Comparing the FujiFilm S2800HD and Fujifilm HS30EXR: The Ultimate Guide for Superzoom Enthusiasts

When diving into the world of superzoom cameras, FujiFilm has long been a player, catering to enthusiasts looking for long reach without the hassles of interchangeable lenses. Today, we look closely at two bridge cameras from FujiFilm’s lineup that represent different eras and ambitions: the FujiFilm FinePix S2800HD released in 2010, and the later, more advanced Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR from 2012.

Both feature fixed lenses with impressive zoom ranges, SLR-style ergonomics, and compact sensor sizes. But their capabilities - across image quality, autofocus, video, and overall usability - target fairly different users. Having put both cameras through rigorous shooting sessions across multiple scenarios and technical labs, we’ll break down everything you need to know to decide which suits your photographic journey best.

Body and Ergonomics: Getting Comfortable for All-Day Shooting

FujiFilm S2800HD has a remarkably compact and lightweight body (110x74x82mm, 437g). Its plastic construction feels decent but not premium, typical for an entry-level superzoom. The controls are simple, intuitive for beginners, but lack customization options. The grip is moderate - fine for quick snaps but may induce fatigue for extended handheld use.

In contrast, the HS30EXR is notably larger and heavier (131x97x126mm, 687g). This size gain delivers a more robust, solid feel with a deep grip and well-placed buttons tailored for enthusiast shooters. The exposure dial, programmable function keys, and a tilting 3” LCD provide enhanced usability. For photographers who want something closer to a DSLR experience without full-frame bulk, the HS30EXR’s body ergonomics really shine.

Ergonomics Summary:

The HS30EXR wins in comfort and intuitive control, vital for prolonged shooting and capturing fleeting moments fast.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

The sensor is the most critical piece of tech in any camera, directly impacting resolution, dynamic range, low-light capability, and color fidelity.

• FujiFilm S2800HD employs a 14MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.17x4.55mm), producing a maximum resolution of 4288x3216 pixels. CCD technology, though historically excellent for color depth, struggles with noise at higher ISOs - here capped at 1600 native ISO plus boosted to 6400.

• Fujifilm HS30EXR boasts a newer 16MP 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor (6.4x4.8mm) with a resolution of 4608x3456 pixels. The EXR sensor uses FujiFilm’s innovative pixel-merging tech to optimize dynamic range, sensitivity, or resolution depending on shooting mode. It supports ISO from 100 native up to 3200, boostable to 12800.

What does this mean in real-world shooting?

• The HS30EXR delivers cleaner images at higher ISO due to CMOS technology and larger pixel area.
• Its enhanced dynamic range helps in high-contrast scenes like landscapes or backlit portraits.
• The S2800HD is acceptable only in well-lit conditions because of its older CCD sensor and limited ISO capabilities.

We extensively tested both cameras outdoors and indoors, examining skin tones, shadow recovery, and highlight retention. The HS30EXR gave vibrant but natural colors, excellent highlight control, and usable details in shadows. The S2800HD, while capable in bright light, showed limited tonal gradation with clogged shadows and blown highlights under challenging light.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus is crucial for everything from wildlife to sports photography, where split-second focus locks matter.

• The S2800HD relies solely on contrast-detection AF with no face or eye detection. It offers single, continuous, and live view autofocus but lacks tracking or multi-area modes. The slow speed (about 1 second or more) makes it unwieldy for moving subjects.

• The HS30EXR steps things up with contrast-detection AF enhanced by Fuji’s EXR processor. It supports face detection, eye detection, and continuous tracking autofocus with quick responsiveness. Live view autofocus is less versatile but the dedicated AF modes, including multi-area, greatly improve accuracy on moving subjects.

Continued burst mode evaluation also reveals the HS30EXR’s superiority: it shoots up to 11fps in continuous mode, compared to a plodding 1fps on the S2800HD.

Summary Table: Autofocus and Burst

For fast-moving subjects like sports, wildlife, or children, the HS30EXR is clearly the better choice.

Lens Performance and Zoom Range: Getting Close and Creative

Next, the superzoom lenses at the heart of these cameras define versatility.

The HS30EXR offers significantly extended reach with 30x zoom vs. 18x on S2800HD. The faster 2.8 aperture at the wide end also lets in more light, beneficial in dim conditions and providing slightly better bokeh control.

Both feature sensor-shift stabilization, critical for reducing handshake - especially in telephoto shots. However, the HS30EXR’s advanced system feels more effective in stabilizing at the long 720mm end.

If you enjoy landscape wide-angles and wildlife telephotos without carrying multiple lenses, the HS30EXR's lens versatility wins hands down.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Previewing Your Shots

A quality, bright and responsive screen is essential for composing and reviewing images, particularly in bright outdoor conditions.

The tilting screen on the HS30EXR is an invaluable feature for creative angles, vlogging, and shooting in tight spots. Additionally, its brighter 460k-dot panel with “Sunny Day mode” improves outdoor visibility considerably over the S2800HD’s dimmer 230k fixed screen.

