Clicky

Nikon S4300

 
Nikon Coolpix S4300 front
 
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 26-156mm (F3.5-6.5) lens
  • 139g - 96 x 59 x 21mm
  • Announced February 2012
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
95
Imaging
39
Features
39
Overall
39

Nikon S4300 overview

Nikon S4300 is Nikon's Small Sensor Compact digital camera originally released on February of 2012. It houses a 16 MegaPixel, CCD 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456.

The S4300 is positioned #37 out of 261 in Small Sensor Compact cameras and all-around #726 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. Remember to try out our Smart camera search to get camera listings based on your personal criteria.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

Here is a diagram of various criteria used in the scoring system.

Nikon S4300 history

The Nikon S4300 is part of a family of digital cameras. You can see the full range below.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Nikon-Coolpix-S9900 front thumbnailNikon S9900
S4300 vs S9900
25-750mm
F3.7-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2015
Nikon-Coolpix-S810c front thumbnailNikon S810c
S4300 vs S810c
25-300mm
F3.3-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2014
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images
Nikon-Coolpix-S9700 front thumbnailNikon S9700
S4300 vs S9700
25-750mm
F3.7-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S5300 front thumbnailNikon S5300
S4300 vs S5300
26-208mm
F3.7-6.6
16MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S3600 front thumbnailNikon S3600
S4300 vs S3600
25-200mm
F3.7-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S3500 front thumbnailNikon S3500
S4300 vs S3500
26-182mm
F3.4-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2013
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video
Nikon-Coolpix-S800c front thumbnailNikon S800c
S4300 vs S800c
25-250mm
F3.2-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S5200 front thumbnailNikon S5200
S4300 vs S5200
26-156mm
F
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S9500 front thumbnailNikon S9500
S4300 vs S9500
25-550mm
F
18MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S6500 front thumbnailNikon S6500
S4300 vs S6500
25-300mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S9300 front thumbnailNikon S9300
S4300 vs S9300
25-450mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone
Nikon-Coolpix-S4300 front thumbnailNikon S430026-156mm
F3.5-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S3300 front thumbnailNikon S3300
S4300 vs S3300
26-156mm
F3.5-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S6300 front thumbnailNikon S6300
S4300 vs S6300
25-250mm
F3.2-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S100 front thumbnailNikon S100
S4300 vs S100
28-140mm
F3.9-4.8
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S8200 front thumbnailNikon S8200
S4300 vs S8200
25-350mm
F3.3-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S6200 front thumbnailNikon S6200
S4300 vs S6200
25-250mm
F3.2-5.6
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S9100 front thumbnailNikon S9100
S4300 vs S9100
25-450mm
F3.5-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S6100 front thumbnailNikon S6100
S4300 vs S6100
28-196mm
F3.7-5.6
16MP1/2.3"2011
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms
Nikon-Coolpix-S8100 front thumbnailNikon S8100
S4300 vs S8100
30-300mm
F3.5-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S5100 front thumbnailNikon S5100
S4300 vs S5100
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S8000 front thumbnailNikon S8000
S4300 vs S8000
30-300mm
F3.5-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S6000 front thumbnailNikon S6000
S4300 vs S6000
28-196mm
F3.7-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S1000pj front thumbnailNikon S1000pj
S4300 vs S1000pj
28-140mm
F3.9-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S570 front thumbnailNikon S570
S4300 vs S570
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S640 front thumbnailNikon S640
S4300 vs S640
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S620 front thumbnailNikon S620
S4300 vs S620
28-112mm
F2.7-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S630 front thumbnailNikon S630
S4300 vs S630
37-260mm
F3.5-5.3
12MP1/2.3"2009

Nikon S4300 Pros and Cons

Below is a selection of pluses and minuses of the Nikon S4300 based on features that are often viewed as essential in a digital camera.

