Nikon Coolpix S6100 vs Nikon Coolpix S800c: A Detailed Comparison for the Compact Camera Enthusiast

In the realm of compact cameras, Nikon’s Coolpix series has long been a go-to for consumers seeking portability paired with respectable image quality. Two intriguing models within this line are the Nikon Coolpix S6100, released in early 2011, and the Nikon Coolpix S800c, which followed two years later in 2013. At first glance, these may seem like incremental improvements, but a deeper dive reveals meaningful differences - not just on paper, but in real-world shooting experiences.

Having extensively tested both cameras over numerous shooting sessions, I’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of how these two stand apart and overlap. This comparison aims to guide enthusiasts and even semi-professionals who might be drawn to compact solutions but want the best fit for their photographic style and needs. I’ll unravel their design, sensor technology, shooting performance, and suitability across various photographic genres, all while providing unvarnished insights based on hands-on use.

Let’s unpack what these cameras truly offer beyond their spec sheets.

Tangible Differences: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

The initial tactile impression sets the tone for any photographic tool. How a camera feels in your hand can influence your shooting habits and comfort over long sessions.

The S6100 and S800c are both small sensor compacts, but there are distinct physical tweaks worth noting:

• Nikon S6100: Compact and lightweight at 175 grams, the S6100 sports a 98 x 58 x 27 mm chassis. It’s one of those cameras designed to slip unnoticed into a coat pocket - a real asset for walk-around convenience or street photography. The rounded edges contribute to a cozy grip, but the compact size pushes buttons close together, which can occasionally feel cramped during rapid adjustments.

• Nikon S800c: Slightly bulkier at 184 grams and measuring 111 x 60 x 27 mm, the S800c sacrifices some pocketability but gains roomier ergonomics. Its elongation accommodates a larger 3.5-inch screen (vs. 3-inch on the S6100), which improves menu interaction and framing - a welcome change if touchscreen responsiveness is a priority.

Though similar weights, the S800c feels marginally more substantial, with a build suggesting a bit more presence. Neither is weather sealed, so caution remains necessary in outdoor scenarios. Personally, I appreciated the S6100’s snug form for lightweight travel but enjoyed the S800c’s added comfort for longer shooting days.

Next, let’s explore how their control layouts and interface design complement these physical differences.

Control Layout and User Interface: Classic Compact Meets Android Influence

Small cameras often balance minimalism with functionality; this duo epitomizes those compromises.

• S6100: Nikon maintains a straightforward compact layout - mode dial replaced by a simplistic shooting mode selector, minimal dedicated dials, and a touchscreen-driven interface. A fixed 3-inch TFT panel with anti-reflection coating adds clarity but lacks the vibrancy and contrast found on premium IPS or OLED displays.

• S800c: Notably, the S800c integrates an Android operating system, an unusual approach for point-and-shoot cameras, which transforms user interaction considerably. The larger OLED touchscreen is vibrant and highly responsive - great for navigating menus, using apps, or pinching to zoom - something the S6100’s more basic screen struggles to achieve fluidly.

I found the S800c’s touchscreen far superior in responsiveness and viewing angles thanks to the OLED panel. However, the necessity of managing a smartphone-like interface on a camera may not appeal to everyone, especially those preferring dedicated physical controls over touch navigation.

This leads us to the heart of any camera: the sensor. Let’s examine how these models’ image quality compares in detail.

Image Quality and Sensor Technology: CCD vs BSI-CMOS

Though both cameras house a 1/2.3 inch sensor with 16-megapixel resolution, the sensor types differ substantially - a fundamental reason why image quality and noise handling between them vary.

• Nikon S6100: Equipped with a CCD sensor, typical for early 2010s compacts, the S6100 produces detailed images at base ISO but faces challenges past ISO 400. CCD sensors traditionally yield excellent color depth and tonal gradation but suffer from higher noise at elevated sensitivities and slower readout speeds.

• Nikon S800c: Employs a more modern BSI-CMOS sensor, designed to capture more light and improve noise performance, especially in low-light conditions. The backside illumination (BSI) architecture optimizes photon collection efficiency, making it superior in dynamic range and high ISO capabilities compared to the CCD in the S6100.

In practical terms, during my tests, the S800c’s images had cleaner shadow detail, better highlight preservation, and more accurate colors under varied lighting conditions. The S6100, however, still held its own in bright daylight scenarios, providing sharp results with a pleasing color signature, especially at base ISO 80.

Neither model supports RAW capture, which limits post-processing latitude - a notable drawback for those seeking maximum image control.

Autofocus and Lens Performance: Precision vs Reach

Autofocus reliability and lens versatility are key for photographers aiming to nail critical focus moments.

• Nikon S6100: Features a fixed 28-196 mm equivalent lens (7x zoom) with a variable aperture of f/3.7-5.6, paired with a 9-point contrast-detection AF system that includes face detection - a boon for portrait shooting. The lens’s wide-angle coverage is practical for landscapes and street, but telephoto reach is somewhat limited compared to newer compacts.

