FujiFilm S4000 vs. Fujifilm S8400W: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Superzoom Bridge Cameras

In the world of superzoom bridge cameras, two FujiFilm models that often draw comparisons are the FinePix S4000 (also known as S4050) and the FinePix S8400W. Both cameras cater to enthusiasts who crave an all-in-one solution with vast zoom ranges, manual controls, and a DSLR-style body - yet they come from slightly different evolutionary points in Fuji’s lineup. I’ve spent considerable time testing both cameras side-by-side, analyzing their real-world performance across multiple photographic genres and technical benchmarks. This article dives deep, weighing firmware nuances, hardware distinctions, and user experience, to help you decide which model best matches your shooting style and needs.

Let’s start by looking at their physical design and ergonomics - the tactile first impression for any camera.

Size and Handling: Bridge Camera Form, but with Key Differences

Both the S4000 and S8400W maintain the traditional SLR-inspired bridge body style Fuji’s known for. They strike a balance between manageable portability and offering DSLR-like handling, such as a substantial grip and numerous external controls. However, the S8400W is slightly larger and heavier, reflecting its beefed-up zoom lens and additional features.

Physically, the S8400W tips the scales at 670g versus the S4000’s 540g - a noticeable difference but not overwhelming. Dimensions reveal the S8400W is bulkier, measuring 123x87x116mm compared to the S4000’s 118x81x100mm. That results in a firmer handfeel on the newer model, especially when extending the zoom.

The grip on both cameras is comfortable but modest by modern standards. Neither model comes with weather-sealing or ruggedization, which is important to note if you shoot outdoors frequently or in dusty, wet conditions.

For users with smaller hands or those prioritizing a lighter, more compact rig, the S4000’s size wins out. However, if you don’t mind the heft and want a sturdier grip for longer telephoto work, the S8400W feels more reassuring.

Control Layout and Top Panel Functionality: Efficiency vs. Simplicity

Moving up from size to interface, the control layouts illustrate Fuji’s design philosophy shifts within those years. Let’s inspect how the operational elements stack up.

The S4000’s top plate is straightforward: mode dial, zoom lever, shutter button, and a few basic function buttons. It lacks illuminated buttons, which impacts usability in dim environments but is typical for cameras of its era and segment.

The S8400W shows incremental improvement. It adds better button distribution, and the zoom lever feels crisper and more precise. The top panel integrates a mode dial with aperture and shutter priority modes clearly marked, supporting quicker exposure adjustments without menu diving.

Surprisingly, Fuji opted for fixed rear screens on both cameras, limiting articulation but preserving durability. At the back, the menus and information overlays are fairly intuitive though dated by today's touchscreen standards.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD vs. BSI-CMOS Showdown

One of the most critical differentiators lies beneath the hood - the sensor. The S4000 employs a 14-megapixel 1/2.3" CCD sensor, while the S8400W sports a 16-megapixel 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor. This generational leap has tangible consequences for image quality and operational efficiency.

From my lab tests and field shoots:

• Dynamic range: The S8400W's CMOS sensor shows better performance, delivering richer shadow details and cleaner highlights. This makes a noticeable difference when capturing landscapes under challenging light, where retaining range is crucial.

• Noise handling: At native ISO settings, the S8400W exhibits lower noise levels and detail preservation. Its maximum native ISO extends to 12800, whereas the S4000 maxes at ISO 1600 with a boosted mode to 6400 that can be unusable due to noise. This advantage is clear in low-light and indoor shooting.

• Color depth and accuracy: Both cameras have a color filter array with antialiasing. The CMOS sensor here provides slightly more fidelity and less color noise, aiding portrait skin tones to appear natural and pleasant, although this still does not compete with larger-sensor cameras.

• Resolution and file quality: The S8400W produces 4608x3456 pixel images compared to the S4000’s 4288x3216 resolution. While more pixels aren’t automatically better, the improved sensor and processing pipeline on the newer model mean images scale better for moderate printing sizes.

Bear in mind, neither camera supports RAW formats, limiting post-processing flexibility - a sticking point for professionals or enthusiasts who favor advanced editability.

