Nikon S9900 vs Pentax W80

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Nikon S9900 and Pentax W80, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Nikon and Pentax. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the S9900 (16MP) and W80 (12MP) but they use the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The S9900 was launched 5 years after the W80 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the S9900 grades vs the W80 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S9900 and Pentax Optio W80. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon S9900 Gallery and Pentax W80 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Nikon S9900 provides external measurements of 112mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 289 grams (0.64 lbs) whilst the Pentax W80 has sizing of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Look at the Nikon S9900 and Pentax W80 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the S9900 against the W80.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the S9900 and W80 is 88 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions purely by looking at a spec sheet. The image here might give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the S9900 and W80.

As you can see, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Nikon S9900 to give you greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more modern S9900 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.