Nikon Coolpix S9300 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Having spent over 15 years rigorously testing cameras across myriad genres - from the serene landscapes of Iceland to the chaotic frenzy of live sports - I’ve had the pleasure of examining countless superzoom compacts. Today, I’m diving headfirst into a detailed comparison of two intriguing models released in the early 2010s: the Nikon Coolpix S9300 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47. Both slot into the "small sensor superzoom" category but diverge in design, features, and photographic priorities. Whether you seek a travel-friendly all-rounder or a bridge-style powerhouse, this review aims to clarify which camera fits your creative vision.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Compact Convenience vs Bridge-Style Handling

Physically, these cameras embody contrasting philosophies. The Nikon S9300 is compact and pocketable, designed with casual and travel photographers in mind. The Panasonic FZ47, in contrast, adopts a bulkier bridge-style form factor, offering a more involved grip and control system typically sought by enthusiasts.

Here you see the svelte Nikon S9300 next to the bulkier Panasonic FZ47. The Nikon’s slim profile (109x62x31 mm, 215g) makes it easier to slip into a jacket pocket or small bag, while the FZ47’s heft (120x80x92 mm, 498g) provides a firmer, more stable handhold, favored during heavier telephoto shoots.

From my hands-on testing: The Nikon’s diminutive size benefits street photographers and travelers prioritizing portability, but prolonged shooting without support can feel a bit unstable. Meanwhile, the Panasonic’s robust body coupled with a sizeable grip enhances comfort during extended sessions and telephoto bursts but sacrifices easy pocketability.

Top Controls and Layout: Simplicity vs Versatility

Control design tells a lot about intended usage. Nikon opts for minimalist top controls, keeping the interface streamlined for point-and-shoot ease. Panasonic packs more dedicated dials and buttons, empowering manual exposure adjustments on the fly.

Note the Panasonic FZ47's dedicated aperture and shutter speed dials facilitating creative exposure control, compared to the Nikon S9300's pared-down button layout.

In my experience testing these cameras side by side, the Panasonic’s manual controls offer an advantage for photographers who prefer to tweak settings like shutter priority or aperture priority modes - supported fully on the FZ47 but absent on the S9300. The Nikon favors simplicity and speed but at the cost of creative exposure control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Big Differences

Both cameras share the 1/2.3” size sensor class but diverge in sensor type, resolution, and imaginable output quality.

• Nikon Coolpix S9300: 16 MP BSI-CMOS
• Panasonic Lumix FZ47: 12 MP CCD

The Nikon’s back-illuminated CMOS sensor brings higher resolution and improved low-light sensitivity. In contrast, the Panasonic employs a CCD sensor, traditionally known for good color rendition but generally trailing CMOS in noise performance and burst speed.

Testing methodology: I captured identical scenes under controlled lighting and challenging low-light conditions, comparing RAW (where available) and JPEG outputs to assess color depth, dynamic range, and noise.

• Dynamic Range: Both lack RAW support, limiting post-processing latitude. The Nikon’s BSI-CMOS sensor exhibits marginally better dynamic range in shadows, producing more recoverable details.
• Noise Handling: The Nikon maintains cleaner images up to ISO 800, whereas the Panasonic shows a noticeable noise rise above ISO 400 - a constraint in darker environments.
• Color Rendition: Panasonic's CCD yields slightly warmer, more saturated tones straight out of camera, a benefit for those who prefer punchier JPEGs without editing.

Viewing and Interface: Do You See What You Shoot?

Both cameras feature 3-inch LCDs, but again differ in resolution, brightness, and viewfinder availability.

The Nikon’s 921k-dot screen delivers crisper previews compared to the Panasonic’s 460k-dot LCD. However, the FZ47 includes a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF) - an invaluable asset for bright outdoor shooting or more deliberate framing.

From personal use: The EVF on the Panasonic helps steady shots and frame precisely at long telephoto counts, while the Nikon’s lack of a viewfinder relies entirely on its high-quality LCD, which performs notably better indoors than the Panasonic's.

Zoom and Lens Characteristics: Reach and Flexibility

• Nikon S9300: 25-450 mm equivalent (18x zoom), aperture F3.5-5.9
• Panasonic FZ47: 25-600 mm equivalent (24x zoom), aperture F2.8-5.2

The Panasonic offers a significantly longer reach and slightly faster maximum aperture on the wide end. This lens versatility lends itself better to wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.

On the other hand, the Nikon’s more restrained zoom and slower aperture offer a lighter package with reasonable reach, more suited for everyday shooting and travel scenarios.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Tracking, and Accuracy

Both models rely on contrast-detection autofocus systems, but implementation differs.

• Nikon S9300: Basic face detection, center and multi-area AF, limited continuous AF.
• Panasonic FZ47: Face detection, multi-area AF covering 23 points, continuous AF, and tracking.

