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Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS12

Portability
96
Imaging
37
Features
23
Overall
31
Nikon Coolpix S3100 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 front
Portability
95
Imaging
35
Features
14
Overall
26

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS12 Key Specs

Nikon S3100
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 26-130mm (F3.2-6.5) lens
  • 118g - 94 x 58 x 18mm
  • Launched February 2011
Panasonic FS12
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 1600 (Increase to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 31-124mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
  • 129g - 97 x 55 x 22mm
  • Announced April 2009
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Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS12 Overview

Let's look more in depth at the Nikon S3100 versus Panasonic FS12, both Ultracompact cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the S3100 (14MP) and the FS12 (12MP) is fairly comparable and both cameras posses the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The S3100 was introduced 23 months later than the FS12 making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature the same body design (Ultracompact).

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the S3100 scores versus the FS12 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

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Reasons to pick Nikon S3100 over the Panasonic FS12

 S3100 FS12 
AnnouncedFebruary 2011April 2009More recent by 23 months

Reasons to pick Panasonic FS12 over the Nikon S3100

 FS12 S3100 

Common features in the Nikon S3100 and Panasonic FS12

 S3100 FS12 
Manual focus No manual focusing
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display size2.7"2.7"Same display sizing
Display resolution230k230kIdentical display resolution
Selfie screen Neither includes selfie screen
Touch friendly display Neither includes Touch friendly display

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS12 Physical Comparison

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S3100 features outside dimensions of 94mm x 58mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 118 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FS12 has dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check out the Nikon S3100 versus Panasonic FS12 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the S3100 vs the FS12.

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS12 size comparison

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the S3100 and FS12 is 96 and 95 respectively.

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS12 top view buttons comparison

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS12 Sensor Comparison

Oftentimes, it's difficult to picture the difference in sensor measurements merely by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the S3100 and FS12.

As you can see, the two cameras come with the identical sensor size but different megapixels. You can anticipate the Nikon S3100 to provide extra detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The younger S3100 should have an advantage in sensor technology.

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS12 sensor size comparison

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS12 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS12 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon S3100 Portrait photography highlights
Panasonic FS12 Portrait photography highlights
33
decent megapixels (14 megapixels)
has face detection focusing
no manual focus
lack of manual mode
external flash not possible
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support
21
manual focus not available
manual exposure not available
external flash not possible
MP count low (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
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Street Comparison

Nikon S3100 as a Street photography camera
Panasonic FS12 as a Street photography camera
48
no moving screen
no image stabilization
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support
57
has image stabilization (Optical)
screen is fixed
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
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Sports Comparison

Nikon S3100 as a Sports photography camera
Panasonic FS12 as a Sports photography camera
32
decent megapixels (14 megapixels)
has tracking autofocus
max fps very slow (1.0 fps)
no shutter priority mode
no image stabilization
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect AF
25
has image stabilization (Optical)
slow frames per second (2.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority
MP count low (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Nikon S3100 Travel photography information
Panasonic FS12 Travel photography information
65
decent megapixels (14 megapixels)
has built in flash
pretty wide (26mm)
no Timelapse function
doesn't have selfie friendly screen
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.2)
51
has built in flash
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
MP count low (12MP)
display isn't selfie friendly
wide angle not good (31mm)
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Nikon S3100
Landscape photography with Panasonic FS12
33
pretty wide (26mm)
decent megapixels (14 megapixels)
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.2)
screen is small (2.7 inches)
lack of manual mode
no image stabilization
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support
no Timelapse function
28
has image stabilization (Optical)
manual focus not available
cannot change lens (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not good (31mm)
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
tiny screen (2.7")
manual exposure not available
MP count low (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Nikon S3100
Vlogging with Panasonic FS12
28
pretty wide (26mm)
has face detection focusing
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.2)
doesn't have selfie friendly screen
no image stabilization
low res video (1280 x 720 pxls)
no external microphone jack
25
has image stabilization (Optical)
wide angle not good (31mm)
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
display isn't selfie friendly
video quality not great (640 x 480 pxls)
doesn't have mic jack
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Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS12 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon S3100 and Panasonic FS12
 Nikon Coolpix S3100Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12
General Information
Brand Nikon Panasonic
Model Nikon Coolpix S3100 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12
Type Ultracompact Ultracompact
Launched 2011-02-09 2009-04-17
Body design Ultracompact Ultracompact
Sensor Information
Processor Expeed C2 -
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 14 megapixels 12 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio - 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Max resolution 4320 x 3240 4000 x 3000
Max native ISO 3200 1600
Max enhanced ISO - 6400
Min native ISO 80 80
RAW images
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
AF selectice
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Number of focus points 9 -
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 26-130mm (5.0x) 31-124mm (4.0x)
Highest aperture f/3.2-6.5 f/2.8-5.9
Macro focus distance 10cm 5cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.9
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display size 2.7 inches 2.7 inches
Resolution of display 230 thousand dot 230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Display technology TFT LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Min shutter speed 4 seconds 60 seconds
Max shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Continuous shutter speed 1.0 frames per sec 2.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 4.50 m 6.30 m
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720p (30fps), 640 x 480 (30fps) 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Max video resolution 1280x720 640x480
Video format Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 118g (0.26 pounds) 129g (0.28 pounds)
Physical dimensions 94 x 58 x 18mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.7") 97 x 55 x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 220 photos -
Style of battery Battery Pack -
Battery model EN-EL19 -
Self timer Yes (10 or 2 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage media SD / SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC card, Internal
Storage slots 1 1
Price at release $139 $228