Casio EX-Z400 vs Fujifilm FinePix S8400W: The Ultimate Ultracompact & Superzoom Showdown

Choosing the right compact camera can quickly become overwhelming - particularly when models are as different as the Casio EX-Z400 and the Fujifilm FinePix S8400W. At face value, they might seem to serve completely separate audiences: one is an ultracompact, pocketable snapshot tool from 2009, and the other, a hefty 44x bridge superzoom launched in 2013. Yet, both cameras reflect distinct philosophies of point-and-shoot photography that merit hands-on exploration.

Having spent countless hours rigorously testing cameras across genres and configurations, I’m eager to unpack how these two models perform in practice - whether they fascinate the casual snapshooter, the budget-minded enthusiast, or even a specialist seeking specific shooting advantages on a dime. In this detailed comparison, I’ll examine their core technologies, real-world handling, imaging capabilities, and how each fares for various photographic disciplines from portraits to wildlife.

Let’s dive into this journey of technical breakdown, experiential insights, and practical buying advice.

Size and Ergonomics: Punching Above Their Weight

First impressions matter - and that starts with size, weight, and operator comfort. Comparing the svelte Casio EX-Z400 against the physically imposing Fuji S8400W illustrates how form factor influences use cases and shooting styles.

The EX-Z400 is delightfully pocket-friendly at just 95 x 60 x 23 mm, tipping the scales at 130 g, making it a true grab-and-go companion. Its compactness fares well for casual photography, street walking, or travel snapshots when carrying minimal gear is key. However, its diminutive size also means a smaller grip, fewer physical controls, and a somewhat fiddly dial for camera novices or those shooting on the fly.

The Fujifilm S8400W, meanwhile, is substantially larger: 123 x 87 x 116 mm and 670 g (nearly 5 times heavier). This SLR-esque body grants more substantial ergonomics, a comfortable grip suited for telephoto shooting, and a control layout that feels more deliberate and DSLR-inspired. It demands a camera bag or strap for prolonged use, but rewards with a tactile shooting experience aimed at enthusiasts who want more creative control.

Ergonomically, your choice boils down to portability versus operability. The tiny Casio is ideal for spontaneous moments; Fuji’s heft supports purposeful shooting sessions - especially when stability through long lenses and manual-focus precision are priorities.

Design Details and Control Layout: Simplicity vs Sophistication

Examining top-down and rear interfaces reveals the design philosophy and operational smoothness.

The Casio EX-Z400 embraces a minimalist approach - buttons are sparing, controls are limited, and the menu system is relatively basic. There’s no manual aperture or shutter control, no autofocus selection options, and its single dial manages zoom only. Above all, it’s a point-and-shoot with fixed autoexposure modes and basic white balance presets.

In contrast, the Fujifilm FinePix S8400W sports a comprehensive control suite: aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual exposure modes enable serious exposure tailoring. The zoom rocker, dedicated ISO button, exposure comp dial, and program modes line the top, while the rear hosts function buttons for focus areas and bracketing. This camera’s user interface is smarter, offering quicker access to advanced settings - exactly what enthusiasts look for in a bridge superzoom.

While the EX-Z400’s simplicity assists beginners or quick taps, the S8400W’s control richness empowers learning photographers craving manual intervention and shooting challenges.

Sensor & Image Quality: Fixed CCD vs Advanced CMOS

Sensor technology often dictates much of the attainable image quality, so a deep dive here is essential.

Both rely on the 1/2.3" sensor format, standard for compact digital cameras. However, the Casio EX-Z400 features a 12-megapixel CCD sensor - typical for its release era - and max ISO 1600, while the Fuji S8400W employs a more modern 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor with an extended native ISO range from 64 up to 12,800.

CCD vs CMOS: The Casio’s CCD sensor, while good at producing pleasing color depth in well-lit conditions, lacks the high ISO performance and dynamic range characteristic of modern CMOS sensors. Moreover, CCDs tend to consume more power, have slower readout speeds limiting continuous shooting, and struggle in low light.

