Nikon Coolpix S4100 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5: A Hands-On Comparison of 2011’s Affordable Ultracompacts

When stepping into the cheap-and-cheerful ultracompact camera arena from 2011, two names stand out for budget-conscious buyers hunting a reliable point-and-shoot: the Nikon Coolpix S4100 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5. Both offer modest specs, small bodies, and a no-frills approach aimed at everyday snapshots. But if you’re weighing which of these starter-friendly pocket cameras deserves a spot in your bag, you’ll want to look beyond the numbers.

Having tested thousands of cameras across genres and price points over 15 years, I’ve learned that specs only tell part of the story. Real-world performance, intuitive usability, and photographic versatility ultimately shape your satisfaction - rather than the megapixel count or zoom range alone. Drawing on side-by-side evaluation with careful attention to sensor behavior, ergonomics, autofocus responsiveness, and image quality, here’s my complete comparison between the Nikon S4100 and Panasonic FP5.

Along the way, I’ll show you how these two tiny shooters behave in everything from family portraits and low-light street scenes to modest video capture and sturdiness for travel. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a straightforward camera or a casual snapper who just wants decent JPEGs on the cheap, read on for clear verdicts and recommendations.

Bulking Up the Pocket: Size and Handling in Daily Use

One of the first things you notice when clutching either the Nikon S4100 or Panasonic FP5 is just how they prioritize portability - key for their ultracompact category. Yet despite their shared goal of convenience, there are subtle differences in physical dimensions and handling that affect your shooting comfort over time.

Measured side by side, the Nikon is just a hair smaller (95x57x20mm) than the FP5 (101x59x18mm), though the Panasonic claims a lighter weight at roughly 141g (exact Nikon weight is unspecified). The size delta is marginal, but the Nikon sports a bit more thickness, which paradoxically helps when gripping it for longer shooting sessions - it feels slightly more secure and less like fiddling with a techno-pea.

Looking at the top plate controls, both cameras maintain a minimalist approach geared toward amateurs - no clubs for thumbs here, just simple dials and buttons. I appreciated the Nikon’s slightly chunkier zoom lever and shutter release, which gave me quicker, more confident framing when out and about.

The Panasonic FP5’s controls are flatter and more integrated, lending to a sleeker look but occasionally requiring me to hunt for buttons without looking. For quick snaps, the Nikon’s tactile buttons scored points with me.

Bottom line: Both compact cameras slip easily into a coat pocket or purse, but the Nikon S4100 offers a touch more comfort and user-friendly clustering of controls for casual shooting. The Panasonic’s slimmer profile may appeal to those who prize pocketability above all else.

Peering Inside: Sensor Specs and Image Potential

We’re dealing with entry-level ultracompacts, so don’t expect large sensors here. Both cameras each pack a small 1/2.3” CCD sensor - a barebones design typical of that era’s budget point-and-shoots.

The Nikon S4100 features a 14-megapixel sensor with dimensions ~6.17 x 4.55 mm, yielding a modest sensor area of around 28 mm². The Panasonic FP5 is nearly identical with a 14MP sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.7 mm² area). So resolution and sensor size are essentially even, but the Nikon’s slight edge in sensor breadth is unlikely to produce a meaningful difference.

What matters more at this price point is sensor technology and downstream processing. Both use CCD chips, which tend to deliver fine detail with decent color rendition but lag behind CMOS sensors in noise control, especially at higher ISO - critical for low-light.

The supported ISO ranges differ slightly: Nikon caps at 3200 ISO natively, while Panasonic offers an extended range up to 6400 ISO. In practice, pushing to these higher ISOs introduces heavy noise and softness on both, but Panasonic’s image processor (Venus Engine IV) seemed to handle noise reduction more aggressively, potentially at the expense of fine texture.

Image Resolution and Color: Both max out at 4320 x 3240 pixels with an anti-aliasing filter in place to reduce moiré, helping daily shots look smooth but sometimes less crisp than raw shooters.

Key Insight: Neither camera supports RAW image output, restricting flexibility in post-processing - a common limitation in this category but a serious consideration for enthusiasts who like to tweak exposures and white balance later.

Checking the Screen and Viewing Experience

On tiny point-and-shoots, your LCD is your window to the world, so how these two implement their screens shapes the shooting experience.

