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Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30

Portability
92
Imaging
42
Features
37
Overall
40
Nikon Coolpix S9500 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 front
Portability
92
Imaging
42
Features
48
Overall
44

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30 Key Specs

Nikon S9500
(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
Panasonic ZS30
(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
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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").

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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.

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Reasons to pick Nikon S9500 over the Panasonic ZS30

 S9500 ZS30 

Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS30 over the Nikon S9500

 ZS30 S9500 
Display resolution920k614kCrisper display (+306k dot)
Touch display Easily navigate

Common features in the Nikon S9500 and Panasonic ZS30

 S9500 ZS30 
ReleasedJanuary 2013January 2013Similar generation
Manually focus No manual focus
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display dimensions3"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. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

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.

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30 size comparison

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

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30 top view buttons comparison

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 sensor size comparison

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Photography Glossary

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon S9500 Portrait photography factors
Panasonic ZS30 Portrait photography factors
31
decent megapixels (18 megapixels)
no manual focus
no manual exposure
no external flash support
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
33
good megapixels (18 megapixels)
focusing manually not possible
no external flash support
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
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Street Comparison

Nikon S9500 Street photography info
Panasonic ZS30 Street photography info
62
built in image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than others in class (205g)
fixed screen
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
66
has image stabilization (Optical)
includes touch focus
lighter than others (198 grams)
no articulating screen
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
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Sports Comparison

Nikon S9500 Sports photography features
Panasonic ZS30 Sports photography features
42
long zoom range (25-550mm 22.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
decent megapixels (18MP)
no shutter priority mode
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
bad battery life (230 shots)
lack of phase detect auto focus
46
excellent zoom range (24-480mm 20.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
good megapixels (18 megapixels)
provides tracking focus
max shutter speed is low (1/1,200 seconds)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
low battery power (260 shots)
does not have phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Nikon S9500 Travel photography details
Panasonic ZS30 Travel photography details
71
lighter than others in class (205g)
decent megapixels (18 megapixels)
built-in flash
really wide (25mm)
great reach (550mm)
good max aperture (f)
missing Time Lapse recording
bad battery life (230 shots)
screen is not selfie friendly
69
lighter than others (198g)
includes touch focus
good megapixels (18 megapixels)
has built in flash
decently wide (24mm)
long zoom (480mm)
lack of Time Lapse recording
low battery power (260 shots)
doesn't offer selfie friendly display
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon S9500 as a Landscape photography camera
Panasonic ZS30 as a Landscape photography camera
46
really wide (25mm)
good max aperture (f)
screen size is good (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
decent megapixels (18 megapixels)
no manual focus
can't swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
no manual exposure
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
bad battery life (230 CIPA)
missing Time Lapse recording
44
decently wide (24mm)
screen size is good (3")
has image stabilization (Optical)
good megapixels (18 megapixels)
focusing manually not possible
cannot swap lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
low battery power (260 shots)
lack of Time Lapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S9500 Vlogging advice
Panasonic ZS30 Vlogging advice
36
really wide (25mm)
good max aperture (f)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than others in class (205 grams)
screen is not selfie friendly
missing mic jack
35
decently wide (24mm)
touchscreen capability
has image stabilization (Optical)
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
lighter than others (198 grams)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
doesn't offer selfie friendly display
lack of mic support
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Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon S9500 and Panasonic ZS30
 Nikon Coolpix S9500Panasonic 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