Nikon Coolpix S9500 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3: A Detailed Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera means balancing your specific photography goals with the camera’s capabilities and usability. Here we compare two compact travel-friendly cameras from different generations and with unique designs: the Nikon Coolpix S9500 (2013) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 (2008). Both models target enthusiasts seeking high zoom ranges and image quality in a small package, but their approaches and technical specifications differ significantly. Drawing on extensive camera testing experience, this article explores how these two stack up across technical features, real-world photography use cases, and value.

First Impressions: Compact, But Very Different

Both the Nikon S9500 and the Panasonic LX3 are compact, lightweight cameras ideal for portability and spontaneous shooting. However, their design philosophies diverge:

• Nikon S9500: A superzoom compact with a fixed 25-550mm equivalent lens delivering a massive 22x zoom range. This makes it a versatile tool for travel and wildlife photography, albeit with some trade-offs in width and bulk.
• Panasonic LX3: A premium compact focused on manual control and optical quality with a 24-60mm equivalent (2.5x zoom) fast lens (f/2.0–2.8). It targets enthusiasts who want creative control and image quality over extreme reach.

The Nikon’s ultra-zoom makes it an appealing all-in-one option, while the LX3, despite the older CCD sensor, prioritizes handling and optics.

Sensor and Image Quality: Compact Sensors, Different Technologies

Sensor Specifications

• Nikon S9500: Sports an 18MP 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor, which provides relatively high resolution for this sensor size. The back-illuminated design helps somewhat in low-light performance, but physical pixel size remains small (~1 micron), limiting dynamic range and noise control.
• Panasonic LX3: Features a larger 1/1.63" 10MP CCD sensor with larger pixels (~2 microns). CCDs are famed for color rendition and sharpness but tend to lag on noise performance and dynamic range compared to CMOS sensors.

Expert Insight:
While the Nikon’s higher megapixel count can deliver more detail at base ISO under ideal conditions, the LX3’s larger sensor area and pixel size support better tonal gradation and smoother noise characteristics, especially up to ISO 400. However, the Nikon’s CMOS sensor benefits from faster readout and power efficiency.

Image Resolution & Detail

The Nikon’s 18MP delivers a max resolution of 4896×3672 pixels versus Panasonic’s 3648×2736 pixels. Nikon’s advantage here suits cropping or printing larger images but note that pixel density can amplify sensor limitations such as noise and diffraction.

ISO and Low-Light Handling

The Nikon S9500 covers ISO 125-1600; the LX3 goes from ISO 80–6400 but with the caveat that usable high ISO settings on the LX3 are limited by older sensor tech.

Practical Tip: For shooting in dim environments like indoor or night scenes, the Nikon’s BSI-CMOS sensor combined with optical stabilization will produce cleaner images at higher ISO compared to the LX3.

Lens and Optics: Zoom Range vs Speed and Quality

The lens is often the heart of a compact camera’s capability, particularly with fixed-lens systems.

What This Means In Practice

• The Nikon’s lens is built for maximum reach and versatility, ideal for travel photographers who want to pack light but still reach distant wildlife, sports action, or architectural details.
• The LX3 offers a much brighter lens that allows faster shutter speeds and better low-light performance with better background blur control at the wide-end thanks to the f/2 aperture.

Macro and Close-up Photography:
The LX3 excels here with a super-close focusing capability (down to 1cm), letting you capture impressive macro shots without additional gear. The Nikon doesn’t specify macro focusing distance, indicating it’s less suited for very close work.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Autofocus Analysis

The Nikon S9500’s 99-point focus system sounds extensive, but it relies solely on contrast detection without face detection - this limits acquisition speed and accuracy in moving subject scenarios such as sports or wildlife. The LX3's simpler but manual-focus-capable system lets you take full control for difficult focusing situations.

In continuous burst mode, Nikon’s 7.5fps can be useful for capturing fleeting moments, outperforming LX3’s 3fps. However, buffer sizes and autofocus responsiveness also matter. The Nikon may slow down after a few frames due to buffer limitations.

Build, Body, and Handling: Control Layout for Creative Use

Both cameras are pocketable and designed with fixed lenses for convenience, but user experience differs:

• Nikon S9500 features a simple control layout aimed at point-and-shoot users. It lacks manual exposure modes and physical dials, relying on automatic scene modes and exposure control.
• Panasonic LX3 is built for enthusiasts with a physical aperture ring and dedicated mode dial offering shutter and aperture priority plus full manual control. This makes creative exposure decisions intuitive and satisfying.

The Nikon S9500’s bright OLED screen (614k dots) provides clear viewing under varied lighting, better than the slightly lower resolution LCD on the LX3 (460k dots).

Ergonomics:
Despite a slightly larger footprint, the Nikon is lighter and has a good grip for a compact. The LX3, heavier due to metal body and manual controls, feels more robust and better suited for deliberate shooting but less pocket friendly.

