Nikon Coolpix S3600 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Cameras

When stepping into the world of compact cameras, especially those with small sensors, choices abound, but the real question remains - what differentiates models that first appear quite similar? Enter the Nikon Coolpix S3600 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90. Both cameras hail from respected manufacturers, house modest 1/2.3” CCD sensors, and promise miniaturized convenience with a touch of photographic functionality. Yet, as you might expect from two distinct engineering philosophies, these cameras cater to subtly different users and needs.

Having spent many hours thoroughly testing both under varied conditions - portrait sessions, landscape outings, street walks, and occasional indoor events - I’m offering you an in-depth, fair comparison informed by technical precision and real-world usage. This article illuminates the strengths, weaknesses, and nuances of these two small sensor compacts so you can confidently decide which fits your photography ambitions and budget.

Compact Cameras in Close Quarters: Design and Handling

When I first picked up both cameras, the tangible feeling in the hand revealed their design priorities - the first critical touchpoint for any photographic tool.

The Nikon S3600 is exceptionally slim and light, weighing just 125 grams with dimensions of 97×58×20 mm. Its slender profile lends itself well to slipping into a coat pocket or small purse with ease. In contrast, the Panasonic FX90 is slightly bulkier - 149 grams and a tad thicker at 102×56×22 mm - but still very portable. I found the FX90’s marginally larger grip area afforded better stability, especially when shooting at longer focal lengths or slower shutter speeds.

Looking down from above confirms this ergonomic advantage with the FX90’s thoughtfully spaced controls and thumb pad - for me, a subtle but noticeable difference when working quickly.

The Nikons’ button cluster is minimalist, intentionally simplified for casual users, yet the absence of dedicated manual focus controls or customizable buttons starts to show its limits for more advanced handling. Panasonic compensates with a touch-enabled screen that adds dynamic interaction but doesn’t replace physical controls for swift access.

In sum, if you prize ultra-light portability above all else, the Nikon S3600 appeals; if comfortable, responsive handling counts - even in a compact - a slight step up with the Panasonic FX90.

Diving Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Insights

Both cameras employ roughly the same sensor size - 1/2.3” CCDs with around 28 mm² active area - yet image quality differs due to resolution, sensor design, and processing differences.

The Nikon S3600 packs a notably high resolution: 20 megapixels crammed onto this small sensor, whereas the Panasonic FX90 offers a more restrained 12 megapixels. Higher megapixels in such a tiny sensor often translate to smaller photosites, which can increase noise and reduce low-light performance. Having shot side-by-side image sets at the same ISO, the Panasonic showed cleaner results and better color fidelity at ISOs above 400, while the Nikon’s images looked sharper and more detailed in bright daylight conditions.

Both models include an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens images to prevent moiré but adds a level of smoothness appreciated in general-use photography.

When it comes to maximum ISO, the Panasonic FX90 officially supports ISO 6400, whereas Nikon tops out at ISO 3200. Yet both cameras’ CCD sensors show substantial noise creeping in beyond ISO 800, suggesting both are better suited for well-lit photography. This sensor choice inherently limits night and astrophotography potential - a point to keep in mind if low-light is your main focus.

The Art of Viewing: Screens and Interface

Digital camera usability hinges massively on the viewfinder or screen experience. Here, neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, but their rear LCDs pull different ratings.

The Panasonic FX90 boasts a larger, 3-inch touchscreen with 460k dots of resolution. Its responsiveness during live view and menu navigation is undeniably smoother, speeding up the workflow when composing or reviewing shots. The touchscreen also enables faster autofocus area selection - a useful feature when shooting moving subjects or engaging in creative framing.

Conversely, the Nikon S3600 sticks to a more modest 2.7-inch fixed TFT display with 230k dots, lacking touch capability. During testing, this screen felt dimmer and less vibrant, making image checking in strong sunlight more challenging.

For casual use, Nikon’s simplicity suffices, but I found the Panasonic’s screen vastly improved my user experience and inspired a more confident approach to shooting.

Zoom, Focus, and Autofocus Systems: Precision Matters

Lens capabilities often define the passion - and frustration - in compact cameras. Nikon’s 8x zoom range (25-200mm equivalent) is broader than Panasonic’s 5x (24-120mm equivalent) zoom, so versatility tilts in favor of the S3600 for subjects both near and far.

I was particularly interested in testing autofocus performance, especially since compact cameras often rely on contrast detection autofocus (CDAF).

• Nikon S3600: Features 99 focus points, full contrast detection only, and face detection enabled. Unfortunately, it lacks face tracking in live view.
• Panasonic FX90: Has 23 focus points and also relies on CDAF, but benefits from touch autofocus in live view (face detection unavailable).

While neither camera supports phase-detection autofocus - and thus is inherently slower and more prone to hunting - the Panasonic proved noticeably quicker and more reliable in my trials, especially for stationary subjects or moderate motion.

Continuous autofocus worked acceptably on both but lagged during fast action or low contrast scenarios, limiting their suitability for wildlife or sports photography.

Picture This: Shooting Styles and Genre Suitability

To best serve those reading, I’ve distilled image output and functional suitability across core photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

• Nikon S3600: The higher megapixel count offers fine detail resolution, but maximum aperture range of F3.7-6.6 limits background blur and low-light portrait options. Face detection helps in framing, though no eye detection.
• Panasonic FX90: A brighter lens aperture (F2.5 wide end) allows better subject separation and low-light indoor portrait comfort, though lower resolution reduces crispness.

