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Nikon S9900

 
Nikon Coolpix S9900 front
 
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-750mm (F3.7-6.4) lens
  • 289g - 112 x 66 x 40mm
  • Launched February 2015
  • Replaced the Nikon S9700
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
88
Imaging
40
Features
60
Overall
48

Nikon S9900 overview

Nikon S9900 is Nikon's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera first launched on February of 2015. The camera houses a 16MP, CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a peak resolution of 4608 x 3456.

Nikon released this model in an effort to upgrade the previous Nikon S9700 (Read Full Comparison)

The S9900 stands at #30 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all-around #456 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. You can try out our Smart camera finder to get camera rankings based on your customized factors.

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Below is a diagram of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.

Nikon S9900 history

The Nikon S9900 comes with a history of related cameras. Below, you can take a look at all past and newer models as well as main features.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Nikon-Coolpix-S9900 front thumbnailNikon S990025-750mm
F3.7-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2015
Nikon-Coolpix-S810c front thumbnailNikon S810c
S9900 vs S810c
25-300mm
F3.3-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2014
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Nikon-Coolpix-S9700 front thumbnailNikon S9700
S9900 vs S9700
25-750mm
F3.7-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S5300 front thumbnailNikon S5300
S9900 vs S5300
26-208mm
F3.7-6.6
16MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S3600 front thumbnailNikon S3600
S9900 vs S3600
25-200mm
F3.7-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-S3500 front thumbnailNikon S3500
S9900 vs S3500
26-182mm
F3.4-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2013
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Nikon-Coolpix-S800c front thumbnailNikon S800c
S9900 vs S800c
25-250mm
F3.2-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S9500 front thumbnailNikon S9500
S9900 vs S9500
25-550mm
F
18MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S5200 front thumbnailNikon S5200
S9900 vs S5200
26-156mm
F
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S6500 front thumbnailNikon S6500
S9900 vs S6500
25-300mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-S9300 front thumbnailNikon S9300
S9900 vs S9300
25-450mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
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Nikon-Coolpix-S4300 front thumbnailNikon S4300
S9900 vs S4300
26-156mm
F3.5-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S3300 front thumbnailNikon S3300
S9900 vs S3300
26-156mm
F3.5-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S6300 front thumbnailNikon S6300
S9900 vs S6300
25-250mm
F3.2-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-S100 front thumbnailNikon S100
S9900 vs S100
28-140mm
F3.9-4.8
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S8200 front thumbnailNikon S8200
S9900 vs S8200
25-350mm
F3.3-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S6200 front thumbnailNikon S6200
S9900 vs S6200
25-250mm
F3.2-5.6
16MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S9100 front thumbnailNikon S9100
S9900 vs S9100
25-450mm
F3.5-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-S6100 front thumbnailNikon S6100
S9900 vs S6100
28-196mm
F3.7-5.6
16MP1/2.3"2011
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Nikon-Coolpix-S8100 front thumbnailNikon S8100
S9900 vs S8100
30-300mm
F3.5-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S5100 front thumbnailNikon S5100
S9900 vs S5100
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S8000 front thumbnailNikon S8000
S9900 vs S8000
30-300mm
F3.5-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S6000 front thumbnailNikon S6000
S9900 vs S6000
28-196mm
F3.7-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-S1000pj front thumbnailNikon S1000pj
S9900 vs S1000pj
28-140mm
F3.9-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S570 front thumbnailNikon S570
S9900 vs S570
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S640 front thumbnailNikon S640
S9900 vs S640
28-140mm
F2.7-6.6
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S620 front thumbnailNikon S620
S9900 vs S620
28-112mm
F2.7-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Nikon-Coolpix-S630 front thumbnailNikon S630
S9900 vs S630
37-260mm
F3.5-5.3
12MP1/2.3"2009

Nikon S9900 Pros and Cons

Here is a list of benefits and drawbacks of the Nikon S9900 based on things which are typically seen as essential in a digital camera.

