FujiFilm AV200 vs Fujifilm S4800: A Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

Choosing the right camera can be a maze, especially when faced with models that differ quite a bit in style and capabilities but come from the same manufacturer. Today, I’m diving into two FujiFilm cameras that appeal to enthusiasts on very different levels: the compact FujiFilm FinePix AV200 and the bridge-style Fujifilm FinePix S4800. Both offer small-sensor imaging but cater to distinct shooting preferences, budgets, and use cases.

Having spent countless hours evaluating cameras, I’ll guide you through not just specs, but real-world performance, technical nuances, and practical decision factors to help you make the best choice. Let’s get started.

First Impressions and Physical Handling

At a glance, these two cameras couldn’t be more different in form factor or handling philosophy.

The FujiFilm AV200 is a straightforward compact camera designed for effortless portability. It’s feather-light, weighing only 168 grams, with physical dimensions of 93 x 60 x 28 mm - easy to slip in a pocket or purse, and quick to whip out for snapshots.

Meanwhile, the Fujifilm S4800 embraces the “bridge camera” body style with an SLR-like heft and grip duties, tipping the scales at 518 grams and measuring 122 x 93 x 100 mm. This substantial size offers more control and a steadier hold, but at the cost of portability.

Take a look to appreciate their size and ergonomics side-by-side:

Right away, you can see the trade-off between ultra-compact convenience and the more substantial body that better suits longer shooting sessions or use with heavier zoom lenses.

For me, the AV200 works well as a casual grab-and-go, while the S4800 feels more deliberate, designed for photographers wanting more creative control and extended telephoto reach.

Design and Controls: What’s at Your Fingertips?

Opening up the control layouts reveals the divergent user priorities.

The AV200 keeps it simple with minimal buttons, a fixed 2.7-inch 230K-dot TFT screen, and no viewfinder. Controls are limited - no manual exposure modes or advanced settings. It’s designed to shoot fast with almost zero fuss.

By contrast, the S4800’s bridge-style design features a larger 3-inch 230K-dot LCD and a few more buttons to navigate its broader features. However, it still lacks an electronic viewfinder, which is unusual for this category but understandable given the fixed-lens superzoom focus.

Here’s a top-down look at their control decks:

You’ll notice the S4800 includes a dedicated mode dial with options for shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual modes - absent on the AV200. Exposure compensation and white balance bracketing are also available on the S4800, granting more creative flexibility.

For photographers craving quick snaps and fun, the AV200’s minimalist approach works just fine. But pros and enthusiasts pushing their skillsets will appreciate the S4800’s enhanced manual controls and bracketing features.

Sensors and Image Quality: Small Sensors but Different Capabilities

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" CCD sensor with almost identical sensor dimensions (6.17 x 4.55 mm; 28.07 mm²), but the resolution and ISO ranges differ enough to impact output quality.

• AV200 offers 14MP resolution, up to ISO 1600 native, with no RAW support.
• S4800 ups that to 16MP, ISO 64 minimum, and ISO 6400 boosted, still no RAW but with wider ISO range offering more flexibility in varying light.

Both sensors include an anti-aliasing filter, which reduces moiré but can soften fine detail somewhat.

Take a look at sensor specifications side-by-side:

To probe image quality, I conducted standardized test shots and compared dynamic range, noise levels at higher ISOs, and sharpening tendencies. Here’s what I found:

• In bright light, the resolutions produce comparable detail, though the S4800’s slight edge in pixels and ISO 64 base helps retain tonal nuances in well-lit landscapes.
• The AV200 suffers more noise and color fade beyond ISO 800, making it best suited for daylight and flash-assisted indoor shooting.
• The S4800’s sensor gains an advantage in low light, managing noise better at ISO 1600 and even providing some usable shots at ISO 3200 and 6400 - albeit with noticeable grain.

Neither camera approaches the image quality of modern APS-C or full-frame models, of course. But for small sensor compacts, the S4800 gives you that extra bit of control to eke out better shots in tougher lighting.

LCDs and User Interface: The Eye into Your Shots

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders - a notable omission in the S4800 especially, since shoot-through eyepieces are expected in bridge cameras. Instead, you rely wholly on the LCD display, with the size difference (2.7" vs 3") being noticeable.

Examining the displays side-by-side:

The S4800’s larger screen is helpful for framing and navigating menus, but both have fairly low resolution (230K dots), resulting in a grainy viewfinder experience compared to today's standards.

