Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic FX78
91 Imaging
35 Features
41 Overall
37


95 Imaging
35 Features
31 Overall
33
Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic FX78 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 160 - 3200
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-450mm (F3.5-5.9) lens
- 214g - 105 x 62 x 35mm
- Revealed July 2011
- Replacement is Nikon S9300
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-120mm (F2.5-5.9) lens
- 142g - 100 x 55 x 21mm
- Revealed January 2011
- Additionally Known as Lumix DMC-FX77

Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic FX78 Overview
Here is a thorough assessment of the Nikon S9100 and Panasonic FX78, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the S9100 (12MP) and the FX78 (12MP) is relatively comparable and they possess the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The S9100 was released 6 months later than the FX78 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the S9100 scores versus the FX78 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic FX78 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S9100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon S9100 Gallery and Panasonic FX78 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S9100 over the Panasonic FX78
S9100 | FX78 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very precise focusing | ||
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer screen (+691k dot) |
Reasons to pick Panasonic FX78 over the Nikon S9100
FX78 | S9100 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen sizing | 3.5" | ![]() | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.5") |
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Common features in the Nikon S9100 and Panasonic FX78
S9100 | FX78 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | July 2011 | ![]() | January 2011 | Same generation |
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen |
Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic FX78 Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Nikon S9100 offers exterior measurements of 105mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Panasonic FX78 has specifications of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).
Contrast the Nikon S9100 and Panasonic FX78 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the S9100 against the FX78.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the S9100 and FX78 is 91 and 95 respectively.

Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic FX78 Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is very difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizing simply by checking out technical specs. The graphic underneath should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the S9100 and FX78.
As you can tell, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the same exact resolution so you should expect comparable quality of pictures though you will want to take the production date of the cameras into account.

Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic FX78 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic FX78 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S9100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix S9100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 |
Also Known as | - | Lumix DMC-FX77 |
Type | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Compact |
Revealed | 2011-07-19 | 2011-01-25 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Expeed C2 | Venus Engine FHD |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 12MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 160 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 9 | 11 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 25-450mm (18.0x) | 24-120mm (5.0x) |
Max aperture | f/3.5-5.9 | f/2.5-5.9 |
Macro focusing distance | 4cm | 5cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inch | 3.5 inch |
Display resolution | 921k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Display tech | TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating | TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 4 seconds | 60 seconds |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/1400 seconds |
Continuous shutter speed | 10.0fps | 4.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 4.00 m | 5.60 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Microphone 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 | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 214 gr (0.47 lbs) | 142 gr (0.31 lbs) |
Dimensions | 105 x 62 x 35mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.4") | 100 x 55 x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 270 shots | 200 shots |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL12 | - |
Self timer | Yes (10 or 2 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Price at release | $329 | $210 |