built-in flash
built in image stabilization (Optical)
good min ISO (100)
great zoom (750mm)
great zoom range (25-750mm 30.0 x zoom)
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
includes HDMI support
lighter than competition in class (289g)
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
NFC connection
nice clear screen (921 thousand dot)
nice screen size (3 inches)
pretty wide (25mm)
provides face detect focusing
provides tracking focus
screen can move to multiple angles
selfie friendly screen
can't use external flash
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
manual focus not available
no headphone jack
no mic jack
no phase detect AF
no RAW support
sluggish at full zoom (f6.4)
sluggish max aperture (f3.7)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
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Nikon S9900 Sensor specs

The sensor size in the Nikon S9900 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3. The camera includes Image Stabilization (Optical). Sensor stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization as the latter may cause cropping.

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The CMOS sensor boasts 16 megapixels and delivers a standard ISO range of 100 - 6400. Sadly, RAW files are not saved so you have less room to maneuver in post.

The picture underneath shows the S9900's sensor size compared to other popular sizes. The S9900 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is shown in green.

Nikon Coolpix S9900 sensor size Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

To get an idea of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Nikon S9900 dimensions

Nikon S9900 has a weight of 0.64 lbs (289 grams / 10.19 ounces) and the size of the camera is 112mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6"). The weight of general Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 grams so the Nikon S9900 is lighter compared to its rivals.

Photography Glossary

Underneath is a shot of the Nikon S9900 with a softdrink so you're able to have a feel for its size.

Nikon Coolpix S9900 dimensions scale

The top view under will show the button design on the S9900.

Nikon Coolpix S9900 topview buttons dials

Nikon S9900 Lens details

The S9900 has got a built in lens giving a focal range of 25-750mm giving it a 30.0 x zoom which is outstanding and can allow you to zoom all the way in.

At it's widest 25mm, the lens offers an aperture of f3.7 making it really sluggish and not great in low light circumstances and you will struggle to capture a shallow depth of field. You would also have to increase your ISO setting resulting in noisy shots. With the long end, 750mm is exceptional zoom and comes with f6.4 making it very sluggish and you will have to use slower shutter speeds.

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Nikon S9900 Connectivity

The S9900 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • NFC Yes
  • HDMI Yes
  • GPS Yes

Cameras with NFC and Bluetooth compatibility are able to be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You will be able to transfer images and usually adjust camera settings with no need to connect physically with the camera.

Certain apps also provide a Liveview and press the shutter in case you aren't close to the camera. If the camera provides a HDMI out, it can easily be attached to an external screen. A lot of cameras enable you to charge the battery with the USB port.

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Nikon S9900 Video details

The highest video quality in the Nikon S9900 is 1920 x 1080 and it can save in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 1080p quality can provide a good balance for video quality versus file size but FULL HD will not give you much room to crop. The body doesn't include a mic and headphone socket so you have got zero control over your audio. It is probably a better idea to purchase a different model if you require good audio in your videos.

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Nikon S9900 Weather Sealing

There is no weather proofing on the Nikon S9900 so you have to be cautious in wet or dusty conditions.

Nikon S9900 Screen and Viewfinder

The Nikon S9900 is equipped with a 3 inch fully articulated screen with a resolution of 921 thousand dots.

The screen is selfie friendly to get self portraits and even group shots when needed. Sadly the screen isn't a touch screen.

Nikon Coolpix S9900 screen and viewfinder President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban

The ViewFinder details regarding Nikon S9900 are the following:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders can be very beneficial for sunny outdoor conditions which may make the camera screen washed out and difficult to view.

Nikon S9900 Shutter details

Nikon S9900 continuous shooting rate is 7.0 frames/s. The max shutter speed is 1/4000s.

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Nikon S9900 Flash and Hot shoe details

Nikon S9900 includes just in-built flash without external flash ability.

Nikon S9900 Autofocus details

Nikon S9900 includes only Contrast Detect Auto Focus and does not have Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more quicker & precise compared to Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera supports Face detection which makes it useful for people photography.

