FujiFilm S2800HD vs Panasonic FZ100

FujiFilm FinePix S2800HD vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100: A Deep Dive into Small Sensor Superzoom Bridge Cameras

When scouting for a small sensor superzoom camera in the early 2010s, enthusiasts faced an intriguing choice between the FujiFilm FinePix S2800HD and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 - both released just months apart, each promising a rich zoom range wrapped in an SLR-style bridge body. Now, a decade plus later, these two still stand as fascinating case studies in camera design trade-offs, technological approaches, and what used to pass for “advanced” in the superzoom world.

Having spent many concentrated hours with both models, pushing their buttons, hunting down elusive autofocus speed improvements, and hunting results under varying conditions, I’m excited to bring you a thorough comparison. Whether you’re a nostalgic collector, a photographer on a budget, or simply curious about these relics of a transitional camera era, this deep dive will cover sensor tech, optics, ergonomics, autofocus, video, and much more - plus some handy hands-on reflections.

Size and Ergonomics: How They Feel in Your Hands

Before we get pixel-deep, let’s talk holdability - the tactile experience matters, especially for travel and street shooters who lug their kit everywhere.

Visually, both cameras wear the classic chunk-on-a-handle bridge look, but the Panasonic FZ100 comes across as the beefier specimen, tipping the scales at 540 grams, in contrast with the FujiFilm’s lighter 437 grams. Dimensions reflect this heft: the FZ100’s 124x82x92mm frame feels solid and substantial, while the S2800HD’s compact 110x74x82mm body slots into your palm with less immediate presence.

I found the Fuji’s lighter frame easier for extended handheld shooting, though its smaller grip could feel less secure if your paws are on the larger side. The Panasonic’s size lends itself to greater stability, especially at longer telephoto focal lengths where camera shake sneaks up on you.

Button layout is another chapter in ergonomics storytelling. From experience, I get frustrated when menus force me through multiple steps for basic exposure tweaks. So how do these two compare?

Fuji opted for a relatively minimalistic top panel, with an easy-to-reach mode dial but fewer dedicated buttons - perhaps a conscious design to keep things approachable for enthusiasts stepping up from point-and-shoots. The Panasonic though, with its slightly bulkier interface, provides more tactile control, including a more nuanced dial arrangement for shutter/aperture priority modes, and an intuitive joystick surrounding the rear screen, which I continually found easy to navigate under pressure.

For ergonomics caps, either Nikon’s cool D90 or Canon’s more ergonomic mid-range DSLRs might beat both in feel, but for their class and era, these two are respectable performers.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Small sensor superzooms frequently suffer from intrinsic limitations, especially when pixel counts push into double digits on tiny chip surfaces - sacrificing noise performance and dynamic range. Both the S2800HD and FZ100 pack 14-megapixel sensors roughly in the 1/2.3” class, but their sensor tech and image processing diverge in some crucial ways.

The FujiFilm S2800HD uses a CCD sensor, a technology that, by 2010, was starting to show its age in terms of noise control and dynamic range. On the other hand, Panasonic’s FZ100 boasts a CMOS sensor coupled with the Venus Engine FHD processor - a step up that facilitates faster readout speeds and better noise suppression.

Shooting in good light, both deliver decent sharpness, forgivable chromatic aberrations, and vibrant color saturation. But in dim conditions (say ISO 800-1600), the CMOS sensor’s advantage shines. Noise in Fuji’s CCD files becomes unpleasantly coarse, whereas the Panasonic handles grain more gracefully, maintaining legibility in shadows where Fuji’s images tend to mush.

For me, the presence of RAW support on the FZ100 further beefs it up as a tool for serious image editing - a feature absent on Fuji’s offering, which forces JPEG-only capture. This restricts Fuji users in post-processing flexibility, especially for those wanting to salvage highlights or shadows.

Eye on Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

A camera’s autofocus (AF) performance makes or breaks candid, wildlife, or sports photography. Here, nuances in tracking, speed, and focus lock precision clearly tilt the scales.

The FujiFilm S2800HD employs a contrast-detection AF system without any phase-detection elements or face/eye detection. Its focus speed, honestly, can be snail-like, especially when hunting in low contrast environments or at long focal lengths. Continuous shooting sits at a slow 1 frame per second (fps), limiting burst capture potential - not ideal for rescue shots in fast-action scenarios.

The Panasonic FZ100, however, leans into more modern tech with continuous AF, face detection, and the much faster continuous shooting mode capable of 11 fps - a true game-changer for action photographers on a budget.