Battery Life and Storage

The Nikon’s estimated 230 shots per charge is modest and typical of superzoom compacts using compact lithium batteries. The LX3’s battery life varies widely by usage but is roughly in a similar range.

Video Capabilities: Basic Recording with Limitations

For casual video recording, the Nikon S9500’s 1080p Full HD output represents a step up from the LX3’s 720p, providing slightly sharper video suitable for family and travel clips. Neither camera supports external microphones, limiting sound quality for serious video projects.

Connectivity and Extras

The Nikon’s built-in Wi-Fi and GPS introduce conveniences for travel photographers wanting instant image sharing and geotagging. The LX3’s lack of wireless renders it more limited in that regard but offers external flash compatibility, enhancing creative lighting options.

Real-World Use Cases and Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• Nikon S9500 lacks face or eye detection autofocus and manual exposure control - it’s suited for casual portraits but less capable of precise skin tone reproduction or bokeh effects due to small sensor and zoom lens constraints.
• Panasonic LX3 excels with its bright f/2.0 aperture, good color rendition from the CCD sensor, and manual control over aperture for shallow depth of field, making it preferable for portrait enthusiasts aiming for creamy background blur.

Landscape Photography

• Nikon’s higher resolution sensor enables detailed landscapes but limited dynamic range hurts shadow and highlight retention. Its long zoom can isolate distant details.
• Panasonic’s larger sensor area with more dynamic range and better color depth yields richer landscape images with subtle details, although resolution is lower.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Nikon’s superzoom and fast burst rates give it a clear advantage capturing distant wildlife or quick action, though autofocus performance may lag behind modern cameras.
• Panasonic’s limited zoom and slower continuous shooting make it less ideal, but manual focus control may assist in creative wildlife shots.

Street Photography

• Panasonic LX3’s compact size, quiet shutter, and manual control make it ideal for unobtrusive, spontaneous street shots.
• Nikon’s bulkier body and slower AF may impede rapid street shooting, though zoom versatility helps in varied situations.

Macro Photography

• Panasonic’s 1cm macro support lets you explore close-up details creatively.
• Nikon does not specialize in macro; expect average close focusing.

Night and Astro Photography

• Nikon’s BSI-CMOS sensor and optical stabilization aid handheld low-light shots.
• Panasonic’s older CCD may struggle with noise beyond ISO 400.

Video

• Nikon supports 1080p Full HD for casual hobbyists.
• Panasonic offers only up to 720p, adequate for casual clips.

Travel Photography

• Nikon’s long zoom and GPS are big assets for travel.
• Panasonic’s brighter lens and manual control provide creative flexibility.

Professional Workflows

• Panasonic supports RAW capture, allowing significant image editing flexibility.
• Nikon does not offer RAW support, restricting professional workflow integration.

Performance Summary: Strengths and Weaknesses

Nikon S9500 front Nikon S9500 screen back Panasonic LX3 front Panasonic LX3 screen back

Who Should Choose Which?

Choosing between Nikon S9500 and Panasonic LX3 ultimately depends on your photography priorities:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

These two cameras, although from overlapping compact classes, serve distinctly different needs. The Nikon Coolpix S9500 stands out as an affordable, travel-ready superzoom with modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and GPS, plus solid Full HD video. It is an excellent compromise for photographers who value versatility and range over fine manual control.

In contrast, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 remains a classic enthusiast compact prized for its tactile controls, excellent lens speed, and image quality advantages granted by the larger CCD sensor and manual exposure modes. Its lack of wireless and lower zoom reach limits modern convenience but enriches creative photographic opportunities.

If you can, test both models in person or handle a similar camera to see which user experience and form factor suit you. Remember to pair either with good lenses if you move to interchangeable systems later, or consider complementary accessories like a tripod for macro or tripod-based shooting.

With these insights, you’re better equipped to pick the compact camera that will empower your photographic journey.

Frequently Asked Practical Questions

Q: Can I shoot RAW with both cameras?
Only the Panasonic LX3 supports RAW files, offering greater post-processing flexibility. Nikon S9500 shoots only JPEG.

Q: Which camera is better for low-light portraits?
The Panasonic’s fast f/2 lens and larger CCD sensor give it an edge for portraits with natural bokeh and better skin tone rendition in low light.

Q: Does either camera support video external mic or accessories?
Neither one offers external microphone input, limiting video sound quality for serious filming.

Q: How about GPS and Wi-Fi?
Nikon S9500 includes built-in GPS and Wi-Fi for easy location tagging and photo sharing. Panasonic LX3 lacks wireless features.

Photography cameras have matured tremendously, yet legacy models like the Nikon Coolpix S9500 and Panasonic Lumix LX3 remain valuable tools for specific tasks. Embrace your creative journey by understanding these cameras’ strengths and limits. Happy shooting!