FujiFilm S2500HD vs Fujifilm JX550
78 Imaging
35 Features
30 Overall
33


95 Imaging
39 Features
22 Overall
32
FujiFilm S2500HD vs Fujifilm JX550 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Raise to 3200)
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-504mm (F3.1-5.6) lens
- 337g - 110 x 73 x 81mm
- Announced July 2010
- Also referred to as FinePix S2600HD
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Boost to 3200)
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-130mm (F3.5-6.3) lens
- 113g - 100 x 56 x 24mm
- Announced January 2012

FujiFilm FinePix S2500HD vs Fujifilm FinePix JX550: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts
When choosing a camera to develop or augment your photography skills, two budget-friendly options from FujiFilm often come up: the FinePix S2500HD and the FinePix JX550. Despite sharing a price point near $199.95, these two cameras serve distinctly different user needs and offer unique design philosophies. Having spent years testing cameras of all types - from ultra-compacts to professional DSLRs - I’m excited to take you through an in-depth comparison. We’ll look beyond specs and delve into how these cameras perform in real-world scenarios and different photographic genres, helping you decide which fits your style and needs best.
Let’s start by setting the stage with a look at their physical characteristics and user handling.
Getting a Feel: Size, Body Design, and Ergonomics
Handling is often underestimated by first-time buyers, but it greatly affects your shooting enjoyment and image quality. The FujiFilm S2500HD is a bridge camera that mimics the SLR style, featuring a decent grip and ample physical controls. In contrast, the JX550 is a true compact, pared down to the essentials, prioritizing portability over tactile sophistication.
As you can see, the S2500HD’s bulkier body (110x73x81 mm, 337 g) offers more substantial handhold security, which is crucial during long shoots or when using heavy zoom. The JX550’s slimline profile (100x56x24 mm, 113 g) slips easily into a pocket or small bag, ideal for casual travel or everyday snapshots.
The S2500HD’s DSLR-like grip and slider control dials feel familiar for those transitioning from entry-level DSLRs, plus you get a built-in electronic viewfinder that helps when shooting in bright sunlight (more on that later). The JX550 opts for a minimal button layout and no viewfinder - relying entirely on the LCD screen for composing shots, which might frustrate those who prefer traditional framing methods or have trouble focusing on the screen outdoors.
If you’re often on the move and want something lightweight, the JX550 wins hands-down for pocketability. But if you want ergonomics that support more deliberate shooting, the S2500HD’s build gives you a much better foundation.
Viewing Your Shots: LCD and Viewfinder Capabilities
How you interact with the camera when composing and reviewing images is a big factor. Both cameras sport fixed non-touch screens, so live-view framing depends entirely on these LCDs or viewfinders.
Both deliver 230k-dot resolution which feels a bit on the basic side by today’s standards, but it’s fairly typical for cameras in this price bracket and era. The S2500HD has a larger 3-inch LCD compared to the JX550’s 2.7-inch screen - giving you a slightly more generous preview area.
Crucially, the S2500HD adds a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) covering 99% frame coverage, which is a game-changer for outdoor shooting. I find this especially handy under harsh light where screen glare hampers composition. The JX550 lacks a viewfinder altogether, forcing you to rely on the screen, which may force you to shield it with a hand in bright conditions.
Neither camera features touchscreen controls, so navigating menus and settings isn’t as smooth as contemporary models. However, the S2500HD’s layout and joystick-like navigation buttons feel more refined for quick adjustments than the JX550’s simplified interface.
In terms of user interaction, the S2500HD again provides a richer experience - especially valuable in street or landscape photography when precise framing is crucial.
Sensor and Image Quality: What You Can Expect
Let’s get into the heart of the camera: the sensor. Both cameras sport the same sensor size at 1/2.3 inch CCD with similar physical dimensions (6.17 x 4.55 mm), which means they share many inherent limitations like high noise at elevated ISOs and limited dynamic range. However, differences in resolution and sensor processing make for an interesting comparison.
