Quick notes
- This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of the Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700, providing a side-by-side analysis to assist you in choosing the best camera for your photography needs.
- The Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700 both sport a 26x optical zoom lens, offering a wide focal length range from 25mm to 650mm.
- The Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700 are both capable compact digital cameras that offer a range of features at an affordable price.
Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700 are two budget-friendly compact digital cameras that offer a range of features suitable for casual and beginner photographers. However, with slight differences in their specifications and capabilities, understanding the nuances between these two models can help you make an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of the Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700, providing a side-by-side analysis to assist you in choosing the best camera for your photography needs.
Sensor and Image Quality
Both the Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700 feature a 20.1-megapixel CCD sensor, providing a similar level of image resolution. However, the S3700 incorporates a slightly larger sensor, measuring 1/2.3 inches compared to the 1/2.5 inches in the S3600. This difference in sensor size can result in marginally improved low-light performance and reduced noise in the S3700.
Lens and Optical Zoom
The Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700 both sport a 26x optical zoom lens, offering a wide focal length range from 25mm to 650mm. This versatility makes them suitable for capturing a variety of subjects, from landscapes to distant objects. The S3700, however, features a slightly wider maximum aperture of f/3.3-6.3 compared to the S3600’s f/3.5-6.7. This wider aperture provides a narrower depth of field, allowing for better subject isolation in portraits and close-up shots.
Display and Viewfinder
The Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700 both feature a 2.7-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 230k dots. The displays are not touch-sensitive, so all controls must be accessed through physical buttons. Neither camera offers an optical viewfinder, which may be a disadvantage for photographers who prefer the traditional viewfinder experience.
Features and Modes
The Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700 offer a range of automatic and semi-automatic shooting modes, including aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure. Both cameras also feature a variety of scene modes, such as portrait, landscape, and night portrait, which optimize settings for specific shooting conditions. Additionally, the S3700 includes a dedicated panorama mode for capturing wide-angle shots.
Connectivity and Storage
The Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700 both support Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to transfer images and videos wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet. Both cameras also have built-in GPS, enabling you to geotag your photos with location information. They feature an SD memory card slot for storage, with the S3700 supporting a slightly larger maximum capacity of 128GB compared to the S3600’s 64GB.
Battery Life
The Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700 both use AA batteries, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to power your camera. The S3600 is rated for approximately 250 shots per charge, while the S3700 offers slightly better battery life with around 260 shots.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs
The Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700 are both capable compact digital cameras that offer a range of features at an affordable price. While they share many similarities, subtle differences in their specifications and capabilities may influence your choice. If you prioritize image quality and a wider maximum aperture for better subject isolation, the Nikon Coolpix S3700 is the better option. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly choice with slightly less advanced features, the Nikon Coolpix S3600 is an excellent choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which camera has better low-light performance?
A: The Nikon Coolpix S3700 has a slightly larger sensor and wider maximum aperture, resulting in marginally improved low-light performance.
Q: Can I use both cameras as webcams?
A: No, neither the Nikon Coolpix S3600 nor the S3700 supports webcam functionality.
Q: Which camera is more durable?
A: Both the Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700 are designed to be durable and withstand everyday use, but they do not have weather-sealing or shock-resistant construction.
Q: Can I record videos with both cameras?
A: Yes, both the Nikon Coolpix S3600 and S3700 can record videos at a maximum resolution of 720p at 30fps.
Q: Which camera has a longer battery life?
A: The Nikon Coolpix S3700 has a slightly longer battery life, with approximately 260 shots per charge compared to the S3600’s 250 shots.