Canon PowerShot S110 vs Nikon Coolpix S9700: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the crowded compact camera market, two noteworthy models from Canon and Nikon often come up for consideration: the Canon PowerShot S110, a 2012 small-sensor compact known for its pocket-friendly design and manual controls, and the Nikon Coolpix S9700, a 2014 superzoom compact with considerable reach and features tailored toward versatility. Although both target the enthusiast leaning toward compact convenience, their differing strengths and compromises can significantly influence your choice.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I dove deep into these two models to evaluate their real-world usability, image quality, and feature sets. This comparison breaks down each camera’s performance across key photography disciplines, practical technicalities, and user experience to help you make an informed decision.

A Tale of Two Compacts: Sizes and Handling

When first picking up these cameras, size and ergonomics are an immediate consideration, especially if portability and comfort during extended shooting sessions matter.

The Canon S110 is notably compact at 99×59×27 mm and just 198g. Its slim profile slips easily into pockets or small bags - a big plus for travel or street photographers. The integrated grip is subtle but sufficient for secure handling.

In contrast, the Nikon S9700 is larger and chunkier, measuring 110×64×35 mm and weighing 232g. The beefier lens extending to 30x zoom makes for more complex contours and heft, which may deter those who prize minimalist carry. However, this also translates to more control space, with buttons arranged for thumb access, even if not all are illuminated.

Both models feature fixed lenses and lack viewfinders, relying fully on LCD screens. The Canon’s controls lean toward tactile buttons and a touchscreen interface, favoring quick setting changes on the fly. The Nikon, devoid of touch, depends on traditional physical inputs - less modern, but arguably favored by those who prefer not adjusting settings via a screen.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Few aspects impact your photo’s quality as much as sensor size and processing power. Here, the cameras part ways substantially.

The Canon PowerShot S110 uses a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor measuring 7.44×5.58 mm (41.52 mm²), with a 12-megapixel resolution. Despite its age, the S110’s sensor size is relatively large for a compact, and combined with Canon’s Digic 5 processor and a fast F2.0 aperture lens at wide angle, it yields surprisingly good results even in moderate low light. The camera supports raw shooting, a crucial feature allowing professionals and enthusiasts to maximize dynamic range and post-processing flexibility.

The Nikon Coolpix S9700 has a smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17×4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²) but a higher 16-megapixel count. Although the back-side illuminance design theoretically helps light gathering, in practice, the smaller sensor leads to more noise at higher ISOs and lower dynamic range. It lacks raw support, limiting professional post-processing options.

From my lab tests and field experience, the Canon generally delivers cleaner shadows, richer colors, and better highlight retention. Nikon’s higher megapixels offer more detail in ideal daylight but suffer in demanding conditions.

LCD Screen and Interface: Your Window into the Scene

A camera’s screen is vital for composing shots and navigating menus efficiently.

The S110 sports a 3-inch, 461k-dot touchscreen with TFT PureColor II G technology. The touch interface is responsive and intuitive, speeding manual focus and setting adjustments during shoots. Its ability to set focus points easily while holding the camera is invaluable in dynamic situations like street or macro photography.

On the other hand, the S9700’s 3-inch screen offers double the resolution at 921k dots, contributing to sharper playback and framing review. However, the lack of touchscreen requires navigation through physical buttons, which is less agile but arguably more precise in sunlight or gloved conditions. Nikon includes an anti-reflective coating, improving outdoor visibility.

Neither screen articulates, which limits low-angle or overhead shooting flexibility.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Fast and Accurate?

Speed and accuracy of autofocus, frame rate, and burst capabilities can make or break action or wildlife photography.

The Canon S110 has 9 contrast-detection AF points including face detection, continuous AF, tracking, and selective AF modes. It achieves a fast 10 frames per second burst rate - impressive among compacts - making it suitable for quick snapshots and mild action sequences.

The Nikon S9700 steps up with 99 AF points and face detection but relies solely on single AF and tracking. Continuous AF capability is absent, limiting its effectiveness in fast-moving subjects. Burst rate sits at a slower 7 fps.

In practice, I found the Canon’s AF system more versatile for moving subjects, though neither model features advanced phase-detection AF or eye/animal detection that are becoming standard now. For wildlife or sports, these cameras are acceptable only for casual use.

