• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 750.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S9700 advantages over Panasonic ZS50

  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic ZS50 advantages over Nikon S9700

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 6.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS50

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic ZS40

Nikon S9700
Panasonic ZS40
  • $590
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster shutter
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic ZS50
Panasonic ZS40
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon SX700 HS

Nikon S9700
Canon SX700 HS
  • $590
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in GPS
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Manual focus
Panasonic ZS50
Canon SX700 HS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Faster shutter

Compared to Sony WX500

Nikon S9700
Sony WX500
  • $590
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Longer stills battery life
Panasonic ZS50
Sony WX500
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Sony HX90V

Nikon S9700
Sony HX90V
  • $590
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic ZS50
Sony HX90V
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Sony HX80

Nikon S9700
Sony HX80
  • $590
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen
Panasonic ZS50
Sony HX80
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Longer stills battery life
Compare Other Cameras?