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Nikon S9300

 
Nikon Coolpix S9300 front
 
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 125 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-450mm (F3.5-5.9) lens
  • 215g - 109 x 62 x 31mm
  • Launched July 2012
  • Previous Model is Nikon S9100
  • New Model is Nikon S9500
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
91
Imaging
39
Features
43
Overall
40

Nikon S9300 summary

Nikon S9300 is Nikon's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera initially revealed on July of 2012. The camera comes with a 16MP, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a full resolution of 4608 x 3456.

Nikon released this model as a way to replace the older Nikon S9100 (Read Full Comparison) and then launched the newer Nikon S9500 (Read Full Comparison) to update this model.

The S9300 stands at #132 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and overall #696 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our collection. Please try out our Smart camera search to get camera rankings based on your custom criteria.

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The following is a chart of specific factors used in the rating system.

Nikon S9300 history

The Nikon S9300 comes with a history of related digital cameras. Here, you can view all past and newer models alongside key features.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Nikon-Coolpix-S9900 front thumbnailNikon S9900
S9300 vs S9900
25-750mm
F3.7-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2015
Nikon-Coolpix-S810c front thumbnailNikon S810c
S9300 vs S810c
25-300mm
F3.3-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2014
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Nikon-Coolpix-S9700 front thumbnailNikon S9700
S9300 vs S9700
25-750mm
F3.7-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S5300 front thumbnailNikon S5300
S9300 vs S5300
26-208mm
F3.7-6.6
16MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S3600 front thumbnailNikon S3600
S9300 vs S3600
25-200mm
F3.7-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S3500 front thumbnailNikon S3500
S9300 vs S3500
26-182mm
F3.4-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2013
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone
Nikon-Coolpix-S800c front thumbnailNikon S800c
S9300 vs S800c
25-250mm
F3.2-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S9500 front thumbnailNikon S9500
S9300 vs S9500
25-550mm
F
18MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S5200 front thumbnailNikon S5200
S9300 vs S5200
26-156mm
F
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S6500 front thumbnailNikon S6500
S9300 vs S6500
25-300mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S9300 front thumbnailNikon S930025-450mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes
Nikon-Coolpix-S4300 front thumbnailNikon S4300
S9300 vs S4300
26-156mm
F3.5-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S3300 front thumbnailNikon S3300
S9300 vs S3300
26-156mm
F3.5-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S6300 front thumbnailNikon S6300
S9300 vs S6300
25-250mm
F3.2-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S100 front thumbnailNikon S100
S9300 vs S100
28-140mm
F3.9-4.8
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S8200 front thumbnailNikon S8200
S9300 vs S8200
25-350mm
F3.3-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S6200 front thumbnailNikon S6200
S9300 vs S6200
25-250mm
F3.2-5.6
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S9100 front thumbnailNikon S9100
S9300 vs S9100
25-450mm
F3.5-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S6100 front thumbnailNikon S6100
S9300 vs S6100
28-196mm
F3.7-5.6
16MP1/2.3"2011
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Nikon-Coolpix-S8100 front thumbnailNikon S8100
S9300 vs S8100
30-300mm
F3.5-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S5100 front thumbnailNikon S5100
S9300 vs S5100
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S8000 front thumbnailNikon S8000
S9300 vs S8000
30-300mm
F3.5-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S6000 front thumbnailNikon S6000
S9300 vs S6000
28-196mm
F3.7-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S1000pj front thumbnailNikon S1000pj
S9300 vs S1000pj
28-140mm
F3.9-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S570 front thumbnailNikon S570
S9300 vs S570
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S640 front thumbnailNikon S640
S9300 vs S640
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S620 front thumbnailNikon S620
S9300 vs S620
28-112mm
F2.7-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S630 front thumbnailNikon S630
S9300 vs S630
37-260mm
F3.5-5.3
12MP1/2.3"2009

Nikon S9300 Pros and Cons

Here is a list of positives and negatives of the Nikon S9300 based on aspects which are usually regarded as necessary in a digital camera.

