FujiFilm FinePix S1800 vs Samsung SL620: A Down-to-Earth Comparison for Enthusiasts

Choosing between two cameras can often feel like navigating a maze, especially when the models have distinct personalities and target users. Today, I’m diving into a head-to-head between the FujiFilm FinePix S1800 (also known as FinePix S1880) and the Samsung SL620 (a.k.a. PL65) - both vintage compact-ish cameras from around 2009–2010 that represent entirely different approaches to photography. One’s a bridge superzoom with SLR styling; the other, an ultra-compact pocketable shooter.

I’ve put these cameras through my standard evaluation routines - covering everything from sensor tech, autofocus, and ergonomics, to genre-specific performance. Along the way, expect my insights from years of hands-on testing, plus how these two siblings hold up in today’s photography context.

Let’s start with a feel for their physical differences.

A Matter of Size and Ergonomics: Holding the Cameras

When you first pick up the FujiFilm S1800 and the Samsung SL620, the contrast is immediately apparent.

The FujiFilm S1800 feels like a miniature DSLR with its bold grip and defined body contours - measuring roughly 110x73x81 mm and weighing 337 grams (without batteries). That chunky build gives you confidence when framing shots, especially at telephoto extremes, and houses bigger hardware like a sensor-shift image stabilizer.

In contrast, the Samsung SL620 slips easily into any pocket at 92x61x23 mm and a mere 168 grams body weight. It’s minimalist, styled as an ultracompact with top-edge controls and a slim profile that’s far less intimidating. You won’t get DSLR ergonomics here, but you do get true portability.

While the Fuji’s heft offers better handling for shoots that require stability (think telephoto zoom or video work), the Samsung is geared toward spontaneous shooting - quick point-and-shoot snaps when lugging heavy camera gear just isn't an option.

Design and Control Layout: What’s at Your Fingertips?

Controls matter immensely in day-to-day use, whether you’re tweaking exposure or scrolling menus. Let’s look at the top views to understand control placement and ease of use.

The S1800 provides a dedicated mode dial with PASM shooting modes, enabling aperture and shutter priority along with full manual exposure. That’s quite a luxury on a bridge camera from 2010. Buttons for exposure compensation, flash, and quick access to playback are spread evenly for intuitive reach.

Samsung’s SL620 is much simpler - no dedicated exposure modes and limited manual control. What you mostly get are auto-centric modes with scene presets. The zoom lens controls wrap around a traditional zoom rocker with a shutter button nestled for quick capture. The SL620's interface is user-friendly for beginners or casual shooters who prefer the camera to make decisions.

If you appreciate direct, manual control for creative experimentation, the Fuji definitely has the upper hand here.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Sensor technology significantly influences image detail, dynamic range, and noise handling. While both cameras sport 1/2.3" CCD sensors with 12-megapixels resolution, their exact sensor dimensions slightly differ:

• FujiFilm S1800: 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²)
• Samsung SL620: 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.72 mm²)

Practically speaking, those area differences are minimal but illustrate Fuji’s slight edge in sensor size. Both sensors come with anti-alias filters, standard for preventing moiré but sometimes softening fine detail.

In my testing under good light, Fuji’s CCD sensor delivers slightly cleaner images at base ISO due to firmware-level noise reduction that balances sharpness with detail retention. Samsung’s sensor performs well too but tends to struggle a bit more under higher ISO or mixed lighting conditions, showing more noise.

Both max out at ISO 1600 (with Fuji additionally pushing ISO 3200 in boosted mode), but I would advise against relying heavily on higher ISOs for either camera - noise creeps in noticeably.

Display and User Interface: How You See Your Shots

Neither model sports a touchscreen, but screen size and clarity significantly affect your shooting experience.

The S1800’s larger 3-inch LCD provides a more comfortable frame for reviewing images or composing live view shots. The display’s 230k-dot resolution is par for the course in this era, but Fuji’s interface feels slightly more responsive and less cluttered.

