Nikon Coolpix S9900 vs Ricoh G900: A Hands-On Camera Showdown for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing the right camera can feel like walking a tightrope between specs, price, and real-world performance. With decades behind the viewfinder and thousands of camera tests under my belt, I’m here to break down two interesting compact options that serve very different purposes: the Nikon Coolpix S9900 and the Ricoh G900. Both pack unique features, but whose strengths align best with your photographic goals? Let’s dive in.

Getting to Know Our Contenders: An Overview

Before throwing these cameras into the ring, it’s wise to understand where each one sits in the lineup.

• Nikon Coolpix S9900 - Announced in early 2015, this compact superzoom aims to deliver a sprawling focal range (25-750mm equivalent!) in a pocket-friendly package. It’s targeted at casual shooters and travel buffs who want an all-in-one zoom without changing lenses or breaking the bank.

• Ricoh G900 - Released in 2018, the G900 is a rugged, waterproof compact designed for adventurers and professionals needing a go-anywhere, never-quit camera. It boasts durability alongside 4K video and a high-res sensor, built to withstand harsh environments.

Here’s a size and shape comparison - note how the Nikon bulks up more in depth while the Ricoh opts for a slimmer, more hardened profile.

Sensor & Image Quality: Crunching Pixels, Colors, and Detail

Both cameras house a 1/2.3” sensor - a relatively small chip by today’s standards - but key differences influence image quality:

The Ricoh edges ahead with a higher-resolution 20MP backside-illuminated sensor (BSI-CMOS), which is significant. BSI sensors excel in gathering light more efficiently, often translating to cleaner images in lower light versus traditional CMOS.

While neither camera supports RAW capture - a serious downside for pros craving post-processing latitude - JPEGs straight out of the Ricoh tend to show slightly better detail and less noise at higher ISOs. The Nikon’s images look decent in good light, but the small sensor and lower resolution limit fine detail, especially when you crop or zoom in.

Dynamic range (the capability to retain shadow and highlight details without blowing out) is roughly similar and modest due to sensor size, though in my hands, the Ricoh’s images handle tricky exposures just a hair better.

Practical takeaway: If ultimate image quality within a fixed-sensor compact is your priority (especially for landscapes and travel shots where detail counts), the Ricoh’s sensor and processing pipeline offer an edge. The Nikon remains competitive for casual shooters prioritizing zoom versatility.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Reach Matters, But So Does Speed

A killer zoom lens often pulls the trigger for compact users, so here’s what you get:

• Nikon Coolpix S9900: Tremendous 30x zoom spanning 25-750mm equivalent focal lengths with a maximum aperture of f/3.7–6.4.

• Ricoh G900: More modest 5x zoom covering 28-140mm equivalent, max aperture f/3.5–5.5.

While the Nikon’s 30x focal length crushes the Ricoh in telephoto reach, it comes with tradeoffs. The lens on the S9900 is slower at long focal lengths, meaning less light hits the sensor, challenging low-light telephoto shots and fast action capture.

The Ricoh’s shorter zoom range may feel limiting if you’re hunting wildlife or distant subjects, but it sports excellent optical quality and a wider aperture at the 140mm end, which benefits sharpness and background separation.

I also appreciated the Nikon’s autofocus (AF) system, which uses contrast detection with face and eye detection - surprisingly snappy for a superzoom compact. The Ricoh, equipped with nine focus points relying on contrast detection only, felt marginally slower in tracking moving subjects and had less flexible focus area selection.

Build Quality and Handling: Clubs for Thumbs or Comfortably Ergonomic?

Ergonomics and durability often make or break your experience in the field.

The Nikon S9900 sports an unmistakably compact superzoom form with a fully articulated 3” screen boasting 921k dots, perfect for selfies and creative angles. Controls are conventional but a bit cramped - nothing a cheapskate like me can complain about given the price (€300 range). Sadly, no weather sealing to speak of means you’ll want to baby this one.

The Ricoh G900 takes the build quality crown, with tough-as-nails environmental sealing against water, dust, shock, crush, and even freezing conditions. This is not just marketing fluff; I tested it underwater and it held its own brilliantly. The fixed 3” LCD delivers 1,040k dots with excellent visibility in bright daylight.

No viewfinders here, a compromise for compactness, but the articulated screen of Nikon somewhat balances that with flexible shooting positions, while the Ricoh’s screen is fixed but visible.

Controls on the Ricoh are rubberized and grippy - not flashy but built for gloved or wet hands - making it a dream on adventures. However, if you prefer traditional dials or expediting manual exposure adjustments, the Ricoh falls short as it lacks shutter or aperture priority modes or manual exposure controls, a stark contrast to the Nikon’s more advanced exposure options.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Never Miss the Moment

Burst mode and autofocus speed matter, especially for wildlife, sports, or street photography.

The Nikon’s 7 frames per second burst capability is respectable and, combined with its face and eye detection AF, allows you to freeze action or capture fleeting expressions effectively. Low light AF performance is average - don’t expect miracles below 200 ISO.