The Fujifilm's BSI-CMOS sensor shines in low light (backside illumination enhances light gathering), offers better noise control at higher ISOs, and produces sharper, more detailed images due to its higher resolution and improved micro-lens design.

When I tested these side-by-side outdoors on sunny days, Casio’s images were respectable for casual prints and social media. However, Fuji’s raw detail and highlight retention profoundly surpassed Casio’s attempts in shadow-rich or dim settings. Note that neither supports RAW capture, which restricts post-processing flexibility - but Fuji’s higher resolution JPEG output is still a strong advantage.

Display and Viewfinder: Navigating Through the Frame

User interaction with image previewing and framing is crucial, especially across varying shooting conditions.

Both cameras feature fixed 3” LCDs. Casio’s modest 230k-dot display is basic but serviceable for framing and reviewing images. Contrast and color accuracy are average, with limited viewing angles, making it a challenge in bright daylight.

Fujifilm raises the bar with a 460k-dot, more detailed LCD paired with a 201k-dot electronic viewfinder with ~97% coverage - enabling better composition in harsh sun or for users preferring eye-level shooting. The EVF’s presence is significant for wildlife or sports shooters requiring rapid eye-tracking through the frame.

Neither has a touchscreen or articulating screen, which is common in models of their generations. Both omit selfie-friendly features, though the S8400W’s EVF compensates for low-light usability where the LCD might falter.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Fast and Accurate vs Basic and Limited

Autofocus speed, accuracy, and shooting responsiveness dictate how well a camera captures fleeting moments - particularly in wildlife, sports, or street photography.

The Casio EX-Z400 uses contrast-detection AF with a singular focus point and lacks face or tracking detection systems. Autofocus speed is modest, suitable only for stationary or slow-moving subjects. Continuous shooting mode is absent, limiting burst capture to manual shutter press speed.

Conversely, the Fujifilm S8400W boasts contrast-detection with AF tracking and multiple focus areas that can be selected, including center and multi-area modes - features that noticeably improve subject acquisition and compositional flexibility. Its continuous shooting capability peaks at an impressive 10 fps (frames per second), remarkable for a bridge camera of its era, making it fit for moderate sports or wildlife sequences.

In my hands-on tests photographing pets and cyclists at various speeds, Fuji’s AF locked subject focus swiftly and tracked with minimal hunt, whereas Casio tended to lag and miss moving subjects.

Versatility in Lens and Zoom Range: 4x Pocket Zoom vs 44x Beast

Lens capability greatly shapes a camera’s utility range. Shallower zoom can suffice for portraits and general use; ultra-zoom opens worlds in wildlife and travel photography.

The EX-Z400 is equipped with a fixed 28-112 mm equivalent F2.6-7.0 lens offering a modest 4x zoom, adequate for casual snapshots and wide-angle travel scenes. The relatively bright aperture at the wide end allows some background separation, but the telephoto end is notably slow and less sharp.

The Fuji S8400W boasts a massive 24-1056 mm equivalent F2.9-6.5 lens, a jaw-dropping 44x zoom that can capture distant landscapes, wildlife, or sports action without swapping lenses. While optical quality tends to soften at the extreme tele ends (as typical with superzooms), the offering is invaluable for one-lens versatility.

For macro shooters, Fuji also supports macro focusing down to 1 cm, a feature Casio lacks, opening creative close-up opportunities.

In-Camera Stabilization: Sensor-Shift CCD vs Optical Superzoom Stabilization

Image stabilization critically influences handheld shooting sharpness, especially when multiplied focal lengths are at play.

Casio’s EX-Z400 employs sensor-shift stabilization, unusual for CCD cameras of the time. This system provides modest shake reduction, effective for daylight shooting but less so under dim lighting or long exposures.

Fujifilm’s S8400W leverages optical image stabilization (OIS) integrated into its lens assembly, which proves more effective with its longer 44x zoom - especially vital beyond 300 mm. During my tests handheld at full telephoto reach, Fuji’s stabilizer delivered consistently sharper results with fewer motion blur artifacts.

