• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 550.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon S9500 advantages over Sony QX30

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    30 mm vs 57 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Sony QX30 advantages over Nikon S9500

  • More telephoto lens reach
    720 mm vs 550 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 7.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    10 vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly

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
  • 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
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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

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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
Sony QX30
Sony HX10V
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Longer stills battery life

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
Sony QX30
Panasonic ZS30
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Panasonic ZS25

Nikon S9500
Panasonic ZS25
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Sony QX30
Panasonic ZS25
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Panasonic ZS40

Nikon S9500
Panasonic ZS40
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Sony QX30
Panasonic ZS40
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Canon SX710 HS

Nikon S9500
Canon SX710 HS
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in GPS
  • $689
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
Sony QX30
Canon SX710 HS
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
  • $689
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Internal flash
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