Comparing the FujiFilm FinePix S4000 and FinePix F800EXR: A Detailed Analysis for Discerning Photographers

Selecting a compact superzoom camera to fulfill varied photographic ambitions demands a nuanced understanding of both its technical underpinnings and its real-world usability. The FujiFilm FinePix S4000 and FinePix F800EXR, launched within a year of each other, serve as intriguing case studies in compact camera evolution, presenting slightly different engineering philosophies under a similar category umbrella. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of these two models, bringing to bear extensive testing experience and technical expertise to inform enthusiasts and semi-professionals intent on making an evidence-based purchase.

Understanding Physical Design and Ergonomics

From the outset, form factor directly impacts usability, particularly in prolonged shooting sessions or when rapid reaction times are required. The FujiFilm S4000 adopts a traditional bridge camera form factor - SLR-like and pronounced - while the F800EXR exercises a more compact, ultra-portable design philosophy.

• S4000 Dimensions & Weight: At 118 x 81 x 100 mm and weighing 540 grams, the S4000 is substantively larger and heftier. This increased bulk lends itself naturally to a more stable grip, benefiting users hand-holding at extensive telephoto reach. The molded grip and control placement further reinforce this ergonomic advantage, especially for those accustomed to DSLR styling.

• F800EXR Dimensions & Weight: In contrast, the F800EXR measures a notably smaller 105 x 63 x 36 mm and weighs just 232 grams. It is significantly lighter, emphasizing portability and convenience for travel or street photography where discretion and rapid deployment trump prolonged stability.

While the S4000’s form factor is reminiscent of DSLR ergonomics - a trait that some users find reassuring - its bulk can become unwieldy for casual shooters or users seeking a pocketable solution. The F800EXR caters strongly to the traveler or street shooter demographics by trimming weight and sheer size, yet its compactness also limits prolonged telephoto stability and reduces the breadth of on-body direct controls compared to the S4000.

Control Layout and Interface: Operator Experience at a Glance

User control design and interface logic are central to photographic workflow efficacy. The top view comparison reveals subtle yet consequential differences between these models.

• S4000 Control Details: The S4000 exhibits a more extensive physical control suite, including dial-based modes (Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual Exposure), dedicated buttons for exposure compensation, and a well-sized shutter release. Despite its modest fixed-lens design, this platform offers straightforward access to essential exposure adjustments, highlighting a design intent toward photo enthusiast engagement.

• F800EXR Control Details: FujiFilm’s F800EXR controller package is more minimalistic, consistent with its compact size. The lack of a viewfinder and reliance solely on rear LCD display (discussed in detail later) streamlines the camera for casual operation and quick point-and-shoot scenarios. Still, it supports the same exposure modes, indicating feature parity beneath a simpler physical interface. The compact dial and minimal button count might constrain manual control fluidity in more rapid shooting contexts.

Situationally, the S4000 better supports deliberate, controlled shooting workflows - ideal for learning exposure control or producing technically precise images. Conversely, the F800EXR is more suited to flexible, on-the-go operation where rapid capture with fewer manual interruptions is valued.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Dynamics

A camera’s sensor fundamentally dictates image quality, resolution, and usability in various lighting environments. Here, the F800EXR introduces notable sensor technology advances over the S4000.

• Sensor Type and Size: The S4000 utilizes a 1/2.3" CCD sensor with dimensions approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm, offering a surface area of 28.07 mm² and native resolution of 14 megapixels. Conversely, the F800EXR integrates a 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor measuring 6.4 x 4.8 mm (30.72 mm²), delivering 16 megapixels resolution. The EXR sensor design aims to optimize dynamic range, low-light performance, and detail retention.

• Image Processing: The S4000’s CCD sensor, paired with traditional image processing pipelines, is constrained in dynamic range latitude and high ISO noise handling. The EXR CMOS sensor found in the F800EXR supports advanced pixel binning modes that adjust to prioritize dynamic range or noise reduction selectively. Though both share an anti-aliasing filter, the F800EXR’s improved sensor technology demonstrably enhances raw image fidelity and tone gradation in practice.

• ISO Performance: Native ISO ranges diverge, with the S4000 capping at ISO 1600 (boosted ISO 6400) and the F800EXR extending native ISO up to 3200 and boosted ISO up to 12800. In real-world testing, the F800EXR’s CMOS sensor produces cleaner images in dim environments, making it preferable for low-light shooting and night photography scenarios.

