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Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3

Portability
90
Imaging
40
Features
48
Overall
43
Nikon Coolpix S9700 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 front
Portability
96
Imaging
39
Features
29
Overall
35

Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3 Key Specs

Nikon S9700
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 125 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-750mm (F3.7-6.4) lens
  • 232g - 110 x 64 x 35mm
  • Released February 2014
  • Replaced the Nikon S9500
  • New Model is Nikon S9900
Panasonic SZ3
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-250mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
  • 126g - 95 x 56 x 22mm
  • Introduced January 2013
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Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3 Overview

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Nikon S9700 versus Panasonic SZ3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the S9700 (16MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is relatively similar and they use the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The S9700 was launched 14 months later than the SZ3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the S9700 matches up versus the SZ3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Photography Glossary

        

Reasons to pick Nikon S9700 over the Panasonic SZ3

 S9700 SZ3 
IntroducedFebruary 2014January 2013Fresher by 14 months
Screen sizing3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")
Screen resolution921k230kSharper screen (+691k dot)

Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ3 over the Nikon S9700

 SZ3 S9700 

Common features in the Nikon S9700 and Panasonic SZ3

 S9700 SZ3 
Manual focus No manual focusing
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen Neither features selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Neither features Touch friendly screen

Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3 Physical Comparison

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon S9700 enjoys outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 232 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ3 has measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check out the Nikon S9700 versus Panasonic SZ3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the S9700 versus the SZ3.

Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3 size comparison

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S9700 and SZ3 is 90 and 96 respectively.

Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3 top view buttons comparison

Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3 Sensor Comparison

Sometimes, it is very tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by going over a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the S9700 and SZ3.

As you can see, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the same resolution and you should expect similar quality of images though you will need to factor the release date of the products into consideration. The younger S9700 is going to have an edge in sensor technology.

Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3 sensor size comparison

Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon S9700 Portrait photography details
Panasonic SZ3 Portrait photography details
37
decent megapixels (16 megapixels)
supports face detection focus
manual focus not available
can't use external flash
sensor is small (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
30
megapixel count decent (16MP)
lack of manual focus
no manual exposure
no external flash support
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
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Street Comparison

Nikon S9700 Street photography features
Panasonic SZ3 Street photography features
61
built in image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition (232g)
screen does not articulate
sensor is small (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
63
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than average (126g)
screen is fixed
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
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Sports Comparison

Nikon S9700 Sports photography info
Panasonic SZ3 Sports photography info
53
amazing zoom range (25-750mm 30.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
decent megapixels (16MP)
supports tracking autofocus
sensor is small (1/2.3")
has no phase detect auto focus
40
image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count decent (16MP)
has tracking autofocus
max fps low (1.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect auto focus
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Travel Comparison

Nikon S9700 as a Travel photography camera
Panasonic SZ3 as a Travel photography camera
69
lighter than competition (232g)
decent megapixels (16 megapixels)
built-in flash
reasonably wide (25mm)
very long reach (750mm)
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
screen is not selfie friendly
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.7)
71
lighter than average (126g)
megapixel count decent (16MP)
built-in flash
rather wide (25mm)
long reach (250mm)
doesn't have Timelapse recording
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon S9700 Landscape photography highlights
Panasonic SZ3 Landscape photography highlights
45
reasonably wide (25mm)
pretty good screen size (3")
built in image stabilization (Optical)
decent megapixels (16 megapixels)
manual focus not available
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.7)
sensor is small (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
38
rather wide (25mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
lack of manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
tiny screen (2.7 inches)
no manual exposure
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
doesn't have Timelapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Nikon S9700
Vlogging with Panasonic SZ3
34
reasonably wide (25mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detection focus
high quality video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
lighter than competition (232 grams)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.7)
screen is not selfie friendly
doesn't have external mic socket
31
rather wide (25mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than average (126 grams)
slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
video res low (1280 x 720 pixels)
doesn't have external microphone socket
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Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon S9700 and Panasonic SZ3
 Nikon Coolpix S9700Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3
General Information
Manufacturer Nikon Panasonic
Model type Nikon Coolpix S9700 Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3
Type Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Compact
Released 2014-02-07 2013-01-07
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type BSI-CMOS CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 16 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Highest resolution 4608 x 3456 4608 x 3456
Highest native ISO 6400 6400
Minimum native ISO 125 100
RAW data
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
Continuous AF
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Total focus points 99 23
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 25-750mm (30.0x) 25-250mm (10.0x)
Max aperture f/3.7-6.4 f/3.1-5.9
Macro focusing distance 1cm 5cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.9
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 3" 2.7"
Screen resolution 921k dots 230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Screen tech TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Slowest shutter speed 8s 60s
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000s 1/1600s
Continuous shooting rate 7.0 frames/s 1.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes -
Set WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 6.00 m 4.10 m
Flash settings TTL auto flash with monitor preflashes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30/25p, 60/50i) 1280 x 720 (60/50/30/25/15/12.5p) 960 x 540 (30/25p) 640 x 480 (120/30/25p) 320 x 240 (240p) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution 1920x1080 1280x720
Video data format MPEG-4, H.264 Motion JPEG
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS BuiltIn None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 232 gr (0.51 pounds) 126 gr (0.28 pounds)
Dimensions 110 x 64 x 35mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") 95 x 56 x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 300 photos 250 photos
Style of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID EN-EL12 -
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots Single Single
Launch cost $350 $150