Its ability to track subjects in live view mode represents a massive practical advantage. I personally tested this feature in a backyard birdwatching scenario and found the FZ100 far more reliable at maintaining focus on fluttery sparrows darting between branches, compared to the Fuji’s awkward AF hunting.

Optical Differences: Zoom and Image Stabilization

Let’s zoom in (no pun intended) on the optics, since these are the defining specs for bridge cameras.

FujiFilm’s S2800HD features an 18x zoom spanning 28-504mm (35mm equivalent) with an aperture range of f/3.1-5.6. Panasonic’s FZ100 doubles the zoom power with an impressive 24x range covering 25-600mm at f/2.8-5.2 - noticeably brighter on the wide end.

The faster aperture is genuine icing on the cake, aiding low-light shooting and offering shallower depth of field - though let’s not get too dreamy about creamy bokeh on superzooms. Still, the Panasonic is better positioned for portraits and separating subjects from backgrounds.

Both cameras employ image stabilization, crucially different: FujiFilm uses sensor-shift stabilization, while Panasonic relies on optical image stabilization (OIS). Based on my handheld trials at long focal lengths, Panasonic’s OIS felt more effective, noticeably reducing blur from handshake - no mean feat when shooting at nearly 600mm equivalent. The Fuji stabilized images well, but not quite to the same degree.

Display and Viewfinder Quality: Framing and Reviewing Images

The back screen and viewfinder are your windows to the world, so their quality and usability matter tremendously.

The FujiSport’s 3-inch, fixed, 230k-dot LCD feels a bit dim and low-res by modern standards. It lacks articulation, which can be frustrating for low-angle or overhead shots.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic FZ100 delights with a fully articulated 3-inch screen that shines with a sharp 460k-dot resolution - nearly double Fuji’s pixel density. This delivers clearer Live View composition and easier menu navigation. The swivel design is also friendlier for creative angles or video shooting.

Viewfinders for both are electronic but lack detailed manufacturer specs for magnification or dot count. Subjectively, I found the Panasonic’s viewfinder coverage more immersive, although neither matches the eye-resolving clarity of mid-tier mirrorless cameras of the time.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures with Personality

Bridge cameras often appeal to casual videographers craving zoom versatility without hauling DSLRs plus rigs. Between these two, video specs tell an interesting tale.

FujiFilm S2800HD offers HD video capped at 1280x720p at 24 frames per second, using the simple Motion JPEG codec. The low frame rate and older compression standard produce files that get bulky fast and may appear choppy compared to contemporary video.

By contrast, Panasonic’s FZ100 supports Full HD 1920x1080 at 60fps via AVCHD - a far more modern codec that’s both efficient and better for slow-motion effects or fluid playback. Plus, the FZ100 integrates a microphone input, a rarity in bridge cameras, allowing external audio capture - a boon for vloggers and interview shooters.

Audio quality using the built-in mic on both leaves room for improvement, but Panasonic’s edge in video flexibility is clear.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Neither camera mentions official CIPA battery life ratings, but practical experience reveals they use different power solutions with impacts on field endurance.

The FujiFilm S2800HD runs on four AA batteries - convenient for quick swaps, especially if you stumble across spares on a trip. That said, AA battery power often means heavier setups and inconsistent longevity depending on battery type.

The Panasonic FZ100 uses a proprietary lithium-ion pack (model not specified), which tends to provide more shots per charge and a lighter overall package but requires a charger and spare batteries - more planning needed for extended outings.

Both accept SD/SDHC cards, with Panasonic expanding compatibility to SDXC, accommodating higher-capacity cards for longer shooting sessions and video recording.

Durability and Build Quality: Weather Resistance?

Neither contender claims environmental sealing, waterproofing, dustproofing, or shockproofing. As with most bridge cameras targeting enthusiast budgets then and now, they trade ruggedness for affordability and feature inclusion.

For rugged outdoor use, neither is ideal without protective accessories. But their SLR-like constructions feel sufficiently robust for casual travel and general-purpose shooting.

Lens Ecosystem and Manual Controls: Lens Mount vs Fixed Lens

Both cameras have fixed lenses - the essence of “superzoom” accessibility. This means no swapping lenses, so you’re committed to the built-in zoom range and optics.

Manual focus is absent on the FujiFilm S2800HD - a limitation for macro shooters or those who like to focus-pick precisely. The Panasonic FZ100 allows manual focus, providing more creative control when needed - a significant advantage for disciplined photographers who value this option.

Each camera supports common exposure modes like shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure, catering decently to intermediate users wanting manual lighting influence.