These sensor characteristics impart practical advantages: the F800EXR’s more advanced sensor system affords superior image quality, especially in highlight-to-shadow detail retention and reduced noise, while the S4000 remains serviceable for well-lit conditions and casual shooting.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder: Composing and Reviewing Imagery

Visual composition and image review tools are foundational for efficient photography.

• S4000 Visual Interface: It offers a 3-inch 460k-dot fixed LCD coupled with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) providing roughly 97% coverage. This EVF, though modest in resolution, proves helpful in bright outdoor conditions that make LCD viewing challenging. The EVF combined with the physical body and optical design supports stable composing at longer focal lengths.

• F800EXR Display Only Approach: The F800EXR eschews the EVF entirely, relying on a 3-inch 460k-dot TFT color LCD. While the LCD performs well in moderate lighting, it struggles under bright sunlight, impacting composition accuracy. This absence of an eye-level viewfinder could frustrate users who prefer traditional framing methods or those requiring precise focus confirmation in challenging light.

Neither camera features a touchscreen interface or articulating display. For users working in bright environments or preferring eye-level composition, the S4000’s EVF remains a distinct practical advantage.

Autofocus Systems and Performance Realities

Autofocus (AF) speed, accuracy, and tracking are critical, especially when shooting active subjects such as people, wildlife, or sports.

• S4000 Autofocus: The S4000 employs a contrast-detection autofocus system enhanced with single, continuous, and tracking modes alongside face detection. While mechanically limited by slower processing and sensor readout speeds linked to the CCD, AF accuracy is sufficient for portraiture and static subjects. The continuous AF rate maxes at around 1 fps, limiting utility for fast action.

• F800EXR Autofocus: The F800EXR’s EXR CMOS sensor combined with more modern processor hardware facilitates continuous shooting at 11 fps while maintaining AF capability, a remarkable feat in this category. It supports AF tracking and face detection, though precise AF area selection remains limited. Contrast detection remains the backbone, but faster processing reduces lock-on times and increases hit rate for moving subjects.

In field tests, the F800EXR’s autofocus system is markedly more responsive and robust for wildlife and sports shooting. The burst shooting capability further amplifies its effectiveness for action photography contexts, positioning it significantly ahead of the S4000 in AF performance and subject tracking.

Lens Specifications and Optical Performance

Both cameras incorporate fixed superzoom lenses - an integral design choice emphasizing versatility.

• S4000 Lens: Offering a focal length of 24–720 mm equivalent (30x zoom) with a maximum aperture range of f/3.1–f/5.9, the S4000 provides impressive reach for wildlife or distant subjects. The wider aperture at the short end is beneficial for indoor and low-light capture. Additionally, its close-focus distance of 2 cm enables commendable macro photography capacity.

• F800EXR Lens: The F800EXR features a 25–500 mm equivalent zoom range (20x zoom) with max aperture spanning f/3.5–f/5.3. This slightly reduced telephoto reach potentially limits extreme distant shooting but corresponds with the smaller body size and lighter weight. Its macro focusing starts at 5 cm, less aggressive than the S4000 but adequate for most close-up tasks.

Both lenses incorporate sensor-shift image stabilization systems to mitigate camera shake; however, the S4000’s longer zoom demands more substantial stabilization corrections in practice. Across tests, image sharpness degrades somewhat at maximum zoom on both models but remains respectable considering the constraints of compact superzoom optics.

Shooting Modes and Exposure Controls

Operational versatility in exposure and scene modes are important considerations for users of varying expertise.

• Both cameras support manual exposure, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes, enabling creative control over depth of field and motion blur.

• Exposure compensation and bracketing (AE and WB) are included on both, though the F800EXR adds average metering to the center-weighted and spot systems available on the S4000, permitting more flexible exposure strategies.

• The S4000 allows a shutter speed range from 8 sec to 1/2000 sec, and the F800EXR matches this range but improves overall shutter responsiveness aided by its advanced processor.

• Neither camera provides focus bracketing or stacking, functions generally absent in this class, but the F800EXR has more sophisticated face and animal detection, improving subject recognition and prioritization.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Usability

Video performance is a frequent secondary consideration but worth scrutinizing.

• S4000 Video: Captures 720p HD at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format - a relatively dated codec resulting in larger files and less efficient compression. No external microphone input is included.

• F800EXR Video: Advances video to full HD 1080p at 30 fps, utilizing modern MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, which provide better compression efficiency and compatibility with contemporary editing workflows. Still, no microphone or headphone ports limit audio quality control.

For users intending to incorporate videography, the F800EXR offers a distinct advantage, providing enhanced pixel resolution and improved codec efficiency conducive to cleaner footage and streamlined post-processing.

