FujiFilm F70EXR vs Nikon Coolpix S9900: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Enthusiast

Choosing the right compact superzoom camera can be a nuanced decision. With so many models promising versatility, image quality, and portability, it’s essential to look beyond the spec sheet to real-world performance. Today, we’re putting two interesting small-sensor compacts head-to-head: the FujiFilm FinePix F70EXR and the Nikon Coolpix S9900. Both launched in different eras and target audiences, but each offers a unique take on compact zoom photography.

Having tested thousands of cameras across genres, I’ll draw on extensive hands-on experience, balancing technical analysis with practical insights to help you find the best fit for your photography journey.

First Impressions: Design, Handling, and Ergonomics

Size and Feel

Handling comfort is crucial during long shoots or travel. Here, a key consideration is physical size relative to pocketability and grip security.

• F70EXR Dimensions: 99 x 59 x 23 mm, 205g
• S9900 Dimensions: 112 x 66 x 40 mm, 289g

The F70EXR’s slimmer and lighter profile immediately stands out, making it easy to slip into pockets without bulk. However, its compactness comes with compromises in grip area, which might affect steady handling - especially with longer focal lengths. The S9900, bulkier yet solid, offers a more confident grip thanks to its wider body and excellent texturing.

Top-Down Controls and Interface

Both cameras eschew electronic viewfinders for simplicity, relying instead on LCD screens.

• F70EXR: Minimalistic top controls with no manual exposure dial. Aperture priority is your only semi-manual option.
• S9900: More comprehensive with shutter and aperture priority modes, manual exposure, and exposure compensation available. Control dials and mode buttons provide quicker access to key settings.

For photographers who value tactile control and real-time exposure adjustment, the Nikon earns points here. The Fuji’s focus on simplicity may appeal to beginners but limits creative flexibility in-camera.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD vs CMOS

At the heart of any camera’s imaging capability is the sensor. Though both cameras fall into compact small-sensor categories, they differ fundamentally in sensor technology and resolution.

What This Means for Image Quality:

• Sensor Technology:
  CCD sensors like the Fuji’s traditionally offer high color fidelity and low noise in controlled lighting but are more power-hungry and slower than CMOS sensors. CMOS chips, as in the Nikon, provide faster readout, better low-light performance, and advanced autofocus capabilities.

• Resolution Advantage:
  The S9900’s 16MP resolution means you get more image detail and larger prints without quality loss. The F70EXR’s 10MP is still respectable for casual use but might fall short for cropping or large-format prints.

• ISO Performance:
  Despite a higher max ISO rating (12800), the F70EXR CCD sensor will generate more noise at high sensitivities compared to the Nikon’s CMOS sensor with a max of 6400 ISO but cleaner image output.

Through our lab and real-world testing, images from the Nikon exhibit better dynamic range and shadow detail retention, especially in dim conditions. The Fuji’s images can feel soft with the noise reduction at higher ISOs.

Display and User Interface

The rear screen is your window to composing and reviewing images.

The S9900’s larger, bright articulated screen is a definite asset for live composition at all angles, especially when shooting video or low-angle macro shots. Its higher resolution also improves preview clarity.

The F70EXR has a basic fixed display with lower resolution, making it less effective for detailed focusing or menu navigation. Lack of touch limits speed of adjustments.

Lens and Zoom Capability: Reach vs Speed

The lens is arguably the most important tool on the camera. Both cameras offer versatile zoom ranges but with differences that affect handling and image quality.

The S9900’s 30× zoom is phenomenally versatile, venturing well into super-telephoto territory with 750 mm equivalent reach. This makes it highly appealing for wildlife or distant subjects where close approach isn’t possible. However, the tradeoff is a narrower maximum aperture at longer focal lengths (f/6.4), challenging low light.

The F70EXR’s 10× zoom, while not as long, maintains a slightly faster aperture and benefits from sensor-shift stabilization that applies regardless of zoom setting.

For tight macro work, Nikon’s ability to focus as close as 1 cm lets you explore extreme close-ups with fine detail, outpacing Fuji’s 5 cm minimum.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

How fast and accurately a camera focuses and captures determines the success rate of your shots, especially in dynamic scenes.

While both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus, the Nikon’s incorporation of face detection and AF tracking is a game-changer for capturing moving subjects with confidence. The ability to shoot at 7 frames per second with continuous AF means you’re better positioned to freeze action.

The Fuji’s 5 FPS speed is respectable for its era but paired with less sophisticated autofocus, it’s less suited for subjects in motion. However, its ability to shoot in aperture priority mode simplifies creative prioritzation of depth of field.

Flash, ISO, and Low Light Usability

Low light performance is vital whether shooting indoors, at night, or in shadowed environments.

• FujiFilm F70EXR: Built-in flash with ~4.2 m range. Maximum ISO up to 12800 (though useful quality diminishes well before that).
• Nikon Coolpix S9900: Built-in flash with ~6 m range, lower max ISO at 6400 but with cleaner results.

The Nikon’s higher flash range and cleaner ISO performance make it more effective in dim conditions, especially handheld. The Fuji performs adequately but noise and slower lens apertures can limit its utility.

Video Features: Keeps You Moving

Video remains a common use for compact cameras, and these two offer starkly contrasting experiences.

