FujiFilm F300EXR vs Nikon Coolpix S9900: The Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

Choosing a compact superzoom camera that balances reach, image quality, and usability is a challenge even for seasoned enthusiasts. Today, I’m diving deep into two contenders from FujiFilm and Nikon - the FujiFilm F300EXR and the Nikon Coolpix S9900. Both sought-after small sensor superzoom compacts, these models come from different eras and design philosophies, yet both promise versatility packed into pocketable bodies.

Having spent years testing over a thousand cameras across genres - from studio portraits to rugged wildlife shoots - my goal here is to give you a practical, experience-driven comparison to help you decide which camera fits your style, needs, and budget. We’ll explore everything from sensor tech to autofocus, lens range to ergonomics, and even video capabilities - to cover every major photography discipline.

Let’s start by laying out how these two measure up physically and ergonomically.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

At first glance, both cameras share the compact DNA typical of superzooms but there are palpable differences. The FujiFilm F300EXR feels notably lighter at 215g compared to the Nikon S9900’s heftier 289g. Physically, the Fuji measures 104x59x33mm, making it more pocketable than the Nikon’s bulkier 112x66x40mm frame.

That size difference translates into how each handles. The F300EXR’s slim, streamlined body emphasizes portability - great for travel or street shooters who want minimal bulk. However, you might find its grip less secure during extended handheld shooting, especially with the long zoom engaged. The Nikon’s chunkier body provides a more confident hold, supported by a deeper grip contour, beneficial for steadier shots at long telephoto ranges.

Neither model offers weather sealing, so be cautious around dust or moisture - these aren’t for storm-chasing. Both are constructed with sturdy plastics but feel well-assembled for their class. Buttons and dials on the Nikon have a crisper tactile response, probably thanks to advancements made in the five years after Fuji’s model release.

Looking from above, the Nikon S9900 sports a more refined control layout. The mode dial on the Fuji isn’t quite as distinct or user-friendly, which can slow down quick setting changes during fast-moving photo sessions. Meanwhile, the Nikon includes dedicated buttons for burst mode and ISO - all helpful for shooting sports or wildlife.

Overall, ergonomically, the Nikon gains a slight edge, especially if you prefer manual control and faster access to important functions. The Fuji will appeal more to travelers or casual photographers prioritizing compactness above all else.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use small sensors typical of the superzoom segment but differ markedly in technology.

The FujiFilm F300EXR employs a 1/2" CCD sensor with 12 megapixels. It uses Fuji’s proprietary EXR technology designed to optimize between resolution, dynamic range, and noise reduction depending on shooting mode. CCD sensors historically deliver pleasing color rendition and low noise at base ISOs but tend to struggle at higher ISOs.

In contrast, the Nikon Coolpix S9900 uses a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor at 16 megapixels. The CMOS sensor offers improved low-light performance, faster readout, and generally better noise handling - especially critical for action or night photography.

You’ll note the Fuji with its 12MP output can produce images sized up to 4000x3000, while the Nikon’s 16MP sensor delivers a higher resolution of 4608x3456 pixels. In real-world shooting, this difference manifests as finer detail and more cropping flexibility on the Nikon.

Dynamic range is a key factor in landscapes and bright/high-contrast scenes. Here, the Fuji’s EXR mode tries to extract extra shadow and highlight detail, but given the sensor’s smaller physical area (30.72 mm² for Fuji vs 28.07 mm² for Nikon), actual improvement is limited. The Nikon’s newer CMOS sensor holds up better in preserving tonal gradations, especially under challenging lighting.

ISO sensitivity extends further on the Nikon, capping at native ISO 6400 where the Fuji’s tops out at ISO 3200 native with the option to boost to ISO 12800 at a significant noise cost.

In my lab tests, the Nikon produces images with better noise control and sharper detail at ISO 800 and beyond. The Fuji retains nice colors and contrast at base ISO 100-200 but image quality deteriorates quickly at higher sensitivities.

Bottom line - if your shooting demands improved image quality, particularly in low light or high-contrast environments, Nikon’s sensor technology offers advantages. Fuji performs well for daylight and controlled conditions but lacks flexibility.

LCD Screen and User Interface: What You See Is What You Get

Both cameras feature 3-inch LCD screens but with very different specs and usability.

The Nikon’s 921k-dot fully articulating screen is a standout feature, especially for vloggers, macronauts, and awkward-angle shooters. The articulation allows tilt and swivel for high/low perspectives, self-portraits (it’s selfie-friendly), and video framing with ease.

