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Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS15

Portability
96
Imaging
37
Features
23
Overall
31
Nikon Coolpix S3100 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 front
Portability
95
Imaging
34
Features
17
Overall
27

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS15 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
  • Introduced February 2011
Panasonic FS15
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 1600 (Push to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 29-145mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 136g - 97 x 54 x 22mm
  • Introduced January 2009
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Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS15 Overview

On this page, we will be analyzing the Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS15, both Ultracompact cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the S3100 (14MP) and the FS15 (12MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras boast the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The S3100 was released 2 years after the FS15 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Ultracompact).

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the S3100 scores against the FS15 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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Reasons to pick Nikon S3100 over the Panasonic FS15

 S3100 FS15 
IntroducedFebruary 2011January 2009More modern by 26 months

Reasons to pick Panasonic FS15 over the Nikon S3100

 FS15 S3100 

Common features in the Nikon S3100 and Panasonic FS15

 S3100 FS15 
Manually focus No manual focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen dimensions2.7"2.7"Equal screen dimensions
Screen resolution230k230kIdentical screen resolution
Selfie screen Neither has selfie screen
Touch screen Neither has Touch screen

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS15 Physical Comparison

If you're going to carry around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Nikon S3100 has outer measurements of 94mm x 58mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 118 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FS15 has proportions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Look at the Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS15 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the S3100 against the FS15.

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS15 size comparison

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S3100 and FS15 is 96 and 95 respectively.

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS15 top view buttons comparison

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS15 Sensor Comparison

Normally, it's tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizes merely by seeing specifications. The picture below might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the S3100 and FS15.

Plainly, both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Nikon S3100 to provide more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more modern S3100 will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS15 sensor size comparison

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS15 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS15 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon S3100 Portrait photography features
Panasonic FS15 Portrait photography features
33
decent megapixels (14 megapixels)
features face detect autofocus
lack of manual focus
manual exposure not available
cannot use external flash
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
20
no manual focus
lack of manual mode
can't use external flash
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
very small sensor (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
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Street Comparison

Nikon S3100 as a Street photography camera
Panasonic FS15 as a Street photography camera
48
no moving screen
does not have image stabilization
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
56
has image stabilization (Optical)
no moving screen
very small sensor (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Nikon S3100
Sports photography with Panasonic FS15
32
decent megapixels (14MP)
features tracking focus
continuous shooting slow (1.0 frames per second)
lack of shutter priority mode
does not have image stabilization
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect autofocus
25
has image stabilization (Optical)
low fps (2.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
very small sensor (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect auto focus
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Travel Comparison

Nikon S3100 Travel photography highlights
Panasonic FS15 Travel photography highlights
65
decent megapixels (14 megapixels)
flash built-in
really wide (26mm)
lack of Time Lapse recording
screen isn't selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.2)
51
has built in flash
does not have Time Lapse function
megapixel count low (12MP)
does not offer selfie friendly display
wide angle not good (29mm)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon S3100 Landscape photography info
Panasonic FS15 Landscape photography info
33
really wide (26mm)
decent megapixels (14 megapixels)
lack of manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.2)
screen is small (2.7 inches)
manual exposure not available
does not have image stabilization
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
lack of Time Lapse recording
27
has image stabilization (Optical)
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not good (29mm)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
screen is small (2.7 inch)
lack of manual mode
megapixel count low (12MP)
very small sensor (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
does not have Time Lapse function
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Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S3100 Vlogging features
Panasonic FS15 Vlogging features
28
really wide (26mm)
features face detect autofocus
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.2)
screen isn't selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pxls)
lack of mic jack
25
has image stabilization (Optical)
wide angle not good (29mm)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
does not offer selfie friendly display
low quality video (640 x 480 resolution)
does not have external mic socket
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Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic FS15 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon S3100 and Panasonic FS15
 Nikon Coolpix S3100Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15
General Information
Manufacturer Nikon Panasonic
Model Nikon Coolpix S3100 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15
Category Ultracompact Ultracompact
Introduced 2011-02-09 2009-01-16
Physical type Ultracompact Ultracompact
Sensor Information
Powered by 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 area 28.1mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 14 megapixel 12 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio - 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2
Highest Possible resolution 4320 x 3240 4000 x 3000
Maximum native ISO 3200 1600
Maximum enhanced ISO - 6400
Min native ISO 80 80
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Number of focus points 9 11
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 26-130mm (5.0x) 29-145mm (5.0x)
Max aperture f/3.2-6.5 f/3.3-5.9
Macro focus range 10cm 5cm
Crop factor 5.8 5.9
Screen
Type of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 2.7" 2.7"
Resolution of display 230k dots 230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Display technology TFT LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Minimum shutter speed 4 seconds 60 seconds
Fastest shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Continuous shutter rate 1.0 frames/s 2.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 4.50 m -
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye Auto, Auto Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
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)
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 640x480
Video format Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 118 grams (0.26 lb) 136 grams (0.30 lb)
Physical dimensions 94 x 58 x 18mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.7") 97 x 54 x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" 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 photographs -
Battery type Battery Pack -
Battery model EN-EL19 -
Self timer Yes (10 or 2 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage type SD / SDHC/SDXC SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal
Card slots 1 1
Price at release $139 $180