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Nikon 26407 COOLPIX S31 10.1MP Waterproof Digital Camera — main product image
Nikon 26407 COOLPIX S31 10.1MP Waterproof Digital Camera
Nikon 26407 COOLPIX S31 10.1MP Waterproof Digital Camera
Nikon 26407 COOLPIX S31 10.1MP Waterproof Digital Camera
Nikon 26407 COOLPIX S31 10.1MP Waterproof Digital Camera
Nikon 26407 COOLPIX S31 10.1MP Waterproof Digital Camera
Nikon

Nikon 26407 COOLPIX S31 10.1MP Waterproof Digital Camera

★★★★★4.1 (191 reviews)
1MP

The COOLPIX S31 puts 10.1 megapixels of waterproof, shockproof durability in anyone's hands — ready for poolside, beach days, and every adventure that calls for a camera that can take the hit.

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Overview

The Nikon COOLPIX S31 is designed for worry-free family photography in conditions that would damage or destroy a standard compact camera. Its durability envelope — waterproof to 1.5 meters, shockproof from 1.2 meters, and dustproof throughout — covers the real-world conditions of beach vacations, pool parties, camping trips, and outdoor sports where accidents are expected rather than exceptional. The 10.1-megapixel sensor captures enough resolution for family album prints and digital sharing, and the 720p HD video with built-in audio records both the sights and sounds of moments that matter — birthday songs, graduation cheers, vacation atmosphere — in a single compact form factor.

Every design decision in the S31 points toward accessibility: the 2.7-inch LCD is clear and bright in outdoor conditions, buttons are large and clearly differentiated by shape and position, and the menu system reduces to the choices a first-time user needs to make. For families who share the camera across multiple children and adults of varying technical comfort, this simplicity is a practical feature rather than a limitation. Build quality is consistent with Nikon's consumer standards — seals hold across repeated submersion over a full outdoor season, and the housing doesn't develop the structural flex and creak that lower-cost rugged alternatives show after repeated drops. In the outdoor daylight where it excels, the S31 produces images with the vivid color rendering and natural skin tones characteristic of Nikon's compact lineup.

Key Features

Waterproof and shockproof

Oversized buttons

simple operation and a bright 2.7-inch LCD makes taking pictures easy

720p HD video recording with built-in microphone captures the sights and sounds of the momentin high fidelity

Specifications

Sensor Resolution
10.1MP
Display Size
2.7-inch
Video Recording
720p HD
Features
Waterproof, Shockproof, Oversized buttons, Built-in microphone
Brand
Nikon

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Waterproof to 1.5 meters with a dustproof and shockproof housing, the S31 handles pool sessions, beach trips, and muddy outdoor conditions without a separate protective case — genuine durability for active family use.
  • Oversized, clearly differentiated buttons and a simplified interface make this camera independently operable by children who have never used a camera before — a practical design choice for a family-targeted device.
  • 10.1 megapixel resolution produces print-ready images for 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10 family album prints — practical output quality for the everyday documentation the camera is designed for.
  • The built-in microphone records audio alongside 720p video, capturing the sounds of family events alongside the visuals in a single compact device without external accessories.
  • Shockproof from 1.2 meters of drop height, the camera survives most hand-height accidental drops that occur during active outdoor use when children and adults handle it casually.

👎 Cons

  • 720p video resolution falls below the 1080p standard now common on basic smartphones — footage looks noticeably softer than modern mobile video capture on large screens or 4K displays.
  • The fixed lens has no optical zoom, so tighter framing of distant subjects requires physically moving closer — there is no telephoto reach for sports sidelines or subjects across a room.
  • In low-light indoor environments the small sensor produces noticeable image noise even with flash assist — not a camera for dim-light photography or evening event coverage.
  • The 1.5-meter waterproof rating is suitable for shallow pool use but not snorkeling or diving — exceeding the rated depth risks seal failure and water ingress.
  • The simplified interface that makes the S31 accessible to beginners is a hard ceiling for adult photographers wanting exposure control, RAW files, or any creative manual modes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The S31 is rated waterproof to 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) for up to 60 minutes under JIS/IEC IPX8 testing conditions. This covers pool use, rain, and shallow water play — it is not rated for snorkeling depth or extended submersion beyond those limits.
Yes — at 10.1 megapixels the S31 produces files with enough resolution for quality prints up to 8x10 inches with good sharpness. For digital sharing and social media the files are well above the minimum required. Very large print formats (16x20 and above) will show softness at this resolution level.
Like most compact cameras with small sensors, the S31 produces visible noise at higher sensitivity settings in low-light indoor environments. The built-in flash provides some assist for indoor subjects, but in dim or mixed-light conditions image quality degrades compared to larger-sensor alternatives. The camera is optimized for outdoor daylight use.
Yes — Nikon designed the S31 specifically for easy independent use. Buttons are oversized and tactilely distinct, the 2.7-inch LCD is large relative to the body, and core shooting functions are accessible without navigating complex menu structures. It is a camera that does not require fine motor control or prior camera experience.
The S31 supports microSD card expansion as primary storage. A small amount of internal memory is included for a handful of images. A Class 4 or higher microSD card is recommended for any active shooting session — internal memory alone is insufficient for a full day of use.

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