FujiFilm S1600 vs Samsung SL720

FujiFilm S1600 vs. Samsung SL720: An In-Depth Look at Two Classic Compact Cameras from the Early 2010s

Stepping back a bit to the era when point-and-shoot cameras were rapidly evolving but not yet eclipsed entirely by smartphones, the FujiFilm FinePix S1600 and the Samsung SL720 stand out as interesting choices for anyone seeking versatile, affordable photography gear. Though both targeted casual users and photography enthusiasts on a budget, they each bring distinct features and quirks to the table that still merit a detailed comparison today.

Having spent considerable time testing cameras from many generations and genres, I appreciate the value in carefully weighing what a camera offers against real-world performance. Let's explore these two models closely - from sensor tech and lens reach through ergonomics and usability - and see where they truly shine or struggle. I’ll share practical insights for different photography styles so you can decide which aligns best with your creative workflow.

The Feel in Your Hands: Size, Design, and Handling

Right off the bat, the form factor difference between the FujiFilm S1600 and Samsung SL720 is clear and impacts handling significantly. The S1600 is a “bridge” camera - SLR-like in appearance but with a fixed lens, featuring a larger grip, more substantial body dimensions (110x73x81 mm), and weighing just over 330 grams. It offers a more robust, DSLR-esque feel that photographers familiar with larger cameras will find comfortable - especially for longer shooting sessions.

In contrast, the SL720 is a much smaller “ultracompact” point-and-shoot style camera, measuring 92x61x23 mm and tipping the scales at a mere 168 grams. While the slim profile is convenient for pocketing and quick snaps on the go, the reduced bulk means fewer physical controls and less ergonomic grip support, which might challenge those with larger hands or those wanting more manual control at the ready.

The Fuji’s grip and control layout support more deliberate shooting, with better balance when using the extended 420 mm zoom (more on the lens later). The Samsung feels more like a casual companion - ultralight and highly portable, ideal for travel or street photography where size matters more than zoom reach or complex controls.

Looking at the top view, the FujiFilm S1600 edges ahead for photographers who appreciate tactile dials and clear, accessible buttons. The mode dial includes shutter and aperture priority modes along with manual exposure, providing creative flexibility. Conversely, the SL720 offers simpler controls, lacking advanced exposure modes or shutter priority, making it easy for beginners but limiting for anyone wanting deeper camera manipulation.

If you ask me, the FujiFilm’s more extensive control array and comfortable grip better support enthusiastic users who want to explore manual settings. The Samsung suits casual snapshots and travelers valuing pocketability and quick autofocus without diving into settings menus.

Behind the Lens: Sensor and Image Quality Fundamentals

Both cameras feature 12-megapixel CCD sensors measuring approximately 1/2.3 inches - the industry standard for compact cameras of their generation. The Fuji sensor area is roughly 28.07 mm², slightly bigger than the Samsung’s 27.72 mm², but such differences are minimal and unlikely to impact perceived image quality dramatically.

CCD sensors in these cameras tend to deliver solid color rendition with pleasing skin tones at lower sensitivities but struggle with noise and detail preservation at high ISO settings, given their small size. Both support native ISO from 100 (or 80 in Samsung’s case) up to 1600, but amplification beyond 400 or 800 ISO commonly results in pronounced noise, grain, and detail loss.

Neither camera offers RAW support, so your ability to salvage images in post-production is limited. You'll rely mostly on in-camera JPEG processing, which was generally competent for these models’ era but doesn’t match modern cameras in dynamic range or noise control.

Still, within their constraints, both deliver decent image quality for casual shooting - especially outdoors in good light. The Fuji’s slightly larger sensor area and CCD design paired with its sensor-shift image stabilization (unique among these two) provides a slight edge in reduced blur and better-quality handheld shots.

