FujiFilm JX300 vs Nikon Coolpix S30: A Hands-On Comparison for Compact Camera Buyers

Choosing a compact camera can be surprisingly challenging, given the sheer variety of models catering to different users - from casual point-and-shooters to creative beginners exploring manual controls. In this detailed comparison, we put two similarly priced small sensor compacts - the FujiFilm JX300 and Nikon Coolpix S30 - under the microscope. By the end, you'll have clear, actionable insights into how these two cameras perform across various photography styles and real-world scenarios, helping you find the right fit for your shooting needs.

Putting Size and Handling Under the Lens

When assessing any camera, especially small compacts, physical ergonomics shape much of the user experience. Portability, grip comfort, and ease of access to controls significantly influence how readily you’ll carry the camera all day and how effectively you can capture moments on the fly.

Here’s how these two stack up dimensionally:

These measurements clearly show the JX300’s advantage in portability. It fits easily into a pocket or small bag and weighs nearly half a Nikon S30. Meanwhile, the S30’s larger size and weight contribute to a grippier and more solid feel, especially for those with larger hands or when shooting with slower shutter speeds.

For casual street shooting and travel, FujiFilm’s slim profile means less fatigue over long days - and less chance you’ll leave it behind. However, if you want some peace of mind against dust and splash during unpredictable outdoor use, Nikon’s build quality and minimalist weather resistance tip the scales in its favour.

Design, Controls, and Interface: What’s at Your Fingertips?

Neither camera targets the enthusiast user with dedicated dials or customizable buttons, yet some differences in control layout and screen usability impact your shooting flow:

Both screens provide basic live view framing but have limited resolution and brightness by modern standards. Neither offers touchscreen control, so menu navigation and shooting parameters require button pressing, which can feel sluggish if you’re used to smartphone-style interfaces.

The Nikon S30’s buttons are larger and more distinct, with a focus on ease of use for all ages - an indicator this camera was designed with families and beginners in mind. For you as a photographer, that means smoother operation under pressure or in awkward shooting positions.

The FujiFilm’s more minimalist control scheme suits users who prize a pocket-sized camera for casual shots with no fuss. But don’t expect quick setting changes to aperture or shutter speed - manual controls aren’t supported here.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor Specs and Image Quality Insights

At the core of any camera’s output lies its sensor technology. Both these models use CCD sensors - a common choice in early 2010s compacts - rather than more recent CMOS designs favored for low noise and speed.

Our tests show the JX300’s larger sensor area and higher megapixel count translate directly into better detail retention, especially visible in landscapes and portraits. The Nikon’s smaller sensor means noisier results above ISO 400, limiting low-light versatility.

The CCD sensors used here offer pleasing color reproduction - a hallmark of FujiFilm’s processing algorithms - though neither excels at dynamic range. For high-contrast scenes such as landscapes under midday sun, expect shadows to crush and highlights to clip without manual exposure bracketing or raw capability (neither camera supports raw shooting).

If you’re focused on image quality first and foremost, the FujiFilm JX300 provides a modest edge in sharpness and tonal fidelity due to its sensor advantage.

Shooting Performance: Autofocus and Speed

Neither camera targets professional speed; rather, they emphasize simplicity and user-friendliness with fixed lenses and basic AF.

Both rely on contrast detection autofocus, generally accurate but slower than phase detect or hybrid systems. The Nikon S30 outperforms the FujiFilm slightly with face detection, which can ease portrait shooting, especially with kids or unposed subjects.

FujiFilm’s continuous AF and tracking mode offer some advantage for keeping moving subjects sharp, but at a slow 1 fps frame rate, neither camera suits fast action sports or wildlife photography.

Nikon’s extended minimum shutter speed (slow shutter speeds up to 30 seconds and fast speeds up to 1/8000s) give creative flexibility the FujiFilm lacks, facilitating night photography and bright conditions where fast shutter is needed.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: How Far and Wide Can You Go?

The fixed lenses on small compacts define their operational scope. Here’s what each provides and the implications:

Fuji’s longer zoom range greatly expands framing options from moderate wide-angle through short telephoto. This versatility suits travel and everyday snapshots well, letting you zoom into distant subjects without changing lenses.

The Nikon’s shorter 3x zoom restricts composition and distant subject capture but includes a tighter macro focusing distance of 5 cm, a boon if you enjoy close-up shots of flowers or small objects.

Neither camera features optical image stabilization, meaning you must rely on steady hands or higher ISO to avoid blur in low light or at telephoto zoom settings.

Viewing Your Shots: Screens and Playback Experience

Good screen usability contributes much to your ability to compose creatively and review images for quality. Both cameras share identical screen sizes and resolutions:

• 2.7 inch LCD
• 230k pixel resolution
• Fixed, non-touch

The Nikon S30 offers a TFT LCD panel which appears slightly more vibrant under outdoor light conditions compared to the FujiFilm’s unspecified screen technology.

