FujiFilm S2500HD vs Nikon Coolpix L100: A Hands-On Comparison for the Superzoom Enthusiast

When chunky zoom lenses meet budget-friendly cameras, you get a genre that’s both tempting and treacherous to navigate. I’ve spent many years sifting through the superzoom compact segment - those do-it-all models promising long reach without decimating your wallet or bursting your camera bag. Today, I’m diving into a head-to-head between two contenders from the late-2000s/early-2010s crop: FujiFilm’s FinePix S2500HD and Nikon’s Coolpix L100.

Both cameras have long since been superseded, but they still represent intriguing choices for shooters wanting a simple, affordable bridge or compact superzoom camera without the bells and whistles of modern mirrorless.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the years, I’ll unpack how these two compare across every major photography discipline - and most importantly, what kind of user each is really for. Expect a mix of nerdy technical appraisal and real-world practicality, all served up with a dash of friendly skepticism toward marketing hype.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: First Impressions Count

Picking up a camera should feel intuitive, and that starts with size and grip. Both the FujiFilm S2500HD and Nikon L100 aim squarely at the “bridge” and “superzoom compact” spaces respectively - neither can be confused for a sleek mirrorless body, but they differ in how that bulk translates to use.

From my hands-on experience, the FujiFilm S2500HD adopts a more traditional SLR-style bridge-camera form, measuring roughly 110 x 73 x 81 mm, with a pronounced handgrip that offers a confident hold. Its 337 g weight (without batteries) is lean for the category.

In contrast, the Nikon L100 is a compact superzoom weighing in slightly heavier at 360 g and sporting a more minimalist “compact” body shape with subtly rounded edges - measuring 110 x 72 x 78 mm. It feels less rugged but sleeker for pocketability.

The FujiFilm’s bulkier dimensions lend it better stability with long telephoto focal lengths which are known to magnify shake. Plus, the sensor-shift image stabilization pairs with the sturdier grip to help steady shots. The Nikon, meanwhile, feels nippier and more discreet in the street but trades off some control surface space.

Control Layout and User Interface: Efficiency vs. Simplicity

Nothing kills a photo moment faster than fumbling with buttons or menus, especially on budget cameras. Both models feature fixed 3” LCDs with 230k-dot resolution, but their control schemes differ.

The FujiFilm S2500HD presents a more developed SLR-style interface - shutter and aperture priority modes are accessible, plus full manual exposure if you like crawling into the weeds. I appreciated the dedicated dials and buttons that made exposure tweaks during shoots straightforward.

On the Nikon L100, the layout is more pared down with no direct access to shutter or aperture priority and no manual exposure mode - it’s very much aimed at point-and-shoot simplicity. You get a manual focus ring on the lens (nice touch for macro), but exposure tweaks happen via menus, which slow things down and can frustrate users shooting dynamic scenes or experimenting with creative control.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras play in the 1/2.3” CCD sensor sandbox with 12 MP for the FujiFilm and 10 MP for the Nikon. Let’s talk numbers and what they mean for real-world photo quality.

Sensor size and characteristics:

• FujiFilm S2500HD’s CCD measures 6.17 x 4.55 mm, slightly larger area than Nikon’s 6.08 x 4.56 mm, so negligible difference here.
• FujiFilm’s 12 MP resolution offers 4000 x 3000 max image size, Nikon’s 10 MP tops at 3648 x 2736, both well within the limit for good 8x10 prints.
• FujiFilm’s max ISO is capped at 1600 native (3200 boosted), Nikon extends up to 3200 native - at the cost of increased noise given the sensor tech and age.

CCD sensors from this era are generally noisier at high ISOs and less flexible than modern CMOS sensors, but FujiFilm slightly edges Nikon for resolution and native ISO range.

Image quality in practice:

Shot side-by-side in daylight, both cameras deliver reasonably vibrant, albeit soft, images consistent with entry-level bridge cameras. FujiFilm’s images show somewhat better detail retention due to higher pixel count, while Nikon’s photos tend to be warmer and with slightly punchier colors.

Low light is where the CCD sensors start to scream for mercy: expect noisy grain and degraded detail beyond ISO 400–800. FujiFilm’s sensor-shift stabilization helps a bit here by allowing slower shutter speeds without shake, giving an advantage in handheld night or indoor photography.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy Matters

Nothing undermines image quality faster than missed focus. Both cameras use contrast-detection AF - no phase detection in sight - which means autofocus speed and accuracy are inherently limited compared to modern mirrorless or DSLRs.

• FujiFilm S2500HD supports single and continuous AF but no face or eye detection.
• Nikon L100 offers single AF only, also no face detection or tracking.

In practical testing under good light, FujiFilm’s AF felt sluggish but consistent - you often have to half-press and wait before the camera locks focus. The Nikon was slightly faster in daylight but struggled in low contrast or dimmer scenes, making it easy to miss shots.

Neither camera had dedicated AF points or tracking, so wildlife or sports are not strengths here - more on that shortly.

