Mini review of Nikon Coolpix S9600/S9700 compact cameras

Mid-range compacts move in the direction of versatility. And of course, the determining factor here is the zoom ratio as well as related features like focusing speed, stabilization quality, the presence of more or less high-speed burst mode.

Nikon Coolpix S9700 compact camera

16 mP 25-550 mm 22x 3″ NEW

16 mP 25-750 mm 30x 3″ NEW

S9600 – the golden mean in terms of combination of features and price. S9700, a more ambitious model for those who want a technological, but not too sophisticated device. In both cases the important aspect is the form – small and light form factor, not flashy, but stylish enough to appeal to a wide range of amateurs. Platform of both cameras is the same: 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, whose data is processed by Expeed C2 processor. The performance of the electronics is enough to deliver continuous shooting at 6.7 frames per second. Both zooms use the latest five-axis vibration compensation technology for optical stabilization. Both models have built-in Wi-Fi, but the S9700 also has a GPS receiver.

If the S9600 is designed more for beginners, its older companion can offer manual control of shutter speed and aperture. In the latter case, it even makes sense, which is quite rare since the S9700’s 30x zoom has a full-fledged mechanical diaphragm, adjustable within 14 steps. The latter’s role is performed by a pluggable ND-filter. S9600 offers a simple LCD display with medium resolution. The S9700 has already integrated a clear, bright and economical panel on organic light-emitting diodes. However, many people do not like such screens because of the excessive embellishment of images. In this case the argument in favor of OLED-technology can be justified by the improved autonomy of the senior model.