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Nikon S8100

 
Nikon Coolpix S8100 front
 
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 160 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 30-300mm (F3.5-5.6) lens
  • 180g - 104 x 60 x 30mm
  • Revealed September 2010
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
93
Imaging
35
Features
36
Overall
35

Nikon S8100 overview

Nikon S8100 is Nikon's Small Sensor Compact digital camera initially announced on September of 2010. It has got a 12 MegaPixel, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a peak resolution of 4000 x 3000.

The S8100 comes in at #96 out of 261 in Small Sensor Compact cameras & all around #925 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. You can check out our Smart camera search to see camera listings based on your custom requirements.

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

Nikon S8100 history

The Nikon S8100 has a history of related cameras. Below, you can check out all earlier and most recent models as well as important specifications.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Nikon-Coolpix-S9900 front thumbnailNikon S9900
S8100 vs S9900
25-750mm
F3.7-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2015
Nikon-Coolpix-S810c front thumbnailNikon S810c
S8100 vs S810c
25-300mm
F3.3-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2014
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Nikon-Coolpix-S9700 front thumbnailNikon S9700
S8100 vs S9700
25-750mm
F3.7-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S5300 front thumbnailNikon S5300
S8100 vs S5300
26-208mm
F3.7-6.6
16MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S3600 front thumbnailNikon S3600
S8100 vs S3600
25-200mm
F3.7-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S3500 front thumbnailNikon S3500
S8100 vs S3500
26-182mm
F3.4-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2013
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Nikon-Coolpix-S800c front thumbnailNikon S800c
S8100 vs S800c
25-250mm
F3.2-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S5200 front thumbnailNikon S5200
S8100 vs S5200
26-156mm
F
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S9500 front thumbnailNikon S9500
S8100 vs S9500
25-550mm
F
18MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S6500 front thumbnailNikon S6500
S8100 vs S6500
25-300mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S9300 front thumbnailNikon S9300
S8100 vs S9300
25-450mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
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Nikon-Coolpix-S4300 front thumbnailNikon S4300
S8100 vs S4300
26-156mm
F3.5-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S3300 front thumbnailNikon S3300
S8100 vs S3300
26-156mm
F3.5-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S6300 front thumbnailNikon S6300
S8100 vs S6300
25-250mm
F3.2-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S100 front thumbnailNikon S100
S8100 vs S100
28-140mm
F3.9-4.8
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S8200 front thumbnailNikon S8200
S8100 vs S8200
25-350mm
F3.3-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S6200 front thumbnailNikon S6200
S8100 vs S6200
25-250mm
F3.2-5.6
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S9100 front thumbnailNikon S9100
S8100 vs S9100
25-450mm
F3.5-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S6100 front thumbnailNikon S6100
S8100 vs S6100
28-196mm
F3.7-5.6
16MP1/2.3"2011
Photography Glossary
Nikon-Coolpix-S8100 front thumbnailNikon S810030-300mm
F3.5-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S5100 front thumbnailNikon S5100
S8100 vs S5100
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S8000 front thumbnailNikon S8000
S8100 vs S8000
30-300mm
F3.5-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S6000 front thumbnailNikon S6000
S8100 vs S6000
28-196mm
F3.7-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S1000pj front thumbnailNikon S1000pj
S8100 vs S1000pj
28-140mm
F3.9-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S570 front thumbnailNikon S570
S8100 vs S570
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S640 front thumbnailNikon S640
S8100 vs S640
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S620 front thumbnailNikon S620
S8100 vs S620
28-112mm
F2.7-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S630 front thumbnailNikon S630
S8100 vs S630
37-260mm
F3.5-5.3
12MP1/2.3"2009

Nikon S8100 Pros and Cons

Below is a selection of positives and negatives of the Nikon S8100 based on features which are often seen as useful in a digital camera.

