Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic FH3
95 Imaging
35 Features
21 Overall
29


94 Imaging
36 Features
21 Overall
30
Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic FH3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F2.7-6.6) lens
- 132g - 97 x 57 x 22mm
- Introduced August 2010
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F2.8-6.9) lens
- 165g - 98 x 55 x 24mm
- Introduced January 2010
- Additionally referred to as Lumix DMC-FS11

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic FH3 Overview
In this article, we are comparing the Nikon S5100 versus Panasonic FH3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the S5100 (12MP) and the FH3 (14MP) is fairly close and they come with the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The S5100 was announced 8 months after the FH3 and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the S5100 grades vs the FH3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic FH3 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S5100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon S5100 Gallery and Panasonic FH3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S5100 over the Panasonic FH3
S5100 | FH3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | August 2010 | ![]() | January 2010 | More modern by 8 months |
Reasons to pick Panasonic FH3 over the Nikon S5100
FH3 | S5100 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon S5100 and Panasonic FH3
S5100 | FH3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Lack of manual focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display sizing | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Equivalent display measurement |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither comes with selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither comes with Touch friendly display |
Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic FH3 Physical Comparison
For those who are aiming to carry around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and volume. The Nikon S5100 comes with exterior measurements of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH3 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs).
See the Nikon S5100 versus Panasonic FH3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the S5100 and the FH3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S5100 and FH3 is 95 and 94 respectively.

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic FH3 Sensor Comparison
Typically, its hard to envision the difference in sensor sizes only by researching a spec sheet. The pic here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the S5100 and FH3.
Clearly, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic FH3 to render more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The more recent S5100 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic FH3 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic FH3 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S5100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model | Nikon Coolpix S5100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 |
Also called as | - | Lumix DMC-FS11 |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Introduced | 2010-08-17 | 2010-01-06 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
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 area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 14 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4320 x 3240 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | - | 9 |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | 28-140mm (5.0x) |
Maximal aperture | f/2.7-6.6 | f/2.8-6.9 |
Macro focus distance | 2cm | 5cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 2.7 inches | 2.7 inches |
Resolution of screen | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 4 seconds | 60 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/1500 seconds | 1/1600 seconds |
Continuous shooting speed | - | 6.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | - | 6.80 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
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 seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 132 gr (0.29 pounds) | 165 gr (0.36 pounds) |
Dimensions | 97 x 57 x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") | 98 x 55 x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around 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 model | EN-EL10 | - |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Price at launch | $200 | $160 |