Both the Nikon S4100 and Panasonic FP5 offer a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 230k-dot resolution. That’s helpful for composing, but not particularly sharp by modern standards. The major difference is that Panasonic touts its screen as touch-enabled, making menu navigation and focus point selection slightly more intuitive. The Nikon, while also having touch capability listed, feels less responsive in practical use.

Neither camera offers a viewfinder, electronic or optical, so in bright daylight, hunting for visibility is a pain. You’ll find yourself shading the screen constantly or framing by feel based on experience.

Practical Tip: If you’re shooting outdoors in strong sun, consider using the cameras’ LCD brightness settings aggressively or invest in a simple shade hood accessory (rare for ultracompacts but handy).

Locked and Focused: Autofocus Systems Compared

Autofocus performance is a make-or-break feature when shooting dynamic subjects, or even just recording family moments that move unexpectedly. Both these cameras rely purely on contrast-detection AF systems with no phase detection or hybrid AF help.

The Nikon S4100 has 9 focus points and the Panasonic FP5 has 11, but neither offers manual focus adjustment - typical of ultracompacts targeted at ease-of-use shoppers.

Both cameras incorporate face detection and basic tracking algorithms, but I noticed the Panasonic’s AF locks on slightly faster and more consistently in moderate light. However, it struggles more with slower focus in dimmer conditions, often hunting before final lock. Nikon felt a bit more deliberate but occasionally more accurate at final focus, particularly in still subjects.

Neither camera supports continuous AF shooting or effective subject tracking for fast athletes or erratic children - don’t expect miracles here.

Macro Focusing: Both shine a bit in close-up work with a minimum focus distance of 10 cm, useful for tabletop shots or quick flower snaps.

Zooming In: Lens and Optical Features

Zoom range and optical quality can hugely impact compositional creativity in budget cameras. Here, the Nikon S4100 gets a slight edge with a 26-130 mm equivalent (5x optical zoom), whereas the Panasonic FP5 offers 35-140 mm (4x zoom).

While the Nikon zooms wider, helping you capture more environmental context (handy for landscapes or groups), the Panasonic extends a bit further telephoto, useful for isolating detail or distant subjects.

Maximum apertures vary slightly: Nikon’s F3.2-6.5 versus Panasonic’s F3.5-5.9. Both lenses tighten up quickly as you zoom in, limiting blur potential and low-light capabilities - standard fare in this ultracompact league.

Sadly, neither offers optical distortions correction such as chromatic aberration reduction, and image sharpness softens noticeably at extreme zoom ends on both cameras.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres? The Real Test

I’ve conducted practical test shoots using both the Nikon S4100 and Panasonic FP5 across a variety of photography styles, with detailed scoring you can see here:

Let’s break down what these mean in practice.

Portrait Photography

Portraits with these cameras deliver passable skin tones with the Nikon exhibiting slightly warmer, more flattering hues, while Panasonic swings cooler but marginally more neutral. Both rely on face detection AF, which performs adequately in good light but tends to hunt outdoors in shadows.

Bokeh is soft and indistinct due to small sensor and slow lenses - background separation is limited, so expect flat portraits unless you isolate subjects far from backgrounds.

Landscape Photography

The Nikon’s wider zoom starting at 26mm equivalent lets you capture broader vistas, while Panasonic demands stepping back to fit everything in. Both pack 14 megapixels, but careful image examination reveals softer corner sharpness and moderate dynamic range in shadows.

Neither camera has weather sealing or robust build for rugged outdoor use, so I wouldn’t recommend them as your landscape hiking companion.

Wildlife Photography

Both cameras fall short for serious wildlife shooters due to slow autofocus and limited burst rates (Nikon max 1fps, Panasonic 6fps in limited buffer burst). Zoom ranges, while reasonable, aren’t impressive enough to hold big game at a distance, and silent operation is missing.

Sports Photography

Similarly, the Nikon’s slow continuous shooting and hunting AF make it a no-go for fast sports. The Panasonic’s 6fps burst is better on paper but hampered by lag and limited buffer. Neither supports advanced AF tracking needed for quick athletes.

Street Photography

Here, compromised sensor size but compact form factor plays well. The Panasonic’s quicker AF and smaller weight edge slightly helps street shooters who crave discretion. Both are quiet except for zoom noise, so you’ll still draw attention.

Macro Photography

With 10cm macro focus and sensor-shift or optical image stabilization, both offer decent close-up potential but image detail falls short for extreme macro work. Panasonic’s optical stabilization feels a touch more convincing in handheld shots.

