Nikon Coolpix S70 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Ultracompacts

When it comes to ultracompact cameras that blend convenience with decent image quality, the Nikon Coolpix S70 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9 represent two solid options from the late 2000s and early 2010s. Both target the enthusiast looking for lightweight, pocket-friendly shooters with better quality than a smartphone but without the bulk and complexity of DSLRs or mirrorless systems.

Having spent years testing a wide range of cameras and quite a few ultracompacts, I thought this pair deserved a deep dive. Which one holds up better for various photography genres and real-world scenarios? Is the older Nikon still competitive next to the Sony? Let me take you through their strengths and shortcomings, backing up insights with firsthand experience and technical analysis.

Getting Acquainted: Size, Handling & Design Differences

The first thing that strikes you with any camera is its feel in the hand and whether you’ll actually enjoy carrying it around. Ultracompacts promise effortless portability, but their ergonomics can vary quite a bit.

Nikon S70 is a bit chunkier at 97 x 61 x 20 mm and weighs 160 grams - still very lightweight, but it has a slightly bigger grip area. Sony WX9, announced a couple of years later, trims down to 95 x 56 x 20 mm (weight not specified officially but estimated a touch lighter).

Personally, I appreciate the Nikon’s slightly beefier dimensions since it feels more secure and comfortable for longer shooting sessions. The Sony WX9 is smaller, perfect for slipping in a pants pocket or a compact bag, but the tradeoff is less room for clubs for your thumbs and fingers. If you shoot casually or on the go, Sony’s slim profile wins here. For more deliberate handling, the Nikon feels more like a mini camera rather than a gadget.

The top plate and control layout reflect their design philosophies as well.

The Nikon offers a classic ultracompact button arrangement, with shooting mode toggles and zoom rocker intuitively placed. Sony’s WX9 has a slightly more modern aesthetic, though fewer physical controls may frustrate those who like quick adjustments without diving into menus.

In sum, Nikon = better grip, more tactile controls; Sony = sleeker but compromises feel.

Under the Hood: Sensor Tech & Image Quality Potential

Here’s where specs start to diverge meaningfully - and image quality aspirations become clearer.

Both cameras use the same sensor size: 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm sensor area), which is standard in ultracompacts but a limiting factor for noise and dynamic range. Nikon’s sensor is a 12MP CCD type, while Sony opts for a 16MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor.

Back in the day, CCDs had a reputation for sharper colors but higher noise at elevated ISO - and they consume more power. Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor provides better light sensitivity and lower noise performance, especially in low-light scenarios, thanks to improved architecture.

The higher resolution on the Sony WX9 (16 vs 12 million pixels) theoretically means more cropping ability and finer detail, but in practice, CCD sensors can sometimes produce smoother images with less unpleasant artifacts, particularly if the sensor design is efficient.

From my testing experience, the Sony’s CMOS sensor has an edge in overall noise handling and dynamic range. The Nikon can produce decent daylight images with pleasant color reproduction but starts struggling visibly beyond ISO 400 due to noise.

Neither raw image formats are supported on these cameras, which limits post-processing flexibility especially for enthusiasts who like to fine-tune every pixel.

Live View and Screen Experience: Size and Interface

The Nikon S70 sports a 3.5-inch touchscreen fixed LCD with a modest 288k-dot resolution. By contrast, the Sony WX9 sports a 3.0-inch non-touchscreen with a sharp 921k-dot XtraFine LCD - significantly higher resolution and clarity.

While touch controls on the Nikon could be a plus for navigating menus quickly, in my hands, the low screen resolution felt a bit muddy, particularly when reviewing images on the go. Sony’s WX9 screen, though smaller, makes for easier manual focus confirmation and detail checking due to its crispness.

For street and travel photography, where rapid checking of focus and exposure matters, Sony holds a slight advantage here.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting Performance

Both cameras rely solely on contrast-detection autofocus since their sensors do not feature phase detection, typical for ultracompacts of their era. Neither offers manual focus, and face or eye detection AF is absent as well.

• Nikon S70: Single AF mode only, no tracking or continuous AF.
• Sony WX9: Adds multi-area AF targeting with 9 selectable points, enhancing focus precision and subject acquisition.

None of these will keep up with serious sports or wildlife shooting, but the Sony WX9’s ability to choose among multiple AF points helps track subjects better in moderately dynamic scenes.

Burst shooting truly distinguishes the two:

• Nikon S70 does not specify continuous shooting - essentially a one shot at a time camera.
• Sony WX9 offers a respectable burst speed of up to 10 frames per second.

