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Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980

Portability
95
Imaging
35
Features
21
Overall
29
Nikon Coolpix S5100 front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 front
Portability
94
Imaging
34
Features
17
Overall
27

Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 Key Specs

Nikon S5100
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-140mm (F2.7-6.6) lens
  • 132g - 97 x 57 x 22mm
  • Released August 2010
Sony S980
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 33-132mm (F3.3-5.2) lens
  • 167g - 93 x 56 x 24mm
  • Introduced February 2009
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Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 Overview

Below, we will be matching up the Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the S5100 (12MP) and the S980 (12MP) is relatively comparable and they enjoy the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The S5100 was released 19 months after the S980 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the S5100 scores vs the S980 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Nikon S5100 over the Sony S980

 S5100 S980 
IntroducedAugust 2010February 2009Newer by 19 months

Reasons to pick Sony S980 over the Nikon S5100

 S980 S5100 
Manually focus Dial accurate focusing

Common features in the Nikon S5100 and Sony S980

 S5100 S980 
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen dimension2.7"2.7"Identical screen dimensions
Screen resolution230k230kThe same screen resolution
Selfie screen Neither has selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Missing Touch friendly screen

Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 Physical Comparison

For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Nikon S5100 has external measurements of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Sony S980 has specifications of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

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Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the S5100 compared to the S980.

Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 size comparison

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the S5100 and S980 is 95 and 94 respectively.

Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 top view buttons comparison

Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 Sensor Comparison

Oftentimes, it can be hard to see the gap in sensor dimensions only by checking out a spec sheet. The picture here will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the S5100 and S980.

As you can see, both of those cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements and the exact same MP so you should expect comparable quality of images though you should take the release date of the cameras into account. The newer S5100 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.

Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 sensor size comparison

Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Photography Glossary

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Nikon S5100
Portrait photography with Sony S980
21
manual focus not available
no manual control
can't use external flash
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
27
you can focus manually
lack of manual exposure
external flash not possible
low megapixels (12MP)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
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Street Comparison

Nikon S5100 Street photography info
Sony S980 Street photography info
62
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than others (132g)
no articulating screen
small sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
47
screen is fixed
lack of image stabilization
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
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Sports Comparison

Nikon S5100 Sports photography factors
Sony S980 Sports photography factors
27
image stabilization (Optical)
no shutter priority mode
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect AF
17
continuous shooting slow (1.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority
lack of image stabilization
low megapixels (12MP)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Nikon S5100 Travel photography information
Sony S980 Travel photography information
62
lighter than others (132g)
has built in flash
relatively wide (28mm)
lack of Time Lapse mode
low megapixels (12MP)
does not have selfie friendly display
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.7)
51
flash built-in
doesn't have Time Lapse function
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
display is not selfie friendly
wide angle not the best (33mm)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon S5100 Landscape photography advice
Sony S980 Landscape photography advice
32
relatively wide (28mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
manual focus not available
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.7)
small screen (2.7")
no manual control
low megapixels (12MP)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
lack of Time Lapse mode
27
you can focus manually
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not the best (33mm)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
small screen (2.7 inches)
lack of manual exposure
lack of image stabilization
low megapixels (12MP)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
doesn't have Time Lapse function
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Nikon S5100
Vlogging with Sony S980
31
relatively wide (28mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than others (132g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.7)
does not have selfie friendly display
video resolution low (1280 x 720 resolution)
lack of mic jack
22
wide angle not the best (33mm)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
display is not selfie friendly
lack of image stabilization
low quality video (1280 x 720 resolution)
doesn't have external mic socket
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Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon S5100 and Sony S980
 Nikon Coolpix S5100Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980
General Information
Brand Nikon Sony
Model type Nikon Coolpix S5100 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980
Class Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Compact
Released 2010-08-17 2009-02-17
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Chip Expeed C2 -
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 12MP 12MP
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 3200
Lowest native ISO 100 80
RAW data
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points - 9
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens support fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 28-140mm (5.0x) 33-132mm (4.0x)
Maximal aperture f/2.7-6.6 f/3.3-5.2
Macro focusing distance 2cm 10cm
Crop factor 5.8 5.8
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 2.7 inch 2.7 inch
Display resolution 230k dots 230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Lowest shutter speed 4s 2s
Highest shutter speed 1/1500s 1/1600s
Continuous shooting rate - 1.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance - 3.50 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video file 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 proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 132g (0.29 pounds) 167g (0.37 pounds)
Dimensions 97 x 57 x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") 93 x 56 x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9")
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 ID EN-EL10 -
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC, Internal Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal
Card slots One One
Retail pricing $200 $300