• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon S8100 advantages over Nikon S5300

  • Slower slow-motion
    240 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 200 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 8.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon S5300 advantages over Nikon S8100

  • Less expensive
    $180 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    20 mm vs 29 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    138g vs 205g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-HX5V

Nikon S8100
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon S5300
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Sony DSC-H55

Nikon S8100
Sony DSC-H55
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon S5300
Sony DSC-H55
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Ricoh CX5

Nikon S8100
Ricoh CX5
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
Nikon S5300
Ricoh CX5
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon S5200

Nikon S8100
Nikon S5200
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon S5300
Nikon S5200
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster shutter

Compared to Canon 340 HS

Nikon S8100
Canon 340 HS
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More dots on screen
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon S5300
Canon 340 HS
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
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