Nikon Coolpix S9700 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5: A Comprehensive Hands-On Comparison for Serious Buyers

When it comes to compact cameras in the budget-friendly realm, especially those featuring small sensors with built-in zoom lenses, there’s no shortage of choices from Nikon, Panasonic, and others. Today, I’m digging deep into two such contenders: the Nikon Coolpix S9700 (announced 2014) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 (announced 2011). These cameras target casual enthusiasts, travelers on a budget, or anyone wanting an upgrade from smartphone snaps without breaking the bank.

Having tested both extensively - pushing them through a range of photography scenarios - you’ll get a hands-on expert view here reflecting real-world use, not just specs on paper. I’ll break down the critical differences and where each model shines or stumbles, covering everything from image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and beyond.

Let’s dive in.

Size, Handling, and Control: First Impressions Count

In compact cameras, size and ergonomics can make or break usability. I always weigh how a camera feels in the hand, button layout, and how intuitively you can adjust settings - especially for street and travel photography where quick reactions matter.

The Nikon S9700 has a slightly chunkier build at 110 x 64 x 35 mm and weighs 232 grams. Its sizeable grip area makes holding steady easier during zoomed shots, an advantage for telephoto users - a must for wildlife or sports on the fly. The Panasonic FH5 is more pocket-friendly with measurements of 94 x 54 x 19 mm and weighs just 121 grams, making it ideal if discreteness and ultra-portability top your list.

Switching between them felt like handling a sturdy point-and-shoot versus a delicate minimalist. The FH5’s slimmer profile makes it less obtrusive for street photography or casual vacation snaps. But for extended handheld zoom work, the S9700’s thickness and grippier body translate to better stability and less fatigue.

Top Deck and Interface: Controls That Work Under Pressure

I measure a camera’s top plate and control design by how efficiently I can change settings without diving into menus - a boon for fast-paced shooting.

The Nikon S9700 features dedicated dials for exposure compensation, manual exposure modes (aperture, shutter), and a simplistic yet functional control ring around the lens barrel. It even has a built-in GPS, helpful for geo-tagging landscapes and urban spots.

The Panasonic FH5, being an older and more budget-constrained model, has minimal buttons and only auto or program exposure modes - manual modes are notably absent. Its 4x zoom lens has modest reach, so I didn’t miss a zoom ring. However, fast access to settings is limited to basic controls.

If you appreciate clubs-for-thumbs buttons and some manual control flex, the S9700 clearly appeals. The FH5 is more for point-and-shoot simplicity - no fuss, but less control at your fingertips.

Sensor and Image Quality Reality Check: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor tech defines your images’ fidelity, dynamic range, and noise handling - key for serious photographers.

Both cameras employ a standard 1/2.3-inch sensor size, the traditional small sensor used in compacts. The Nikon S9700 uses a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the Panasonic FH5 relies on an older CCD sensor.

Why does that matter? BSI-CMOS sensors tend to offer better light-gathering efficiency, cleaner high-ISO performance, and improved dynamic range over CCDs, which start to show their age with noise and lower flexibility in post-processing.

Though both cameras feature 16-megapixel resolution, the S9700's sensor slightly edges out in image quality - images appear sharper, colors more natural, and noise better controlled at ISO 800-1600. The Panasonic FH5’s images have a classic CCD “look” - some find it pleasant but it becomes visibly soft and grainy in lower light.

In landscape scenarios offering lots of detail (trees, rocky textures), the Nikon captures crisp details up to ISO 400, while the FH5’s images soften sooner. The fixed-lens and small sensor combo limits ultimate resolution for large prints, but for web and casual display, both are usable, with Nikon just nudging ahead.

LCD Screens and Live View: Your Window to Composition

On-camera display is your real-time interface with the scene, especially since neither camera has an electronic viewfinder.

The Nikon S9700’s 3-inch TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating and a respectable 921k-dot resolution offers a brighter, clearer image compared to the Panasonic FH5’s smaller 2.7-inch, 230k-dot screen without enhancements.

During shooting under sunlight or harsh daylight, the Nikon’s screen visibility stays better, allowing you to confirm focus and framing without squinting. Touchscreen is unfortunately absent on both models, but the S9700’s more responsive menu coupled with tactile controls makes for smoother operation.

For video and live view autofocus confidence, the larger screen on Nikon is a definite aid, especially when shooting at telephoto or macro distances.

Autofocus, Burst, and Zoom: Keeping the Moment in Focus

Real-world performance in autofocus and continuous shooting often sets cameras apart.

• Nikon S9700: 99 contrast-detection points, face detection, center and selective AF modes, single AF but with tracking capability, burst up to 7 fps.
• Panasonic FH5: 11 AF points, face detection, multi-area AF, continuous AF unavailable, burst up to 4 fps.

The Nikon locks focus more quickly and reliably, a significant perk for wildlife and sports photography where split seconds count. The 30x zoom (25-750 mm equivalent) is impressive; yes, image quality drops at extreme telephoto, but the S9700 still delivers usable detail without hunting for focus.

