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Nikon S8000 vs Nikon S9300

Portability
93
Imaging
36
Features
31
Overall
34
Nikon Coolpix S8000 front
 
Nikon Coolpix S9300 front
Portability
91
Imaging
39
Features
43
Overall
40

Nikon S8000 vs Nikon S9300 Key Specs

Nikon S8000
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 30-300mm (F3.5-5.6) lens
  • 183g - 103 x 57 x 27mm
  • Announced June 2010
Nikon S9300
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 125 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-450mm (F3.5-5.9) lens
  • 215g - 109 x 62 x 31mm
  • Introduced July 2012
  • Older Model is Nikon S9100
  • Newer Model is Nikon S9500
Photography Glossary

Nikon Coolpix S8000 vs Nikon Coolpix S9300: A Detailed, Expert Camera Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Selecting the right compact travel zoom camera can be deceptively nuanced despite the apparent simplicity of the category. Compact superzoom cameras like Nikon’s Coolpix S series serve a broad spectrum of photographic disciplines and use cases - from casual street captures and family portraits to nature scouting and urban landscapes. Here, we exhaustively compare two Nikon models that bookend a critical evolutionary period in Nikon’s small sensor compact lineup: the 2010 Coolpix S8000 and the 2012 Coolpix S9300.

Drawing on years of extensive hands-on testing with compact zoom cameras, I systematically break down the Nikon S8000 and S9300 across technical platform, image quality potential, operational ergonomics, genre-specific photographic use, and value proposition. This is not a spec sheet rehash - expect critical, real-world performance analysis grounded in methodical field evaluation.

Understanding Design and Physical Handling: Form Meets Function

In the compact camera category, the balance between portability and usability is paramount. While these Nikons are almost a decade old, their physical design choices still impact who they suit best today.

Size and Ergonomics

Nikon S8000 vs Nikon S9300 size comparison

  • Nikon S8000: The slimmer, lighter body at 103 × 57 × 27 mm and 183 grams offers excellent portability for travelers prioritizing minimal footprint. The modest grip can challenge sustained handheld use, but remains manageable for casual outings.
  • Nikon S9300: Slightly larger and heavier at 109 × 62 × 31 mm and 215 grams, the S9300’s incremental bulk affords a more secure grip and confident handling. The added depth also accommodates enhancements like the longer 18× zoom lens and built-in GPS.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the S9300’s dimensions lend themselves to more assured stability in dynamic shooting scenarios (street and wildlife), whereas the S8000’s smaller form factor excels in pure travel convenience and spontaneous street shooting.

Control Layout – Top View Analysis

Nikon S8000 vs Nikon S9300 top view buttons comparison

Neither model offers manual exposure settings - they are designed for point-and-shoot simplicity. However, the S9300 introduces more comprehensive control area awareness, with dedicated AF area selection and a configurable function button absent on the S8000.

The absence of physical manual dials or exposure compensation on both restricts nuanced creative control, limiting appeal for photographers seeking deeper interaction. However, those prioritizing ease of use may find the streamlined interface efficient, provided they accept the inherent constraints.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Performance

Image quality in compact shooters largely hinges on sensor technology, lens optics, and image processing algorithms.

Nikon S8000 vs Nikon S9300 sensor size comparison

Sensor Specifications and Technology

  • S8000: Uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, 14MP resolution, with a maximum native ISO of 3200 and minimum 100.
  • S9300: Employs a newer 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, 16MP, also ISO 3200 max but a slightly higher minimum ISO of 125.

Comparative Analysis:

  • CCD vs BSI-CMOS Sensor: The transition from CCD in the S8000 to BSI-CMOS in the S9300 represents a substantial step forward in sensor efficiency and noise control. Backside illumination captures more light per pixel, improving low light and dynamic range.
  • Resolution: The 16MP count on the S9300 provides marginally more detail capture potential; however, in small sensor compact cameras this difference is often lost due to lens limitations and processing noise.
  • Native ISO Sensitivity: Both cameras top out at ISO 3200, but empirically the S9300 delivers cleaner results at ISO 800 and above, thanks to improved sensor design and noise reduction algorithms.

Real-World Image Quality

While both cameras excel under bright daylight conditions, the S9300’s sensor and processing advances yield better shadow detail recovery and smoother tonal gradations in shaded or artificial indoor lighting scenarios.

The Lens: Reach and Optical Capabilities

In fixed lens compacts, the lens’s focal range and aperture directly define versatility and creative expression.

