Nikon Coolpix S3300 vs. Samsung ST65

[u0206397]

I am searching for a sub-S$200 pns that preferably is rather ultra-compact for slipping into my pocket when out and about. I narrowed down to 2 choices within my budget: Nikon Coolpix S3300 (~ S$189) and Samsung ST65 (~ S$165).

Spec-wise, Nikkon Coolpix S3300 would trounce the Samsung ST65 flat. In fact, it would be have been fairer to compare Samsung ST77 (~S$209) but since I'm trying to keep to $200 and below, I would compare S3300 and ST65.

Nikon Coolpix S3300 comes with:

• 16MP
• 6x optical zoom
• Lens-shift image stabilization

Samsung ST65:

• 14MP
• 5x optical zoom
• Digital image stabilization (DIS)

Even a spec comparison on snapsort recommends the S3300 over the ST65. Surprisingly, the ST65 image quality seems to beat the S3300 hands-down. Even a non-photographer like me (who knows nothing about chromatic abberation, level of detail, color reproduction correctness, white etc.) can eyeball the images and videos from S3300 and find them blurry, noisy and pixellated, especially over gradient surfaces like ripples on water and moving leaves. ST65 on the other hand performs well and images and videos are sharp.

I seriously wonder how the S3300 Nikkor lens perform worse than Samsung lens. Thought people always recommend Japanese brands Sony, Canon and Nikkon over Samsung? Perhaps Canon PowerShot A2300 (~ S$179) without image stabilization can also win over S3300's image quality.

 

[Rashkae]

I seriously wonder how the S3300 Nikkor lens perform worse than Samsung lens. Thought people always recommend Japanese brands Sony, Canon and Nikkon over Samsung? Perhaps Canon PowerShot A2300 (~ S$179) without image stabilization can also win over S3300's image quality.

Compact camera is different from high-end DSLR. In terms of compact cameras, I would very very very rarely recommend Nikon. Sony, Canon, Panasonic and (a bit) Samsung know what they are doing in the compact camera market. For Nikon it's more an afterthought.

 

[intrance]

ive read good reviews about Canon HS 115..
maybe you can get it at your budget at recommended camera stores.. RP is $219

 

[Edwin Francis]

Spec comparisons are not the be-all-and-end-all of choosing a camera, whether compact or high-end DSLR. The practical difference between 14 & 16MP, 5x & 4x zoom, are insignificant. There have been cameras that are spec-laden with every imaginable feature and gimmick, but which are pigs to use.
I'd suggest you play with your shortlisted cameras a little at a shop, to get an idea of real usability. Shoot a few pictures, make a few adjustments, go into the menu system and check out how intuitive it is -- some are really awful. Even little things, like shutter release position & feel, can make a difference.
Can't say why the image quality of the Nikon you tested was so bad. Perhaps you just got a lemon, or maybe Nikon screwed up on this model. Check out the review sites (dpreview, etc) for sample images.
As Rashkae said, Canon, Sony & Panasonic do produce great compacts, and Nikon seems to be taking the market seriously only recently.

 

[MrTiew Yehui]

Have you went down to the stores to try these two cameras?i think it will be easier for you to choose them on the spot instead of comparing the specs online.

 

[u0206397]

Have you went down to the stores to try these two cameras?i think it will be easier for you to choose them on the spot instead of comparing the specs online.

No, I have not. Been reading online reviews only and eyeballing sample images and test videos from YouTube.

In this Nikon S3300 test video, the grass looks very pixelated and noisy and the color pixels change abruptly. At times, as the camera moves, the blades of grass become like muddy uniform green patches.

A second test video of S3300 shows the zooming. At first when unzoomed, the image looks sharp and clear. Upon zooming in, details are lost and become blurry.

Compared to the video by Samsung ST65, looks sharper and color is richer.

 

[Rashkae]

No, I have not. Been reading online reviews only and eyeballing sample images and test videos from YouTube.

You're doing it the wrong way around. Go to the shops FIRST, find 5-6 cameras that fit your budget that you feel comfortable using (so what if the image is sharper if it's a pain to use), then do research on the 5 you actually like using.