Nikon Coolpix A900 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5: Which Compact Camera Fits Your Photography Style?

When it comes to compact cameras, choosing the right one can be surprisingly complex. Whether you’re after a versatile travel companion, a camera to dip your toes into superzoom photography, or a compact powerhouse with manual controls, this Nikon-Panasonic duo are intriguing options from different eras and philosophies. Having tested both extensively over years and examined the nitty-gritty details, I’m excited to guide you through their capabilities and quirks, so you can find the perfect match for your shooting style and budget.

Let’s dive into how the Nikon Coolpix A900 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 stack up head-to-head across photography disciplines, usability, and technical prowess.

At a Glance: Handling Size and Controls

Compact cameras often sell on portability as much as on specs, so the feel in hand matters. The Nikon A900 and Panasonic LX5 each offer a comfortable yet distinct experience.

Both sit comfortably in the palm, but the A900’s longer zoom lens (24-840mm equivalent) adds a bit of length, while the LX5 feels slightly chunkier front-to-back, partly due to its brighter but shorter zoom lens. The A900 weighs in at 289 grams, marginally heavier than the LX5’s 271g, though both are pocket-friendly.

Ergonomically, the LX5 leans on a classic fixed tilt-screen and a more tactile, manual-focus-friendly lens barrel. The A900 opts for a tilting screen with higher resolution, but no physical focus ring, aiming more at casual ease than manual finesse.

Check out the control layouts too: the LX5 sports more dedicated dials and buttons for quick manual adjustments - an enthusiast’s delight. The A900’s controls are simplified, leaning toward intuitive point-and-shoot operation, but maintain manual exposure options in menu navigation.

In practice: If you crave quick tactile control and manual focus precision, the LX5 wins hands-down here. But if you want ultra-zoom reach in an easy-to-use compact, the A900 feels more straightforward.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensors often decide image quality more than anything, especially when the cameras are compact.

Here, the LX5 boasts a significantly larger 1/1.63-inch CCD sensor with 10MP resolution, while the A900 runs a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor packing 20MP. The A900’s higher megapixel count is notable, but the smaller sensor size means each pixel is tinier, usually leading to more noise in low light and narrower dynamic range.

The LX5’s bigger sensor captures more light per pixel, which generally results in richer color rendition, better dynamic range, and less noise at higher ISOs - granted, at a lower max resolution.

Technical insight: I prefer cameras with a larger sensor, especially if you print or crop images. The LX5’s CCD sensor shines in natural color tones and smoother gradations but suffers from slower readout speeds and less efficient video. The A900’s CMOS sensor offers faster processing and 4K video, which I confirm after real-world testing.

Diving into Autofocus and Shooting Speeds

For many users, autofocus system performance is a deal-breaker, especially with action or wildlife shots.

The Nikon A900 features contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, continuous AF, and multi-area tracking. In my experience, it locks quickly on well-lit subjects and tracks moving people reasonably well for a compact. It does struggle a bit in dimmer scenes or with small, fast-moving wildlife.

The Panasonic LX5, meanwhile, uses contrast AF with 23 focus points, and while it lacks face detection, it offers precise AF in static scenes but is slower to adjust and has no continuous AF tracking. This is typical of earlier cameras relying on traditional contrast detection without the newer hybrid AF.

The A900’s 7 frames per second burst mode offers faster action capture compared to the LX5’s modest 3 fps, which is better suited for deliberate shooting.

Conclusion: For sports or wildlife enthusiasts who want a compact camera, the A900’s autofocus system and faster burst rate give it a notable advantage. The LX5 excels in static scenes where precise, manual focus is desired.

Screens, Viewfinders, and Usability in the Field

Neither camera has an integrated electronic viewfinder, though the LX5 offered an optional attachable EVF, while the A900 lacks this accessory.

The A900’s 3-inch tilting screen with 921k dots resolution delivers crisp live view and easier high-/low-angle framing. The LX5’s fixed 3-inch screen is lower resolution at 460k dots and less flexible.

Interface-wise, the A900’s menus are more simplified, aiming at casual shooters, while the LX5 provides classic Panasonic robustness with customizable buttons and exposure shortcuts.

Tip: If you shoot outdoors frequently and want screen flexibility or prefer high-res display legibility, the A900 excels. But the LX5’s solid menus and manual controls reward those willing to invest more time mastering its interface.

Zoom Power, Lens Brightness, and Macro Capabilities

Here, the difference in lens design becomes clear:

• Nikon A900 offers a whopping 35x optical zoom (24–840mm equivalent), but the aperture ranges from f/3.4 to f/6.9, meaning it’s relatively slow and less effective in low light at telephoto.

• Panasonic LX5 provides a modest 3.8x zoom (24–90mm equivalent) with a bright f/2.0 to f/3.3 aperture, great for shooting in lower light and achieving better subject isolation.

Both cameras focus as close as 1 cm, enabling macro shots, but the LX5’s sharper optics and faster lens aperture make it better suited for detail-oriented close-ups.

Practical use: If you want long reach for wildlife or distant travel scenes, the A900’s superzoom shines. For portraits, close-up work, or street shooting with better low light capability, choose the LX5 lens with its brighter glass.

Image Quality in Different Types of Photography

Let’s explore how these technical aspects translate across genres.

Portrait Photography

Skin tones, eye detection autofocus, and bokeh quality are paramount here.

The A900’s facial detection helps nail focus on human subjects, but due to the smaller sensor and slower lens, background blur (bokeh) is modest at best, especially beyond 50mm. Skin tones are decent but sometimes appear a little digital or “processed” in JPEGs.

