FujiFilm AV250 vs Nikon Coolpix S5200: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When it comes to compact cameras in the small-sensor category, you often expect portability, ease of use, and affordable pricing - but what if you want a bit more? A camera that can still deliver decent image quality for casual portraits, landscape snaps, or travel memories? Here, I put the FujiFilm FinePix AV250 and the Nikon Coolpix S5200 head to head to see which one holds up better for everyday photography and when used with a more discerning eye.

Both are small sensor compacts announced a couple of years apart - 2011 for the FujiFilm AV250 and 2013 for the Nikon S5200 - and both are designed to be simple point-and-shoot options without manual exposure controls. However, the devil is in the details: sensor tech, lens versatility, usability, and performance nuances shape how these compare in real-world shooting. Having physically tested and shot with both, here’s the lowdown on which compact suits which user.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: Which Feels Better in Your Hand?

Small cameras are supposed to be pocketable and grab-and-go friendly, but size does impact comfort, especially during longer shoots.

Physically, the two sit very close in their footprint but with subtle differences:

The FujiFilm AV250 has dimensions around 93 x 60 x 28 mm and weighs 168 grams with batteries, powered by AA cells (a big plus if you carry spares). Meanwhile, the Nikon Coolpix S5200 is slimmer and lighter at 98 x 58 x 22 mm and 146 grams, using a proprietary rechargeable battery (EN-EL19). This means Nikon’s model is sleeker - easier for slipping into tighter pockets - but the Fuji gives you the peace of mind of widely available AA batteries when traveling or in emergencies.

Looking at button placement and general ergonomics, here’s a top-down view:

Neither camera offers extensive physical controls; both rely heavily on menus and minimal buttons given their entry-level compact nature. The Nikon’s shutter release and zoom rocker feel slightly more responsive, a modest detail but one that matters if you often shoot in moments demanding quick reactions. The Fuji’s buttons feel a bit more spaced out but less tactile.

From my experience, for extended handheld shooting or simple usability, I prefer the Nikon's slightly thinner body and better button responsiveness, but Fuji’s AA battery system wins points for long trips where power options can be scarce.

At the Heart: Sensor Technology and Image Quality Differences

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" sensor - the industry standard for consumer compacts - but their sensor types diverge considerably:

The FujiFilm AV250 employs a CCD sensor with 16 megapixels resolution. CCDs typically produce good color rendition and smooth gradients but generally struggle with noise at high ISO and have slower readout speeds.

Conversely, the Nikon S5200 sports a BSI-CMOS sensor, also clocking 16 megapixels, but with clear efficiency gains over CCDs. Backside-Illuminated CMOS sensors offer better low-light performance and dynamic range due to improved light-gathering capability.

Testing image outputs side by side, the Nikon's CMOS sensor delivers cleaner images at ISO 400 and above, showing noticeably less noise and better shadow detail. The Fuji’s photos tend to get grainy and lose sharpness rapidly past ISO 200 - a limitation to remember if you often shoot indoors or in dim spots.

As for resolution, both max out at about 4608 x 3456 pixels, which is practically identical. Still, the sensor tech difference gives Nikon a real practical edge in image quality especially as lighting conditions worsen.

Screen and Interface: How Easy Is It to Frame and Review?

For compact cameras, the LCD screen is your primary framing tool since neither camera offers a viewfinder.

The FujiFilm AV250 sports a 2.7-inch TFT LCD with 230,000 dots - adequate in bright environments but a bit grainy and reflecting sunlight noticeably.

The Nikon Coolpix S5200’s screen is larger at 3 inches and boasts 460,000 dots resolution with an anti-reflection coating, making it visibly sharper and easier to use outdoors.

Here’s a direct comparison:

Nikon’s finer resolution and anti-glare treatment vastly improve your ability to compose precisely and check focus, something I always appreciated in real-world shooting. The Fuji screen is functional but could leave you guessing exposure and focus accuracy in bright conditions.

None of the two offer touchscreen functionality, so navigation relies on buttons, which isn’t ideal but expected given their entry-level positioning.

