Nikon P7800 vs Nikon S570: An Expert's Deep Dive into Two Compact Classics

When evaluating compact cameras, the line between convenient portability and robust image quality often narrows tighter than you expect. Today, I have the pleasure of diving into a detailed comparison between two Nikon compacts from different generations but similar niches: the Nikon Coolpix P7800 (2013) and the Nikon Coolpix S570 (2009). Both cameras target enthusiast-level users who want more than just pocket snapshots but prefer smaller rigs than DSLRs or mirrorless bodies.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras throughout my career, I’ll walk you through the nuanced technical and practical differences - highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and who exactly should consider each model. So buckle up; this is more than a spec-sheet glance. It’s a measured, hands-on exploration.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Physical Design

At first glance, the P7800 immediately signals a more serious handling experience. It’s considerably larger and heavier (399g vs 140g) than the S570 - measuring 119x78x50 mm compared to the S570’s slim 92x57x22 mm. The P7800’s heft isn’t just bulk; the pronounced grip, weather-resistant build, and metal body impart a sense of durability and confidence. It feels like a camera designed to be held steadily for extended periods.

In contrast, the S570 is a pocket-friendly ultra-compact, designed for casual shooters or travelers who prioritize minimalism and convenience. Its slim, lightweight chassis disappears easily into a jacket pocket - but you can immediately tell this isn’t a camera for demanding shooting scenarios.

Looking from the top, the P7800 wins points for tactile control: dedicated dials for exposure compensation, mode selection, and a customizable control ring on the lens barrel underscore its semi-pro ambitions. The S570 sticks to basic controls, reliant mostly on menus and single dedicated buttons, leaving little room for real-time fine adjustments.

If your photography involves deliberate setups and creative control, the P7800’s ergonomics will please you. For casual snapshots where speed and simplicity rule, the S570’s minimalist design works well.

Sensor and Image Quality: Punching Above Its Weight

Let’s talk sensors - a crucial battleground for image quality in compact cameras.

The Nikon P7800 packs a 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 7.44x5.58 mm (41.5 mm² area) at 12 megapixels, whereas the S570 uses a smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor at 6.17x4.55 mm (28.1 mm²). This size difference delivers notable advantages: the P7800’s larger and back-side illuminated CMOS chip captures more light per pixel, which translates into better low-light capability, dynamic range, and noise control at higher ISO - crucial for shooting in dim conditions or shadows.

Here’s the summary from DxOMark tests for P7800 (no formal test data for the S570 sadly, but smaller sensor and CCD tech broadly indicate weaker performance):

• Dynamic range: 11.7 EV (P7800) - significantly respectable for a compact.
• Color depth: 21.2 bits (P7800).
• Low-light ISO: ISO 200 is the baseline for clean images on the P7800, with usable quality up to ISO 1600, and boosted ISO extendable to 6400.

The S570, rooted in older CCD tech and smaller sensor size, struggles especially at ISOs beyond 400 or 800, producing noisier, less detailed images. The limited dynamic range hampers highlight preservation on bright days, and noise encroaches in shadows.

In practical terms: landscape photographers who value detail and highlight recovery will appreciate the P7800’s sensor handling more. Casual users shooting daylight family snaps will find the S570 adequate.

LCD and Viewfinder: Composing and Reviewing Your Shots

The P7800 sports a three-inch fully articulating LCD with 921k-dot resolution alongside a 921k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF), whereas the S570’s fixed 2.7-inch rear screen boasts a mere 230k dots and no viewfinder at all.

This resolution disparity and articulating form factor matter more than you’d think. The P7800’s articulating screen eases shooting at awkward angles - think macro low to the ground or overhead street shots - and the EVF helps compose shots in bright sunlight where LCD glare can kill liveview visibility.

I noticed in real-world shoots the P7800’s EVF also allows for more stable handholding. The screen brightness and clarity on the P7800 made reviewing images on-site easier and more accurate, helping immediately identify focus or exposure issues.

The S570’s fixed screen feels dated, with grainier previews and poor visibility under sunlight. If viewing flexibility or precise composition is important to you - especially if you shoot action or macro - the P7800 pulls ahead.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus is often the dealbreaker for enthusiast users - does the camera help you nail sharp subjects reliably, especially when they move or light is tricky?

The Nikon P7800 packs a 99-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous tracking, supporting single, continuous, and tracking AF modes. Though contrast-detect doesn’t rival phase-detect autofocus (which this camera lacks), in testing the P7800 performed well in decent light, maintaining sharp focus on moving subjects in burst mode (8 fps).

The S570 relies on a single-point contrast-detect AF without face detection - slow and prone to focus hunting under low light. Continuous or tracking AF modes are absent here, making it unsuitable for fast action or wildlife photography where you need a lock-and-follow system.

For wildlife or sports shooters on a budget, the P7800 is the only viable option here. The S570 is best for serene, unmoving subjects where speed matters less.

Lens Quality and Zoom Reach: Versatility in Your Hands

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses but differ significantly in focal range and aperture:

• P7800: 28-200mm f/2.0–4.0 (7.1x optical zoom)
• S570: 28-140mm f/2.7–6.6 (5x optical zoom)

The P7800’s lens gives more reach with better maximum apertures, helping in low light and producing more attractive background bokeh for portraits or close-ups.

