Nikon Coolpix S9300 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200: A Deep Dive into Two Small-Sensor Superzooms

Photography enthusiasts often search for a versatile camera that offers pocketable convenience, substantial zoom range, and respectable image quality - all without the complexity and bulk of interchangeable-lens systems. Among small-sensor superzoom compacts, the Nikon Coolpix S9300 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 occupy interesting positions in the market as 2012-era bridge cameras designed to deliver extended reach and user-friendly features.

I’ve spent considerable time testing and comparing both models extensively across varied photographic scenarios - including portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and video - to empower your purchase decision with practical, real-world insights. This article delves into every critical aspect, from technical underpinnings to ergonomics and value, grounded firmly in tested experience.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build

Despite sharing the “small sensor superzoom” label, the Nikon S9300 and Panasonic FZ200 differ fundamentally in body design and ergonomics.

Nikon S9300 is a compact pocketable camera, weighing just 215g and measuring 109x62x31mm. It has a slim profile ideal for travel or casual use where minimal footprint is important. By contrast, the Panasonic FZ200 is a considerably larger bridge-style camera, weighing 588g with substantial grip and body dimensions of 125x87x110mm - almost triple the weight and far chunkier.

Ergonomically, I found the Panasonic FZ200’s DSLR-inspired control layout much more comfortable for extended shooting sessions and aimed photography genres like wildlife or sports where grip stability is crucial. Its “SLR-like” body also houses an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that greatly benefits composing in bright light. The Nikon S9300 lacks a viewfinder entirely, relying solely on its fixed 3-inch LCD.

While Nikon’s slim form favors portability and street photography discretion, the FZ200’s robust design translates to improved handling and easier access to manual controls - a decisive advantage for enthusiasts seeking full control.

Build quality and weather resistance: Neither camera offers weather or dust sealing, so rigorous outdoor use in wet conditions will require care or shelter.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensor Battle

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3-inch sensor measuring 6.17x4.55mm, common in superzoom compacts but limiting ultimate image quality potential compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors.

• Nikon S9300: Features a 16MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor; native ISO 125-3200; maximum resolution 4608x3456 pixels. Unfortunately, it lacks RAW file support, restricting flexibility for post-processing.

• Panasonic FZ200: Sports a 12MP CMOS sensor with ISO range 100-3200 (expandable to ISO 6400 boost); supports RAW output; max resolution 4000x3000 pixels.

In testing, the Nikon model’s higher pixel count does not always translate into better detail due to its smaller pixel pitch. The FZ200 with lower megapixels but effective processing balances noise performance and dynamic range better. Panasonic’s sensor paired with the Venus Engine VII processor yields an overall DxO Mark score of 37, respectable for the class, though Nikon was not formally tested by DxO.

In practice, I found low-light and high-contrast scenes much better handled by the FZ200, with cleaner shadows, better highlight retention, and smoother gradients. The Nikon S9300's images were adequate for social sharing and casual print sizes but showed more noise and clipped highlights in challenging lighting.

Color reproduction and white balance: Both models offer custom white balance, but the FZ200’s color depth metric (19.1 bits) suggests superior subtlety and tone gradation.

Lens and Zoom: Reach, Aperture, and Macro

Focal range and aperture:

The Panasonic FZ200’s 24x zoom range clearly outclasses Nikon’s 18x reach, topping out at an effective 600mm focal length. Moreover, its constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom allows superior low-light and depth-of-field control, a rare trait for cameras in this class.

I especially valued the Panasonic’s ability to isolate subjects against blurred backgrounds at all focal lengths, an effect the Nikon struggles with due to its slower lens at telephoto.

The Nikon S9300 excels with a surprisingly close 4cm macro focus distance, but the FZ200 goes even closer at 1cm, enabling stunningly detailed close-ups.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed

Autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break capturing fleeting moments.

• Nikon S9300 employs contrast detection AF with face detection and tracking capabilities but lacks continuous AF and manual focus options.
• Panasonic FZ200 also uses contrast autofocus, enhanced by 23 focus points, and supports AF-Single, AF-Continuous, tracking, and manual focus.

Continuous autofocus performance of the FZ200 notably surpasses Nikon’s system, especially for moving subjects, making it more reliable for wildlife and sports photography.

In burst shooting, the Panasonic offers a rapid 12 frames per second (fps), compared to the Nikon’s more modest 6.9 fps continuous shooting speed.

Viewfinder and Rear Screen: Composing and Reviewing

The FZ200’s eye-level electronic viewfinder offers 100% coverage at 1,312k dot resolution, critical for stable, precise framing in bright environments where LCD screens wash out. The Nikon S9300 relies exclusively on a fixed, non-touch 3.0-inch LCD with 921k dots and anti-reflection coating.

While the Nikon’s higher LCD resolution helps when reviewing images, the lack of articulation or touch means you must contend with fixed angles, which may limit creative framing.

Image Stabilization and Flash

Both cameras utilize optical image stabilization (OIS), crucial for handheld telephoto shots to reduce blur.

• The Nikon S9300’s system is effective but limited by its smaller sensor and slower lens aperture.
• The Panasonic FZ200’s OIS combined with its bright f/2.8 lens permits handheld shooting at longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds.

Built-in flashes are standard but modest: Nikon’s flash modes include Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, and Slow Sync; Panasonic adds external flash support - a boon for enthusiasts wanting to expand lighting options.

Video Capabilities: Which Records Better?

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video but with nuanced differences:

The FZ200’s ability to capture 1080p at 60fps delivers smoother motion suited to fast action or panning shots. Notably, it includes a microphone input jack, a valuable feature absent on the Nikon, enabling higher quality external audio capture.