built in image stabilization (Optical)
comes with HDMI port
decent sized screen (3 inch)
great video quality (1920 x 1080 resolution)
has built in flash
includes face detection focusing
includes tracking autofocus
lighter than average in class (215g)
long zoom range (25-450mm 18.0 x zoom)
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000 seconds)
nice clear screen (921 thousand dot)
really wide (25mm)
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
very long zoom (450mm)
cannot switch lenses (fixed lens mount)
doesn't have phase detect AF
doesn't have RAW format
does not contain selfie friendly screen
lack of aperture priority mode
lack of manual focus
manual mode not available
max zoom aperture not good (f5.9)
no articulating screen
no external flash support
no external mic port
no headphone port
no shutter priority mode
no Time Lapse recording
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
terrible battery life (200 CIPA)
Photography Glossary

Nikon S9300 Sensor features

The size of the sensor on the Nikon S9300 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor can capture 4608 x 3456 pixels using aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera has got Image Stabilization (Optical). Optical stabilization is superior than digital stabilization since the latter can easily produce cropping.

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The BSI-CMOS sensor boasts 16MP and gives a standard ISO range of 125 to 3200. Sadly, RAW files are not supported so you have less room to maneuver in post.

The image underneath displays the S9300's sensor size compared to other popular sizes. The S9300 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is presented in green.

Nikon Coolpix S9300 sensor size Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

To get a sense of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Nikon S9300 dimensions

Nikon S9300 weighs 0.47 lb (215 gr / 7.58 ounces) and features exterior proportions of 109mm x 62mm x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2"). The weight of average Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 gr and the Nikon S9300 is less heavy as compared with its competitors.

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Down below is a image of the Nikon S9300 beside a soda to help you to have a feel for its size.

Nikon Coolpix S9300 dimensions scale

The top view just below will show you the button layout on the S9300.

Nikon Coolpix S9300 topview buttons dials

Nikon S9300 Lens features

The S9300 features an inbuilt lens having a focal range of 25-450mm giving it a 18.0 x zoom which is significant and can make it easier to zoom all the way in.

At it's widest 25mm, it provides an aperture of f3.5 which is really sluggish and not ideal in low light events and you will likely find it difficult to capture a shallow depth of field. You might also need to increase your ISO resulting in noisy shots. At the long end, 450mm is brilliant zoom and comes at f5.9 making it fairly sluggish and you may have to use slower shutter speeds.

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Nikon S9300 Connectivity

The S9300 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes
  • GPS Yes

Digital cameras that include NFC and Bluetooth compatibility can be controlled wirelessly with smartphones. You are able to copy files and sometimes adjust camera settings with no need to connect straight with the camera.

Some apps also enable a Liveview and release the shutter when you are not close to the camera. If the camera contains a HDMI out, it can be attached to an external screen. Many cameras enable you to charge the battery pack through the USB port.

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Nikon S9300 Video features

The highest possible video quality on the Nikon S9300 is 1920 x 1080 and it can record in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 1080p quality provides a good balance for video quality and file size but 1080p will not leave you with much room to crop. The body does not offer a mic and headphone port so you get absolutely no control over your audio. It is probably a better idea to consider another model in case you want decent audio in your videos.

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Nikon S9300 Weather Sealing

There is no environment proofing on the Nikon S9300 so you have to be careful in wet and dusty conditions.

Nikon S9300 Screen and Viewfinder

The Nikon S9300 comes with a 3 inch fixed screen having a resolution of 921 thousand dots.

Please be aware that the screen offers no touch support.

Nikon Coolpix S9300 screen and viewfinder President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban

The ViewFinder details regarding Nikon S9300 are below:

  • ViewFinder None

In those sunny outdoor conditions that make the camera displays washed out and hard to view, viewfinders will be particularly useful.

Nikon S9300 Shutter features

Nikon S9300 can shoot continuously at 6.9 frames per second. The maximum shutter speed is 1/8000 seconds.

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Nikon S9300 Flash and Hot shoe features

Nikon S9300 has got just integrated flash with missing external flash support.

Nikon S9300 Autofocusing features

Nikon S9300 has got only Contrast Detect Autofocus and does not have Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection autofocusing is more snappier & precise as compared with Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera comes with Face detection which makes it useful for taking portraits of people.

It also comes with Tracking Autofocus for objects that move. Nikon S9300 has not got manual focus. Manual focus option can be good for low light conditions or you want to have more exact control on focusing.