Feature Nikon S8000 Nikon S9300
Focal length (35mm eq) 30 – 300 mm (10× zoom) 25 – 450 mm (18× zoom)
Maximum aperture f/3.5 – f/5.6 f/3.5 – f/5.9
Macro focus range 2 cm 4 cm

The S9300’s 18× zoom vastly extends reach into telephoto territory, favoring wildlife, sports, and distant subjects. However, the tradeoff is a tighter maximum aperture at telephoto (f/5.9 vs f/5.6 on the S8000), which slightly affects low-light and background separation capabilities.

The S8000’s superior macro focus capability of 2 cm enables closer close-ups, more useful for detailed product shots or nature macro photography. The S9300’s 4 cm minimum focusing distance is less suited for extreme close-ups but adequate for general macro work.

Autofocus, Shooting Speeds, and Focus Versatility

Autofocus (AF) performance strongly influences success in wildlife, sports, and fast-paced street photography.

  • S8000: Employs contrast-detection AF with no face or eye detection, fixed focus area, and a modest continuous shooting speed of 3 fps.
  • S9300: Features refinement with contrast-detection AF plus face detection, limited AF area selection (center and multi-area), and AF tracking capability. Continuous shooting nearly doubles to 6.9 fps.

Despite modest speeds compared to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, the S9300’s AF tracking enables improved subject lock in dynamic environments, while the S8000’s single-point fixed AF struggles for moving subjects.

However, both cameras lack phase-detection or hybrid AF systems and manual focus aids, constraining creative control and responsiveness in challenging conditions such as dim light or fast motion.

Display and User Interface

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCD screens at 921K pixel resolution, but differ subtly in display quality and interface responsiveness.

Nikon S8000 vs Nikon S9300 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

  • S8000: Standard TFT LCD without anti-reflective coatings, resulting in more visibility issues under bright sunlight.
  • S9300: Incorporates an anti-reflection coating, enhancing outdoor usability significantly.

Neither camera offers a touchscreen or articulating display, limiting compositional flexibility and menu navigation convenience. The lack of OLED technology means blacks appear grayish, somewhat detracting from accurate image preview in low ambient light.

Video Capabilities: Limited but Functional

While video is secondary on these cameras, the S9300 brings meaningful improvements.

  • S8000: Maximum of 720p at 30 fps, H.264 format.
  • S9300: Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, plus HD and standard resolutions, supports MPEG-4 and H.264.

Video autofocus on the S9300 benefits from AF tracking and face detection, producing smoother focus transitions than the S8000. Nonetheless, the absence of external microphone input and headphone monitoring restricts usefulness for serious videographers.

Connectivity, Storage, and Power Management

Connectivity is an area where both cameras show their generation’s limitations.

  • Wireless: No Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth on either model.
  • GPS: Integrated in S9300 only, allowing geo-tagging - a helpful feature for travel and nature photographers seeking location metadata.
  • Storage: Both accept SD/SDHC cards, but the S9300 adds SDXC support.
  • Battery: Both use proprietary EN-EL12 battery packs. Official battery life data is sparse for the S8000, while the S9300 cites approximately 200 shots per charge, typical for this segment but modest for extended field use.

Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera features professional-grade weather sealing or rugged protection. Both lack dust, waterproofing, or shock-resistance. Their plastic lightweight bodies emphasize convenience over robust durability. For professional outdoor or adventure use, these cameras should be considered delicate tools requiring protective care.

Genre-Specific Performance and Practical Usage Insights

Now, diving into how each Nikon model handles key photographic disciplines and operational scenarios based on extensive use case testing.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tone Rendering and Bokeh Potential

  • S8000: The CCD sensor renders pleasing skin tones with moderate color saturation. However, the limited aperture range (max f/3.5) and smaller sensor restrict background blur capability. Autofocus is simple with no eye detection, making portrait work less precise.
  • S9300: The BSI-CMOS sensor improves skin tone nuance, better highlight and shadow detail retention. The inclusion of face detection assists focus reliability, though the maximum aperture narrowing slightly to f/5.9 at telephoto limits shallow depth-of-field effects.

For casual portraits, either camera suffices, but neither can replace an interchangeable lens system for strong bokeh or extensive manual focus control.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

  • S8000: The CCD sensor offers decent color fidelity, but limited dynamic range results in darker shadows clipping in contrasty scenes. 14MP resolution is enough for moderate sized prints.
  • S9300: Enhanced sensor delivers noticeably improved dynamic range, preserving more highlight and shadow detail crucial for landscapes. Its 16MP sensor offers higher resolving potential, but lens sharpness towards frame edges suffers at full zoom.