Fuji’s screen is fixed, 3-inch with 460k dots. It’s serviceable but underwhelming in resolution and flexibility, limiting creative framing and live view functionality.

Menus on the Nikon feel more modern and responsive, though neither camera offers touchscreen input. Both support live view autofocus but Nikon supports continuous autofocus during video, a nice touch absent in the Fuji.

If you prioritize compositional flexibility and more intuitive controls, the Nikon clearly leads. Fuji's screen may suffice if you mainly shoot through the LCD in good light and don’t require selfie or vlog features.

Autofocus, Burst Rate, and Shooting Performance

Here’s where differences widen further.

The FujiFilm F300EXR uses contrast detection autofocus without face detection or tracking. Focus lock can feel sluggish, noticeable especially in low light or when zoomed in to the 360mm equivalent focal length. Continuous autofocus and burst shooting are quite limited - only up to 2 frames per second with single autofocus mode only. There’s no face or tracking autofocus to help nail moving subjects.

By contrast, the Nikon Coolpix S9900 offers contrast detection with face detection, selective focus areas, continuous autofocus, and tracking autofocus. This means it can maintain focus on a moving subject more reliably - critical for wildlife or sports.

Burst rate tops at 7 fps on the Nikon, allowing for better action capture versus Fuji’s slow 2 fps. In my controlled tests, the Nikon proved far better at holding focus on a moving target and delivering a higher keeper rate in burst mode.

For sports or wildlife, Nikon’s focusing system and faster frame rate are defining advantages. The Fuji is better suited for stationary subjects or casual shooting with some manual exposure options.

Lens Versatility: Reach, Sharpness, and Macro Abilities

Superzoom cameras promise versatility in a single package, so lens specs and optical quality deserve close look.

FujiFilm’s lens covers 24-360mm equivalent (15x zoom) at an aperture range of f/3.5-5.3. This wide starting focal length is excellent for landscapes and indoor shots, while the 360mm telephoto reaches decent distances for casual wildlife or sports.

The Nikon extends further with a 25-750mm equivalent zoom (30x optical zoom), nearly doubling Fuji’s telephoto reach, although starting focal length is slightly narrower at 25mm. Aperture range narrows from f/3.7 to f/6.4, meaning less light gathering ability at the extreme telephoto.

While real-world sharpness depends on optics and sensor combo, Fuji’s lens generally produces sharper images in the wide to mid-tele range, with less chromatic aberration and distortion. Nikon’s huge zoom range offers reach but optical compromises at the longest end - noticeable softness and chromatic fringing.

Macro capabilities favor the Nikon, with a minimum focus distance of 1cm allowing extreme close-ups, compared to Fuji’s 5cm limit. This lets macro shooters explore details with the Nikon far better.

For the most versatile all-in-one travel zoom, Nikon wins for sheer reach and macro prowess. Fuji’s lens is optically superior across mid-range but limited by shorter zoom.

Stabilization, Flash, and Built-in Features

Both cameras offer image stabilization, essential for handheld telephoto or low-light shooting.

FujiFilm uses sensor-shift stabilization whereas Nikon employs optical stabilization (lens-shift). In practical terms, Nikon’s optical system tends to reduce motion blur more effectively across zoom range, especially at longer focal lengths.

Built-in flash capabilities also differ. The Nikon’s flash reaches up to 6 meters whereas Fuji’s is limited to about 3.2 meters. Both provide automatic, red-eye reduction, and slow sync flash modes, but Fuji lacks external flash support, and Nikon does not support it either.

Additional standout features: Nikon has built-in GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity alongside NFC for easy sharing and geotagging on the move - a boon for travel photographers. Fuji has no wireless features or GPS, relying on cable transfer only.

Nikon also supports time-lapse recording and offers higher maximum shutter speeds (1/4000 vs Fuji's 1/2000), which helps in bright conditions or creative shooting.

Video Capabilities: Something to Consider

Looking beyond stills, video is increasingly important.

The FujiFilm F300EXR shoots at 1280x720 (720p) at 24fps, encoded in Motion JPEG. This is basic by today’s standards, with no advanced video features like stabilization or audio input.

Nikon Coolpix S9900 shoots Full HD 1080p at 60i/30p frame rates, encoding video in MPEG-4 and H.264. This results in smoother, higher-quality footage with better compression and playback support. Moreover, Nikon’s video features continuous autofocus during recording, which Fuji lacks.

Neither model has microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control, but Nikon’s video clearly outpaces Fuji for anyone serious about casual videography.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

FujiFilm utilizes the NP-50 battery (unspecified life in specs), whereas Nikon’s EN-EL19 battery provides a typical 300 shots per charge rating, which is modest at best. Neither offers in-camera charging via USB, so carrying spares is essential for extended shooting.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC cards, with Nikon supporting SDXC for larger storage - something to consider if you plan on shooting high volumes or video.

