Nikon Coolpix S810c vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60: A Detailed Compact Superzoom Showdown

When diving into the compact superzoom segment, cameras like the Nikon Coolpix S810c and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 stand out as intriguing options, each targeting users who crave versatility in a pocketable form. Though released a couple of years apart, these two share the small sensor, fixed lens philosophy but approach execution from notably different angles. After extensive hands-on testing across multiple photography disciplines, I find their comparison a revealing window into how camera technology evolves even within a niche category.

In this detailed comparison, we’ll unpack their design, sensor stack, autofocus, image quality, video prowess, and more - all through the lens of real-world use cases photographers care about. Whether you’re a portrait aficionado, landscape lover, or travel shooter, this analysis aims to empower your decision with evidence-backed insights and clear recommendations.

Let’s get started.

Compact Bodies, Varied Ergonomics: Handling and Design Insights

Handling is often an overlooked topic in compact cameras, yet it can make or break the user experience. Both the Nikon S810c and Panasonic ZS60 flaunt compactness - a must for a superzoom lifestyle - but their physical characteristics create different handling narratives.

The Nikon S810c sports a slightly slimmer, lower-profile body measuring 113 x 64 x 28 mm and weighing just 216 grams. Its minimalist form leans heavily into casual shooting with an emphasis on straightforward usage. The fixed 3.7-inch touchscreen dominates the back, supporting intuitive touch controls, but the absence of any viewfinder nudges you to rely fully on the screen. That big display is refreshing for framing but less usable in direct sunlight.

The Panasonic ZS60 is chunkier at 112 x 64 x 38 mm and 282 grams. This weight gain is justified partly by the inclusion of a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF), a feature increasingly rare in compacts but immensely valuable for street or bright conditions. The smaller 3-inch touchscreen panel balances the EVF but feels less engaging for touch-based shooters. Controls over the top deck and body are a touch more complex here, reflecting a camera meant for users who want manual exposure and quick access to more settings.

Examining the top view confirms ZS60’s advantage for tactile inputs - dedicated dials and buttons cater to photographers desiring manual aperture or shutter priority modes, while Nikon’s controls are more stripped down. The Nikon’s design clings to simplicity, great for beginners or casual users. For photographers who routinely tweak settings on the fly, the Panasonic offers superior ergonomics.

Verdict on Handling

If you prioritize lightweight ease and a large touchscreen, Nikon S810c fits well. For those wanting a more versatile grip, EVF option, and manual control access, Panasonic ZS60 is a clear winner in this category.

The Sensor Inside Speaking Volumes: Image Quality and Sensor Technology

Let’s peek under the hood where image quality is ultimately made. Both cameras use 1/2.3-inch sensors typical for compacts, but there are crucial differences in resolution, sensitivity, and processing.

The Nikon S810c features a 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, with native ISO from 125 to 3200, and a clear emphasis on easy shooting with limited exposure controls. Importantly, it lacks RAW support, which restricts post-processing latitude. Exposure compensation and aperture or shutter priority modes are absent, leaving users with mostly automatic exposure.

Panasonic ZS60 boasts an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor of identical size but combines it with the proven Venus Engine processor. It supports expanded ISO from 80 up to 6400 (boosted), and crucially, it shoots RAW files, enabling far greater creative flexibility. Its sensor performance, quantified by DxOMark scores (total score: 37 for ZS60), indicates improvements in color depth (19.3 bits) and dynamic range (10.6 EV) over typical compacts. Nikon has not been officially tested by DxOMark, but experience shows similar sensors in this class trade dynamic range and noise performance closely.

Practically, on both cameras, image noise creeps in around ISO 1600 and becomes more pronounced at 3200. The Panasonic's added ISO 6400 mode is usable but grainy. The ZS60's RAW files reveal noticeable sensor headroom; underexposure, color correction, and highlight recovery are all more forgiving here than Nikon’s JPEG-only output.

Real-World Image Quality Differences

In portrait sessions, the Panasonic’s finer sensor and RAW files allow more natural skin tone rendition and extraction of subtle shadows, helping preserve complexion nuances. Nikon images occasionally push JPEG sharpening and color saturation, which can feel oversaturated or artificial in mixed lighting.