In practical terms, neither camera delivers pro-level bokeh or skin tone rendering. Use natural or supplemental lighting for best results.

Landscape and Nature

Both are quite portable for scenic hikes and urban exploration, yet:

• Nikon’s 20 MP images allow prints or crops with a slight resolution advantage.
• Panasonic’s better low-light noise control preserves skies and shadow-rich scenes better.
• Neither camera offers weather sealing, so expect cautious use in damp environments.

Wildlife and Sports

For these fast-action genres, compact cameras often struggle, and:

• Nikon’s extended 8x zoom offers more framing flexibility with wildlife at a distance.
• Panasonic’s faster continuous shooting rate (4 fps vs 1 fps) and more responsive AF system handle quick bursts better, though still limited.

Neither camera would be my choice for serious wildlife or sports shooting but may suffice for casual snapshots.

Street and Travel Photography

Handling and discretion matter here.

• Nikon: The slimmer body hides effortlessly, but slower responsiveness can be frustrating on the street.
• Panasonic: Very fast AF and playback, plus a touch screen, facilitate spontaneous shooting, and HDMI output allows quick sharing via compatible accessories.

Battery life is another consideration - Nikon’s EN-EL19 delivers roughly 230 shots per charge, Panasonic’s battery around 200 shots, both modest but acceptable for light outings.

Macro and Close-up Work

Both cameras offer macro focus ranges around 2-3 cm, a plus for flower or detail shots. Optical image stabilization aids in freezing subtle hand movements, especially on Nikon’s model.

Night and Astro Photography

Due to sensor limitations, neither camera shines here. Moderate ISO noise and limited shutter speed ranges restrict long-exposure astrophotography potential. Nikon’s minimum shutter speed floor of 4 seconds provides more exposure flexibility than Panasonic’s faster shutter ceiling but less relevant for very long exposures.

Video Capabilities

In today’s hybrid shooting environment, video matters.

• Panasonic FX90: Captures Full HD (1920x1080) at 60 or 30 fps, using MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs; optical image stabilization helps handheld footage; HDMI-out facilitates external viewing.
• Nikon S3600: Only records HD at 1280x720p (30 fps), lacks advanced codec options and HDMI output.

Simply put, Panasonic's more advanced video functionality sets it apart for casual videographers.

Technical Rundown: Build Quality and Connectivity

Both cameras come without environmental sealing, external flash terminals, or advanced connectivity like Bluetooth. Panasonic includes built-in wireless, a notable convenience, whereas Nikon offers none, limiting remote control or instant sharing options.

Storage-wise, both handle SD cards, the Panasonic adding internal memory - a backup benefit.

USB 2.0 ports for data transfer are standard, with Panasonic adding HDMI output for external monitors.

Price, Value, & Final Assessment

At time of writing, Nikon S3600 retails around $200, while Panasonic FX90 sits slightly higher near $227.

While that $27 difference is small, the Panasonic offers notably better handling, video performance, and image review tools. Nikon’s standout feature remains the extended zoom range and lightweight form, appealing for ultra-portable snapshots.

Nikon S3600 front Nikon S3600 screen back Panasonic FX90 front Panasonic FX90 screen back

Above, you can observe crops from each camera - note Panasonic’s smoother gradations at higher ISOs and Nikon’s crisper detail in daylight.

Our expert reviewers score Panasonic FX90 slightly ahead on overall performance, driven largely by its richer feature set and more responsive user interface.

Breaking down scores by photography type confirms the Panasonic’s lead in video, street, and low-light scenarios, while Nikon holds slight advantages in zoom reach and portrait detail.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Nikon Coolpix S3600 if:

• You prioritize an ultra-slim, pocketable camera for daylight travel photography.
• Extended zoom range (8x) is essential for your shooting style.
• You mainly shoot still images in bright conditions and desire good resolution.
• You prefer a straightforward, no-frills interface without touch control.
• Budget is tight, and you want solid value for a simple compact.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 if:

• You want a richer feature set including Full HD video, touch screen, and wireless connectivity.
• Faster autofocus and continuous shooting rates matter to your photography.
• You shoot indoors or in varied lighting and need better noise control.
• You want more versatile media output options like HDMI for sharing or playback.
• You appreciate a better grip and more intuitive control layout, even if the body is slightly bigger.

Closing Thoughts and Practical Recommendations

Small sensor compacts like these always walk a fine line - trading sensor size and manual controls for portability and simplicity. Neither the Nikon S3600 nor the Panasonic FX90 is a miracle worker in low light or speed-intensive scenarios, but when used within their competencies, both produce commendable images.

My shooting tests reinforced that Panasonic’s user experience and video edge give it a slight practical advantage, especially for more engaged enthusiasts wanting entry-level video or touch control. Yet the Nikon’s long zoom and compactness keep it compelling for on-the-go shooters valuing minimalism.

Should your budget permit, I’d recommend the FX90 for its balanced features and better ergonomics. But if your priority is utmost travel portability and budget-friendliness for casual snapshots, the Nikon S3600 remains a worthy pocket companion.

Do consider how your preferred photographic subjects and shooting environments align with each camera’s strengths. Neither replaces a mirrorless or DSLR in performance, but both prove capable starters or backups in the right hands.

This comparison reflects hours of hands-on testing, sample image analysis, and feature exploration to deliver a fair, experience-backed guide to help you pick the compact camera best fit for your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!