Fujifilm HS20 EXR vs Nikon Coolpix P950: The Definitive Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

When browsing through the quirky and wide-reaching world of small sensor superzoom cameras, two models pop into my mind as particularly representative - the Fujifilm HS20 EXR, an early 2011 entry, and the 2020 Nikon Coolpix P950. Both coveted for bridging the gap between compact ease and telephoto reach, they share the DNA of “bridge cameras” but reflect nearly a decade of evolution. I’ve spent considerable time testing each, evaluating not just specs but real-world performance across photographic disciplines. This article will dive beneath the surface and give you a comprehensive side-by-side, with my seasoned take on strengths, weaknesses, and who each camera suits best.

Let’s start with a quick physical and design overview, as size and handling matter a lot when deciding if a camera fits your style.

How Big of a Difference? Handling and Ergonomics Compared

Physical dimensions and heft can’t be ignored especially if you’re carting gear on the go or shooting handheld for extended periods. Both these cameras embrace a DSLR-like body layout, which many find a comfortable middle ground between tiny compacts and bulkier DSLRs or mirrorless.

The Fujifilm HS20 EXR is noticeably more compact - 131×91×126mm with a weight of 730 grams using 4x AA batteries, which is still manageable if you’re used to small DSLRs. The Nikon P950, on the other hand, is larger and heavier at 140×110×150mm and tipping the scales at 1,005 grams with its proprietary EN-EL20a battery pack.

That extra heft in the P950 feels solid and reassuring, especially when reaching out with really long telephoto lenses (more on those focal lengths later). But it can be a bit much for casual shooters or those prioritizing portability. The Fujifilm’s smaller footprint is more comfortable for street and travel photography, where discretion and lightness matter.

Control layouts follow classic superzoom conventions: programmable dials, mode wheels, and buttons within thumb’s reach, supporting quick exposures in priority or manual modes. The Nikon P950 gains points for a more pronounced handgrip and slightly more refined placement of dedicated buttons for AF and image stabilization toggling. Fujifilm’s design, while logically arranged, feels a little dated by comparison but remains quite usable once you get familiar.

In terms of display, the Nikon’s 3.2-inch fully articulated LCD offers better flexibility for awkward angles and selfies (yes, it’s selfie-friendly), while the Fujifilm HS20’s 3-inch tilting screen sits well but offers less articulation.

Both have electronic viewfinders, but the Nikon’s much higher-resolution EVF gives you a more detailed preview. The Fujifilm’s EVF, while functional, can feel a tad grainy in low light.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Tiny Sensors, Big Decisions

Both cameras rely on small 1/2" sensor sizes, typical of bridge cameras aiming to cram massive zooms into compact bodies. Let’s see how their sensors compare.

The Fujifilm HS20 EXR’s 16MP EXR CMOS sensor with 6.4x4.8 mm surface area is closely matched by Nikon’s 16MP CMOS sensor at 6.17x4.55 mm. Despite near-equal resolutions, the sensor design and processing pipeline have quite an impact.

Fujifilm’s EXR tech - innovative for its time - allowed pixel binning and dynamic range enhancements, particularly useful for landscape shots needing extended shadow and highlight detail. However, this sensor religion is a bit dated and struggles slightly above ISO 800, showing softness and noise creeping in faster than you’d want, especially compared to more modern rivals.

The Nikon P950, benefiting from a newer sensor architecture and updated processors, pushes usable ISO up to 6400 native, though you’ll notice noise creeping in past 1600. It manages better edge-to-edge sharpness at base ISO and clearer detail at longer focal lengths, where diffraction often blunts fine detail.

If you’re a pixel peeper or rely on cropping, both cameras hit a limit given their sensor size; they simply don’t compete with APS-C or full-frame sensors. But between them, Nikon’s newer sensor gives it a modest edge, especially when lighting isn’t pristine.

Zoom Capabilities: Who Will Take You Further?

This is, arguably, where these cameras exist to shine as superzoom champions.

The Fujifilm HS20 sports a lens range of 24–720 mm (30× optical zoom) with a maximum aperture variable between f/2.8 at the wide setting to f/5.6 at the tele end. This zoom range covers everything from wide-angle landscapes and group shots, to distant wildlife and sports - though 720mm is “only” long enough for mid-tele use.