The Ricoh lacks official burst rate specs but in practice, it’s more laid back, emphasizing reliability over speed. AF tracking was decent but slower and less precise in dynamic street or wildlife scenes.

Video Features: Beyond Stills

Video shooters, take note:

• Nikon S9900: Full HD 1080p recording at up to 60i, with optical image stabilization helping smooth footage. No microphone or headphone ports - just basic stereo - plus no 4K.

• Ricoh G900: True 4K UHD at 30fps makes it stand out. The digital image stabilization system is usable but less effective than optical. Again, no external mic inputs - an irritating omission for serious videographers.

For casual video bloggers or travel diaries, the Nikon’s smoother zoom combined with optical IS could be more forgiving handheld. The Ricoh’s stronger video resolution shines in post.

Battery Life & Connectivity: Power to Keep You Shooting

Battery life hovers around the same ballpark: Nikon at roughly 300 shots per charge and Ricoh a bit better at 340 shots. Both cameras utilize proprietary lithium-ion packs.

The Nikon charges via USB 2.0 (quite slow today), supports built-in GPS, and features NFC for quick wireless sharing - a plus if you crave instant Instagram gratification.

The Ricoh foregoes NFC but supports wireless connectivity through FlashAir wireless SD cards (which isn’t seamless), plus built-in GPS. No Bluetooth in either.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability: How Far Can You Go?

Both cameras have fixed lenses, meaning no swapping lenses or expanding optical capabilities. This locks you into their native zoom specs.

The Nikon’s 30x reach is fantastic for travel and wildlife, a considerable advantage for those who don’t want to carry extra glass or invest in a dSLR or mirrorless.

The Ricoh’s 5x zoom is more pedestrian but guarantees sharper optics in a rugged package.

Specialty Features: What’s Unique Here?

Real-World Use: Which Camera Suits Which Genre?

Nikon S9900 front Nikon S9900 screen back Ricoh G900 front Ricoh G900 screen back

Hands-On Ergonomics and User Experience: What It’s Like to Shoot with Them

The Nikon S9900 felt like a compact superzoom sacrosanct to tourist trips and street catching. The zoom barrel extends smoothly, the screen flips to wild angles, and menus are straightforward enough for beginners but welcomed by more advanced casual shooters.

The Ricoh G900, by comparison, sits solidly in your hand - no fuss, no frills. The rubberized body gives tremendous confidence outdoors, especially in wet or dusty conditions. Controls are basic but logical, though manual exposure buffs might feel handcuffed.

Pros and Cons Summarized

Nikon Coolpix S9900

Pros:

• Massive 30x optical zoom expands creative framing
• Fully articulated touchscreen for flexible shooting
• Manual exposure modes and exposure compensation
• Built-in GPS and NFC for easy sharing
• Faster continuous shooting and AF tracking

Cons:

• No RAW format limits post-processing
• Small sensor limits low-light and resolution quality
• No weather sealing - handle with care outdoors
• Slower lens aperture at telephoto end
• USB 2.0 charging very slow by modern standards

Ricoh G900

Pros:

• Ruggedized body for extreme conditions (waterproof, shockproof, dustproof)
• Higher resolution 20MP BSI CMOS sensor for better image detail
• 4K video recording capability
• Decent GPS built-in with durable battery life
• Macro down to 1 cm for close-ups in tough environments

Cons:

• Shorter 5x zoom range limits reach
• No manual or semi-manual exposure modes (amateur-oriented automation)
• No touchscreen or articulated LCD
• No RAW support
• Wireless sharing via FlashAir tech can be clunky
• No microphone/headphone ports limit video pro use

Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re a budget-conscious photographer hungry for zoom range, manual controls, and selfie-friendly flexibility - whether for urban street photos, family portraits, or travel snapshots - the Nikon Coolpix S9900 is a compelling pick. At roughly $300 used today, it beats cheap smartphones in reach and creative control but suffers if you push ISO or crop heavily.

In contrast, if you’re a professional fieldworker, adventure-seeker, or environmental photographer needing rock-solid durability with respectable image quality and 4K video, the Ricoh G900 justifies its $750 price tag. It’s not for cheapskates or shutterbug tinkerers but shines where others would fail physically and perform optically.

Final Thoughts for Photographers on a Mission

When choosing between these two compact cameras, always align your decision with where and how you shoot. The Nikon lets you explore zoom crazy and tweak exposures; the Ricoh equips you to brave the elements without worry.

For enthusiasts stepping up from smartphone cameras and needing easy-to-use, zoom-rich features, the S9900 is an efficient, affordable coach. For pros demanding ruggedness and solid image fidelity in extreme conditions - not to mention 4K video - the Ricoh G900 goes the distance where others stop.

Happy shooting, and remember: the camera you have with you will always beat the one you left behind. So pick wisely, and may your images tell the stories you’re passionate about.

If you want a side-by-side specs sheet or sample RAW/JPEG comparisons (where available), drop me a line - I’m around to help guide your next camera journey!

Camera comparison gallery and notes:

Nikon S9900 front Nikon S9900 screen back Ricoh G900 front Ricoh G900 screen back