Nikon Coolpix S100: A Powerful Compact Camera with Amazing Features

The Nikon Coolpix S100 is one of the best compact cameras available in the market. It features a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens, making it perfect for capturing stunning pictures and videos. In this blog post, we'll discuss the features of the Nikon Coolpix S100 and why it's a great camera for photographers of all levels.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix S100 article cover photo

Key Features

Aug 24 2011

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCMOS
Weight175g
MSRP$299USD

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Overview of the Coolpix S100

For photographers looking for a compact camera that packs a punch, the Nikon Coolpix S100 is a great option. This camera is packed with amazing features that make it easy to capture beautiful photos and videos. Its 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and 5x optical zoom lens make it an excellent choice for capturing detailed shots and high-quality footage. It's perfect for everyone, from amateur photographers just getting started to professionals who need a reliable camera on the go. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the Nikon Coolpix S100's features and explain why it's a great camera option that ranks well on Google.

Nikon Coolpix S100 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix S100 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High resolution
16MP
Low-light performance
ISO 12800
Wide-angle lens
3.5-5.5, 24-120mm
Touchscreen
Sleek design

Cons

No manual control
Slow autofocus
Limited battery life
No viewfinder
Limited video capabilities
1080p at 30fps

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix S100

Weather sealed
Dimensions99 x 65 x 18mm
Weight175g
Thickness18mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix S100 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution820k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.50" screen, with a display resolution of 820k dots. This makes the Nikon Coolpix S100 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

Nikon Coolpix S100 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Coolpix S100 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix S100 has a 16MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Nikon Coolpix S100 has a native ISO range of 125 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Aug 24 2011

Announced

125 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon Coolpix S100 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Coolpix S100 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life150 shots
Battery ModelEN-EL12
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix S100 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon Coolpix S100 uses the EN-EL12 model of battery pack. This is rated for 150 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon Coolpix S100 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Nikon Coolpix S100 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Nikon Coolpix S100 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon Coolpix S100?

The Nikon Coolpix S100 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix S100 weather sealed?

No the Coolpix S100 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix S100 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix S100 was announced on Aug 24 2011

Does the Nikon Coolpix S100 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Coolpix S100 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon Coolpix S100?

The Coolpix S100 has a native ISO range of 125-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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