Display and Viewfinder Usability: Clarity Where It Counts

Viewing your images and composing shots is fundamental. Both Fuji models feature 3-inch fixed LCDs with identical 460k-dot resolution, which is adequate but not sharp by today’s standards.

The S8400W includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 201k-dot resolution, slightly better than the S4000’s unspecified EVF specs, which reportedly offer 97% frame coverage. The difference is subtle but appreciated in bright shooting conditions where screens wash out easily.

Neither camera offers touchscreen capabilities, so navigation relies on buttons and dials - a familiar setup for traditionalists but potentially frustrating for users accustomed to tap-and-swipe interfaces.

Autofocus and Continuous Shooting: Speed and Accuracy Under the Microscope

Superzoom cameras span diverse shooting situations - from casual wildlife snapshots to capturing fleeting street moments. Hence, autofocus (AF) performance and burst capabilities are key.

The S4000 offers contrast-detection AF with face detection, single and continuous AF modes, but tops out at a very slow continuous shooting pace of 1 fps. This bottleneck makes it unsuited for action or fast wildlife photography.

The S8400W, despite also relying on contrast AF without phase-detection, boosts continuous shooting to 10 fps (though limited in buffer capacity). However, AF tracking during continuous remains somewhat challenged, often hunting at longer focal lengths or lower light.

Both cameras’ AF systems use center-weighted metering predominantly, and neither features animal eye-detection or advanced focus zone customization. Still, the S8400W’s manual focus ring adds tactile precision for macro or meticulous portrait work - something the S4000’s fixed manual focus points lack.

Lens Performance: The Superzoom Range and Aperture Realities

Arguably the marquee feature - the lens.

• The S4000 boasts a 24-720mm equivalent lens (30x optical zoom) with a max aperture of f/3.1 at wide and f/5.9 at telephoto.

• The S8400W stretches even further: 24-1056mm (44x zoom), f/2.9–6.5 aperture spread.

This difference isn’t trivial. Having f/2.9 at the wide end offers a brighter viewfinder image and better low-light capture possibilities, while the extended zoom on the S8400W covers extreme telephoto range - enticing for wildlife or sports photographers needing reach without interchangeable lenses.

Image stabilization types differ:

• S4000 uses sensor-shift (in-body), effective but struggles slightly at max zoom lengths.

• S8400W employs optical stabilization within the lens, generally providing more consistent steadiness, which matters greatly when shooting handheld at long focal distances.

Macro capabilities also improved: the S8400W focuses as close as 1cm, compared to 2cm on the S4000, enhancing detail shots of insects or flowers.

Photo Sample Gallery: Seeing the Differences in Action

No amount of specs can replace eyeballing image outputs - so I’ve compiled a side-by-side gallery featuring crops from both cameras under various conditions: landscape, portraits, telephoto wildlife, and low-light scenarios.

FujiFilm S4000 front FujiFilm S4000 screen back Fujifilm S8400W front Fujifilm S8400W screen back

You’ll note:

• The S8400W captures sharper detail with less noise at higher ISOs.

• Skin tones on the S8400W appear more natural and less prone to oversaturation.

• The S4000 struggles with dynamic range in shadow areas, which is evident in high-contrast greenery shots.

• Telephoto reach on the S8400W reveals more detail but requires careful handholding or tripod use due to narrower aperture and potential shake.

These observations sync closely with sensor and lens differences discussed earlier.

Video Capabilities: Modest Improvements with Modern Formats

Both cameras offer HD video but with different resolutions and frame rates.

• The S4000 records at 1280x720p (30 fps) using Motion JPEG - a heavily compressed, less efficient codec resulting in larger files and lower overall video quality.

• The S8400W steps up with 1920x1080p Full HD at 60 fps recording, employing the more modern H.264 codec, which yields better compression without quality loss.

Despite this, neither camera sports external microphone inputs or headphone outputs, limiting audio control quality - a critical factor for serious videographers.

Neither offers 4K or advanced video features such as focus peaking, but the S8400W’s faster frame rates potentially appeal more to slow-motion enthusiasts or vloggers on a budget.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Both cameras rely on 4x AA batteries, a choice that’s a double-edged sword.

• Pros: AA batteries are widely available globally and can be sourced in emergencies easily.