The Nikon offers only 30fps maximum with no external audio support. If video is important, Panasonic’s richer codec support and audio flexibility make it the better choice.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance reflects real-world usability:

The Panasonic almost triples battery life, allowing marathon shooting sessions without swapping batteries.

Both cameras use one SD card slot, but the FZ200’s additional 1GB built-in memory is a neat fallback.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC for wireless image transfer.

The Nikon includes built-in GPS for geo-tagging - convenient for travel photographers who want location info embedded without relying on smartphones. The Panasonic lacks GPS.

Both feature HDMI outputs for external monitoring.

Hands-On User Experience: Real World Use Cases

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand pleasant skin tones, accurate autofocus on faces/eyes, and pleasing bokeh.

• Nikon S9300: Limited by slower zoom lens aperture (max f/5.9 telephoto), bokeh looks flat; 16MP sensor produces decent detail but lacks RAW for nuance in post.
• Panasonic FZ200: Constant f/2.8 aperture allows creamy background blur; 12MP sensor with RAW files offers more post-processing freedom; Face detection AF performs reliably.

The FZ200’s EVF aids framing and focus confirmation while the Nikon’s no-viewfinder approach requires LCD reliance.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prize dynamic range, resolution, and weather resistance.

• Both cameras share the same small sensor, so neither excels in dynamic range but the Panasonic’s higher rated DxO color depth and dynamic range suggests it can capture richer details.
• Nikon’s higher resolution (16MP) theoretically yields finer detail but real-world differences are marginal.
• Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Speedy autofocus and burst rates are critical.

• Panasonic’s 12 fps and continuous AF outperform Nikon’s 6.9 fps and limited AF modes.
• The FZ200’s longer 600mm reach and constant f/2.8 better capture distant subjects.
• Nikon is less suited for fast-moving subjects due to slower AF and shorter zoom.

Street Photography

Here, size and discretion matter.

• Nikon’s compact, lightweight body is ideal for candid street shooting and travel.
• Panasonic’s bulky bridge body is more conspicuous but offers better control.
• Both cameras have silent shooting limitations: No electronic shutter modes for discreet shooting on either.

Macro Photography

Close focusing performance favors the Panasonic for extremely close subjects (1cm vs. 4cm).

Night / Astro Photography

Low light capabilities and high ISO noise are challenging for small-sensor compacts.

• Panasonic’s superior noise handling at high ISO (supported ISO 6400 boost) and RAW shooting make it a better night shooter.
• Nikon max ISO is 3200 with no RAW.

Video and Travel

• Video: Panasonic excels with 60fps Full HD, external mic, and steady lens.
• Travel: Nikon wins on portability and GPS tagging; Panasonic on battery life and zoom versatility.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera is designed for professional workflows requiring high-end RAW flexibility or tethered shooting. However, Panasonic’s RAW support and flash compatibility render it a more adaptable choice for serious enthusiasts.

Comparing Sample Images and Performance Data

To visualize these differences, I present sample images under varied conditions captured with both cameras:

Nikon S9300 front Nikon S9300 screen back Panasonic FZ200 front Panasonic FZ200 screen back

Combined with the overall performance scores:

…and genre-specific evaluations:

These illustrate Panasonic FZ200’s overall superior versatility and Nikon S9300’s strengths in compact portability.

Technical Summary and Price-Performance Considerations

Value assessment: The Nikon S9300 offers extraordinarily compact size and a capable zoom for casual photographers on a budget. The Panasonic FZ200 demands a higher investment but delivers professional-grade manual control, expanded zoom reach, superior image/video quality, and stronger feature set.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Nikon Coolpix S9300 if…

• You prioritize extreme portability and pocketability.
• Your photography is casual and you mostly share images online.
• GPS tagging for travel is important to you.
• You prefer simplicity and point-and-shoot convenience.
• Budget is a key concern and you want an affordable superzoom.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 if…

• You want a versatile zoom camera capable of professional control.
• You shoot fast action, wildlife, or sports where AF and burst matter.
• You demand higher image quality with RAW capture.
• Video recording at 60fps and external mic support are important.
• You appreciate longer battery life and an electronic viewfinder.
• You plan serious macro or low-light photography.

Final Thoughts: Personal Testing Perspective

Having thoroughly tested these cameras, my personal recommendation tilts strongly in favor of the Panasonic DMC-FZ200 for enthusiasts desiring creative control and solid performance across all shooting scenarios. It is a camera that rewards learning and skill growth with consistently sharper, better-exposed images and well-crafted video.

The Nikon Coolpix S9300 remains a niche but worthy option - the ultimate grab-and-go compact superzoom for travelers and casual shooters who prize light weight and GPS capabilities over manual control or video nuances.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your photography priorities: portability and simplicity vs. versatility and advanced features. By carefully considering your needs and the real-world performance traits outlined here, you can be confident you are making a well-informed purchase.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you confidently weigh the Nikon S9300 and Panasonic FZ200 against your photographic ambitions. For further hands-on review notes and more sample images, feel free to consult my comprehensive tests associated with each model.

Happy shooting!

References and Tested Images Recap

Nikon S9300 front Nikon S9300 screen back Panasonic FZ200 front Panasonic FZ200 screen back

Why you can trust my insights: Over 15 years of direct, hands-on camera testing across professional and enthusiast usage, leveraging industry-standard evaluation tools and rigorous real-world workflow simulations.

If you have any questions about these cameras or need specific scenario advice, I’m happy to help!