Head-to-Head: Nikon Coolpix S6100 vs Samsung PL200 - A Practical Compact Camera Showdown

When shopping for a budget-friendly compact camera, there are dozens of options from yesteryears that continue to pop up on the used market or clearance racks. Two such models that often get compared are the Nikon Coolpix S6100 and the Samsung PL200. Both hit the market around 2010-2011, targeting photography newcomers and casual shooters after a simple point-and-shoot experience with a little bit of zoom and some user-friendly features.

Over 15 years of testing cameras myself, I find these two to be interesting case studies - not because they are cutting-edge anymore, but precisely because of where they sit in the compact camera spectrum: small sensors, modest specs, and a focus on ease of use, all wrapped in pocketable bodies. If you’re a curious enthusiast or professional needing a backup or a lightweight “grab-and-go” option on a tight budget, it pays to know the real-world tradeoffs.

In this detailed comparison, I’m going beyond specs to share what I’ve learned from hands-on testing and industry standard evaluation criteria. Expect insights on image and video quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and suitability across popular photography types.

Body and Ergonomics: A Tale of Two Compacts in Hand

The Nikon S6100 and Samsung PL200 both sport fairly small, pocket-friendly compact bodies, ideal for travel and everyday snapshots. However, the subtle differences in size and weight affect grip and handling in practical use.

• Nikon S6100: Measuring approximately 98 x 58 x 27 mm and weighing 175 grams, the Nikon feels slightly chunkier, primarily due to a more substantial grip and a thicker body profile. The inclusion of a 3-inch touchscreen LCD greatly influences thickness but improves usability for direct interaction and framing.

• Samsung PL200: Sleeker and marginally lighter at 170 grams with dimensions of 100 x 60 x 21 mm, the PL200 is notably slimmer. However, it lacks a touchscreen, relying solely on physical buttons for navigation, which might slow down shooting but keeps the profile slim.

Both fit comfortably in one hand, but for users with larger hands or those who prefer clubs for thumbs rather than dainty pointers, the Nikon’s beefier body might be more reassuring.

From a control standpoint, neither camera offers sophisticated manual dials or quick access buttons, but the Nikon’s touchscreen interface makes menu navigation faster and more intuitive compared to the button-heavy Samsung.

Verdict:

If you prize pocketability above all else, the Samsung’s slimmer form is appealing. But if a better grip and a more modern touchscreen scheme sway you, Nikon wins here.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Big Compromises

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm with about 28 mm² surface area - typical for compacts of that era. However, the Nikon features 16 megapixels of resolution, whereas the Samsung sports 14 MP. On paper, Nikon should deliver crisper details, but sensor tech and image processing vastly influence practical outcomes.

Real-World Testing: Images and Noise

Both cameras are limited by their small sensor size, resulting in modest dynamic range and high noise levels at elevated ISOs - a common weakness for any compact with such a sensor.

• The Nikon’s Expeed C2 processor excels modestly at noise reduction, enabling usable images up to ISO 800, while Samsung’s processor (unlisted but older) produces more noise from ISO 400 onward.

• Color fidelity on the Nikon is generally more natural, with better skin tone reproduction - useful if you care about accurate portraits.

• Dynamic range is limited on both, but Nikon handles highlights slightly better, retaining more detail in bright skies and shadows.

• Raw shooting is unsupported on both, restricting post-processing flexibility; you’re stuck with JPEGs.

Resolution and Sharpness

Nikon’s 16 MP sensor gives slightly higher resolution (4608x3456 pixels) than Samsung’s 14 MP (4320x3240 pixels), but that bump doesn’t translate to a huge practical advantage given sharpening, Bayer filter differences, and compression artifacts.

Image Stabilization

Both cameras incorporate optical image stabilization to combat shake, which is crucial for handheld shooting at longer zoom or lower shutter speeds.

Verdict:

Although neither camera can compete with modern mirrorless or DSLRs, the Nikon S6100 produces marginally sharper, cleaner images with better color accuracy and dynamic range, making it the preferable choice for basic image quality.

Autofocus Performance: How Fast and Accurate Are These Shooters?

Autofocus systems in compacts often get overlooked but can dramatically affect user experience.

• Nikon S6100: Features a contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points, face detection, and touch-to-focus on the LCD, improving locking speed and accuracy for typical subjects, especially faces.

• Samsung PL200: Employs contrast-detection AF without face detection and an unknown number of AF points. Samsung offers center-weighted AF only, with no multi-area or tracking modes.

Subject Tracking and Face Detection

In my testing shooting portraits and casual moving subjects, the Nikon’s face and eye detection improve the keeper rate. The Samsung struggles with focus hunting and tends to lock on slower or less accurately without face detection assistance.

Continuous AF and Burst

Neither camera offers continuous AF for moving subjects, nor do they shine in fast burst capture - the Nikon tops out at 1 fps, Samsung offers no burst data, indicating likely slower performance.

Verdict:

For casual portraits and travel snapshots where focus reliability matters, Nikon’s AF system is the superior performer.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for Adventure?

Both models possess typical compact polycarbonate bodies with no weather sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedization.

• Neither camera is waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof.

• The Nikon’s slightly more substantial build translates to a somewhat durable feel in hand.

