Nikon P100 vs Nikon S9700

Below is a extended review of the Nikon P100 and Nikon S9700, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and both are produced by Nikon. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the P100 (10MP) and S9700 (16MP) but they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The P100 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the S9700 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Nikon P100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon S9700 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the P100 scores versus the S9700 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix P100 and Nikon Coolpix S9700. The full galleries are provided at Nikon P100 Gallery and Nikon S9700 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon P100 enjoys external measurements of 114mm x 83mm x 99mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.9") having a weight of 481 grams (1.06 lbs) whilst the Nikon S9700 has dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 232 grams (0.51 lbs).

Look at the Nikon P100 and Nikon S9700 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the P100 against the S9700.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the P100 and S9700 is 68 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements simply by checking a spec sheet. The graphic below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the P100 and S9700.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Nikon S9700 to give you extra detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older P100 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.