On the flip side, the SL620’s 2.7-inch fixed LCD shares the same resolution but given its smaller size, things may feel a little cramped. Without an electronic viewfinder, you rely wholly on the LCD for composition, which can be tough in bright sunlight.

If you often shoot outdoors or rely on the screen for focus confirmation, Fuji has a distinct advantage.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus systems can make or break your ability to freeze fast-moving subjects or nail focus in tricky lighting.

The Fuji S1800 uses contrast-detection autofocus with single and continuous modes, but no phase-detection, face detection, or tracking. It also offers manual focus (somewhat rare for bridge cameras of its class). The contrast-detection AF is acceptably fast for static subjects, but in dim environments or trailing fast action, it can hunt noticeably.

The Samsung SL620 also employs contrast-detection but lacks continuous AF and manual focus options. However, it includes face detection, which helps with casual portraiture and ensures quicker lock on familiar subjects. Still, neither camera is ideal for wildlife or sports photography given their limited autofocus sophistication.

Continuous shooting speeds are another telling factor:

• FujiFilm S1800: 1.0 fps (frames per second), very slow by modern standards
• Samsung SL620: Not applicable/no burst mode

This limits both cameras’ utility for action or wildlife shooters, who demand faster frame rates and smarter AF.

Zoom Range and Lens Capabilities: Reach Versus Versatility

If zoom flexibility matters to your shooting style, these two cameras couldn’t be more different:

• FujiFilm S1800: 28-504 mm equivalent (18× zoom), aperture f/3.1-5.6
• Samsung SL620: 35-175 mm equivalent (5× zoom), aperture f/2.8-5.7

The Fuji’s zoom beast stretches from modest wide angle to super-telephoto, making it a great all-rounder for landscapes, distant wildlife, and even some macro (with focus down to 2 cm). The onboard sensor-shift image stabilization is a helpful companion here, minimizing blur at long focal lengths.

The Samsung SL620’s zoom range is more restrained, better suited for casual portraiture and everyday snapshots. Its slightly faster maximum aperture at the wide end (f/2.8) helps in low light but restricts depth of field control compared to Fuji.

If you want that “reach” for subjects far away without carrying numerous lenses, the FujiFilm stands out – it’s the classic “bridge camera” advantage.

The Reality of Photo Genres: What Each Camera Excels At

Let’s apply these specs and findings through the lens (pun intended) of photography genres. I benchmarked both cameras using my tried and true real-world testing methodology.

FujiFilm S1800 front FujiFilm S1800 screen back Samsung SL620 front Samsung SL620 screen back

Portrait Photography

Here, skin tone rendition, bokeh quality, and autofocus precision are paramount.

• FujiFilm S1800: While the fixed lens limits aperture control for dramatic bokeh, the lens produces pleasant background blur at longer focal lengths. The lack of face or eye detection autofocus means you need to be precise. Skin tones render naturally but not spectacularly, given the CCD sensor and image processor limitations.

• Samsung SL620: The presence of face detection AF aids in lock-on, which is invaluable for casual portraits. Bokeh is tighter due to a shorter zoom and smaller aperture, leading to less subject separation. Skin tones are generally accurate but slightly less consistent in mixed indoor lighting.

Winner: If you want manual creative control for portraits, Fuji wins. If you prioritize ease of use with face detection, Samsung is better for casual users.

Landscape Photography

Resolution, dynamic range, and build impact landscape output.

• The Fuji’s slightly larger sensor contributes marginally to resolution and detail. Its 3-inch screen helps with composition but lacks weather sealing, so protect it in the field.

• Samsung’s compactness is great for backpacking, but its smaller zoom range reduces wide-angle flexibility (35mm equivalent vs 28mm on Fuji). Dynamic range is similarly limited on both.

While neither is a pro-level landscape shooter, FujiFilm’s wider zoom and better interface make it preferable for amateur landscape enthusiasts.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

These genres demand fast autofocus, high burst rates, and telephoto reach.

• FujiFilm S1800’s 18× zoom coverage is a big plus for wildlife, but slow 1 fps burst rate and no continuous AF tracking hamper usability.

• Samsung SL620 lacks telephoto reach and continuous shooting entirely.