Price-to-Performance: The Practical Bottom Line

Considering their original prices - approximately $260 for the FujiFilm S2800HD versus $500 for the Panasonic FZ100 (in 2010 USD pricing) - the FZ100 justified its premium with considerable feature upgrades.

These included better sensor tech, improved AF system with tracking and face detection, extended zoom range with brighter lens, articulated display, Full HD 1080p video with microphone input, faster continuous shooting, and RAW file capture.

If money is tight and your use is casual, FujiFilm’s S2800HD still delivers respectable image quality and straightforward operation, ideal for family holidays and basic nature snaps.

For enthusiasts eager to explore manual focus, action photography, or video projects, the Panasonic stands out as the more versatile performer, carving out a longer usable life as a multitasking tool.

How They Handle Across Photography Genres

To summarize the nuanced strengths and weaknesses across various disciplines, here’s a concise analysis weighted by my hands-on shooting insights and comparing scores based on usability and image/video results.

FujiFilm S2800HD front FujiFilm S2800HD screen back Panasonic FZ100 front Panasonic FZ100 screen back

Portrait Photography

• FujiFilm S2800HD: Skin tones are pleasing but slightly less sharp; no face or eye detection autofocus handicaps portrait sharpness, and bokeh is typical of small sensor superzooms - flat and uninspiring.
• Panasonic FZ100: Brighter lens at wide angles and face detection AF yields better subject separation and eye-catching portraits.

Landscape Photography

• FujiFilm S2800HD: 14MP CCD sensor captures good details in bright light but limited dynamic range curtails shadow recovery.
• Panasonic FZ100: Superior dynamic range and RAW support give more latitude in post, and articulated screen aids compositional flexibility.

Wildlife Photography

• FujiFilm S2800HD: Slow AF and 1 fps continuous shooting never suited for fast-moving subjects.
• Panasonic FZ100: Superb 11 fps burst and tracking AF are ideal for birds and wildlife action, making this camera viable for enthusiasts.

Sports Photography

• FujiFilm S2800HD: Too sluggish in AF, resulting in missed focus opportunities in fast-paced sports.
• Panasonic FZ100: High burst rates, reliable AF tracking hold up well for amateur sports shooting.

Street Photography

• FujiFilm S2800HD: Compact size lends slight discretion; slower operation can miss fleeting moments.
• Panasonic FZ100: Bulky and more conspicuous but faster responsiveness beneficial when timing counts.

Macro Photography

• FujiFilm S2800HD: Macro focus down to 2cm is decent but limited by fixed AF and lack of manual override.
• Panasonic FZ100: Closer focusing (1cm) and manual focus option allow more precise macro work.

Night / Astrophotography

• FujiFilm S2800HD: CCD sensor struggles with noise beyond ISO 400-800; limited shutter speed range.
• Panasonic FZ100: CMOS sensor, higher max ISO, and broader shutter range allow cleaner low-light captures.

Video Capabilities

• FujiFilm S2800HD: Limited to 720p at 24fps, simple MJPEG codec restricts quality.
• Panasonic FZ100: Full HD 1080p at 60fps and microphone input establish it as the better video companion.

Travel Photography

• FujiFilm S2800HD: Lightweight and modest zoom range suits urban and daylight travel shooting.
• Panasonic FZ100: Extended zoom flexibility and articulation justify extra weight for versatile travel shooting.

Professional Work

• Neither camera is designed with pro workflows in mind - no weather sealing, inferior sensor size, nor high-end ergonomics. The Panasonic’s RAW file support and better video specs may tempt hobbyists doubling as pros on a budget, but more advanced systems are recommended for professional assignments.

Wrapping Up: Which Small Sensor Superzoom Suits You Best?

The FujiFilm FinePix S2800HD and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 mark the thresholds of small sensor bridge camera technology over a decade ago. My first-hand experience reveals one as an affordable, approachable basic package, and the other as a surprisingly nimble tool boasting numerous features that border on enthusiast level.

If your priorities are fundamental snapshots with easy handling and light travel loads, and budget matters most, the FujiFilm S2800HD remains worth considering in secondary markets - especially for beginners.

However, if you aspire to deeper creative control, faster autofocus, more versatile video, and are willing to invest a bit more, the Panasonic FZ100 delivers clear advantages that still stand the test of time for varied photographic genres.

Photography technology has come a long way since these cameras debuted, yet understanding their relative strengths and limits reminds us how feature sets interplay with real-world use. When equipment hits the neat balance between capability, ergonomics, and cost - as the FZ100 attempts - or provides straightforward simplicity - the S2800HD excels - your shooting experience is what truly counts.

Happy shooting, wherever your photographic journey takes you!