Night and Astro Photography

CCD sensors age poorly in high ISO, and both cameras struggle beyond ISO 800–1600 with noticeable noise and drastic detail loss. Neither camera offers bulb exposures or manual long shutter modes for astro work.

Video Capabilities

Both max at 720p/30fps HD video with Motion JPEG codec. This format is easy for playback but inefficient for editing or extended recording. No external microphone inputs or image stabilization during video limit quality.

Image Gallery: Real-World Samples

Curious what these cameras can really capture? Below are unprocessed JPEGs from both cameras under varied lighting and subjects. Judge sharpness, color, and noise for yourself.

Nikon S4100 front Nikon S4100 screen back Panasonic FP5 front Panasonic FP5 screen back

Build, Ergonomics, and Usability: The Daily Grind

Neither camera is weather-sealed, dustproof, or shockproof, so treat them gently. Toshiba-grade plastic bodies keep costs down but limit durability if you plan rugged use.

Battery life favors the Panasonic FP5 at approximately 260 shots per charge versus Nikon’s modest 190 shots. Neither uses common AA batteries, relying on proprietary rechargeable packs (Nikon EN-EL19).

Onboarding to menus and features is straightforward on both, but t he Panasonic’s touch UI was snappier and friendlier for novices. Nikon’s menus felt slightly clunkier but still usable with physical buttons.

Connectivity and Storage Options

Both rely on single SD-formatted storage card slots with SD, SDHC, and SDXC support. Panasonic interestingly adds internal storage, allowing some pictures without a card - a neat backup feature.

USB 2.0 ports enable simple transfer but neither offers modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth connectivity, which in 2011 was fairly typical.

And the Winner Is… (Spoiler: Neither Is a Game-Changer)

Looking at these two ultracompact cameras side-by-side, the choice ultimately depends on what you prize most.

Nikon Coolpix S4100– The Comfortable Quick Snapper

Pros:

• Slightly better ergonomics and grip
• Wider zoom range for versatile framing
• Warmer, richer color rendering
• Simple controls for casual photographers

Cons:

• Slower burst rate (1fps)
• Shorter battery life
• Less responsive touch screen
• Lower max ISO ceiling

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 – The Lightweight Touchscreen Player

Pros:

• Faster burst shooting (6fps)
• Touchscreen interface usable for AF point selection
• Slightly longer battery life
• Internal storage option

Cons:

• Narrower zoom range starting at 35mm equivalent
• Less comfortable grip and controls
• Cooler, less vibrant color tone
• Clumsier autofocus in low light

Who Should Buy These Cameras in 2024?

After spending ample time testing these models, I feel they both occupy a rather niche space today due to dated sensor tech and limited features - but there remain some valid reasons to consider them for certain users:

• Absolute beginners on a budget who want a straightforward auto-snapper without the fuss or expense of a smartphone or mirrorless system.
• Collectors or camera curators interested in an affordable early 2010s ultracompact for casual use or novelty.
• Travelers needing a pocketable backup camera with simple operation and long battery life. (Panasonic edges here.)

However, photographers who want better image quality, interchangeable lenses, manual controls, or superior video should look higher up the ladder or towards modern budget mirrorless or advanced compact cameras.

Final Recommendations by Photography Type

Wrapping It Up: A Practical Takeaway

If you’re a cheapskate looking for a little camera to wrestle with the complexities of manual focus or RAW files, these aren’t your tools. But if you’re stepping into casual photography or want a tiny travel companion for snapshots, my personal pick is the Nikon Coolpix S4100 for its better ergonomics and wider zoom. I found it more forgiving and pleasurable to shoot with over longer stretches.

The Panasonic FP5 will please those who want a lightly smaller, slightly faster shooter with touchscreen menus and modest improvements in battery life. It edges out Nikon in speed, but the loss of the wider angle on the zoom and the less confident grip can be frustrating.

Both are solid budget-time capsules from 2011 but face limitations that today’s phones and affordable mirrorless cameras comfortably eclipse. Still, these two make for a charming, simple entry ticket to the joys and challenges of digital photography for absolute beginners or budget-minded hobbyists.

I hope this deep dive helps you weigh the Nikon Coolpix S4100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 sensibly relative to modern options. Feel free to reach out with questions or share your own hands-on experiences - I love to hear how these compact dynamos fit into your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

Image Sources Recap

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• Nikon S4100 front Nikon S4100 screen back Panasonic FP5 front Panasonic FP5 screen back