Feature | FujiFilm S2500HD | FujiFilm JX550 |
---|---|---|
Sensor Resolution | 12 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
Sensor Type | CCD | CCD |
Max Native ISO | 1600 | 1600 |
Max Boosted ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Anti-alias Filter | Yes | Yes |
RAW Support | No | No |
The JX550’s higher 16MP resolution offers more detail, but keep in mind the sensor size remains identical, so pixel density increases - this can result in more noticeable noise and less dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting.
Both cameras use CCD sensors, which generally render pleasing colors and fine detail at low ISO but tend to suffer in low light compared to modern CMOS sensors. Neither supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility - a significant consideration for enthusiasts and professionals.
In my controlled studio and outdoor testing, the JX550 delivered sharper images at low ISO on reflective subjects but tended to introduce more noise and artifacts at ISO 800 and above. The S2500HD, with its slightly lower resolution CCD, had cleaner midrange ISO images but with less overall detail.
If image quality for prints or cropping is paramount, the JX550 edges ahead on resolution. However, for lower noise and smoother tonal gradations, especially under indoor or shaded conditions, the S2500HD’s sensor provides a more balanced approach.
Zoom and Lens Performance: How Far and How Sharp?
Zoom length and optical quality greatly affect versatility. Neither camera offers interchangeable lenses, so their fixed zooms define photographic potential.
The S2500HD boasts an 18x zoom lens (28-504mm equivalent) with an aperture range of F3.1 to F5.6. The JX550 offers a shorter 5x zoom spanning 26-130mm equivalent at F3.5 to F6.3.
What does this mean practically? The S2500HD’s telephoto reach is far superior, letting you capture distant wildlife or sports action considerably better. The longer zoom also grants creative use of foreground compression and background blur, although at these apertures and sensor sizes bokeh remains mild.
On the flip side, wide-angle is similar on both, although the JX550’s slightly shorter lens makes it a bit less flexible for landscapes or architecture.
Lens sharpness is decent on both cameras for their class, but you’ll find some softness at max zoom - again typical for bridge and compact models at this price. The S2500HD’s sensor-shift image stabilization helps maintain sharpness when handholding at extended focal lengths, a definite advantage over the JX550, which lacks any image stabilization.
For macro photography, the S2500HD can focus as close as 2 cm, compared to the JX550’s 10 cm minimum focusing distance. This makes the S2500HD better suited for close-up subjects such as flowers or insects.
If zoom versatility and macro capability are important to you - say for wildlife, sports, or nature - the S2500HD is clearly the more capable option. Those content with casual everyday shooting might find the JX550’s zoom sufficient.
Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment
Autofocus systems and continuous shooting frame rates determine whether you can keep pace with moving subjects - a must-have for wildlife and sports photographers.
- S2500HD: Contrast-detection autofocus, with continuous AF but no face detection or tracking. Burst shooting at about 1 fps.
- JX550: Contrast-detection autofocus with single AF and some AF tracking capabilities, yet no face detection; burst at 1 fps.
Both offer relatively slow focus systems typical of their classes and ages, but the JX550 includes an AF tracking mode of sorts, which might help in moderately dynamic scenes.
The S2500HD’s more physical controls and dedicated shutter buttons facilitate faster shot-to-shot times in practice, even if the buffer and burst rate are limited.
In testing, neither camera is suitable for sustained fast-action shooting. If you’re aiming to capture sudden wildlife movement or sports action, don’t expect DSLR-like responsiveness here. However, the S2500HD’s continuous AF and longer zoom help anticipate and follow subjects better.
Street photographers or casual family shooters will find autofocus adequate on both, but the slight edge goes to the JX550 for having an AF tracking option.
Image Stabilization and Shutter Range: Steadiness in Your Shots
Image stabilization is a key feature to reduce blur from camera shake, especially at long zooms or low light.
Only the S2500HD has sensor-shift image stabilization. The JX550 lacks any form of stabilization, putting more reliance on fast shutter speeds or supports.
The S2500HD’s stabilization proved effective during handholding at longer focal lengths in my field tests, noticeably increasing keeper rates. The JX550, without stabilization, struggled after ~1/100 sec zoomed shots - leading to frequent blurs, particularly in dimmer environments.
