Nikon S3700 vs Panasonic FP8: An In-Depth Comparison for the Ultracompact Camera Enthusiast

When diving into the realm of compact cameras, enthusiasts often face a challenge balancing portability, image quality, and feature sets. Today, I’m putting two worthy contenders head-to-head: the Nikon Coolpix S3700 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8. Both hail from the ultracompact class, designed for effortless carry and casual shooting. But beneath their petite frames lie notable differences in imaging prowess, handling, and usability that can decisively influence your choice depending on your photography style and priorities.

Having spent extensive hands-on testing with both - evaluating their performance across various photography genres and scrutinizing specs with industry-grade tools - I’ll guide you through a practical, technically grounded comparison. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which ultracompact might suit your creative ambitions better.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Ultracompact cameras excel in portability, and these two are no exception. Both models are incredibly pocketable, but subtle differences in dimensions and weight impact everyday user comfort.

The Nikon S3700 measures 96 x 58 x 20 mm and weighs just 118 grams with battery - notably lightweight. This minimal heft makes it an easy grab-and-go companion, especially if you prioritize barely noticeable carry to avoid shoulder strain during long outings. In contrast, the Panasonic FP8 is slightly bulkier at 96 x 60 x 20 mm and weighs 151 grams, a modest but tangible increase.

Though similar in physical footprint, in-hand feel diverges. Nikon’s streamlined body offers a smooth, comfortable grip, aided by a subtly curved design suited for smaller hands. Panasonic adopts a more boxy silhouette with a less pronounced grip area, which can feel less secure without ancillary accessories. Button layouts on both are minimalistic, befitting their ultracompact ethos, but Nikon’s stance on button placement feels marginally more intuitive to my fingers after several hours of testing.

Neither camera provides any environmental sealing or ruggedization - unsurprising in this price and size bracket but worth noting for travelers or adventurous shooters who expect durability beyond indoor or light-use scenarios.

Design and Control Layout: Intuiting Your Workflow

The control scheme tells you a lot about operational ease and shooting speed, especially on compact cameras where menus can get cramped. Peek at the top views to appreciate differences in button presence and ergonomic thoughtfulness.

The Nikon S3700 sports a conventional shutter button flanked by a zoom toggle - a tried-and-true design. Its power button sits discreetly yet accessibly on the top right. Meanwhile, the Panasonic FP8 introduces a small mode dial on top, which offers quick switching between modes such as scene, auto, and video. This is a helpful inclusion missing in Nikon’s setup, allowing novice users to switch contexts more confidently without delving into menus.

Both lack physical dials for manual aperture or shutter priority - not unexpected given their fixed-lens point-and-shoot nature - but Nikon’s button placement edges ahead in agility, keeping common functions within thumb’s reach.

The absence of touchscreens on both might disappoint users accustomed to smartphone-like interfaces, making button operation indispensable.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core of any camera system lies the imaging sensor. It dictates resolution, low-light behavior, dynamic range, and ultimately, image aesthetics. Both Nikon S3700 and Panasonic FP8 utilize the well-known 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor platform, a standard among ultracompact cameras due to its cost efficiency and compact size.

Nikon offers a higher resolution at 20 megapixels versus Panasonic’s 12 MP. While on paper that suggests more detailed files from the Nikon, the higher pixel density on a relatively small sensor can introduce more noise at elevated ISOs, and can sometimes challenge lens resolving power. Panasonic’s lower resolution, coupled with a wider ISO ceiling (up to 6400), grants it some headroom in low-light, though CCD sensors traditionally struggle beyond ISO 800–1600.

My side-by-side image quality testing shows Nikon’s S3700 delivers crisper images in good lighting conditions, producing fine detail and pleasing colors. However, Panasonic’s FP8 holds its own with relatively clean files up to ISO 400 and noticeably better noise control at ISO 800 - albeit at lower resolution. Neither camera supports RAW output, limiting post-processing flexibility which serious photographers often demand.

The CCD sensors in both cameras favor natural color rendition and wide dynamic range in optimal lighting, but both struggle with blown highlights and shadow detail retention - common limitations in their class.

Viewing and Interface: How You See Impacts What You Shoot

Neither the Nikon nor the Panasonic units include viewfinders, leaning entirely on their rear LCD screens for composing and reviewing images. Both have a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with a resolution of 230k dots.

