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Nikon S100

 
Nikon Coolpix S100 front
 
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3.5" Fixed Display
  • ISO 125 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 28-140mm (F3.9-4.8) lens
  • 175g - 99 x 65 x 18mm
  • Launched August 2011
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
94
Imaging
39
Features
40
Overall
39

Nikon S100 overview

Nikon S100 is Nikon's Small Sensor Compact camera originally revealed on August of 2011. The camera comes with a 16MP, CMOS 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a peak resolution of 4608 x 3456.

The S100 stands at #41 out of 261 in Small Sensor Compact cameras & all round #743 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. You can try out our Advanced camera search to see camera results based on your customized requirements.

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Below is a diagram of specific criteria used in the scoring system.

Nikon S100 family

The Nikon S100 is part of a family of cameras. You can see the detailed range underneath.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Nikon-Coolpix-S9900 front thumbnailNikon S9900
S100 vs S9900
25-750mm
F3.7-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2015
Nikon-Coolpix-S810c front thumbnailNikon S810c
S100 vs S810c
25-300mm
F3.3-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2014
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Nikon-Coolpix-S9700 front thumbnailNikon S9700
S100 vs S9700
25-750mm
F3.7-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S5300 front thumbnailNikon S5300
S100 vs S5300
26-208mm
F3.7-6.6
16MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S3600 front thumbnailNikon S3600
S100 vs S3600
25-200mm
F3.7-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S3500 front thumbnailNikon S3500
S100 vs S3500
26-182mm
F3.4-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2013
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Nikon-Coolpix-S800c front thumbnailNikon S800c
S100 vs S800c
25-250mm
F3.2-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S9500 front thumbnailNikon S9500
S100 vs S9500
25-550mm
F
18MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S5200 front thumbnailNikon S5200
S100 vs S5200
26-156mm
F
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S6500 front thumbnailNikon S6500
S100 vs S6500
25-300mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S9300 front thumbnailNikon S9300
S100 vs S9300
25-450mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
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Nikon-Coolpix-S3300 front thumbnailNikon S3300
S100 vs S3300
26-156mm
F3.5-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S4300 front thumbnailNikon S4300
S100 vs S4300
26-156mm
F3.5-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S6300 front thumbnailNikon S6300
S100 vs S6300
25-250mm
F3.2-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S8200 front thumbnailNikon S8200
S100 vs S8200
25-350mm
F3.3-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S6200 front thumbnailNikon S6200
S100 vs S6200
25-250mm
F3.2-5.6
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S100 front thumbnailNikon S10028-140mm
F3.9-4.8
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S9100 front thumbnailNikon S9100
S100 vs S9100
25-450mm
F3.5-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S6100 front thumbnailNikon S6100
S100 vs S6100
28-196mm
F3.7-5.6
16MP1/2.3"2011
OM System OM-1 Set to Enhance Autofocus
Nikon-Coolpix-S8100 front thumbnailNikon S8100
S100 vs S8100
30-300mm
F3.5-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S5100 front thumbnailNikon S5100
S100 vs S5100
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S8000 front thumbnailNikon S8000
S100 vs S8000
30-300mm
F3.5-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S6000 front thumbnailNikon S6000
S100 vs S6000
28-196mm
F3.7-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S640 front thumbnailNikon S640
S100 vs S640
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S570 front thumbnailNikon S570
S100 vs S570
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S1000pj front thumbnailNikon S1000pj
S100 vs S1000pj
28-140mm
F3.9-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S630 front thumbnailNikon S630
S100 vs S630
37-260mm
F3.5-5.3
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S620 front thumbnailNikon S620
S100 vs S620
28-112mm
F2.7-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009

Nikon S100 Pros and Cons

Below is a collection of advantages and disadvantages of the Nikon S100 based on criterias which are usually seen as useful in a camera.