The LX5’s larger sensor and faster f/2.0 aperture at wide angle enable smoother backgrounds and more natural skin rendering. Its slightly lower megapixel count doesn’t detract from this, as noise is more controlled.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution take center stage.

The A900’s 20MP resolution means you get big prints and detailed crops. However, its smaller sensor slightly compromises dynamic range, resulting in clipped highlights on sunny landscapes unless you brace exposure carefully.

The LX5, though only 10MP, yields smoother tonal transitions and better highlight retention thanks to the CCD sensor. This matters when shooting sunsets or scenes with high contrast.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so take care in harsh environments.

Wildlife Photography

The A900’s impressive 840mm equivalent zoom is a major plus here, letting you get close to distant animals without disturbing them. Continuous AF and 7fps burst also add to freezing action.

The LX5’s limited zoom and slower AF make it challenging for wildlife; better suited to more patient subjects or closer encounters.

Sports Photography

Fast autofocus and frame rate help here.

The A900’s 7fps and continuous AF provide better chances of sharp shots of moving players. The LX5’s 3fps burst and static AF mean you’ll miss fast moments.

Street Photography

Portability, discretion, and swift response matter.

Both cameras are compact, but the LX5’s quieter operation and faster lens aperture lend better performance in dim urban conditions. The A900’s bigger zoom can feel conspicuous and slower.

Macro Photography

Both focus down to 1 cm, but the LX5’s optics yield sharper detail and better background blur for isolated subjects.

Night/Astro Photography

Low light noise and exposure flexibility matter here.

The LX5’s larger sensor and higher ISO capability (up to 12,800) outperform the A900’s max native ISO of 3200. However, the older CCD sensor can produce artifacts and noise color shifts at very high ISOs.

The A900 offers exposure modes and timelapse options but can be noisy at night shots.

Video Capabilities: The Evolution in Recording

The Nikon A900 increases the stakes here with 4K video recording at 30p, 25p, and a variety of Full HD options, leveraging its modern CMOS sensor and processor.

The LX5 caps out at 720p HD using AVCHD Lite format, reflecting its 2011 vintage. While it produces decent HD footage, it lacks 1080p or 4K, limiting modern video uses.

Neither features microphone or headphone jacks, so external audio is constrained.

Stabilization: Both cameras employ optical image stabilization, crucial for handheld video smoothness, and in my tests the A900’s system feels more refined.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

The Nikon A900 delivers about 300 shots per charge using its EN-EL12 battery, modest but reasonable for casual use. The LX5’s battery life is unspecified in manufacturer info but in practice yields similar shot counts, with a slight edge on standby.

Both use single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots; the LX5 additionally offers internal storage, useful for a backup.

Connectivity and Modern Features

The A900 offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with NFC for straightforward smartphone image sharing and remote shooting - features the LX5 sorely lacks.

Both have HDMI output and USB 2.0 ports, but the A900’s wireless tech is far superior for today’s connected workflows.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, reflecting their compact, consumer-focused designs.

You’ll want to protect either from rain and dust for longevity.

Nikon A900 front Nikon A900 screen back Panasonic LX5 front Panasonic LX5 screen back

Price-to-Performance and Long-Term Value

At roughly $400 (A900) and $294 (LX5) street prices respectively, both cameras appeal to budget-conscious buyers.

The LX5’s enthusiast-friendly controls and better image quality in certain situations keep it relevant years after introduction.

The A900’s superzoom and 4K video offer modern versatility but at lower image quality ceilings typical of smaller sensors.

Who Should Choose the Nikon Coolpix A900?

The A900 fits you if:

• You want the longest zoom reach in a compact (35x magnification is exceptional)
• You shoot casual, travel, wildlife, or outdoor events requiring flexible framing
• 4K video recording is a priority
• You value wireless connectivity for instant sharing
• You prefer simple, approachable controls with manual exposure modes as a bonus

However, if low light image quality or manual focus capabilities are critical, consider alternatives.

Who Should Opt for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5?

The LX5 suits photographers who:

• Value image quality from a larger sensor and faster lens aperture
• Need precise manual controls, including manual focus rings and dials
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, macros, or street photography often in varied lighting
• Don’t need extensive zoom range but want superior optics and color rendition
• Appreciate its raw image capture ability for post-processing flexibility

Be aware it lacks modern wireless features and 4K video.

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Camera Wins?

Comparing the Nikon Coolpix A900 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is like contrasting two different compact philosophies - modern superzoom and video versatility versus classic enthusiast compact with better image quality fundamentals.

If you want sheer zoom power, straightforward operation, and 4K video in a budget package, the Nikon A900 delivers admirable real-world performance with a few image quality compromises. On the other side, the Panasonic LX5 remains a solid choice for those willing to trade zoom reach for superior sensor quality, manual control, and a brighter lens - ideal for creative photography in controlled conditions.

Personally, for travel and family snapshots with a need to cover varied distances, I lean toward the Nikon A900’s flexibility and ease of use. For more deliberate photographic outings and better image quality with engaging manual control, the LX5’s classic design keeps it relevant and rewarding.

Regardless of choice, both these compacts hold their own for enthusiasts exploring smaller forms without sacrificing creative options. Your decision hinges on your shooting preferences, priorities, and how far you value zoom versus sensor size and handling.

Happy shooting!

Note: All testing conducted under diverse lighting and shooting scenarios over multiple years. Refer to accompanying photo samples and evaluation scores for practical insight.