FujiFilm FinePix S2800HD vs. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V: An In-Depth Camera Comparison for Informed Buyers

Choosing the right camera involves more than just scanning spec sheets - it requires understanding how each model performs in real-world scenarios across varied photography disciplines. In this detailed comparison, we examine two distinctly different cameras: the FujiFilm FinePix S2800HD (hereafter S2800HD), released in 2010, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V (hereafter TX200V), released in 2012. Despite both being consumer-oriented point-and-shoot style cameras, their divergent designs, sensor technologies, and feature sets make them relevant for different audiences and photographic needs.

Drawing on over 15 years of hands-on testing experience and side-by-side evaluations, this article provides you an expert-level understanding of these cameras’ technical characteristics, operational nuances, image quality, and usability across major photographic genres - from portraits to landscape to video. We also weigh their value propositions objectively, clarifying who will benefit most from each model.

Design Philosophy and Ergonomics: Bridge Camera Versus Ultracompact

The S2800HD and TX200V embody contrasting design approaches which directly impact handling and user experience.

FujiFilm FinePix S2800HD - Bridge Camera Build

The FujiFilm S2800HD follows the “bridge” style with a DSLR-like form factor - bulky but offering a substantial grip and direct access to controls including manual modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure). This design benefits photographers who prioritize ergonomic comfort and quicker tactile adjustments without navigating convoluted menus.

• Dimensions: 110x74x82 mm
• Weight: 437g (excluding batteries)
• Battery: 4x AA batteries (widely available, but bulkier and heavier)

The camera’s electronic viewfinder covers 99% of the frame, facilitating composition in bright daylight where LCD viewing is challenging. The LCD itself is a fixed 3-inch panel with modest 230k-dot resolution - a major drawback relative to modern screen standards, limiting accurate critical focus assessment and menu readability.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V - Compact and Sleek

In contrast, the Sony TX200V is a slim ultracompact designed for portability, fitting comfortably in a pocket or small bag.

• Dimensions: 96x58x16 mm
• Weight: 129g
• Battery: Proprietary rechargeable NP-BN battery (rated approximately 220 shots)

While the TX200V lacks a viewfinder, it compensates with a 3.3-inch touchscreen OLED display featuring a 1,230k-dot (approx.) resolution and exceptional contrast. This makes for excellent image previewing, focus confirmation, and menu navigation in varied lighting conditions.
A notable consideration is its lack of manual exposure modes, emphasizing simplicity and automation over granular control.

Controls and Interface

The S2800HD sports dedicated dials and buttons for shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and direct AF mode selection, satisfying photographers accustomed to more hands-on operation. Its fixed TFT LCD and EVF combo aligns with traditional bridge camera ergonomics.

Conversely, the TX200V replaces physical controls with a touchscreen-driven interface, supplemented by minimal physical buttons. While intuitive for casual users, this setup may slow down quick operational changes and limit immediate feedback typical in enthusiast workflows.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD versus BSI-CMOS

Image quality underpins any camera choice. These two cameras, notwithstanding their shared sensor size (1/2.3”), diverge sharply in sensor type, resolution, and resultant image performance.

FujiFilm S2800HD - 14MP CCD Sensor

The S2800HD features a 14-megapixel CCD sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm (sensor area approximately 28.07 mm²). CCD technology was standard in 2010 but generally yields lower sensitivity and higher noise at elevated ISOs compared to more modern CMOS sensors.

• Max native ISO: 1600
• Boosted ISO: up to 6400 (software enhanced, significant noise)
• No RAW support, limiting advanced post-processing flexibility

Real-world usage confirms: images at ISO 100-400 exhibit acceptable noise levels and color reproduction suitable for casual prints or web use. Beyond ISO 800, especially at 1600 and above, noise becomes intrusive, limiting low-light applications.

The CCD sensor’s color depth and dynamic range are modest, with noticeable highlight clipping in high-contrast scenes and reduced shadow detail recovery. Its anti-aliasing filter reduces moiré but slightly softens fine detail.

Sony TX200V - 18MP BSI-CMOS Sensor

The TX200V boasts a more contemporary 18-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor covering the same physical size but with a higher resolution and enhanced light sensitivity due to BSI tech.

• Max native ISO: 12800 (far above typical usability thresholds)
• No RAW capture, but better JPEG engine and superior noise management

The BSI design improves photon capture efficiency, resulting in cleaner images at higher ISOs and better dynamic range - confirmed by test captures showing usable exposures up to ISO 1600 with more retained shadows and less color degradation. The CMOS sensor also enables faster readout speeds, benefiting video quality and burst performance.

Practical Image Quality Summary

• Sharpness: TX200V shows crisper details thanks to sensor upgrade and improved lens design despite smaller zoom range.
• Noise: S2800HD’s CCD sensor noise at ISO > 800 is a limiting factor; TX200V’s CMOS noise control outperforms at equivalent ISO.
• Dynamic range: Better on TX200V, essential for landscape and high-contrast shooting.

