Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30
92 Imaging
42 Features
37 Overall
40


92 Imaging
42 Features
48 Overall
44
Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-550mm (F) lens
- 205g - 110 x 60 x 31mm
- Released January 2013
- Old Model is Nikon S9300
- Newer Model is Nikon S9700
(Full Review)
- 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-480mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
- 198g - 105 x 59 x 28mm
- Released January 2013
- Also referred to as Lumix DMC-TZ40
- Succeeded the Panasonic ZS25
- Replacement is Panasonic ZS35

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30 Overview
On this page, we are analyzing the Nikon S9500 and Panasonic ZS30, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the S9500 (18MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras posses the same sensor size (1/2.3").

The S9500 was unveiled at a similar time to the ZS30 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the S9500 scores versus the ZS30 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S9500 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The full galleries are available at Nikon S9500 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S9500 over the Panasonic ZS30
S9500 | ZS30 |
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Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS30 over the Nikon S9500
ZS30 | S9500 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display resolution | 920k | ![]() | 614k | Crisper display (+306k dot) |
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Common features in the Nikon S9500 and Panasonic ZS30
S9500 | ZS30 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | January 2013 | ![]() | January 2013 | Similar generation |
Manually focus | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal display size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither offers selfie screen |
Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30 Physical Comparison
For those who are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S9500 offers exterior dimensions of 110mm x 60mm x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2") along with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS30 has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).
Contrast the Nikon S9500 and Panasonic ZS30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the S9500 compared to the ZS30.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S9500 and ZS30 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, its difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The image below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the S9500 and ZS30.
As you can tell, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same resolution therefore you should expect similar quality of photographs although you may want to take the production date of the products into consideration.

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S9500 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model | Nikon Coolpix S9500 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 |
Also called | - | Lumix DMC-TZ40 |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Released | 2013-01-29 | 2013-01-07 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.16 x 4.62mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 28.5mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 18 megapixel | 18 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4896 x 3672 | 4896 x 3672 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 125 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Number of focus points | 99 | 23 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 25-550mm (22.0x) | 24-480mm (20.0x) |
Maximum aperture | - | f/3.3-6.4 |
Macro focus distance | - | 3cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3" | 3" |
Display resolution | 614k dots | 920k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Display technology | OLED monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 4 secs | 15 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/1500 secs | 1/1200 secs |
Continuous shooting rate | 7.5 frames/s | 10.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | - | 6.40 m |
Flash settings | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (220 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | - | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | BuiltIn | BuiltIn |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 205 grams (0.45 pounds) | 198 grams (0.44 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 110 x 60 x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2") | 105 x 59 x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 230 shots | 260 shots |
Battery style | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL12 | - |
Self timer | - | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail cost | $230 | $250 |