• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 26.00mm - 156.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon A3100 IS advantages over Nikon S5200

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.7 vs f/3.5
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 240 vs 160 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon S5200 advantages over Canon A3100 IS

  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    21 mm vs 28 mm
    Thinner
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    26 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 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

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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon A1100 IS

Canon A3100 IS
Canon A1100 IS
  • $85
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon S5200
Canon A1100 IS
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Thinner
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FH1

Canon A3100 IS
Panasonic DMC-FH1
  • $85
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $160
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
Nikon S5200
Panasonic DMC-FH1
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More dots on screen
  • $160
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon A3000 IS

Canon A3100 IS
Canon A3000 IS
  • $85
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • $108
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
Nikon S5200
Canon A3000 IS
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Thinner
  • $108
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm JX580

Canon A3100 IS
Fujifilm JX580
  • $85
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Nikon S5200
Fujifilm JX580
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compared to Nikon S3500

Canon A3100 IS
Nikon S3500
  • $85
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Nikon S5200
Nikon S3500
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More dots on screen
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
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