built in image stabilization (Optical)
does have HDMI out
flash built-in
high resolution screen (921 k dots)
high shutter speed (1/8,000s)
in built lens has zoom (30-300mm 10.0 x zoom)
long zoom (300mm)
offers face detection focusing
offers tracking autofocus
screen size is good (3 inch)
video res high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
can't use external flash
doesn't posses selfie friendly screen
does not have external microphone support
does not have headphone support
does not have Timelapse mode
lack of aperture priority mode
lack of manual mode
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
manual focus not available
no articulating screen
no phase detect AF
no RAW format
no shutter priority
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
slow at tele end (f5.6)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.5)
wide angle not good (30mm)
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Nikon S8100 Sensor info

The Nikon S8100 houses the Expeed C2 processor. The sensor specification in the Nikon S8100 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the ability to resolve 4000 x 3000 pixels at aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera features Image Stabilization (Optical). Sensor stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization as the latter might produce cropping.

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The BSI-CMOS sensor has 12 megapixels and provides a standard ISO range of 160 - 3200. Sadly, RAW format is not supported which means that you have less margin for error.

The picture underneath illustrates the S8100's sensor dimensions compared to other popular sizes. The S8100 sensor has a crop factor of 5.8 and is shown in green.

Nikon Coolpix S8100 sensor size Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

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

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Nikon S8100 dimensions

Nikon S8100 weighs in at 0.40 lbs (180 grams or 6.35 ounces) & has external size of 104mm x 60mm x 30mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.2"). The weight of general Small Sensor Compact camera is 174 grams so the Nikon S8100 is very similar when compared with various rivals.

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Here is a shot of the Nikon S8100 besides a softdrink to help you get a feel for its scale.

Nikon Coolpix S8100 dimensions scale

The top view under will illustrate the button design on the S8100.

Nikon Coolpix S8100 topview buttons dials

Nikon S8100 Lens info

The S8100 has a fixed lens providing a focal range of 30-300mm giving it a 10.0 x zoom which might not be great but it may be handy in some cases.

At the widest 30mm, the lens features an aperture of f3.5 which will be somewhat slow and not very good for low light occasions and you will probably find it difficult to get good bokeh. You might also have to up the ISO setting resulting in noisy photos. With the tele end, 300mm is superb zoom and comes at f5.6 making it really sluggish and you would need to set slower shutter speeds.

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Nikon S8100 Connectivity

The S8100 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that include NFC or Bluetooth support can easily be used wirelessly by smartphones. You can copy files and oftentimes alter settings without the hassle of connecting straight to the camera.

Certain applications even stream a Liveview and press the shutter in case you aren't close to the camera. If the camera boasts a HDMI port, it could be attached to an external screen. Almost all cameras enable you to charge the battery through the USB port.

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Nikon S8100 Video info

The highest video resolution in the Nikon S8100 is 1920 x 1080 and you can capture in H.264 file format. 1080p resolution delivers a great balance in video quality versus file sizes but FULL HD won't leave you with any room to downsample. The camera doesn't include a microphone or headphone socket which means you get no control over the audio. It is probably a better idea to shop for a different model should you need decent audio for your videos.

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Nikon S8100 Weather Sealing

There is no weather proofing in the Nikon S8100 so you need to be cautious in wet or dusty situations.

Nikon S8100 Screen and Viewfinder

The Nikon S8100 has got a 3" fixed display screen boasting a resolution of 921k dots.

Please note that the display has no touch support.

Nikon Coolpix S8100 screen and viewfinder Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The View Finder specifications for Nikon S8100 are below:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders can be pretty helpful in sunny outdoor situations which can make the camera screen washed out and very difficult to see.

Nikon S8100 Shutter info

Nikon S8100 continuous shooting rate is 10.0 frames per second. The highest shutter speed is 1/8000 sec.

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Nikon S8100 Flash and Hot shoe info

Nikon S8100 features only built in flash lacking external flash ability.

Nikon S8100 Autofocusing info

Nikon S8100 features just Contrast Detect Autofocus & is missing Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more snappier and precise when compared with Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera has got Face detection which can be helpful for portrait photography.

It also comes with Tracking Autofocus for subjects on the move. Nikon S8100 has not got manual focus. Manual focus is useful in low light or you need more exact control on focus.