The Panasonic’s 4x zoom (28-112 mm equivalent) limits flexibility, and its AF tends to “hunt” under dimmer light or at macro distances (minimum focus at 5 cm, while Nikon goes closer at 1 cm). Burst rate is notably slower, limiting action photography potential.

For a high-action shooter or wildlife fanatic, Nikon’s combo of faster focus and long reach wins by miles. Casual snapshotters who mostly shoot landscapes or street scenes might tolerate FH5’s slower AF, but don’t expect razor-sharp focusing on moving subjects.

Making Magic Across Photography Genres: Strengths and Weaknesses

Let’s put these cameras through the paces across popular photography disciplines. I drew on extensive testing with standardized scenes and shooting in natural conditions.

Portrait Photography

Nikon S9700: Its 30x zoom can isolate subjects better (bokeh is soft but not creamy due to small sensor constraints). Skin tones generally appear natural, helped by custom white balance and exposure compensation controls. Face detection and selective AF enhance eye-focused sharpness. Fixed lens aperture ranges from f/3.7 to f/6.4, which limits low-light portrait bokeh artistry but beats the Panasonic.

Panasonic FH5: Aperture f/3.1 wide but short zoom. Macro limit is 5cm, so close-ups aren’t as dramatic. Skin tones sometimes feel flat, affected by CCD sensor tonal rendering. Face detection AF is present but less reliable, especially under indoor lighting.

Winner: Nikon S9700 offers more creative control and better autofocus for portraits.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters desire resolution, dynamic range, and durability.

Nikon’s BSI-CMOS sensor with a slight edge in dynamic range over Panasonic’s older CCD means better rendition of shadows and highlights in dramatic scenes. Although neither camera has weather sealing, Nikon’s sturdier build and GPS data logging push it ahead. Both max out at 4608 x 3456 pixels - enough for good sized prints.

Winner: Nikon S9700 for better image quality and weather resilience.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

High zoom, fast autofocus, and burst frame rates are key here.

Only the Nikon S9700 meets this trio, with 30x telephoto zoom, 7fps burst, and face plus selective AF tracking modes. These features enable capturing quick wildlife movements and sports actions satisfactorily, even if not at pro sports camera standards.

The Panasonic FH5 lacks continuous AF and rated burst speed, making it a no-go for these disciplines.

Winner: Nikon S9700 decisively.

Street Photography

Portability and discreteness count for street shooters.

The Panasonic FH5’s petite size, light weight, and unobtrusive lens make it a subtle companion in urban settings, better than the chunkier Nikon. The FH5’s autofocus is adequate for static or slow-moving street scenes, but its slower response can miss fleeting moments.

In low light, the Nikon’s sensor outperforms with less noise, favoring night-time street photography. Neither has an electronic viewfinder, so both rely on LCD composition, with Nikon’s brighter screen again an advantage.

Winner: Panasonic FH5 for sheer portability; Nikon for image quality and versatility.

Macro Photography

Close focusing distance and stabilization matter here.

The Nikon S9700 can focus as close as 1 cm, impressively close for a superzoom compact. Combined with optical image stabilization, it yields sharp flower or insect shots handheld.

The Panasonic’s minimum focus distance is 5 cm, and its lesser stabilization limits handheld macro sharpness.

Winner: Nikon S9700.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light performance hinges on sensor sensitivity, ISO control, and exposures.

Nikon tops with a native ISO range from 125-6400 and superior noise control owing to its CMOS sensor. It allows shutter speeds up to 1/8 second, helpful for handheld low-light shots.

The Panasonic FH5 max shutter speed is 1/60 sec, limiting long exposure capability critical for astro.

Winner: Nikon S9700 for better night potential, but neither is a true astro specialist.

Video Capabilities

Nikon offers Full HD 1080p video at 30/25 fps plus 720p options, recorded in H.264 format. Panasonic tops out at 720p at 30 fps in Motion JPEG - a more bloated format with less editing flexibility.

Neither features microphone inputs or 4K video, limiting their usefulness to casual video bloggers. Nikon’s optical stabilization improves handheld video stability.

Winner: Nikon S9700 for sharper, better compressed video.

Travel Photography

This demands a balance - weight, lens versatility, battery life, and ruggedness.

Nikon's longer zoom reach and GPS appeal to travelers wanting fewer lens switches and location data. Battery life is slightly better at 300 shots vs Panasonic’s 260.

The Panasonic shines for travelers prioritizing trek-light packing and discreet gear.

Winner: Depends on traveler type; Nikon for versatility, Panasonic for pocketability.

Professional Use and Workflow Compatibility

Neither camera supports RAW files, limiting post-processing potential for professional work. The Nikon’s more advanced manual exposure modes add flexibility but cannot substitute for interchangeable lens systems or higher-end bodies.

Connectivity-wise, Nikon includes built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, useful in modern workflows. Panasonic lacks wireless features.

Winner: Nikon S9700 more workflow friendly for pros on a tight budget but remains an entry-level tool.

Build Quality, Battery, and Connectivity: The Underappreciated Touchstones

Both cameras lack environmental sealing, so neither is suitable for rugged or rain-prone environments - standard for this class.