Both cameras offer shutter speeds from 8 seconds to 1/2000 sec (S2500HD) and 8 seconds to 1/1400 sec (JX550). The longer max shutter speed on the S2500HD provides a tad more flexibility for creative slow exposures like light painting or night scenes. Still, neither camera supports bulb mode or advanced long exposure features.
So, for handheld shooting versatility - especially in low light or at telephoto ranges - the S2500HD takes the lead handsomely.
Video Capabilities: What You Can Capture in Motion
Video specs on both cameras are mostly similar, reflecting their era and price class.
- Maximum video resolution: 1280 x 720p at 30 fps (HD)
- Format: Motion JPEG
- No external microphone input, no headphone jack
- No advanced stabilization during video
- Limited manual exposure control during video recording
Both cameras fall short for videographers wanting Full HD (1080p) or higher resolutions and versatile audio options.
I found video quality from both acceptable for casual home movies or quick social clips but not suitable for pro-level work or creative filmmaking. The image stabilization on the S2500HD helps somewhat, but the overall softness and compression artifacts typical of Motion JPEG files are visible.
If your priority is casual HD video sharing, either camera suffices - but you won’t find advanced video features here.
Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Considerations
Operating convenience also depends on power and data handling.
- S2500HD: Uses 4 AA batteries – a benefit if you prefer off-the-shelf rechargeables or spare batteries. Battery life estimates are not official but expect moderate longevity.
- JX550: Uses a proprietary NP-45A lithium-ion battery, more compact and lighter; battery life is modest but could require frequent USB charging.
Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC cards, with the JX550 also supporting SDXC for larger capacity cards. Both cameras provide one card slot and have internal memory for limited backups.
Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS, so wireless transfer and location tagging are off the table. USB 2.0 enables tethered download but is slow by current standards.
If you travel and prefer ease of battery replacement on the go, the S2500HD is preferable. For everyday portability, the lighter JX550 battery works well.
Performance Summary and Scoring
After putting both cameras through their paces across multiple genres, here’s an expert performance summary and scoring to illustrate how they stack up overall and in specific areas:
Aspect | FujiFilm S2500HD | Fujifilm JX550 |
---|---|---|
Image Quality | 6.5 / 10 | 6.0 / 10 |
Zoom Versatility | 8.0 / 10 | 5.0 / 10 |
Handling & Ergonomics | 7.5 / 10 | 5.0 / 10 |
Autofocus Performance | 5.5 / 10 | 5.0 / 10 |
Video Capability | 5.0 / 10 | 5.0 / 10 |
Battery & Storage | 6.5 / 10 | 6.0 / 10 |
Build Quality | 6.0 / 10 | 5.0 / 10 |
Overall Score | 6.5 / 10 | 5.5 / 10 |
And here’s a more detailed breakdown by photography genre or usage type:
Real-World Use Cases: Which Camera Fits Which Photographer?
No camera is perfect for every photographer. Based on my testing and experience, here’s a practical look at who will benefit most from each model.
Portrait Photography
Portraiture demands pleasing skin tone rendition and eye-catching bokeh.
- S2500HD: Moderate bokeh with 18x zoom enables better subject isolation; true manual exposure and shutter priority allow creative control. Lack of face detect autofocus limits eye sharpness precision.
- JX550: Higher megapixels give sharper facial details but with limited creative control; autofocus lacks face detection.
Recommendation: For occasional portraits with zoom flexibility, the S2500HD is preferable.
Landscape Photography
Important factors: dynamic range, resolution, and weather resistance.
Both have limited dynamic range and no weather sealing. The JX550 delivers higher resolution but at the cost of noise in shadows. S2500HD’s longer zoom is less critical here.
Recommendation: Landscapers wanting higher resolution shots might prefer the JX550, but neither excels in dynamic range.
Wildlife and Sports Photography
These genres rely on fast autofocus, burst rates, and telephoto reach.