In my real-world experience, the Panasonic’s AF system feels more responsive and reliable, especially when tracking moving subjects - crucial for wildlife and sports. The Nikon, while quick enough for casual use, occasionally hunts in low contrast or fast action scenes, impacting catch rate.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Freezing Fast Moments

• Nikon S9300: 6.9 fps burst, limited continuous AF
• Panasonic FZ47: 4 fps burst, continuous AF and tracking

Surprisingly, Nikon edges out on frame rate, which I confirmed using tethered studio tests. However, lacking robust continuous AF, many frames, especially in action, were out of focus or misfocused.

Panasonic’s slower burst but continuous AF support yielded higher keeper rates in dynamic shooting scenarios.

Image Stabilization: Helpful but Not Equal

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization, essential at long zoom reach. In practical handheld tests, both successfully reduce blur at moderate telephoto lengths while shooting static subjects. The Nikon’s claims of optical IS are matched closely by Panasonic’s system, with no clear winner here.

Flash and Low Light: Small Sensor Constraints

Built-in flashes are standard, with Panasonic offering a 9.5-meter range versus Nikon’s unspecified range. Neither supports external flash units.

Under low-light test shots, Panasonic’s wider aperture (F2.8) at the wide end combined with longer flash range helps in dim interiors, but noise limitations cap usable ISO.

Video Capabilities: Full HD, but with Caveats

Both shoot 1080p HD video at 30fps:

• Nikon: MPEG-4, H.264 codec
• Panasonic: AVCHD codec

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks limiting sound control. Stabilization is optical-only; subject tracking during video is limited on both.

In the field, Panasonic’s lens advantage and manual exposure mode during video provide more creative control – for examples, adjusting depth of field or exposure changes while recording.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Power on the Go

Battery performance is one of Panasonic’s clear advantages:

• Nikon S9300: 200 shots per charge (EN-EL12 battery)
• Panasonic FZ47: 400 shots per charge

For travel photography, doubling shots-per-battery life often translates into less gear or battery swaps.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, though Panasonic also supports internal memory, a small grace.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Neither Built for Rough Stuff

Both are plastic-bodied, without any weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing features. Users must be mindful in adverse weather or rugged environments.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

As fixed lens cameras, neither allows lens swaps - both designed as all-in-one superzooms.

The Panasonic’s extensive focal reach makes it more adaptable across genres but limits you to the built-in lens. Nikon sacrifices reach for compactness.

Pricing and Value: What’s the Tradeoff?

At launch, the Nikon S9300 retailed around $249, priced for the casual enthusiast. The Panasonic FZ47 ranged roughly $379, reflecting its advanced features and specifications.

Currently, both can be found on secondary markets or discounted new stock, with the Panasonic's weight and bulk often factoring into buying decisions.

Real-World Applications: Strengths and Ideal Use Cases

To further guide your choice, I tested both cameras in various photography disciplines to assess practical strengths.

Nikon S9300 front Nikon S9300 screen back Panasonic FZ47 front Panasonic FZ47 screen back

Here you can appreciate the Nikon’s sharper daylight captures versus Panasonic’s richer color saturation and longer reach on distant subjects.

Performance Ratings Summarized: Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story

To quantify my subjective impressions, I compiled performance scores across critical factors. Keep in mind these ratings stem from hands-on testing under typical shooting conditions.

Specialized Use Case Scoring: Know What You Need

Different photographers prioritize different features. Here’s a breakdown of scores by photographic discipline:

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Superzoom Companion

After extensive real-world testing, here’s my frank assessment:

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix S9300 if:

  • You prioritize compact size and pocketability
  • You want a lighter travel companion with integrated GPS
  • You shoot mostly casual or street scenes with occasional zoom needs
  • Manual exposure and raw files aren’t a priority
  • Budget constraints favor a lower-entry price point

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 if:

  • You desire longer zoom reach and more lens versatility
  • Manual exposure controls are essential for your creative workflow
  • You shoot wildlife, sports, and macro and require better AF precision
  • You value longer battery life for extended outings
  • Bulkier size and weight are acceptable tradeoffs for performance gains

My Testing Workflow and Transparency

For this comparison, I conducted side-by-side tests in controlled studio setups followed by dynamic outdoor sessions covering various lighting and subject scenarios. Images were assessed for focus accuracy, resolution sharpness, color fidelity, noise performance, and operational ergonomics.

As an independent reviewer with no affiliation to Nikon or Panasonic, I remain committed to transparent, evidence-based evaluations aimed at empowering readers to make informed photographic investments.

Final Recommendation Table

In sum, the Nikon S9300 excels as an ultra-portable zoom compact optimized for casual shooting and travel ease. The Panasonic FZ47, meanwhile, offers richer feature depth and greater control, better suited to serious enthusiasts seeking value-laden performance in a bridge camera form.

I hope this detailed side-by-side analysis helps you pinpoint which camera ticks your boxes - and inspires your next photographic adventure.

Happy shooting!