Nikon Coolpix L820 vs Nikon Coolpix S9700: A Detailed Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing the right compact superzoom camera often feels like navigating a dense jungle - there are many branches and options to consider, even within the same brand. Nikon’s Coolpix line has long offered reliable superzoom shooters tailored for enthusiasts and casual users alike, but picking between models that appear similar on paper is where my hands-on experience comes in handy.

Here, I’ll share my in-depth comparison of the Nikon Coolpix L820 (announced early 2013) and the Nikon Coolpix S9700 (announced in 2014), both notable compact superzooms with 16MP 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensors but quite different in ergonomics, features, and real-world performance. This comparison is grounded in extensive testing and real shooting scenarios across various photographic genres - portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, macro, night, and video - so whether you’re a hobbyist or a seasoned photographer, you’ll find insights valuable for making your next camera choice.

First Impression: Size and Handling Matter More Than You Think

When I first picked up these two cameras back-to-back, their physical differences immediately stood out. The L820 is unmistakably a bridge-style camera with a chunky, SLR-like body. Its grip feels substantial and camera-like, lending more confidence for extended shooting sessions. Meanwhile, the S9700 is a true compact - you can slip it in a jacket pocket. This kind of portability can’t be overstated for travel or street photographers.

In my experience, larger bodies like the L820’s often result in better ergonomics for extended handholding and more intuitive physical controls, even if they weigh more (470g vs 232g). The L820’s bulkiness is both a strength and weakness - comfort over time versus portability.

Physically speaking, the S9700 is a winner for those prioritizing lightweight travel gear. But if you crave a more traditional DSLR-style grip for steady handling, the L820 nails that better.

Design and Control: Interface on the Surface

Moving beyond size, user interface and control design influence how fast and accurately you can work, especially when chasing moments.

The Nikon L820 lacks sophisticated external controls. It doesn’t offer manual focus or real exposure modes like aperture or shutter priority. Essentially, it’s very much a “point-and-shoot” experience with minimal customization options. This restricts creative control for advanced shooters but might suit beginners looking for simplicity.

On the S9700, Nikon introduced more nuanced control, including shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual exposure modes. Exposure compensation is supported too - enabling creative tweaking. Additionally, autofocus options expand with face detection and selective AF area modes, a significant upgrade for tracking subjects in varied scenarios.

For photographers requiring control over depth of field or motion blur, the S9700 blows the L820 out of the water. The L820’s minimalistic control scheme limits creative expression, less ideal for enthusiast photographers.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Basics Are Similar But Details Count

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor at 16 megapixels, producing an identical maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels. The sensor area size - about 28mm² - is modest for the era of these cameras, meaning noise and dynamic range performance are constrained compared with larger sensors - but still usable under good lighting.

From my testing, the image quality between the two at base ISO 125 is very similar in resolution and crispness, though the S9700 partially edges out the L820 due to a few factors:

• Max ISO: S9700 goes up to ISO 6400 native, while L820 caps at 3200. The higher ceiling on S9700 offers more shooting flexibility in low light, though noise remains visible at those extremes.
• Image stabilization: The S9700 has optical image stabilization (OPTI), crucial for superzoom photography to reduce blur - especially handheld at long focal lengths. The L820 lacks any stabilization.
• Antialiasing filter: Both cameras have an AA filter, which slightly softens fine details but reduces moiré - standard for compact cameras.

In daylight, expect sharp, vibrant images from both, suitable for small prints or web sharing. But when light dims or when using longer zooms, the S9700’s stabilization and higher ISO capabilities yield noticeably steadier and cleaner images.

Screen and Viewing Experience: How You Frame Your Shot Matters

Neither camera offers an EVF (electronic viewfinder), which can be a drawback in bright daylight shooting.

Both sport 3-inch fixed LCD screens with 921k-dot resolution, but the S9700’s display benefits from a TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating, making framing and reviewing images easier outdoors. In contrast, the L820’s screen is more prone to glare, which I found frustrating during midday shooting.

No touchscreens on either camera means all navigation relies on physical buttons, although the S9700’s interface feels markedly more intuitive thanks to added exposure and AF options.

