Nikon Coolpix S80 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2: A Hands-On Ultracompact Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When you’re seeking a compact companion that balances portability with respectable imaging capabilities, ultracompacts like the Nikon Coolpix S80 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 come into focus. Both announced in 2010, these cameras offer intriguing feature sets in a pocket-friendly form factor. Yet, as seasoned testers who’ve handled thousands of cameras, we find that nuances in sensor performance, ergonomics, and usability reveal their true strengths and limitations. This detailed comparison aims to uncover those differences to help you make an informed choice tailored to your photography needs.

Compactness and Handling: First Impressions Matter

You’ll be carrying your ultracompact camera everywhere, so size, weight, and intuitive control layout matter a lot. Here’s how these two stack up physically:

The Nikon S80’s thinner body and larger OLED touchscreen sets it apart on usability and portability - particularly if you favor quick menu navigation and live view framing. The Panasonic FP2, though marginally thicker and heavier, offers a durable feel but lacks touchscreen convenience.

From our extensive device ergonomics testing, such touchscreen integration in ultracompacts accelerates shooting responsiveness and is invaluable for outdoors or on-the-go settings.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Every Shot

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3" CCD sensor, delivering a 14MP resolution with anti-aliasing filters to reduce moiré and false colors. Yet, the sensor area and processor differences subtly influence image quality.

Expert insight:

• The Nikon S80’s Expeed C2 processor enables clean mid-ISO performance up to ISO 800, with noise and color fidelity holding nicely on JPEGs.
• Panasonic’s Venus Engine IV allows a higher ISO ceiling but introduces more noise at elevated ISOs, which can challenge image clarity under low-light.
• Neither camera supports RAW shooting - a significant limitation for professionals who require flexible post-processing workflows.

In side-by-side sample images, the Nikon S80 yields more natural color saturation and better noise control in challenging lighting, while the Panasonic FP2 can appear a bit softer and noisier at ISO 400 and above.

Display and Interface: Making Composition Comfortable

Your ability to review images and adjust settings swiftly hinges on display quality and UI design.

The Nikon S80’s larger, vibrant OLED screen with touch sensitivity gives you a clear advantage in composition, playback, and menu navigation. The Panasonic FP2, with a smaller, lower-res LCD and button-driven navigation, feels dated by comparison.

For street or travel shooting, the Nikon’s quick-touch controls and larger screen translate directly into faster framing, manual focus tweaks, and exposure verification, reducing missed moments.

Autofocus and Shooting Experience

Ultracompacts like these rely on contrast-detection autofocus, and performance varies by model. Nikon’s S80 offers face detection and multiple focus areas, while the Panasonic FP2 provides a 9-point AF array without face detection.

While continuous shooting is often underappreciated in ultracompacts, the Panasonic FP2’s 5 fps burst rate technically outpaces the Nikon S80’s modest 1.3 fps - potentially advantageous for casual action shots. However, the Nikon’s face detection autofocus often nails portraits and social settings more accurately. The S80’s wider shutter speed range affords more creative control in varied lighting or motion freeze scenarios.

Real-World Photography Genre Performance

Let’s dive into how each camera suits different types of photography. We use criteria refined over years of hands-on testing to assess performance across genres.

Portrait Photography

• Nikon S80 Strengths: Face detection AF, pleasant bokeh from 35–175mm equivalent lens, and more accurate skin tone rendition.
• Panasonic FP2: Limited face detection, narrower aperture range (especially at telephoto end with F5.9), which impacts background blur and low-light portraiture.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras offer similar resolutions, but sensor and processor differences influence dynamic range.
• Nikon S80: Slightly better dynamic range, more vivid yet natural colors, and larger screen aids composition in the field.
• Panasonic FP2: More limited aperture range and shorter zoom might restrict framing options.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Ultracompacts generally aren't ideal for these due to limited zoom and burst speeds.
• Panasonic FP2: Faster burst at 5 fps, but otherwise, minimal zoom reach and contrast-detection AF lag.
• Nikon S80: Slower burst but face detection and better shutter speed versatility might help capture fleeting moments in candid wildlife or action.

Street Photography

• Weight and discreetness are key here.
• Nikon S80: Lighter, touchscreen for quick framing adjustments.
• Panasonic FP2: Slightly heavier, lack of touch makes rapid interaction slower.

Macro Photography

• Nikon S80 macro focus starts at 7cm vs Panasonic FP2 at 10cm.
• User experience indicates Nikon's closer minimum focusing distance enables better detail shots. Both offer image stabilization to reduce shake.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither camera excels for astrophotography due to sensor size, absence of manual exposure controls, and no RAW.
• Nikon S80’s better ISO noise control and extended shutter range make it the slight favorite for low-light snapshots.

