Nikon Coolpix P100 vs Pentax Optio RZ10

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon Coolpix P100 and the Pentax Optio RZ10, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Nikon Coolpix P100 was introduced in July 2010 and Pentax Optio RZ10 was introduced in July 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon Coolpix P100 over Pentax Optio RZ10.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax Optio RZ10 over Nikon Coolpix P100.

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

Screen

Nikon Coolpix P100 has a 3.0" Tilting screen with 460k dot resolution and Pentax Optio RZ10 has a 2.70" Fixed screen with 230k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes Nikon Coolpix P100 very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

Electronic Viewfinder on Nikon Coolpix P100

Nikon Coolpix P100 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder. It has a 97% coverage. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Pentax Optio RZ10.

Nikon Coolpix P100 features a 10.3 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm². Its native ISO range is 80 - 3,200. Pentax Optio RZ10 features a 14 megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.08 x 4.56 mm and a total area of 20.8 mm². Its native ISO range is 80 - 6,400.

Nikon Coolpix P100 has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

Nikon Coolpix P100 is equipped with Expeed C2 processor and can take pictures up to 3648 x 2736 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3584 x 2016, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 1024 x 768, 640 x480 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios. Pentax Optio RZ10 can take pictures up to 4288 x 3216 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4224 x 2376, 3216 x 3216, 3073 x 2304, 1920 x 1080, 640 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.

Image Stabilization

The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

NFC on Nikon Coolpix P100

Nikon Coolpix P100 has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.

Battery

Nikon Coolpix P100 comes with EN-EL5 battery pack and Pentax Optio RZ10 comes with D-LI92 battery pack with battery life of 178 shots.

External Storage Slots

Cameras have a single SD/SDHC card slot.

Shutter

Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Nikon Coolpix P100, and up to 1/2000 sec on Pentax Optio RZ10. Nikon Coolpix P100 can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps. Pentax Optio RZ10 can shoot continuously up to 1.0 fps.

Flash

Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 2.80 m on Pentax Optio RZ10..

Nikon Coolpix P100 body has dimensions of 114 x 83 x 99 mm (4.49 x 3.27 x 3.9") and Pentax Optio RZ10 body has dimensions of 97 x 61 x 33 mm (3.82 x 2.4 x 1.3"). Nikon Coolpix P100 weighs 481 g (1.06 lb / 16.97 oz) and Pentax Optio RZ10 weighs 178 g (0.39 lb / 6.28 oz).

Nikon Coolpix P100

Pentax Optio RZ10

114 mm

83 mm

97 mm

61 mm

83 mm

61 mm

99 mm

33 mm