Nikon S30 vs Panasonic FH27
90 Imaging
32 Features
18 Overall
26


94 Imaging
38 Features
34 Overall
36
Nikon S30 vs Panasonic FH27 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- 29-87mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
- 214g - 102 x 65 x 40mm
- Released February 2012
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-224mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
- 152g - 99 x 57 x 28mm
- Introduced January 2011

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic FH27 Overview
The following is a comprehensive comparison of the Nikon S30 versus Panasonic FH27, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Nikon and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the S30 (10MP) and FH27 (16MP) and the S30 (1/3") and FH27 (1/2.3") offer different sensor measurements.

The S30 was released 14 months after the FH27 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the S30 scores against the FH27 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic FH27 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S30 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon S30 Gallery & Panasonic FH27 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S30 over the Panasonic FH27
S30 | FH27 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | February 2012 | ![]() | January 2011 | Newer by 14 months |
Reasons to pick Panasonic FH27 over the Nikon S30
FH27 | S30 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Common features in the Nikon S30 and Panasonic FH27
S30 | FH27 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen |
Nikon S30 vs Panasonic FH27 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon S30 features external measurements of 102mm x 65mm x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH27 has measurements of 99mm x 57mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") with a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs).
Check out the Nikon S30 versus Panasonic FH27 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the S30 against the FH27.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the S30 and FH27 is 90 and 94 respectively.

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic FH27 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it's difficult to picture the difference in sensor dimensions merely by seeing specifications. The pic below may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the S30 and FH27.
To sum up, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The S30 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic FH27 will provide extra detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern S30 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic FH27 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic FH27 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S30 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model | Nikon Coolpix S30 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 |
Category | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Released | 2012-02-01 | 2011-01-05 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | - | Venus Engine VI |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 4.8 x 3.6mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 17.3mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10MP | 16MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | - |
Full resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4608 x 3456 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | - | 11 |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 29-87mm (3.0x) | 28-224mm (8.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/3.3-5.9 | f/3.3-5.9 |
Macro focus distance | 5cm | 5cm |
Focal length multiplier | 7.5 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 2.7" | 3" |
Screen resolution | 230k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Screen tech | TFT-LCD | TFT Touch Screen LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30s | 60s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/1600s |
Continuous shooting rate | 1.5 frames/s | 4.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | - | 5.80 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow-sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps) | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video format | MPEG-4 | Motion JPEG |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 214 grams (0.47 lbs) | 152 grams (0.34 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 102 x 65 x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") | 99 x 57 x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 240 photographs | 250 photographs |
Battery style | AA | Battery Pack |
Battery model | 2 x AA | - |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | One | One |
Cost at launch | $119 | $229 |