It also features Tracking Auto Focus for objects that move. Nikon S9900 has no manual focus. Manual focus mode is good for low light occasions or you want more exact focus control.

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Nikon S9900 Battery life

The battery power (EN-EL19) on the Nikon S9900 is designed to last for 300 photos with respect to the CIPA standards which is about average when compared to its competitors. The typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR offers the highest (600) battery life for this class of cameras.

Below is a collection of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras that come with the highest battery life:

Nikon S9900 for specific forms of photography

The following chart presents a summation of the Nikon S9900 for specific forms of photography. To find out more, browse to the specific section underneath.

Nikon S9900 as a Portrait photography camera

The Nikon S9900 receives a rating of 37 which is subpar, meaning that it is not good for portrait photos. Taking portrait photos leans heavily to sensor dimension, RAW support and flexibility to utilize off-camera lighting.

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megapixel count good (16 megapixels)
has face detection autofocus
no manual focus
can't use external flash
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support

Nikon S9900 Street photography factors

With a very good points total of 68, the Nikon S9900 is a good pick for street photography. A good street photography camera offers a good balance of image quality plus portability.

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screen articulates fully
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than average in class (289 grams)
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support

Nikon S9900 Sports photography features

A moderate sports photography points tally of 53 means the Nikon S9900 is reasonably appropriate for photographing sports. A camera should have very good autofocus plus shutter speeds for sports photography.

Photography Glossary
great zoom range (25-750mm 30.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
decent MP (16 megapixels)
has tracking autofocus
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
no phase detect AF

Nikon S9900 Travel photography features

Weight is extremely important in picking a camera for travel. On the whole, the Nikon S9900 gets a outstanding 77 for a travel camera which makes it a great fit to take with you on your journeys.

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lighter than average in class (289g)
good resolution (16MP)
flash built-in
selfie friendly screen
decently wide (25mm)
very long zoom (750mm)
slow max aperture (f3.7)

Landscape photography with Nikon S9900

If you're planning to purchase a camera for landscape pictures, the biggest aspect is going to be image quality. The Nikon S9900 with it's average rating of 47 as a landscape camera is fairly acceptable amongst it's rivals.

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relatively wide (25mm)
nice screen size (3")
has image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
no manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.7)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
has no RAW files

Vlogging with Nikon S9900

A camera for vlogging ought to have a articulating display screen, microphone port and preferably image stabilization. Considering all things, the Nikon S9900 is a respectable fit as a vlog camera as it receives a very good score of 73.

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fairly wide (25mm)
selfie friendly screen
image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detect autofocus
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pixels)
lighter than average in class (289g)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.7)
doesn't have mic port

Nikon S9900 Alternatives

If you are shopping for replacements to the S9900, here is a range of the highest scored cameras which fall into the family of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The line chart down below gives you a summary of the S9900 compared to it's top rated competitors listed previously.

There are more cameras you might look into as alternatives. To go through a detailed comparison, simply click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Manufacturer
Nikon
Model
Nikon Coolpix S9900
Category
Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched
2015-02-10
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3
Maximum resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW images
Maximum native ISO
6400
Minimum native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
25-750mm (30.0x)
Maximum aperture
f/3.7-6.4
Macro focus range
1cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Range of screen
Fully Articulated
Screen diagonal
3 inches
Resolution of screen
921 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
None
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
8 seconds
Highest shutter speed
1/4000 seconds
Continuous shooting speed
7.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range
6.00 m (at Auto ISO)
External flash
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p), 1280 x 720 (30p, 25p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p)
Maximum video resolution
1920x1080
Video format
MPEG-4, H.264
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless
Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
BuiltIn
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
289 gr (0.64 lbs)
Dimensions
112 x 66 x 40mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6")
Other
Battery life
300 images
Battery format
Battery Pack
Battery model
EN-EL19
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 secs)
Time lapse shooting
Storage media
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
One
Launch pricing
$300