FujiFilm FinePix S200EXR vs. FinePix S8500: A Deep Dive into Two Superzoom Bridge Cameras

For those of us who revel in the versatility and convenience a superzoom bridge camera offers, choosing the right model can be tricky. Today, I’m peeling back the layers on two FujiFilm entries from different eras but similar categories: the 2009 FujiFilm FinePix S200EXR and the 2013 FinePix S8500. Both occupy the “small sensor superzoom” niche, promising significant zoom reach combined with SLR-like ergonomics, but they do so with distinct technologies and design philosophies. This hands-on comparison is based on extensive field testing, lab reviews, and my experience juggling hundreds of compact and bridge cameras over the past decade and a half.

I’ll evaluate these shooters on image quality, handling, autofocus, video, and even how they fare in various photographic genres - portraits, landscapes, wildlife, you name it. Plus, towards the end, I’ll distill recommendations for different types of users. Ready to get technical but friendly? Let’s dive in.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Classic Bulk vs. Modern Compactness

First impressions matter, and in this case, size and grip define usability. The S200EXR measures roughly 133x94x145 mm and weighs in at a hefty 865 grams with its NP-140 battery. In contrast, the S8500 is more compact - 123x87x116 mm - and noticeably lighter at 670 grams, powered by four AA batteries.

Both cameras mimic DSLR ergonomics reasonably well for bridge cameras but, unsurprisingly, the S8500’s slimmer profile makes it a tad more pocket-adjacent and hand-friendly for extended shoots. The S200EXR’s girth and higher weight translate into a more stable shooting platform, particularly when zoomed in - a distinct advantage for telephoto-heavy scenarios like wildlife or sports. However, bulk can fatigue casual users, especially travelers aiming for lighter gear.

Moving to the control layout (peek the image below), FujiFilm retains the classic superzoom bridge style - plenty of dials and buttons, but nothing pretentious. The S200EXR offers a somewhat more tactile approach with dedicated exposure controls and manual focus rings. The S8500, while still offering manual exposure, simplifies some functions and eschews manual focus, which some users might find limiting.

In day-to-day operation, I appreciated the S200EXR’s crisp, physical feedback from controls during brisk shooting. The S8500’s controls feel more streamlined but slightly mushier, with fewer manual focus options - a point to consider for those who love direct exposure or focusing control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Old CCD Meets New BSI-CMOS

Perhaps the crux of any camera comparison lies in image quality, which ties heavily into sensor tech. The S200EXR employs a 1/1.6" CCD sensor with a unique “EXR” technology designed to optimize dynamic range, color depth, or low noise by rearranging pixel data. It offers 12 megapixels (4000×3000), max native ISO 3200, and raw support - a rarity among bridge cameras of its time.

The S8500 sports a smaller 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor delivering 16 megapixels (4608×3456). While it's smaller, the BSI architecture promises improved low-light sensitivity. It maxes native ISO at 12800 but lacks raw format support. This difference in raw vs. JPEG-only capture can be make-or-break depending on your workflow.

In my lab tests and field trials, the S200EXR’s CCD produces pleasingly nuanced skin tones and a warm color profile. Its EXR mode’s dynamic range optimization noticeably preserves highlight details in contrasty outdoor scenes. However, it struggles in low light beyond ISO 800, with noise creeping in aggressively.

The S8500’s CMOS sensor outperforms in higher ISOs, delivering cleaner images at ISO 1600 and above, suitable for dim environments such as indoor sports or evening street photography. However, its smaller sensor also translates to less depth of field control, noticeable especially in portraits.

While the S200EXR’s raw workflow remains a strong appeal for enthusiasts seeking maximum editing flexibility, the S8500 expects you to work mainly with JPEGs. That said, its in-camera processing and sharper default images partially compensate.

LCD and Viewfinder: Space for Composition

Both cameras use fixed LCDs without touch sensitivity, common for their generations but something to note if you crave live touch focusing.