bigger than average screen (3.5 inches)
flash built-in
good zoom range (28-140mm 5.0 x zoom)
has HDMI socket
has image stabilization (Optical)
has touch focus
high res video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
includes face detection autofocus
includes tracking autofocus
MP count good (16 megapixels)
quite wide (28mm)
touchscreen
you can focus manually
can't use external flash
doesn't have external mic socket
doesn't have headphone socket
doesn't have Time Lapse function
doesn't offer selfie friendly display
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
lack of phase detect autofocus
lack of RAW files
low resolution screen (820 thousand dots)
max fps low (6.0 frames per second)
no aperture priority mode
no manual exposure
no shutter priority mode
not so great battery power (150 CIPA)
screen does not articulate
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
slow at full zoom (f4.8)
slow maximum aperture (f3.9)
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Nikon S100 Sensor details

The Nikon S100 is powered by the Expeed C2 chip. The spec of the sensor on the Nikon S100 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4608 x 3456 pixels . The camera comes with Image Stabilization (Optical). Sensor stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization since the latter can produce cropping.

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The CMOS sensor has 16 megapixels and gives a native ISO range of 125 to 3200. Unfortunately, RAW format is not supported which means that the user has less margin for error.

The graphic underneath illustrates the S100's sensor dimensions in comparison to other common sizes. The S100 sensor has a crop factor of 5.8 and is pointed out in green.

Nikon Coolpix S100 sensor size Jaw-Dropping Space Capture Exposes Earth's Mesmerizing Golden Luminescence

To get a sense of various aspect ratios, you can refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Nikon S100 dimensions

Nikon S100 weighs about 0.39 lbs (175 grams / 6.17 oz) & the volume of the camera is 99mm x 65mm x 18mm (3.9" x 2.6" x 0.7"). The weight of general Small Sensor Compact camera is 174 grams and the Nikon S100 is very similar when compared with various rivals.

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Underneath is a picture of the Nikon S100 next to a soft drink so you're able to get a sense of its scale.

Nikon Coolpix S100 dimensions scale

The top view underneath will provide the button layout on the S100.

Nikon Coolpix S100 topview buttons dials

Nikon S100 Lens specs

The S100 includes a built in lens and it has a focal range of 28-140mm making it a 5.0 x zoom which is not significant however it is going to be very helpful in a few conditions.

At the widest 28mm, it comes with an aperture of f3.9 and that's fairly slow and not good for low light conditions and you will struggle to get a shallow depth of field. You might also have to boost the ISO setting causing noisy photographs. At the tele end, 140mm comes to f4.8 which is fairly slow and you might need to set slow shutter speeds.

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Nikon S100 Connectivity

The S100 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that consist of NFC and Bluetooth connectivity can easily be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You will be able to transfer pictures and at times change camera settings with no need to connect physically to the camera.

Several applications even allow a Liveview and press the shutter when you aren't near the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI port, it could be connected to an external display. Most cameras enable you to recharge the battery using the USB socket.

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Nikon S100 Video specs

The highest video quality on the Nikon S100 is 1920 x 1080 and you can shoot in MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG format. 1080p quality gives you an excellent balance in quality vs file sizes but FULL HD isn't going to leave you with any room to crop. The camera doesn't include a microphone and headphone socket which means you have little control over the audio. It is perhaps best to order a different model in case you require good audio for your video clips.

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Nikon S100 Weather Sealing

Nikon S100 doesn't include weather sealing so rainy conditions could ruin the camera.

Nikon S100 Display and Viewfinder

The Nikon S100 comes with a 3.5 inch fixed display supporting a resolution of 820 thousand dots.

Additionally the display is touch friendly which means that you can change focus points plus adjust settings by using your finger.

Nikon Coolpix S100 screen and viewfinder Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

The ViewFinder details for Nikon S100 are the following:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders are rather handy in sunny outdoor conditions which can easily make the camera display washed out and very difficult to see.

Nikon S100 Shutter specs

Nikon S100 continuous shooting rate is 6.0 frames per second. The max shutter speed is 1/2000s.

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Nikon S100 Flash and Hot shoe specs

Nikon S100 comes with only built in flash with missing external flash ability.

Nikon S100 Autofocusing specs

Nikon S100 comes with just Contrast Detect Autofocus & does not have Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot more quicker & accurate in comparison with Contrast Detect focusing. The camera comes with Face detect which is useful for taking photos of people.

Nikon S100 has tap to focus. You are able to use your fingers to adjust focus points. It also includes Tracking Autofocus for subjects on the move. Nikon S100 features manual focus when required in low light scenarios or you require more precise focus control.