The Nikon S3700’s screen offers good brightness and decent color accuracy, aiding outdoor visibility under indirect sunlight. Panasonic’s FP8 screen presents similar specs but feels more reflective, slightly reducing clarity in bright environments.

Menu navigation on both cameras is straightforward but spartan. Nikon uses a simple icon-based interface, while Panasonic’s menus provide a tad more depth with custom white balance adjustment - a feature lacking on the Nikon (which defaults to auto WB or preset modes).

Neither camera offers touchscreen controls or an articulated screen, restricting shooting flexibility especially at awkward angles.

Autofocus and Speed: Catching the Moment

When it comes to autofocus, these ultracompacts employ contrast-detection systems with varying sophistication levels. Nikon’s S3700 has face detection and center-focused AF with tracking capability, allowing the camera to maintain focus on moving subjects moderately well in bright light. Panasonic FP8, meanwhile, offers 11 AF points but lacks face detection or tracking functions.

I found Nikon’s face detection to be surprisingly effective for a point-and-shoot, delivering consistent focus locks on human subjects - a potential edge for portraiture and casual candid shots. Panasonic’s 11-point coverage is wider but less intelligent; it’s prone to hunt in low-contrast scenes and slower at reacquiring focus when subjects move quickly.

Neither supports continuous autofocus or manual focus, limiting creative control but typical for ultracompacts.

Shutter lag is minimal on both, though Nikon’s slightly faster processing (thanks to the newer Expeed C2 processor versus Panasonic’s older Venus Engine V) results in smoother shot-to-shot times during casual burst shooting. Panasonic offers a continuous shooting mode at 2fps - modest at best - while Nikon lists no continuous shooting spec.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Fixed but Functional

The fixed lens design is a hallmark of ultracompacts. Neither camera supports interchangeable lenses, so their zoom range and optical quality are crucial.

Nikon’s broader 8× optical zoom grants impressive framing versatility - from wide-angle landscapes to tight close-ups - while Panasonic’s range is slightly more modest at 4.6×. The S3700’s macro focusing down to 2cm is a big boon for close-up enthusiasts, allowing you to capture fine detail with unprecedented proximity.

The maximum apertures on both lenses are quite narrow by modern standards - resulting in modest light intake and less potential for selective focus (bokeh). Still, both feature optical image stabilization, essential to mitigate shake at longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds.

In real shooting scenarios, Nikon’s zoom performed crisply up to about 150mm equivalent before softness crept in, whereas Panasonic’s lens held sharper detail throughout its shorter zoom range.

Flash, Exposure, and White Balance: Lighting Your Scene

Both cameras include a built-in flash though Panasonic FP8 offers a more comprehensive set of flash modes: Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye Reduction, and Slow Sync. Nikon’s S3700 flash basics are more limited, supporting only flash/no flash modes with a shorter effective range (~2.8 meters versus Panasonic’s 5.5 meters).

Exposure controls are fully automatic on both, lacking dedicated shutter or aperture priority modes. Nikon does feature spot metering and center-weighted exposure modes (a plus for difficult lighting), while Panasonic only offers multisegment metering, which can be over-reliant on overall scene brightness.

White balance on Panasonic gives a manual customization option, useful under tricky artificial lighting, whereas Nikon is limited to predefined and automatic selections.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips, Not Cinematic Masterpieces

Video on ultracompacts is rarely a headline feature, but many still look for decent 720p HD recording.

Both cameras record 1280 x 720 resolution at 30fps in Motion JPEG format. Panasonic additionally offers VGA and QVGA resolutions at the same frame rate, helpful to conserve space but with significant quality sacrifice.

Neither offers 4K recording, external microphone inputs, or sophisticated stabilization beyond optical lens stabilization. Sound capture is modest, with no stereo microphones or headphone jacks for monitoring.

In practical terms, expect respectable but unremarkable video for casual home movies or social media clips - not a tool for serious video production.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered and Saving Shots

Battery life is a critical factor, especially for travel and street shooters who rely on uninterrupted shooting.

Nikon S3700 uses an EN-EL19 rechargeable battery, rated for roughly 240 shots per charge. This is fairly typical for compact cameras but falls short for extended outings or events.

Panasonic FP8’s published battery life is vague (model & type unspecified), but real-life testing suggests a similar or slightly inferior stamina, compounded by its older battery chemistry. Both cameras use removable SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and include some internal memory for emergency storage.

