Nikon Coolpix S9900 vs Pentax XG-1: The Ultimate Battle of Small Sensor Superzooms

Choosing between compact superzoom cameras is like trying to pick your favorite chocolate bar - there are sweet spots, unexpected aftertastes, and sometimes you just want the biggest bang for your buck without the calories. Today, we’re diving into two intriguing contenders in the small sensor superzoom category: the Nikon Coolpix S9900 and the Pentax XG-1.

These cameras both boast 16MP 1/2.3” sensors, vast zoom ranges, and promise versatility for various shooting situations. But as every seasoned photographer knows, specs only tell part of the story. Having spent a good amount of time with both these cameras - testing in sunlight, shade, and the occasional drizzle (without them celebrating with waterproof picnics) - I’ll share insights on how they perform in the trenches of real-life photography.

We’ll cover everything that matters: handling, image quality, performance across key photography genres, video, and whether their rather modest prices justify the expectations. Buckle up for a detailed ride through the pros and cons of these two zoom beasts!

Size, Build, and Ergonomics: Which Feels Right in Your Hands?

First impressions count, and that’s often the feel of a camera when you grip it. Here, the Nikon S9900’s compact, pocket-friendly stance contrasts sharply with the bulkier, almost bridge-camera presence of the Pentax XG-1.

The Nikon measures 112x66x40mm and weighs a light 289g - essentially a compact you can tuck away in a jacket pocket or a daybag with ease. The Pentax, by contrast, is 119x89x98mm and tips the scales at 567g - just shy of double the Nikon’s heft and bulkier too. This form factor is closer to an entry-level DSLR or bridge camera in appearance and ergonomics.

Handling-wise, the Nikon’s body feels a bit lean but well-balanced for its zoom range. The clicky zoom lever is comfortably placed around the shutter button, enabling quick framing adjustments. The articulated 3” screen has nice resolution (921k dots), though I missed touchscreen functionality, which the camera lacks.

The Pentax offers a more substantial grip, which some will appreciate, especially for longer handheld sessions through big zoom stretches. That fixed 3” screen feels cramped and a little dim (460k dots), plus no articulation. However, it adds an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 200k dots - a rarity in this class. If you’re shooting in bright sunlight, this EVF can be a boon, though the resolution is modest, and the refresh rate can feel sluggish.

Looking at the top control layout:

The Nikon keeps things straightforward with dedicated mode dials and buttons easily accessible, perfect for quick adjustments on the go. The Pentax, being more of a bridge camera, has more pronounced controls, including an exposure compensation dial and a zoom rocker, which gives a semi-pro vibe but comes at the price of weight.

Who wins ergonomics? If you want portability and quick one-handed operation, Nikon is your friend. For users who like a DSLR-ish feel and the confidence of an EVF, Pentax offers a solid alternative.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Size, Different Results?

Both cameras boast a 16MP 1/2.3” sensor, measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm, but in typical small sensor superzoom fashion, image quality is often a mixed bag. Here’s a direct sensor size comparison:

Both sensors are CMOS types; the Nikon S9900 uses a conventional CMOS sensor, while the Pentax XG-1 steps things up with a BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated) design, theoretically better for low light. However, neither supports RAW shooting, which limits serious post-processing latitude and professional-grade workflows.

Dynamic Range and Color Depth: Without DxOMark scores, we rely on practical tests. The Nikon tends to produce punchier colors out of the box - sometimes a bit oversaturated for purists - but skin tones are overall pleasing and natural. Pentax colors appear more muted but neutral, requiring a bit of tweaking in post to reach punchiness. Dynamic range is roughly comparable, but both struggle with deep shadows and highlight recoverability beyond a stop or two.

High ISO Performance: Both cameras max out at ISO 6400 (Nikon) and ISO 3200 (Pentax). In practice, shooting beyond ISO 800 leads to visibly aggressive noise reduction and smudging, especially on the Pentax. The Nikon’s image stabilization helps a bit by enabling slower shutter speeds but doesn’t magically improve sensor noise.

Lens and Aperture: The Nikon’s lens spans 25-750mm optical equivalent (30x zoom), with a max aperture ranging from f/3.7 to f/6.4 - modest, with narrow apertures at the long end limiting background blur and low-light capacity. The Pentax towers over with 24-1248mm equivalent (52x zoom!) and brighter apertures from f/2.8 to f/5.6, offering more reach and slightly better light gathering - a clear advantage for wildlife or distant subjects.

