FujiFilm FinePix S1800 vs Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

In the realm of small sensor superzoom cameras, choosing the right model can be surprisingly tricky despite their seemingly similar specs. Today, I’m putting two intriguing contenders under the microscope: the FujiFilm FinePix S1800 (2010) and the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 (2014). Both cameras cater to enthusiasts who crave the convenience of a powerful zoom with some degree of manual control, but they each approach this goal quite differently. Drawing on my years of testing hundreds of cameras, including extensive hands-on with bridge and compact superzoom models, I’ll navigate through their technical makeup, real-world performance, and overall value to help you find which suits your photographic ambitions.

Understanding Their Physical Presence: Size & Handling in the Field

Despite both positioning as “superzoom,” you’ll notice the two cameras approach body design quite differently. The FujiFilm S1800 tries to replicate a DSLR-like bridge experience, while the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2, released four years later, leans into a compact form with tablet-like tendencies.

The FujiFilm FinePix S1800 sports a chunkier silhouette at 110 x 73 x 81 mm and weighs 337 grams with four AA batteries. Its SLR-style grip and pronounced lens barrel provide a secure, confident hold. This makes it ideal for those who want a DSLR-like handling experience without investing in interchangeable lenses. That said, the AA batteries add some heft and frequent replacements might become annoying.

On the flip side, the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 is slimmer at 133 x 71 x 19 mm and lighter at 283 grams. It uses a built-in rechargeable battery, giving it a neat, pocketable flare despite its superzoom capability. The lack of a physical viewfinder nudges you toward relying on its huge touchscreen but inconvenient if you shoot in bright conditions.

By personal preference, the FujiFilm’s dedicated controls (which we will explore further) feel more immediate and photographer-oriented. The Galaxy Camera 2’s design feels more like a smart device that also shoots photos, which might appeal if you prioritize portability and convenience over traditional ergonomics.

Exploring Their Design DNA: Control Layout and User Interface

Control schemes hugely influence how quickly and intuitively you can react to changing photographic situations. I always prefer testing with practical shooting in mind, rather than purely spec-chasing.

Looking down from above, the FujiFilm S1800 opts for somewhat conventional bridge camera controls, including dedicated dials and buttons. You get quick access to shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure, exposure compensation, and familiar dial-driven ISO settings. Although the button labels are a little tight and the screen resolution modest, the tactile feedback is solid. Especially in fast-paced settings, having physical buttons wins hands down here.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2, conversely, replaces typical controls with a large 4.8-inch touchscreen interface, sporting HD Super Clear technology. The touch-centric operation reminds me more of smartphones than cameras, complete with sliding menus and virtual settings adjustments. The absence of a viewfinder forces constant eye-on-screen shooting, which, while convenient for novices, may frustrate those used to dedicated eyepieces or physical controls. On the brighter side, tap-to-focus and face detection autofocus (more on that shortly) are accessible via touch.

The takeaway? If you appreciate tactile control wheels and shoot-oriented handling, the FujiFilm S1800 edges out. But if you’re comfortable with touch interfaces and want a smooth Android-like experience, Galaxy Camera 2’s design wins for modernity and versatility.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Crucible of Photographic Performance

The heart of any camera is its sensor, which largely dictates dynamic range, noise performance, and detail resolution. Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch sensor but differ significantly in technology and resolution.

The FujiFilm S1800 houses a 12MP CCD sensor with an anti-aliasing filter. CCDs, while tested over decades, tend to have slightly narrower dynamic range and reduced high-ISO performance compared to newer CMOS sensors. The advantage is a traditionally pleasant color rendition and lower rolling shutter issues but at the cost of limited ISO ceiling (max ISO 1600 native, boost 3200). FujiFilm's image processor is simpler, reflecting older technology.

In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 employs a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, which benefits from backside illumination design, improving light-gathering efficiency especially in lower light. This sensor allows a maximum ISO of 3200 (with no boost) and promises better noise control and dynamic range. The Galaxy Camera 2’s sensor resolution of 4608x3456 pixels offers more cropping flexibility.

Real-world image quality tests show the Galaxy Camera 2 produces visibly sharper images with better detail retention and cleaner shadows at higher ISOs. The FujiFilm delivers colors with a slightly warmer palette but struggles in dynamic range especially in bright landscapes or backlit portraits due to its sensor limitations.

Unfortunately, neither camera supports RAW capture, which limits post-processing potential for professionals or advanced enthusiasts - a notable drawback.

Screens and Viewing Experience: Composing Your Shot

The way you frame and review your photos matters just as much as sensor specs.