Lens and Zoom Range: Reach and Flexibility

Part of the superzoom’s charm is its ability to pluck subjects from surprising distances. How do these two cameras stack up?

• FujiFilm S2500HD: 28-504 mm equivalent (18x zoom), F3.1–5.6 aperture.
• Nikon L100: 28-420 mm equivalent (15x zoom), F3.5–5.4 aperture.

FujiFilm offers greater reach at the telephoto end, ideal for capturing distant wildlife or sports from the sidelines. The slightly faster aperture at the wide end favors low light or portrait background separation a bit.

Nikon’s closer minimum macro focus distance (1 cm versus 2 cm) and manual focus ring make it better suited for macro and detail work.

Both lenses are fixed and non-interchangeable - typical for this category - and optical quality is average: expect some distortion at wide, softness, and chromatic aberrations toward the edges, especially at full zoom.

Shooting Styles: Who Are These Cameras For?

Let’s place these cameras in context against various photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Portraits hinge on pleasing skin tones, background blur (bokeh), and reliable eye detection.

Neither camera boasts face or eye detection autofocus - a notable drawback for portraits.

• Fuji’s longer zoom lets you get flattering headshot framing from a good distance, but the f/3.1-5.6 lens and small sensor limit background blur potential; both will render backgrounds reasonably sharp.
• Nikon’s macro closeness allows tight close-ups with fine detail, but no real bokeh. Color rendition is warmer, which can be flattering or not depending on taste.

Verdict: Neither shines as a portrait specialist, but Fuji edges forward with more useful zoom flexibility.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooting rewards high resolution, dynamic range, and weather durability.

• Both cameras lack environmental sealing - a precaution for shooting on exposed trips.
• Fuji edges out Nikon with 12 MP (vs. 10 MP) that grants sharper prints and better cropping flexibility.
• Both lack RAW support, which limits post-processing latitude for dynamic range enhancement.
• ISO performance is modest - best landscape shots will occur at base ISO in bright light.
• Fixed lenses have minimal distortion correction, so expect to straighten horizons and fix perspective in editing.

You can count on Fuji’s pixel advantage and lens reach, but neither camera is a landscape powerhouse.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands autofocus speed, tracking, and long telephoto reach.

• FujiFilm’s 18x zoom and image stabilization provide the best chance for distant animal shots.
• Nikon falls short at 15x zoom and less effective stabilization.
• Neither offers continuous autofocus tracking, face/eye detection, or fast burst modes.
• Continuous shooting on Fuji maxes at 1 fps - painfully slow for capturing fleeting wildlife action.

The Fuji’s longer lens is preferable but overall, both cameras frustrate serious wildlife shooters.

Sports Photography

Sports photography requires blazing fast autofocus, high frame rates, and excellent low light response.

• FujiFilm maxes at 1 fps continuous - essentially snapshot mode.
• Nikon frame rate undisclosed but presumed similarly slow.
• CCD sensors and lack of manual exposure modes (on Nikon) limit performance.
• No advanced tracking autofocus on either camera.
• Low light autofocus hunting commonplace.

Neither camera is suitable for fast-paced sports, more suited to casual snapshots.

Street Photography

Street shooters want portability, discretion, and low-light efficiency.

• Nikon L100’s compact, lighter body makes it marginally more discreet on city streets.
• FujiFilm shows off a larger handgrip that makes one-handed shooting easier but draws more attention.
• Both have noisy high ISO performance, meaning poor in dim indoor or nighttime street.
• Lack of silent shutter or electronic shutter options disqualify stealth shooting.

Nikon nudges ahead for discretion, FujiFilm for control.

Macro Photography

Macro demands tight focusing and stable shooting.

• Nikon L100 shines with 1 cm minimum focus distance and manual focus ring - a rarity in this category.
• FujiFilm can only get to 2 cm.
• Neither camera offers focus stacking or bracketing.

For casual macro snaps of flowers or small details, Nikon is preferable.

Night and Astro Photography

Here, sensor noise and exposure controls define the experience.

• FujiFilm allows shutter and aperture priority modes, enabling longer exposures - critical for night or star shots.
• Nikon locks users into auto or program exposure modes. No bulb mode either.
• Both cameras max out ISO at 3200 (boosted), with poor noise control.
• FujiFilm sensor-shift stabilization helps reduce shake in long handheld exposures.

FujiFilm is the clear winner here for more creative night shooting.

Video Capabilities

Though no full HD 1080p here, both cameras offer video recording.

• FujiFilm S2500HD supports 720p @ 30 fps, vastly better than Nikon’s 640 x 480 VGA maximum.
• Both record in Motion JPEG format, bulky and less efficient than modern codecs.
• No external microphone inputs or headphone jacks.
• No advanced video features such as stabilization during video, slow motion, or 4K.

If video is a priority, FujiFilm is the better (though modest) option.

Travel Photography

Travel photography demands versatility, image quality, battery life, and portability.

