Exploring the Amazing Features of Nikon Coolpix S5100: A Comprehensive Review

The Nikon Coolpix S5100 is a popular digital camera that has gained attention for its top-notch image quality, impressive features and easy-to-use interface. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into the features of Nikon Coolpix S5100 and evaluate its performance, giving you an in-depth understanding of all its top features and benefits.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix S5100 article cover photo

Key Features

Aug 17 2010

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight132g
MSRP$179USD

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Overview of the Coolpix S5100

If you're a lover of good photography, then you must have heard of Nikon Coolpix S5100, one of the most popular cameras in the market. This digital camera stands out with its cool design, user-friendly interface and high image quality, which makes it a top choice for photographers of all levels. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, the Nikon Coolpix S5100 is an excellent camera to consider. In this review, we'll be exploring the amazing features of this camera, which include an impressive 12.2-megapixel sensor, 2.7-inch LCD display and an excellent video recording capability. We’ll also discuss how these features can benefit your photography and help you take stunning shots every time. So, sit back, relax and let us take you on a journey through the world of the Nikon Coolpix S5100 and why it’s worth considering as your next camera.

Nikon Coolpix S5100 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix S5100 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 (12.2 MP)
Image stabilization
Wide-angle lens
Fast autofocus
720p HD video recording
Affordable price

Cons

Small sensor size
Limited zoom range
Slow lens (f/3.2-5.8)
No manual controls
Limited low-light performance
No RAW image support.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix S5100

Weather sealed
Dimensions97 x 57 x 22mm
Weight132g
Thickness22mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix S5100 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 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 S5100 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 S5100 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Coolpix S5100 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix S5100 has a 12MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Nikon Coolpix S5100 has a native ISO range of 100 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Aug 17 2010

Announced

100 - 1600

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4000 x 3000 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 S5100 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 S5100 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, Internal
Battery Life
Battery ModelEN-EL10
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix S5100 supports SD/SDHC, Internal 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 S5100 uses the EN-EL10 model of undefined. This is rated for undefined 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 S5100 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 S5100 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1500s, 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 S5100 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 S5100?

The Nikon Coolpix S5100 features a CCD sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix S5100 weather sealed?

No the Coolpix S5100 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix S5100 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix S5100 was announced on Aug 17 2010

Does the Nikon Coolpix S5100 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Coolpix S5100 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 S5100?

The Coolpix S5100 has a native ISO range of 100-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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