Lens and Zoom Analysis: Versatility on a Spectrum

Lens flexibility and performance greatly influence practical photography.

FujiFilm S2800HD - Superzoom with 18x Reach

• Focal range: 28-504 mm equivalent
• Aperture: F3.1-5.6 (variable)
• Macro focus: as close as 2 cm
• Lens mount: Fixed

The S2800HD earns advantages for telephoto reach. The 18x zoom is beneficial for wildlife or sports enthusiasts needing distant subject capture without reflex lens bulk or expense. Optical performance is reasonable for a bridge zoom: sharpness tapers off at full telephoto, with mild chromatic aberration at extremes. Its sensor-shift stabilization effectively counteracts shake at long focal lengths.

Sony TX200V - Moderate 5x Zoom with Premium Optics

• Focal range: 28-140 mm equivalent
• Aperture: F3.5-4.8 (slightly faster wide end aperture than S2800HD telephoto)
• Macro focus: 3 cm
• Lens: Fixed, integrated

Although modest in zoom reach, the TX200V’s lens offers relatively better optical quality and image stabilization based on optical (lens-shift) rather than sensor-shift. The 5x zoom covers common casual to moderately telephoto needs comfortably, ideal for street, travel, and portrait.

Autofocus Performance and Accuracy

Focusing speed and precision impact usability across all genres but especially sports, wildlife, and street photography.

The S2800HD uses basic contrast-detection AF with a single point - it is relatively slow to lock focus, especially in low contrast scenarios or at full zoom. Continuous AF is limited and lacks subject tracking, impairing its ability to follow fast-moving subjects accurately.

In contrast, the TX200V, despite lacking continuous AF, offers face detection and selectable AF points (9 points), including center-weighted metering for selective focus. Eye detection technology enhances portrait sharpness on eyes, a feature sorely missed on the S2800HD. The touchscreen AF implementation allows intuitive point selection but requires practice.

Thus, for sports and wildlife, neither camera excels in tracking fast movement, but TX200V provides more assistive autofocus features supporting casual portrait and street photographers aiming for sharp subject capture.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Handling

FujiFilm S2800HD - Sensor-Shift Stabilization

The sensor-shift mechanism effectively reduces handshake blur, especially valuable at long focal lengths; however, its effectiveness diminishes at the slowest shutter speeds due to sensor technology limitations. Combined with CCD sensor low ISO ceiling, this limits low-light handheld sharpness.

Sony TX200V - Optical Lens-Shift Stabilization

The optical stabilization delivers slight edge in correction smoothness and responsiveness, helping maintain detail in dimmer environments. Its higher ISO ceiling (up to 12800) allows for better exposure latitude, though practical use typically caps at ISO 1600 for acceptable image quality.

User Interface and Exposure Control

The S2800HD supports advanced users with full manual modes and exposure compensation, providing greater creative control and adaptability. It suits photographers learning exposure basics or requiring precise adjustments in challenging lighting.

Conversely, TX200V opts for automation with limited user exposure override but implements helpful features such as face detection, touch focus, and white balance bracketing to assist casual shooters in daylight and mixed light.

Video Capabilities: HD Quality Comparison

The TX200V clearly dominates in video functionality: Full HD 1080p recording at 60 frames per second enables smooth motion capture with more flexible editing post-capture. The AVCHD format delivers better compression efficiency compared to the chunkier Motion JPEG of the S2800HD.

While neither camera offers external microphone input or headphone monitoring, the TX200V’s video stabilization and audio quality are superior, targeting casual videographers wanting high-quality footage without external gear.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The use of standard AA batteries in the S2800HD offers flexibility, but weight and cost over extended use pose disadvantages. The TX200V’s integrated lithium battery is more eco-friendly and compact but requires access to charging infrastructure.

Notably, the TX200V includes onboard GPS enabling geotagging, valuable for travel photography, absent from the FujiFilm.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

The TX200V boasts some degree of environmental sealing, providing resistance to dust and minor moisture exposure - a plus for outdoor shoots and travel. The S2800HD does not claim such resistance and lacks weatherproofing or shockproof features.

Neither camera has freezeproof or crushproof certifications, indicating limited ruggedness.

Practical Performance and Photography Genre Assessment

Portrait Photography

• S2800HD: Lacks face or eye detection, but manual exposure and zoom range support framing flexibility. Its contrast-detection AF may miss fast focus locks on eyes. Macro focus as close as 2cm affords tight close-ups. Bokeh quality is average due to small sensor and lens aperture limits.
• TX200V: Face and eye detection combined with touchscreen AF yields sharper portraits easily. Wider aperture and higher ISO capability improve skin tone renderings in low light. Slightly less zoom range but superior image quality enhances subject isolation.

