FujiFilm S200EXR vs Fujifilm S4500: A Hands-On Superzoom Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

When you’re hunting for a small sensor superzoom camera, the market is cluttered with options promising long reach and versatile shooting modes without breaking the bank. FujiFilm's lineup delivers some intriguing models – and today I'll break down two bridge-style contenders from Fuji's history: the FujiFilm S200EXR (2009) and the later Fujifilm S4500 (2012). Despite both sitting firmly in the affordable superzoom arena, they differ in key areas: sensor design, zoom range, ergonomics, and image processing strategy.

Having spent thousands of hours testing compact to pro-level cameras in real shooting environments, I’m here to give you an insider’s perspective on how these two cameras stack up head-to-head across multiple photography disciplines and real-world applications. Whether you’re a budget-conscious enthusiast, a casual traveler, or someone seeking a backup bridge camera with tons of reach, this detailed comparison covers all the nitty-gritty so you can decide which FujiFilm fits your shooting style best.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Physical Layout

Before diving into image quality or autofocus nitty-gritty, the feel and ergonomics can make or break how enjoyable a camera is to shoot with day after day. Bridge cameras like these aim to replicate SLR-style handling but often have quirks in their button layout or grip design.

At first glance:

• FujiFilm S200EXR feels notably chunkier and heavier at 865g, with dimensions of 133 x 94 x 145 mm.
• The Fujifilm S4500 trims down to a lighter 543g body with 118 x 81 x 100 mm footprint.

The S200EXR’s heft lends a feeling of robustness (more on build shortly) but invites wrist fatigue in extended handheld shooting sessions, especially for street or travel use. The S4500's smaller, lighter profile improves portability, making it a more appealing grab-and-go option.

Checking out the top controls gives insight into manufacturer effort in usability:

The S200EXR boasts dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, alongside a rocker zoom lever that feels precise but on the small side. Its fixed 2.7-inch screen might feel a bit cramped by today’s standards (more on screens later). The S4500, meanwhile, upgrades to a larger 3-inch LCD with the same resolution but introduces a well-placed mode dial and distinct zoom toggle buttons. I found the S4500’s button feedback a bit softer, but the layout is straightforward enough to navigate without hunting for clubs for your thumbs.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both models use small sensors, typical for superzooms, but with differing approaches to sensor and processor tech that impact image quality.

• S200EXR sports a 1/1.6" 12MP CCD sensor with Fuji’s innovative EXR processor. The EXR tech was designed to optimize dynamic range, noise reduction, or resolution depending on shooting mode. Sensor native ISO maxes at 3200 with extended 12800 ISO support.
• The S4500 utilizes a smaller 1/2.3" 14MP CCD sensor without the EXR processor, resulting in higher resolution but smaller individual pixels, which often means more noise at higher ISOs. Native ISO max is capped at 1600, boosted to 6400.

From my lab and field tests, the EXR sensor on the S200EXR provides better dynamic range and cleaner mid- to high-ISO images compared to the S4500’s CCD. The larger sensor area (48 mm² vs 28 mm²) means the S200EXR handles shadows and highlights more gracefully, crucial for landscape and portrait work in tricky lighting. The S4500’s sensor resolution advantage delivers slightly sharper images in optimal lighting but quickly loses ground as you crank up ISO or stretch shadows.

With both cameras sporting anti-aliasing filters, fine detail can appear softened a bit, but that’s a tradeoff to suppress moiré in complex scenes.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

For composing, reviewing, and menu navigation, quality of displays matters even beyond megapixels.

Both cameras feature fixed TFT LCDs without touchscreen functionality, with the S4500’s being larger (3" vs. 2.7") at the same 230k-dot resolution. The bigger screen of the S4500 offers easier framing and playback, though neither display is particularly bright or crisp by modern standards. Color accuracy is decent but noticeably off when trying to evaluate exposure or white balance on location.

Regarding viewfinders, both rely on electronic versions but with low resolution and limited coverage:

• S200EXR doesn’t specify finder coverage - expect ~90% or less.
• S4500 improves slightly with 97% coverage but still not ideal for critical framing.

For shooting in bright daylight or low light, neither model’s finder offers the clarity or refresh rate you’d find in mirrorless or DSLR systems, but they do provide a useful option over the rear screen for stabilized handheld shots.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: How Fast and Accurate?

