• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 27.00mm - 108.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/3 inch 17.3mm2
  • 13.2 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 90.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon S3000 advantages over Nikon S02

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $180 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.15 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    108 mm vs 90 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Wider angle lens
    27 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S02 advantages over Nikon S3000

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm JV100

Nikon S3000
Fujifilm JV100
  • $150
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Wider angle lens
  • $130
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
Nikon S02
Fujifilm JV100
  • $180
  • 1/3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • HDMI out
  • $130
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon S4000

Nikon S3000
Nikon S4000
  • $150
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
Nikon S02
Nikon S4000
  • $180
  • 1/3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Pentax RS1000

Nikon S3000
Pentax RS1000
  • $150
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Higher extended ISO
Nikon S02
Pentax RS1000
  • $180
  • 1/3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • HDMI out
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon S01

Nikon S3000
Nikon S01
  • $150
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $200
  • 1/2.9 inch
  • Touchscreen
Nikon S02
Nikon S01
  • $180
  • 1/3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $200
  • 1/2.9 inch
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony W710

Nikon S3000
Sony W710
  • $150
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $99
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Nikon S02
Sony W710
  • $180
  • 1/3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • HDMI out
  • $99
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
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