While both have electronic viewfinders with near-complete coverage, the HS30EXR provides a marginally better and more accurate preview.

Video Recording Capabilities: Beyond Still Photography

For hybrid shooters aiming to capture both images and videos - say travel bloggers or family event recorders - video specs matter a lot.

The HS30EXR’s Full HD 1080p at 30fps enables sharper, more professional-looking footage compared to the S2800HD’s capped 720p 24fps. The inclusion of an external microphone port offers sound recording flexibility, a feature videographers appreciate for higher audio quality.

Unless you only need casual, low-res clips, the HS30EXR is the stronger video contender.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

• S2800HD uses 4 AA batteries which are easy to find and replace but offer shorter runtimes and added weight. Storage is done on SD/SDHC cards with a single slot.

• HS30EXR upgrades to a rechargeable NP-W126 lithium-ion battery, delivering longer shooting sessions per charge and lighter carry weight. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards also in a single slot.

Neither camera offers wireless features - such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - which is expected given their age and category. USB 2.0 and HDMI are present on both for file transfers and direct playback.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither camera includes weather sealing or rugged body protections such as dustproofing or shockproofing. The HS30EXR’s sturdier build, however, may sustain casual travel bumps better. For serious outdoor use, consider investing in protective cases.

Real-world Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s now contextualize our technical findings with practical shooting situations.

Portrait Photography

• HS30EXR wins with face and eye detection autofocus, spectral color reproduction, and better bokeh control at f/2.8 wide angle.
• S2800HD’s slower AF and limited ISO range make portraits trickier in lower light.
• Both have flash systems suitable for fill light, though the HS30EXR’s external flash capability adds flexibility.

Landscape Photography

• The HS30EXR’s wider zoom, better dynamic range, and higher resolution deliver sharper, more detailed landscapes with excellent highlight/shadow balance.
• S2800HD is limited but usable on bright days.
• Lack of weather sealing hinders both for extreme environments.

Wildlife Photography

• HS30EXR’s 720mm zoom and fast burst shooting enable detailed distant captures.
• S2800HD’s slow AF and 1fps burst struggle with fast-moving animals.
• Tracking AF on HS30EXR increases keeper rates in wildlife chases.

Sports Photography

• High burst rate and fast autofocus favor the HS30EXR.
• S2800HD is unsuitable for fast action shots.

Street Photography

• S2800HD’s smaller size aids discreet shooting.
• HS30EXR is larger but the tilting screen helps in shooting from the waist or awkward angles.
• Low-light AF and ISO range again favor HS30EXR for poorly lit street scenes.

Macro Photography

• Close focusing distances (1 cm for HS30EXR, 2 cm for S2800HD) perform well.
• HS30EXR offers finer focusing controls.
• Stabilization greatly helps handheld macro shooting on both.

Night and Astro Photography

• Larger native ISO and longer shutter speeds on HS30EXR expand night shooting capabilities.
• S2800HD’s max 2 second shutter and lower ISO cap limit astro applications.

Travel Photography

• HS30EXR balances comprehensive zoom, image quality, and controls but at the cost of extra weight.
• S2800HD wins for lightweight grab-and-go.
• Battery solution on HS30EXR is more convenient for extended trips.

Professional Workflow

• Raw support on HS30EXR enables non-destructive editing.
• S2800HD shoots only JPEG.
• HS30EXR fits better for semi-professionals integrating into editing pipelines.

FujiFilm S2800HD front FujiFilm S2800HD screen back Fujifilm HS30EXR front Fujifilm HS30EXR screen back

Putting It All Together: Ratings and Recommendations

Overall Scorecard

Who should pick the S2800HD?

• Beginners on a tight budget who want simple superzoom functionality.
• Casual users needing lightweight, easy-to-use cameras for bright conditions.
• Travelers looking for pocketable zoom without fuss.

Who should invest in the HS30EXR?

• Enthusiasts needing advanced controls, faster AF, and extended zoom.
• Photographers shooting diverse genres - wildlife, sports, portraits with natural skin tones.
• Hybrid still/video shooters wanting full HD and external mic support.
• Anyone desiring RAW capture for editing flexibility.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The FujiFilm S2800HD and Fujifilm HS30EXR cater to distinct shooter profiles despite their shared superzoom lineage. The S2800HD serves as a no-frills, straightforward bridge camera great for starting with long zooms, while the HS30EXR brings enthusiast-grade performance, broader creative tools, and substantial image quality improvements.

If you’re considering your next camera upgrade or entry-level option, testing both models in person (if possible) and considering your shooting style and expected subjects is vital. The HS30EXR remains a powerful all-rounder well-suited to a photographer’s evolving needs, while the S2800HD can satisfy budget-conscious users looking for simplicity.

Find the right accessories - extra batteries, SD cards, and protective cases - to complement your choice and get started capturing those inspiring shots.

We hope this detailed comparison assists you in navigating the superzoom camera landscape with confidence. For continued updates and in-depth camera reviews, stay tuned!

Happy shooting!