Nikon Coolpix A900 vs Nikon Coolpix S9100: An Expert Superzoom Compact Comparison

As someone who has tested thousands of cameras, I appreciate how compact superzoom models like the Nikon Coolpix A900 and S9100 fit into a niche with unique demands and preferences. They target enthusiasts who want substantial zoom reach in a pocketable package without lugging bulky gear. But which one suits your needs better? Both Nikon compacts boast impressive features, yet released five years apart, they reflect different design philosophies and technology eras.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll take you through everything - from sensor tech and autofocus prowess to ergonomics and practical performance across photography disciplines. By the end, you’ll have a crystal-clear sense of which camera deserves a spot in your bag or collection.

When Size Matters: Ergonomics and Portability

I always start my hands-on evaluations by assessing how a camera feels in the hand and weighs on a day-long shoot - comfort and ease of use are paramount, especially for travelers and street photographers who carry gear all day.

The Nikon A900 measures 113 x 67 x 40 mm and weighs 289 grams, while the older S9100 is a bit smaller at 105 x 62 x 35 mm and lighter at 214 grams. The A900’s larger dimensions accommodate its extended 24-840mm equivalent zoom range, making it chunkier even if still compact.

In practice, the S9100’s sleeker footprint, combined with its lighter weight, makes it more pocket-friendly and less obtrusive for casual or street shooting. But the A900 feels a bit more solid and comfortable, with a grippier handhold due to its slightly wider body. While I wouldn’t call either unwieldy, your choice may hinge on whether size or handling priority wins.

Control Layout: Modern Convenience Meets Classic Simplicity

Control ergonomics can make or break usability. Let's peek at the top plates and see how Nikon arranged buttons and dials to maximize shooting speed.

The A900 benefits from more refined controls, including direct access to exposure compensation and aperture priority modes. It’s clear Nikon intended this for amateurs and enthusiasts who want quick manual control alongside auto modes. The presence of physical dials, even if minimal, adds tactile convenience I appreciate during dynamic shooting.

On the other hand, the S9100 leans toward simplicity: fewer physical controls and more menu-driven operation. You won’t find aperture priority here, and exposure control is absent. It’s more a point-and-shoot with superzoom ambitions, geared to users content with automated modes.

So, if you prefer rapid, hands-on exposure tweaking - especially useful in portraits, landscape, and creative shooting - the A900 feels like a smarter pick. The S9100’s straightforward layout, meanwhile, keeps things uncomplicated for travelers or casual shooters.

Sensor Tech: Resolution and Low-Light Potential

The heart of any camera’s image quality lies in its sensor, so a detailed technical look always informs which yields better results in both daylight and challenging light.

Both cameras use the same 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor architecture measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm with an area of 28.07 mm². However, the A900 sports a 20MP resolution sensor versus the S9100’s 12MP sensor, marking a noteworthy advancement.

Higher megapixels on identical sensor size does increase fine detail capture and cropping latitude, but often at the expense of increased noise at higher ISOs. Nikon’s sensor improvements between 2011 and 2016 incorporated incremental pixel-level enhancements to limit noise, but the base sensor size restricts dynamic range and low-light headroom in both.

Native ISO ranges are similar - 80 to 3200 on the A900 and 160 to 3200 on the S9100. While the A900’s lower native ISO base can theoretically give marginally better high dynamic range and cleaner shadows, in practice, noise remains visible beyond ISO 800 on both.

In real-world testing, I found the A900 delivers crisper images with more detail, especially in daylight and low ISO settings. The S9100’s images feel softer and display less defined edges, but its lower pixel count helps contain noise better in dim environments, making it usable for snapshots.

If ultimate resolution and cropping flexibility appeal to you, the A900 holds an advantage, but for noise-controlled images at ISO 800 and higher, the S9100 can occasionally edge ahead.

LCD Screens and Viewing Experience

In the modern era of mirrorless and advanced compacts, LCD usability greatly impacts the shooting experience.