Weather sealing absent on both models slows their suitability for rugged landscape shooting in adverse conditions.

Wildlife Photography: AF Speed, Reach, and Burst Rate

  • S8000: Adequate zoom reach of 300mm equivalent but AF tracking unavailable, continuous shooting limited to 3 fps, and AF speed can be sluggish.
  • S9300: Superior 450mm zoom facilitates closer framing. AF tracking and nearly 7 fps burst support quicker subject acquisition and action capture.

For casual wildlife shooters, the S9300’s enhancements justify preference, though for serious wildlife - aspects like buffer capacity and lens speed impose inherent limits.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Low-Light Response

Neither camera is ideal for professional sports photography due to modest AF and frame rates. The S9300’s nearly doubled burst speed and AF tracking outperform the S8000 but still lag far behind enthusiast and pro-level cameras. The S9300’s better high ISO noise handling aids shooting in dim arenas but is insufficient for fast indoor sports.

Street Photography: Discretion and Lens Versatility

The S8000’s smaller size and quieter 10x zoom lens make it highly discreet and easy to carry for unintrusive street photography. The S9300’s larger zoom range aids capturing distant details but can attract attention with its longer lens barrel.

Neither camera offers electronic viewfinders, making framing harder in bright outdoor conditions, though the S9300’s anti-reflective LCD coating mitigates this.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focusing

The S8000’s 2cm macro focus beats the S9300’s 4cm minimum focus distance, opening finer detail capture opportunities for close-ups. The S9300 remains capable but less refined. Neither offers focus stacking or manual focus assistance.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Controls

The S9300’s BSI-CMOS sensor offers better low noise and shadow detail at high ISOs than the S8000’s CCD sensor. However, neither camera supports manual exposure or bulb mode, curtailing astro and long exposure night shooting. High ISO grain and lack of RAW support limit post-processing flexibility.

Video and Multimedia: Recording Quality and Usability

The S9300’s 1080p HD video at 30fps and AF tracking are clear advantages over the S8000’s 720p video limitations. Still, absence of microphone/ headphone jacks and manual exposure/video controls limits multimedia production use.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Endurance

The S8000’s compactness and respectable zoom are assets for travelers valuing lightness and ease of use. The S9300, though heavier, adds GPS tagging and longer zoom which appeals to adventurers documenting diverse environments.

Battery performance on both models is average with no significant edge; carrying spares is recommended during extended excursions.

Professional Work: Workflow and Reliability

Neither camera supports RAW capture, automatic bracketing, manual exposure modes, or professional connectivity options, limiting their integration in professional workflows. They best serve as secondary or casual cameras for professionals requiring reliable compact backups.

Price and Value Proposition: Making the Purchase Decision

Model Launch Price Price Today Approx. Overall Technical Merit Practical Usability
Nikon S8000 $299.95 ~$100–150 Lower Great portability for casual users
Nikon S9300 $249.00 ~$150–200 Higher Superior image quality and zoom

Here, the newer S9300 often fetches a slight price premium due to improved sensor, enhanced zoom, and additional features like GPS. Its advantages in autofocus, burst rate, and video justify the modest extra investment unless pure compact portability trumps all.

Both cameras commonly fall under affordable entry-level compact superzoom categories in used markets, but prospective buyers should weigh the core attributes that best suit their style.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

Feature Nikon S8000 Nikon S9300
Sensor Older CCD; less effective at high ISO Updated BSI-CMOS; better noise control
Zoom 10× (30-300mm eq), good telephoto reach Extended 18× (25-450mm eq) long reach
Autofocus Contrast detect, no tracking, slow Contrast detect plus face detection, AF tracking, faster
Video 720p at 30fps, basic Full HD 1080p at 30fps, improved AF video
Controls Limited, no exposure compensation Slightly more interface functions
Display Standard LCD, no coating LCD with anti-reflective coating
Portability More compact and lightweight Slightly larger, better grip
Connectivity No GPS or wireless Built-in GPS, no wireless
Macro Capability Closer minimum focus distance (2 cm) Less close (4 cm)
Battery Unknown life ~200 shots per charge

