• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/3 inch 17.3mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 29.00mm - 87.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S8100 advantages over Nikon S30

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.32 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 87 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Thinner
    29 mm vs 39 mm
    Thinner
  • 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
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 1.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S30 advantages over Nikon S8100

  • Less expensive
    $120 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 410 vs 210 shots
    Capture more photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S8100

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S30

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

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Sony DSC-HX5V

Nikon S30
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S30 vs Sony DSC-HX5V

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

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Sony DSC-H55

Nikon S30
Sony DSC-H55
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S30 vs Sony DSC-H55

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

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Ricoh CX5

Nikon S30
Ricoh CX5
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S30 vs Ricoh CX5

Compared to Nikon S31

Nikon S8100
Nikon S31
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $89
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Nikon S31

Nikon S30
Nikon S31
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $89
  • 1/3 inch
  • Faster shutter

Compare Nikon S30 vs Nikon S31

Compared to Nikon S33

Nikon S8100
Nikon S33
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $129
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Newer

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Nikon S33

Nikon S30
Nikon S33
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $129
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon S30 vs Nikon S33

Compare Other Cameras?