Neither screen is touch-enabled, and brightness can be limiting under strong outdoor conditions, but the S4800’s extra real estate offers more comfortable image review and menu interaction.

If you frequently shoot outdoors in bright light, you might find both cameras challenging; review on a laptop or external screen often feels necessary.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Range Vs Speed

Here we find one of the starkest differences:

• AV200: 32-96mm equivalent (3x optical zoom), max aperture f/2.9-5.2
• S4800: 24-720mm equivalent (30x optical zoom), max aperture f/3.1-5.9

The S4800’s superzoom capability is impressive, enabling wildlife, sports, and distant subjects without carrying extra lenses.

However, superzooms on small sensors have their limits. I tested autofocus speed and zoomed image quality, and here’s my take:

• AF on the AV200 is average - contrast detection only, with reasonable accuracy indoors and outdoors but sluggish in low light.
• The S4800 also uses contrast detection but fares slightly better, aided by face detection autofocus. However, at extreme telephoto lengths (600mm+ equivalent), AF hunting becomes frequent.
• Image sharpness is unsurprisingly better at the wide to mid-zoom range on both cameras; wide angle shots on the S4800 are a bit softer, but still usable.
• Telephoto shots on the S4800 lose sharpness and contrast - expected at this range and sensor size, but the image stabilization helps mitigate camera shake, improving usability.

The AV200’s faster maximum aperture at the wide end (f/2.9 vs f/3.1) only helps marginally because absence of stabilization and limited zoom range constrains its versatility.

Shooting Modes and Creative Controls

The AV200 keeps options basic: no shutter or aperture priority, no manual exposure modes, and no exposure compensation. Bracketing is absent, though it offers custom white balance and some flash modes.

The S4800 is much more flexible, including:

• Program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual modes
• Exposure compensation (±2 EV)
• AE bracketing and WB bracketing
• A more versatile flash system with 7m range at wide angle
• Macro focusing capability down to 2 cm (vs none on AV200)

This expanded control on the S4800 unlocks creative shooting styles - think layering exposures, adjusting depth of field, or tweaking exposure for tricky lighting. The AV200 is strictly “point and shoot,” best for beginners or casual snaps.

Performance in Different Photography Genres

Let's put these cameras through their paces across popular genres.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Neither camera features leaf shutter lenses or large sensors that create creamy bokeh, but the S4800’s longer telephoto reach helps isolate subjects better at the long end.

• AV200 struggles with skin tone rendition indoors; colors look a tad flat and noisy above ISO 400.
• S4800’s face detection autofocus improves focusing on eyes, and its macro capabilities offer closer shots.
• Neither produces excellent bokeh due to sensor size and aperture limits, but the S4800’s zoom reach offers better subject isolation options.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape work often demands dynamic range and detail.

• Both cameras moderate in DR, but the S4800's wider ISO choices and slightly higher resolution edge it out in well-lit landscapes.
• Neither supports RAW, so post-processing flexibility is limited.
• Weather sealing is absent on both, restricting rugged outdoor use.

Wildlife: Autofocus and Telephoto Performance

The S4800’s 30x zoom makes it a natural choice for amateur wildlife photographers.

• AF speed is middling but acceptable in good light.
• Built-in stabilization is key for hand-holding long shots.
• AV200’s 3x zoom cannot compete here.

Sports: Tracking and Burst Rates

With continuous shooting at 1 fps for both, neither camera suits fast action or sports photography.

• The S4800’s manual exposure modes afford better control over shutter speed, but the slow burst rate is a deal-breaker for capturing peak action.
• The AV200 is even less equipped, given limited controls.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

The AV200 shines with its discreet size and weight, making it inviting for street shooters wanting to remain unobtrusive.

• The S4800’s bulk and zoom lens size may draw unwanted attention.
• Both have quiet shutters but no silent modes.

Macro: Magnification and Focusing Precision

Macro photography favors the S4800 with its 2cm minimum focus distance and stabilization.

• The AV200 offers no dedicated macro mode.
• The S4800’s stabilization also improves handheld macro shots, a nice plus for on-the-go nature shooters.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Neither camera excels in low-light astrophotography; the small sensors and noise limits at high ISOs are significant hurdles.

• S4800 offers longer shutter speeds (up to 2000), potentially enabling star trails or night shots with a tripod.
• No RAW makes post-processing night shots tougher.
• No built-in intervalometer or bulb mode on either.

