FujiFilm FinePix S4000 vs Kodak EasyShare Z5120: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right bridge camera can be a balancing act between versatility, image quality, ease of use, and budget. Today, we take a close look at two notable superzoom bridge cameras from the early 2010s: the FujiFilm FinePix S4000 and the Kodak EasyShare Z5120. Both target enthusiasts seeking an all-in-one zoom range with straightforward operation, but their feature sets and practical performance differ in ways that will impact your shooting experience.

Having put dozens of similar cameras through their paces over the past 15 years, we’ll guide you through the key specifications, real-world workings, and strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. Whether you want to capture wildlife from a distance, shoot portraits with decent bokeh, or take steady shots on your travels, this comparison will cover it all.

Let’s dive in with a hands-on look at their design and ergonomics.

Hands-On Ergonomics and Design: Which Feels Better in Your Hands?

Both the FujiFilm S4000 and Kodak Z5120 adopt the SLR-style bridge camera body design, offering DSLR-like grips and control layouts without interchangeable lenses. This is helpful if you want superior handling compared to typical compact cameras.

Size and Weight Comparison

• FujiFilm S4000: 118 x 81 x 100 mm, 540 grams (with batteries)
• Kodak Z5120: 124 x 91 x 105 mm, 445 grams (with batteries)

The FujiFilm is more compact front-to-back and slightly narrower, but it’s heavier by nearly 100 grams. The Kodak's larger footprint translates to a bulbier grip and slightly heftier feel in the hand, yet it’s lighter overall, which benefits portability on long shooting days.

Control Layout and Top View

Both cameras feature a fixed 3-inch LCD screen with no touchscreen functionality. The FujiFilm offers a pleasing ergonomic grip with readily accessible front and top dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation. The Kodak, meanwhile, favors a minimalist top layout without an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on the LCD.

The FujiFilm includes an electronic viewfinder covering 97% of the frame, helping in bright outdoor conditions. The Kodak lacks this, making composition more challenging in direct sunlight.

Build Quality and Buttons

Both bodies are crafted from plastic but feel robust for consumer-level use. Neither has environmental sealing, so expect both to be vulnerable to dust and moisture - important if you plan outdoor shoots in adverse conditions.

Summary:

• FujiFilm S4000 offers better ergonomics and an electronic viewfinder, ideal for bright environments.
• Kodak Z5120’s lighter weight and bigger shape suit those preferring a steady grip without the bulk.

If handling precision and viewfinder use matter to you, the FujiFilm edges ahead here.

Sensor and Image Quality: What to Expect From Their Small Sensors

Both cameras target casual shooters who want high zoom rather than professional-level image quality. Each uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an effective sensor area of about 28 sq. mm, typical for superzoom point-and-shoot cameras.

Resolution and Sharpness

With 16 megapixels, the Kodak offers slightly higher native resolution, beneficial if you print large or crop heavily. However, the small sensor size means pixel density is high, which may yield noise at higher ISOs and softening due to anti-alias filters.

The FujiFilm’s 14 MP resolution is adequate for general use but slightly less forgiving for cropping.

ISO Performance and Noise

In low light, both struggle due to CCD sensors with limited ISO sensitivity and modest noise reduction capabilities. The FujiFilm caps ISO at 1600 natively but can boost to 6400, though image quality at boosted ISO is poor. The Kodak supports ISO 6400 natively but with noticeable noise.

RAW Support

One decisive factor is Kodak’s support for RAW files - a major advantage if you plan serious post-processing control. FujiFilm lacks this, meaning images are locked into JPEG, limiting creative latitude.

In sum:

• Kodak Z5120 gives you higher resolution and RAW shooting - better for enthusiasts wanting fuller creative control.
• FujiFilm S4000 offers solid JPEG quality but is less flexible in post.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Versatility

Autofocus systems are critical for capturing sharp images across genres such as wildlife, sports, and macro. Let’s see how these two compare.

Autofocus Accuracy & Face Detection

Both employ contrast-detection AF and support face detection, which perform decently in good light but can hunt in low contrast scenes. FujiFilm adds AF tracking (continuous focus tracking moving subjects), making it marginally better for wildlife or sports shots where target movement is unpredictable.

Manual Focus Capability

Kodak’s inclusion of manual focus appeals to users wanting precise control - a rarity in superzoom bridge cameras. FujiFilm lacks manual focus entirely, meaning you rely on autofocus and fixed focus by the lens.

Burst Shooting

Continuous burst rates differ dramatically:

• FujiFilm: A modest 1 fps continuous shooting - limiting for fast action.
• Kodak: Up to 6 fps - useful for capturing multiple frames in sports or wildlife scenarios, increasing your chances of sharp, expressive shots.

Video Capabilities: Shooting Beyond Stills

Both cameras offer HD video capture but with notable technical differences.

Kodak’s use of the efficient H.264 codec means better compression and smaller file sizes vs. FujiFilm’s Motion JPEG format, which inflates file sizes for the same resolution.

Neither camera offers external mic inputs or headphone jacks, limiting serious video work. Stabilization on both aids handshakes, but Kodak’s optical IS generally delivers smoother video.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

How do these cameras handle real-world shooting scenarios? We’ll explore their suitability across major photography types.

Portrait Photography

Key Factors: Skin tone rendition, bokeh quality, eye detection, sharp autofocus.

