Nikon Coolpix S9900 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100: A Comprehensive Superzoom Showdown

Choosing the right superzoom camera can be a daunting task, especially when models from reliable brands like Nikon and Panasonic target similar user segments but offer distinct features. Today, I’m diving deep into two small-sensor superzoom cameras: the Nikon Coolpix S9900 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 (often cited as FZ100). Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’ll guide you through a thorough, hands-on comparison covering build quality, image performance, autofocus, versatility across photography genres, and value for money.

Let’s explore which camera suits your photographic ambitions and style best.

Getting Acquainted: Nikon S9900 vs Panasonic FZ100

Before assessing real-world performance, understanding the core specifications and design philosophies behind both cameras sets the stage. Both belong to the compact superzoom category with small 1/2.3" CMOS sensors, offering impressive zoom ranges in pocket-friendly packages.

Physical size and ergonomics comparison highlight the S9900's sleek compactness versus the chunkier, DSLR-style FZ100.

Ergonomics and Handling: Small Compact vs Bridge Body

Ergonomics can make or break your shooting experience, especially in prolonged sessions or action-intensive scenarios.

• Nikon S9900: The S9900 is a lightweight, ultra-compact “point-and-shoot” style camera, weighing just 289g with a slim body measuring 112 x 66 x 40 mm. Its pocketability is a strong point, ideal for travel, street, or casual photography where discretion and ease of carry are paramount.

• Panasonic FZ100: The FZ100 adopts a bridge camera design, much bulkier at 540g and measuring 124 x 82 x 92 mm. The larger grip and DSLR-like form factor ensure a secure hold, particularly beneficial when shooting with the long telephoto reach. The heft may tire you in handheld use over extended periods but helps stabilize at long focal lengths.

Top view highlights control layout differences - Panasonic offers dedicated dials and buttons favored by enthusiasts, while Nikon’s compact body sacrifices physical controls for a sleeker design.

Controls & Interface:
The FZ100 hands down has a more traditional camera interface with more tactile control dials (shutter speed, aperture) and buttons, appealing to those who prefer manual adjustments without diving into menus. The Nikon S9900’s minimalist control scheme suits casual shooters, relying mostly on menu-driven settings, though still featuring manual exposure modes.

Sensor and Image Quality: Does Bigger Always Mean Better?

Both cameras employ small 1/2.3" sensors typical in compact superzooms, but small differences hint at performance.

• Nikon S9900:

  • 16 MP sensor with an anti-aliasing filter.
  • Sensor size approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm.
  • Max ISO 6400, though practical usability caps nearer 1600.
  • No RAW image capture - images are JPEG-compressed.

• Panasonic FZ100:

  • Slightly lower resolution 14 MP sensor.
  • Similar sensor size of 6.08 x 4.56 mm.
  • Supports RAW file capture, giving more latitude in post-processing.
  • Venus Engine FHD processor optimizes image quality, noise control.

Sensor specifications and image quality discussion showcase the slight edge of Nikon in resolution, but Panasonic’s RAW support opens creative possibilities.

Image Quality in Practice:
In my hands-on testing, both cameras deliver respectable sharpness and color rendition for their class. The Nikon slightly wins in extracting detail due to a higher megapixel count, but image noise becomes noticeable beyond ISO 800. Panasonic’s RAW files allow for better noise reduction workflows, which is a significant advantage if you want to push high ISO images further in post.

Autofocus & Burst Performance: Catching the Decisive Moment

Speed and accuracy here can sway decisions, especially for wildlife, sports, and street photography.

• Nikon S9900 features contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and continuous AF tracking, achieving 7 frames per second (fps) burst shooting.
• Panasonic FZ100 also uses contrast-detection AF with face detection, but with faster burst capabilities of up to 11 fps.

Both cameras lack phase-detection autofocus and do not have advanced tracking features like animal eye AF.

Real World AF Experience:
The FZ100 felt noticeably snappier, locking on subjects with more confidence and benefiting from higher burst rates to capture fast action sequences. Nikon’s AF is adequate for general use, but hunting focus occasionally occurs in low contrast or low light.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Superzoom Versatility Explored

Given both have fixed zoom lenses, optical performance and zoom range become paramount.

• Nikon S9900: 25-750mm equivalent - an exceptional 30x zoom range, pushing into super-telephoto territory, ideal for wildlife or distant subjects.
• Panasonic FZ100: 25-600mm equivalent, 24x zoom, with a wider maximum aperture of f/2.8-5.2 compared to Nikon’s f/3.7-6.4.

Wide apertures at the telephoto end are rare in superzooms but vital for low light and subject isolation.

Lens Sharpness and Bokeh:
In testing, Panasonic’s brighter lens consistently delivered sharper images, especially at longer focal lengths and wider apertures. Nikon’s extended zoom range is fantastic but comes with unavoidable optical compromises at extreme telephoto.

For bokeh - background blur is shallow with both cameras due to small sensors, but Panasonic’s faster aperture offers slightly more subject separation in portraits.

Screen and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

Both cameras boast fully articulated 3-inch LCD screens, aiding shooting flexibility at awkward angles - essential for macro, video, and creativity.

• Nikon’s screen resolution of 921k dots is crisply detailed.
• Panasonic’s screen lags slightly behind at 460k dots, showing grainier previews.

The critical difference is the Panasonic FZ100’s inclusion of an electronic viewfinder (EVF), lacking on the Nikon S9900. The EVF significantly aids in bright daylight shooting and adds to compositional precision.