Video Capabilities: Resolutions, Stabilization, and Audio

Both shoot 720p at 30fps, with the S4800 supporting H.264 compression along with Motion JPEG, which improves file sizes and overall video quality.

• Neither has a microphone or headphone jack, limiting audio control.
• Only the S4800 has sensor-shift stabilization, which helps smooth handheld footage.
• The AV200’s video is less refined, with simpler codec and no continuous autofocus during recording.

Travel: Versatility, Battery Life, and Size/Weight

For travel, size and battery performance become critical.

• The AV200’s compactness and AA battery system make it simple to carry and power on the road. AA batteries are widely available GPS-less, no wifi, so no smartphone tethering either.
• The S4800’s superzoom and manual control make it versatile, but it’s bulkier and relies on 4x AA batteries, potentially heavier to carry spares.
• Neither has wireless features for quick image sharing.

Build Quality and Durability

Both cameras use plastic construction, typical for their categories. There’s no environmental sealing, waterproofing, or rugged design features.

For casual or travel use in dry conditions, this is fine. But package these for outdoor adventures cautiously.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Insights

• Storage: Both accept SD, SDHC cards; the S4800 extends support to SDXC for larger capacity.
• USB: Both offer USB 2.0; only the S4800 includes HDMI output for direct viewing on TV screens.
• Battery: Both rely on AA batteries for easy swaps, but the S4800’s four AA cells mean more weight and shorter shooting times compared to the AV200’s two AAs.
• No wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or GPS on either.

Price and Value: What’s the Cost for These Features?

As of early 2023:

• FujiFilm AV200: Mostly discontinued, but found cheap on the used market or from clearance - often under $50.
• Fujifilm S4800: Originally launched around $230 new, now closer to $150 used.

Given their age and specs, the S4800’s significantly broader feature set and zoom versatility justify the higher price. The AV200 is a budget-friendly point-and-shoot for casual users.

Sample Images and Real-World Output

To put theory to practice, I shot side-by-side test images in various conditions: daylight, artificial light, telephoto scenes, and macro setups.

Here’s a gallery preview:

FujiFilm AV200 front FujiFilm AV200 screen back Fujifilm S4800 front Fujifilm S4800 screen back

You’ll notice the S4800 captures more detail at telephoto, better color accuracy indoors, and macro images with sharper focus. The AV200 produces decent daylight images but struggles in shadow detail and low light.

Objective Scoring and Performance Summary

Based on extensive testing - covering resolution, ISO performance, autofocus, continuous shooting, and video - here are the overall camera scores:

And if you want a granular look by photography type:

We see the S4800 leading consistently except for portability and casual snapshots, where the AV200 registers as friendlier.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Which FujiFilm Suits You?

Choosing between the FujiFilm AV200 and Fujifilm S4800 boils down to your shooting style, priorities, and budget.

Pick the FujiFilm AV200 if:

• You want a pocketable, affordable camera for casual use and travel.
• Battery swapping with commonly found AA cells is important.
• You prefer a simple, no-fuss camera exactly for snapshots and casual photography.
• Video is secondary and no manual controls are needed.
• Your shooting mostly occurs in good light conditions.

Opt for the Fujifilm S4800 if:

• You need a versatile camera with extensive zoom for wildlife, landscapes, or travel.
• Manual exposure controls and bracketing matter for creative shooting.
• You prioritize better low-light capabilities and stabilization.
• You want macro shooting without carrying additional gear.
• Video quality is slightly more important to you.
• Size and weight are less of a constraint.

To Wrap Up: Small Sensors, Different Dreams

Both the AV200 and S4800 highlight FujiFilm's approach to making small sensor digital cameras accessible, but their execution serves different audiences. The AV200 fits the “grab and go” concept neatly, ideal for beginners or casual users who want simplicity. The S4800 bridges the gap to semi-serious shooting, trading portability for control and zoom reach.

If you want an everyday carry camera with a modest zoom for quick snaps and vacation memories, don’t overlook the AV200’s charm - particularly if affordability and compactness are deal-breakers. But if you’re reaching for a “do-it-all” camera on a moderate budget, the S4800’s superzoom, manual controls, and image stabilization offer genuine photographer’s value.

From my extensive testing experience, I recommend the S4800 for most who seek capability over simplicity, and the AV200 for carefree ease of use. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a FujiFilm camera with familiar color science and respectable imaging for their class.

Happy shooting!

If you want to explore usage scenarios or see side-by-side images, check my detailed video review linked above. And for accessory recommendations, I can guide you on lenses and tripods optimized for these models.