Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic ZS80

Following is a extended assessment of the Nikon S9700 and Panasonic ZS80, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the S9700 (16MP) and the ZS80 (20MP) is pretty similar and they feature the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The S9700 was released 5 years earlier than the ZS80 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the S9700 matches up against the ZS80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S9700 & Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon S9700 Gallery & Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Nikon S9700 has outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") having a weight of 232 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS80 has sizing of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") having a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

See the Nikon S9700 and Panasonic ZS80 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the S9700 vs the ZS80.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S9700 and ZS80 is 90 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizes just by reviewing specs. The image below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the S9700 and ZS80.

All in all, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Panasonic ZS80 to offer more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged S9700 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.