On landscapes, the wider dynamic range captured by the Panasonic sensor pulls more detail from shadows and skies - making sunrise or dusk scenes richer. Nikon can struggle to hold highlight detail when shooting directly into light or capturing scenes with a broader dynamic range.

Noise levels at high ISOs for both cameras are comparable but Panasonic's RAW advantage enhances post-shoot noise reduction flexibility, critical for low light or night photography.

Conclusion on Sensors

Though sensor sizes and resolutions align, the Panasonic ZS60 delivers more technically potent and flexible image quality thanks to expanded ISO, RAW support, and better processing. The Nikon S810c suffices for casual shooters who don’t crave post-shoot manipulation.

Autofocus and Zoom: Precision and Reach in the Field

Autofocus systems in compact cameras can vary from sluggish to surprisingly capable. Both cameras sport contrast-detection AF systems but with different sensor focus point counts and responsiveness.

The Nikon S810c features 9 focus points with face detection and tracking features. Panasonic ZS60 ramps this up to 49 focus points, substantially increasing accuracy and subject acquisition reliability.

During wildlife and sports shooting, I tested continuous autofocus tracking and burst shooting for rapid sequences. Panasonic’s ZS60 autofocus felt nimbler and more confident at locking onto moving subjects, though neither camera matches dedicated DSLR or mirrorless systems here.

Regarding burst rates, Nikon manages 8 fps, respectable but limited by buffer and JPG-only format. Panasonic hits 10 fps, again constrained by buffer but supported by RAW output, preserving quality in action bursts.

The Nikon’s zoom range maxes out at 25-300mm equivalent, illustrating a moderate 12x optical zoom with apertures f/3.3-6.3. Panasonic’s zoom is truly ambitious, a 30x range covering 24-720mm at f/3.3-6.4, opening substantial telephoto opportunities for wildlife or detailed sports shoots without bulky lenses.

Despite similar sensor crop factors (~5.8x), Panasonic’s extra reach distinguishes it in wildlife and travel environments where framing distant subjects is paramount.

Image Stabilization

Both cameras offer optical image stabilization systems essential to offset handshake at long focal lengths. Testing images at telephoto ranges handheld confirm that Panasonic’s stabilization marginally outperforms Nikon’s - smoother, steadier results at slow shutter speeds.

Verdict on AF and Zoom

Panasonic ZS60’s autofocus system and extended zoom range clearly outperform Nikon S810c for subjects demanding tracking, precision, or reach. Nikon remains decent for everyday shooting and moderate zoom needs.

Viewing and Interface: Touchscreens vs EVF and User Experience

The rear display and interfaces form the direct connection between user and camera. Nikon’s 3.7-inch touchscreen is generously sized for a compact - helpful for composing and intuitive operation. It however has moderate resolution at 1229k dots.

Panasonic provides a smaller 3" touchscreen with 1040k dot resolution, but it compensates by adding a built-in EVF with 1166k dot resolution and 100% coverage, which elevates the shooting experience in bright daylight or for precise compositions.

Touchscreen responsiveness on both models is adequate. Panasonic’s interface caters to photographers who want fundamental manual controls and customization, with clear exposure compensations, programmable buttons, and accessible menu tiers. Nikon’s UI leans more towards a beginner-friendly layout with fewer options exposed.

Video Capabilities: 4K Resolution and Beyond

Four years can make a vast difference in video tech. Nikon S810c limits video recording to full HD 1080p at 30 fps, lacking any higher resolution modes or high frame rate options. Panasonic ZS60 supports 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 at 30 fps), plus 1080p at 60 fps and 720p modes, making it far more versatile for video shooters.

Panasonic’s 4K photo mode - a feature that lets you extract 8MP still images from video - is very useful in dynamic photography situations, such as sports or wildlife, where timing a perfect shot is challenging.

Neither camera includes external microphone jacks, a limitation for serious videographers. Panasonic’s video codecs (MPEG-4, AVCHD) deliver generally good compression and color rendition.

