• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 26.00mm - 130.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Nikon S3100 advantages over Nikon V2

  • Less expensive
    $140 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    18 mm vs 45 mm
    Thinner

Nikon V2 advantages over Nikon S3100

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.86 vs 1.43 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 310 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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 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
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon V2

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax RS1000

Nikon S3100
Pentax RS1000
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Higher extended ISO
Nikon V2
Pentax RS1000
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon S4100

Nikon S3100
Nikon S4100
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
Nikon V2
Nikon S4100
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon V1

Nikon S3100
Nikon V1
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Nikon V2
Nikon V1
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup

Compared to Sony W620

Nikon S3100
Sony W620
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $143
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
Nikon V2
Sony W620
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $143
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon AW1

Nikon S3100
Nikon AW1
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Waterproof
Nikon V2
Nikon AW1
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
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