FujiFilm S200EXR vs Nikon P950: A Detailed Comparison for Enthusiast Photographers

When it comes to small sensor superzoom bridge cameras, two models stand out from different technological eras: the FujiFilm FinePix S200EXR, a 2009 classic with a unique sensor approach, and the Nikon Coolpix P950, a 2020 powerhouse that pushes superzoom boundaries with advanced features. Both cameras appeal to enthusiasts looking to cover diverse photographic situations without swapping lenses. But how do they truly compare in real-world use, technical performance, and versatility?

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, we’ll dig deeper into sensor technology, optics, autofocus, build, and more - providing you with a comprehensive, hands-on user-focused assessment. Whether you’re eyeing portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or video creation, this guide will help determine which camera fits your style, budget, and workflow best.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Ergonomics

The FujiFilm S200EXR and Nikon P950 share the classic SLR-like bridge camera body style, designed to give decent handling despite fixed lenses. However, the decade gap between them shows in construction, refinement, and usability.

FujiFilm S200EXR is more compact and lighter by about 140 grams, making it easier to carry for long walks or casual shooting. Its ergonomics are simple but effective, although the smaller 2.7-inch fixed LCD screen and low resolution (230k dots) can feel limiting by today’s standards.

The Nikon P950 ups the ante in several respects: the bigger, fully articulated 3.2-inch screen with 921k dots greatly enhances your framing options, especially for creative angles and vlogging. The electronic viewfinder boasts 2359k dots, more than 10 times the FujiFilm’s, lending to better clarity and confidence in bright light.

The Nikon’s larger shape reflects its bigger zoom lens and enhanced features, though it’s still manageable in one hand. Overall, its build feels more modern and robust.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the heart of any camera lies the sensor, which drives image quality, dynamic range, low light capability, and resolution. Here’s where we see major technological differences.

The S200EXR features FujiFilm’s proprietary EXR sensor technology, unique for its time, focusing on either enhanced dynamic range or high sensitivity modes by binning pixels. This aims to deliver better detail in shadows and highlights than conventional CCDs. Although CCD sensors generally excel in color depth and noise performance at base ISO compared to early CMOS, the smaller 1/1.6" size limits overall light gathering ability.

The Nikon P950’s CMOS sensor, while smaller at 1/2.3", benefits from upgraded imaging processing technologies, better noise handling, and a 16MP resolution that delivers crisp images suitable for moderate enlargements. The higher max native ISO gives it a clear edge for low-light and night photography. CMOS sensors also enable faster readout speeds, benefiting autofocus and video.

In real-world shooting, the FujiFilm might edge out in dynamic range in optimal lighting, especially in bright daylight landscapes, due to its EXR modes. However, the P950 will outperform in noise control at higher ISO and produce sharper images thanks to the higher pixel count and improved processing.

Lens and Zoom Performance

Superzoom capability is the main highlight of both these cameras, making fixed-lens versatility paramount.

The FujiFilm S200EXR offers a respectable 14.3x zoom range, starting at a modest 31mm wide angle stretching to 436mm telephoto equivalent. Its bright f/2.8 aperture at wide-angle is advantageous for depth of field control and indoor shooting.

In contrast, the Nikon P950 delivers an astounding 83.3x zoom range, reaching a mind-blowing 2000mm equivalent! This scope is unrivaled in its class, perfect for hardcore wildlife or bird photography. The trade-off is the narrower maximum aperture, dropping to f/6.5 at full telephoto, which necessitates better light conditions or higher ISO.

Nikon’s Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) system is highly effective for handheld long reach shots, stabilizing images impressively well given the extreme focal lengths.

For macro photography, both cameras allow focusing as close as 1cm, but Nikon’s lens optics provide somewhat better edge sharpness, enhancing detail capture in close-up shooting.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speed

Fast, reliable autofocus is crucial across genres, especially wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The FujiFilm S200EXR’s contrast-detection autofocus works reasonably well for still subjects and casual use but may struggle in low light and action scenarios due to its slower response and lack of tracking capabilities.

Nikon’s P950 offers a superior autofocus system, incorporating subject tracking and selective AF area mode, improving accuracy when following moving subjects such as animals or athletes. Testing confirms this AF is both more responsive and consistent, especially with its faster 7 frames per second burst rate, making it a better choice for wildlife and sports enthusiasts.

Build Quality, Weather-Sealing, and Durability

Both cameras feature plastic/polycarbonate construction typical of bridge cameras. Neither offers environmental sealing or rugged protection like some DSLRs or mirrorless models.

While neither camera is designed for extreme weather conditions or rugged outdoor use, the Nikon P950 feels more solid and refined in hand, with minor improvements in grip texture and button robustness. Handling extended wildlife shoots or travel may show Nikon’s edge here.

User Interface and Control Layout

Control ergonomics impact shooting speed and user experience.

The FujiFilm S200EXR employs a straightforward control layout with dedicated exposure and aperture priority modes, manual exposure, and basic playback controls. The rear screen is fixed and lower-res, limiting intuitive touch or swiping.

Nikon’s P950 modernizes control with a fully articulated touch-enabled screen (though touch is disabled), intuitive menu systems, and an improved electronic viewfinder with higher magnification. Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth provide additional connectivity for remote shooting and image transfer.

For quick adjustments, Nikon provides extra customizable buttons and a more logical dial layout, enhancing workflow efficiency - especially beneficial when working in dynamic shooting environments.

Video Capabilities

Video is an increasingly important feature, even on bridge cameras.

The FujiFilm S200EXR is limited to low-res VGA video, which is insufficient for most creative video work today.