Nikon uses the EN-EL12 battery delivering roughly 300 shots per charge. Panasonic's battery life is rated at 260 shots - slightly less but within a typical day’s casual use.

The Nikon supports Bluetooth/Wi-Fi for quick sharing and remote shooting apps, while Panasonic offers no wireless connectivity, making instant sharing cumbersome.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both are fixed lens cameras, meaning you’re confined to their built-in optics.

Nikon’s 30x zoom range (25-750mm equivalent) dwarfs Panasonic’s 4x (28-112mm). The wider reach transforms shooting possibilities - from sweeping landscapes and distant wildlife to macro detail.

If you prioritize lens flexibility, you’d need to move on to interchangeable lens cameras, but for a “one-lens-does-it-all” compact, Nikon wins handily.

Price-to-Performance: Stretching Your Dollar

At release pricing (then adjusted for current availability), Nikon S9700 was roughly $350, while Panasonic FH5 was about $170 - a significant gap.

For this differential, Nikon’s better sensor tech, zoom versatility, controls, and features justify the premium. However, if your budget is tight and you prioritize portability and simple snapshots, the Panasonic FH5 delivers respectable image quality and user-friendliness.

Sample Images Speak Louder Than Specs

You can’t fully evaluate a camera without inspecting sample images. I've shot side-by-side at various focal lengths, light conditions, and subjects to compare.

Notice the Nikon’s sharper detail retention, richer colors, and lower noise especially in dim light. Panasonic images are serviceable but appear softer and noisier at equivalent ISO.

Scoring Their Overall Capabilities: Data-Driven Benchmarks

I've compiled an overall performance rating table synthesizing key metrics: image quality, autofocus, usability, and value.

The Nikon S9700 ranks higher almost across the board, especially in image quality and zoom. Panasonic FH5 scores low on burst, autofocus, and video.

How They Stack Up Across Popular Photography Genres

To summarize genre-specific strengths:

Nikon dominates wildlife, sports, macro, night, and video. Panasonic is best for street, casual travel, and super-budget photography.

The Final Word: Who Should Buy Which?

If you want my candid take: The Nikon Coolpix S9700 is the better all-around compact superzoom. It offers a superior sensor, longer zoom, more manual controls, and Wi-Fi connectivity. This makes it worth the extra cash for enthusiasts who want versatility - whether shooting portraits, wildlife, or landscapes - and who occasionally shoot video.

On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix FH5 is a decent companion for cheapskates and minimalist shooters who want a no-frills camera that fits in a jacket pocket and is dead simple to operate. It’s great for snapshots, casual street shooting, and travel scenarios where size matters above all else.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Nikon Coolpix S9700 Pros:

• 30x optical zoom (25-750 mm equivalent)
• BSI-CMOS sensor with better low-light performance
• 3-inch high-res LCD with anti-glare
• 7 fps continuous shooting and selective AF
• Manual exposure modes and exposure compensation
• Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Closer macro focusing (1 cm)
• Full HD video recording (1080p)

Nikon Coolpix S9700 Cons:

• Larger and heavier for a compact
• No electronic viewfinder
• No raw file support
• Lens max aperture is relatively slow at telephoto end

Panasonic Lumix FH5 Pros:

• Very compact and lightweight
• Simple point-and-shoot operation
• Decent image quality in good light
• 16 MP CCD sensor with pleasant color rendering for some tastes
• Reasonably priced second-hand or discounted

Panasonic Lumix FH5 Cons:

• Limited 4x zoom range (28-112 mm equivalent)
• CCD sensor struggles at high ISO
• No manual exposure modes or exposure compensation
• Lower resolution screen with poor brightness
• No wireless connectivity or GPS
• 720p video max, Motion JPEG format
• Slower autofocus and burst rate

My Advice for Different Users

• Serious beginners and enthusiasts on a budget: Pick the Nikon S9700 for maximum flexibility and image quality in a compact format.
• Travelers needing a pocket-friendly camera: The Panasonic FH5 offers the bare essentials with decent image results.
• Casual family photographers on a tight budget: Either camera suits, but the Panasonic is lighter on the purse and easier to carry.
• Wildlife and sports shooters on a shoe-string: Nikon’s zoom and burst speed shine here.
• Video content creators won’t find either ideal, but Nikon delivers better 1080p HD with stabilization.

Conclusion

While both the Nikon Coolpix S9700 and Panasonic Lumix FH5 belong to the small-sensor compact family, their performance and capabilities diverge notably. My extensive hands-on testing shows that the Nikon S9700 is the more rewarding camera for those seeking versatility, better image quality, and faster autofocus - albeit in a slightly larger package and at a higher price.

The Panasonic FH5 has a niche as a no-frills, easy-to-carry compact, suitable for cheapskates or those prioritizing lightness over top-end performance.

I hope this side-by-side, experience-driven comparison helps you decide which fits your style and budget. Remember: no camera is perfect, but picking the right tool for your shooting style makes all the difference.

Happy shooting!