• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 750.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800

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Differences

Nikon S9900 advantages over Nikon J5

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos

Nikon J5 advantages over Nikon S9900

  • Slower slow-motion
    1200 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.37 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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.
  • Higher-res screen
    346k vs 230k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    20.8 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    59.4 fps vs 7.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    20 vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S9900

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon J5

Review Excerpt

  • Photographer-friendly controls; Impressive dynamic range for its class; Very fast hybrid autofocus; Fast high-speed shooting capabilities; Tilting touchscreen display.

  • No hot shoe or viewfinder; Aggressive noise reduction, even at base ISO; 4K video is limited to 15fps.

The Competition

Compared to Sony HX50V

Nikon S9900
Sony HX50V
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
Nikon J5
Sony HX50V
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Samsung NX Mini

Nikon S9900
Samsung NX Mini
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon J5
Samsung NX Mini
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon J4

Nikon S9900
Nikon J4
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
Nikon J5
Nikon J4
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Sony WX500

Nikon S9900
Sony WX500
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Shoots 24p video
Nikon J5
Sony WX500
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Sony HX80

Nikon S9900
Sony HX80
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon J5
Sony HX80
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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