Nikon S640 vs Panasonic FX78
96 Imaging
34 Features
24 Overall
30


95 Imaging
35 Features
31 Overall
33
Nikon S640 vs Panasonic FX78 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F2.7-6.6) lens
- 130g - 91 x 55 x 21mm
- Introduced August 2009
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-120mm (F2.5-5.9) lens
- 142g - 100 x 55 x 21mm
- Released January 2011
- Alternative Name is Lumix DMC-FX77

Nikon S640 vs Panasonic FX78 Overview
The following is a in-depth comparison of the Nikon S640 vs Panasonic FX78, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the S640 (12MP) and the FX78 (12MP) is pretty similar and both cameras offer the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

The S640 was announced 17 months earlier than the FX78 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before diving right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the S640 matches up versus the FX78 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Nikon S640 vs Panasonic FX78 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S640 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78. The whole galleries are available at Nikon S640 Gallery and Panasonic FX78 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S640 over the Panasonic FX78
S640 | FX78 |
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Reasons to pick Panasonic FX78 over the Nikon S640
FX78 | S640 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | January 2011 | ![]() | August 2009 | Newer by 17 months |
Screen dimensions | 3.5" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.8") |
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Common features in the Nikon S640 and Panasonic FX78
S640 | FX78 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Identical screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither features selfie screen |
Nikon S640 vs Panasonic FX78 Physical Comparison
In case you're aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S640 enjoys external dimensions of 91mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 130 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FX78 has dimensions of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).
Check the Nikon S640 vs Panasonic FX78 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the S640 versus the FX78.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the S640 and FX78 is 96 and 95 respectively.

Nikon S640 vs Panasonic FX78 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it's tough to see the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing specs. The pic below should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the S640 and FX78.
All in all, each of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the exact same megapixels so you should expect similar quality of pictures but you will want to factor the production date of the products into consideration. The more aged S640 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.

Nikon S640 vs Panasonic FX78 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S640 vs Panasonic FX78 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S640 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model | Nikon Coolpix S640 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 |
Also called | - | Lumix DMC-FX77 |
Category | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Introduced | 2009-08-04 | 2011-01-25 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Expeed | Venus Engine FHD |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 27.7mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
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 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | 24-120mm (5.0x) |
Maximal aperture | f/2.7-6.6 | f/2.5-5.9 |
Macro focus distance | 2cm | 5cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 2.7 inch | 3.5 inch |
Screen resolution | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Screen technology | - | TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 seconds | 60 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/1400 seconds |
Continuous shutter speed | - | 4.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | - | 5.60 m |
Flash options | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro |
Hot shoe | ||
AE 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 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
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 seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 130 gr (0.29 lb) | 142 gr (0.31 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 91 x 55 x 21mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") | 100 x 55 x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall 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 | - | 200 photos |
Type of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL12 | - |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Pricing at release | $225 | $210 |