USB 2.0 connectivity on both enables image transfer, but Nikon’s inclusion of NFC wireless connectivity adds a modern touch - making it easier to offload or share images quickly with compatible devices.

Real-World Use Across Photography Genres

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. How do these cameras perform in the hands of various photographers?

Portrait Photography

Portrait shooters will appreciate Nikon S3700’s face detection autofocus that nails skin tone thereabouts and manages decent background separation with its longer zoom reach. Panasonic FP8 lacks this intelligent AF, often requiring more framing adjustments.

Neither camera produces significant bokeh due to small sensors and narrow apertures, so background blur is limited.

Landscape Photography

The Nikon’s 20 MP resolution delivers slightly more cropping flexibility and finer detail capture of vast scenes. However, both struggle with dynamic range - often clipping bright skies or losing shadow nuance indoors or at dawn/dusk.

Weather sealing is absent on both; landscape photographers should be cautious outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

Neither camera excels here. The Nikon’s faster autofocus tracking helps in brighter conditions, but the slow burst shooting and limited zoom envelope make capturing quick wildlife behavior challenging. Panasonic’s narrower zoom restricts reach, making distant subjects difficult.

Sports Photography

Neither offers advanced autofocus tracking or high frame rates needed for fast action. Panasonic can shoot 2fps bursts, which is minimal; Nikon lacks continuous shooting specs.

Street Photography

Both models are discreet and silent, favoring candid shooting. Nikon’s smaller weight and more precise AF favor quick-target acquisition, while Panasonic’s fixed modes simplify shooting for newcomers.

Macro Photography

Nikon’s 2 cm macro closest focusing distance is a highlight here; fine detail shots of flowers or small objects come out crisp. Panasonic’s 5 cm minimum is less intimate.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light shooting is noticeably limited by CCD sensor noise and restricted ISO caps. Neither camera supports bulb modes or longer exposures needed for star trails.

Video Use

Basic HD capture with no advanced video features suits casual users only.

Travel Photography

Nikon’s lighter weight, broader zoom, and NFC connectivity edge it slightly ahead for travel photographers prioritizing compact versatility.

Professional Work

Both cameras fall short for professional demands - no RAW support, no manual exposure, limited image quality. Great as backup or travel cams but not as main tools.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

After exhaustive real-world testing and technical analysis, I distilled overall ratings spanning ergonomics, image quality, autofocus, handling, and features.

A more granular breakdown by photographic genre further clarifies strengths:

Final Thoughts: Which Ultracompact Should You Choose?

Balancing all aspects, here’s my perspective distilled from hours behind the lens of both:

Choose the Nikon S3700 if you want:

• A lighter, more pocket-friendly companion for casual everyday shooting
• Higher resolution images for landscapes and portraits
• Better autofocus with face detection and tracking
• Longer zoom range and superior macro performance
• Wireless connectivity for easy image sharing

Consider the Panasonic FP8 if you:

• Value a slightly more robust zoom coordination with modest focal coverage
• Prefer flexibility in white balance and flash modes
• Occasionally want video with multiple resolution options
• Don’t mind a bit of extra weight for its option-rich menu system

Ultimately, both cameras hit typical ultracompact benchmarks and present compromises inherent to their form factor and price tiers (~$175 Nikon vs ~$300 Panasonic). My professional advice: if image quality, autofocus confidence, and flexible zoom are priorities, Nikon’s S3700 wins hands down for street, travel, and casual portraiture. If the budget allows and you seek flash versatility and marginally stronger video due to diverse resolutions, Panasonic’s FP8 may warrant consideration, especially among cautious beginners.

Sample Images: A Visual Comparison

To truly appreciate differences, here are sample shots from both cameras under varied shooting conditions.

Nikon S3700 front Nikon S3700 screen back Panasonic FP8 front Panasonic FP8 screen back

Observe Nikon’s crisper detail and color rendering balanced against Panasonic’s slightly warmer tone and controlled noise at moderate ISO.

In conclusion, these cameras exemplify the compromises and conveniences of the ultracompact class as I have experienced and measured extensively - enabling you to choose with confidence. Whether as a straightforward pocket camera or a learning stepping stone, both the Nikon S3700 and Panasonic FP8 offer thoughtful pathways into simple photography.

Happy shooting!