Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3
90 Imaging
40 Features
48 Overall
43
96 Imaging
39 Features
29 Overall
35
Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3 Key Specs
(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
(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
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images 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").
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or banThe 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 Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S9700 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon S9700 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S9700 over the Panasonic SZ3
| S9700 | SZ3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduced | February 2014 | January 2013 | Fresher by 14 months | |
| Screen sizing | 3" | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") | |
| Screen resolution | 921k | 230k | Sharper 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 type | Fixed | 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.
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.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S9700 and SZ3 is 90 and 96 respectively.
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 Screen and ViewFinder
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideStreet Comparison
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music videoSports Comparison
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsTravel Comparison
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesLandscape Comparison
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneVlogging Comparison
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms
Nikon S9700 vs Panasonic SZ3 Specifications
| Nikon Coolpix S9700 | Panasonic 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 |