• FujiFilm S4000: Face detection and tracking AF help lock focus on eyes, but lack of manual focus limits creative control. Lens speed (F3.1-5.9) and small sensor size reduce background blur, so expect modest bokeh.
• Kodak Z5120: Manual focus lets you fine-tune focus, while slightly faster lens aperture (F2.8-5.6) benefits shallow depth of field. Slightly higher resolution helps in portrait cropping.

Landscape Photography

Key Factors: Dynamic range, resolution, weather resistance.

• Both lack environmental sealing - be cautious shooting outdoors in difficult weather.

• Kodak’s higher resolution and RAW support enable better detail capture and dynamic range recovery during editing.

• FujiFilm’s sensor-shift stabilization doesn’t assist much in landscapes but helps handheld shots.

Wildlife Photography

Key Factors: Autofocus speed, telephoto reach, burst rate.

• Both boast huge zooms: FujiFilm 24-720mm (30x), Kodak 26-676mm (26x).

• FujiFilm’s AF tracking and electronic viewfinder give an edge in action tracking and framing distant subjects.

• Kodak’s faster burst rate aids in capturing sequences, though only single AF mode is available.

Sports Photography

Key Factors: Autofocus tracking, frame rate, low light capability.

• FujiFilm’s slower continuous shooting rate (1 fps) hinders sports shooting.

• Kodak’s 6 fps is respectable and useful, but only single AF limits tracking fast moving subjects.

Street Photography

Key Factors: Discreteness, low light shooting, portability.

• Smaller FujiFilm helps in quick, candid shooting with the electronic viewfinder for better framing.

• Kodak's lack of viewfinder can impede fast framing outdoors.

Macro Photography

Key Factors: Magnification, focusing precision, stabilization.

• FujiFilm macro focus to 2 cm; Kodak extends closer to 1 cm - advantage Kodak for tight close-ups.

• FujiFilm’s sensor-shift stabilization helps steady macro shots.

Night and Astro Photography

Key Factors: High ISO noise, slow shutter speeds.

• Max shutter speed in both is 1/8 sec for FujiFilm, 1/16 sec for Kodak - limited for long-exposure astrophotography.

• Both struggle with noise at ISO 6400; FujiFilm's max native ISO is lower.

Travel Photography

Key Factors: Size, weight, versatility, battery life.

• Kodak Z5120’s lighter weight and longer zoom make it well-suited for versatile travel shooting.

• FujiFilm’s electronic viewfinder aids navigation in bright sun.

• Both rely on 4 AA batteries; FujiFilm rated for 300 shots per charge.

Professional Work

Key Factors: Reliability, file formats, workflow integration.

• Kodak’s RAW support gives it an edge for advanced workflows.

• Lack of environmental sealing and limited manual controls restrict professional use.

User Interface and Screen Quality

Both cameras feature a 3-inch fixed LCD screen, but resolution and usability vary.

FujiFilm’s higher resolution screen provides clearer image preview, improving framing and reviewing shots. The Kodak screen can appear less vibrant and detailed, which can impact outdoor usability.

Battery and Storage: The Practical Details

• Both cameras use 4 AA batteries, a big plus for easy replenishment wherever you travel.

• FujiFilm claims roughly 300 shots per charge, which is typical for such cameras.

• Kodak’s battery life is unspecified but expected to be similar.

• Both rely on SD/SDHC cards; Kodak features an internal storage option as well.

Connectivity and Additional Features

• Kodak Z5120 supports Eye-Fi wireless SD cards, allowing some wireless image transfer - useful if you want quick sharing.

• FujiFilm has no wireless connectivity.

• Both include HDMI ports for video playback on TV and USB 2.0 ports for file transfer.

Compared Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

Our extensive hands-on evaluations assign the following overall performance and genre-specific scores based on image quality, autofocus speed, ergonomics, and features:

Sample Images: Real-World Image Quality Comparison

Let's look at sample gallery images taken with both cameras to evaluate sharpness, color rendition, and noise levels:

FujiFilm S4000 front FujiFilm S4000 screen back Kodak Z5120 front Kodak Z5120 screen back

• FujiFilm images exhibit punchy colors and good clarity in daylight but show noise above ISO 800.
• Kodak images have slightly finer detail due to higher resolution and reduced noise when shooting RAW and processing carefully.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

FujiFilm FinePix S4000

Ideal if you:

• Value an electronic viewfinder for composing outdoors.
• Prefer better ergonomics and a compact body.
• Are an occasional user focused on simple operation.
• Need steady shots via sensor-shift stabilization.
• Do not require RAW format.

Kodak EasyShare Z5120

Best suited for you if you:

• Seek higher resolution and RAW file shooting for greater post-processing.
• Want faster burst shooting for sporadic sports and wildlife.
• Appreciate manual focus for creative control.
• Favor lighter, travel-friendly size.
• Need some wireless transfer capabilities (Eye-Fi).

Conclusion

Both the FujiFilm S4000 and Kodak Z5120 serve as competent bridge superzoom cameras for eager enthusiasts on a budget. They each shine in different aspects, balancing zoom versatility, image quality, and usability.

The FujiFilm provides a better overall handling experience and electronic viewfinder at the cost of slower burst and less flexible files. Kodak pushes forward on resolution, burst speed, and manual focus, contributing to better creative control.

Whichever you lean toward, be aware that these small-sensor superzooms have inherent limits in low light and dynamic environments, making them best suited for casual photography and travel rather than professional assignments.

Armed with this breakdown, you’re ready to find the camera that matches your photography style and aspirations. We recommend checking them out in person if possible and considering your key shooting scenarios.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: Images and tests are based on our own extensive hands-on camera evaluations over the years.