Image Quality

All of the sample images in this Review were taken using the 12 megapixel High JPEG setting, which gives an average image size of around 5.5Mb.

We were using the S5100 during a period in which we were also looking at direct rivals in the Pentax Optio M900 and Olympus FE-5050, and, although the Nikon may not be perfect in every output respect, its images in general terms bettered both, being sharper and also we felt more representative of the scene or subject at the time. Lacking a handgrip as such we had some instances of visible camera shake and resulting blur with the Nikon, despite its low light shooting capabilities (high-ish ISO/vibration reduction) as we did with the competitors. Like the Olympus we also found white balance to occasionally be a tad off - daylight images taking on a bluish tinge - and had to watch out for burnt out highlights and obvious pixel fringing when conditions were sunnier.

In general terms the Nikon's images can look rather muddy at times, particularly when shooting at maximum telephoto and in lower light, benefiting from auto adjustment in Photoshop or simply opting for the vivid mode on the camera itself to boost colour saturation and add visual punch to formerly flat shots. These are minor gripes however and when conditions are ideal the Nikon can deliver some impressively sharp results that belie its budget status. Admittedly at the end of the day you're left with snaps rather than high art, but the S5100 suggests itself as an able tool for the back pocket for reference shots and the like.

Above ISO 400 image noise predictably makes its presence more intrusively felt. At ISO 800 it's beginning to creep into the darker portions of the image, more noticeable across the whole shot at ISO 1600, so that by ISO 3200 detail is noticeably softened overall, albeit with an effect that is marginally les painterly than usual. Not a bad performance from a point and shoot camera by any means, so the S5100 is one of the best examples out there if you have less than £200 to sped on a pocket snapper.

Noise

The base sensitivity of the Nikon Coolpix S5100 is ISO 100, while the highest setting is ISO 3200. Here are some 100% crops which show the noise levels for each ISO setting.

ISO 100 (100% Crop)	ISO 200 (100% Crop)
ISO 400 (100% Crop)	ISO 800 (100% Crop)
ISO 1600 (100% Crop)	ISO 3200 (100% Crop)

Sharpening

Here are two 100% crops which have been Saved as Web - Quality 50 in Photoshop. The right-hand image has had some sharpening applied in Photoshop. The out-of-the camera images are a little soft at the default sharpening setting. You can't change the in-camera sharpening level if you don't like the default look.

Original (100% Crop)	Sharpened (100% Crop)

Chromatic Aberrations

The Nikon Coolpix S5100 handled chromatic aberrations fairly well during the review.  The examples below show what you can expect in the worst case.

Example 1 (100% Crop)	Example 2 (100% Crop)

Macro

The Nikon Coolpix S5100 has a very good macro mode, offering a minimum focus distance of 2cms. The first image shows how close you can get to the subject (in this case a compact flash card). The second image is a 100% crop.

Macro	100% Crop

Flash

The flash settings on the Nikon Coolpix S5100 are Auto, Flash On, Red-eye Reduction, Slow Synchro and Off. These shots of a white wall were taken at a subject distance of 1.5m.

Flash Off - Wide Angle (35mm)	Flash On - Wide Angle (35mm)
Flash Off - Telephoto (175mm)	Flash On - Telephoto (175mm)

And here are some portrait shots. The flash has a red-eye reduction setting, though in this test there was not much of a redeye effect to begin with.

Flash On	Flash On (100% Crop)
Red-eye Reduction	Red-eye Reduction (100% Crop)

Night

The slowest shutter speed of the Nikon Coolpix S5100 is four seconds in the Fireworks show scene mode, and even less in the other shooting modes, which is disappointing news if you are seriously interested in night photography. The following example was taken at a shutter speed of 1 second at IOS 720. We have included a 100% crop to show what the quality is like.

Night	Night (100% Crop)

Sample Images

This is a selection of sample images from the Nikon Coolpix S5100 camera, which were all taken using the 12 megapixel High JPEG setting. The thumbnails below link to the full-sized versions, which have not been altered in any way.

Sample Movie & Video

As of February 2025, we are no longer providing full size sample images or videos for download.

Please contact us if you have any feedback on our new policy.

Product Images

Front of the Camera

Front of the Camera / Turned On

Isometric View

Isometric View

Rear of the Camera

Rear of the Camera / Image Displayed

Top of the Camera

Bottom of the Camera

Side of the Camera

Side of the Camera

Battery Compartment

Memory Card Slot

Conclusion

While its feature set may be no more impressive on paper than slightly cheaper rivals, the Nikon Coolpix S5100 is one of the best compact snappers in its broad price range for image sharpness and quality, so worth paying a modest extra for in our opinion. The wide-angle 28mm equivalent lens is also a useful tool, in extending framing possibilities for landscapes in particular.

Build quality further suggests that here is a camera that will last the course and brush off the odd accidental fumble, whilst its dinky pocket size means that you'll find yourself readily slipping it into a trouser or coat pocket when you head out the door, whether your intention is to take photographs or not. If, like us, you find yourself thinking 'that would make an interesting photograph' when you haven't got your more 'serious' camera with you, the S5100 comes into its own.

Since women and girls will love this camera's size, shape and usability, our only question is why didn't Nikon UK also opt to go with the pink body option? Since this is available in other territories, a quick internet search should track one down.

The Nikon Coolpix S5100 comes across as worth the money, if that is you only have a modest amount to spend in the first place and are happy with an inevitably limited feature set in return.

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4
Features	3
Ease-of-use	4
Image quality	4
Value for money	4

Review Roundup

Reviews of the Nikon Coolpix S5100 from around the web.

Specifications

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