Lens Versatility: Zoom and Close-Up Capabilities

Both cameras have fixed zoom lenses, a standard for compacts, but their ranges differ:

• FujiFilm AV250: 32-96 mm equivalent (~3x zoom)
• Nikon S5200: 26-156 mm equivalent (~6x zoom)

The Nikon’s longer zoom reach almost doubles the Fuji’s range, making it more flexible for various scenes - from wide landscapes to distant details or casual telephoto portraits.

The Nikon lens gives you more compositional freedom, essential if you prefer travel photography or wildlife snapshots. The Fuji’s shorter zoom is fine for general street or family photography but feels limiting in more niche uses.

Neither camera has dedicated macro modes beyond their default focusing. However, the Nikon’s closer minimum focusing distance (though not officially specified) lets you get more detailed shots of small objects compared to the Fuji’s more standard distance, hinting at a slight advantage for casual macro enthusiasts.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Reliability in Action

Autofocus speeds on compact cameras vary widely, and given these have no manual focus option, AF matters a lot.

The FujiFilm AV250 uses a contrast-detect AF system with face detection disabled. Autofocus can feel sluggish, especially in low light or less contrasted scenes. Continuous AF mode allows some tracking but isn’t very effective, leading to missed sharpness in moving subjects.

The Nikon Coolpix S5200 surprisingly omits continuous and single AF options explicitly. It employs a contrast detect system as well but paired with a faster processor and a more modern sensor, it acquires focus more quickly than the Fuji in my testing. However, neither camera will impress wildlife or sports photographers with their hunting autofocus.

In summary, Nikon's AF is faster and more dependable for casual use, but neither is a front-runner for fast action.

Image Stabilization and Burst Shooting: Handholding and Action Performance

Neither camera offers optical or sensor-shift image stabilization, a critical omission that impacts handheld shooting quality especially at telephoto or slower shutter speeds.

With Fuji’s max shutter speed listed as 1/1400s and Nikon’s up to 1/2000s, there is a slight advantage in Nikon’s ability to freeze motion better in bright light.

Regarding burst shooting, the Fuji supports 1 fps continuous shooting; Nikon’s specification is unclear but typically around 1-2 fps for similar models.

Bottom line: both cameras struggle with action shots and practical handheld stabilization, making them less suited for sports or fast wildlife photography.

Video Capabilities: Is Either a Competent Casual Videographer?

Video specs here show a clear difference:

• FujiFilm AV250: HD at 1280x720 resolution, 30 fps, using Motion JPEG format.
• Nikon Coolpix S5200: Full HD at 1920x1080 resolution, 30 fps, format unspecified but presumably MPEG-4.

Nikon’s ability to capture Full HD videos significantly outclasses the Fuji’s 720p, especially for today’s standard displays.

Neither camera offers external microphone input, headphone jack, or advanced video stabilization. Videos are expectedly average with basic sound capture and limited manual control.

In practical terms, Nikon’s video offers more detail and cleaner image quality for casual use; Fuji’s video is serviceable but feels dated.

Battery Life and Storage: Which Keeps You Shooting Longer?

Battery life can make or break extended outings.

Fuji uses 2x AA batteries for power with a rated 180 shots per charge - less efficient but advantageously versatile. If you carry alkalines or rechargeables, you can quickly swap and keep shooting.

Nikon depends on a proprietary rechargeable EN-EL19 lithium-ion battery, promised for about 160 shots. This is decent, but if you forget your charger or spare, you’re out of luck.

Both accept SD/SDHC memory cards, but Nikon also adds compatibility for SDXC (higher capacity cards), offering better future-proofing.

For travel photography, I lean slightly towards the Fuji for battery flexibility, though Nikon’s card compatibility is better.

Durability, Weather Resistance, and Build Quality

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing features. Both are budget-friendly compacts with plastic builds, suitable for casual indoor/outdoor use but not rugged adventure.

Weight-wise and build-wise, the Nikon S5200 feels more refined and slimmer, while the Fuji is bulkier but perhaps more durable feeling due to heft.

