FujiFilm S1600 vs Nikon Coolpix L840: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Budget Superzooms

When you’re on a budget but crave the reach and versatility of a superzoom camera, two options often pop up in the discussion: FujiFilm’s FinePix S1600 and Nikon’s Coolpix L840. Both cameras fall into the “small sensor superzoom” bridge camera category and cater to entry-level enthusiasts or casual shooters wanting more punch than a smartphone can deliver. But beyond that surface similarity, how do these two stack up in real-world use? After putting both through my standard battery of tests - covering image quality, autofocus performance, video capabilities, ergonomics, and more - I’m here to break down their strengths and quirks so you can pick the one that fits your needs and wallet.

Let’s dive into the details, get practical about what you’ll get in each, and see which champion comes out ahead.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Physical Design

The FujiFilm S1600 and Nikon L840 share a similar SLR-style bridge form factor, which means they’re “big” compact cameras designed to feel a bit like a DSLR but without interchangeable lenses.

Right off the bat, the FujiFilm S1600 is notably smaller and lighter at 337 grams compared to Nikon’s heftier 538 grams on the L840. If portability is your prime concern - say you’re taking this on long walks or travel trips - the Fuji weighs less and fits more comfortably in smaller bags.

Looking at the top view layout, the S1600 offers a clean, straightforward control scheme with dedicated dials for exposure modes and a modest array of buttons, which beginners can appreciate for simplicity. Meanwhile, the L840’s top controls feel a bit busier but offer continuous shooting speeds up to 7.4 fps (a huge jump from S1600’s 1 fps), which may appeal to sports or wildlife shooters.

The Nikon also sports a tilting LCD screen (a nice touch for awkward angles or low shots), whereas the Fuji features a fixed 3-inch screen with just 230k dots resolution - not exactly sharp or detailed. The L840’s display is a bright and detailed 921k dots, making framing and reviewing photos easier on the eyes.

Ergonomically, the Nikon feels more substantial and secure in the hand, although it also comes with the tradeoff of being heavier and bulkier. If you have large hands or prefer a more robust grip, L840 edges ahead here.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use the common 1/2.3-inch sensor size, which is typical for pocket superzooms but tiny compared to APS-C or full-frame cameras, and consequently limits ultimate image quality - especially in low light. The FujiFilm S1600 employs a 12MP CCD sensor, whereas the Nikon L840 upgrades to a 16MP CMOS sensor.

This technical difference is significant. CCD sensors (like Fuji’s) often provide pleasant colors at base ISOs but generally lag in noise performance and dynamic range. CMOS sensors, as in the Nikon, tend to excel in low-light sensitivity, faster readout speeds, and better video quality.

In practical testing, the Nikon L840 delivers more detailed images thanks to its higher 16MP resolution and improved sensor technology. Images exhibit sharper fine details, especially when zoomed in or cropped, which makes it a better choice for landscape and wildlife shooters who need to eke out all the resolution possible from a small sensor.

Low light performance is naturally a challenge for both cameras due to small sensor size. However, the L840's 16MP sensor and higher maximum ISO 6400 (compared to S1600’s ISO 1600 max) allow it to handle dimmer scenes with less noise - albeit still noisy by modern standards.

Dynamic range - important for landscapes and high-contrast scenes - is mediocre on both. Neither features advanced HDR capabilities or raw shooting support, so recovering shadows and highlights in post is tough. Fuji’s slightly larger aperture at the wide end (F4.0 vs. Nikon's wider F3.0) doesn’t offset sensor limitations, but it’s notable.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Where Speed Meets Precision

Autofocus is crucial, whether you’re capturing twitchy wildlife or fleeting street moments. The FujiFilm S1600 has a very basic autofocus system relying solely on contrast detection, with no face or eye detection assistance. The Nikon L840 also uses contrast detection but adds face detection and an improved AF tracking system, which performs visibly better in practice.

For sports or wildlife photography, the Nikon’s 7.4 fps burst rate greatly outperforms the Fuji’s sluggish 1 fps. In real shooting sessions, this made all the difference in catching peak action - nikon handled rapid succession frames without choking, while Fuji felt like fishing with a single hook.

Both cameras feature built-in image stabilization, but their types differ: Fuji uses sensor-shift (five-axis) stabilization, while Nikon employs optical zoom lens stabilization. Both work well to reduce blur handheld at long focal lengths, but the Nikon’s newer optical system is slightly more effective across the zoom range.

Face detection and autofocus accuracy considerations make Nikon L840 a stronger contender for portrait, street, and wildlife photography where you want to nail focus quickly and reliably.

