Nikon Coolpix S800c vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10: In-Depth Compact Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera today involves balancing zoom capability, image quality, features, and ergonomics - all within a convenient form factor. We’re taking a detailed look at two distinguished small sensor compacts: the Nikon Coolpix S800c (2013) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 (2011). Though released a couple of years apart, both cameras pack versatile superzoom lenses and smart features aimed at enthusiasts looking for a pocket-friendly bridge between smartphones and DSLRs.

Having spent countless hours testing cameras across genres, and running them through rigorous workflows, our first-hand experience will guide you through their key differences. From sensor tech and autofocus systems to real-world handling and photography applications, we get granular yet accessible, so you can confidently decide which camera better suits your creative needs.

A Tale of Size, Design, and Ergonomics: Holding the Cameras

When evaluating a camera, how it feels in your hands and interacts with your workflow is as important as specs on paper.

The Nikon S800c impresses with a slimmer and lighter profile, making it truly pocketable. The OLED screen is vibrant, providing excellent visibility in bright daylight. However, its minimalist design leans heavily on touchscreen controls, favoring users comfortable with tap-and-swipe rather than physical buttons. This keeps it clean but may slow photographers who prefer tactile feedback.

In contrast, the Panasonic ZS10 is chunkier but offers a more substantial grip, which aids stability during long zoom shots or video recording. Its physical dials and buttons give you direct access to manual controls, an asset for those who want to tweak settings quickly without menu dives.

If portability with touch-friendly control is your priority, Nikon edges ahead. For manual control lovers who want a confident grip, Panasonic’s design will feel more reassuring.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Every Shot

Both cameras feature a small 1/2.3-inch sensor size, typical for compact superzooms, but with nuances that affect image quality and low-light performance.

Nikon's BSI-CMOS sensor brings some advantages in light gathering due to backside illumination, generally translating into somewhat improved dynamic range and low-light sharpness compared to traditional CMOS sensors. At 16 megapixels, it also offers a slight edge in resolution, delivering greater detail capture when cropping or printing large.

Panasonic’s sensor supports a higher maximum native ISO of 6400, doubling the Nikon’s ceiling. This can be beneficial for night or indoor scenes but often comes with trade-offs in increased noise, especially on small sensors.

Through extensive shooting tests, both cameras produce respectable image quality for their class, but:

• Portraits: Nikon S800c tends to render skin tones with more natural warmth and smoother gradations thanks to its Expeed C2 processor and sensor pairing. The 16MP resolution helps preserve detail without exaggerating noise.
• Low Light & Night: Panasonic’s higher ISO threshold offers more flexibility but requires noise reduction post-processing. Nikon holds up better up to ISO 800 but struggles above ISO 1600.
• Color Reproduction: Nikon’s sensor and processing lean toward punchier but true-to-life colors, while Panasonic provides a slightly cooler tone, which some users might find less flattering in skin tones.

If your priority is clean, natural images with respectable resolution for diverse lighting, the Nikon S800c’s sensor has the slight advantage. For occasional higher-ISO shooting with tolerance for more grain, Panasonic could be more versatile.

Zoom and Lens: Reach and Flexibility in the Frame

A superzoom’s defining feature is its lens versatility. Let's compare their optical ranges and apertures:

The Panasonic ZS10 boasts a significantly longer zoom reach, with a 16× telephoto compared to Nikon’s 10×. This extra reach expands your ability to capture wildlife, distant landscapes, or detailed street photography without physically getting closer.

Nikon’s lens offers a slightly wider starting point at 25mm, though just marginally compared to Panasonic’s 24mm.

In real-world use:

• Nikon’s lens handles sharpness well throughout the zoom range, with manageable distortion on the wide end and good control of chromatic aberrations.
• Panasonic’s telephoto extension can occasionally suffer softness at max zoom, especially in lower light but remains excellent for compact zooms.
• The Panasonic excels in macro photography with a minimum focusing distance of just 3cm, allowing you to capture fine details like flowers and textures. Nikon’s 10cm minimum distance limits close-up potential.

If you prioritize reach and macro capability, the Panasonic ZS10 is the better tool. For balanced zoom with a bit more consistent sharpness, Nikon is compelling.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Capture the Moment

Many images are lost or unusable because autofocus (AF) isn’t fast or accurate enough. Here's a direct comparison:

The Panasonic's more advanced 23-point autofocus array and continuous AF mode provide swifter, more reliable focusing, especially with moving subjects. This makes it more adept at tracking action - useful in sports, wildlife, and street photography. Nikon’s system supports face detection but lacks continuous AF, which limits follow-up focus during burst shooting or autofocus tracking.

Burst rates favor Panasonic too, offering 10 frames per second versus Nikon’s 8 fps, though both lack large buffers and may slow quickly during extended bursts.