FujiFilm’s 3-inch fixed LCD offers 230K resolution, which is adequate but somewhat grainy and reflective under outdoor lighting. It does have an electronic viewfinder covering 99% of the frame, but the resolution and magnification aren’t specified, which suggests a basic implementation. While comforting for precise framing, the EVF feels cramped and slightly laggy, especially in low light.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 2 boasts a 4.8-inch HD Super Clear Touch Display with 1037K resolution - bright, vivid, and large. The lack of a viewfinder means you rely solely on this touchscreen, which can be a problem in direct sunlight but overall offers a more engaging live view experience with touch focusing, face detection, and ease of navigating menus.

If you often shoot outdoors with bright sunlight, FujiFilm’s EVF might provide steadier compositions, but for casual shooting and instant touch operation, Galaxy Camera 2’s large screen is a game-changer.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Decisive Moment

Autofocus is critical whether you’re shooting birds in flight or candid street moments. Here, both cameras fall short of modern DSLR or mirrorless standards but differ in method and speed.

The FujiFilm S1800 uses a contrast-detection AF system but lacks face detection or multiple focus point options. It offers single or continuous AF modes but with a slow acquisition speed and a single 1 fps continuous shooting rate. This makes it frustrating for fast action or wildlife photography. Macro autofocus is impressive down to 2 cm, which is useful for close-ups.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 also features contrast detection with face detection autofocus, aided by touch-to-focus functionality on the screen. It offers slightly faster shutter lag, and a continuous shooting rate of 5 fps, allowing you to capture short bursts in certain situations. However, it doesn’t provide continuous AF or tracking in burst mode, limiting use on very fast subjects.

Both are missing phase detection AF and have no sophisticated AF area selection, reducing tracking accuracy for sports or wildlife.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Versatility or Compromise?

Superzoom cameras promise impressive focal ranges, but optical quality across that range varies.

The FujiFilm’s 18x zoom range covers a useful spectrum, starting at a conventional wide 28mm equivalent, useful for landscapes or group shots. Its macro capability to 2cm is outstanding, allowing extreme close-ups. The sensor-shift image stabilization performs well but struggles somewhat at long telephoto, prone to slight shake in handheld shots.

Samsung ups the zoom ante with a longer 21x range beginning at a wider 23mm - helpful in tight interiors or street scenes. The lens is optically stabilized, which often offers smoother compensation especially at higher focal lengths. However, it restricts macro focusing to 10cm, less competitive for close-ups.

In my real-world tests, both cameras produce noticeable softness and edge distortion at maximum zoom, which is common for this class. But Samsung’s sharper center resolution at long zoom and more effective optical stabilization delivers superior handheld telephoto results.

Flash, Low-Light, and High ISO Usability

Neither camera is designed for professional low-light work, but let’s see which handles dim conditions better.

The FujiFilm S1800’s built-in flash has a respectable 4.4-meter range with modes including slow sync and red-eye reduction. However, the relatively slow max aperture and CCD sensor mean higher ISO images are noisy and detail quickly deteriorates beyond ISO 400.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 2 has a slightly weaker flash range of 3.8 meters but offers more flash modes and a camera-integrated high ISO ceiling of 3200 native ISO. Its BSI CMOS sensor coupled with optical stabilization allows cleaner low-light handheld photos up to ISO 800 or 1600 and smoother video in dim conditions.

Although neither camera replaces a dedicated flashgun option, Samsung’s better sensor and higher ISO usability make it the superior low-light performer.

Video Capabilities: A Tale of Two Generations

Back in 2010, 720p video on point-and-shoot cameras was still emerging; by 2014, HD and Full HD were becoming standard.

The FujiFilm S1800 can shoot up to 720p at 30fps, saved in Motion JPEG, which results in large file sizes but lower compression quality. No external mic input or advanced video features limit usability.

The Galaxy Camera 2 jumps to Full HD 1080p 30fps with efficient H.264 codec, better quality, and longer recording potential. Additionally, the Galaxy supports touch autofocus during recording and includes a microphone input, useful for enthusiasts who want to improve sound quality without onboard mics.

I tested both cameras at low light video; Galaxy’s optical stabilization and brighter lens allowed smoother, less noisy clips. FujiFilm’s video feels dated and shaky by comparison.

Travel Friendliness: Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

If you’re carrying your camera through airports or hikes, battery life and connectivity matter.

The FujiFilm S1800 uses 4 x AA batteries, a mix of convenience and drawbacks: easy to swap anywhere, but bulky and heavy in your bag and not as environmentally friendly. Its SD/SDHC slot offers standard storage options. However, no wireless connectivity means all image transfers are cumbersome via USB 2.0.

Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 comes with a built-in battery pack rated around 400 shots, rechargeable via USB. It supports microSD cards (including high-capacity microSDXC). The Galaxy shines with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS, turning it into a connected travel companion. You can instantly share photos, geotag your shots, or remotely control the camera via compatible apps. The absence of an external battery option could be a downside for extended trips off-grid.

