Nikon Coolpix S9700 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6: A Deep Dive into Compact Superzoom Cameras

Choosing the right compact camera can feel a bit like matchmaking - you want everything from a flattering personality (image quality and handling) to a solid build (durability) and a big heart (versatility for different shooting styles). Today, I’m putting two small sensor compacts head to head: the Nikon Coolpix S9700 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6. Both hail from similar categories but bring their unique quirks, strengths, and limitations that can tilt the scale dramatically depending on your photography preferences and budget. Having wrangled with thousands of cameras over the years, I’ll guide you through a detailed comparison, grounded in hands-on experience and technical know-how, to find out which one deserves a spot in your camera bag.

Getting Acquainted: Who Are These Cameras?

Before we check their specs under the microscope, let’s appreciate what these cameras are and where they fit in the grand scheme of photography gear.

The Nikon Coolpix S9700 launched in early 2014 as a superzoom compact aimed at enthusiasts wanting versatility without lugging around DSLRs or mirrorless systems. Sporting a whopping 30x optical zoom (25–750mm equivalent), it promises to capture everything from intimate macros to distant wildlife - well, in theory. It sits pretty at 110×64×35mm and weighs 232g, a decent balance between pocketability and grip comfort.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6, on the other hand, hit the market in 2012 with a more modest 5x zoom (24–120mm equivalent). It’s more of an entry-level compact designed to be ultra-light and easygoing at 96×56×20mm and just 119g. It’s a camera for people who want decent image quality with basic features, no messing around.

Already, we can see these cameras serve distinct user profiles: Nikon’s S9700 pushes zoom extremes packed in a compact form, while Panasonic’s FH6 keeps things simple, friendly, and lighter on the wallet.

Handling and Ergonomics: The Feel of a Camera Matters

Long story short: comfort and control can make or break your shooting experience.

The Nikon S9700 offers a noticeably beefier grip, which is a blessing when shooting at long telephoto focal lengths. Its body feels solid, not heavy but reassuringly substantial. The button layout is reasonably well thought out - not perfect, but effective. Manual, shutter-priority, and aperture-priority modes give you a taste of control, a rare treat in this compact class.

In contrast, the Panasonic FH6 lives up to its featherweight promise, being slim and easy to pocket. However, its smaller size means trade-offs: the grip isn’t as pronounced, which can make steady telephoto shots a challenge, and the control buttons are minimal, reflecting the lack of manual exposure modes.

I personally found the Nikon’s physical controls more intuitive for prolonged shooting. When you’re hunting wildlife or shooting sports, fumbling through menus or struggling with tiny buttons can kill the moment.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Tiny Sensors, Big Expectations?

Both cameras cling to the common small sensor size of 1/2.3", but their sensor tech differs fundamentally.

The Nikon Coolpix S9700 uses a 16MP backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor. BSI tech, for those not knee-deep in sensor wizardry, means better light gathering since the wiring is shifted behind the sensor photodiodes. This translates to improved low-light performance and dynamic range compared to traditional sensors of the same size.

The Panasonic Lumix FH6, meanwhile, sticks to a 14MP CCD sensor - somewhat outdated but still reliable for straightforward daylight shooting. CCD sensors tend to deliver good color fidelity but lag in ISO performance and speed, especially under less-than-ideal lighting.

From experience testing similarly specced cameras over the years, the Nikon’s BSI-CMOS sensor provides noticeably cleaner images at ISO 800 and above and better dynamic range, preserving details in shadows and highlights. The Panasonic’s CCD sensor shines in bright daylight but struggles to keep noise in check in dimmer conditions.

Viewing, Composing, and Interface: How Do You See Your Shots?

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder, a common omission in compact cameras, so you’re mostly relying on their rear LCDs.

The Nikon S9700 flaunts a 3.0-inch 921k-dot TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating – clear and bright enough for composing under a variety of lighting conditions, albeit without touch support.

The Panasonic FH6 offers a smaller 2.7-inch screen with a modest 230k-dot resolution, noticeably less sharp and bright, which can become frustrating in brighter environments.

