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.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix S4300 article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 01 2012

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight139g
MSRP$169USD

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Overview of the Coolpix S4300

Taking photos is more than just capturing moments; it is also an art. With the advent of digital cameras, this art has become more accessible to people than ever before. One such camera that stands out in the market is the Nikon Coolpix S4300. This device is an ideal choice for those looking for a user-friendly and affordable digital camera that does not compromise on picture quality. This blog post will thoroughly review the Nikon Coolpix S4300, highlighting its features, specifications, pros and cons, and ranking it against other similar products in the market. We will also touch on why the camera is worth its price tag and what sets it apart from its competitors. So, if you're in the market for an affordable digital camera that delivers fantastic results, stick with us as we explore all there is to know about the Nikon Coolpix S4300.

Nikon Coolpix S4300 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix S4300 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 sensor for excellent image quality.
6x optical zoom lens for perfect close-up shots.
Compact and portable design for easy travel.
Easy-to-use interface for beginners.
Built-in Wi-Fi for instant sharing on social media.
Affordable price range for beginners and casual users.

Cons

Limited manual controls for advanced users.
No raw image format for processing in post-production.
Average low-light performance due to small sensor size.
Short battery life compared to other cameras.
No viewfinder, only an LCD screen for framing shots.
Limited connectivity options compared to other modern cameras.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix S4300

Weather sealed
Dimensions96 x 59 x 21mm
Weight139g
Thickness21mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix S4300 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 Resolution460k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Nikon Coolpix S4300 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 S4300 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Coolpix S4300 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix S4300 has a 16MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Nikon Coolpix S4300 has a native ISO range of 100 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Feb 01 2012

Announced

100 - 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 S4300 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 S4300 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 Life180 shots
Battery ModelEN-EL19
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix S4300 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 S4300 uses the EN-EL19 model of battery pack. This is rated for 180 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 S4300 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 S4300 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 S4300 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 9 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 S4300?

The Nikon Coolpix S4300 features a CCD sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix S4300 weather sealed?

No the Coolpix S4300 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix S4300 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix S4300 was announced on Feb 01 2012

Does the Nikon Coolpix S4300 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Coolpix S4300 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 S4300?

The Coolpix S4300 has a native ISO range of 100-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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