4.5 meters
• Panasonic flash range: 4.9 meters

Neither supports external flash units, limiting professional lighting options.

Low light performance is hampered by small sensors and slow lenses, but Panasonic’s optical image stabilization (OIS) is a considerable advantage for reducing blur in dim conditions, a feature absent on Nikon.

During handheld shots at dusk, Panasonic produced fewer camera shake-induced blurs, enhancing image usability without a tripod. Nikon’s lack of stabilization requires higher ISOs or slower shutter speeds, increasing noise and blur risk.

Burst Shooting and Continuous Modes

Fast action capture is often sacrificed in entry-level ultracompacts:

The Panasonic’s 4 fps burst allows better chances of freezing motion in casual sports or kids’ activities, while Nikon’s solitary frame per shot lags far behind. Neither is suitable for professional sports or wildlife bursts that require 10+ fps.

Video Recording Features

In-camera video is increasingly important even in compacts:

• Both record up to 1280 x 720p HD video (Nikon at 30 fps, Panasonic at 24 fps).
• Panasonic offers additional lower resolutions (640x480, 320x240).
• Neither camera supports modern codecs or 4K; all video is Motion JPEG, resulting in large file sizes.
• No external microphone or headphone jacks hinder sound quality control.
• Panasonic supports touchscreen focusing during video, enhancing usability.
• Both lack optical zoom during video; built-in zoom is available but noisy.

My tests revealed that Panasonic’s stabilized lens produces smoother handheld footage with less jitter than Nikon’s unstabilized images.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery endurance is comparable and sufficient for casual outings, though the slightly better Panasonic stamina provides marginally more shooting time.

Panasonic’s internal storage adds flexibility if you forget an SD card but is limited in size.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, or HDMI output. USB 2.0 is standard for image transfer on both.

This lack of wireless connectivity is typical for their release era but limits instant sharing or remote control.

Specialized Photography Use Cases: Who Shines Where?

To provide practical guidance, I tested both cameras across popular photography disciplines you might consider:

Nikon S3100 front Nikon S3100 screen back Panasonic FP7 front Panasonic FP7 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic’s longer telephoto reach, image stabilization, and touchscreen AF make it better for portraits.
• Nikon’s wider aperture at wide-angle (F3.2 vs F3.5) is beneficial indoors, but overall slower lens reduces background blur (bokeh).
• Neither offers eye-detection AF, a modern portrait feature.
• Panasonic’s images generally show more vibrant and pleasing skin tones.

Landscape Photography

• Nikon’s wider 26mm focal length and natural color reproduction excel for landscapes.
• Both cameras struggle in high contrast scenes; Panasonic’s better dynamic range recovery helps.
• Small sensors limit detail resolution compared to DSLR/mirrorless.
• Nikon’s simpler interface can be an asset in quick scenic snapping, though Panasonic’s larger screen aids composition.

Wildlife Photography

• Both cameras are handicapped by slow autofocus and modest burst rates.
• Panasonic’s 4 fps burst aids in catching action, but 140mm max zoom is still limited for wild animals.
• Neither lens offers teleconverter compatibility.

Sports Photography

• Similar to wildlife, Panasonic’s faster continuous shooting and stabilization provide slight advantages.
• Nikon’s single fps and slower AF results in missed peak moments.

Street Photography

• Nikon’s smaller size and quieter operation favor candid shooting.
• Panasonic’s touchscreen may be a distraction or give away your presence.
• Both lack optical viewfinders, nudging toward LCD screen reliance.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras focus as close as 10cm, suitable for casual macro shots.
• Panasonic’s optical stabilization aids handheld macro sharpness.
• Nikon’s non-touch interface can make fine focusing tedious.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither camera is ideal for astrophotography due to sensor size, lack of manual exposure modes, and limited ISO performance.
• Panasonic’s higher max ISO and stabilization offer slight edge in handheld low-light, but long exposure is better on DSLRs.

Video Applications

• Panasonic’s 3.5-inch touchscreen and image stabilization create more usable video.
• Nikon’s single recording rate and smaller screen are less compelling.
• Neither camera supports widescreen or high bitrate recording.

Travel Photography

• Nikon’s compactness and lighter weight make it easy to carry all day.
• Panasonic’s versatile touchscreen and stabilization enhance shooting versatility.
• Both have limited battery lives but enough for casual day use.

Professional Work

• Neither camera supports RAW capture or external flash; limitations disqualify them from professional assignments.
• Good for casual backup or snapshots during shoots.

Technical Summary and Overall Ratings

For a quick technical at-a-glance:

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Here is a genre-specific breakdown considering usability and results:

• Portrait: Panasonic edges ahead
• Landscape: Nikon leads slightly
• Wildlife: Panasonic better burst, lens reach
• Sports: Panasonic faster burst speed
• Street: Nikon more discreet
• Macro: Panasonic stabilization helps
• Night/Astro: Neither excels, Panasonic better low-light
• Video: Panasonic superior user control
• Travel: Nikon wins on portability
• Professional: Neither recommended

Conclusion: Which Ultracompact Should You Choose?

Nikon Coolpix S3100 - Lightweight Simplicity and Wide-Angle Versatility

Best for: Street, casual travel, landscape enthusiasts seeking a super-compact, easy-to-use camera.
Strengths: Ultra-portable, wide 26mm lens start, natural colors, straightforward operation.
Limitations: No stabilization, minimal burst mode, smaller screen, limited video features.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 - More Feature-Rich and Valuable for Video and Versatile Shooting

Best for: Casual portrait shooters, light sports snapshots, video content creators wanting touchscreen ease and image stabilization.
Strengths: Larger touchscreen, stabilized lens, higher resolution, better ISO range, 4 fps burst, improved low light handling.
Limitations: Slightly larger and heavier, shorter wide-angle starting range, no raw, no external mic.

Ultimately, your choice depends on priorities: if you want the smallest, simplest shooter with a wider angle for landscapes and street, the Nikon S3100 remains a solid, budget-friendly option. But if you prefer more control, touchscreen interaction, and overall better performance in varied shooting scenarios, the Panasonic FP7 provides a compelling package worth the higher cost.

This comparison is built on methodical testing under standardized conditions alongside diverse real-world trials. I trust it equips you to make an informed decision aligned with your photographic goals.

Feel free to reach out with specific use case questions or to share your experiences with either model!

Happy shooting!

endarticle