Connectivity is a clear win for Nikon with Wi-Fi, NFC, and built-in GPS, easing social sharing and photo management on the go, a feature completely absent on Fuji.

Sample Images and Real World Output

To get a feel for their real-world image output, I’m including a gallery showcasing photos taken with both cameras under various lighting and subject conditions.

FujiFilm F300EXR front FujiFilm F300EXR screen back Nikon S9900 front Nikon S9900 screen back

Note the Fuji’s color rendition is warm and punchy, excellent for portraits and landscapes in daylight. Background blur is moderate due to small sensor and lens aperture, but bokeh quality is good for a compact.

The Nikon's images show better sharpness and detail retrieval, especially when zoomed in. Color leaning neutral yet vibrant, plus improved low-light performance results in cleaner night shots with less noise.

Scoring Overall Performance

After assessing key aspects based on standard testing criteria - image quality, autofocus, usability, feature set, and build - we can quantify their comparative standing.

The Nikon Coolpix S9900 scores higher on autofocus, zoom range, video, and connectivity, while the FujiFilm F300EXR offers excellent compactness and image color for daylight shooting but compromises elsewhere.

Strengths by Photography Genre

Different photographers focus on different needs, so here’s a breakdown of how each camera fares across major use cases.

• Portraits: FujiFilm’s warmer skin tones and decent bokeh make it a friendly choice, though Nikon’s face detection and sharper images up the ante.
• Landscapes: Nikon’s dynamic range and resolution edge out the Fuji, paired with expansive zoom for composition.
• Wildlife: Nikon is the preferred tool thanks to faster autofocus, tracking, and longer zoom reach.
• Sports: Nikon’s 7 fps burst and predictive AF make it more effective, Fuji’s lag limits performance.
• Street: Fuji’s compact size and quieter operation suit candid shooting, though Nikon’s articulated screen adds compositional flexibility.
• Macro: Nikon’s 1cm macro focus distance and sharper optics dominate.
• Night/Astro: Nikon’s higher ISO ceiling and better noise handling improve low-light captures.
• Video: Nikon’s 1080p at 60i, continuous AF, and time-lapse capabilities far surpass Fuji’s 720p offering.
• Travel: Fuji’s smaller size and lighter weight benefit portability, Nikon’s GPS and wireless enhance convenience.
• Professional use: Neither replaces DSLR or mirrorless precision but Nikon’s features offer more workflow-friendly options.

Picking Your Camera: Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re looking for a lightweight, pocketable travel companion primarily shooting in good daylight conditions, occasionally capturing family portraits or landscapes for social sharing, the FujiFilm F300EXR deserves your attention. It offers elegant color science, straightforward operation, and a useful zoom range in a slim form factor. Just temper expectations on autofocus or video.

If you want a more capable all-rounder superzoom with longer reach, higher resolution, better autofocus, and modern conveniences like GPS and Wi-Fi, then the Nikon Coolpix S9900 clearly stands out. It’s suited for enthusiasts who want a compact camera but aren’t willing to compromise much on performance, especially for wildlife, sports, or video projects.

Final Thoughts: Experience-Driven Recommendations

Having personally tested these models side by side through multiple shooting scenarios, I recommend you first consider your shooting priorities:

• For relaxed travel, street, and casual family photography with simple usability, FujiFilm F300EXR offers a neat tool with charming output.
• For versatile superzoom needs with improved AF, video, and connectivity in a compact still manageable form, Nikon Coolpix S9900 is the better all-round pick.

Superzoom compact cameras necessarily involve trade-offs due to sensor size and zoom extent. Both Fuji and Nikon balance these compromises differently, reflecting their target users.

If budget allows and features matter, the Nikon justifies the slightly higher price through wider capabilities. For enthusiasts on a tighter budget or focused on daylight shooting, Fuji remains a valid option if you can live with dated tech in some respects.

Feel free to dive deeper into my blog and video reviews for test shots, sample files, and detailed comparisons with other models in this category. As always, hands-on testing remains invaluable - try to handle both, wherever possible, to gauge which feels right for your photography style.

Happy shooting!

Image Credits: All photos courtesy of hands-on testing sessions with FujiFilm F300EXR and Nikon Coolpix S9900, July 2024.

This comparison is based on firsthand experience with both cameras, technical specification analysis, and industry-standard testing methodologies to provide you expert-backed guidance.