Nikon Coolpix P300 vs Nikon Coolpix P100

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon Coolpix P300 and the Nikon Coolpix P100, 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 P300 was introduced in May 2011 and Nikon Coolpix P100 was introduced in July 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon Coolpix P300 Highlights

      • 12.2 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 160 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 922k dot Fixed Screen
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Nikon Coolpix P100 Highlights

      • 10.3 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 80 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 460k dot Tilting Screen
      • Electronic Viewfinder
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      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.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon Coolpix P300 and Nikon Coolpix P100.

      PROS

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      •   Video Capture
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 481 g (1.06 lb / 16.97 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
      •   160 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.3 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps

      Advantage of Nikon Coolpix P300

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon Coolpix P300 over Nikon Coolpix P100.

      Nikon Coolpix P300 vs Nikon Coolpix P100
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixel vs 10.3 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 vs 3648 x 2736
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Reaches Wider Angle 24 mm vs 26 mm
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/1.8 vs f/2.8
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/4.9 vs f/5.0
      Min Normal Focus Distance 30 cm vs 60 cm
      Higher Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 460k dot
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 8 sec vs 4 sec
      Lighter 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz) vs 481 g (1.06 lb / 16.97 oz)
      Internal Storage 90 MB vs 43 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon Coolpix P300.

      Advantage of Nikon Coolpix P100

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon Coolpix P100 over Nikon Coolpix P300.

      Nikon Coolpix P300 vs Nikon Coolpix P100
      Lower Native ISO 160 vs 80
      Single Autofocus vs
      Reachs More Telephoto 100 mm vs 678 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 4.2x vs 26.1x
      Min Macro Focus Distance 3 cm vs 1 cm
      Screen Type Fixed vs Tilting
      Viewfinder vs Electronic
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps vs 10.0 fps
      Spot Metering vs
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon Coolpix P100.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      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.

      STRENGTHS Nikon Coolpix P300 Nikon Coolpix P100
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO3,2003,200
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output
        Light189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz)481 g (1.06 lb / 16.97 oz)
        Internal Storage90 MB43 MB
      WEAKNESSES Nikon Coolpix P300 Nikon Coolpix P100
        Small Sensor1/2.3-inch1/2.3-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor12.2 Megapixel10.3 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon Coolpix P300 and Nikon Coolpix P100 have 3.0" screens with 922k dot and 460k dot resolutions respectively. Nikon Coolpix P300 has a Fixed screen Nikon Coolpix P100 has a Tilting screen which makes it very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

      Image cannot be displayed

      Nikon Coolpix P100 with Tilting screen


      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 Nikon Coolpix P300.

      Sensor

      BSI-CMOS Sensor

      Nikon Coolpix P300 features a 12.2 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 160 - 3,200. 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 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 3,200.

      The cameras have 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.

      Photography Features

      Cameras are equipped with Expeed C2 processor.


      Image Stabilization

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

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      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. Both cameras have HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon Coolpix P300 comes with EN-EL12 battery pack with battery life of 240 shots and Nikon Coolpix P100 comes with EN-EL5 battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon Coolpix P300 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Nikon Coolpix P100 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Nikon Coolpix P300, and up to 1/2000 sec on Nikon Coolpix P100. Nikon Coolpix P300 can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps. Nikon Coolpix P100 can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 6.50 m on Nikon Coolpix P300..

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon Coolpix P300 body has dimensions of 103 x 58 x 32 mm (4.06 x 2.28 x 1.26") and Nikon Coolpix P100 body has dimensions of 114 x 83 x 99 mm (4.49 x 3.27 x 3.9"). Nikon Coolpix P300 weighs 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz) and Nikon Coolpix P100 weighs 481 g (1.06 lb / 16.97 oz).

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      103 mm

      58 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      114 mm

      83 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      58 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      83 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      32 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      99 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Nikon Coolpix P300 and Nikon Coolpix P100

      Nikon Coolpix P300 and Nikon Coolpix P100 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      POOR
      48
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Small Sensor
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz)
      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 481 g (1.06 lb / 16.97 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots
      GOOD
      82
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 481 g (1.06 lb / 16.97 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon Coolpix P300 and Nikon Coolpix P100 and give them scores of 58 and 62 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      OVERALL
      58
      OVERALL
      62

      Sensor

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
      •   160 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.3 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      GOOD
      75
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon Coolpix P300

      Nikon Coolpix P100

      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots
      •   Internal Storage
      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 481 g (1.06 lb / 16.97 oz)
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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