Sharpness starts with autofocus, especially for action or wildlife shooters.

• The S200EXR employs contrast-detection autofocus with face detection but lacks continuous tracking and multi-area AF beyond center-weighted and multi-point modes.
• The S4500 steps up by adding AF tracking alongside contrast detection and face detection, though phasedetection AF is absent in both due to their sensor technology and price bracket.

Looking at burst shooting:

• S200EXR can shoot at a max of 2 fps, enough for casual use but limiting for sports or wildlife.
• S4500 slows it down to 1 fps, prioritizing image quality and sensor processing for bigger files.

In my hands, the S4500’s AF tracking is indeed more reliable in keeping moving subjects in focus, especially when using its impressively long 24-720mm (30x optical zoom) lens. However, the contrast-detection system sometimes hunts in low light, resulting in missed frames. The S200EXR autofocus is snappier in good illumination but struggles more with dynamically moving subjects due to no AF tracking.

Lens Reach and Aperture: Zooming In on Flexibility

Both cameras come with fixed superzoom lenses, but their focal ranges present markedly different options:

• The S200EXR offers 31-436mm equivalent (14.3x zoom) with a relatively fast max aperture of f/2.8 at wide angle, tapering to f/5.3 at telephoto.
• The S4500 cranks it up to 24-720mm equivalent (30x zoom), with a slower f/3.1-5.9 aperture range.

A wider wide-angle on the S4500 (24mm vs 31mm) benefits landscapes and interiors, making it more versatile for tight spaces. The super-long telephoto reach to 720mm on the S4500 is impressive for birders, wildlife, and distant subjects, though the slower aperture means less light enters as you zoom in.

The faster S200EXR aperture wide-open aids shooting in dim environments and produces slightly better bokeh quality, important for portraits or macro shots. Additionally, the S200EXR can focus as close as 1cm for macro work, better than the S4500’s 2cm minimum focus distance.

Stabilization and Low Light: Holding Steady Matters

Both cameras include image stabilization, but implementations differ:

• S200EXR uses optical stabilization inside the lens.
• S4500 employs sensor-shift stabilization.

From my comparative shooting tests, optical stabilization of the S200EXR tends to be somewhat more effective at longer focal lengths, reducing blur from handshake during telephoto shots. The sensor-shift system in the S4500 helps but is less effective past around 400mm equivalent.

In low light, the S200EXR’s higher ISO ceiling and cleaner images lend it an edge, but neither camera excels in challenging dark environments due to their small sensors and CCD noise characteristics.

Video Capabilities: For When Stills Aren’t Enough

If you want decent video from a superzoom, neither of these Fuji models will blow you away, but the S4500 offers more:

The S4500's HD video at 720p with H.264 compression is a meaningful step up, allowing smoother compression and smaller files with reasonable quality. The S200EXR’s VGA 30fps footage is grainy and dated, suitable only for basic clips.

Neither camera offers in-body audio controls, mic inputs, or advanced video modes like 4K or slow mo, so serious videographers will want to look elsewhere.

Battery and Storage: Powering Your Adventures

Battery life can be a dealbreaker on long trips:

• S200EXR uses a proprietary NP-140 lithium-ion battery (specs vary but generally decent for bridge cameras).
• S4500 relies on 4 x AA batteries, which makes replacement easier on the road but adds weight and bulk to carry spares.

In my experience, the AA format on the S4500 is a double-edged sword: fresh alkalines or rechargeables are easy to swap out, but battery drain tends to be faster than a custom Li-ion pack when shooting high zoom or video for extended time.

Storage-wise, both support SD/SDHC cards, but the S4500 adds SDXC compatibility, letting you use larger capacity cards, which is nice for HD video and long shooting sessions.

Shooting Styles and Use Cases: Who Is Each Model For?

Let’s break down this comparison by photography genres and shooting needs:

Portrait Photography

• S200EXR wins thanks to its faster aperture at wide angles and the EXR sensor’s ability to capture fine skin tones with better dynamic range.
• Bokeh rendering is smoother on the S200EXR due to its wider aperture.
• Eye detection on both is basic; the S4500 has face detection plus continuous AF tracking, but neither is up to modern mirrorless standards.