The Nikon’s interface is more feature-rich with options for manual exposure controls, exposure compensation, face detection autofocus, and custom white balance - a photographer’s playground. The Panasonic keeps it stripped down to basics. While simpler for beginners, it feels constrained when you want more creative input.

Burst Shooting, Autofocus, and Zoom Performance: Catching the Action

Here’s where differences become glaring, especially for wildlife and sports enthusiasts.

The Nikon S9700 boasts a 7fps burst shooting rate with continuous AF tracking (contrast-detection system) across 99 focus points. For a compact, that’s quite impressively snappy, useful for capturing fleeting moments or fast-moving subjects.

The Panasonic FH6’s burst maxes out at 2fps with a less sophisticated AF system, limited to a single center AF point and no tracking, thus less suited for dynamic shooting scenarios.

In zoom performance, Nikon’s massive 30x zoom (25–750mm equivalent) far outstrips Panasonic’s 5x zoom (24–120mm).

If you’re hoping for wildlife, sports shooting, or reaching distant landscapes, Nikon’s superzoom offers flexibility and reach the Panasonic can't touch.

Performance Under the Hood: Shutter Speed, ISO, and Image Stabilization

Nikon pulls ahead with a wider shutter speed range (8 - 1/2000 sec) compared to Panasonic’s 8 - 1/1600 sec, offering more versatility for both long exposures and freezing fast action. Nikon also provides optical image stabilization, essential to counter handshake especially at longer focal lengths. Panasonic follows suit with optical stabilization, but the overall performance in low light isn't as robust, influenced by its sensor tech and simpler processing engine.

Nikon’s ISO range is 125-6400 (native), giving more room to shoot in dim conditions, though image quality degrades past ISO 800 - common for small sensors. Panasonic’s ISO range goes from 100-6400 but due to CCD sensor limitations, usable ISO is effectively capped lower.

Video Capabilities: For the Casual Videographer

Neither camera aims for blockbuster video production, but both offer HD recording.

• Nikon S9700 captures Full HD 1920×1080 video at 30/25p, encoded in MPEG-4/H.264 - a solid codec for quality and file size. It also supports Full HD at 60/50i interlaced modes, and various lower resolutions. Despite lacking mic or headphone ports, the mic quality is acceptable for casual use. Optical stabilization works reasonably well during handheld video.

• Panasonic FH6 maxes out at 720p HD at 30fps using Motion JPEG (MJPEG) format. While easy to edit, MJPEG yields larger file sizes and lower compression efficiency.

Neither supports 4K or advanced video features like in-body stabilization or log profiles, but for casual family clips or travel snippets, the Nikon gives a more flexible and higher-quality option.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Sessions Made or Broken

The Nikon’s EN-EL12 battery is rated at approximately 300 shots per charge - a reasonable number for a compact if you don’t rely heavily on LCD live view or video recording.

Panasonic’s smaller battery lasts around 280 shots, close but slightly shy, and both store images on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, so no surprises there.

Though both cameras lack dual slots or high-speed storage options, the Nikon’s USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs allow faster image transfer and direct display connection - a nice touch missing on the Panasonic.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Ready for Rough Handling?

Spoiler alert: neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized. Both avoid claims of waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof specs. If you regularly shoot in challenging weather, you’ll want to consider additional protective gear or invest in weather-resistant cameras.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Fixed Lens Cameras in a Zooming World

Being fixed lens compacts, neither camera swaps lenses, but their zoom range differences shape the lens versatility:

• Nikon’s S9700 offers a 25-750mm equivalent range, enabling everything from wide-angle landscape framing to far-reaching wildlife telephoto.

• Panasonic FH6’s 24-120mm equivalent range is more conservative, suiting everyday snapshots, street photography, or portraits but limiting reach.

From personal testing, the Nikon’s lens, despite its slower aperture at long zooms (f/6.4 max), is a compelling all-in-one tool for travelers and zoom junkies. The Panasonic, brighter at the wide end (f/2.5), can capture better in low light at 24mm but tapers off quickly when zooming in.

Real-World Shooting Observations Across Genres

Time to put theory to the test - how do these cameras actually perform across popular photographic uses?

