Nikon COOLPIX S9900 Review | 108 Data compared

The Nikon Coolpix S9900 is a highly versatile travel companion that manages to pack a massive 30x optical zoom lens (25–750mm equivalent) into a relatively slim, pocketable body. A major standout feature of the camera is its hybrid optical and electronic Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilization system, which works exceptionally well to deliver shake-free handheld shots even at maximum telephoto lengths using shutter speeds as low as 1/30th of a second. Additionally, the camera is highly praised for its well-implemented 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD screen—which aids in composing tricky, low-angle reflections—as well as its reliable auto white balance, accurate contrast-detection autofocus system, and built-in connectivity perks like Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS. However, the camera falls short when it comes to overall image quality and professional features. The review criticizes the small 16-megapixel sensor for producing disappointing sharpness, turning fine details into "mush" even at the base ISO 125 sensitivity, and generating noticeable image noise that worsens significantly at medium to high ISO settings. Dynamic range is merely mediocre with shadows often losing detail, a problem compounded by the lack of RAW image...

The Nikon Coolpix S9900 is an updated pocket ultra-zoom camera that earns a "Best Buy" rating from Expert Reviews due to its exceptional value and expanded feature set. It retains the same 30x optical zoom lens (25-750mm equivalent) and 16-megapixel sensor as its predecessor, but significantly upgrades user handling. Major pros highlighted in the review include a newly introduced fully articulated side-hinged screen, an improved substantial rubber handgrip, a dual-control wheel system (with a new top command dial), and integrated Wi-Fi and GPS. Performance-wise, the camera delivers sharp telephoto focus, balanced automatic exposures, flattering flash-lit skin tones, and reliable video stabilisation. However, the addition of the articulated screen makes the camera bulkier and heavier than older models, weighing 294g and measuring 41mm thick. Significant cons focus on its image quality, which is described as good rather than great, exhibiting a coarseness to fine, dense textures like foliage upon close inspection. Additionally, its automated low-light performance tends to select overly slow shutter speeds, resulting in common motion blur unless manual exposure adjustments are made. System navigation is also a drawback; the...

The ePHOTOzine review of the Nikon Coolpix S9900 highlights a well-built, feature-rich travel compact camera featuring a versatile 30x optical zoom lens (25-750mm equivalent) with effective 5-axis hybrid vibration reduction. Key pros include built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS, along with improved handling via a 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen, a comfortable rubberized grip, and an intuitive secondary command dial. Conversely, the review notes significant cons, such as an poorly positioned metal tripod socket, lack of RAW shooting support, and increased noise/smearing at ISO 800 and above. Furthermore, the camera is limited to a 300-shot battery life, which can be further reduced by continuous use of the GPS and Wi-Fi features.

The Nikon COOLPIX S9900 is a compact super-zoom camera featuring a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 30x optical zoom lens (25-750mm equivalent), and a versatile 3-inch side-hinged vari-angle LCD screen. It serves as an affordable competitor to high-end rivals like the Panasonic Lumix TZ70/ZS50 and Sony HX90V, introducing a thumb-operated command dial, an NFC chip for streamlined Wi-Fi connectivity, and a new time-lapse movie mode. A major standout feature is its built-in GPS functionality with an electronic compass and a unique map display that outclasses competitors, letting users accurately track and visually verify photo locations. However, the camera's added versatility comes at the cost of a bulkier and heavier frame, making it less pocketable than its predecessors and competitors. Its biggest drawback is the lack of a built-in electronic viewfinder, which makes framing subjects at the maximum 750mm zoom end difficult in bright sunlight. Additional limitations include a continuous shooting mode restricted to a short 5-frame burst at 7.4fps, a lack of manual focus, video autofocus that is prone to wandering, and basic Wi-Fi remote controls that completely lack manual exposure...

The Nikon COOLPIX S9900 is identified as a capable compact super-zoom travel camera featuring a 30x optical zoom lens (25-750mm equivalent) and a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor in a portable body. Significant upgrades include a 3-inch side-hinged vari-angle LCD screen for flexible shooting, along with added NFC connectivity and built-in GPS with an on-screen mapping display. Medium · Conversely, the review notes that the camera carries over the same f/3.7-6.4 lens and 1/2.3-inch sensor from the previous model, resulting in no significant improvement in low-light performance. Additionally, the new articulation makes the body heavier and thicker, while the abandonment of the Motion Detection feature is considered a drawback. Medium ·

The Nikon Coolpix S9900 is highlighted as a lightweight, intuitive travel camera featuring a powerful 30x optical zoom and built-in GPS/GLONASS tracking, making it a capable upgrade from smartphone photography, according to Cruiseable. While it delivers high-quality, sharp images in daylight, the review notes significant performance issues in low-light conditions, where images often suffer from pixelation. The review further notes a 15% image corruption rate, potentially linked to SD card issues, as a significant drawback in real-world testing. Despite these limitations, the camera is recommended for its design and zoom capabilities, ultimately described as a solid, well-priced, and highly capable tool for travelers.

The Consumer Reports review identifies the 16-megapixel Nikon Coolpix S9900 as a highly portable superzoom camera featuring a 30x optical lens that delivers very good image quality and excellent stabilization for both outdoor and indoor shooting. Key performance pros include rapid power-up, fast shot-to-shot times, and a versatile, swiveling LCD screen paired with useful features like GPS and Full HD video capability. Consumer Reports Conversely, the camera has notable limitations, such as significant wide-angle distortion, a lack of an eye-level viewfinder, and somewhat uneven flash coverage. While praised for its compact size, testers found the camera's handling to be somewhat difficult, highlighting, and the overall usability can be compromised by the lack of a traditional viewfinder. Consumer Reports

The Nikon Coolpix S9900 is a pocket-sized travel camera measuring 112 x 66 x 40mm and weighing 289g, making it highly portable for travel. Its standout feature is a powerful 30x optical zoom lens (25-750mm equivalent) that retracts completely into the slim, well-engineered body when turned off. The camera offers excellent physical handling with direct access to PASM manual modes via a top dial, robust connectivity features including built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS with map geotagging, and a highly versatile fully articulating vari-angle LCD screen. Additionally, it features a very effective Vibration Reduction system to stabilize long telephoto shots and includes creative options like a time-lapse movie mode and built-in electronic compass. However, the camera's compact design comes with notable compromises, particularly in image quality due to the limitations of its small 1/2.3-inch sensor and the complete inability to shoot in raw quality mode. Composing images can be challenging in bright sunlight because the S9900 lacks a built-in or optional external viewfinder, and the rear LCD screen does not feature touchscreen functionality. Users will also find limited low-light performance due...