
Nikon
Nikon 26407 COOLPIX S31 Waterproof Digital Camera Blue
★★★★★
Waterproof, shockproof, and ready for any family adventure — the COOLPIX S31 captures 10.1MP stills and 720p video wherever memories happen, no protective case required.
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Overview
Key Features
Nikon Coolpix S31 Camera Digital
Specifications
Brand
Nikon
Model
Coolpix S31
Color
Blue
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Waterproof to 1.5 meters, the S31 handles pool sessions, beach trips, and rain without a protective housing — meaningful durability for family use where accidental submersion is routine rather than exceptional.
- The 2.7-inch LCD is bright and simple to navigate, making the camera genuinely accessible to younger family members who haven't operated a camera before.
- 10.1 megapixel resolution produces images with enough detail for quality 8x10 prints — a step above typical social-media-only snapshot cameras for family album and wall display use.
- Shockproof from 1.2 meters, the camera survives most dropped-from-hand accidents during active outdoor use — a real-world durability test that family cameras face routinely.
- 720p HD video with built-in microphone captures both the visual and audio memory of key family moments — birthday parties, vacations, sporting events — in a single compact package.
👎 Cons
- At 1.5 meters water resistance depth, the S31 is not suitable for snorkeling, diving, or underwater photography beyond shallow pool depth — exceeding the rating risks seal failure and water damage.
- The fixed lens with no optical zoom limits compositional flexibility — framing a tighter shot requires physically moving closer to the subject rather than zooming from a distance.
- In low-light indoor environments — evening parties, indoor events — the small sensor produces visible noise at higher sensitivity settings even with flash assist engaged.
- 720p video resolution is below the 1080p standard now common on basic smartphones, and footage will appear soft on modern 4K displays or large-screen playback.
- The simplified interface that makes the camera accessible to children is a ceiling for adult photographers — no manual controls, RAW output, or creative exposure modes are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep can the COOLPIX S31 go underwater before risking damage?
The S31 is rated waterproof to 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) for up to 60 minutes under JIS/IEC IPX8 conditions. This covers pool use, shallow water play, and rain — it is not rated for snorkeling depth or extended submersion beyond those parameters.
Does the S31 record video with audio, and what format does it use?
The S31 records 720p HD video at 30fps with built-in microphone audio. Video is saved in MOV format. Audio capture is functional for casual family use but is not optimized for quiet environments or windy outdoor conditions.
What memory does the COOLPIX S31 use, and how many photos can it hold?
The S31 uses microSD cards for primary expandable storage, with a small amount of internal memory included for a handful of images. A 32GB microSD card holds thousands of images at 10.1-megapixel resolution depending on compression settings — a card is strongly recommended for any active shooting session.
From what height is the S31 rated shockproof?
The COOLPIX S31 is rated shockproof from drops of up to 1.2 meters (approximately 4 feet) under MIL-STD-810F testing conditions. This covers most accidental table-height and hand-height drops; corner impacts on hard surfaces can exceed the rated threshold.
Is the COOLPIX S31 suitable for young children to use independently?
Yes — the S31 is specifically designed for child-friendly independent use. The interface is simplified, buttons are large and clearly differentiated, and the durable construction handles the rough treatment typical of younger users without requiring protective accessories.