Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980
95 Imaging
35 Features
21 Overall
29


94 Imaging
34 Features
17 Overall
27
Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 Key Specs
(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
(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

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").

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.

Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S5100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon S5100 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S5100 over the Sony S980
S5100 | S980 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | August 2010 | ![]() | February 2009 | Newer 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 type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimension | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Identical screen dimensions |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | The 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).
Check the Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
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.

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

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 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S5100 vs Sony S980 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S5100 | Sony 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 |