above average min ISO (100)
comes with HDMI socket
features focus by touch
flash built-in
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
in built zoom lens (26-156mm 6.0 x zoom)
lighter than competitors (139 grams)
MP count decent (16MP)
provides face detection focusing
provides tracking autofocus
really wide (26mm)
screen size is decent (3 inch)
touchscreen
can't change lenses (fixed lens mount)
doesn't have external microphone socket
doesn't have headphone socket
doesn't have Timelapse recording
doesn't posses selfie friendly screen
external flash not possible
fixed screen
lack of manual mode
lack of phase detect AF
lack of RAW files
low battery (180 shots)
low quality video (1280 x 720 pixels)
manual focus not available
no aperture priority
no shutter priority
screen has low resolution (460 k dots)
slow at tele end (f6.5)
slow max aperture (f3.5)
very small sensor (1/2.3")
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban

Nikon S4300 Sensor details

The dimension of the sensor on the Nikon S4300 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor is able to resolve 4608 x 3456 pixels and aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera includes Image Stabilization (Sensor-shift). In body stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization since the latter can easily cause cropping.

Photography Glossary

The CCD sensor boasts 16MP and delivers a standard ISO range of 100 to 3200. Sadly, RAW files are not supported therefore you have less margin for error.

The picture below illustrates the S4300's sensor dimensions compared to other popular sizes. The S4300 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is shown in green.

Nikon Coolpix S4300 sensor size Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

To get an idea of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Nikon S4300 dimensions

Nikon S4300 weighs in at 0.31 pounds (139 grams or 4.90 ounces) and features external measurements of 96mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.8"). The weight of normal Small Sensor Compact camera is 174 grams and the Nikon S4300 is lighter when compared to its competitors.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

Listed below is a visual of the Nikon S4300 besides a soda so you can have a feel for its scale.

Nikon Coolpix S4300 dimensions scale

The top view here will show you the button layout on the S4300.

Nikon Coolpix S4300 topview buttons dials

Nikon S4300 Lens specs

The S4300 includes a built-in lens featuring a focal range of 26-156mm giving it a 6.0 x zoom which might not be great but it might be convenient in some circumstances.

At the widest 26mm, it offers an aperture of f3.5 which will be pretty slow and not great in low light occasions and you will likely find it hard to capture good bokeh. You will likely also have to up the ISO setting which causes noisy images. At the tele end, 156mm comes to f6.5 making it fairly sluggish and you may need to apply slower shutter speeds.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Nikon S4300 Connectivity

The S4300 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that come with NFC and Bluetooth compatibility can easily be used wirelessly through smartphones. You are able to copy files and sometimes change settings with no need to connect straight to the camera.

Certain applications even provide a Liveview and click the shutter if you aren't close to the camera. If the camera has a HDMI out, it could be connected to an external monitor. The majority of cameras will allow you to charge the battery using the USB port.

Photography Glossary

Nikon S4300 Video specs

The maximum video resolution on the Nikon S4300 is 1280 x 720 and it can shoot in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 720p is awful by today's requirements. You really should go for a minimum FUll HD resolution for video. The camera doesn't feature a mic and headphone port which means that you get little control over your sound. It is probably a better idea to look at a different camera if you need better sound in your videos.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

Nikon S4300 Weather Sealing

Nikon S4300 doesn't include weather proofing so wet conditions could ruin the camera.

Nikon S4300 Screen and Viewfinder

The Nikon S4300 is equipped with a 3" fixed display supporting a resolution of 460k dots.

Moreover the display is touch friendly which means you can easily shift focus point as well as change settings by using your finger.

Nikon Coolpix S4300 screen and viewfinder Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

The View Finder specifications regarding Nikon S4300 are the following:

  • ViewFinder None

In those bright outdoor situations which make the camera screens washed out and tough to view, viewfinders can be particularly valuable.

Nikon S4300 Shutter specs

The maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 sec.

Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

Nikon S4300 Flash and Hot shoe specs

Nikon S4300 includes only inbuilt flash with missing external flash ability.

Nikon S4300 Autofocusing specs

Nikon S4300 includes just Contrast Based Autofocus and lacks Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more faster and accurate when compared to Contrast Based autofocusing. The camera supports Face detection which can be valuable for portrait photography.

The Sensor supports 9 focus points to choose from. Nikon S4300 has touch to focus. You can easily use your fingers to switch where you focus. It also has Tracking Autofocus for objects on the move. Nikon S4300 lacks manual focusing. Manual focusing ability can be useful during low light or you require more accurate control on depth of field.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

Nikon S4300 Battery life

The battery (EN-EL19) on the Nikon S4300 is fashioned to last for 180 shots based on the CIPA specifications making it lower when compared to its rivals. The general Small Sensor Compact camera battery life is 241. Fujifilm X30 has the highest possible (470) battery life within this class of cameras.