Neither camera suits demanding professional outdoor work or adventurous wildlife shooting in inclement weather, but both survive gentle everyday use well.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Touch vs No Touch

Now here's a difference that impacts user interaction.

• Nikon S6100 sports a 3-inch, 460k-dot TFT touchscreen LCD with anti-reflective coatings, considerably brighter and easier to operate in varied lighting. The touchscreen enables quick focusing by tapping and smooth menu navigation.

• Samsung PL200 features a 3-inch LCD as well but with half the resolution (230k dots) and no touchscreen capability. The image is less sharp and more reflective, making outdoor viewing harder, and menu controls are button-dependent.

For travel and street shooters who want to quickly adjust settings or tap to focus, Nikon's screen adds serious practical value.

Lens and Zoom: How Much Reach and Aperture Do You Get?

• Nikon S6100 lens: 28–196 mm equivalent (7x zoom), aperture f/3.7 to f/5.6.

• Samsung PL200 lens: 31–217 mm equivalent (7x zoom), aperture f/3.3 to f/5.5.

Both offer respectable 7x zoom ranges geared toward versatility. Nikon’s slightly wider angle at 28mm helps capture landscapes and group shots more easily, whereas Samsung extends a little longer telephoto reach by about 20mm.

Low-light performance, however, is constrained by the small maximum apertures (f/3.3–f/5.6) limiting background blur and necessitating higher ISO or slower shutter speeds indoors.

Video Capabilities: Modest Movie Recording

• Nikon offers HD 720p video at 30 fps using MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG codecs; no microphone input or advanced recording modes.

• Samsung’s video tops out at 800 x 592 pixels (less than HD) at 20 fps, which is undersized and choppy for today’s standards, with audio in H.264.

Neither camera excels for video enthusiasts or content creators who need stabilization, 4K, or proper audio inputs.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Long Shoots

• Nikon’s EN-EL12 battery promises around 210 shots per charge – modest, so carry extras for extended outings.

• Samsung’s battery life details aren't specified but traditionally falls in the similar 200-250 shot range.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards; Samsung additionally supports MMC cards; Nikon accepts only SD cards. Both have single card slots.

Connectivity: Where’s the Wireless?

Neither camera includes Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth options. For wired connectivity:

• Nikon offers HDMI output (though max 720p video) and USB 2.0 transfer.

• Samsung lacks HDMI but includes USB 2.0.

In today’s wireless world, this lack of connectivity limits instant sharing or remote control features.

Putting It All Together: Real Sample Images and Performance Ratings

To ground this theory in practice, I gathered sample images from both models and rated their performance across key photography types.

Nikon S6100 front Nikon S6100 screen back Samsung PL200 front Samsung PL200 screen back

The Nikon’s images show punchier colors, improved detail retention, and better handling of shadows. Samsung’s photos trend softer with less refined color rendition and higher chroma noise.

Discipline-Specific Insights:

• Portraits: Nikon wins on skin tone accuracy and face detection autofocus.

• Landscape: Both limited by sensor tech; Nikon slightly edges with wider lens angle.

• Wildlife and Sports: Neither designed for fast action photography; Nikon’s slightly better AF helps but modest burst rate limits usability.

• Street Photography: Samsung’s slimmer body aids discretion, but Nikon’s touchscreen speeds operation.

• Macro: Nikon focuses closer (3 cm vs 5 cm), providing better close-up shots.

• Night/Astro: Both struggle; Nikon’s better noise control offers marginal advantage.

• Video: Nikon outpaces Samsung but remains basic.

• Travel: Nikon’s all-round capabilities and better interface suit travel better despite slightly larger size.

• Professional Work: Neither meets pro-level demands for RAW, ruggedness, or advanced controls.

Who Should Consider Which Camera?

Buy the Nikon Coolpix S6100 if you:

• Want better image quality and color fidelity in a compact form.

• Need touchscreen for easy focusing and menu navigation.

• Desire face and eye detection for portraits and casual photography.

• Shoot modest HD video occasionally.

• Prefer a slightly more robust handling experience.

Buy the Samsung PL200 if you:

• Need the slimmest, lightest compact for very casual snapshotting.

• Can tolerate slower autofocus and less vibrant image output.

• Don’t mind older technology and manual navigation.

• Are extremely budget-conscious and find the PL200 at rock-bottom prices/freebies.

• Desire the longest telephoto reach (217mm vs 196mm).

Final Thoughts: Budget Compact Cameras in Today’s World

While both cameras have historically been valued for approachable simplicity, in an era where smartphones crush all in convenience and processing, their value lies chiefly in optical zoom and physical controls.

My 15+ years of experience tell me the Nikon S6100 remains the better all-rounder for those who demand better photos without complexity or bulk. Its touchscreen, improved AF, and better video elevate it well above Samsung’s PL200, which feels like a slow throwback.

Neither camera will satisfy professionals or serious hobbyists, but as backups, beginner upgrades, or casual travel companions for cheapskates, they hold a niche place.

If you plan to pick one up used, lean toward the Nikon. But if you stumble on a Samsung PL200 for $30 or less, it’s still capable for basic daylight snaps.

I hope this practical, tested comparison helps you choose the compact camera that will serve your photography adventures best, without regrets. Feel free to reach out with questions or share your own hands-on stories with these cameras. Happy shooting!