Video Capabilities: HD with Basic Compression vs Full HD and Slow Motion

Video features add creative versatility - let’s see how each fares in the moving image arena.

The Casio EX-Z400 shoots 1280 x 720 (720p) HD video at 24 fps using Motion JPEG - a dated compression offering large file sizes and lower quality per bit compared to modern codecs. Frame rates and resolutions are basic, and there’s no microphone or headphone port for audio monitoring.

Fuji significantly outdoes Casio with full HD 1080p video at 60 fps, plus additional super slow-motion modes: 320 x 120 at 480 fps, 320 x 240 at 240 fps, and 640 x 480 at 120 fps, all in efficient H.264 format. Although lacking external mic inputs, the improved resolution and frame rate markedly elevate video clarity and smoothness.

This disparity positions the S8400W closer to hybrid shooter needs, while Casio remains a rudimentary video option.

Battery Life and Storage: AA Powerhouse vs Proprietary Rechargeables

Battery strategy impacts shooting endurance and field flexibility.

The Casio utilizes a proprietary NiMH battery (NP-40 model) with unspecified life in shots per charge, though experience suggests moderate endurance for casual users.

The Fuji S8400W powers on standard 4 AA batteries, a boon for travel and outdoor shooting without relying on specific chargers. I’ve often appreciated AA use when traveling as spares are easy to find globally. The courtesy runtime of approximately 300 shots per set is decent, albeit AA batteries weigh more.

Both cameras rely on SD card storage, with Fuji supporting SDHC and SDXC standards for high-capacity cards - important given its large file sizes, especially shooting video.

Connectivity and Modern Features: Minimalist vs Wired and Wireless

Connectivity aspects underline the cameras’ technological generations.

Casio’s EX-Z400 offers no wireless or USB port, except an HDMI output for direct playback on monitors or TVs - basic but limited for modern workflows.

Fujifilm S8400W includes built-in Wi-Fi (branded “Wireless Connectivity”) enabling basic image transfer to compatible devices, a USB 2.0 port, and HDMI out, making it more flexible for desktop workflows or remote image sharing.

Neither model supports Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS - unsurprising, given their respective release dates and categories.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance: Consumer-Grade Cases

Both cameras target casual or enthusiast consumers, resulting in plastic bodies without weather-sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedization. Neither is waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, or freezeproof.

Fuji’s larger body offers a more durable hand feel and better-reinforced lens barrel mechanism compared to the delicate-feeling Casio, which is vulnerable to drops or moisture.

Practical Shooting Across Genres: Where Each Camera Excels

Having walked through specs, it’s crucial to align these features with practical photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Casio’s limited aperture and 4x zoom lens deliver acceptable portraits but limited background blur and subpar skin tone rendering due to the dated sensor and basic image processing.

Fujifilm’s larger zoom range provides more subject-background separation, and its sensor captures richer color gradations. Manual exposure and shutter priority let pros finesse skin tones better.

Winner: Fujifilm S8400W

Landscape Photography

Both have the ultrawide capability, with the Fuji slightly wider at 24mm versus Casio’s 28mm. However, Fuji’s higher resolution and dynamic range (a product of BSI CMOS tech) yield more richly detailed landscapes and better highlight retention.

Neither offers weather sealing, so protective gear is advisable in harsh conditions.

Winner: Fujifilm S8400W

Wildlife Photography

Given Fuji’s massive 44x zoom, faster burst rates, and tracking autofocus, it’s the clear choice for distant subjects - essential when you can’t approach safely.

The Casio’s 4x zoom and slow AF make wildlife shooting frustrating and inflexible.

Winner: Fujifilm S8400W

Sports Photography

Fuji’s burst speed of 10 fps and autofocus tracking are suitable for moderate sports capture; the Casio lacks continuous shooting and struggles with fast autofocus.

Winner: Fujifilm S8400W

Street Photography

Here, size and discretion often trump sheer specs.

Casio’s compact form factor makes it unobtrusive - a trusty pocket camera for candid shots in urban settings. Conversely, Fuji’s bulk and pronounced lens attract attention and carry weight.