Image Stabilization: Holding Still When It Counts

Both cameras incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS), crucial when shooting at long zoom ranges or in low light to reduce blur.

The Canon offers OIS paired with a bright F2.0 lens wide-angle setting, enabling handheld shots down to shutter speeds around 1/10s in steady conditions.

The Nikon’s OIS is also effective, particularly useful when zoomed to its extreme 750 mm (35mm equivalent). Given the telephoto focal length, stabilization feels more critical for this model.

In my hands, both systems performed reliably, with Nikon’s advantage emerging at the tele end, while Canon excelled wide open for nighttime or macro snaps.

Lens Range and Aperture: Flexibility or Light-Gathering?

Lens focal length and aperture are vital lenses’ characteristics defining versatility and image quality.

The Canon S110’s 5x zoom lens covers 24-120 mm equivalent, with a fast max aperture of f/2.0 at the widest angle and f/5.9 telephoto. This relatively bright wide end lets you maintain lower ISO or faster shutter speeds indoors and close-ups, enhancing low-light portraits and macro.

The Nikon S9700’s lens boasts a whopping 30x optical zoom, spanning 25-750 mm equivalent but with a slower maximum aperture of f/3.7-f/6.4. The extensive telephoto reach appeals to travelers and wildlife hobbyists, though image quality and low light usability degrade significantly toward the long end.

Durability and Build: Can They Take the Road?

Neither compact is weathersealed or ruggedized, so if you shoot in harsh environments, you’ll need extra care.

Both have standard plastic bodies with metal accents, typical of midrange compacts. They lack dust, splash, or freeze proofing, so trips to extreme locations require caution.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Power on the Go

Battery life and storage convenience influence how long you can shoot without interruption.

The Nikon S9700 outperforms the Canon S110 here, rated for approximately 300 shots per charge (per CIPA standards) vs Canon’s 200 shots. For travel or event shooting, this can mean fewer battery swaps or recharges.

Both use proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (Canon NB-5L, Nikon EN-EL12) with a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a standard but limiting factor if you prefer mirrored storage or UHS cards.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless and GPS Features

For sharing images quickly or geotagging:

• Both cameras have built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer, with Canon relying on a proprietary app supporting remote shooting and sharing.
• Nikon includes built-in GPS, an extra bonus for travelers who want automatic geotagging without using mobile connectivity.
• Neither model supports Bluetooth or NFC, reflecting their generation.

Video Capabilities: Basic HD Coverage

Both cameras deliver Full HD video recording at 1080p:

• Canon S110 offers Full HD at 24 fps, plus 720p and 480p modes, encoded in H.264 for good compression efficiency. No microphone input limits sound quality control.
• Nikon S9700 supports 1080p at 30/25 fps, 720p at various framerates, and even high-speed VGA (640×480) at 120 fps for slow motion, encoded in MPEG-4 or H.264.

Neither camera boasts 4K or advanced video options, but both provide solid, serviceable video for casual users.

Shooting Experience by Genre: Which Camera Fits Your Passion?

Let’s examine how each camera performs across popular photography types, based on extensive field tests.

Canon S110 front Canon S110 screen back Nikon S9700 front Nikon S9700 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Canon S110 wins for skin tone rendering and bokeh quality; its larger sensor and wide f/2.0 lens enable creamy backgrounds and better low-light portraits.
• The Nikon’s slower lens and smaller sensor produce flatter tones and less subject separation. Eye detection and face AF are present in both but more reliable on Canon.

Landscape Photography

• Canon’s wider aperture and larger sensor offer better dynamic range, less noise, and truer colors, important in shadow/highlight recovery.
• Nikon’s enormous zoom lets you isolate distant features but loses image sharpness and contrast at telephoto extremes.
• Neither model has weather sealing, limiting outdoor durability.

Wildlife Photography

• Nikon’s 750 mm equivalent lens is a significant advantage for distant subjects.
• Canon’s faster AF and continuous tracking support moderately better in focus acquisition but limited zoom hampers framing.
• Neither camera’s burst speed or AF is ideal for fast-moving wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Canon’s faster continuous shooting (10 fps) supports better action sequences.
• Nikon’s slower burst and AF modes constrain tracking fast subjects.
• Both models struggle with low-light sports scenarios.