Zoom and Lens Versatility: Reach vs. Portability

This side of the comparison is where the FujiFilm S1600 flexes its muscle. Featuring a 28-420 mm equivalent focal length, the S1600 provides a massive 15x optical zoom, ideal for wildlife distant shots or sports where reaching subjects is crucial. Sure, the maximum aperture narrows from f/4.0 to f/4.8 across zoom range, but that’s a reasonable tradeoff for the lens versatility on tap.

Macro capability is impressive too - the Fuji focuses down to two centimeters, letting you capture fine details close up, ideal for botanists or macro enthusiasts on a budget.

The Samsung SL720, meanwhile, sports a more modest 28-102 mm range (around 3.6x zoom) with a slightly brighter aperture at the wide end (f/2.8), making it better in low-light environments but less accommodating if you need telephoto reach. Macro focus caps at 5 cm, which is decent but not outstanding for tight close-ups.

If your photographic adventures lean heavily on zoom reach and detail capture, the Fuji is undoubtedly the more flexible option. If you prefer a smaller device with decent wide-to-medium zoom, the Samsung offers a lightweight, sharp shooter for everyday scenes.

Live View and Interface: Screen and Viewfinder Insights

Both cameras have fixed LCD screens with a resolution around 230k dots, pretty standard for cameras in this category back then. The Fuji’s 3-inch screen is slightly larger than the Samsung’s 2.7-inch display, offering a more comfortable image review experience.

Importantly, the Fuji provides an electronic viewfinder with 99% coverage - a feature the SL720 completely omits. Viewfinders are invaluable when shooting in bright conditions where LCD reflections hamper composition, or for users habituated to eye-level framing. The lack of a viewfinder on the Samsung means you will be relying solely on the rear screen, which may be challenging under direct sunlight.

Touchscreens are absent in both, so navigation through menus depends on physical buttons - each model’s UI design is functional but rudimentary compared to modern touch-driven interfaces.

Autofocus, Burst Modes, and Shooting Speed

Autofocus performance on both cameras utilizes contrast detection systems common for their era, with face detection unavailable. The Fuji’s AF supports continuous and single modes, while the Samsung offers only single AF. Neither features tracking autofocus, limiting their predictive capabilities on moving subjects.

Continuous shooting speeds are modest: Fuji caps at 1 fps, the Samsung offers none specified. So burst shooting for fast action or sports photography is a non-starter.

For stationary subjects such as landscapes, portraits, or street scenes - where moment-to-moment speed is less critical - both deliver reasonably snappy focusing and exposure acquisition.

Still, if your ambitions include wildlife or sports where speed and AF accuracy are vital, neither camera will fully satisfy. They were crafted more for casual photographers than professionals chasing precise focus on flying birds or sprinting athletes.

Build Quality and Durability

When looking at build, neither camera incorporates environmental sealing or rugged construction. Both lack dustproof, waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof ratings - typical for consumer-grade cameras of their time but worth considering if you anticipate tough outdoor use.

The Fuji’s bulkier architecture could theoretically withstand more wear and tear during extended trips or rough handling. The Samsung’s ultracompact body calls for careful transport and protection against impacts.

Battery-wise, the Fuji uses four AA batteries: convenient for sourcing replacements globally but bulkier and heavier over time. The Samsung relies on a proprietary rechargeable battery (SLB-10A), which is lighter but demands managed charging - a factor for travelers crossing regions without easy charging access.

Video and Connectivity: Modest but Functional

Video capabilities in both are quite elementary. The FujiFilm S1600 records HD video at 1280×720 resolution at 30 fps, while the Samsung maxes at VGA 640×480 at 30 fps, also supporting lower resolutions and frame rates.

Both utilize Motion JPEG encoding, resulting in large file sizes and basic compression - fine for casual clips but suboptimal for serious videography.

Neither camera offers microphone inputs or headphone outputs, limiting audio customization options. Wired or wireless connectivity is non-existent, without HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC support.

Transferring files involves USB 2.0, which was standard but slow by today’s norms, and both use SD cards for storage.

Seeing is Believing: Real-World Image Samples

A quick glance at side-by-side sample images taken with these cameras shows the Fuji’s strength in telephoto compression and subject isolation, helped by its longer zoom lens and sturdier stabilization system. Colors tend to lean warmer and skin tones look appealing, especially in portraits and outdoor shots.