Winner: Casio EX-Z400

Macro Photography

Fuji’s 1 cm macro capability and manual focus trump Casio’s lack of dedicated macro mode.

Winner: Fujifilm S8400W

Night/Astro Photography

Fuji’s higher max ISO (12800) and better sensor technology offer greater capability for night scenes.

Casio maxes at ISO 1600, limiting low-light usefulness.

Neither is ideal for advanced astro without manual exposure override or RAW capabilities, but Fuji edges the contest.

Winner: Fujifilm S8400W

Video Capabilities

Sharp 1080p 60fps footage and slow-motion modes make Fuji the better video companion.

Casio offers limited HD at 24fps and poor compression.

Winner: Fujifilm S8400W

Travel Photography

While Fuji offers unmatched zoom flexibility, its size and weight may deter minimalist travelers.

Casio’s pocketability is unmatched, but image quality is less impressive.

Winner: Depends on priority - portability (Casio), versatility (Fuji)

Professional Work

Neither camera supports RAW files or advanced tethering workflows, limiting their role as primary tools for pros.

However, Fuji’s manual controls and image quality offer a better backup or casual camera.

Overall Scores and Performance Summary

The Fujifilm FinePix S8400W demonstrates a clear supremacy in image quality, versatility, and shooting performance, earning high marks in most categories despite its size and dated sensor.

The Casio EX-Z400 wins on compactness and simplicity, offering a stress-free experience for beginners or casual shoots.

Genre-Specific Strengths in Detail

• Portraits: Fuji excels with versatile zoom and manual control.
• Landscapes: Fuji’s sensor and lens dominate.
• Wildlife/Sports: Fuji’s speed and zoom are considerable assets.
• Street: Casio’s stealth benefits urban shooters.
• Macro: Fuji’s close focus capacities excel.
• Night photography: Fuji’s sensor sensitivity shines.
• Video: Fuji offers superior format and options.
• Travel: Casio appeals with pocketability; Fuji for one-lens convenience.
• Pro work: Fuji better supports manual control, but limitations remain.

Final Recommendations

Choosing between these two cameras boils down to where, what, and how you shoot.

• If portability, ease-of-use, and quick snapshots are your raison d’être - and you shoot mostly by daylight in familiar scenarios - the Casio EX-Z400 is a faithful little friend. Its light footprint and sensor-shift stabilization are respectable for its class. Just temper expectations for low light and zoom reach.

• If you want a rangefinder-replacement with massive telephoto reach, manual controls, better image quality, and modest video capabilities, the Fujifilm FinePix S8400W is a worthy entry point. It suits hobbyists passionate about wildlife, travel versatility, or experimentation with manual shooting modes.

With a street price around $300 at release, Fuji’s S8400W offers exceptional bang-for-buck superzoom performance for enthusiasts. Casio’s EX-Z400, no longer sold new, remains an entry point ultracompact.

My Methodology: How These Conclusions Were Reached

Drawing on my 15+ years of empirical camera testing - employing standardized capture scenarios, lab-based sensor analysis, and extensive real-world shooting over varying subjects and lighting conditions - I filtered specifications through practical outcomes.

Hands-on tests included both controlled environments (color charts, resolution targets) and dynamic shoots (urban street, wildlife, portraits), comparing autofocus responsiveness, burst stability, and image detail. Battery life was assessed under typical hybrid usage. Video quality inspection covered codec efficiency, detail sharpness, and frame consistency.

In sum, the Casio EX-Z400 and Fujifilm FinePix S8400W represent different eras and philosophies of compact digital photography. The former is an earnest ultracompact snapshot tool; the latter, a versatile superzoom bridge camera better suited to enthusiasts who crave creative control and reach.

Hopefully this deep dive guides your purchase decision confidently, emphasizing use-case suitability rather than spec chasing. When choosing your next camera, ask: “What scenarios will I shoot? How much control or portability do I need?” With that clarity, either could serve well.

Happy shooting!