Street Photography

• Canon’s compact size, discreet operation, and touchscreen facilitate candid captures in urban environments.
• Nikon feels bulkier, and slower AF hamstrings spontaneity.
• Both perform adequately up to mid-ISO with usable noise.

Macro Photography

• Canon S110 allows focusing as close as 3 cm with sharp detail, aided by touchscreen precision AF.
• Nikon focuses closer at 1 cm but with slower AF and smaller sensor yielding lower detail.
• Optical stabilization helps steady handheld macro shots on both.

Night and Astrophotography

• Canon’s larger sensor and wider lens make a meaningful difference capturing night scenes and stars.
• Nikon’s smaller sensor and f/6+ aperture limit exposure options.
• Neither camera offers long-exposure modes dedicated to astro shots.

Travel Photography

• Canon’s pocketable size, raw format, and touchscreen appeal for versatile travel shooting.
• Nikon’s extensive zoom and GPS offer extras for documenting landscapes and wildlife.
• Battery life favors Nikon for longer outings.

Professional Workflow Integration

• Raw support on Canon S110 is indispensable for professional editing and color grading.
• Nikon’s lack of raw and smaller sensor restricts flexibility for serious post-processing.
• Both camera RAW files and JPEGs adhere to standard formats, but Nikon’s non-raw only workflow makes it less attractive for professionals.

Image Quality Scorecard and Overall Ratings

Pinpointing strengths with objective benchmarking helps clarify the comparisons.

The Canon S110 scores higher overall, with superior color depth, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

Nikon S9700 performs well in zoom range and battery life but sacrifices image quality and raw capability.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Quick Summary

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Pick the Canon PowerShot S110 if:

• You want a truly pocket-sized, discrete camera ideal for street, travel, and portraits.
• Raw image capture and manual controls matter for post-processing or learning photography fundamentals.
• You value low-light capability and faster lens aperture.
• Handling and touchscreen operation help you shoot quickly in dynamic environments.

Pick the Nikon Coolpix S9700 if:

• You prioritize an ultra-telephoto zoom (750 mm equivalent) for wildlife or distant subjects.
• Longer battery life and GPS geotagging are important for travel workflows.
• You prefer a sharp, high-resolution LCD and physical controls over touchscreen.
• You can compromise on raw and low-light image quality for zoom reach.

Final Thoughts: Practical Insights From Experience

Both cameras represent compact design philosophies of their time, each catering to different priorities.

From my hands-on tests, Canon’s S110 punches above its weight for overall image quality and creative control in the compact class. Its lens speed, sensor size, and raw support make it a credible choice for enthusiasts seeking a go-anywhere shooter with professional workflow compatibility.

Nikon’s S9700, despite compromise in image quality, will appeal to travelers and casual shooters enticed by a long zoom and feature-rich package like GPS and robust battery life.

Neither replaces a mirrorless or DSLR for specialized genres like sports, wildlife, or professional portraiture but can function admirably as lightweight companions.

Ultimately, ensure your primary photography interests and workflow needs align with a camera’s strengths before committing. Both cameras offer solid value under $400 but serve very different use cases, making an informed choice essential.

Related Reading & Further Resources

• How sensor size affects image quality: A practical guide
• Best compact cameras for travel in 2024
• Shooting portraits with compact cameras: Tips and tricks
• Understanding autofocus systems: Contrast vs phase detection
• Post-processing RAW files on popular software

Why You Can Trust This Review
Drawing on over 15 years and thousands of cameras tested in studio and field conditions, this comparison integrates industry-standard benchmarks like DxOMark data, rigorous lab testing, and real-world use. My objective is to empower you with actionable insights grounded in expertise, not marketing rhetoric or outdated specs.

If you’re drawn to a compact with controls and quality, Canon’s S110 remains a strong contender despite its age. If zoom and convenience outweigh image precision, Nikon’s S9700 delivers a versatile package.

Choose wisely - your photography deserves gear that truly fits your vision.

Thanks for reading this detailed Canon PowerShot S110 vs Nikon Coolpix S9700 comparison. Feel free to reach out for further questions or specific shooting scenario advice.