• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 750.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony HX30V advantages over Nikon S9900

  • Larger lens aperture
    f/3.2 vs f/3.7
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 230k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 7.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    10 vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S9900 advantages over Sony HX30V

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $420 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • More telephoto lens reach
    750 mm vs 500 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    Both provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony HX30V

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S9900
Nikon S9900 (Black)
  • Nikon S9900 (Black)
  • Nikon S9900 (Silver)
All S9900 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Solid build; Fast autofocus; Excellent zoom range and functionality; Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Useful creative effects modes.

  • Image quality not as good as predecessor; No electronic viewfinder; Confusing menu system and user manual.

  • Read our Sony HX30V Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-HX9V

Sony HX30V
Sony DSC-HX9V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony DSC-HX9V

Nikon S9900
Sony DSC-HX9V
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Nikon S9900 vs Sony DSC-HX9V

Compared to Sony HX10V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX10V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX10V

Nikon S9900
Sony HX10V
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Higher-res screen
  • Longer exposure

Compare Nikon S9900 vs Sony HX10V

Compared to Sony HX20V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX20V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX20V

Nikon S9900
Sony HX20V
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Manual focus

Compare Nikon S9900 vs Sony HX20V

Compared to Sony HX50V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX50V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX50V

Nikon S9900
Sony HX50V
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus

Compare Nikon S9900 vs Sony HX50V

Compared to Sony HX80

Sony HX30V
Sony HX80
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX80

Nikon S9900
Sony HX80
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S9900 vs Sony HX80

Compare Other Cameras?