For travel, Galaxy’s connectivity and lighter weight tip the scales in its favor, but FujiFilm’s replaceable AA batteries might suit remote shooting in places lacking power.

Durability and Build Quality: Can They Stand the Elements?

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing. Both target casual and hobbyist users rather than professionals expecting ruggedness. FujiFilm’s bridge camera design inspires more confidence in grip but physically doesn’t stand up better under harsh conditions than Samsung’s slicker compact.

Genre-Specific Performance Insights: What’s Best for What?

Breaking down how these two cameras perform across different photography styles brings practical clarity.

• Portraits: FujiFilm struggles with face detection and has limited autofocus sophistication, resulting in slower subject acquisition. Samsung’s face detection and touch AF help nail critical focus, and its wider aperture at wide zoom creates better background separation, but neither delivers creamy professional bokeh.

• Landscapes: Both offer versatile wide-angle coverage, but FujiFilm’s 12MP sensor and lack of dynamic range control limit image quality. Samsung’s higher resolution and sensor technology lead to sharper, richer landscape captures.

• Wildlife & Sports: FujiFilm’s sluggish 1fps burst and slow contrast AF hold it back in fast action. Samsung’s 5fps is better, but lack of tracking autofocus and buffer constraints limit usefulness.

• Street Photography: Samsung is more discreet due to its compact shape and silent operation. FujiFilm’s bulk and viewfinder make it less agile. Both struggle in low light but Samsung fares better.

• Macro: FujiFilm’s 2cm close focusing distance with sensor-shift stabilization is impressive for budget macro work. Samsung’s 10cm minimum focus distance limits extreme close-ups.

• Night & Astro: High ISO noise is significant on both, but Samsung’s BSI CMOS sensor manages cleaner images up to ISO 1600, while FujiFilm’s CCD sensor produces more grain and color shifts.

• Video: Samsung’s advanced codec, 1080p capture, and microphone input make it the clear winner.

• Travel: Samsung’s weight, battery, and connectivity options make it more travel-friendly.

• Professional Work: Neither supports RAW or offers pro-level features, but FujiFilm’s manual controls and exposure modes lend limited advantage. Samsung’s wireless features appeal to social media-driven workflows.

Overall Performance Summary and Ratings

To bring our comparison together, let’s look at the comprehensive performance across categories I tested for image quality, autofocus, handling, and features.

• FujiFilm FinePix S1800: Solid handling and decent zoom range, hampered by older CCD sensor and slow AF.
• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Modern sensor, superior connectivity, better video, but less tactile control.

Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

Seeing side-by-side sample image comparisons reveals the practical results of these technical differences.

FujiFilm S1800 front FujiFilm S1800 screen back Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 screen back

Notice the sharper details, cleaner shadows, and more balanced colors in Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 shots, especially in landscape and low light scenes. FujiFilm’s images exude a slightly warmer tone but show noise creeping in at higher ISOs and less crisp telephoto sharpness.

Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?

If your budget is tight and you want a beginner-friendly bridge camera with manual control options, simple operation, and decent zoom range - FujiFilm FinePix S1800 might be a good entry-level choice. It especially shines if you want close-up macro photography on a budget and prefer physical controls.

But if you prioritize modern sensor performance, vibrant touchscreen operation, advanced video features, and wireless connectivity for easy sharing and travel, then you’ll find Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 substantially more versatile and satisfying, despite its lack of a viewfinder and fewer tactile buttons. Its superior low-light and video capabilities provide broader creative options.

Final Thoughts: Bridging Old and New

Comparing these two cameras is almost a study in evolution over four years: FujiFilm shows the tail end of the early 2010s bridge camera approach, while Samsung pushes the concept into connected smart photography. Both have their merits depending on priorities:

• FujiFilm embraces traditional controls and optical stabilization but is held back by sensor and AF tech of its generation.
• Samsung offers newer sensor tech, enhanced connectivity, and multimedia capability at the expense of tactile ergonomics and viewfinder convenience.

Choosing between them boils down to what matters most: Do you want a conventional camera that feels like a mini DSLR? Or a modern imaging device that feels more like a camera-phone fusion tailored for social sharing and everyday flexibility?

Whatever your shoot style or budget, I hope this deep dive demystifies the FujiFilm FinePix S1800 vs Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 and guides you to the best fit for your photographic journey.

I’ve personally handled and tested both cameras extensively, covering various environments from studio portraits to wildlife treks. Feel free to reach out if you want sample RAW files (though neither supports RAW!) or specific advice tailored to your needs.

Happy shooting!

Additional Image Credits Used Above

FujiFilm S1800 front FujiFilm S1800 screen back Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 screen back