This makes Sony a better candidate for casual sports or wildlife photos where sequence shots are needed to catch fast action.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility for Everyday Use

Both cameras use built-in lenses with 5x optical zoom, but details differ:

• Nikon: 28-140mm equivalent f/3.9-5.8
• Sony: 25-125mm equivalent f/2.6-6.3

Nikon S70 front Nikon S70 screen back Sony WX9 screen back

Sony’s wider starting focal length (25mm) makes it slightly better for crowded environments or landscapes requiring expansive views. The Nikon’s slower aperture at wide end means less light gathering for indoor or dusk shots.

The Nikon offers a handy 3cm macro focus range, allowing for near-microscopic close-ups that are sharp and clear. Sony can only focus down to 5cm, a slight disadvantage for close-up photographers.

Optical image stabilization is present in both, valuable to combat handshake at longer zooms or low shutter speeds.

Picture Perfect? Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down their practical merits across common photography types:

Portraits

Nikon’s lens maxes at f/3.9 wide open, which limits background blur (bokeh) potential. Sony goes faster at f/2.6, though only at the wide end, which can help isolate subjects better in well-lit settings. Both cameras lack advanced face or eye detection autofocus, making precise focus on eyes tricky.

The Nikon’s CCD sensor renders pleasing skin tones with less digital sharpness, which some portrait shooters may enjoy. Sony tends towards punchier output with more detail but can look harsher in close-ups.

Landscapes

Both have decent resolution for 8x10 prints; Sony edges out with 16MP vs Nikon’s 12MP. However, dynamic range is limited on both due to sensor size. Nikon’s slower lens and lower max ISO reduce versatility at dawn/dusk, while Sony’s sensor and wide aperture helps capture more detail in shadows.

Neither has weather sealing, so for adventurous use, care is needed. Overall, Sony feels like a slightly better choice for landscapes due to resolution and lens coverage.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera was designed for serious wildlife or sports shooting by today’s standards. However, Sony WX9’s faster burst mode (10 fps) and multi-AF points give it a mild edge for casual action shots.

Nikon’s slower shutter limits burst and focusing speed. Both lack advanced tracking AF or long telephoto reach.

Street Photography

For discreet street shooting, small size and quick reaction are crucial. Sony is slimmer but Nikon’s larger screen and touchscreen can help with quick setup changes.

Low light is a challenge for both; Sony’s sensor fares better but shutter speed ceiling of 1/1600 sec may limit freezing super fast movement.

Macro Photography

Nikon’s 3cm minimum focus distance creates a closer working distance with crisp detail, backed by optical image stabilization. This makes it the winner for macro enthusiasts wanting to capture flowers, insects, and textures.

Sony’s 5cm minimum focus is less forgiving - but the higher sensor resolution helps when cropping close-ups later.

Night and Astrophotography

Neither camera is optimized for long exposures or high ISO shooting, but Nikon offers slower shutter speeds down to 30 seconds, versus Sony’s 2 seconds. This gives Nikon an edge for nightscapes and sky shots, though noise will be high without raw data and astro-specific modes.

Sony’s brighter lens helps in low light but max ISO is capped at 3200 vs Nikon’s max boosted 6400 - the latter being noisier but offering more flexibility.

Video Capabilities

Sony WX9 boasts full HD 1080p at 60 fps recording, supporting smooth, high-quality clips in MPEG-4 or AVCHD formats. HDMI output aids in easy playback or external recording.

Nikon S70 caps out at 720p (1280x720) at 30 fps and records in Motion JPEG, an older, less efficient codec with larger files.

No microphone inputs on either, so serious videographers need external kits. Sony is clearly the better pick for casual video recording.

Travel Photography

For travel, versatility and battery life matter. Physically, Sony is more compact; Nikon heavier but with a bigger screen.

Battery life specifics aren’t published for either, but Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor and efficient BIONZ processor hint at better endurance. Storage-wise, Sony supports a wider array of media (SD, Memory Stick Duo families), while Nikon sticks to SD/SDHC.

Connectivity-wise, Sony is “Eye-Fi Connected,” meaning it supports wireless SD cards for image transfer - a convenience Nikon lacks. Neither has Bluetooth or Wi-Fi natively.

Professional Considerations: Workflow and Reliability

While neither camera targets professional use, some attributes matter for serious shooters:

• File Formats: Neither supports raw files, limiting post-production control.
• Build Quality: No weather sealing or reinforced bodies means treat them as lifestyle cameras, not rugged tools.
• Connectivity: Sony’s HDMI out and broader storage support aid workflow, but lacking wireless means tethering is limited.
• Battery & Storage: Both use proprietary batteries that may require spares for extended shooting.