• Both cameras run on 4 x AA batteries - useful for travel since replacements are available worldwide unlike proprietary packs.
• FujiFilm’s lens versatility (28-504 mm) covers from wide to extensive telephoto in one package.
• Nikon’s lighter form and smaller zoom range yield more compact carry.
• No GPS, nor wireless connectivity on either camera.
• Both accept SD/SDHC cards.

For pure travel, FujiFilm for versatility; Nikon for pocket ease.

Professional Work

Last but not least, can either hold up to professional workflows?

• Neither camera shoots RAW - a big no in professional standards.
• File formats limited to JPEG.
• Build quality is plastic and unsealed - no weather resistance.
• No tethering or advanced connectivity.
• Slow autofocus and burst rates prevent action or event use.
• Limited manual control on Nikon complicates creative workflows.

Neither camera suits professional use beyond entry-level snapshot needs.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ruggedness?

Not much to write home about here.

• Both models rely on plastic build.
• No environmental sealing or resistance.
• FujiFilm’s SLR-like bridge design feels a bit more rugged in hand, but it’s still lightweight.
• Nikon is compact with no protection.

Neither camera designed for tough or adverse conditions.

Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift vs Optical

• FujiFilm S2500HD utilizes sensor-shift stabilization - the sensor itself moves to compensate.
• Nikon L100 uses optical stabilization - lens elements shift to cancel shake.

Personally, I found Fuji’s sensor-shift system gives better stabilization, especially at telephoto lengths during real-world shooting, resulting in a noticeable advantage for handheld shots.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras share some similarities:

• Both powered by 4 x AA batteries, common and cheap but add bulk. I’ve always liked AA-powered cameras for travel, though, since charging isn’t a hassle.
• Storage via SD/SDHC cards with one slot.
• Both cameras have internal storage as fallback, but minimal capacity.

No surprises here, just dependable and straightforward batteries and storage. Neither features USB charging or battery grips.

Connectivity and Modern Conveniences

• Neither camera has wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC.
• FujiFilm includes an HDMI mini output, allowing preview on HDTVs; Nikon lacks HDMI.
• USB 2.0 for data transfer on both.

In today’s connected world, these cameras feel stuck in the past - the FujiFilm adds slight convenience with HDMI.

Summing Up Performance: Scores and Specialized Strengths

After many hours of hands-on use, side-by-side image comparisons, and shooting tests, I assign performance strengths that reflect real-world utility.

• FujiFilm S2500HD wins handily on zoom reach, exposure control, video quality, and image stabilization.
• Nikon L100 shines in macro and compactness but trails in most other areas.
• Neither impresses in autofocus speed, burst shooting, or low light.

• FujiFilm is best for wildlife enthusiasts on a budget, night shooters wanting manual exposure, and travelers needing zoom flexibility.
• Nikon suits street shooters craving portability and macro hobbyists.
• Both poorly serve sports or professional photography needs.

Real-World Gallery: Visual Comparisons Speak Volumes

Feast your eyes on these sample shots taken from both cameras under controlled conditions.

FujiFilm S2500HD front FujiFilm S2500HD screen back Nikon L100 front Nikon L100 screen back

Highlights:

• At base ISO daylight, FujiFilm delivers sharper detail due to 12 MP.
• Nikon’s colors skew warmer and more pleasing in portraits.
• Low light images from both are noisy; FujiFilm’s stabilization allowed better sharpness handheld.
• Video captures from FujiFilm show clear advantage in resolution and smoothness.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Choose FujiFilm S2500HD if you want longer zoom reach, at least some manual exposure control, better video resolution, and superior image stabilization - great for casual wildlife, travel, and night photography niche users on a budget.

• Choose Nikon L100 if you prefer a compact camera that tucks away more easily, enjoy macro close-ups with manual focus, and prioritize warm color rendition for portraits - suitable for street shooters and casual hobbyists seeking simplicity.

Final Thoughts: Value, Legacy, and the Modern Context

Now, these two cameras are relics in today’s dizzying mirrorless and smartphone camera era. For under $200 (FujiFilm) versus around $400 (Nikon, at launch), they pack reasonable superzoom features without overwhelming you. But compared to modern compacts - or frankly any entry-level mirrorless - these show their age with limited manual controls, slow autofocus, weak high ISO performance, and poor video specs.

Still, if you find one second-hand or resurrect an old unit, they offer a nostalgic and economical way to explore basic photography, especially if raw format or high burst shooting isn’t mission critical.

If I were recommending to a friend today, I’d nudge them toward the FujiFilm S2500HD for versatility and control edge - especially since it packs that generous 18x zoom and manual exposure modes - but warn them about the compromises inherent in aging CCD superzooms.

Thanks for joining me on this deep-dive into some bridge camera nostalgia! Remember, great photos come more from your eye and patience than gear - but knowing what your camera can and cannot do is key to mastering it. If you’re hunting for a budget-friendly superzoom and can find either of these at a decent price, you at least know what you’re getting into.

Happy shooting!

• • Written with roughly 15+ years of camera testing enthusiasm and experience, melding tech specs with real-world use to help you make smart buying decisions.*