Nikon S3600 vs Pentax W80

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Nikon S3600 and Pentax W80, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by companies Nikon and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the S3600 (20MP) and W80 (12MP) but they use the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The S3600 was launched 4 years later than the W80 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a simple overview of how the S3600 scores versus the W80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S3600 and Pentax Optio W80. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon S3600 Gallery and Pentax W80 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Nikon S3600 features external dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Pentax W80 has proportions of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Look at the Nikon S3600 and Pentax W80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the S3600 vs the W80.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S3600 and W80 is 96 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements just by checking specs. The visual underneath will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the S3600 and W80.

All in all, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You should expect the Nikon S3600 to resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The younger S3600 provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.