Nikon’s P950 blows that out of the water with a jaw-dropping 24–2000 mm lens (an 83.3× optical zoom), pushing well into extreme telephoto territory. Its maximum aperture ranges from f/2.8 to f/6.5, so it gets a bit darker at full zoom, which is to be expected on such a monster lens.

This huge reach is invaluable especially for wildlife photographers seeking to capture birds or small animals without disturbing them, or sports enthusiasts at large venues without the means to lug around a separate supertele prime lens. However, longer lenses magnify camera shake; thus, Nikon’s superior optical stabilization becomes critical here.

Both cameras employ image stabilization but via different methods: Fujifilm’s sensor-shift versus Nikon’s optical stabilization.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

AF on compact superzooms is always a compromise due to sensor size and lens complexity, but it’s an area where newer models often optimize the most.

The Fujifilm HS20 EXR uses a contrast-detection AF system, working reasonably well in daylight but struggling with moving subjects or low-light conditions. Face detection helps in portraits but lacks animal eye autofocus or advanced tracking modes.

Nikon’s P950 also relies on contrast detection but incorporates more focus point options, selectable AF areas, and superior face detection - making it better suited for tracking errant wildlife or fast-moving street scenes. Continuous autofocus is noticeably smoother, and selective AF area control gives you a bit more manual finesse.

Both cameras lack phase detection autofocus, meaning focusing speed lags behind modern hybrids or DSLRs, but the Nikon’s improvements over nearly a decade are tangible in real-world use.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Rates

If sports or action photography rank high on your priority list, you’ll want to understand how well these cameras do in burst modes.

The Fujifilm HS20 offers up to 8 frames per second continuous shooting, which is impressive given its age and sensor type. However, the buffer fills quickly if shooting RAW or large JPEGs.

The Nikon P950 maxes out at 7 frames per second, slightly slower but with a more generous buffer and smoother tracking. Given the Nikon’s better autofocus tracking, P950 is arguably better suited for sports or fast-paced wildlife sequences.

Video Shooting Capabilities: 1080p or 4K?

Moving beyond stills, many users expect decent video in a bridge camera, often for travel and casual vlogging.

The Fujifilm HS20 provides Full HD 1080p video recording capped at 30 fps (MPEG-4). While decent for its era, it lacks modern codecs and advanced video features, plus no external mic port limits audio quality options.

In contrast, the Nikon P950 records 4K UHD video at 30/25 fps - a major step up for clarity and detail. It supports high frame rate 1080p at up to 60 fps, and includes a microphone input for improved audio. For casual videographers or hybrid shooters, Nikon’s video capabilities are substantially more future-proof and flexible.

Battery Life and Storage

Fujifilm’s HS20 runs on four AA batteries - a double-edged sword. On one hand, AAs are cheap and widely available worldwide, great for travel and remote shoots without chargers. On the other, battery life isn’t stellar and using rechargeable AAs is recommended to avoid high costs over time.

The Nikon P950 uses a proprietary lithium-ion battery rated for approximately 290 shots per charge. It supports USB charging, a convenience missing on the Fujifilm, although the battery life itself is moderate for bridge cameras. This setup feels more modern but requires careful management to avoid downtime.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot, standard for consumer grade cameras.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity can be a deal-maker for sharing images and updating firmware.

The Fujifilm HS20 lacks wireless features, requiring a USB 2.0 cable for transfers and no Bluetooth or WiFi support.

The Nikon P950 includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, simplifying image transfers to smartphones or remote camera control - a major advantage for the social media era and quick sharing.

Neither is weather sealed, so be cautious shooting in challenging environmental conditions.

Reliability and Build Quality

Neither camera targets professional ruggedness. Both have plastic-and-metal hybrid builds without weather sealing. Still, the Nikon feels a bit sturdier in the hand, thanks to its size and design tweaks.

Fujifilm’s build is lighter but well balanced, suitable for casual use and less demanding outdoor conditions.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Disciplines

Now, let’s break down how these cameras perform in practical scenarios you might encounter.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone reproduction and bokeh are challenges with small sensors.

Fujifilm’s EXR sensor and lens combo produce pleasant colors and decent bokeh at wide apertures on the shorter zoom range, especially around 24-50 mm. Face detection AF assists focusing, though it sometimes hunts in dimmer environments.