The S570’s smaller zoom span and slower aperture reduce flexibility, especially in dim environments or for creative shallow depth-of-field effects. Macro performance is decent on both, but the P7800’s 5cm minimal focus distance and sharper optics deliver crisper close-up shots.

The P7800 lens also includes optical image stabilization, which the S570 lacks, aiding handheld shooting stability - especially at telephoto lengths or slower shutter speeds.

Photography Genres and Real-World Strengths

Let’s zoom into how both cameras actually fare across different photography styles:

Portrait Photography

The P7800’s larger sensor, faster aperture, and face detection autofocus combine to produce more natural skin tones, smoother bokeh, and reliable eye focus. Portraits pop with pleasing separation from backgrounds.

The S570 struggles here: slower lens and weaker AF make it tough to get sharp subject eyes with creamy backgrounds. Skin tones can appear flat, and image noise is more obvious in indoor portraits.

Landscape Photography

Thanks to greater dynamic range and sensor size, the P7800 captures landscapes with superior detail retention in highlights and shadows. Its resolution at 12MP is moderate but enough for prints up to A3 size.

The S570’s smaller sensor, limited dynamic range, and noisier images diminish the impact of fine detail and tonal gradation, especially in high-contrast scenes.

Wildlife and Sports

High shutter speed and burst capture are crucial here. The P7800 offers 8 fps continuous shooting - a solid number for an enthusiast compact - and tracking AF, though contrast based.

The S570 provides no burst mode and basic AF, making it unfit for fast-moving animals or athletes.

Street and Travel Photography

The S570 excels in portability and discreetness, making it a decent companion for casual street photographers prioritizing light weight.

The P7800 is heavier but still compact enough for travel, offering versatile zoom, rugged ergonomics, and weather sealing absence means care in rough weather.

Macro and Night / Astro Photography

P7800’s dedicated macro mode and stabilized lens help capture close details crisply. Its higher native ISO and better low-light performance also favor night and astro photography.

S570’s limitations in sensor tech and lack of stabilization make these genres challenging.

Video Capabilities

The P7800 shoots 1080p at 25/30 fps with microphone input - a boon for vloggers or hybrid shooters seeking good audio.

The S570 maxes out at 720p with no mic jack - basic video, fine for home movies but not more.

Durability, Battery Life, and Connectivity

The P7800’s metal body and optional GPS show a step up in ruggedness and versatility compared to the polycarbonate S570. Neither offers weather sealing, so take care in inclement conditions.

Battery life on the P7800 rates around 350 shots per charge, which I found accurate in typical use, while the S570 underperforms by modern standards but benefits from lower power draw.

Connectivity-wise, the P7800 offers optional wireless add-ons and HDMI out; the S570 has just USB 2.0 - so fewer options for image transfer or external display.

Workflow Integration and File Formats

For professional or enthusiast photographers, RAW format support is a must-have for post-processing flexibility.

The Nikon P7800 supports RAW images, allowing advanced editing and color grading in programs like Lightroom or Capture NX-D. The S570 lacks RAW support, delivering only JPEG files.

This difference alone can be decisive if you want full control over your images in post-production.

Price-to-Performance: Which Should You Pick?

At launch, the P7800 retailed around $550, reflecting its enthusiast feature set. The S570 was a $180 budget-friendly traveler’s compact. Both prices appear similar today on used markets, but factor in the performance gap.

If you want a compact camera for casual snapshots and travel, you’ll save money with the S570 and gain simplicity. But for image quality, creative control, and versatility across genres, the P7800 delivers significantly better value - even with its older technology base.

Summary Scores and Final Thoughts

Here’s the distilled performance breakdown from my evaluation:

And genre-specific insights:

Wrapping It Up: Your Next Compact Nikon Camera?

In my hands-on tests and years of experience, the Nikon Coolpix P7800 stands out as a versatile compact camera for enthusiasts who want solid image quality, real manual control, RAW capabilities, and a competent zoom lens. It’s well-suited for portraits, landscapes, travel, and even some sports or wildlife work when you don’t want to lug a bigger system around.

The Nikon Coolpix S570, while a neat little camera for the casual photographer or absolute beginner, is limited by its older sensor tech, simpler controls, and weaker specs overall. It shines if your photography is straightforward, you prize portability above everything, and budget is tight. But don’t expect to push creative boundaries with it.

I’ve personally used models similar to both on assignments and casual shoots. If I wanted to carry a compact Nikon for creative work today, the P7800 remains a classic contender - just be mindful that it’s older and now surpassed in some specs by newer compacts or mirrorless offerings.

Nikon P7800 front Nikon P7800 screen back Nikon S570 front Nikon S570 screen back

Above, you can see side-by-side gallery samples from the P7800 and S570. Note the cleaner shadows, richer colors, and finer detail from the P7800 shots - especially in the dimmer and higher contrast scenes.

In closing, if you want my personal advice: opt for the Nikon P7800 if you value photography as an art or serious hobby with a compact, rugged tool. Choose the Nikon S570 if you want a lightweight, simple point-and-shoot that fits your pocket and lets you share everyday images effortlessly.

Both cameras have their place - but now you know which fits yours best.

Explore more, shoot confidently, and happy clicking!