• Nikon S800c: Offers a broader focal range of 25-250 mm equivalent (10x zoom), with a slightly faster maximum aperture of f/3.2-5.8. AF points remain at 9, with similar contrast-detection and face detection. The longer telephoto stretch enhances wildlife and sports shooting potential, although image sharpness begins to degrade noticeably at extreme zoom.

Both cameras implement optical image stabilization to offset handshake, crucial given the small apertures at telephoto extents. The S800c’s continuous shooting rate of 8 fps massively outpaces the S6100’s leisurely 1 fps burst - an important consideration for action photographers.

I noticed that while the S800c locks focus faster during daylight, in dimmer conditions, both models slowed substantially, with occasional hunting. Neither camera offers manual exposure control or manual focusing, limiting creative flexibility for advanced users.

Screens and Viewfinders: Composing Without Optical Aid

Neither model includes an electronic or optical viewfinder, necessitating reliance on their LCD panels for composition.

• S6100’s 3-inch TFT screen has a resolution of 460k dots, adequate for framing but prone to glare under bright sunlight despite its anti-reflective coating.

• S800c’s 3.5-inch OLED panel boasts 819k dots - almost double the pixel density of the S6100 - and exhibits deeper blacks, richer colors, and better visibility outdoors.

Despite the S800c’s touchscreen superiority, it lacks physical buttons for quick access to frequently adjusted settings. The S6100’s limited button array can make menu navigation tedious but does provide tactile shortcuts.

For serious shooting in strong light, an external electronic viewfinder would benefit both models, but in their compact niche, the trade-off was expected.

Shooting Across Genres: How They Perform in Situations That Matter

Let’s analyze both cameras across key photography disciplines, highlighting practical strengths and limitations.

Portrait Photography

Portraits benefit from accurate skin tones, reliable face detection, and attractive background blur (bokeh).

• S6100: Face detection works well, capturing skin tones naturally in daylight. However, the relatively small sensor and maximum aperture restrict natural bokeh, resulting in generally flat background separation.

• S800c: Slightly better at face detection (especially with Android apps supporting face recognition), and the extra zoom flexibility aids framing. The f/3.2 wide-end aperture marginally improves subject isolation. However, depth-of-field remains limited by sensor size.

Neither camera has eye autofocus or advanced portrait features common in modern compacts.

Landscape Photography

Resolution and dynamic range shape landscape results.

• Both cameras produce 16MP stills at a maximum resolution of 4608x3456 pixels, sufficient for moderate prints.

• The S800c’s BSI-CMOS sensor offers better dynamic range, retaining more highlight and shadow detail - a decisive factor in high-contrast vistas.

• Neither has weather sealing, so shooting in adverse outdoor conditions requires care.

• The S6100’s wider 28 mm equivalent starting focal length is more suitable for capturing expansive views compared to the S800c’s 25 mm (slightly wider, an improvement).

Wildlife Photography

Autofocus speed, burst rate, and telephoto reach drive wildlife opportunities.

• The S800c’s 10x zoom (25-250 mm equivalent) and 8 fps burst rate outperform the S6100’s 7x zoom and 1 fps continuous shooting, thereby better enabling capture of moving subjects.

• AF tracking exists on both but is somewhat limited due to contrast-detection only autofocus and lack of phase-detection sensors, making fast-moving wildlife tough to nail consistently.

• Optical image stabilization helps with telephoto usage.

Sports Photography

Speed and accuracy are paramount.

• The S800c’s 8 fps frame rate is a clear winner here; however, autofocus lag and no manual exposure modes limit professional usability.

• The S6100’s sluggish 1 fps burst restricts its effectiveness in sports.

Street Photography

Discretion, portability, and low-light performance are key.

• The S6100’s smaller size gives it an edge for street shooters wanting unobtrusive gear.

• Both lack significant low-light sensitivity; ISO noise hampers night shots.

• The S800c’s larger screen can be a slight giveaway but enables stealthy street shooting if utilized cleverly.

Macro Photography

• The S6100 offers impressive close-up focusing at 3 cm, allowing detailed flower or small object photographs.

• The S800c focuses only to 10 cm minimum distance - not quite as versatile macro-wise.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither camera boasts manual exposure controls or interval shooting for astrophotography.

• The S800c’s improved high ISO performance allows cleaner night shots (up to ISO 3200), but long exposures risk noise.

• Lack of RAW hinders post-processing flexibility at night.

Video Capabilities

• S6100 shoots HD at 1280x720p at 30 fps in MPEG-4 or Motion JPEG formats.

• S800c upgrades to full HD (1920x1080p 30 fps) using MPEG-4 with H.264 encoding, delivering sharper, more efficient files.

• Neither has microphone or headphone ports, nor advanced video stabilization, restricting audiovisual quality.

• The S800c includes HDMI 1.4 and USB 3.0 ports (versus USB 2.0 on the S6100), aiding faster media transfers.

Travel Photography

An all-around compact camera’s domain.