Here's a side-by-side gallery of samples under various conditions (daylight, indoor, and telezoom):

Nikon S9900 front Nikon S9900 screen back Pentax XG 1 front Pentax XG 1 screen back

Inspecting them closely: Nikon images show crispness and punch in good lighting, but softness creeps in near the long zoom end. Pentax images retain detail well at mid-zoom but suffer with edge softness and chromatic aberrations at full extension. Both shooters should temper expectations for fine detail, especially compared to larger-sensor cameras.

Autofocus Showdown: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus is often a dealbreaker, especially for wildlife and sports shooters. Here both cameras adopt contrast-detection AF systems with quite different implementations.

The Nikon Coolpix S9900 offers face detection and eye detection AF - surprisingly advanced features at this price and class - which help with portraits and casual use. It supports continuous AF and tracking modes, which do an okay job keeping subjects in focus during moderate motion.

Conversely, the Pentax XG-1 deletes any autofocus drama - no face, eye, or continuous AF (or so it seems). It only supports manual focus via a physical zoom ring, which is handy for precise control but not ideal for fast-moving subjects or spontaneous shots. Autofocus is single AF only, contrast detection without help from more advanced tracking systems.

These differences play out clearly in real use: Nikon is far more reliable snapping quick shots of kids, pets, or street scenes. Pentax demands a more deliberate shooting approach, suited to photographing static subjects.

Handling Different Photography Genres

Nothing beats testing cameras across varied photographic styles to reveal their strengths and limits. Let’s dive into how the Nikon S9900 and Pentax XG-1 perform in the top disciplines:

Portrait Photography

Portraits require flattering skin tones, smooth bokeh, and reliable face/eye detection autofocus.

• Nikon S9900: Its 30x zoom is less about portrait lenses and more about versatility, but the f/3.7 aperture at wide angle helps slightly isolate subjects. The built-in face and eye detection autofocus are solid for group shots or quick snaps, and image processing gently smooths skin without excessive artificiality.

• Pentax XG-1: Lacking face/eye AF makes portraits trickier. The somewhat brighter f/2.8 wide aperture helps portrait background separation, but shooting handheld at tight focal lengths demands steadiness. Natural skin tones are possible but require more technique.

Verdict: Nikon takes portrait mode for casual, ready-to-go face shots. Pentax needs more patience and user skill.

Landscape Photography

Landscapes benefit from high resolution, dynamic range, and ideally weather sealing.

Neither camera is weather sealed or built for rugged adventures, but their compact forms excel for travel landscapes. Nikon’s articulated screen aids composing awkward angles, while Pentax has to rely on the less-gorgeous fixed screen or EVF.

Dynamic range is limited in both, curbing post-processing freedom in challenging light, but at base ISO and wide angles, both produce acceptable landscape detail.

Wildlife Photography

For wildlife, reach and autofocus speed are paramount.

Pentax’s whopping 1248mm maximum zoom sounds like a wildlife hunter’s dream. In reality, the lens makes handheld shots at full zoom challenging - especially without effective autofocus tracking. The Nikon's more modest 750mm zoom is easier to handle and has better autofocus tracking features.

Both cameras drop frames-captured rates after about 7-9 FPS bursts, limiting their usefulness for fast-changing scenes.

Sports Photography

Fast continuous autofocus and high frame rates usually define a good sports camera.

Neither camera is designed for serious sports action. Nikon’s 7 FPS burst and continuous AF offer some play, but autofocus can lag behind very fast subjects. Pentax’s 9 FPS burst is theoretically quicker but without continuous AF tracking, those frames are often missed or out of focus.

Street Photography

Compactness, discretion, and quick AF are important here.

Nikon’s compact body and quiet shutter make it less conspicuous and easier to carry. The articulated screen supports low-angle shots and quick framing. The Pentax’s size and loud shutter are more noticeable, which may disrupt candid moments.

Macro Photography

Both cameras feature near 1cm macro focusing, which is impressive. Stabilization is a big help in macro - Nikon uses optical IS, while Pentax opts for sensor-shift stabilization.

Nikon’s flexible screen helps composing tight macro shots, but Pentax’s fixed screen frustrates here.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors struggle here due to noise and low dynamic range.

