FujiFilm FinePix S4000 vs Nikon Coolpix L100: An In-Depth Comparison for the Practical Photographer

If you’ve found yourself eyeing small sensor superzoom cameras, the FujiFilm FinePix S4000 and the Nikon Coolpix L100 are two classic contenders worth your consideration. Both were aimed at enthusiasts who wanted considerable zoom reach and easy usability, cloaked in accessible price points. Today, I’ll walk you through a thorough hands-on comparison based on years of personal testing, technical analysis, and usage scenarios - so you can make an informed choice tailored to your shooting style and budget.

These cameras emerged around 2009 to 2011, a period when bridge cameras were an attractive middle ground between compacts and DSLRs. Let’s dive into their real-world performance, build, image quality, and versatility across photography disciplines - and see which one holds up best in 2024-appropriate contexts.

Getting Acquainted: Design and Ergonomics

Before even turning them on, how a camera feels in your hands counts a lot. These two cameras take different stances in design.

FujiFilm S4000: This model sports a slightly bulkier, SLR-like bridge body, weighing 540g, with a tactile grip that comfortably fits larger hands and provides stability during extended shooting sessions. The 118x81x100mm dimensions give it a hefty presence without crossing into DSLR territory. The fixed 3-inch LCD and electronic viewfinder offer compositional flexibility.

Nikon L100: On the other hand, the L100 opts for a lighter, more compact class with a 360g weight and smaller physical size (110x72x78mm). While it’s more pocketable and easier to carry around casually, it doesn’t have a viewfinder at all - so composing solely relies on the 3-inch rear screen, which is lower resolution.

Ergonomics-wise, I’ve found the FujiFilm’s grip and button placements superior for longer outings or more deliberate shooting. The Nikon’s streamlined, simple shell is better suited to snap-happy street photographers or travelers packing light. But the lack of a viewfinder and smaller screen resolution make it less ideal in harsh outdoor lighting.

Let’s peek at their control surfaces next.

Here you can see FujiFilm’s more extensive exposure control options, including shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual modes, which photographers who like creative exposure control will appreciate. Nikon’s L100 sacrifices that for simplicity - no manual exposure modes or shutter/aperture priority. Instead, Nikon focuses on automated ease-of-use.

If you prefer to stay in full manual control, your eyes should be on FujiFilm. Meanwhile, Nikon L100 suits users who want point-and-shoot convenience with a zoom boost.

Sensor and Image Quality: Testing the Limits of the Small Sensor Era

At their core, both cameras share similar-sized CCD sensors in the 1/2.3” class. Let's compare their specs visually before getting into actual image results.

• The FujiFilm S4000 features a 14MP CCD sensor, offering 4288x3216 pixel resolution.
• The Nikon L100 hits 10MP with a 3648x2736 pixel max image size.

That higher FujiFilm pixel count theoretically brings more detail for cropping or large prints. However, both cameras’ small sensor sizes inherently limit dynamic range and high ISO performance (both max out near ISO 1600 for FujiFilm and 3200 for Nikon but with considerable noise).

Real-world image quality

In my tests shooting outdoors on a sunny day, FujiFilm’s images retained finer detail and crisper edges when zoomed in, largely due to higher resolution and a somewhat better image processor. Nikon L100 offered flatter JPEGs with more muted color but reasonable sharpness for casual prints or web use.

Both cameras struggle with noise beyond ISO 400–800; FujiFilm manages noise slightly better due to a slightly better sensor stack but neither can match modern CMOS sensors for clarity at high ISO.

What about color reproduction and skin tones? FujiFilm leaned toward warmer tones, rendering skin with a pleasant naturalness, while Nikon’s colors were a little cooler and less saturated.

Detailed sample images are below for your perusal.

FujiFilm S4000 front FujiFilm S4000 screen back Nikon L100 front Nikon L100 screen back

Notice the FujiFilm’s ability to capture more tonal gradation in shadows and highlights - this translates to richer landscapes and portraits with more depth.

Autofocus, Lens, and Zoom Versatility: Reach and Accuracy in the Field

Now into the heart of superzoom performance.

• FujiFilm’s lens offers an impressive 24-720mm equivalent focal length, a massive 30x zoom range.
• Nikon L100 comes in at 28-420mm, a smaller but still respectable 15x zoom.

That extra reach gives FujiFilm a clear advantage for wildlife and distant subjects.

Regarding lens aperture, FujiFilm goes from f/3.1 to f/5.9, Nikon from f/3.5 to f/5.4, so both lenses narrow down similarly at telephoto.

Autofocus system

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF (no phase detection here), but FujiFilm has face detection plus continuous AF and tracking, while Nikon sticks to single AF without continuous or face detection.

In practice, this means FujiFilm is better for moving subjects - be they kids playing or wildlife - as it can keep focus lock longer and track objects more reliably. Nikon’s AF can feel a bit sluggish and sometimes hunts on low-contrast targets.

Close focusing is important for macro. FujiFilm manages a close focus of 2cm, Nikon even closer at 1cm, meaning Nikon excels in tight macro shots of flowers or textures.

Stabilization

FujiFilm offers sensor-shift stabilization, active across the zoom range, which effectively reduces blur from hand shake, especially at long focal lengths. Nikon uses optical stabilization built into the lens, which is also effective but generally a bit less versatile.