Putting It All Together: Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

Nikon Coolpix S70

Pros:

• Larger, more comfortable body
• 3.5" touchscreen (though low resolution)
• Closer macro focusing (3cm) with effective optical stabilization
• Longer shutter speeds (up to 30s) for night photography
• CCD sensor gives pleasant color rendering
• Straightforward, intuitive controls

Cons:

• Older 12MP CCD sensor struggles in low light
• No burst shooting or advanced AF features
• Lower screen resolution affects image review confidence
• No wireless connectivity
• Higher price (~$290) for feature set

Sony Cyber-shot WX9

Pros:

• Smaller, sleeker design for portability
• High-resolution 3" XtraFine LCD
• 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor with better low-light performance
• 10 fps burst mode for capturing action
• Full HD 1080p video at 60p and HDMI out
• Broader storage format support and wireless SD card compatibility
• Faster zoom lens aperture (f/2.6 at wide end)
• Lower retail price (~$188)

Cons:

• No touchscreen, smaller LCD
• Minimum macro focus distance longer (5cm)
• Limited slow shutter speed (2s max)
• No phase-detect AF or face detection
• No raw support limits creative control

Looking at overall performance in tested categories reveals a competitive edge for Sony WX9 in versatility and tech features, albeit with a tradeoff in ergonomics.

Who Should Pick Which Camera?

Choose the Nikon Coolpix S70 if you:

• Prefer better grip and more tactile controls for extended shooting
• Value close-up macro photography with easier focusing distance
• Shoot night/astro photography and need longer shutter exposures
• Appreciate warm, classic-looking colors from CCD sensors
• Don’t mind paying a bit more for these specific benefits

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9 if you:

• Want a truly pocketable, sleek ultracompact with excellent image review screen
• Need better low light performance and faster burst shooting
• Desire smoother, higher resolution video recording capabilities
• Appreciate wider lens coverage at the wide end for landscapes/street
• Have a tighter budget and want more bang for your buck

Diving Deeper: Real-World Testing Insights

During my testing, I found the Nikon S70's slower lens often required cranking ISO up in indoor scenarios, leading to noisy shots. The touchscreen interface felt clunky at times, more useful for quick menu navigation than focus confirmation.

The Sony WX9 impressed with its responsive zoom and autofocus thanks to multiple selectable AF areas, making it easier to nail focus on off-center subjects. The XtraFine LCD made a big difference outdoors where sunlight reflection can hinder viewing.

In low light, the Sony held shadows cleaner with less color noise. However, for macro shots - especially close flower details - the Nikon’s 3cm minimum focus beat Sony hands down, producing sharper, more detailed shots.

For video, Sony’s 1080p60 clips were surprisingly smooth and usable for casual content projects, while Nikon’s videos looked soft and dated.

Lenses, Storage, and Connectivity: Ecosystem Notes

Both cameras have fixed lenses, so lens ecosystem flexibility is off the table - a caveat for enthusiasts wanting to expand creatively.

Memory card support leans in Sony’s favor with compatibility for SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick formats. Nikon sticks to more basic SD/SDHC cards only.

Sony also supports Eye-Fi wireless memory card integration, allowing image transfer without cables when paired with compatible cards - a notable advantage for content creators who want quick sharing.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Nikon Coolpix S70 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9 each bring something distinctive to the ultracompact table despite similar zoom ranges and sensor sizes.

• If handling, macro, and night shutter speed trump specs and you want warmer tones, Nikon is a keeper.
• If high-resolution images, burst speed, video quality, and portability matter more to your shooting style, Sony WX9 offers excellent value.

Both cameras now come at bargain prices given their age, but factoring in features and usability helps pick the right tool for your photography passions.

Each camera ultimately serves best particular genres and shooting preferences. Reflect on what you shoot most and pick accordingly.

Summary: Which Fits You Best?

If you’re a friendly neighborhood enthusiast or cheapskate photographer wanting simplicity with a decent step up from smartphones, look no further. The Sony WX9 offers a smarter balance of features and image quality for minimal cash, especially if video and portability rank high. However, if you need cozier handling and a niche for macro or longer exposures, Nikon still holds a place.

Remember, both cameras are vintage by today’s standards. If possible, try them in your hands, test image output under conditions you most shoot, and consider how much you want to rely on smartphone alternatives or newer cameras in your kit.

Happy shooting!