Portrait Photography

Portrait shooters craving creamy bokeh will find limitations with both cameras - small sensors mean limited depth-of-field control. Nikon’s longer lens reach can help isolate subjects from backgrounds better with some practicing. Both offer face-detection AF, with Nikon’s 99 points helping maintain sharp focus on subjects' eyes, a plus for portrait accuracy.

Nikon’s fairly competent color rendering and exposure options aid in producing flattering skin tones, whereas Panasonic’s lower screen resolution can make critical focus evaluation tougher.

Landscape Photography

Landscape enthusiasts thrive on resolution, dynamic range, and ruggedness. Here, Nikon’s higher 16MP sensor and better dynamic range have a clear edge - keeping highlight and shadow detail intact during golden hour walks.

Nikon’s wide-angle at 25mm is slightly narrower than Panasonic’s 24mm but the difference is negligible. Lack of weather sealing in both restricts serious landscape adventuring in harsh environments.

Wildlife Photography

Nikon dominates wildlife utility with 30x zoom and continuous autofocus with tracking - vital for capturing shy or fast-moving animals.

Panasonic’s 5x zoom and slower AF make it more of a backyard or casual wildlife observer’s camera.

Sports Photography

Again, Nikon’s faster burst speed, AF tracking across many points, and longer shutter speed range pave the way for better sports shots. Panasonic’s 2fps and lack of tracking autofocus struggle to keep up with action.

Street Photography

Panasonic’s smaller, lighter form factor lends itself well to discreet street photography, blending into urban environments with less bulk.

Nikon’s larger size is still pocketable but perhaps less inconspicuous.

Both cameras’ LCD-only composition and lack of viewfinder are limiting factors for street shooters preferring eye-level framing.

Macro Photography

The Nikon can focus as close as 1cm, versus Panasonic’s 5cm minimum, offering more exciting macro potential for flower or object photographers.

Both cameras feature optical stabilization aiding handheld macro shots.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras face challenges here due to sensor size. Nikon’s BSI-CMOS sensor and higher ISO capabilities deliver better low-light image quality.

Neither supports bulb mode or longer exposures ideal for astrophotography, and built-in stabilization doesn’t compensate for needed tripod support.

Video Use

Nikon’s 1080p full HD and smoother frame rates make it more useful for casual video users. The Panasonic FH6’s 720p limits quality for those intending purposeful video work.

Lacking external mic support on both means audio quality is basic at best.

Travel Photography

This is a key battlefield. Nikon’s versatility via zoom range, solid battery, and image quality make it a compelling travel companion for varied shooting - landscapes, wildlife, street scenes, and more.

Panasonic’s featherweight form is attractive for travelers prioritizing absolute pocketability and convenience over reach and features.

Pricing and Value: What Are You Paying For?

Here’s the kicker: the Nikon Coolpix S9700 typically retails around $350, while the Panasonic FH6 can be found near $130 or less.

For budget shoppers seeking a straightforward point-and-shoot primarily for everyday snapshots, the Panasonic is a fair bet - cheap, light, and simple.

If you want greater creative control, image quality, and zoom capabilities without stepping up to a mirrorless or DSLR, Nikon’s S9700 represents excellent value at its price point, assuming zoom and manual modes are important to you.

Summing It Up: Who Should Go for Nikon S9700, and Who for Panasonic FH6?

To make a choice that truly resonates with your shooting style, here’s a quick, nutshell-friendly summary:

Nikon S9700 front Nikon S9700 screen back Panasonic FH6 front Panasonic FH6 screen back

Afterword: Cameras Reflect Your Priorities, Not Just Specs

In the end, no camera is universally “better” - it depends on what your photography priorities are.

The Nikon Coolpix S9700 appeals to those craving an all rounder with serious zoom reach, creative modes, and respectable image quality at a very reasonable price.

The Panasonic Lumix FH6 is rather best for novices or travelers on a budget who want a lightweight, straightforward companion for snapshots and casual use.

I hope this detailed breakdown - grounded in real-world testing and solid technical insight - helps you find your ideal match. Whether it’s the zoom-happy Nikon or the petite Panasonic, your next compact camera is ready to capture life’s moments, just waiting for you to press the shutter.

Happy shooting!