Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60 vs Nikon Coolpix S640 Comparison
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX60
Nikon Coolpix S640
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
Features
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.
Design
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.
Start Up and Shutter Lag
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.
Power Supply
Both cameras run on lithium ion batteries.
Picture Quality
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.
Ease of Use
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.
Verdict
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.
Product Shots
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