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Nikon S9300 Battery life

The battery life (EN-EL12) on the Nikon S9300 is designed to last for 200 shots according to the CIPA measurements making it lesser when compared with its competitors. The average Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR has got the best (600) battery life for this kind of cameras.

Underneath is a list of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras having the highest battery life:

Nikon S9300 for varying kinds of photography

The following diagram displays a rundown of the Nikon S9300 for varying kinds of photography. To view more, visit the specific paragraph underneath.

Nikon S9300 Portrait photography info

The Nikon S9300 has a points tally of 34 which is lousy, and means the camera is not really acceptable for portraits. Shooting portrait photos leans greatly towards sensor dimension, support for RAW photos along with the ability to use off-camera flash.

Photography Glossary
good resolution (16MP)
provides face detection focusing
manual focus not available
no manual control
can't use external flash
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support

Nikon S9300 Street photography highlights

Getting a above average points total of 61, the Nikon S9300 is a very decent option to use in street photography. A decent street photography camera offers a perfect balance of image quality plus portability.

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has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than average (215g)
no articulating screen
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
has no RAW format

Sports photography with Nikon S9300

A decent sports photography rating of 47 means the Nikon S9300 is relatively suitable for taking photos of sports. A camera needs to have very good focusing plus continuous shooting for sports photography.

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excellent zoom range (25-450mm 18.0 x zoom)
max shutter speed is good (1/8,000s)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
good megapixels (16 megapixels)
supports tracking focus
no shutter priority mode
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
not so great battery (200 CIPA)
has no phase detect auto focus

Nikon S9300 Travel photography factors

Size is super crucial when buying a travel camera. All round, the Nikon S9300 gets a nice 66 as a travelling camera which is a respectable pick for your trips.

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lighter than competitors in class (215 grams)
decent sensor resolution (16MP)
has built in flash
rather wide (25mm)
long reach (450mm)
does not have Timelapse function
not so great battery pack (200 per charge)
screen is not selfie friendly
slow maximum aperture (f3.5)

Nikon S9300 Landscape photography info

If you're planning to pick a digital camera for landscape photography, the biggest factor will be image quality. The Nikon S9300 at it's lousy score of 41 as a landscape camera is not really acceptable in the current marketplace.

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reasonably wide (25mm)
screen is a decent size (3 inches)
image stabilization (Optical)
decent megapixels (16MP)
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)
manual mode not possible
small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW format
not so great battery (200 CIPA)
doesn't have Timelapse function

Nikon S9300 as a Vlogging camera

A camera for vlogging should offer a articulating display screen, mic input and if possible IBIS. Considering all the details, the Nikon S9300 is not really acceptable as a vlog camera as it gets a lousy score of 34.

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quite wide (25mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
includes face detect focusing
video res high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
lighter than competition in class (215g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.5)
display is not selfie friendly
missing microphone socket

Nikon S9300 Alternatives

If you are searching for replacements to the S9300, below is a range of the highest placed cameras that fall in to the category of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The line graph followed below provides you a bird's eye view of the S9300 vs it's highest scored competitors listed earlier.

These are some more cameras you may look into as alternatives. To review a comprehensive comparison, click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Nikon
Model
Nikon Coolpix S9300
Class
Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched
2012-07-16
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Peak resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW images
Highest native ISO
3200
Lowest native ISO
125
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Cross focus points
0
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
25-450mm (18.0x)
Max aperture
f/3.5-5.9
Macro focus range
4cm
Focal length multiplier
5.8
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen size
3 inch
Resolution of screen
921 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Screen technology
TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
None
DXO scores
DXO Overall score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Minimum shutter speed
30 secs
Fastest shutter speed
1/8000 secs
Continuous shutter speed
6.9 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Change WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow-sync
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps)
Highest video resolution
1920x1080
Video data format
MPEG-4, H.264
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
BuiltIn
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
215 grams (0.47 pounds)
Dimensions
109 x 62 x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2")
Other
Battery life
200 photographs
Type of battery
Battery Pack
Battery model
EN-EL12
Self timer
Yes
Time lapse recording
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
One
Price at release
$249