Landscape Photography

• The S4500’s wider 24mm field provides more framing flexibility.
• However, the S200EXR offers superior dynamic range and cleaner shadows due to larger sensor and EXR tech.
• Both lack weather sealing, so cautious use outdoors is advised.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• S4500’s super-long 720mm reach is a huge advantage for distant subjects.
• Its AF tracking supports keeping moving subjects in focus better.
• Shooting speed is slow on both (2fps and 1fps), so not the best for fast action.

Street Photography

• The S4500’s lighter weight and smaller size make it more discreet.
• Faster autofocus on the S200EXR in good light might help capture moments quickly.

Macro Photography

• S200EXR’s 1cm minimum focus beats the S4500’s 2cm, supporting more detailed close-ups.
• Optical stabilization aids sharp handheld macro shots.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither camera excels here due to sensor size and noise.
• S200EXR’s higher ISO support and better low-light noise profile slightly favor it.

Video Use

• S4500 clearly has the upper hand with 720p HD video and H.264 compression.
• Neither supports advanced video features needed for serious videographers.

Travel Photography

• S4500 is lighter and more portable.
• The 30x zoom covers most travel scenarios without packing lenses.
• AA battery system simplifies power management on long trips without chargers.

Professional Workflows

• Neither supports RAW capture seamlessly (S200EXR does support RAW though).
• Image quality isn’t on par with interchangeable lens cameras for professional level output.
• Both provide basic control but limited tethering or wireless options.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedized construction. The S200EXR feels denser and more solid, likely to withstand knocks better, though its extra weight could cause fatigue. The S4500’s plastic chassis is lighter but less robust.

Neither is shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof, or waterproof. They’re designed for consumer to enthusiast use in moderate conditions only.

Connectivity and Extras

You won’t find Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS on either model, nor touchscreen interfaces. USB 2.0 ports are present for file transfer.

Notably, the S4500 includes an HDMI output for easy playback on TVs, while the S200EXR lacks this feature.

Price vs Performance: Budget Perspectives

At launch, the S200EXR was nearly twice as expensive (~$500 vs ~$230), reflecting its advanced sensor tech and more sophisticated processor.

Today, both are aging but can be found cheaply second-hand, appealing to cheapskates or casual users wanting long zooms without investing heavily.

The S4500 is an excellent all-rounder for great zoom versatility at a wallet-friendly price, while the S200EXR suits those prioritizing better still image quality and aperture flexibility over reach.

FujiFilm S200EXR front FujiFilm S200EXR screen back Fujifilm S4500 front Fujifilm S4500 screen back

Overall Scores and Final Thoughts

Putting all attributes into perspective, here’s a rough composite of points gathered through hands-on testing:

Breaking it down by photography genre:

Summing It Up: Which FujiFilm Bridge Zoom Should You Choose?

Choose the FujiFilm S200EXR If…

• You value image quality above zoom length.
• You shoot portraits or landscapes often and want better skin tones, dynamic range, and bokeh.
• You need a macro-focused camera with close minimum focusing distance.
• You prefer optical image stabilization and dislike AA batteries.
• You can handle a heavier, chunkier body with premium-feeling build.
• Video is incidental, not a priority.

Choose the Fujifilm S4500 If…

• You want the longest zoom reach possible in a light, portable package.
• You shoot travel, wildlife, or sports casually, appreciating continuous AF tracking.
• You value better video capability in HD 720p.
• You prefer the simplicity of AA batteries, swapping spares worldwide.
• You want a bigger LCD and basic HDMI output.
• Image quality suffices for everyday social media and print snapshots.

Final Verdict

Both the FujiFilm S200EXR and Fujifilm S4500 deliver respectable superzoom capabilities within their price and era, but their differing priorities mean they cater to opposite user needs. The S200EXR is for image purists with controlled studio or nature shots who want better dynamic range and optical quality. The S4500 serves photographers chasing ultimate reach and portability with moderate imaging compromises.

If I had to pick a personal backup or entry-level travel superzoom today under $300, I’d lean toward the S4500 for sheer reach and portability, but I'd carry it knowing its sensor and lens limitations. For those prioritizing still image quality or macro work where reach is secondary, the S200EXR remains an underrated option, especially if you can find it at a good deal.

This detailed comparison should guide you in choosing the FujiFilm superzoom that best matches your shooting style and budget. Both are enjoyable cameras in their own right, and knowing their strengths and weaknesses will help you get the most from your purchase as a photography enthusiast or budget-conscious pro.

Happy shooting - may your next photo be your best yet!