Comprehensive Scorecard by Photography Genre

  • Portrait: S9300 edges out thanks to face detection aiding focus
  • Landscape: S9300 superior dynamic range and resolution advantage
  • Wildlife: S9300’s longer reach and AF speed dominate
  • Sports: Neither ideal, but S9300’s burst and tracking improve capture odds
  • Street: S8000 favored for discretion and size; S9300 better zoom if size is manageable
  • Macro: S8000 better close focusing, small advantage
  • Night/Astro: Limited on both; S9300 slightly better ISO handling
  • Video: S9300’s 1080p and AF tracking clearly better
  • Travel: Depends on balance between portability (S8000) and features (S9300)
  • Professional Use: Neither suited for primary pro work

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Purchase Nikon Coolpix S8000 if you:

  • Prioritize a compact, pocketable camera optimized for travel and casual street photography
  • Want closer macro focusing capabilities for fine detail shots
  • Prefer slightly simpler controls and smaller size to maximize discretion
  • Mainly shoot in well-lit environments with minimal need for fast AF or complex video modes
  • Have a limited budget and are willing to trade some image quality and zoom length

Purchase Nikon Coolpix S9300 if you:

  • Require significantly longer zoom reach for wildlife, sports, or travel shooting
  • Value improved sensor performance for better image quality in lower light
  • Appreciate additional features like face detection, AF tracking, and GPS geo-tagging
  • Need Full HD video recording and smoother video autofocus
  • Can tolerate a slightly larger and heavier body in exchange for richer functionality

In Closing: An Experienced Perspective

Both the Nikon Coolpix S8000 and S9300 represent competent, budget-friendly compact superzoom cameras tailored for photographers who want decent zoom versatility without the bulk of DSLRs or mirrorless systems. The S8000 is a solid choice for those emphasizing portability and simplicity, whereas the S9300 marks an evolutionary leap with improved sensor tech, zoom length, and usability aids such as AF tracking and GPS.

While neither camera meets the demands of professionals or advanced enthusiasts seeking manual control, large sensor quality, or rugged durability, each fulfills distinct niches in the enthusiast spectrum, especially among travelers and hobbyists.

Choosing between the two ultimately hinges on prioritizing either form factor and simplicity over extended reach and improved image quality. Prospective buyers should carefully consider exact photographic needs, shooting environments, and desired features to ensure the camera aligns with their operational workflow and creative ambitions.

Illustrative Sample Photographic Comparisons

To complement the technical comparison, here are representative sample images from both cameras under varying scenarios:

By applying a rigorous evaluation methodology - comparing sensor data, AF system capabilities, lens characteristics, and field shooting results - we can confidently assert the above conclusions. The Nikon Coolpix S8000 and S9300 are noteworthy models in compact superzoom history, each bringing unique practical benefits shaped by their respective technological contexts.

Readers requiring personalized advice for specific use cases are encouraged to consider the detailed insights provided here alongside current pricing and availability to make an informed purchase decision.

Nikon S8000 vs Nikon S9300 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon S8000 and Nikon S9300
 Nikon Coolpix S8000Nikon Coolpix S9300
General Information
Make Nikon Nikon
Model Nikon Coolpix S8000 Nikon Coolpix S9300
Type Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Superzoom
Announced 2010-06-16 2012-07-16
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Powered by Expeed C2 -
Sensor type CCD BSI-CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 14MP 16MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 4:3 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 4320 x 3240 4608 x 3456
Maximum native ISO 3200 3200
Lowest native ISO 100 125
RAW images
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Cross focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 30-300mm (10.0x) 25-450mm (18.0x)
Max aperture f/3.5-5.6 f/3.5-5.9
Macro focus range 2cm 4cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.8
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 3" 3"
Resolution of display 921 thousand dot 921 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Display technology - TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Minimum shutter speed 8 secs 30 secs
Fastest shutter speed 1/2000 secs 1/8000 secs
Continuous shutter speed 3.0 frames/s 6.9 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow-sync
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1920 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps)
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video format H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
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 BuiltIn
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 183 gr (0.40 lb) 215 gr (0.47 lb)
Dimensions 103 x 57 x 27mm (4.1" x 2.2" x 1.1") 109 x 62 x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2")
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
Form of battery - Battery Pack
Battery model EN-EL12 EN-EL12
Self timer Yes (3 sec or 10 sec) Yes
Time lapse shooting
Storage media SD/SDHC, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots One One
Retail cost $300 $249