• Cons: Weight, cost over time, and less eco-friendly compared to proprietary lithium-ion packs common today.

Battery life estimates stand near 300 shots per charge - respectable for this power setup but less than mirrorless or compact cameras with built-in rechargeables.

Storage-wise, both utilize SD/SDHC cards, with the S8400W additionally supporting faster SDXC formats - an advantage when recording HD video or shooting extended continuous bursts.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Features Missing or Present?

The S4000 essentially lacks wireless connectivity, relying solely on USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs.

By contrast, the S8400W includes built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control, a significant convenience upgrade for casual social shooters.

Neither model supports Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS, which are staples in later bridge cameras and smartphones today.

Environmental sealing is absent across the board, so using these cameras outdoors demands more care.

What About Real-World Performance Scores?

While neither camera has official DxOMark scores, I’ve assigned relative performance grades based on technical specs, image quality, and usability.

As expected:

• The S8400W consistently scores higher in sensor quality, zoom versatility, and video features.

• The S4000 maintains decent points for ergonomics and simplicity.

Specialized Performance: How Do They Handle Photography Genres?

Superzoom bridge cameras aim to juggle many genres, but they naturally have strengths and weaknesses. Below is a breakdown across common photography types.

• Portraits: The S8400W’s better sensor and manual focus ring yield finer skin tones, smoother bokeh at wide apertures, and more reliable center AF.

• Landscapes: Improved dynamic range and higher resolution on the S8400W make it the preferred choice, though neither excels here compared to DSLRs or mirrorless.

• Wildlife: The expanded zoom on the S8400W paired with faster continuous shooting benefits telephoto enthusiasts - though slow AF tracking limits professional use.

• Sports: Neither camera is ideal, but the S8400W’s 10 fps burst offers more opportunities to capture action.

• Street: The lighter S4000 is easier to carry discretely, with quick startup and modest zoom sufficing for urban reportage.

• Macro: The S8400W wins thanks to closer minimum focus distance and manual focusing.

• Night/Astro: Both struggle due to small sensors and limited ISO performance, but the S8400W’s better noise control is advantageous.

• Video: Clearly the S8400W leads with Full HD and superior codec.

• Travel: Balanced handling and longer zoom on the S8400W aid versatility, though slightly heavier load.

• Professional: Neither model competes with interchangeable-lens systems for workflow but serve as convenient backups or casual shooters.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Which Fuji Fits Your Vision?

Both the FujiFilm S4000 and S8400W inhabit intriguing niches within the superzoom bridge category. Having tested both over varied shooting sessions, here’s my candid summation:

Choose the FujiFilm S4000 if:

• You’re on a tighter budget (~$280 at launch) and want a straightforward camera for casual shooting without the bells and whistles.

• You prioritize lighter weight and a simpler control interface for travel or street photography.

• Your subject matter rarely ventures into high-speed action or extreme telephoto territory.

Opt for the Fujifilm S8400W if:

• You need the reach of a 44x zoom (1056mm equivalent) for wildlife or sports snapshots without carrying multiple lenses.

• Video recording at Full HD is important, coupled with better autofocus and image stabilization.

• You want improved image quality with a BSI-CMOS sensor offering higher resolution, better ISO range, and dynamic performance.

• Wireless connectivity and macro shooting capabilities enhance your workflow.

In both cases, you’ll be trading off some professional features like RAW capture, advanced autofocus systems, and weather resistance. These cameras shine as budget-friendly, all-in-one solutions rather than versatile professional tools.

Methodology Note: How We Tested

My evaluation involved direct side-by-side shooting over multiple days across urban, natural, and indoor settings under varying light conditions. Standardized test charts evaluated sensor resolution, noise, and dynamic range, while real subjects informed autofocus reliability and ergonomics. Video was recorded onto SDHC cards using default settings to assess output quality and system responsiveness.

Closing Image Gallery: Gear on Location

A final image picturing both cameras stationed during a day-long field outing - a reminder that knowing which tool fits your hand and vision is key before making the investment.

I hope this comparison delivers clarity on where these FujiFilm superzoom bridges fit today’s photography landscape, helping you make a well-informed choice tailored to your creative pursuits. Feel free to share your experiences or questions about either camera!