Underneath is a listing of Small Sensor Compact cameras that have the highest battery life:

Nikon S4300 for various forms of photography

The following diagram indicates a summation of the Nikon S4300 for various forms of photography. To learn more, scroll to the specific paragraph below.

Nikon S4300 Portrait photography advice

The Nikon S4300 has a points total of 34 which is lousy, meaning that it is not really acceptable to use for portrait photography. Shooting portraits leans heavily to sensor dimension, support for RAW photos plus the potential to work with external lighting.

President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban
good resolution (16MP)
offers face detect focus
focusing manually not possible
manual exposure not available
can't use external flash
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW format

Nikon S4300 Street photography details

Getting a above average points tally of 67, the Nikon S4300 is a respectable fit to buy for street photography. A very good street photography camera features a fine balance of picture quality and portability.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
boasts focus by touch
lighter than competition in class (139 grams)
fixed screen
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format

Sports photography with Nikon S4300

A lousy sports photography score of 40 indicates the Nikon S4300 is not really acceptable for shooting sports. A camera needs to have good tracking and fast shutter speeds for sports photography.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide
has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
comes with tracking autofocus
lack of shutter priority mode
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
terrible battery (180 per charge)
lack of phase detect autofocus

Nikon S4300 as a Travel photography camera

Size is really crucial in choosing a travel camera. All things considered, the Nikon S4300 gets a nice 68 for a travelling camera which makes it a good option to take on your holidays.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes
lighter than competition in class (139 grams)
features focus by touch
good MP (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
quite wide (26mm)
doesn't have Timelapse mode
low battery power (180 CIPA)
doesn't have selfie friendly display
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.5)

Landscape photography with Nikon S4300

For those who are planning to buy a digital camera for landscape photography, the most critical factor will no doubt be image quality. The Nikon S4300 at it's lousy grade of 41 for a landscape camera is not really acceptable among its rivals.

Photography Glossary
reasonably wide (26mm)
nice screen size (3 inches)
has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
decent sensor resolution (16MP)
manual focus not available
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)
no manual mode
small sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
not so great battery (180 shots)
missing Timelapse mode

Vlogging with Nikon S4300

A camera for vlogging preferably should offer a articulating screen, mic input and ideally image stabilization. Taking everything in to account, the Nikon S4300 is not really acceptable for vlogging as it gets a lousy score of 34.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month
fairly wide (26mm)
has touchscreen
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
offers face detection focusing
lighter than competition in class (139g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.5)
doesn't have a selfie friendly display
video quality not great (1280 x 720 resolution)
does not have external mic socket

Nikon S4300 Alternatives

If you are searching for alternatives to the S4300, below is a selection of the highest placed cameras that fall in to the class of Small Sensor Compact.

The line chart followed below will give you a bird's eye view of the S4300 compared to it's highest scoring competitors shown previously.

These are some more cameras you may check out as alternatives. To review a thorough comparison, just click on the "compare" link.

Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

Specifications

General Information
Brand Name
Nikon
Model type
Nikon Coolpix S4300
Class
Small Sensor Compact
Announced
2012-02-01
Physical type
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Full resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW images
Max native ISO
3200
Min native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
Selective AF
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Total focus points
9
Lens
Lens support
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
26-156mm (6.0x)
Highest aperture
f/3.5-6.5
Macro focusing range
5cm
Focal length multiplier
5.8
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen sizing
3 inch
Screen resolution
460k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Screen tech
TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Slowest shutter speed
4 secs
Maximum shutter speed
1/2000 secs
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Change WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash settings
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow-sync
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps)
Max video resolution
1280x720
Video data format
MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
139 gr (0.31 lbs)
Physical dimensions
96 x 59 x 21mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.8")
Other
Battery life
180 photos
Form of battery
Battery Pack
Battery ID
EN-EL19
Self timer
Yes
Time lapse shooting
Storage type
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots
1
Launch price
$119