• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 550.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 115.3mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Nikon S9500 advantages over Nikon S2

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $450 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Slower slow-motion
    3015 fps vs 1200 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More dots on screen
    614k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    18.1 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Nikon S2 advantages over Nikon S9500

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.85 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 7.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens
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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony HX10V

Nikon S9500
Sony HX10V
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More dots on screen

Compare Nikon S9500 vs Sony HX10V

Nikon S2
Sony HX10V
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Sony HX10V

Compared to Panasonic ZS30

Nikon S9500
Panasonic ZS30
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS30

Nikon S2
Panasonic ZS30
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon S2 vs Panasonic ZS30

Compared to Panasonic ZS25

Nikon S9500
Panasonic ZS25
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $470
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS25

Nikon S2
Panasonic ZS25
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $470
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Panasonic ZS25

Compared to Pentax Q7

Nikon S9500
Pentax Q7
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon S9500 vs Pentax Q7

Nikon S2
Pentax Q7
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q7

Compared to Pentax Q-S1

Nikon S9500
Pentax Q-S1
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon S9500 vs Pentax Q-S1

Nikon S2
Pentax Q-S1
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q-S1

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