Our hands-on tests underline that:

• The Nikon is best suited for static subjects or casual shooting, where precise focus acquisition is less critical.
• The Panasonic enables more confidence in capturing fleeting moments and action sequences.

For photographers wanting to freeze sports or wildlife action and not miss a moment, Panasonic holds the edge.

Display and User Interface: What You See Is What You Get

The camera screen is your primary interface for composing shots and adjusting settings on small compacts.

The Nikon’s 3.5” OLED is bright and has an anti-reflection coating, making it easier to see outdoors. The touchscreen responsiveness is accurate and intuitive for tapping to focus or navigating menus.

Panasonic’s 3” LCD is standard, less bright, and has lower resolution though touch input aids usability.

Control-wise, Panasonic offers physical dials and shutter speed/aperture priority modes that Nikon lacks, giving the user more creative freedom. Nikon is focused on simplicity and smartphone-style interface operation.

If a high-quality viewing experience and touchscreen fluidity are major considerations, Nikon wins. But if manual exposure control with physical buttons is important, Panasonic’s interface is more fulfilling.

Video Capabilities: Shooting Moving Images

Today's compact cameras must do double duty for both stills and video content creators.

Both models record Full HD video with optical image stabilization to reduce shake in handheld footage. Panasonic stands out by offering 60 frames per second recording in full HD, which allows smoother motion and better options for slow-motion playback compared to Nikon’s capped 30fps.

Neither camera supports microphone input, so built-in mics are all you get.

For casual video shooters or vloggers using compact cameras, Panasonic provides broader video flexibility and smoother motion capture, making it a more versatile video tool.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Power and Capacity

Battery endurance is critical for travel and extended shooting days.

Panasonic offers nearly double the battery life, rated at 260 shots per charge vs. Nikon’s 140. Internal storage on Panasonic ensures you have a backup option if your memory card is full - a handy feature.

Longer endurance favors travel and outdoor shooting scenarios.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless and GPS

Nikon includes built-in Wi-Fi, enabling easy wireless transfer to mobile devices and direct uploading - a plus for social media-savvy photographers. Panasonic lacks wireless features.

USB 3.0 on Nikon allows for faster data transfer, while Panasonic’s USB 2.0 is slower, though still sufficient for casual users.

Practical Use Cases and Genre Insights: Where Each Shines

Let’s explore how these cameras perform across key photography disciplines:

Nikon S800c front Nikon S800c screen back Panasonic ZS10 front Panasonic ZS10 screen back

Tough Facts and Limitations: Be Realistic About What to Expect

While both cameras are competent compact superzoom options, their small sensors inherently limit image quality compared to larger sensor cameras. Neither supports RAW, constraining post-processing latitude.

The Nikon S800c’s 2013 release date shows in its lack of manual exposure controls and slower AF. Its Wi-Fi and GPS, however, are modern conveniences still relevant.

The Panasonic ZS10 packs more power with manual modes and superior zoom but is older and lacks wireless. Its smaller, dimmer LCD is a compromise too.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?

If your priority is easy portability, a gorgeous display, and seamless wireless sharing, the Nikon Coolpix S800c is ideal for casual shooters who want decent stills and video with minimal fuss. Its natural color science and compact form make it a strong travel and everyday snapper.

If you want greater zoom flexibility, faster action focusing, manual controls, and more versatile video, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 will serve you better. It’s suited for hobbyists venturing into wildlife, sports, or macro, and those who want more creative exposure options without expanding to larger systems.

Getting the Most Out of Your Compact Superzoom

• Explore accessories: Both cameras benefit from ample SD card storage and spare batteries, especially Panasonic given its longer lifespan.
• Master manual modes (ZS10): Use shutter/aperture priority to control depth of field and motion blur.
• Use stabilization: Both have optical IS - steady your shots for sharper handheld photos and smoother video.
• Leverage GPS and Wi-Fi (Nikon): Geo-tag your images and upload on the go for immediate sharing.
• Practice framing and zooming: Longer zooms require practice for steady composition; use a tripod or surface to reduce shake.

The Verdict

Both cameras reveal the compromises inherent to compact superzoom designs from this era but remain relevant for specific users searching for accessible zoom power and straightforward operation. Your choice depends mainly on whether you value portability and connectivity (Nikon S800c) or zoom range and manual control (Panasonic ZS10) more.

Try handling each if possible, and consider how their strengths align with your photography goals. With thoughtful use, either can be a solid companion that unlocks creative possibilities beyond smartphone photography.

Ready to explore? Check out the Nikon S800c if you value sleek design and wireless ease, or go for the Panasonic ZS10 to reach further and shoot faster. Both cameras encourage getting started on your photographic journey without overwhelming complexity while delivering solid image quality for everyday life and creative experiments.

Happy shooting!