• The S6100’s smaller body and better battery life (210 shots) make it ideal for extended travel.

• The S800c, despite shorter battery life (140 shots), integrates GPS for geotagging - valuable for itinerary recording.

• Lenses on both cover most travel focal lengths; the broader zoom on S800c is appealing for varied scenes.

Professional and Workflow Considerations

• Neither camera supports RAW, limiting professionals needing flexible post-editing.

• File transfer options improve on S800c with USB 3.0 and built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi and GPS), facilitating faster backup and location metadata.

• Both use proprietary EN-EL12 battery packs; spares are advisable given the limited shots per charge.

Durability and Build Quality: Everyday Reliables But No Ruggedness

These compacts lack environmental sealing; therefore, cautious use around moisture, dust, and impacts is necessary. Neither is shockproof, freezeproof, or crushproof - common omissions for their class and era.

Plastic shells dominate construction with modest durability. I recommend protective cases long-term, particularly for travel or outdoor sports.

Lenses and Zoom Versatility: What You Can Capture

Both cameras have non-interchangeable fixed lenses, which restricts optical flexibility but guarantees compactness.

• S6100 has a 7x optical zoom from 28 mm wide to 196 mm tele (35mm equivalent).

• S800c extends reach to 10x zoom (25-250 mm). This wider to longer zoom provides more framing options, especially for distant subjects.

Lens sharpness is respectable in the center but softness creeps in at maximum zoom - typical for such superzoom compacts.

Connectivity and Extras

• S800c introduces wireless connectivity and integrated GPS - features absent in the S6100. This facilitates effortless photo sharing and geotagging.

• The S6100 only offers USB 2.0 and HDMI out.

• Neither has Bluetooth or NFC.

Pricing and Value Analysis

• At launch, the S6100 was priced around $195, while the S800c came in at roughly $290 - a significant price jump.

• Value depends on priorities: the S6100 caters to budget buyers seeking a simple, pocketable camera with decent basic performance.

• The S800c targets enthusiasts wanting better zoom, video quality, richer displays, and smartphone-like connectivity, albeit at a premium and with shorter battery life.

For those on tighter budgets or preferring longer battery endurance, the S6100 remains attractive.

Summary: How Do They Compare Overall?

Evaluating these models holistically:

Specialized Genre Scores

• Portrait: Both moderate; slight edge to S800c for accuracy.
• Landscape: S800c preferred for dynamic range.
• Wildlife: S800c benefits from zoom and speed.
• Sports: Only S800c viable.
• Street: S6100 wins for stealth and size.
• Macro: S6100 superior.
• Astro: None are ideal; S800c better ISO.
• Video: S800c clearly better.
• Travel: S6100 for battery and portability.
• Professional Work: Neither is professional grade, but S800c offers better connectivity.

Final Recommendations: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Nikon Coolpix S6100 if:

• You want an affordable, lightweight, and pocketable camera for casual travel, street, and macro photography.
• Longer battery life and simpler controls appeal most.
• Video isn’t a priority beyond basic 720p capture.
• You’re content with daylight shooting and won’t demand advanced video or wireless sharing.
• Budget constraints are significant.

Choose Nikon Coolpix S800c if:

• You desire better zoom range and faster shooting speeds for wildlife or sports snapshots.
• Quality video (1080p) with better codecs matters.
• You crave a larger, vibrant OLED touchscreen for easier control and framing.
• GPS tagging and Wi-Fi connectivity enhance your workflow.
• You don’t mind a modest battery life sacrifice or a slightly bigger footprint.
• You're comfortable navigating a smartphone-like interface.

In Closing

Though both cameras are firmly positioned as compacts for photography enthusiasts stepping up from basic point-and-shoots or smartphone shooters, the gap between the S6100 and S800c is wider than their similar specs might imply.

The S6100 remains a straightforward, reliable companion for those valuing size and simplicity, while the S800c ventures into a tech-hybrid space blending compact camera optics with smartphone platform flexibility.

For anyone considering these models today in the second-hand market or with legacy interest, discerning your shooting priorities and budget will guide you best. While neither camera targets professional workflows, they both carve out niches where they perform well enough to be enjoyable and capable.

For me, hands-on tests showed the S800c’s advancements in sensor tech, video, and connectivity provide tangible benefits, but the S6100’s ease and battery life create an enduring appeal for lightweight casual users.

Additional Visual Insights: Sample Image Gallery

Nikon S6100 front Nikon S6100 screen back Nikon S800c front Nikon S800c screen back

Examining real-world images reinforces how lighting conditions and sensor designs affect outcomes: sharper highlights and cleaner backgrounds on the S800c, but commendable sharpness on the S6100 under optimal light.

Ultimately, these two Nikon Coolpix compacts represent different points on the small sensor camera spectrum: one favors simplicity and portability, the other embraces connectivity and multimedia versatility. Whether in bustling city streets, the wild outdoors, or idyllic landscapes, either can be a trustworthy creative tool - provided their limitations are understood and matched to your shooting style.