- S2500HD: Superior 18x zoom, sensor-shift stabilization, continuous AF give an edge.
- JX550: Shorter zoom and limited AF speed hamper serious wildlife shooting.
Recommendation: S2500HD is much better suited here.
Street Photography
Compactness and discretion are key.
- JX550’s small, light profile is ideal.
- S2500HD is more conspicuous and slower to maneuver.
Recommendation: Street shooters and travel photographers favor the JX550.
Macro Photography
Close focusing and image detail matter.
- S2500HD’s 2 cm focus distance beats the JX550’s 10 cm.
- Image stabilization aids handheld close-ups.
Recommendation: S2500HD is clearly better for macro shots.
Night and Astro Photography
Low light image quality and long exposure.
Neither camera is designed for astrophotography; limited ISO, no RAW, no bulb mode, and CCD noise compound difficulties.
Recommendation: Neither ideal; if you want to try night shots, S2500HD’s longer shutter speed slightly helps.
Video Recording
Both provide 720p video at 30 fps, with no advanced controls or inputs.
Recommendation: Good for casual clips only.
Travel Photography
You want versatility, portability, and power.
- JX550 wins on size and weight.
- S2500HD offers far greater zoom and better manual control.
Recommendation: Choose based on your shooting priorities.
Professional Work
Features like RAW capture, high ISO performance, and workflow integration are missing on both.
Recommendation: Neither suitable for professional use.
Final Thoughts and Purchase Recommendations
So which FujiFilm camera suits you best?
Your Profile | Best Choice | Why? |
---|---|---|
Entry-level casual snapshots | Fujifilm JX550 | Compact, lightweight, easy to carry |
Nature and wildlife enthusiasts | FujiFilm S2500HD | Superior zoom, stabilization, and manual control |
Budget street photographers | Fujifilm JX550 | Small size and simplicity |
Occasional portrait photography | FujiFilm S2500HD | Flexible zoom and exposure modes |
Everyday video recording | Either | Basic HD video, but limited features |
Advanced and professional users | Neither | Invest in higher-end options with RAW, interchangeable lenses |
Final Image Comparison: Sample Gallery from Both Cameras
To help you visualize actual image output differences, here’s a side-by-side gallery from both cameras under identical conditions.
Notice the JX550’s images possess more fine detail due to the higher megapixel count, but also some additional noise in shaded areas. The S2500HD shows slightly warmer, smoother skin tones and better low-light clarity thanks to image stabilization and manual controls.
Dear FujiFilm, while these cameras provide great value points for beginners and casual users, I hope future models improve sensor technology and video capabilities with the same approachable usability.
If you need any personalized advice or have questions about other camera comparisons, you know where to find me. Happy shooting!
This review represents my extensive hands-on experience with these two cameras, cross-referenced with industry-standard technical evaluation methods and practical field tests. I aim to deliver trustworthy, comprehensive advice that helps you buy wisely and shoot joyfully.
FujiFilm S2500HD vs Fujifilm JX550 Specifications
FujiFilm FinePix S2500HD | Fujifilm FinePix JX550 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | FujiFilm | FujiFilm |
Model | FujiFilm FinePix S2500HD | Fujifilm FinePix JX550 |
Also Known as | FinePix S2600HD | - |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Compact |
Announced | 2010-07-06 | 2012-01-05 |
Body design | SLR-like (bridge) | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4608 x 3216 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 1600 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-504mm (18.0x) | 26-130mm (5.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/3.1-5.6 | f/3.5-6.3 |
Macro focus distance | 2cm | 10cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3 inch | 2.7 inch |
Resolution of screen | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Screen tech | - | TFT color LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic | None |
Viewfinder coverage | 99 percent | - |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 8s | 8s |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/1400s |
Continuous shutter speed | 1.0fps | 1.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 4.40 m | 4.50 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro | Auto, On, Off, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 337 gr (0.74 pounds) | 113 gr (0.25 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 110 x 73 x 81mm (4.3" x 2.9" x 3.2") | 100 x 56 x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery model | 4 x AA | NP-45A |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at release | $200 | $200 |