Zoom and Lens Versatility: Long Reach Where It Counts

Superzoom cameras live or die by the quality and reach of their lenses. Here’s how the two measure up:

Though the L820 starts slightly wider at 23mm equivalent (mild advantage for landscapes and interiors), the S9700’s 750mm telephoto reach pushes farther - beneficial for wildlife or sports shooters on a budget.

The tradeoff is the slower maximum apertures, particularly on the telephoto end - f/6.4 on the S9700 versus f/5.8 on the L820 - meaning slightly less light gathering ability at full zoom. However, in practical terms, this is negligible as superzoom lenses tend to be slow at the long end anyway.

Importantly, only the S9700 offers optical stabilization to counteract handshake at high zooms, making longer shots more successful.

Autofocus Performance: Tracking Speed and Accuracy

The L820 sticks to a very basic contrast-detection AF system with no face detection or subject tracking. This limits its ability to autofocus practically in challenging conditions or on fast-moving subjects.

In contrast, the S9700 includes:

• 99 AF points
• Face detection AF
• Center-weighted autofocus with tracking

While neither camera offers continuous autofocus or phase detection AF technologies, the S9700’s expanded AF system makes it more reliable for quick focus acquisition on people and steady tracking for casual action shots.

In real-world testing (e.g., shooting children or pets), the S9700’s AF was faster and more consistent. The L820 sometimes struggled to lock focus quickly or at longer zooms.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed: Capturing the Moment

Both models offer decent continuous shooting modes but differ slightly:

The L820’s slightly faster burst rate sounds better on paper, but note its lack of exposure priority modes limits creative choice during burst shooting.

The S9700’s slower max shutter speed (1/2000s vs 1/4000s) might constrain shooting in very bright conditions with wide apertures, but this rarely affects casual use.

Neither camera supports silent or electronic shutter modes, so shutter noise could be an issue for discreet shooting.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Your Photography

The L820 uses easily replaceable 4x AA batteries, rated for approximately 320 shots per set. For fieldwork or travel, this is a mixed bag - AA batteries are easy to source almost anywhere, but keeping spares can be bulky and expensive in the long run.

The S9700 employs a dedicated rechargeable battery (EN-EL12) with a slightly shorter battery life (about 300 shots) per charge. Though less convenient than AA in remote areas, the lighter battery adds to the camera’s portability.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a single slot, standard for the segment.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless and GPS

Here, the S9700 distinguishes itself with built-in GPS for geotagging - perfect for travel or documenting outdoor photography sessions. It also has built-in Wi-Fi for easy image transfer, albeit no Bluetooth or NFC.

Meanwhile, the L820 offers no wireless connectivity or geotagging - a significant omission in modern terms.

Neither camera supports external microphone inputs, so videographers will need to rely on built-in audio.

Video Capabilities: Simple Yet Functional

Both cameras shoot Full HD video (1920x1080) at 30fps. The S9700 adds more flexible video frame rates and resolutions, such as 60fps at 720p, and offers better stabilization during shooting thanks to its optical system.

The L820’s video is serviceable but lacks smooth stabilization, leading to noticeable jitter during handheld panning.

Neither camera supports 4K video or advanced video features like focus peaking or manual audio controls.

Durability and Build Quality: No Weather Sealing Here

Neither model is weather-sealed, shockproof, or freezeproof. Build quality feels solid enough for casual use, but rugged conditions require caution.

Real-World Shooting Scenarios: Strengths and Weaknesses by Genre

Now, let me share how these cameras perform across different photography types, based on my firsthand trials.

Portrait Photography

• Nikon L820: Limited autofocus, no face detection, and no manual exposure modes restrict creative control over skin tone rendering and background blur. The fixed lens aperture (f/3.0-5.8) delivers decent but not standout bokeh - hard to isolate subjects visually.
• Nikon S9700: Face detection AF helps lock onto eyes and faces effectively, and aperture priority/manual modes allow for some depth control. However, the small sensor limits smoothness in skin tones compared to larger-sensor cameras.

Winner: S9700 for better AF and control.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras provide decent resolution and wide-angle coverage, but the L820’s slightly wider 23mm equivalent lens favors sweeping landscapes.
• The S9700’s improved LCD readability and GPS tagging are excellent aids on location.
• Lack of raw support on either means image quality and dynamic range post-processing are limited.

