Nikon Coolpix A900 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20: A Deep Dive Comparison for Photographers at All Levels

Choosing the right compact camera can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with multiple models spanning different generations and technologies. Here, we place the Nikon Coolpix A900, a relatively recent small sensor superzoom, head-to-head with the older Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20, a compact superzoom from the late 2000s, to help you understand what matters most in day-to-day photography scenarios. Drawing from hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras over 15 years, we break down their key features, performance nuances, and suitability across photography styles.

By the end of this thorough comparison, you’ll be well-equipped to decide which camera better fits your creative ambitions and shooting habits.

First Impressions & Physical Handling: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

Compact cameras often appeal because they offer balance between portability and zoom versatility. Let’s see how these two fare in your hands.

From the outset, the Nikon A900 feels more modern with a slimmer body, though the Sony H20’s slightly thicker profile affords a more substantial grip for steady shooting. Both weigh under 300 grams, keeping them pocketable enough for casual carry, but the A900’s more streamlined design edges out in comfort and ease of one-handed use.

On top, control layouts take different approaches.

The Nikon’s controls are minimalistic but intuitive, providing dedicated exposure modes (including aperture and shutter priority), a zoom lever, and quick access buttons. The Sony, while slightly dated, still offers dedicated physical dials and a distinct shutter release, catering to users who prefer tactile feedback, albeit with a steeper learning curve.

Bottom line: If you prize modern, lightweight handling for spontaneous shooting, the Nikon A900 wins. If ergonomic grip and traditional controls comfort you, step into the Sony’s world.

Sensor & Image Quality: Small Sensor Compact Shootout

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" sensor size, standard for compacts, but their sensor types and resolutions differ markedly.

The Nikon A900 wins here by doubling the pixel count on an identical sensor footprint, thanks to its modern backside-illuminated CMOS sensor designed for efficiency and improved noise performance. The Sony relies on an older CCD sensor which has different color rendition characteristics but generally suffers more in low light.

In practical use, the A900 delivers richer details and slightly better ISO performance, though both cameras struggle with noise beyond ISO 800 due to limited sensor size.

Sample gallery:
Below are images taken under similar lighting with each camera - note the Nikon's finer detail handling and dynamic range.

Nikon A900 front Nikon A900 screen back Sony H20 front Sony H20 screen back

Viewfinders & Displays: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder - a compromise typical for compacts in their class.

Here, you rely wholly on the rear LCD:

The Nikon’s bright, high-resolution tilting LCD vastly improves your ability to compose creatively from awkward angles, such as ground or overhead shots, and for video vlogging applications. The Sony’s lower resolution fixed screen hampers precise focusing and image review, especially outdoors.

Autofocus Systems: Sharp Shots in Every Situation

Focusing reliability is critical depending on your photographic style.

The Nikon A900’s autofocus system is more sophisticated with face detection and continuous AF tracking that works well for casual portraits and moving subjects. This makes it easier for you to focus in most situations without fiddling.

Sony’s H20 lacks face detection and continuous AF, relying on single AF with manual focus as a fallback. While this gives you more control in macro or deliberate shots, it’s less capable in fast-paced or family-event scenarios.

Zoom Ranges & Aperture: Flexibility Vs Brightness

One of the key points in choosing between compact superzooms is focal length versatility balanced against lens brightness.

Nikon’s massive 35x zoom range lets you cover anything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife or sports, incredibly useful if you want to travel light without changing lenses. The trade-off is a smaller maximum aperture at the tele end, meaning less light reaches the sensor and potentially slower shutter speeds in dim conditions.

Sony’s 10x zoom is less ambitious but features a slightly brighter lens at the long end, offering better low-light telephoto shooting. Its macro mode, while close to 2 cm, is less versatile than Nikon’s remarkable 1 cm limit for close-ups.

Burst Speed & Shutter Range: Capturing Action

The cameras have notable differences in their ability to capture fast sequences:

The A900 with 7 frames per second burst mode and a max shutter speed of 1/4000s is well suited for fast-paced scenes such as sports or wildlife snapping. The Sony’s 2 fps burst and a slower max shutter speed mean you may miss quick moments or need to rely more on timing in slower conditions.

ISO Range and Low-Light Capabilities

Neither camera excels spectacularly in low light due to sensor size and lens limits, but the Nikon’s newer sensor offers a slight edge.

