• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 8.3 megapixels
  • 15.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon S3600 advantages over Nikon 170

  • Less expensive
    $140 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • More telephoto lens reach
    200 mm vs 15 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    19 mm vs 42 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 8.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    4 vs 1/2 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon 170 advantages over Nikon S3600

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.61 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 720p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.7
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    345k 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
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    15 mm vs 25 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

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
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon S3600

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nokia N8

Nikon S3600
Nokia N8
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon 170
Nokia N8
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Samsung Galaxy S II

Nikon S3600
Samsung Galaxy S II
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture
Nikon 170
Samsung Galaxy S II
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compared to Nikon S5300

Nikon S3600
Nikon S5300
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon 170
Nikon S5300
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon 170 IS

Nikon S3600
Canon 170 IS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure
Nikon 170
Canon 170 IS
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Bigger pixels
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon 360 HS

Nikon S3600
Canon 360 HS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
Nikon 170
Canon 360 HS
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Bigger pixels
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
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