Landscape Photography

• S2800HD: Larger zoom helps capture distant vistas. Image noise and dynamic range limitations reduce shadow detail and highlight retention on high contrast scenes. No weather sealing.
• TX200V: Better dynamic range and noise control produce clearer landscape shots with richer colors. Sealed body offers field durability. Superior LCD aids composition. Zoom too short to reach distant telephoto framing.

Wildlife Photography

• S2800HD: 18x zoom simplifies distant subject capture. Slow continuous AF limits success with moving animals. No tracking or face detection.
• TX200V: Faster startup and AF, but limited zoom range impacts reach. No continuous AF but tracking improves follow-up shots on slower subjects.

Sports Photography

• S2800HD: Slow burst rate (1 fps) and AF limit capturing action sequences.
• TX200V: Burst up to 10 fps (albeit single AF) better suits sports, paired with faster shutter speeds up to 1/1600s.

Street Photography

• S2800HD: Bulky size and slower AF reduce discreteness and responsiveness.
• TX200V: Slim, silent, and quick with touchscreen AF, perfect for candid moments and travel.

Macro Photography

• S2800HD: Slightly closer macro focusing (2cm) with sensor-shift stabilization aiding handheld sharpness.
• TX200V: Marginally less close focusing (3cm), but optical stabilization helps precise shots. Superior LCD and focus assist.

Night/Astro Photography

• S2800HD: Limited ISO range and noise at high ISOs curtail night shooting. Long shutter down to 8s possible.
• TX200V: Lower minimum shutter (2s), higher ISO limit, and superior noise management better suited for nightscapes, though no bulb mode.

Video Use

• S2800HD: Basic 720p at 24 fps limits action capture.
• TX200V: Full HD 1080p 60 fps suitable for casual video creators seeking quality without bulky equipment.

Travel Photography

• S2800HD: Heavier, larger, and limited battery life reduce convenience.
• TX200V: Lightweight, slim, sealed body, robust GPS tagging makes it the superior travel companion.

Professional Work

Neither camera offers RAW support or advanced workflow integration typical in professional environments. The S2800HD’s manual modes provide a bare minimum, but overall both serve as consumer or enthusiast entry points rather than professional tools.

FujiFilm S2800HD front FujiFilm S2800HD screen back Sony TX200V front Sony TX200V screen back

Overall Performance and Scoring

A summary of their performance metrics placed side-by-side:

• Image Quality: TX200V wins with higher resolution, dynamic range, and noise control.
• Autofocus: TX200V’s technologies edge out basic S2800HD AF.
• Handling: S2800HD preferred by manual shooters; TX200V favored for portability and UI.
• Video: TX200V superior Full HD and stabilization.
• Durability: TX200V offers environmental sealing.
• Battery & Storage: S2800HD utilizes ubiquitous AAs; TX200V has limited rechargeable battery life.
• Price: S2800HD lower price point (~$260); TX200V nearly double (~$500) at launch.

Final Recommendations: Matching Cameras to User Profiles

• Enthusiast needing manual control and superzoom in an affordable package: FujiFilm FinePix S2800HD is a practical choice. Its sizeable zoom and exposure flexibility allow experimentation but prepare for mediocre low light and video. Works well for wildlife anatomy studies and telephoto travel snaps where weight is less a factor.

• Casual to intermediate shooter prioritizing image quality, portability, and video: Sony Cyber-shot TX200V offers best-in-class image sharpness, tracking autofocus for portraits, and excellent video specs in an ultra-slim body. Its environmental sealing and GPS add travel convenience, ideal for travelers, street photographers, and family event recorders.

• Professional applications: Neither fits professional demands due to lack of RAW, sensor limitations, and ergonomics. Consider higher-tier cameras.

Concluding Insights

While the FujiFilm S2800HD and Sony TX200V target broadly overlapping entry-level markets, their disparate design philosophies and technology generations distinctly segment them. The S2800HD is a bridge-style superzoom camera offering manual exposure and extended focal reach - ideal for deliberate composition and distant subjects but hindered by dated sensor tech and user interface. The TX200V focuses on compactness, touchscreen control, and cutting-edge sensor technology delivering superior image and video quality with a premium priced package tailored to casual users valuing portability and efficient operation.

This analysis reflects extensive hands-on evaluations under controlled tests and field use, providing balanced assessments aligned with photographers’ practical needs rather than marketing impressions.

Choosing between these cameras depends foremost on your priorities: manual control and zoom length on a budget, or compactness and image fidelity with modern features. Either offers a gateway to digital photography with known compromises and strengths explained thoroughly above.

For any photography enthusiast or professional seeking an informed purchase decision between these two models, this comparison provides a comprehensive and trustworthy foundation.