Battery and Storage Logistics

Shooting endurance and media workflow integration are frequent practical concerns.

• S4000 Battery: Uses four AA batteries, offering approximately 300 shots per charge. The reliance on AA makes battery sourcing straightforward globally; however, rechargeable pack performance and weight can vary, affecting portability.

• F800EXR Battery: Employs a proprietary NP-50A lithium-ion pack rated for a similar 300-shot life. While this demands charger availability and spare battery management, the Li-ion offers lighter weight and consistent voltage output until depletion.

• Both models support SD/SDHC cards, with the F800EXR also compatible with SDXC, accommodating higher-capacity cards suitable for extended shooting and larger video files.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Wireless transfer, external control, and interface options shape integration into modern workflows.

• The S4000 lacks wireless features entirely, limiting instant sharing or remote control capabilities.

• The F800EXR includes built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), a valuable tool for rapid image transfer to smartphones or computers - enhancing workflow efficiency for enthusiasts and casual professionals alike.

• Both have USB 2.0 ports and HDMI outputs for tethered image transfer and on-TV playback, standard options for their generation.

• Neither model supports GPS geotagging or Bluetooth functionality.

Performance Summary and Genre-Specific Evaluations

Synthesizing metrics and user experience yields insights across photographic disciplines:

FujiFilm S4000 front FujiFilm S4000 screen back Fujifilm F800EXR front Fujifilm F800EXR screen back

Portrait Photography

• S4000: Face detection and fixed lens aperture support acceptable bokeh but limited autofocus speed and detail resolution constrain image expressiveness.

• F800EXR: Enhanced sensor resolution, improved AF tracking, and slightly better maximum aperture favor nuanced skin rendering and depth control.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras lack weather sealing, diminishing appeal for adverse outdoor conditions.

• The F800EXR’s better dynamic range and color depth make it superior for landscapes with challenging light ranges.

Wildlife Photography

• The S4000’s longer 720 mm zoom benefits distant subject capture.

• The F800EXR’s faster burst rate (11 fps vs 1 fps) and quicker, more accurate AF system provide better action tracking despite shorter lens reach.

Sports Photography

• The F800EXR's burst and AF performance dominate; the S4000 is simply too slow.

Street Photography

• Smaller size and lighter weight make the F800EXR more discrete and transportable for candid environments.

Macro Photography

• The S4000’s 2 cm focusing distance versus F800EXR’s 5 cm places it in a better position for extreme close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

• The F800EXR’s lower noise levels at higher ISO thresholds, coupled with longer shutter speeds, render it more useful in astrophotography.

Video Recording

• F800EXR’s full HD video and advanced compression codecs offer tangible usability advantages.

Travel Photography

• The smaller form factor, lighter weight, wireless transfer, and superior video make the F800EXR highly suited for travel.

Professional Workflows

• Neither camera supports raw on the S4000; the F800EXR does, enabling post-processing flexibility.

• Limited build and feature sets mean professional photographers will find these models only useful as secondary or backup options.

Final Recommendations: Aligning Camera Choice With Use Case and Budget

Both cameras present compromises typical of their class and vintage, but distinct profiles emerge favoring different user needs.

• Choose the FujiFilm FinePix S4000 if you:

  • Prioritize extensive telephoto reach (up to 720 mm) for distant subject capture and macro capabilities.
  • Favor a traditional bridge camera ergonomic experience with a viewfinder.
  • Require AA battery flexibility in remote or travel situations without charger access.
  • Shoot primarily in good light with moderately paced subjects.
  • Can accept slower autofocus and continuous shooting performance.

• Choose the FujiFilm FinePix F800EXR if you:

  • Value image quality, dynamic range, and faster autofocus/tracking performance benefiting wildlife and sports.
  • Seek a lightweight, compact camera for travel and street photography.
  • Require Full HD video capabilities and modern codecs for multimedia use.
  • Want wireless connectivity for instant sharing and workflow convenience.
  • Need raw shooting support for image post-processing.

The F800EXR represents a generational improvement in sensor technology and processing power, yielding benefits in speed, image quality, and operational flexibility at a slightly higher price point (~$330 vs. $280). The S4000 remains a viable option for photographers specifically targeting extreme zoom range and an EVF-based shooting experience but is otherwise eclipsed by the F800EXR in versatility and overall performance.

This comparison equips discerning photographers with thorough, experience-based insights vital for aligning camera capability with personal photography goals and workflow preferences. Both models reflect FujiFilm’s thoughtful compact superzoom designs but cater to subtly different user priorities - understanding these nuances ensures an informed, confident purchase decision.