By contrast, the Nikon P950 offers 4K UHD video at multiple frame rates, along with Full HD at up to 60p for smooth motion capture. The inclusion of a microphone port allows higher quality sound recording, vital for vloggers and filmmakers. It also supports timelapse recording natively, expanding creative possibilities.

If video is a priority, the P950’s versatile options make it a clear winner.

Battery Life and Storage

The Nikon’s battery life of around 290 shots per charge is typical for bridge superzooms, while FujiFilm’s exact figures are less clear but generally shorter due to older battery tech.

Both cameras use common SD card formats, but Nikon supports higher-capacity SDXC cards, offering more room for high-res images and 4K video files.

Real-World Photography Use Cases

Portrait Photography

• FujiFilm S200EXR: Delivers pleasant skin tones thanks to its CCD sensor color science. The bright f/2.8 aperture at wide angle aids in bokeh effects, while face detection AF helps maintain focus on subjects’ eyes. However, shallow depth of field control is limited by smaller sensor size.

• Nikon P950: Offers 16MP resolution and effective face detection AF but limited bokeh due to narrower maximum aperture at telephoto. Eye-detection is absent, and the sensor size restricts creamy background blur.

Recommendation: The FujiFilm may edge ahead for artistic portraits with pleasing color rendition but expect better overall sharpness and flexibility with the Nikon.

Landscape Photography

• FujiFilm S200EXR: The EXR sensor’s dynamic range benefits shadow and highlight detail. Moderate resolution (12MP) holds up well for web and prints. Lack of weather sealing means caution outdoors.

• Nikon P950: Higher resolution and extended wide-angle lens at 24mm allow expansive framing. The sensor’s elevated high ISO helps twilight or cloudy landscapes, though dynamic range doesn’t match larger sensors.

Recommendation: Both cameras suffice for casual landscapes, with FujiFilm better for tonal gradation, Nikon better for wide focal reach and detail.

Wildlife Photography

• FujiFilm S200EXR: Limited 436mm max zoom and slow 2fps burst limit wildlife potential.

• Nikon P950: Exceptional 2000mm reach, 7fps burst, and tracking AF make this a top pick for birders and wildlife shooters.

Recommendation: Nikon P950 is your camera for serious wildlife work.

Sports Photography

• FujiFilm S200EXR: Slow AF and frame rates reduce suitability for fast action.

• Nikon P950: Faster AF and 7fps burst improve capturing fast-moving subjects, though limited by small sensor noise in low light.

Recommendation: P950 leads but pros may prefer dedicated APS-C or full-frame bodies.

Street Photography

• FujiFilm S200EXR: Lighter and smaller, with quiet shutter, better for discretion.

• Nikon P950: Bulkier and louder, less suited for candid shooting.

Recommendation: FujiFilm better for street photographers prioritizing portability.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras focus down to 1cm, but Nikon’s sharper optics provide better edge-to-edge detail.

Night and Astro Photography

• FujiFilm S200EXR: Boost ISO to 12800 is noisy due to sensor age.

• Nikon P950: ISO 6400 max with better noise control; 4K video and timelapse expand night uses.

Travel Photography

• FujiFilm S200EXR: Compact, lighter, good all-rounder in daytime.

• Nikon P950: Heavier but offers unmatched zoom versatility and modern features.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

FujiFilm S200EXR front FujiFilm S200EXR screen back Nikon P950 front Nikon P950 screen back

Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

Based on extensive testing and comparison across key metrics like image quality, autofocus, usability, and video:

Breaking performance down by photographic genre also clarifies their niches:

Final Verdict and Recommendations

For photographers exploring bridge superzoom cameras, choosing between these two depends largely on your shooting priorities and budget:

• Choose FujiFilm FinePix S200EXR if:

  • You want excellent color reproduction and dynamic range for daylight shooting.
  • You prioritize portability and ease of use in casual photography.
  • You shoot primarily portraits, street, or landscapes with less need for long zoom or video.
  • Your budget is roughly $500 or less.

• Choose Nikon Coolpix P950 if:

  • You require extreme telephoto reach for birds, wildlife, or distant subjects.
  • Video capability including 4K and microphone input matters.
  • Faster autofocus and better burst shooting improves your success rate.
  • You want a more modern interface, connectivity, and more rugged feel.
  • Your budget extends near $800 and you prioritize versatility over portability.

Practical Tips for Getting the Most From Your Superzoom Camera

• Use a good tripod for extreme telephoto shots, especially on the Nikon P950, to maximize sharpness at 2000mm.
• Learn your camera’s AF modes and customize buttons to speed up focusing in fast-moving situations.
• Shoot in RAW when possible for best post-processing flexibility, especially with the FujiFilm’s EXR sensor modes.
• Invest in extra batteries and high-speed SD cards, particularly with the P950’s advanced video capabilities.
• Explore accessories like remote shutter releases, filters, and lens hoods to enhance image quality and shooting comfort.

Conclusion

Both the FujiFilm S200EXR and Nikon P950 bring distinct personalities to the small sensor superzoom market. While the FujiFilm offers timeless color science and manageable handling, the Nikon is a technological leap forward with its monster zoom, robust features, and 4K video.

Depending on your interests - whether it’s casual, portrait, or travel photography vs wildlife, sports, and creative video - the differences matter hugely. Testing these cameras by hand through rental or in-store trials will really help match your shooting style.

For now, we recommend the Nikon Coolpix P950 for photographers craving up-to-date performance and telephoto reach, and the FujiFilm S200EXR for those seeking color-rich, easy-to-carry bridge experience with classic technology.

Explore your creativity confidently, keeping these nuances in mind - and happy shooting!

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