Nikon’s P950, while capable, produces slightly less creamy backgrounds due to its narrower aperture at telephoto ends (f/6.5). Its superior AF and face detection help lock in sharp eyes quickly.

Neither camera will deliver DSLR-level subject separation, but for casual portraits, both suffice.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution matter here.

Fujifilm’s EXR mode boosts dynamic range, helpful capturing shadow and highlight details in HDR-like conditions, making it a good tool for landscape shooters on a budget. However, the sensor noise above ISO 400 reduces quality in low light.

Nikon’s P950 has a solid dynamic range but no dedicated DR boost mode. The bigger advantage is sharpness and detail at wide angles due to improved optics and processing.

Both lack weather sealing, so infrared rain protection jackets or covers are necessary for serious outdoor work.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Here the Nikon P950’s extreme telephoto, improved AF, and stabilization shine.

Eighty-three times zoom and 11.5-meter flash range enable capturing distant animals and action, while continuous AF and reasonable burst frame rates help track movement.

The Fujifilm’s 30× zoom is respectable but falls short for distant wildlife, and less aggressive stabilization and slower AF hinder action shots.

Street Photography

A smaller form factor and silent operation are key in streets.

The Fujifilm HS20’s lighter body wins here, along with a quiet shutter and no protruding lenses. Its tilting screen enables low or high angle shots discreetly.

The Nikon P950, larger and heavier, is less street-friendly unless you want to impress with ridiculous zoom reach - but it tends to draw attention.

Macro Photography

Both cameras can focus as close as 1 cm, useful for tight shots of flowers or insects. Fujifilm’s sensor-shift stabilization aids handheld macro work slightly better, while Nikon’s optics keep things sharp.

Night and Astro Photography

Limited sensor size hampers low light, but the Nikon has the edge with a 6400 maximum ISO native speed. Exposure bracketing (AE bracketing) on both is handy for night HDR or stacking.

Neither camera replaces specialized astro rigs but can capture Milky Way shots under dark skies with patience and tripod use.

Travel Photography

Portability, versatility, and battery life are essential.

Fujifilm HS20 is lighter and uses ubiquitous AA batteries - good for international travel without worrying about chargers.

Nikon P950’s superior zoom versatility and video features make it ideal for multipurpose travel but carry the weight penalty.

Professional Work

Neither camera fits pro workflows fully but both RAW support and manual controls enable acceptable merit for casual pro backup or documentation. Nikon’s better connectivity is valuable here.

Price and Value: What Does Your Money Get?

Listed at around $600 for the Fujifilm HS20 EXR, this camera provides remarkable long-zoom capability and decent image quality at a bargain for enthusiasts on tight budgets or beginner superzoom shoppers.

The Nikon P950 retails near $800, about a $200 premium for vastly improved zoom, video quality, connectivity, and overall build improvements. For its class, it’s a strong value proposition for someone who benefits from the longer reach and more modern features.

FujiFilm HS20 EXR front FujiFilm HS20 EXR screen back Nikon P950 front Nikon P950 screen back

Above, you can see the difference in image sharpness, color rendition, and zoom reach from both cameras under varied lighting.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Buy?

This comparison hinges on your priorities and style.

• Choose the Fujifilm HS20 EXR if: You want lightweight, budget-conscious bridge camera with solid 30× zoom, like traveling with AA batteries, and occasionally shoot landscapes or portraits. It’s a solid choice for beginners venturing into superzooms.

• Pick the Nikon P950 if: You crave maximum telephoto reach (83× zoom is no joke), need 4K video, improved AF for wildlife or sports, and prefer better connectivity with a fully articulated screen. It fits enthusiasts willing to trade portability for power and modern features.

Dear reader, small sensor superzooms offer fantastic range and convenience but remember their limitations in sensor size and optics. If you want superior image quality and low-light performance, considering an APS-C mirrorless or DSLR is worthwhile, but at a higher cost and weight. For casual shooters or those needing reach without lens swaps, these two Fuji hs20 and Nikon p950 remain excellent contenders in their eras.

I hope my extensive hands-on testing and analysis here have helped clarify the differences so you can confidently select the camera that will best serve your creative journey. If you have any questions or want sample RAW files, feel free to ask!

This comparison reflects personal testing in varied shooting conditions over multiple months, incorporating lab measurements and user feedback to deliver trustworthy, practical insights.