Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic S3

Lets look a bit more closely at the Nikon S9500 and Panasonic S3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the S9500 (18MP) and S3 (14MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The S9500 was revealed 2 years later than the S3 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the S9500 grades versus the S3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S9500 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon S9500 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S9500 offers outer dimensions of 110mm x 60mm x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon S9500 and Panasonic S3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at that moment. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the S9500 versus the S3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the S9500 and S3 is 92 and 96 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing only by reviewing specs. The graphic below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the S9500 and S3.

All in all, both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Nikon S9500 to deliver more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs more aggressively. The newer S9500 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.