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Nikon S9100 vs Sony TX20 Comparison

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Nikon S9100

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

Nikon S9100
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Sony TX20

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

Sony TX20
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Nikon S9100 vs Sony TX20 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Compact cameras from Nikon and Sony. Nikon S9100 was introduced to market in July 2011 and Sony TX20 was launched in February 2012. There is only 7 months difference between S9100 and TX20 so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and technology level.

Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Nikon S9100 has a 12.0 MP and Sony TX20 has a 16.0 MP resolution.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon S9100 and Sony TX20 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

Sony TX20 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2012-02-28
  • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 3200
  • 25-100 mm F3.5-4.6 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 10 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 133g. 96 x 56 x 18 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon S9100 and Sony TX20 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix S9100 over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20
Max Mech. Shutter
1/2000s vs 1/1600s faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life
270 shots vs 250 shots 20 more frames with a single charge
Focal Length - Tele
450mm vs 100mm 350 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
18× vs 4× more flexible focal coverage
Flash Coverage
4.0m vs 3.7m 0.3m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area
2.34µm2 vs 1.76µm2 32% larger pixel area


Reasons to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20 over Nikon Coolpix S9100
Touch Screen
Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
Max Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 12 MP 33% more pixels
Weight
133 g vs 214 g 81 g lighter
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs No shoot at tough conditions
Max Aperture - Tele
4.60 vs 5.90 faster lens at tele

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix S9100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20
Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs Optical Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
LCD Screen Resolution
921k dots vs 922k dots High resolution screens
Continuous Shooting
10.0fps vs 10.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Manual Focusing
Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix S9100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20
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
Manual Exposure
No vs No No manual exposure control
New4
Nikon S9100 vs Sony TX20: 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 Sony TX20 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). Sony TX20 has external dimensions of 96 x 56 x 18 mm (3.78 x 2.2 x 0.71″) and weighs 133 g (0.29 lb / 4.69 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon S9100 and Sony TX20. Sony TX20 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 9mm narrower, 6mm shorter and 17mm thinner than Nikon S9100.

Nikon S9100 vs Sony TX20 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon S9100 and Sony TX20 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon S9100 and Sony TX20.

Nikon S9100 vs Sony TX20 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Nikon S9100 and Sony TX20 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon S9100 and Sony TX20.
Nikon S9100 vs Sony TX20 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon S9100 and Sony TX20 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Sony TX20 is significantly lighter (81g ) than the Nikon S9100 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

S9100
TX20
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

S9100
TX20
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Thanks to the weather sealed body of TX20, you can use this camera with more confidence under conditions where there is risk of exposure to water and dust compared to S9100.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon S9100 and Sony TX20'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 Sony TX20: 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, Sony TX20 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features BIONZ processor.

Below you can see the S9100 and TX20 sensor size comparison.

Nikon S9100 vs Sony TX20 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon S9100 and Sony TX20 Cameras


Nikon S9100 and Sony TX20 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 Sony TX20, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Nikon S9100 vs Sony TX20 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon S9100 features a 25-450 mm F3.5-5.9 18× zoom lens whereas Sony TX20 features a 25-100 mm F3.5-4.6 4× zoom lens.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 25mm and have the same max aperture of f3.50 at this focal length. On the tele end, Nikon S9100 has 350mm longer reach than the Sony TX20. However, with a max aperture of f4.60, Sony TX20 is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

S9100
TX20
Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

S9100
TX20
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

S9100
TX20
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

S9100
TX20
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon S9100 and Sony TX20 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon S9100 and Sony TX20 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

Sony TX20 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
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
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon S9100 for Street Photography

GOOD

Sony TX20 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
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

Nikon S9100 for Sports Photography

POOR

Sony TX20 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
Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
Environmental Sealings
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1600s
Unknown Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 250 shots
100 mm Tele Lens
Read the details

Nikon S9100 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Sony TX20 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE
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
133g
Body Thickness 18mm
Environmental Sealings
4.0X 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

Sony TX20 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
Environmental Sealings
25 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 Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details

Nikon S9100 vs Sony TX20: 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 Sony TX20, 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 Sony TX20 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
Sony TX20
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #13 out of 155 in Ultracompact cameras
Ranked #691 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Sony TX20 scores higher than the Nikon S9100 thanks to its better general imaging quality, compact size and higher value for the money. On the other hand, Nikon S9100 has some extra features which may become a game changer if you have some specific requirements.
We recommend you to read our detailed Pro's and Con's section and see if any Pro of Nikon S9100 is a must-have for you. If not, choose the Sony TX20.

Nikon S9100
Nikon S9100
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Sony TX20
Sony TX20
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Sony TX20 vs Nikon S9100 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix S9100 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20
Brand Nikon Sony
Announced 2011-07-19 2012-02-28
Body Type Compact Ultracompact
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 125 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×) 25-100 mm (4×)
Max Aperture F3.5-5.9 F3.5-4.6
Macro Focus Range 4cm 1cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3" 3"
Resolution 921k dots 922k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/1600s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Sensor-shift Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 4.00 m 3.70 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps 10.0 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 MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 214g 133g
Dimensions 105 x 62 x 35mm 96 x 56 x 18mm
Battery Life 270 shots 250 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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