Nikon S9100 vs Casio EX-ZR400 Comparison

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Nikon S9100

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

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Casio EX-ZR400

16 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

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Nikon S9100 vs Casio EX-ZR400 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing S9100 and EX-ZR400, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras from Nikon and Casio. Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Nikon S9100 has a 12.0 MP and Casio EX-ZR400 has a 16.0 MP resolution. Nikon S9100 was introduced to market in July 2011 and Casio EX-ZR400 was launched in January 2013. There is 18 months difference between S9100 and EX-ZR400 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger EX-ZR400, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon S9100 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2011-07-19

12MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 160 - 3200

25-450 mm F3.5-5.9 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

10 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

240fps High-Speed Video

214g. 105 x 62 x 35 mm

Casio EX-ZR400 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2013-01-29

16MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 80 - 3200

24-300 mm F3.0-5.9 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

30 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

1000fps High-Speed Video

205g. 105 x 59 x 29 mm

Nikon S9100 was replaced by Nikon Coolpix S9300. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon Coolpix S9300 vs Nikon Coolpix S9100
Nikon Coolpix S9300 vs Casio Exilim EX-ZR400

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix S9100 over Casio Exilim EX-ZR400

Face Detection Focus	Yes vs No	very handy for portraits
LCD Screen Resolution	921k dots vs 461k dots	99% higher resolution screen
Focal Length - Tele	450mm vs 300mm	150 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	18× vs 12.5×	more flexible focal coverage
Sensor Pixel Area	2.34µm² vs 1.76µm²	32% larger pixel area

Reasons to choose Casio Exilim EX-ZR400 over Nikon Coolpix S9100

Max Sensor Resolution	16 MP vs 12 MP	33% more pixels
Continuous Shooting	30.0fps vs 10.0fps	20 fps faster
Battery Life	500 shots vs 270 shots	230 more frames with a single charge
Weight	205 g vs 214 g	9 g lighter
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control
Focal Length - Wide	24mm vs 25mm	1 mm wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	3.00 vs 3.50	faster lens at wide

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix S9100 and Casio Exilim EX-ZR400

Image Stabilization	Sensor-shift vs Sensor-shift	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Manual Focusing	Yes vs Yes	both have manual focusing modes
Focal Length - Tele	450mm vs 300mm	Very good Telezoom

Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix S9100 and Casio Exilim EX-ZR400

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs No	No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe	No vs No	Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder	None vs None	No eye-level shooting option
RAW Support	No vs No	Lower image quality
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions
Max Aperture - Tele	5.90 vs 5.90	Slow lenses at tele

Nikon S9100 vs Casio EX-ZR400: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon S9100 has external dimensions of 105 x 62 x 35 mm (4.13 x 2.44 x 1.38″) and weighs 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz) (including batteries). Casio EX-ZR400 has external dimensions of 105 x 59 x 29 mm (4.13 x 2.32 x 1.14″) and weighs 205 g (0.45 lb / 7.23 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400.

Comparison image of Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400.

Comparison image of Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400.

Top View Comparison image of Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Casio EX-ZR400 is 9g lighter than the Nikon S9100 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

S9100

EX-ZR400

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

S9100

EX-ZR400

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix S9100 nor Casio Exilim EX-ZR400 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Nikon S9100 vs Casio EX-ZR400: Sensor Comparison

Nikon S9100 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed C2 processor. On the other hand, Casio EX-ZR400 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Exilim Engine HS processor.

Below you can see the S9100 and EX-ZR400 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400 Cameras

Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Nikon S9100 has 32% larger pixel area compared to Casio EX-ZR400, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Nikon S9100 vs Casio EX-ZR400 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon S9100 features a 25-450 mm F3.5-5.9 18× zoom lens whereas Casio EX-ZR400 features a 24-300 mm F3.0-5.9 12.5× zoom lens.

Casio EX-ZR400 has 1mm wider coverage than the Nikon S9100. At f3.00, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Nikon S9100 has 150mm longer reach than the Casio EX-ZR400. Both cameras has a max aperture of f5.90 at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

S9100

EX-ZR400

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

S9100

EX-ZR400

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

S9100

EX-ZR400

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

S9100

EX-ZR400

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Nikon S9100 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Casio EX-ZR400 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon S9100 for Street Photography

GOOD

Casio EX-ZR400 for Street Photography

GOOD

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Nikon S9100 for Sports Photography

POOR

Casio EX-ZR400 for Sports Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
450 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 270 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 30.0fps
300 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Unknown Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Nikon S9100 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Casio EX-ZR400 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Compact Body
214g
18.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Compact Body
205g
12.5X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Nikon S9100 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Casio EX-ZR400 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Manual Focus Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon S9100 vs Casio EX-ZR400: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Nikon S9100 and Casio EX-ZR400 scores compare:

Nikon S9100

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #174 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #727 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Casio EX-ZR400

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #103 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #579 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Casio EX-ZR400 is the clear winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Nikon S9100 in all criteria.
It has better general image quality, more features, more compact body and offers more value for the money

Casio EX-ZR400 vs Nikon S9100 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Nikon Coolpix S9100	Casio Exilim EX-ZR400
Brand	Nikon	Casio
Announced	2011-07-19	2013-01-29
Body Type	Compact	Compact
Sensor
Type	BSI-CMOS	BSI-CMOS
Size	1/2.3-inch	1/2.3-inch
Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area	28.07mm²	28.07mm²
Megapixels	12 megapixels	16 megapixels
Max Resolution	4000 x 3000	4608 x 3456
Max Native Light sensitivity	3,200 ISO	3,200 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	160 ISO	80 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	9	n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	25-450 mm (18×)	24-300 mm (12.5×)
Max Aperture	F3.5-5.9	F3.0-5.9
Macro Focus Range	4cm	1cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	3"	3"
Resolution	921k dots	461k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/2000s	1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Sensor-shift	Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	4.00 m	4.70 m
Max Flash Sync	n/a	s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	10.0 fps	30.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264	H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	214g	205g
Dimensions	105 x 62 x 35mm	105 x 59 x 29mm
Battery Life	270 shots	500 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction