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It’s aimed at users who want a shirt-pocket-sized camera that makes life simple; so simple, that while there are 18 scene modes to choose from, the S3100 has an Auto Scene Selector mode, so even this can be left to the camera.

Coolpix S3100 features

Exposure control is limited to compensation (to +/-2 EV in 1/3EV steps) and in Auto mode the sensitivity may be set in the range ISO 80-3200. Predictably, with 14 million effective pixels on a small sensor, the loss of detail at the highest setting means ISO 3200 is best avoided.

With an equivalent focal length of 26-130mm, the S31000′s lens has a versatile 5x zoom range, suited for general photography on days out, at social events and so on.

In decent light the lens focuses quickly and the Subject Tracking system does a good job of following moving subjects. But with a closest focus of 10cm, this isn’t the camera for snapping small details.

Although it has just 230,000 dots, the 2.7-inch LCD provides a clear view of the scene. But it has a narrow viewing angle, so if you like shooting from ground-level you’ll have to get your knees dirty.

Here’s some more articles you might like:

• Nikon Coolpix S4200 Compact Camera Expert Review
• Best cameras for photographing gigs
• The Best Compact System Cameras for 2012
• Nikon Coolpix S6200 Digital Camera Expert Review
• Nikon D3100 Expert Review

Verdict