Back screen comparison emphasizes Nikon’s higher resolution display and Panasonic’s EVF advantage not pictured here.

Video Capabilities: Not Just Still Photography

Both cameras record Full HD video (1920x1080) at 60 fps for smooth motion.

• Nikon S9900 records with MPEG-4/H.264 codecs but lacks an external mic input.
• Panasonic FZ100 records AVCHD and supports an external microphone - a big plus for videographers seeking better audio quality.

Neither supports 4K video or advanced video features like zebras or focus peaking, which is expected given their market segment and release dates.

Battery Life and Connectivity

• Nikon S9900 offers around 300 shots per charge using its EN-EL19 battery. It also includes built-in GPS and NFC, enhancing geotagging and wireless image sharing.
• Panasonic FZ100 battery life figures are unspecified, but the older lithium-ion batteries in bridge cameras typically deliver around 400 shots. It lacks GPS and wireless features.

If extended battery life and connectivity are priorities, Nikon’s built-in GPS and NFC offer tangible benefits.

How They Perform Across Photography Disciplines

Portrait Photography

• Nikon S9900: Decent skin tone rendition, though no RAW limits post-processing finesse. The long zoom allows flattering compression effects; however, the slow max aperture reduces pleasing background blur.
• Panasonic FZ100: Better aperture range and RAW support help create cleaner portraits with better color grading. The EVF helps precise framing. Lack of face and eye AF refinements may frustrate portrait specialists.

Landscape Photography

• Both use small sensors which limit dynamic range compared to APS-C or full-frame cameras. Panasonic’s RAW files provide some leverage to recover shadows and highlights.
• Nikon’s longer zoom isn’t as relevant here; Panasonic’s somewhat sharper lens edge-to-edge is preferable.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Panasonic wins with faster burst rates (11 fps vs 7 fps), more reliable AF, and more substantial form fit for long telephoto handling.
• Nikon may struggle with lag and autofocus hunting at long zoom.

Street and Travel Photography

• Nikon’s compactness, lightweight profile, and GPS shine here. It is far less conspicuous, easier to carry, and excellent for casual travel shooters wanting one versatile camera.
• Panasonic’s size and weight make it more conspicuous but deliver more manual control and viewfinder options, beneficial to enthusiasts who prioritize customization and framing precision.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras can focus as close as 1 cm, a rare but welcome feature for budget-friendly macro shooters.
• Nikon’s higher-res sensor provides finer detail.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither camera excels in low-light due to sensor size limitations.
• Panasonic’s RAW files can help reduce noise with software.
• Up to ISO 1600 usable on Nikon; Panasonic’s higher burst can help with star trails or light painting.

Video Users

• Panasonic’s microphone jack and AVCHD codec make it a straightforward choice for basic videography.
• Nikon lacks external audio input but shoots comparable quality footage.

Professional or Workflow Considerations

Neither camera is a professional-grade tool due to sensor size, build, and features. However, Panasonic’s RAW and more extensive manual controls better integrate into serious workflows.

Technical Deep Dive: Build, Stabilization, and Storage

• Image Stabilization: Both use optical image stabilization; Nikon’s newer system benefited from deeper testing, reducing shake on long zoom.
• Build & Durability: No weather sealing on either. Panasonic’s bridge body offers a more robust feel.
• Storage: Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single slots.
• Connectivity: Nikon advantage with NFC and built-in GPS versus Panasonic’s lack thereof.

Price-to-Performance Value: What You Get for Your Money

Launched at $299 for S9900 and $499 for FZ100, the Nikon is a more accessible gateway into superzoom photography. Panasonic, pricier, brings more advanced interface, RAW support, EVF, faster burst, and better video features.

If budget is tight and portability is paramount, Nikon delivers solid bang for the buck. If you value manual control, image processing flexibility, and video capabilities more, the FZ100 remains compelling, even being older.

Nikon S9900 front Nikon S9900 screen back Panasonic FZ100 front Panasonic FZ100 screen back

Final Scores and Summary

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Nikon Coolpix S9900 if you:

• Prioritize an ultra-compact, lightweight camera for travel and street photography
• Want a straightforward superzoom with good zoom reach up to 750mm equivalent
• Desire built-in GPS and NFC for easy location tagging and sharing on the go
• Prefer a camera that performs well in daylight scenarios with simple menus
• Shoot mainly JPEGs and do not require manual focus or advanced controls

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 if you:

• Want better control over exposure and focus with physical dials and manual focus
• Value RAW image capability for editing flexibility
• Need faster autofocus and continuous shooting for wildlife or sports
• Desire an electronic viewfinder for better composition in bright light
• Shoot video and want an external microphone input
• Are willing to compromise portability for ergonomic handling and lens speed

Closing Thoughts: A Tale of Two Superzooms

Both the Nikon Coolpix S9900 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 serve well-defined niches in the small sensor superzoom market. The Nikon delivers excellent portability, extensive zoom reach, and modern features such as Wi-Fi and GPS to casual photographers and travelers who prize convenience and effortless shooting. Meanwhile, the Panasonic, despite its age, offers robust manual controls, RAW capture, richer video options, and faster burst shooting for more technically inclined photographers.

Your choice comes down to individual priorities: need a pocketable companion or a versatile bridge-style camera with more control? Understanding this and leveraging this detailed comparison based on real experience ensures you select a camera that empowers your photographic expression today and into the future.

Happy shooting!