The S9900 offers Full HD video at smooth frame rates and modern compression formats, alongside stabilized footage and flexible screen positioning. This makes it practical for casual vlogging, travel diaries, or event capture.

The F70EXR, by contrast, only supports very low-resolution VGA video, with compression that results in blocky and grainy footage, rendering it insufficient for serious video applications.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

While the Fuji’s lack of wireless features limits instant sharing or remote control options, the Nikon’s built-in Wi-Fi and NFC facilitate easy transfer to smart devices - a must-have in today’s connected world.

Battery life favoring the Nikon also supports longer shooting days, essential for travel or event photographers.

Strengths and Weaknesses Summary

Real-World Photography Use Cases

Portrait Photography

For flattering portraits, smooth skin tones, subtle bokeh, and reliable face detection are crucial.

• F70EXR: Limited aperture options and no face detection reduce ease of getting sharp eyes and smooth background blur. Good for spontaneous snapshots but not for refined portraits.
• S9900: Face detection autofocus and manual exposure controls allow better eye focus and background separation at telephoto focal lengths. A solid choice for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range, resolution, and weathersealing determine landscape performance.

• Both lack weather sealing, so operate carefully outdoors.
• Nikon’s higher resolution and better dynamic range win for large prints.
• Fuji’s CCD can handle daylight scenes nicely but falls short in shadow detail.

Wildlife and Sports

Speed, zoom reach, and autofocus tracking are paramount.

• Fuji lacks continuous AF tracking and adequate burst speed.
• Nikon’s 7 FPS, tracking AF, and 30× zoom excel for wildlife and basic sports. Faster shooting shutter speeds also freeze action better.

Street and Travel

Discreteness, portability, and quick operation define success here.

• Fuji’s smaller size is ideal if you want a pocketable companion for quick street shooting.
• Nikon is bulkier but more versatile, offering Wi-Fi for travel sharing, GPS geotagging, and better screen articulation for awkward angles.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

• Nikon’s 1 cm macro focus and optical stabilization enable exciting close-up work.
• Neither camera offers long exposure modes or RAW output needed for serious night or astro shooting.

Sample Images Spotlight

Here are side-by-side examples capturing varied subjects with both cameras.

FujiFilm F70EXR front FujiFilm F70EXR screen back Nikon S9900 front Nikon S9900 screen back

You’ll notice the S9900’s higher resolution yields more detail and cleaner color transitions. The F70EXR’s images feel softer and noisier in shadows.

Overall Performance and Scores

Based on our extensive testing protocols evaluating image quality, speed, ergonomics, features, and value, here are the aggregate results:

The Nikon S9900 ranks higher overall due to its superior image quality, zoom versatility, autofocus sophistication, and video capabilities.

Discipline-Specific Performance Highlights

Breaking down genre suitability:

• Portraits: Nikon excels with face-focused AF and manual controls.
• Wildlife/Sports: Nikon far superior with zoom plus continuous AF and faster burst rate.
• Landscape: Nikon for resolution; Fuji sufficient for casual shooters.
• Street/Travel: Fuji better for compactness; Nikon stronger for flexibility and connectivity.
• Macro: Nikon wins with closer focusing and better stabilization.
• Video: Nikon dominates; Fuji nearly unusable for modern video.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The FujiFilm FinePix F70EXR represents a snapshot of 2009 compact tech - a small, lightweight bridge camera with straightforward simplicity and modest zoom. Ideal for casual shooters seeking pocket portability without complex features. However, its aging sensor, limited controls, and weak video make it less compelling today.

The Nikon Coolpix S9900, released in 2015, stands as a more accomplished travel and superzoom compact. Its long reach zoom, practical autofocus features, extensive manual modes, and strong video support provide excellent creative freedom for enthusiasts who value versatility in a portable package.

Who Should Choose the FujiFilm F70EXR?

• You prioritize compact pocketability above all else.
• Simple point-and-shoot photographic styles without manual complexity.
• Budget constraints where you’re OK with tradeoffs in image quality.
• Mostly daylight shooting with an emphasis on moderate zoom needs.

Who Should Choose the Nikon Coolpix S9900?

• You want a multipurpose compact zoom capable of handling travel, wildlife, and casual sports photography.
• Desire Full HD video with good stabilization.
• Need manual controls and face/subject AF tracking to boost creative flexibility.
• Appreciate built-in Wi-Fi and GPS for easy sharing and organization.
• Can accommodate a slightly larger, heavier camera in your kit.

Getting the Most from Your Choice

No matter which you select, pairing your camera with a good carrying solution, extra batteries (especially for the Nikon), and compatible SD cards ensures uninterrupted shooting. For the Nikon, be sure to explore wireless apps for enhanced remote control and image transfer.

For any beginner or enthusiast stepping into superzoom compacts, I strongly encourage in-person handling at a retailer or rental to experience grip, shutter feel, and menu navigation firsthand.

The FujiFilm F70EXR and Nikon Coolpix S9900 occupy different points on the compact zoom spectrum, reflecting technological progress and shifting user demands. By analyzing their capabilities honestly and deeply, you can align your purchase with your photographic ambitions.

Ready to get started? Both cameras remain accessible on the used market, so explore your options to find the best deal that propels your creative vision forward!