Reasons to choose Coolpix P3
Released in 2006, Coolpix P3 has about 38 mm² of sensor area, 8 MP effective resolution, and a 170 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Nikon Coolpix P3
vs Nikon Coolpix S550
VS
Sensor area
38 mm²
Coolpix P328 mm²
Coolpix S550- Area ratio
- 1.33:1
- Absolute difference
- 9 mm²
- Relative difference
- 33.2%
The Coolpix P3 has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
Coolpix P3MetricCoolpix S550
8 MPEffective pixels10 MP
7.11 × 5.33Sensor6.16 × 4.62
2.18 µmPixel pitch1.69 µm
4.74 µm²Pixel area2.85 µm²
21.11 MP/cm²Pixel density35.14 MP/cm²
4.87Crop factor5.62
—Maximum video—
170 gWeight120 g
Secure DigitalStorageSDHC, Secure Digital
Nikon EN-EL5 rechargeable Lithium-Ion Li-ion batteryBatteryLithium-Ion (EN-EL11) Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The Coolpix P3 has the larger sensor area. The Coolpix S550 has the lighter body. The Coolpix S550 has the higher effective resolution. The Coolpix S550 is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose Coolpix S550
Released in 2008, Coolpix S550 has about 28 mm² of sensor area, 10 MP effective resolution, and a 120 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.