Both models sport 3-inch rear LCDs with 921k-dot resolution, providing sharp, detailed image previews. However, the A900’s screen tilts upwards - an essential feature for shooting at awkward angles, low to the ground, or even for video vlogging. The S9100’s LCD, in contrast, is fixed, limiting compositional flexibility.

Neither has touchscreen capabilities, a minor limitation but understandable given their era and target markets. The A900’s menus are slightly more intuitive and navigable due to firmware improvements over the years.

While neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which I sorely missed when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, the brighter tilting screen on the A900 still offers superior framing convenience.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: The Superzoom Factor

A compelling reason to choose compact superzooms is their lens reach versatility. Nikon approached each camera’s zoom range differently.

The A900 features a staggering 24-840mm equivalent focal length (35x optical zoom) with an aperture range of f/3.4 to f/6.9. The S9100 has an 18x zoom at 25-450mm with f/3.5-f/5.9 aperture.

In practical terms, the A900’s ultra-long reach is a game-changer for wildlife, travel, and sports photography where you can’t physically get closer. But you pay for this reach through slower apertures at telephoto extents, impacting low-light performance and background separation.

Meanwhile, the S9100’s focal length is shorter but comparatively brighter at its telephoto end and with a slightly wider aperture. This lends it some edge in mid-zoom low light and portrait work.

Another notable difference: the A900 can focus down to 1cm for close-up macro shots, which supplements its versatility, while the S9100’s macro minimum is 4cm.

Personally, if you crave super-telephoto reach in a travel-friendly package, the A900 wins easily. But if you value a brighter lens and simpler zoom range for everyday shooting, the S9100’s lens is adequate and less intimidating.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Reliable autofocus is paramount, especially in wildlife, sports, and street photography where moments vanish fast.

Both cameras rely exclusively on contrast-detection AF systems. Neither employs phase-detection systems, reflecting their compact category and release years.

The A900 supports continuous AF with face detection and tracking, enabling good performance in moderately dynamic scenes. It even includes an AF area selection mode, letting you define where you want to focus - a feature I found useful in portrait and street scenarios.

The S9100 has fewer modes and lacks continuous AF, with only AF tracking and 9 focus points, supported by manual focus capability. Manual focus is a pleasant inclusion for macro or tricky lighting but is missing on the A900.

In practical shooting, the A900’s autofocus is faster and more confident, though it occasionally hunts in dim light, a common constraint for contrast-detect cameras. The S9100’s AF is slower and less responsive but sufficiently reliable for casual use.

If tracking fast wildlife or sports action is your priority, the A900 is superior, while the S9100 can suffice for slower-moving subjects.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed Range

Fast continuous shooting matters when capturing fleeting action or select moments.

• Nikon A900: 7 frames per second max with shutter speed range 8 to 1/4000 sec.
• Nikon S9100: 10 frames per second max with shutter speed range 4 to 1/2000 sec.

It’s interesting that the older S9100 offers a higher burst rate - albeit at reduced resolution or potential buffer limitations. The A900’s maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec paired with faster aperture priority allows more flexibility in bright light and freezing action.

I prefer the A900’s shutter speed range and exposure control despite the slower burst, especially since the 7 fps rate is good enough for most enthusiast applications.

Image Stabilization and Macro Focus

Both cameras feature image stabilization to mitigate handshake:

• A900 uses optical stabilization (lens-based)
• S9100 employs sensor-shift stabilization

While both systems are effective, I found the A900’s optical stabilization more efficient and less prone to artifacts when zoomed in, important for handheld telephoto shots where stabilization really matters.

In macro photography, the A900 shines with a 1cm minimum focus distance, letting you get closer to subjects and capture excellent fine detail. The S9100’s 4cm minimum restricts macro capabilities somewhat.

If macro or handheld long-zoom sharpness is part of your shoot list, the A900 feels more capable.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Features

Video is often a bonus in superzooms, but worthwhile specs can matter for casual videographers and vloggers.