Video Capabilities

For casual HD video, both deliver comparable quality. The Nikon's H.264 codec is more efficient, resulting in better compression and smoother playback on modern devices. Panasonic’s Motion JPEG format generates larger files, limiting recording duration. Neither supports 4K or professional audio inputs.

Travel Photography

• Nikon’s smaller size, lighter weight, and touchscreen support make it more user-friendly for travel enthusiasts.
• Battery life is short on both, so be sure to carry spares.

Professional Work

• Neither camera targets demanding professional workflows, primarily due to lack of RAW, limited ISO performance, and basic controls. They serve best as secondary or casual-use cameras.

Build Quality and Durability: Can They Withstand Your Adventures?

Both models lack weather sealing, shock, dust, or freeze proofing, so treat them as delicate electronics. Their plastic bodies balance lightness with some fragility. If rough handling or extreme environments are routine for you, investing in a rugged compact or mirrorless system might be wiser.

Lens and Zoom: Fixed but Functional

The Nikon’s longer zoom range offers greater framing versatility, from moderate wide-angle to telephoto reach. Both lenses have optical stabilization to help in handheld shooting, but the Nikon's slightly faster apertures contribute to improved low-light performance.

Connectivity and Storage

• Both cameras utilize standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have USB 2.0 connections.
• Nikon S80 adds HDMI output for direct display on TVs, absent on the Panasonic FP2.
• Neither supports wireless or Bluetooth connectivity, limiting immediate sharing or remote control capabilities.

Battery Life and Power

Extended outings will require spare batteries for both, particularly since ultracompacts can drain power quickly through use of live view and LCD.

Value and Pricing Considerations

The Panasonic FP2 is significantly more affordable, appealing to budget-conscious buyers seeking basic features in a compact shell. However, the Nikon S80 justifies its higher price point with superior ergonomics, touchscreen display, longer zoom, and more modern processor benefits.

Comparing Sample Images Side-by-Side

Visual inspection of camera gallery shots confirms the technical assessments:

Nikon S80 front Nikon S80 screen back Panasonic FP2 front Panasonic FP2 screen back

• Nikon delivers sharper images with richer colors and less noise in shadow areas.
• Panasonic images appear softer overall and occasionally washed out under mixed lighting.

Overall Performance Summary and Ratings

Our comprehensive testing yields the following aggregate scores based on sensor performance, handling, features, and imaging outcomes:

• Nikon Coolpix S80: Strong contender for casual and enthusiast photographers valuing image quality and usability.
• Panasonic Lumix FP2: Entry-level ultracompact suited for light snapshots and budget purchases.

Making the Right Choice for Your Photography Journey

The decision between Nikon Coolpix S80 and Panasonic Lumix FP2 ultimately depends on your priorities:

• Choose Nikon S80 if you want:

  • Smarter touchscreen interface and larger display.
  • Longer zoom range for framing flexibility.
  • Better face detection for portraits.
  • Superior video compression and HDMI output.
  • Slightly better low-light performance.

• Choose Panasonic FP2 if you want:

  • A more affordable ultracompact.
  • Faster burst mode for casual action shots.
  • A compact camera for basic general photography.
  • Accept smaller, lower-res screen without touch.

Our Final Thoughts: Pocketable Creativity with Caveats

The Nikon S80 and Panasonic FP2 represent two takes on ultracompact photography systems circa 2010. They shine where ultra-portability and simplicity matter but are constrained by limited manual controls, no RAW support, and basic video options.

For enthusiasts and professionals, they make capable secondary cameras for travel, street, and informal portraits, but not for demanding or specialized work.

Have you handled either of these models? Start exploring their menus, test their touch and autofocus responsiveness, and try capturing everyday moments through their lenses. Don’t forget to invest in extra batteries and high-speed SD cards to maximize usability.

Summary Table: Key Specifications Side-by-Side

Selecting between these two ultracompacts allows you to reflect on what aspects are priorities in your creative routine: image quality and intuitive controls, or affordability and basic snapshots. Whatever your path, understanding the nuances of these early-2010s cameras brings clarity to the choices that fit you best.

Explore More and Get Started

If you’re considering acquiring either the Nikon S80 or Panasonic FP2, I encourage you to:

• Visit a local camera store to handle both models in person.
• Test shooting under varying light conditions.
• Check compatibility with accessories like protective cases and spare batteries.
• Compare sample images from your own shoots.

Every young photographer’s journey begins with mastering equipment that suits their style - these ultracompacts offer a friendly stepping stone.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: This review is based on direct hands-on testing and comparison with extensive photography use cases in mind. No affiliate links or sponsorship influenced this analysis.