Neither suits professional use where weather sealing is a must, but for everyday snapshots they’re fine.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless and Sharing Options

Connectivity is increasingly important.

The FujiFilm AV250 offers no wireless connectivity options and basic wired USB 2.0.

The Nikon Coolpix S5200 includes built-in wireless, which allows basic image transfer via Nikon’s software. No Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, or modern wireless features, but better than none.

This is a meaningful convenience for casual social photographers who want instant sharing options without juggling cards.

Price and Value: How Do They Stack Up Dollar-for-Dollar?

Listed prices:

• FujiFilm AV250: ~$160
• Nikon Coolpix S5200: ~$130

Both are very affordable. Nikon’s lower price combined with better sensor tech, longer zoom, superior screen, and wireless features offers a stronger value proposition in my view.

Fuji’s strengths lie in battery flexibility and simplicity, but at a slightly higher cost.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s tie these specs back to actual photography use cases:

FujiFilm AV250 front FujiFilm AV250 screen back Nikon S5200 front Nikon S5200 screen back

Portrait Photography

Without face/eye detection or manual aperture control, both cameras struggle to create professional portrait bokeh or precise skin tone rendition. Still, Nikon’s sharper sensor and longer zoom allow easier framing with some background compression, subtly better for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography

Resolution is sufficient for online sharing. Nikon wins for dynamic range, allowing more recoverable shadow and highlight details, essential in tricky lighting. Fuji’s screen and slower autofocus are drawbacks here.

Wildlife Photography

Neither camera's AF or burst rate supports quick-moving subjects well, though Nikon’s longer zoom lens is an advantage for distant shots.

Sports Photography

Poor burst and AF tracking on both make them unfit for sports action.

Street Photography

Fuji’s bulkier body and smaller LCD are downsides; Nikon’s smaller size and better screen brighten the user experience. Low light is a challenge for both, but Nikon handles noise better.

Macro Photography

Limited macro focus on both; Nikon marginally better but expect average close-up capabilities.

Night/Astro Photography

Neither camera supports manual exposure or long bulb modes. Fuji’s max shutter 8 seconds is longer but offset by poorer noise control. Nikon’s ISO sensitivity and better noise handling make it preferable for casual night shots.

Video

Nikon’s Full HD is superior for home movies and casual filmmaking.

Travel Photography

Nikon balances zoom versatility, size, and wireless output better for travel. Fuji’s battery system is a fallback advantage.

Professional Work

Neither camera meets professional criteria for raw capture, manual control, or ruggedness.

Side-By-Side Performance Scores Summary

When reviewing these cameras using a balanced scoring system across categories like autofocus, image quality, ergonomics, and features, here’s the overview:

More granular, genre-specific scores illustrate where Nikon outpaces Fuji, especially in image quality and usability:

Final Thoughts & Recommendations: Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably not looking for a point-and-shoot that dominates in every field - these are budget-friendly, no-frills compacts. That said:

• Go for the Nikon Coolpix S5200 if you want better image quality, longer zoom reach, sharper and larger LCD, and built-in wireless sharing. It fits travel, casual portraits, landscapes, and video better. Ideal for everyday users who want good bang for their buck and portability.

• Choose the FujiFilm AV250 if you value battery flexibility (AA batteries), prefer simplicity, and don’t mind shorter zoom or modest image quality. Good for casual snapshots where you might struggle to recharge often or want a robust everyday camera without worrying about proprietary batteries.

Neither camera supports raw capture or advanced controls, so enthusiasts looking for manual creativity or professionals for serious work should consider higher-end compacts or mirrorless options. But if you want a straightforward, pocket-friendly camera to document daily moments with decent quality, either one delivers with different strengths.

In closing, both cameras reflect their age and modest ambitions but serve distinct niches. My direct hands-on comparison confirms Nikon’s S5200 as the better-rounded everyday compact, while Fuji’s AV250 can be your reliable power-swap companion on the go.

Hope this helps you pick the right companion for your photographic explorations! If you have any questions or want example images, feel free to ask.

Happy shooting!

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