While Nikon’s video is serviceable for casual clips, Panasonic’s advanced specs and 4K support tune it for more serious filmmaking.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Considerations for Travel

For a camera to be truly versatile, battery endurance and connectivity are essential factors.

The Nikon S810c offers about 270 shots per charge whereas the Panasonic ZS60 can extend around 320 shots - enough to support longer outings or travel without immediate recharging.

Both rely on proprietary battery packs (EN-EL23 for Nikon; unspecified for Panasonic), and both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Panasonic has a slight edge with broader card compatibility, though neither camera supports dual slots.

Wireless connectivity is limited on both to Wi-Fi only, with no Bluetooth or NFC. Nikon uniquely offers built-in GPS, a boon for geotagging adventures directly without an external device.

Toughness and Build Quality: Do These Compacts Hold Up?

Neither camera features environmental sealing, waterproofing, or ruggedized designs. They are best suited for controlled conditions or use with weather protection accessories. For casual urban, travel, and family photography, their build quality is sufficient but sensitive to harsh environments.

Putting It All Together: Comparative Performance Overview

Now that we’ve walked through the major specs, here’s a graphical summary synthesizing overall and genre-specific performance derived from my hands-on tests.

• Portraits: Panasonic’s wider dynamic range and RAW support grant it a clear edge for flattering skin tones and selective focus control.
• Landscapes: Better sensor metrics and zoom versatility in Panasonic make it the top choice.
• Wildlife & Sports: Panasonic dominates with faster AF, higher burst rates, and longer telephoto reach.
• Street Photography: Nikon’s lightweight design slightly favors street shooters aiming for inconspicuousness, though Panasonic’s EVF adds compositional flexibility.
• Macro: Both cameras have fairly close macro focusing distances, with Panasonic allowing very precise focus through manual override.
• Night/Astro: Panasonic’s higher ISO range and ability to shoot in RAW give it more potential, though neither camera delivers dedicated astro modes.
• Video: Panasonic is the clear winner, offering 4K and advanced frame rates.
• Travel: Panasonic’s greater versatility and image quality balance well with its moderate size and weight.
• Professional Use: Neither targets heavy-duty professional workflows, but Panasonic’s RAW format and manual controls make it more adaptable.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Pick Which?

1. Choose Nikon Coolpix S810c if:

   • You prioritize a smaller, lighter camera with a simple, touchscreen-first interface.
   • You mainly shoot casual, everyday photos without intention to extensively post-process.
   • You want built-in GPS for geotagging your travel photos on the fly.
   • Your zoom needs max out around 12x optical and you don’t require professional-grade video.

2. Choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 if:

   • You seek higher image and video quality with RAW support.
   • Extended zoom range (30x) is a must for your wildlife, sports, or travel photography.
   • You want manual exposure modes and an electronic viewfinder.
   • You’re interested in 4K video and advanced video features.
   • You value post-processing flexibility and better dynamic range.

Summing Up: A Tale of Two Compact Superzooms

Having tested both extensively across a broad set of photographic scenarios, the Nikon S810c plays the role of an easy, casual point-and-shoot with a well-designed touchscreen and sufficient zoom flexibility for most general uses. It’s well suited for those with modest expectations, straightforward shooting habits, and a preference for user-friendly simplicity.

The Panasonic ZS60, meanwhile, emerges as a highly capable all rounder within the compact superzoom ecosystem. Its sensor capabilities, broader zoom range, manual controls, viewfinder inclusion, and video prowess appeal to enthusiasts who want the convenience of a pocketable camera without sacrificing much technical control or image quality.

Neither camera is perfect. Both have limitations regarding durability and professional workflow integration, but given their relative prices and intended market, each holds its own value proposition.

Whichever you pick, understanding these nuanced differences ensures your next camera truly aligns with your photographic ambitions.

Nikon S810c front Nikon S810c screen back Panasonic ZS60 front Panasonic ZS60 screen back

Enjoyed the photo shoot? Me too.

This comparative review is rooted in direct experience and thorough evaluations, with attention to the technical and practical considerations that matter most to you, the photographer. For further discussions or specific genre queries, feel free to reach out. After all, our shared passion is framing the world better, one frame at a time.