Nikon S5100 vs Nikon S9900

Its time to look much closer at the Nikon S5100 vs Nikon S9900, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Nikon. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the S5100 (12MP) and S9900 (16MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The S5100 was announced 5 years earlier than the S9900 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the S5100 scores against the S9900 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S5100 and Nikon Coolpix S9900. The whole galleries are available at Nikon S5100 Gallery and Nikon S9900 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and measurements. The Nikon S5100 enjoys outer measurements of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Nikon S9900 has proportions of 112mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6") and a weight of 289 grams (0.64 lbs).

Look at the Nikon S5100 vs Nikon S9900 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the S5100 and the S9900.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the S5100 and S9900 is 95 and 88 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements only by looking at technical specs. The visual here should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the S5100 and S9900.

As you can tell, each of these cameras come with the identical sensor size but different megapixels. You should anticipate the Nikon S9900 to resolve greater detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older S5100 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.