Nikon S9700 vs Sony HX99

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Nikon S9700 and Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by brands Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the S9700 (16MP) and the HX99 (18MP) is pretty comparable but the S9700 (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) provide totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The S9700 was released 5 years prior to the HX99 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the S9700 grades versus the HX99 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S9700 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon S9700 Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S9700 provides outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 232 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sony HX99 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Compare the Nikon S9700 and Sony HX99 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the S9700 compared to the HX99.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S9700 and HX99 is 90 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizing purely by checking out specs. The photograph below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the S9700 and HX99.

All in all, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S9700 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Sony HX99 will provide more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The older S9700 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.