Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic LX5

Let's take a more detailed look at the Nikon S9700 versus Panasonic LX5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the S9700 (16MP) and LX5 (10MP) and the S9700 (1/2.3") and LX5 (1/1.63") boast different sensor measurements.

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The S9700 was revealed 2 years after the LX5 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the S9700 scores against the LX5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S9700 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The full galleries are available at Nikon S9700 Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Nikon S9700 provides outside dimensions 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 LX5 has proportions of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon S9700 versus Panasonic LX5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the S9700 against the LX5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the S9700 and LX5 is 90 and 88 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading through specs. The picture below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the S9700 and LX5.

All in all, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The S9700 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Nikon S9700 will give you extra detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more recent S9700 provides an edge in sensor innovation.