Nikon’s higher max ISO of 6400 versus Pentax’s 3200 hints at better night shooting potential, but image quality degrades rapidly past ISO 800 in both cameras.

Neither model offers special astrophotography modes or long exposure bracketing - so they’re limited for starry skies.

Video Capabilities: Modest but Serviceable

Neither camera is a video powerhouse, but they do offer basic HD options.

• Nikon S9900 records up to 1080p at 60i/30p with MPEG-4 and H.264 encoding. Unfortunately, there’s no microphone input, so audio quality relies on the internal mic. The optical stabilization helps during handheld recording but can’t replace a gimble.

• Pentax XG-1 tops out at 1080p 30fps but uses Motion JPEG format - a dated codec that produces larger files and less efficient compression. No video stabilization, no microphone input, and no HDMI out make video use very basic.

Neither device is likely to satisfy vloggers or pros looking for cinematic footage but can handle casual home videos.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

The Nikon S9900 offers about 300 shots per charge (EN-EL19 battery), slightly better than the Pentax’s 240 shots (LB-060 battery). In practice, expect fewer shots when using zoom and stabilization heavily.

Both use standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, single card slot only - standard fare for budget cameras. The Nikon supports NFC for easy photo transfer, while Pentax relies on Eye-Fi card compatibility - a bit dated in 2024.

Software, Connectivity, and Additional Features

• Nikon’s built-in GPS and wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi/NFC) are handy for travel photographers who like to tag locations and share quickly.

• Pentax lacks GPS and modern wireless options, which feels like a miss given its bridge-camera pedigree.

Putting It All Together: Overall Ratings and Genre Scores

Here’s a handy summary snapshot of overall and genre-specific performance based on my testing:

These ratings factor in image quality, autofocus, handling, and suitability for each photography style.

Which Camera Is Right for You?

Choose the Nikon Coolpix S9900 if:

• You want the smallest, lightest camera with decent superzoom reach.
• You value face/eye detection AF for portraits and street photography.
• You appreciate the articulated screen for versatile shooting angles.
• Video capabilities and built-in GPS wireless features are important.
• Your budget is around $300 and you want a competent all-rounder.

Choose the Pentax XG-1 if:

• You need extreme zoom reach (up to 1248mm) for distant subjects and wildlife.
• You prefer a bridge-style camera with an EVF for shooting in bright conditions.
• You want a slightly brighter aperture at wide angles for more creative control.
• You don’t mind a heavier, bulkier camera and slower autofocus system.
• You’re okay with a $600 price point and want extra zoom “flex” at a cost.

Final Thoughts: My Two Cents

Neither camera will win any awards for image quality or professional-grade performance. But they occupy important niches in the affordable superzoom compact realm where choices are limited, and trade-offs are inevitable.

The Nikon Coolpix S9900 impressed me with its balance: reasonable zoom range, competent autofocus, and travel-friendly ergonomics. It’s a camera to grab for everyday life and quick trips, favoring convenience.

Pentax XG-1 offers a wild card - jaw-dropping zoom and manual control but saddled with sluggish autofocus, heavier body, and dated video & connectivity features. It’s best for users who know their way around manual focus and won’t mind rough edges.

In the end, ask yourself: Do you want a pocket rocket with clever AF and ease of use (Nikon), or a lens power tower with bridge styling but some compromises (Pentax)? For me, given the value and day-to-day flexibility, the Nikon Coolpix S9900 edges ahead as the more practical choice.

Bonus: Interface and Usability Check

Before we wrap up, one last comparison that matters when you’re noodling through the menus or checking shots - the rear screen and touchscreen.

The Nikon’s higher-resolution articulated screen makes viewing images and navigating menus easier. Unfortunately, there’s no touchscreen, so navigation relies on physical buttons.

Pentax’s fixed, lower-res screen and slower interface can be frustrating during quick changes - definitely a usability downgrade.

Summary Table of Key Differences

Photographing with a Smile (Or a Zoomed-In Grimace)

Choosing between these compact zoom monsters boils down to priorities - and patience. The Nikon S9900 is a camera to keep in your pocket for those moments you want to seize quickly. The Pentax XG-1 demands a bit more from you, rewarding patience with reach that will gobsmack casual observers (assuming careful technique).

So, grab whichever one suits your style, and start shooting before the next “ultra-zoom” marketing blitz lures you astray again.

Happy shooting!