Winner: Tie, leaning slightly to L820 for wide lens, but S9700 offers more shooting aids.

Wildlife Photography

• Here, telephoto reach and AF tracking are critical.
• The S9700’s 750mm lens and face tracking AF give it a clear edge for casual wildlife snaps.
• Lack of continuous AF or fast burst modes handicaps both, but S9700’s optical stabilization helps immensely.

Winner: S9700 for zoom and autofocus.

Sports and Action Photography

• Both have no continuous AF or very limited tracking.
• The L820’s 8 fps burst rate is faster but with limited focus capabilities.
• The S9700’s manual exposure modes help creatively freeze or blur action, but slower burst at 7 fps.

Winner: Slight edge S9700 for better exposure control in tricky lighting.

Street Photography

• S9700’s compact size (just 35mm thick) and anti-reflective screen make it more discreet.
• L820’s bulk and shutter noise put it at a disadvantage.

Winner: S9700

Macro Photography

• The S9700 can focus down to 1 cm - exceptional for close-ups.
• L820 lacks dedicated macro focus range.

Winner: S9700 hands down.

Night / Astrophotography

• Higher max ISO and image stabilization help the S9700 deliver steadier night shots.
• L820’s lack of stabilization and lower max ISO limit performance.

Winner: S9700

Video Use

• Stabilized 1080p on S9700 offers smoother handheld footage.
• L820 videos show more jitter.

Winner: S9700

Travel Photography

• S9700’s compact form, GPS, wireless transfers, and versatile exposure controls make it an ideal companion.
• L820 bulkier body and lack of connectivity are downsides.

Winner: S9700

Professional Reliability and Workflow

• Neither supports RAW capture - significant limitation for professional workflows.
• Both produce JPEGs only, limiting post-processing latitude.
• No external mic inputs or advanced controls further constrain pro use.

Nikon L820 front Nikon L820 screen back Nikon S9700 front Nikon S9700 screen back

Above you can observe side-by-side image samples shot under various conditions: daylight landscapes, macro close-ups, wildlife telephoto shots, and portraits. Note the S9700's sharper telephoto detail and better low-light rendition thanks to stabilization.

Technical Summary and Performance Ratings

After structured testing using standardized ISO, focusing, burst, and exposure charts under multiple lighting conditions, I’ve aggregated overall scores based on image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and versatility:

Further breaking it down by photographic disciplines shows even clearer differentiation:

To Buy or Not to Buy? Recommendations Based on Your Needs

Here’s the bottom line based on my experience:

Final Thoughts: Evolution in Compact Superzooms

The Nikon L820, with its bridge-style design and simple controls, felt somewhat dated by the time the S9700 arrived on the scene. The S9700’s refined feature set - the advanced autofocus, stabilization, manual modes, GPS, and connectivity - represents a meaningful evolution and greater versatility without significantly upscaling complexity.

That said, both cameras inherently reflect the limitations of 1/2.3” sensors: noise at high ISO, limited depth-of-field control, and moderate dynamic range. For photography enthusiasts craving deeper creative control or image quality, stepping up to mirrorless or DSLR systems is advisable.

For casual users or travelers wanting an all-in-one compact with serious zoom range, the S9700 is my clear recommendation owing to its refined balance of features, portability, and imaging capabilities. The L820 may appeal to budget-minded buyers comfortable with simpler operation.

For those interested, I’ve personally tested dozens of superzoom cameras in the same class - spending countless hours photographing wildlife, travel scenes, sports, and night skies. These insights come from a deliberate process involving controlled lab testing combined with real-world shooting, measuring responsiveness, focusing reliability, and image output quality under practical conditions.

If you want a fun, capable, and feature-rich travel companion that performs well across genres, the S9700 will likely serve you best. But if you’re after a straightforward zoom camera with a bit more heft and fewer settings, the L820 is a competent alternative.

I hope this extensive comparison helps you navigate the superzoom jungle. Remember: personal shooting style, priorities, and budget play huge roles in determining the best fit. Feel free to ask questions or share your own experiences!

Happy shooting!

• A seasoned Nikon user and camera tester