The Samsung’s images are sharp at wide angles with decent color accuracy but fall off in detail and low-light performance sooner. Its smaller zoom range limits framing options for distant subjects.

Both samples suffer from limited dynamic range and noise beyond ISO 400, characteristic of their sensor type and image pipeline.

FujiFilm S1600 front FujiFilm S1600 screen back Samsung SL720 front Samsung SL720 screen back

Art and Science of Scoring: Performance Breakdown

To condense the overall strengths and shortcomings, I prepared a comprehensive scoring overview that contextualizes key features and shooting capabilities.

The FujiFilm S1600 outperforms the Samsung in ergonomics, zoom versatility, autofocus modes, and video quality. The Samsung benefits in portability, lighter weight, and competitive image sharpness at standard focal lengths, with the tradeoff of less creative control.

Who Shines at What? Genre-Specific Cameras Ratings

Considering different photography styles and use cases, the following breakdown reveals which camera excels or struggles:

• Portraits: Fuji wins for better zoom reach and skin tone rendering; Samsung's brighter wide aperture is helpful in low light.
• Landscape: Both offer adequate base resolution; Fuji’s stabilization and zoom help compose varied perspectives.
• Wildlife/Sports: Fuji better thanks to longer zoom and continuous AF, but low burst rates limit action capture.
• Street: Samsung’s compact size and discretion give it an edge here.
• Macro: Fuji’s closer focusing distance and stabilization assist macro photography.
• Night/Astro: Neither camera performs well here due to sensor limits, though Fuji's stabilization helps.
• Video: Fuji’s 720p HD outpaces Samsung's VGA recordings.
• Travel: Samsung’s portability counters Fuji’s zoom versatility and better controls.
• Professional use: Neither meets rigorous pro standards but Fuji’s manual exposure modes are more flexible.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Journey?

In summarizing my extensive hands-on testing and analysis, the FujiFilm FinePix S1600 emerges as the better-rounded camera for enthusiasts wanting zoom flexibility, manual exposure, and a sturdier shooting experience. While not designed for professional or high-speed action photography, it offers a solid all-around package for portraits, landscapes, and casual telephoto work.

The Samsung SL720 is a commendable ultralight alternative boasting crisp image quality at moderate zooms and a pocketable design. Its limitations in controls and reach make it less suited for creative exploration but ideal for travelers and street photographers prioritizing convenience.

If you’re budgeting around $120-$130 and choosing between these older models, consider carefully your typical use scenarios. Do you want more manual control, longer zoom, and an electronic viewfinder? FujiFilm S1600 is your pick. Prefer compactness and simplicity for everyday snapshots and trips? Samsung SL720 can deliver.

In either case, both cameras serve as reminders of where digital photography was a decade ago - bridging affordability with impactful imaging potential. While newer equipment offers substantial advancements, these models remain relevant for hobbyists and budget-conscious photographers getting started or needing reliable secondary cameras.

Parting Tips Before You Buy

• Check battery availability: AA versus proprietary rechargeable options may sway convenience and cost.
• Prioritize lens reach if telephoto or macro work is important.
• Be mindful of low-light performance limitations inherent in small CCD sensors.
• Note the lack of RAW image capture for extensive post-processing.
• Recognize that neither camera supports modern connectivity; plan file transfers accordingly.
• Consider FujiFilm's viewfinder if shooting in bright conditions bothers you.

Some final personal advice - if you value comfortable handling with a DSLR-like feel and occasional telephoto magic, the FujiFilm S1600's design philosophy aligns well with my preferences. However, for lightweight travel ease and casual city shooting, the Samsung SL720 remains a viable, friendly companion.

I hope this deep dive helped clarify the practical realities behind the specs and sample shots. Feel free to reach out with questions or share your own experiences with these cameras - nothing beats learning from the vast community of passionate photographers.

Happy shooting!