Nikon Coolpix S31 Waterproof Digicam Review

Nikon Coolpix S31 was launched in 2013 as a tough, waterproof point-and-shoot camera with a 10MP CCD sensor, 3x optical zoom, and 720P video recording.

It’s not a modern camera anymore, being a 13-year-old that uses mostly abandoned but visually interesting sensor technology. Still, S31 is built on a mature platform that includes familiar features, like the 2.7” 230K LCD and a responsive shutter.

(Older digicams, such as the Pentax Optio E10, would have you wait several seconds after taking each photo!)

Admittedly, I bought this camera for its stark blue colour and unique design features, such as the metal ring around the lens. The fact that it’s shockproof and waterproof — as stated on the nameplate — gave me confidence to take it to the thrift store’s checkout, despite having no way to test it — dead battery, no charger. I did check the camera for cracks, battery leakage, and fungus.

In this review, I’ll cover the basics, like full specs, handling, image quality, reliability, and explain what type of memory card and batteries/chargers/cables this camera will need to function.

But first, let me briefly explain why this camera is a special product from a historical perspective:

In this review: Historical context. Technical specifications. Design and ergonomics. Image quality. Build quality. What you’ll need to use a Nikon Coolpix S31 digicam today. How much does the Nikon Coolpix S31 cost, and where to find one. Support this blog & get premium features with GOLD memberships!

Historical context.

Launched in January 2013, the Coolpix S31 is a successor to the Nikon Coolpix S30 and an early predecessor to the 2022 Coolpix W300 — the last true waterproof digital camera from Nikon.

Which is unfortunate, as the company has a long history of making underwater cameras, starting with the famous Nikonos series.

Technical specifications.

Lens. 4.1–12.3mm (29–87mm) 𝒇3.3–5.9 NIKKOR Zoom (6 el., 5 gr.).

Focus. Min distance: 30cm/1’ (macro) or 50cm/1’8” (normal).

Sensor. 10MP CCD sensor 1/2.9” (ISO 80 - 1600).

Display. 2.7” 230K LCD.

Shutter. 1/2000s — 1s, 1.5FPS continuous shooting.

Battery. Li-ion EN-EL12 (adapter: EH-62F).

Flash. TTL, max distance 3.5m/11’6”.

Video. 720p HD.

Chassis. 185 g (6.6 oz). 105.4mm × 64.8mm × 41.5mm (4.2” × 2.6” × 1.7”). Waterproof to 5m/16’, shockproof 1.2m/4’, and dustproof. Available in blue, pink, white and yellow.

Design and ergonomics.

The Coolpix S31 is very easy to get started with. It has a convenient power and shutter button layout that prevents accidental exposures and power-offs.

The video button is on the left side of the camera when looking from the back; it’s remarkably easy to switch between the two modes. However, I’m more interested in this camera’s still-image capabilities, which is what this review will focus on.

It’s very easy to view images and videos and zoom the lens. However, finer-grained controls require navigating a colourful but slightly confusing menu. The LCD is very nice, especially for the camera’s age, but it’s not a touch screen, so you’ll have to use the buttons on its left. Not a huge deal; rather, a familiar problem in modern software design: too many options.

Thankfully, the camera’s main function, which is to take photos, is all you’ll need most of the time.

In the hand, the piece feels a little slippery (the glossy plastic gives no additional grip). However, it’s a fairly light camera, and its overall shape is still significantly more comfortable to hold and a typical mobile device.

Image quality.

When the Nikon Coolpix launched in January 2013, it sold for ~$120 ($160 in 2026 dollars) and featured an image sensor smaller than that of an iPhone. If you look closely at the images, you’ll find aberrations and softness in the corners and some noise, too.

However, I didn’t find any of the above particularly limiting. This camera produces well-saturated, clearly defined pictures with a bit of character, making it a fun piece of kit.

Despite its small size, the sensor on this camera renders a good dynamic range. And since it’s an older CCD-type, the clipped highlights blend better into the scene (no jagged transitions). The photo below is a great illustration of that, along with a mix of “blooming highlights” on the left — part due to chromatic aberration, part due to the CCD sensor channelling.

Scenes with harsh light, like those in the photos above — and below — can be challenging for the Coolpix to render properly. There’s a severe teal/purple fringe around the tree branches (chromatic aberration), some lack of contrast, and evidence of internal reflections. But I did not seek perfection from this relatively cheap, decade-old digicam, and I don’t think you should either.

I like the distortions this camera produces; they aren’t overly distracting or performative. They are exactly what you’d expect from a consumer camera of this age, which is a look, in a very sturdy package that can last another twenty years, as long as there are batteries and memory cards available for this camera.

Low-light sensitivity is this camera’s weak point. Frankly, I expected less, but it’s worth noting that exposures under EV10 and lower (mid-to-deep shade) can yield blurry images. This can include many underwater photo situations. Flash is advisable.

As with most built-in camera flashes and tiny sensors with small apertures, you should get as close as possible to your subjects to take advantage of them.

The Nikon Coolpix S31’s sensor is very, very small, but you can still get bokeh with this camera. The trick is to switch to macro and get as close to your subject/object as possible.

In that configuration, the camera’s lens goes into overdrive, rendering some smearing and swirling in the corners, specular highlights, but not much chromatic aberration.

The Coolpix S31’s lens is very interesting.

As a reader of Analog.Cafe, I think you’ll appreciate how this camera bends reality. Despite being a digital camera, the Coolpix S31 brings a lot of quirk and whimsy to the set — not just in its overall appearance but also in its Holga-esque effects.

It’s fair to reject this camera if you’re looking for definition in your photos, but I would give it a chance if you’re looking for an interesting way to see the world that can’t be easily edited out or replicated.

Build quality.

Nikon Coolpix S31 is not a premium camera, yet it’s fairly well-made. It’s plasticky and a little strange-looking, with a dated menu system; still, it’s built like a tank.

✪ Note: If you plan to take this camera underwater, open the battery compartment and lubricate the o-ring with silicone grease. Or check out the Nikonos V — one of the best underwater cameras ever built!

What you’ll need to use a Nikon Coolpix S31 digicam today.

You will need a computer with an SD card reader. Your SD card should be no larger than 128GB, although I’ve been using a 2GB memory card, as it’s compatible with more vintage digicams.

You may also like to replace or double-up the Li-ion EN-EL12 battery and the charger, as these items tend to age and get lost the quickest.

How much does the Nikon Coolpix S31 cost, and where to find one.

Nikon Coolpix S31 cameras were affordable when they first came out, and they remain affordable today. Though still in demand for their shockproof/waterproof qualities and among digicam enthusiasts, you can get a decent copy for anywhere between $50 and $300, depending on condition and colour.

I feel it’s absolutely worth the price for what it is.

❤ By the way: Please consider making your Nikon Coolpix S31 digicam purchase using this link so that this website may get a small percentage of that sale — at no extra charge for you — thanks!