Nikon Coolpix S30: A Durable and Waterproof Camera for Your Adventures

Looking for a compact and durable camera to capture your adventures? Look no further than the Nikon Coolpix S30. This camera is not only waterproof and shockproof, but it's also packed with features that will help you take stunning photos no matter where you are. From its 720p HD video recording capabilities to its easy-to-use interface, the Nikon Coolpix S30 is the perfect camera for anyone who loves to explore.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix S30 article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 01 2012

Announced

10 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight214g
MSRP$119USD

Other similar cameras

Nikon Coolpix S3300 thumbnail

Nikon Coolpix S3300

Released Feb 01 2012 | 16MP resolution

Nikon Coolpix S3000 thumbnail

Nikon Coolpix S3000

Released Feb 03 2010 | 12MP resolution

Nikon Coolpix S4300 thumbnail

Nikon Coolpix S4300

Released Feb 01 2012 | 16MP resolution

Overview of the Coolpix S30

Whether you're planning a snorkeling trip, a hike through the mountains, or a day at the beach, you need a camera that can keep up with your adventures. That's where the Nikon Coolpix S30 comes in. This powerful little camera is not only waterproof and shockproof, but it's also easy to use and packed with features that will help you take stunning photos wherever you go. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the Nikon Coolpix S30 and explore why it's the perfect camera for anyone who loves to explore. So, let's get started!

Nikon Coolpix S30 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix S30 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

Waterproof camera (up to 9.8 feet)
Shockproof (1.5m drop)
Simple user interface
Affordable price
Decent image quality
Good battery life

Cons

Limited zoom capability (3x optical)
No manual controls
No option for shooting in RAW format
Slow autofocus
Low light performance is poor
No viewfinder

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix S30

Weather sealed
Dimensions102 x 65 x 40mm
Weight214g
Thickness40mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix S30 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Coolpix S30 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.70" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Nikon Coolpix S30 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Nikon Coolpix S30 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Coolpix S30 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix S30 has a 10MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 10 pixels. Nikon Coolpix S30 has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Feb 01 2012

Announced

80 - 1600

ISO Range

Sensor1/3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution3648 x 2736 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 S30 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 S30 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: 1/3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life240 shots
Battery Model2 x AA
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix S30 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 S30 uses the 2 x AA model of aa. This is rated for 240 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 S30 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 S30 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, 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 S30 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.

View on Amazon

FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon Coolpix S30?

The Nikon Coolpix S30 features a CCD sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix S30 weather sealed?

Yes the Coolpix S30 does have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix S30 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix S30 was announced on Feb 01 2012

Does the Nikon Coolpix S30 have in-body image stabilization?

No the Coolpix S30 does not 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 S30?

The Coolpix S30 has a native ISO range of 80-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

View on Amazon

Similar Camera Reviews

Nikon Coolpix S3000 article cover photo

Nikon Coolpix S3000: A User-Friendly Camera for Capturing Stunning Photos

Nikon Coolpix S3000 is one of the most popular point-and-shoot cameras available in the market today. It is packed with features that are perfect for taking beautiful photos and videos. This camera is designed for beginner photographers who want a compact, easy-to-use device that produces high-quality images. In this blog post, we will explore the features of Nikon Coolpix S3000, its benefits, and drawbacks, and help you decide if it’s the right camera for your photography needs.

Nikon Coolpix S4300 article cover photo

Capturing Memories with the Nikon Coolpix S4300 – A Comprehensive Review

The Nikon Coolpix S4300 is a popular digital camera model that is renowned for its ease of use and portability. This device is packed with features that make it an excellent choice for those looking for a camera that delivers high-quality photos without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we take a deep dive into the Nikon Coolpix S4300, exploring its key features, pros and cons, and everything else you need to know before making a purchase.