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Nikon S8100 Battery life

The battery power (EN-EL12) in the Nikon S8100 is fashioned to last for 220 shots according to the CIPA measurements making it about the same as it's competition. The typical Small Sensor Compact camera battery life is 241. Fujifilm X30 has got the highest (470) battery life in this class of cameras.

Below is a number of Small Sensor Compact cameras that have the best battery life:

Nikon S8100 for various styles of photography

The following illustration gives a overview of the Nikon S8100 for various styles of photography. To check out more, go to the specific paragraph underneath.

Portrait photography with Nikon S8100

The Nikon S8100 gets a points tally of 26 which is low, and means the camera is simply not suitable to use for portrait photos. Shooting portraits leans greatly towards sensor dimensions, RAW support plus the ability to work with off-camera lighting.

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offers face detect autofocus
no manual focus
no manual exposure
can't use external flash
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files

Street photography with Nikon S8100

Coming in at a reasonable points total of 56, the Nikon S8100 is relatively suited for street photography. A very good street photography camera gives a fine balance of image quality plus portability.

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has image stabilization (Optical)
no moving screen
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files

Nikon S8100 Sports photography advice

A low sports photography rating of 38 indicates the Nikon S8100 is simply not suitable for photographing sports. A camera must have great tracking and continuous shooting for sports photography.

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maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000s)
has image stabilization (Optical)
includes tracking focus
no shutter priority mode
MP count low (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect AF

Nikon S8100 as a Travel photography camera

Weight is very important when getting a camera for travel. In general, the Nikon S8100 gets a average 55 as a travel camera which is fairly adequate to purchase for your holidays.

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built-in flash
long reach (300mm)
does not have Time Lapse mode
resolution not great (12MP)
does not feature selfie friendly display
wide angle not the best (30mm)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.5)

Nikon S8100 Landscape photography information

If you find yourself planning to choose a digital camera for landscape photos, the most essential factor is going to be image quality. The Nikon S8100 with it's low score of 32 as a landscape camera is simply not suitable among it's competitors.

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decent sized screen (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not the best (30mm)
slow maximum aperture (f3.5)
no manual exposure
MP count low (12MP)
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
missing Time Lapse recording

Nikon S8100 Vlogging info

A camera for vlogging should posses a articulating display screen, microphone input and preferably image stabilization. Taking everything in to account, the Nikon S8100 is simply not suitable for vlogging as it delivers a low score of 30.

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has image stabilization (Optical)
includes face detect focus
high res video (1920 x 1080 pixels)
wide angle not the best (30mm)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.5)
does not offer selfie friendly display
lack of mic support

Nikon S8100 Alternatives

If you are searching for alternatives to the S8100, below is a collection of the top placed cameras that fall within the family of Small Sensor Compact.

The diagram here shows you a bird's eye view of the S8100 vs it's top ranked competitors listed above.

Following are additional cameras you may look into as alternative options. To read through a complete comparison, just click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Nikon
Model
Nikon Coolpix S8100
Type
Small Sensor Compact
Revealed
2010-09-08
Physical type
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Chip
Expeed C2
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
12 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Full resolution
4000 x 3000
RAW data
Max native ISO
3200
Minimum native ISO
160
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Lens
Lens mounting type
fixed lens
Lens focal range
30-300mm (10.0x)
Highest aperture
f/3.5-5.6
Macro focus range
1cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Type of screen
Fixed Type
Screen size
3 inch
Resolution of screen
921k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
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
30 seconds
Highest shutter speed
1/8000 seconds
Continuous shooting rate
10.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Max video resolution
1920x1080
Video format
H.264
Microphone support
Headphone support
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
180 gr (0.40 lb)
Dimensions
104 x 60 x 30mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.2")
Other
Battery life
220 shots
Battery style
Battery Pack
Battery model
EN-EL12
Self timer
Yes (10 or 2 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Storage type
SD/SDHC
Card slots
Single
Pricing at launch
$299