While the ISO ceilings are similar, in real-world testing the Nikon’s cleaner noise profile up to ISO 1600 means better image quality in poorly-lit environments like indoor events or twilight cityscapes.

Video Performance and Features

If videography is a priority for you, these specs matter:

The Nikon A900’s ability to record in crisp 4K UHD makes it a clear winner for vloggers or content creators wanting sharp detail, smooth motion, and decent in-camera stabilization. Sony’s 720p max resolution reflects its age - adequate for casual home videos but falling short for modern YouTube or client work.

Battery Life, Memory, and Connectivity

Practical shooting often comes down to how long you can shoot and how easily you share your work.

Wireless connectivity on the Nikon is a massive usability boost. Bluetooth and NFC enable quick transfers to your smartphone for social media or backup without the fuss of cables. Battery life and storage cards are typical for these compacts, though Nikon's use of SD cards ensures wide compatibility and easy expansion. Sony’s reliance on proprietary Memory Sticks may frustrate modern users.

Durability & Weather Resistance

Neither camera is weather-sealed, waterproof, or shockproof, so be mindful when shooting outdoors in challenging conditions.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores and Genre Strengths

Below is a snapshot of their overall performance ratings based on our tests, emphasizing real-world utility:

And a breakdown by photography genres:

Practical Recommendations by Photography Discipline

Portrait Photography

• Nikon Coolpix A900 edges out thanks to face detection AF and higher resolution sensor providing better skin tone rendition and sharper details. Bokeh, while limited by small sensor and narrow apertures, is decent for casual portraits.
• Sony H20 is functional but lacks face detection autofocus, causing more frequent missed focus on eyes.

Landscape Photography

• Nikon A900's 24mm wide angle, higher resolution, and better dynamic range make it more capable for landscapes. The tilting screen helps compose tricky shots.
• Sony H20 can manage wide shots but lower resolution and fixed screen limit creative framing.

Wildlife & Sports

• Nikon A900 wins with 35x zoom and 7fps burst performance suitable for distant, fast-action subjects.
• Sony H20’s slower burst and shorter zoom reduce versatility here.

Street Photography

• Both are compact and quiet, but Nikon’s better autofocus system and tilting screen favor spontaneous composition.
• Sony’s chunkier body less discreet but manual focus gives more control if needed.

Macro Photography

• Nikon’s 1cm macro capability lets you get extremely close for fine detail capture, surpassing Sony’s 2cm minimum focus.

Night & Astro

• Neither is ideal for astrophotography due to sensor smallness and lack of long exposure modes, but Nikon’s ISO performance and 8s max shutter speed edge ahead.

Video

• Nikon A900 with 4K video capability and optical stabilization is far superior for casual and semi-pro video work.
• The Sony H20 only shoots 720p HD.

Travel

• The Nikon A900’s lightweight, huge zoom range, and connectivity make it a versatile travel companion.
• The Sony H20 is lower in zoom power but weighs less; however, proprietary storage and limited connectivity detract.

Professional Use

• Neither camera meets professional grade standards due to fixed lenses, small sensors, and lack of RAW. However, the Nikon is more likely to fit quick field assignments or casual professional content, while the Sony is better suited as a beginner or backup compact.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

The Nikon Coolpix A900, despite being a simpler point-and-shoot, shows clear advantages with a superior sensor, longer zoom, better autofocus, and 4K video capabilities. It suits enthusiasts who need a lightweight, versatile camera that bridges casual shooting and budding creativity.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 preserves some appeal for those on tight budgets wanting manual focus control and moderate zoom but falls short in usability, speed, and modern features. It’s best viewed as a value model or a camera to learn fundamentals on.

Getting the Most Out of Your Compact

• Try before you buy. Handling makes a big difference - see which camera feels right to you.
• Consider accessories. For video, invest in tripods or external audio equipment (though neither has mic inputs, so options are limited).
• Explore software workflows. Both cameras shoot JPEG only - learn in-camera controls to optimize final image quality.
• Understand limitations. Know that these superzooms won’t rival interchangeable lenses or larger sensor cameras but can deliver surprisingly satisfying photos and videos in many scenarios.

By thinking about where, how, and what you shoot most, you can select the camera that will be the best creative partner.

Happy shooting!

If you want a compact powerhouse with the latest tech and zoom flexibility, the Nikon Coolpix A900 should be your pick. If you need affordability and modest zoom with manual focus, consider the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20, but be prepared for older technology.