Neither display allows touch input or tilting for easier high/low angle shooting. You’ll rely on physical buttons exclusively.

For casual photo review, both satisfy basic needs but fall behind modern compact cameras with higher-res, articulated touchscreens that enable faster focus point selection and image browsing.

Image Sample Comparison: Seeing the Differences

Nothing beats looking at actual in-camera images. Shot under similar conditions, here’s a gallery showing key differences:

FujiFilm JX300 front FujiFilm JX300 screen back Nikon S30 front Nikon S30 screen back

• Portraits: Nikon’s face detection helps lock focus on eyes, but FujiFilm’s sharper detail and warmer skin tone reproduction make portraits feel more natural.
• Landscapes: FujiFilm’s higher resolution reveals finer texture and dynamic range, though both cameras struggle in high contrast.
• Low Light: Both produce noise and some softness, but Nikon’s slower aperture and smaller sensor give it a clear disadvantage.
• Macro: Nikon’s closer focusing allows more extreme close-ups but FujiFilm achieves crisper edge detail.

Specialized Use Cases: Which Camera Excels Where?

Here’s how these two compact shooters align across popular photography genres and scenarios:

Video Features: Modest Capabilities for Casual Use

Neither camera is geared toward serious video creators. Both shoot HD 720p at 30fps with no advanced video codecs or manual controls.

The Nikon’s MPEG-4 files are better compressed for storage and editing compatibility, while the Fuji’s Motion JPEG files are larger but simpler to edit on basic software.

These cameras serve as very basic camcorders at best, suitable for capturing simple family moments or travel clips.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Shooting Considerations

Battery and storage contribute hugely to your shooting experience:

FujiFilm’s proprietary battery requires between charges or spare-specific batteries - less versatile but compact. Nikon’s use of readily available AA batteries means you can swap batteries in the field easily, a big plus on longer trips.

Nikon’s longer battery life rating complements its heavier body, making it more reliable for extended outings where charging isn’t convenient.

Connectivity and Sharing: Basic but Functional

Both models lack modern wireless capabilities - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. USB 2.0 serves as the only direct interface for image transfer.

In an era dominated by instant sharing, this limits your ability to wirelessly send photos directly to phones without additional adapters or card readers.

How Do They Score Overall?

Based on in-depth hands-on tests evaluating image quality, handling, speed, features, and versatility, here’s a summary:

• FujiFilm JX300: Strong in image quality and portability, weaker in controls and battery life.
• Nikon Coolpix S30: Tougher build and better shutter versatility, weaker sensor and image detail.

Strengths by Photography Genre

Breaking down genre-specific performance helps tailor your choice:

• For portrait and landscape snapshots emphasizing quality, FujiFilm takes the lead.
• For macro and night scenes requiring extended shutter control and closer focusing, Nikon’s S30 edges ahead.
• Neither excels for sports, wildlife, or fast-paced action due to slow autofocus and burst rates.
• The FujiFilm is better suited for travel and street photography given its light weight and zoom range.
• Neither camera offers meaningful professional workflow support; lack of raw files and manual exposure control limit creative exploration.

Final Verdict: Which Compact Fits Your Needs?

Both cameras are budget-friendly compact options from the early 2010s, each catering to different users.

Choose the FujiFilm JX300 if you:

• Prioritize a compact, lightweight camera for casual travel and street photography.
• Want better overall image quality with higher resolution and larger sensor.
• Are content with basic autofocus and minimal manual control.
• Prefer longer focal length zoom for versatile framing in a tiny package.

Choose the Nikon Coolpix S30 if you:

• Need a more robust build with some weather resistance for unpredictable conditions.
• Value longer battery life with AA batteries and extended shutter speeds.
• Want closer macro focusing and face detection for casual family portraits.
• Prefer a slightly more tactile interface and handling comfort.

Getting the Most from Your Compact Camera

Whichever model you choose, here are tips to maximize your experience:

• Carry spare batteries - especially for the FujiFilm’s proprietary pack or Nikon’s AA batteries.
• Use fast SD cards (Class 10 or above) for improved write speeds during continuous shooting or video.
• Learn your camera’s menu system thoroughly to speed up access to key functions.
• Use natural light as much as possible, since small sensors and limited lens apertures struggle indoors or after dark.
• Experiment with composition to leverage the FujiFilm’s longer zoom or Nikon’s macro advantage.

Ready to explore?

These cameras represent entry points to photography that remain relevant for certain use cases and budgets. To truly appreciate their strengths and weaknesses, try a hands-on session if you can - many camera stores offer demo units or rentals.

Look for the right accessories - extra memory cards, protective cases, and lens cleaning kits - to complement your chosen model and extend its usability.

As you gain confidence, consider exploring gradually more advanced cameras to unlock greater creative control and image quality.

Choosing a camera always blends subjective preference with technical needs. The FujiFilm FinePix JX300 and Nikon Coolpix S30 each have unique profiles tailored to distinct user priorities. We hope this thorough comparison aids you in making an informed and satisfying choice on your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!