The S200EXR sports a 2.7-inch screen with 230k dots - serviceable but not vibrant or crisp by modern standards.

The S8500 upgrades to a 3-inch TFT color LCD with 460k dot resolution, delivering noticeably sharper previews and better daylight visibility.

Regarding viewfinders, both utilize electronic viewfinders (EVFs), with the S8500 offering a modest 200k dots resolution, while the S200EXR’s EVF specs are not formally documented but appear inferior during real-world use. I frequently preferred composing with the S8500’s EVF owing to its clearer, more responsive display.

In outdoor field shoots - particularly landscapes and street - the S8500’s larger, higher-res screen and improved EVF reduce eye strain and help capture more precise framing.

Autofocus and Burst: Snapping the Moment

Autofocus (AF) systems and continuous shooting capabilities can define a camera’s usefulness in action, wildlife, and sports.

The S200EXR is equipped with contrast-detection autofocus, offering face detection but no advanced tracking or animal eye-detection. It supports single and continuous AF modes but no tracking AF.

The continuous shooting rate is a slow 2 frames per second (fps).

The S8500 sacrifices manual focus for AF simplicity - interestingly, it lacks face or tracking detection entirely, only a basic center-weighted contrast AF. However, it supports a burst shooting mode up to an impressive 10 fps (albeit without AF adjustment during continuous shooting).

This difference means the S200EXR might achieve better focus accuracy on the intended subject, particularly portraits, thanks to face detection and manual focus options. Meanwhile, the S8500 can capture rapid bursts better but with less precise AF control.

In the field - say, photographing fast-moving wildlife - the S8500’s high fps allowed me more image capture chances, but the somewhat slower and less confident AF led to a higher rejection rate.

Zoom Range: The Telephoto Titans

Both cameras boast extensive zoom ranges but differ drastically.

The S200EXR offers 31-436 mm equivalent focal length (14.3x optical zoom) with a brighter max aperture of f/2.8-5.3.

The S8500 pushes boundaries with an astonishing 24-1104 mm equivalent (46x optical zoom) but at the cost of a smaller max aperture of f/2.9-6.5.

For landscapes, portraits, and mid-range shooting, the S200EXR’s faster optics offer more appealing bokeh and better low-light performance at telephoto lengths. The S8500’s zoom is an undeniable advantage for extreme telephoto needs - birdwatching, distant wildlife, even some surveillance-style snapping - if you can manage the diminished brightness and slight softness typical at the long end.

Image Stabilization and Macro: Closer Looks

Both cameras include optical image stabilization (OIS), crucial given their extended zoom reach - especially on the S8500, where 1104 mm is nearly unmanageable without stabilization.

The S200EXR allows macro focusing starting at 1 cm, while the S8500 boasts a 0 cm macro focus range (meaning virtually touching the lens for close-ups).

In practical terms, both cameras deliver respectable macro capabilities for casual close-up shooters. However, their fixed lens designs mean image quality at macro distances is limited compared to dedicated macro lenses on interchangeable systems.

Video Capabilities: From VGA to Full HD

If you’re considering video alongside stills, these cameras differ significantly.

The S200EXR caps out at 640x480 (VGA) resolution at 30 fps, encoded in Motion JPEG. This might feel archaic today, suitable at best for small web clips or snapshot movies.

Conversely, the S8500 supports full HD 1920x1080 video at 60 fps and multiple higher-frame-rate slow-motion modes, also in Motion JPEG. This makes it a more appealing choice for casual videographers interested in smooth, relatively decent-quality footage.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone ports, limiting external audio options - a common omission in this category.

Battery and Storage: Practical Considerations

The older S200EXR uses a proprietary NP-140 lithium-ion battery, delivering decent but unknown real-world life due to lack of manufacturer ratings. My experience suggests moderate endurance but recommend carrying spares for longer shoots.

The S8500 opts for a pack of four AA batteries, a double-edged sword: AAs are easy to replace on the go, but the camera is heavier, and battery life varies widely depending on the battery type (alkaline vs. NiMH).