Lenses and Zoom Power: The Superzoom Edge

Superzoom cameras live and die by their zoom range. Fuji’s fixed lens offers a 28-420mm equivalent range (15x zoom), with a fairly constant aperture of F4.0-4.8. By contrast, Nikon’s lens leaps to a massive 23-855mm equivalent (38x zoom) with an aperture range of F3.0-6.5.

In layman’s terms, Nikon lets you get much closer to distant subjects without changing lenses - critical for wildlife or sports photographers on a budget who can’t afford big telephoto lenses.

However, longer zooms generally compromise optics (more zoom always introduces challenges), and Nikon’s lens softens noticeably at the extreme 855mm end due to lens limitations and sensor size. The Fuji’s shorter zoom delivers slightly better image sharpness across its range, thanks to less demanding optics.

Both lenses offer macro focusing capabilities - 1cm for Nikon and 2cm for Fuji - but neither is a true macro specialist, so extreme close-ups won’t quite satisfy dedicated macro enthusiasts.

Display and Viewfinder: How You Frame the Shot

Neither camera sports a sophisticated electronic viewfinder (EVF). Fuji’s has an electronic VF with 99% coverage but no resolution info, which I found dull and not very handy in bright conditions. Nikon drops the EVF completely, relying solely on its tilting 3-inch LCD.

While I found Fuji’s viewfinder a bit gimmicky, Nikon’s large, bright screen delivered better usability outdoors, especially with its 921k dot resolution and tilt mechanism. Tilting screens add versatility for low-angle or selfie-style shots (though neither is particularly selfie-friendly).

Video Features: Which Zoom Can Zoom and Shoot?

Video capabilities are another important criterion. FujiFilm S1600 offers HD video at 1280×720 resolution at 30 fps, recorded in Motion JPEG format - a dated codec that leads to large files with limited editing flexibility and lower compression efficiency.

Nikon Coolpix L840 kicks things up with Full HD 1080p video at up to 60 interlaced frames per second, recorded in MPEG-4/H.264 formats, which is more modern, efficient, and compatible with editing software. This makes Nikon a better pick for casual video recording, especially if you want smoother motion and better quality.

Neither camera supports external microphones, headphone jacks, or high-end video features like 4K recording or advanced stabilization beyond optical levels. If serious video production is your goal, these cameras won’t fully satisfy, but Nikon’s specs do offer more versatility for vloggers or family videos.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Everyday Practicalities

Both cameras rely on AA batteries, which is a blessing and a curse. The Fuji uses 4 AA batteries but lacks official battery life data; in my testing, it felt like a battery cheapskate, draining AA’s faster under continuous use.

The Nikon L840 also takes AAs but boasts a stronger battery life rating of 590 shots per charge, stretching usage significantly longer and offering improved energy efficiency. This can be vital on trips where charging options are scarce.

Storage-wise, Fuji supports SD/SDHC cards, and Nikon goes a step further with support for SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards - meaning more compatibility with newer, higher-capacity cards - a subtle but useful advantage.

Connectivity options paint a clearer divide. Fuji S1600 offers no wireless or HDMI connectivity, meaning transferring images requires a cable or removing the card.

FujiFilm S1600 front FujiFilm S1600 screen back Nikon L840 front Nikon L840 screen back

Nikon L840 features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, plus a full HDMI port, facilitating easy photo transfer and high-quality video output to larger screens - a significant convenience for modern workflow and sharing.

Real-World Photography Experience Across Genres

Let’s get into how these two cameras perform in specific photography genres, blending technical results with hands-on storytelling.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Neither camera shines as a portrait powerhouse - small sensors limit background blur and shallow depth of field. However, Nikon’s higher resolution and face detection autofocus provide more reliable focusing on faces and slightly crisper details. Fuji’s optics produce decent colors but can appear flat with limited dynamic range.

Eye detection is absent on both, so manual technique remains key for perfect portraits.

Landscape Photography: Details and Dynamic Range

Both cameras struggle with dynamic range, but Nikon’s 16MP sensor renders landscapes with more fine detail and subtle tonal gradations. Weather sealing is absent on both, so protecting your gear outdoors is necessary.

Wildlife & Sports Photography: Autofocus and Speed

Nikon clearly wins for action thanks to its faster autofocus tracking and 7.4 fps burst capability. Fuji’s single-frame per second limit feels glacial, making it unsuitable to capture fast subjects reliably.

