Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic S1
95 Imaging
35 Features
21 Overall
29


96 Imaging
35 Features
21 Overall
29
Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic S1 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)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-112mm (F3.1-5.6) lens
- 117g - 99 x 59 x 21mm
- Announced January 2011

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic S1 Overview
Here, we will be evaluating the Nikon S5100 and Panasonic S1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the S5100 (12MP) and the S1 (12MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras provide the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

The S5100 was unveiled 4 months before the S1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summary of how the S5100 scores versus the S1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic S1 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S5100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1. The full galleries are available at Nikon S5100 Gallery and Panasonic S1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S5100 over the Panasonic S1
S5100 | S1 |
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Reasons to pick Panasonic S1 over the Nikon S5100
S1 | S5100 |
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Common features in the Nikon S5100 and Panasonic S1
S5100 | S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | August 2010 | ![]() | January 2011 | Similar generation |
Manual focus | ![]() | Lack of manual focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen size | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Same screen sizing |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | The same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither offers selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither offers Touch friendly screen |
Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic S1 Physical Comparison
If you are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon S5100 offers external measurements of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Panasonic S1 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).
See the Nikon S5100 and Panasonic S1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the S5100 against the S1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S5100 and S1 is 95 and 96 respectively.

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic S1 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading through a spec sheet. The visual underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the S5100 and S1.
Clearly, both of the cameras come with the identical sensor size and the same resolution therefore you should expect similar quality of files although you should really consider the production date of the products into consideration.

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic S1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic S1 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S5100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix S5100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Introduced | 2010-08-17 | 2011-01-05 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Expeed C2 | Venus Engine IV |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Total focus points | - | 11 |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | 28-112mm (4.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/2.7-6.6 | f/3.1-5.6 |
Macro focusing distance | 2cm | 5cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 2.7 inches | 2.7 inches |
Resolution of screen | 230 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Screen tech | - | TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 4 seconds | 8 seconds |
Highest shutter speed | 1/1500 seconds | 1/1600 seconds |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | - | 3.30 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
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 proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 132 gr (0.29 lbs) | 117 gr (0.26 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 97 x 57 x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") | 99 x 59 x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 240 pictures |
Type of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL10 | - |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Cost at launch | $200 | $269 |