The Nikon Coolpix S640 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 both have 12 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom lens. Both of the lenses are wide angle meaning that you can squeeze in more width for a wide scene such as a landscape shot or an interior shot. The lens of the Lumix DMC FX60 offers a slightly wider angle than the Coolpix S640. Both cameras are aimed at people looking for a good quality pocket camera, with both of these models being a step up on a basic level model.

Basic Specification
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 12 megapixels 5x wide angle optical zoom lens 2.7 inch LCD screen Image Stabilisation Macro Focus: 3cm Dimensions: 97.2 x 54.1 x 19.4mm Weight: 126g High Definition movies	Nikon Coolpix S640 12 megapixels 5x wide angle optical zoom 2.7 inch LCD screen Image Stabilisation Macro Focus 2cm Dimensions: 91 x 55 x 20.5mm Weight: 110g Standard Definition Movies

Looking at the basic specification details there does not appear to be a great deal of difference between the two cameras. This is certainly true if all you plan to do is use them as point and shoot cameras without using all the features the two cameras offer.

If I dig a bit deeper Panasonic has equipped the Lumix DMC FX60 with a number of extra features that help to give a little extra control over the way the camera will work for you. This includes features such as extra scene modes and additional white balance options for fine tuning the colour of your photos.

You may have noticed the Lumix DMC FX60 has a clear edge when shooting movies. Another feature worth noting is that the camera can increase the amount of zoom available. This happens if you decrease the number of megapixels you are shooting at. In all there is a maximum 9.8x zoom available to you. This gives some very useful extra flexibility to the camera.

Both cameras are the instantly recognisable, rectangular box shape. Both cameras also come in a variety of colours. I found the finish used by Nikon to be that bit better, giving the Coolpix S640 a touch of extra class.

The Lumix DMC FX60 has the edge when it comes to taking more than one photo and also in the time taken to turn the camera on and take the first picture. There is very little difference between the two cameras when it comes to take a single shot.

Both cameras run on lithium ion batteries.

Not only does the Lumix DMC FX60 outperform the Coolpix S640 it also outperforms the majority of other pocket sized digital camera. It does especially well when you consider the fact it has an extra wide angle lens as this typically takes the edge off the quality of some shots.

This is another area where there is little to choose between the two cameras. The Coolpix S640 does have a slight edge though. This partly due to the fact it has fewer features to get to know and partly because the menu system used by Nikon is probably the clearest around.

There is not a massive difference between these two cameras, but I feel the Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 does offer that bit more than the Nikon Coolpix S640 in a number of areas. At the time of writing this comparison there is little difference in price between the two models, so if I was looking to buy one of these two cameras I would select the Panasonic camera. Front View
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60



Nikon Coolpix S640


Back View
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60



Nikon Coolpix S640


Top View
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60



Nikon Coolpix S640

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Nikon Coolpix S640 Review

Nikon Coolpix S640 Specification

Panasonic DMC FX60 Review

Panasonic DMC FX60 Specification

Nikon Coolpix S640 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, please make sure you double check the feature set and specification at the point of purchase.