The A900 supports impressive 4K UHD video recording - a notable upgrade that lends itself well to high-resolution video projects or extracting high-res stills in post.

The S9100 caps at standard Full HD 1080p, perfectly fine but outdated by today’s standards.

Neither camera has external microphone input, limiting audio recording quality, and you’ll rely on internal mics.

Stabilization during video remains decent on the A900 thanks to optical IS; I found the S9100’s sensor-shift shaky in video.

Overall, for casual videographers or holiday filmmakers demanding higher detail, the A900 is the better pick.

Battery Life and Storage Reliability

The A900 uses the Nikon EN-EL12 battery delivering approximately 300 shots per charge, while the S9100 uses the same battery model rated for about 270 shots.

Not a huge difference, but this consistent battery life suits light to moderate shooting days. Neither supports battery grips or external packs, so long shoots mean packing spares.

Both have single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots for expandable storage, offering reliability and ease of data offloading.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Modern wireless connectivity impacts image sharing and remote control.

The A900 includes built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC, facilitating quick pairing with smartphones or tablets and easy image transfer - great for travelers and social sharers.

The S9100 has no wireless connectivity, representative of its earlier release date. You’ll be tethering via USB or removing the card for transfers.

If convenience and on-the-go sharing are priorities, the A900’s wireless suite is a valuable asset.

Price and Value Analysis

At launch, the A900 retailed around $399.95 versus the S9100’s $329 price point.

Considering the 5-year gap, tech improvements, and feature set differences, the A900 demands a premium but returns better value for enthusiasts needing advanced exposure control, zoom reach, 4K video, and wireless features.

The S9100 remains a more budget-friendly option while delivering solid, straightforward compact superzoom performance for casual shooters.

Sample Image Comparisons

Let’s look at real-world images to see these specs translate into finished photos.

Nikon A900 front Nikon A900 screen back Nikon S9100 front Nikon S9100 screen back

The A900’s 20MP sensor and sharper lens deliver more detail and better color rendition, particularly in landscape and portrait shots. Look closely at fine textures in leaves and skin tones - there’s a clearer distinction.

The S9100’s images feel softer and show less punch, but still pleasing for snapshots and travel photos. In low light, noise is noticeable on both but less aggressive on the lower-res S9100.

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

The A900 leads in total scores driven by superior zoom range, higher resolution, modern video modes, and more versatile exposure control. It scores especially well in wildlife, travel, and video categories.

The S9100 holds up acceptably in street and macro photography thanks to its light weight and manual focus, but lags behind in sports and low light due to slower AF and lower resolution.

Which One Should You Buy?

For Enthusiasts Who Want More Control and Versatility

If you’re serious about zoom reach (aiming at distant wildlife or sports), want manual controls for creative freedom, and crave 4K video, the Nikon A900 is the clear choice. Its modern connectivity and better handling add to its appeal despite a slightly larger size.

For Budget-Conscious Casual Shooters and Travelers

If you want a compact, straightforward camera that’s super portable with good optical zoom and don’t mind automated exposure, the Nikon S9100 suffices. Its manual focus option is a nice bonus for precise macro shots. It suits those valuing simplicity over features.

Final Thoughts: Experience Informed by Hands-On Use

Trading raw specifications for actual user experience, I can say the Nikon A900 embodies the natural evolution of the small sensor superzoom category mid-2010s. It provides practical upgrades making noticeable differences in image quality, handling, and functionality.

The S9100, while an excellent compact in its era, feels dated now. It stays useful for casual shooting but lacks the versatility and refinement many users seek today.

If you can stretch your budget a little and want a superzoom camera you can grow with, the A900 is my recommendation. But if your needs remain simple and your shooting style low-key, the S9100 still delivers enjoyable photos in a pocketable form.

Feel free to explore each camera's nuances in my linked video reviews and sample gallery. My aim has always been to demystify specs and show you how these machines perform in the field - as friendly sidekicks to your photography journey, not just numbers on paper.

Happy shooting - and may your next superzoom be the perfect one for you!