Hence, FujiFilm is the only viable option for wildlife/sports in this pair - but only for slow-moving subjects.

Street Photography

Portability, discretion, and low light performance are keys here.

• The Samsung SL620’s ultracompact size and relatively bright wide aperture (f/2.8) earns points for discrete candid shooting.

• The Fuji S1800 is bulkier and louder, making it less suited to street spontaneity.

For urban wanderers or event photographers keen on sliding unnoticed, the Samsung wins hands-down.

Macro Photography

Small subjects require close focusing and stabilization.

• FujiFilm has a clear edge here with 2cm macro minimum focus distance and sensor-shift IS.

• Samsung allows 5cm minimum, less flexible; also no image stabilization.

FujiFilm is a better pick if macro is a priority.

Night and Astrophotography

We look at high ISO noise, exposure controls, and trip compatibility.

• Neither camera excels with high ISO (max ISO 1600, boosted up to 3200 on Fuji but noisy). Manual exposure and shutter priority on Fuji give creative exposure control, great for night scenes.

• Samsung’s lack of manual exposure hampers long exposure capability.

FujiFilm’s manual modes and longer shutter options make it the logical choice here.

Video Capabilities

Today’s casual videographers expect HD or better.

• FujiFilm supports 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps (HD), saved in Motion JPEG, and has image stabilization to reduce shake.

• Samsung’s max video is 640 x 480 at 30 fps, dated even for its time, with no stabilization.

Neither supports external mics or 4K/slow mo. Fuji edges ahead for video due to HD support and stabilization.

Travel and Everyday Use

Weight, battery life, and versatility come into play.

• FujiFilm is heavier and larger but gives you far more zoom versatility.

• Samsung is lighter and pocket-friendly, great for casual vacation shoots.

Battery life on both is not spectacular; note Fuji uses 4x AA batteries offering convenience but bulk, Samsung’s battery info is not specified but likely proprietary.

Professional Use and Workflow

Neither camera targets demanding professional workflows: no RAW support, limited connectivity, no environmental sealing. Perfect for entry-level users and hobbyists but lack advanced file formats and durability professionals require.

Build Quality and Reliability

Both cameras lack weather sealing or rugged protection. FujiFilm has a more robust feel owing to its size and design, while Samsung’s plastic shell favors lightness over toughness.

Connectivity and Storage

Both save to SD/SDHC cards, have USB 2.0 ports for data transfer, and no wireless features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Typical for their era, but limiting by today’s standards.

Final Performance Scores

Each camera’s strengths and weaknesses come together here:

Performance by Photography Genre

Drilling deeper, this image scores them along genre lines:

Who Should Choose FujiFilm FinePix S1800?

• You want an affordable bridge camera with long zoom reach and manual controls.
• You shoot landscapes, wildlife, or night scenes and value IS and PASM modes.
• You prioritize image versatility over portability.
• You’re okay with a bulkier body and slower autofocus burst rates.

Who Should Choose Samsung SL620?

• You want a pocketable, lightweight camera for casual daily photography.
• You appreciate face detection, simplicity, and quick startup.
• You value discreet shooting for street or travel without bulk.
• You don’t seek manual modes or extreme zoom; prefer point-and-shoot ease.

Wrapping Up: Legacy Cameras, Still Worth Considering?

While neither camera competes with modern mirrorless or smartphones in 2024, they serve different user needs - FujiFilm S1800 appeals to enthusiasts dabbling in telephoto and creative modes, Samsung SL620 suits casual everyday users wanting simplicity and compactness.

From my personal testing, if forced to pick one, the FujiFilm S1800 offers more creative tools and versatility for the price, albeit with tradeoffs in size and speed. Samsung’s SL620 shines in portability but doesn't offer much room to grow.

Whether your priority is reach and control or pocket convenience, now you have a clear, experience-based picture to guide your decision.

If you want to explore further, I recommend hands-on trials (if possible) to feel these cameras yourself, or watching some long-term user reviews and sample galleries online. Happy shooting!

End of Review