Both cameras use single SD/SDHC cards, with the S8500 adding SDXC support for larger capacity cards.

Connectivity and Extras: What’s Missing

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - unsurprising given their announcement dates but notable in the modern context.

The S8500 includes an HDMI output for playback on external screens - a nice bonus for casual sharing. The S200EXR lacks this.

No GPS or environmental sealing on either, so neither invites rugged or adventure use beyond mild conditions.

Sample Images and Real-World Performance

Let’s take a look at actual shots to get a feel for output quality.

FujiFilm S200EXR front FujiFilm S200EXR screen back Fujifilm S8500 front Fujifilm S8500 screen back

Portrait shots from the S200EXR reveal pleasing skin tones and smooth bokeh thanks to the slightly larger sensor and brighter aperture at shorter focal lengths. The S8500 renders sharper details on subjects but with harsher rendering of skin textures and less subject-background separation.

Landscape images highlight the S200EXR’s wider dynamic range in challenging light, retaining shadows and highlights nicely. The S8500, with higher resolution, offers cropping flexibility but slightly reduced tonal gradation in high-contrast scenes.

In low-light street and night shooting, the S8500’s better high ISO control comes through with cleaner files, though noise reduction can blunt fine detail.

Overall Performance Scores and Genre Breakdown

To sum up their all-around performance, here are the overall ratings and detailed genre-specific scores I assigned after comprehensive review.

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• Portraits: S200EXR shines in skin rendition and manual focusing options.
• Landscape: S200EXR takes a slight edge for dynamic range; S8500 offers more megapixels.
• Wildlife: S8500’s longer zoom and faster fps excel for distant, moving subjects.
• Sports: S8500’s burst rate is a major plus, though autofocus suffers.
• Street: S8500’s smaller, lighter body and better high ISO favor street shooters.
• Macro: Both cameras perform similarly in close focusing.
• Night/Astro: S8500 better handles noise; neither specialized for astro.
• Video: S8500 handily wins with HD recording capabilities.
• Travel: S8500’s compact size and zoom versatility benefit travel shooting.
• Professional Use: Neither a serious pro tool; S200EXR’s raw support nudges it ahead for workflow flexibility.

Who Should Choose What? Final Recommendations

Here’s my take from experience and testing, tailored by your likely use case:

Pick the FujiFilm FinePix S200EXR if:

• You prioritize image quality nuances over zoom length.
• Raw support and flexible post-processing are must-haves.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or still subjects requiring precise manual focus.
• You are okay with a bulkier camera and don’t need HD video.
• Prefer a more tactile manual experience and don’t mind slower shooting speeds.

Pick the FujiFilm FinePix S8500 if:

• Long zoom reach (up to 1104 mm equivalent) is key for wildlife or distant subjects.
• You want Full HD video and smoother burst shooting.
• You value a lighter, more compact body for portability and street/travel photography.
• You’re willing to work with JPEG-only files and accept less precise AF.
• You need easy, replaceable batteries for field situations.

Conclusion: Two Functional Giants in a Changing Market

Both the FujiFilm FinePix S200EXR and S8500 reflect their eras’ technological and design priorities in small sensor superzoom cameras. The S200EXR remains a compelling choice for enthusiasts valuing image quality fundamentals, manual control, and shooting versatility in stills. Meanwhile, the S8500’s expanded zoom, better video, and faster bursts cater well to casual shooters looking for reach and multimedia capabilities.

Neither is perfect - each has compromises - and neither fully aligns with today’s mirrorless or mid-tier DSLR expectations. But if you’re navigating the used or budget superzoom space, understanding these distinctions will help you pick the camera that fits your photographic ambitions best.

Happy shooting, whether you're trekking trails, tracking wildlife, or crafting intimate portraits!

I hope this detailed comparison helps you navigate the FujiFilm superzoom options with confidence. Feel free to ask about any particular feature or usage scenario!