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Nikon S100 Battery life

The battery power (EN-EL12) in the Nikon S100 is made to last for 150 clicks with respect to the CIPA specifications making it less compared with it's competitors. The typical Small Sensor Compact camera battery life is 241. Fujifilm X30 features the highest (470) battery life in this type of cameras.

Below is a listing of Small Sensor Compact cameras that have the strongest battery life:

Nikon S100 for varying forms of photography

The following chart gives a overview of the Nikon S100 for varying forms of photography. To look at more, visit the specific paragraph underneath.

Nikon S100 as a Portrait photography camera

The Nikon S100 receives a rating of 40 which is subpar, and means the camera is just not appropriate for portrait images. Shooting portrait images favors greatly towards sensor size, support for RAW files plus the ability to work with off-camera lighting.

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manual focus
megapixel count decent (16MP)
features face detection autofocus
manual exposure not possible
can't use external flash
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
has no RAW support

Nikon S100 Street photography info

Getting a above average points tally of 63, the Nikon S100 is a good fit to buy for street photography. A decent street photography camera gives a perfect balance of picture quality plus portability.

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built in image stabilization (Optical)
has touch focus
no moving screen
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format

Nikon S100 Sports photography information

A subpar sports photography points total of 38 suggests the Nikon S100 is just not appropriate for photographing sports. A camera needs good tracking and fast continuous shooting for sports photography.

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image stabilization (Optical)
decent sensor resolution (16 megapixels)
offers tracking focus
continuous shooting slow (6.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority mode
small sensor size (1/2.3")
terrible battery life (150 CIPA)
does not have phase detect autofocus

Nikon S100 Travel photography factors

Weight is really crucial when choosing a travel camera. All round, the Nikon S100 gets a very good 65 as a travel camera which is a very decent fit to purchase for your journeys.

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comes with focus via touch
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
decently wide (28mm)
missing Time Lapse recording
not so great battery life (150 shots)
display is not selfie friendly
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.9)

Nikon S100 Landscape photography information

For those who are looking to purchase a digital camera for landscape photographs, the most vital factor will be image quality. The Nikon S100 and it's subpar score of 45 for a landscape camera is just not appropriate among it's competition.

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manual focus
really wide (28mm)
screen larger than average (3.5 inches)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
decent sensor resolution (16 megapixels)
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.9)
manual exposure not available
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
bad battery pack (150 CIPA)
missing Timelapse mode

Nikon S100 as a Vlogging camera

A vlogging camera should come with a moving screen, mic port and ideally IBIS. Taking all things into account, the Nikon S100 is just not appropriate for vlogging as it comes to a subpar rating of 35.

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reasonably wide (28mm)
touchscreen
has image stabilization (Optical)
provides face detect focus
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pixels)
slow max aperture (f3.9)
screen isn't selfie friendly
no microphone jack

Nikon S100 Alternatives

If you are in the market for alternatives to the S100, here is a list of the highest scored cameras which fall under the class of Small Sensor Compact.

The line chart listed below gives you an overview of the S100 versus it's highest ranking rivals listed previously.

Here are a handful of other cameras you might view as alternate options. To check out a full comparison, simply click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Nikon
Model
Nikon Coolpix S100
Type
Small Sensor Compact
Launched
2011-08-24
Physical type
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Powered by
Expeed C2
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Full resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW support
Max native ISO
3200
Min native ISO
125
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
Continuous AF
AF single
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Cross focus points
0
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
28-140mm (5.0x)
Maximal aperture
f/3.9-4.8
Macro focus distance
1cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Type of display
Fixed Type
Display size
3.5 inches
Resolution of display
820 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Display technology
Organic LED monitor
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
None
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
4 secs
Highest shutter speed
1/2000 secs
Continuous shooting rate
6.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Change WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720p (30fps), 640 x 480 (30fps)
Max video resolution
1920x1080
Video file format
MPEG-4, Motion JPEG
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
175 gr (0.39 lbs)
Physical dimensions
99 x 65 x 18mm (3.9" x 2.6" x 0.7")
Other
Battery life
150 photos
Form of battery
Battery Pack
Battery model
EN-EL12
Self timer
Yes
Time lapse feature
Storage type
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots
One
Price at launch
$240