Given my tracker testing with moving subjects, FujiFilm’s combination of superior stabilization and continuous AF makes it a better bet for wildlife and action shooters on a budget.

Display, Viewfinder, and User Interface

Both cameras use fixed 3-inch LCD displays but differ sharply in resolution and viewfinder availability.

The FujiFilm's 460k-dot screen is brighter, sharper, and easier to navigate menus on compared to Nikon’s 230k-dot display. More pixels make a difference during composition and reviewing images, especially under bright daylight conditions.

Nikon’s lack of any viewfinder means you’re always composing on the rear screen - which may be less comfortable for prolonged use or in bright sun. FujiFilm’s electronic viewfinder covers 97% of the frame, allowing precise framing and a DSLR-like shooting experience.

The menu systems in both cameras feel dated but FujiFilm’s is more logically laid out and responsive. Nikon’s simpler interface suits beginners, but advanced users might chafe at limited customizability.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Mechanics: Catching the Action

If sports or wildlife is your focus, shooting speed is crucial.

• FujiFilm supports continuous shooting at 1.0 fps with continuous AF - modest by modern standards but steady for its age and category.
• Nikon L100 has unspecified continuous shooting specs, effectively making burst shooting impractical.

Neither camera competes with dedicated DSLRs or newer mirrorless cameras here, but FujiFilm offers the better opportunity for action sequences, particularly if you do not demand high frame rates.

Shutter speed range is equivalent: 8 to 1/2000 sec on both - acceptable for most daylight scenarios but may limit freezing ultra-fast motion or long exposures.

FujiFilm also supports shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes, granting you creative freedom for action or low-light scenarios. Nikon limits you to program and automatics.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras rely on four AA batteries, a double-edged sword: while convenient to replace on the go (no proprietary batteries to carry spares for), AA batteries tend to weigh more and deliver less longevity per charge compared to modern lithium-ion cells.

In actual use, FujiFilm manages approximately 300 shots per charge with alkaline batteries; Nikon’s official battery life isn’t specified but generally shorter due to the less efficient design and lack of an EVF.

Both use SD/SDHC cards for storage, with a single slot each - standard fare.

Connectivity is barebones at best:

• FujiFilm has HDMI out and USB 2.0.
• Nikon offers just USB 2.0 (no HDMI).

Neither camera supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS - unsurprisingly given their age.

Weather Sealing and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shock-proof ratings, which confines them to fair-weather and careful handling.

If you plan to shoot outdoors in rugged conditions, these models need protective care, or you would need to look elsewhere.

Evaluating Their Performance Across Photography Genres

Now, let’s break down how each camera stacks up against typical photography disciplines.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

Summarizing the points above:

• FujiFilm FinePix S4000 offers superior image resolution, better exposure controls, a longer zoom range, viewfinder inclusion, and improved autofocus capabilities - all valuable for enthusiasts wanting more control and versatility.

• Nikon Coolpix L100 is more lightweight, simpler to operate, and slightly cheaper (though price fluctuates), appealing to casual users prioritizing portability and straightforward shooting.

At their current market pricing (FujiFilm ~ $279, Nikon ~ $399), FujiFilm generally delivers more bang for your buck in features and image quality, despite a slightly higher weight.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

Let me wrap this up with what I’d recommend based on your priorities:

Choose the FujiFilm FinePix S4000 if you:

• Want manual exposure control and creative flexibility.
• Need a longer zoom range for wildlife or distant subjects.
• Prefer having a viewfinder for stable composition.
• Value better image resolution and color fidelity.
• Shoot action or people and need face detection autofocus.
• Don’t mind a larger, heavier body for better handling.

Choose the Nikon Coolpix L100 if you:

• Prioritize a lightweight, compact camera for casual shooting.
• Prefer simplicity without complex menus or settings.
• Engage mostly in travel or street photography where portability matters.
• Desire macro close-up capability (1cm focusing).
• Can live without a viewfinder and manual modes.
• Are OK with lower resolution and limited zoom reach.

Closing Notes on Testing Methodology and Experience

Over my 15+ years of photographing with hundreds of camera models, I have consistently found that sensor size and lens quality fundamentally dictate image quality, but ergonomics and AF system responsiveness dictate how enjoyable a camera is in the field.

I conducted side-by-side shooting tests in daylight, low light, and macro scenarios, measured shutter lag and AF speed on moving and still subjects, evaluated interface responsiveness and menu clarity, and reviewed battery endurance with both rechargeable and alkalines.

This nuanced approach reveals more than mere specs: it shows how a camera feels in the hand and performs when the shutter button is pressed.

Summary

The FujiFilm S4000 and Nikon L100 are snapshots of a prior camera era when consumers desired bridge cameras that offered versatile zoom and decent image quality without stepping into the DSLR world. FujiFilm edges out with advanced manual control, longer reach, and better image quality, while Nikon offers lightweight simplicity and closer macro reach.

Neither will satisfy modern professionals or enthusiasts seeking raw capture or advanced video, but for budget-conscious beginners or casual shooters wanting big zooms and solid JPEGs, they still have life.

To conclude: If you crave control, reach, and a viewfinder, FujiFilm S4000 is your buddy. If you want easy, light, and straightforward, Nikon L100 will serve you well.

Happy shooting - whichever way you zoom!

Author: With over fifteen years of hands-on camera testing, I've seen how user needs shape the camera landscape. This article distills practical insights from my personal experience and extensive field tests with these models.