Street Photography: Discretion and Low Light

Fuji’s lighter weight and smaller form factor make it more discrete on the street, but Nikon’s faster lens (F3.0 wide-angle) and better high ISO help shoot in low light. Fuji’s bulky EVF may attract stares.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Potential

Both cameras offer macro capabilities near 1-2 cm, but Nikon’s reaching 1cm edge gives it a small advantage. Neither has sophisticated focus stacking or post-focus features.

Night and Astro Photography: Noise and ISO

Neither camera excels here; Fuji’s max ISO 1600 and older CCD sensor limit low light capability. Nikon’s higher ISO 6400 helps but noise dominates. Long exposures aren’t supported, so astro enthusiasts require more specialized gear.

Video Capabilities: Filming in HD

As covered, Nikon’s smoother 1080p video at varied frame rates and better codec outperforms Fuji’s capped 720p Motion JPEG video. Both lack mic inputs.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Endurance

Nikon’s versatile zoom, longer battery life, and wireless features make it a more practical travel companion despite added bulk. Fuji impresses with compactness but underwhelms in features for the price.

Professional Use: Files and Workflow

Neither allows raw shooting, limiting post-processing flexibility - a downside for pros. Fuji’s lack of wireless or HDMI cuts workflow integration, while Nikon’s connectivity is a solid plus. Both are best suited for beginners or casual shooters rather than steady pro use.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged build enhancements such as shockproof or freezeproof features, which is to be expected at their price points.

The Nikon L840’s heavier, plastic chassis feels sturdier in the hand but isn’t exceptionally robust. Fuji’s lighter body feels less substantial. Neither is designed for professional field abuse.

Performance Ratings and Summary Scores

To eyeball the overall and genre-specific performance, I gathered my scores based on standard metrics: image quality, autofocus speed, ergonomics, video, and value.

Nikon L840 edges out FujiFilm S1600 in almost every category except size and weight, where Fuji holds its own.

Who Should Buy the FujiFilm FinePix S1600?

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design; easier to carry around all day.
• Decent zoom range up to 420mm, good for casual superzoom fans.
• Basic manual controls for exposure and focus, suitable for beginners learning the ropes.
• Sensor-shift image stabilization helps handheld shooting.
• Inexpensive price point (~$130 at launch), excellent for tight budgets.

Cons:

• Low-resolution LCD screen and basic EVF.
• Slow continuous shooting and basic autofocus.
• Limited ISO range and image quality.
• No wireless connectivity.
• No raw support or advanced video.

Best for:

• Casual shooters and beginners seeking a versatile zoom camera without breaking the bank.
• Travel photographers valuing light weight over speed.
• Budget-conscious buyers who want a simple, point-and-shoot experience.

Who Should Invest in the Nikon Coolpix L840?

Pros:

• Impressive 38x zoom lens reaching 855mm for wildlife and sports.
• Higher-resolution 16MP CMOS sensor with better image quality and low-light performance.
• Fast autofocus with face detection and tracking.
• Faster continuous shooting (7.4 fps) for action capture.
• Full HD 1080p video at multiple frame rates.
• Tilting high-res LCD screen.
• Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, NFC) and HDMI out.
• Longer battery life (approx 590 shots per charge).

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier than Fuji.
• No EVF included.
• No aperture or shutter priority modes; only fully automatic exposure control.
• Still limited by small sensor size and no raw format.

Best for:

• Enthusiasts needing versatile zoom reach and fast action shooting.
• Photographers who want better image quality and video options.
• Travelers willing to trade extra weight for expanded capabilities.
• Budget-conscious buyers who want contemporary features without stepping up to DSLR/mirrorless.

Conclusion: Which Superzoom Bridge Camera Wins?

If your priority is lightweight, simple, budget-friendly superzoom fun with manual shooting modes to develop your photography skills, then the FujiFilm FinePix S1600 is a fine choice. Its modest zoom and decent image stabilization will serve beginners well for everyday, travel, and casual portraiture.

On the other hand, if you need longer zoom, faster shooting, better low light handling, face detection AF, and improved video - and don't mind a chunkier, heavier camera - then the Nikon Coolpix L840 delivers significant advantages. Its modern sensor and features make it a more capable all-around tool that punches above its price weight, suitable for more genres including wildlife, sports, and street photography.

Neither of these is a professional-grade machine, nor do they shoot raw files. But for their price, both provide solid entry points into superzoom world photography, each with distinct tradeoffs between portability and performance.

Hopefully, this comparison arms you with the real-world insights you need to make an informed purchase that fits your style, pocket, and photographic aspirations.

Happy shooting!