Nikon S9900 review

Video is captured at Full HD resolution in AVC format with a choice of progressive scan and interlaced modes. There’s also an option for quarter-speed slow motion at VGA resolution, but sadly the S9700’s half-speed 720p option has been dropped. Quality was generally excellent, with powerful stabilisation keeping handheld shots steady even at the maximum zoom position. Fine details in videos looked a little coarse but we doubt that many people would notice or care.

Our photo quality tests told a similar story. Close inspection revealed a coarseness to fine details. It wasn’t particularly noticeable for high-contrast shapes but subtle textures such as foliage looked a little clunky. Then again, it’s only an issue when printing at large sizes or when heavily cropping photos, and neither of these seem particularly likely. People who want to make A3+ prints will probably spend more on their camera, and the massive zoom range means cropping photos is seldom necessary.

Otherwise, the S9900 performed well for image quality. Focus was reasonably sharp throughout the zoom range, and particularly impressive at the long end of the zoom where many pocket ultra-zoom cameras struggle. Automatic exposures were generally balanced, and flash-lit skin tones were unusually flattering.

Without the flash, a tendency to use slow shutter and ISO speeds in low light meant that motion blur was a common problem. We found it necessary to set the shutter manually when shooting people in low light. The mode and command dials made this easy to do, although it’s frustrating that the camera doesn’t reveal what ISO speed it has set itself to. Some noise was visible even in brightly lit photos, but noise was handled well as the ISO speed went up. We were able to push it up considerably higher than the Auto ISO mode recommended.

^ The biggest perk for a camera like this is the ability to go from a wide-angle 25mm (equivalent) focal length… (1/400s, f/3.7, ISO 125, 25mm equivalent)

^ … all the way to a 750mm telephoto. It’s as good as it gets for a pocket-sized camera. (1/125s, f/6.4, ISO 125, 750mm equivalent)

^ Focus is reasonably sharp but there’s a coarseness to details when viewed up close, especially for dense textures. (1/125s, f/4.5, ISO 125, 60mm equivalent)

^ Focus is excellent at the long end of the zoom. (1/500s, f/6.4, ISO 125, 750mm equivalent)

^ It’s not a bad choice of camera for capturing solar eclipses. (1/2,000s, f/8, ISO 125, 750mm equivalent)

^ This telephoto shot in overcast conditions looks excellent despite the raised ISO speed. However, most of the shots in this series had focused on the branch stump and not the bird. (1/125s, f/6.4, ISO 360, 750mm equivalent)

^ The 1/8s shutter speed selected by the camera is excessively slow and results in motion blur. (1/8s, f/4.5, ISO 400, 51mm equivalent)

^ Raising the ISO speed to 800 (giving a 1/15s shutter speed) reduces motion blur and has a negligible impact on noise levels. (1/15s, f/4.5, ISO 800, 51mm equivalent)

^ Even ISO 3200 looks OK at modest dimensions. The camera’s Auto ISO mode is too conservative so some manual intervention is required for best results in low light. (1/50s, f/4.5, ISO 3200, 51mm equivalent)

The Panasonic TZ70 has the edge for image quality with its crisper fine details and slightly lower noise levels. The difference isn’t massive, though, and becomes largely academic if photos are only ever viewed on screens and printed at modest sizes. Both cameras are packed with useful features, but for us the S9900’s articulated screen and GPS hold more appeal than the TZ70’s viewfinder and superior Wi-Fi functions. The S9900 is also quite a bit cheaper as we go to press, with the TZ70 selling for £350.

Even though it’s far from perfect, the S9900 is the camera we’d happily spend our money on. It’s a Best Buy. Though if it doesn’t quite fit your needs then check out our regularly-updated Best Cameras list and buying guide. Buy the Nikon S9900 now from Currys