FujiFilm Finepix Z90 vs Nikon Coolpix S1100pj: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Ultracompact Cameras

Choosing a pocketable camera that strikes the right balance between image quality, performance, and usability can be surprisingly complex, even at the ultracompact level. Over the past decade, manufacturers have injected interesting features into these tiny rigs, yet compromises remain inherent. Today, we'll delve deep into two contemporaries from FujiFilm and Nikon - the 2011 Finepix Z90 and the 2010 Coolpix S1100pj.

Having tested both models extensively in field conditions, I'll provide a thorough analysis spanning sensor performance, autofocus traits, handling, and more. Our goal is to equip you with actionable insights when considering either for casual shooting, travel, or specific photographic niches. Let’s set the stage with an overview of their physical and ergonomic differences.

First Impressions and Handling: Size, Weight, and Feel in Hand

Ultracompact cameras are supposed to be discreet and pocket-friendly, so physical dimensions and ergonomics matter as much as megapixels. At first glance, the Finepix Z90 lives true to FujiFilm’s sleek aesthetic: slim, minimalistic, and with a clean façade. The Nikon S1100pj, on the other hand, is chunkier and more robust in feel, partly due to its differing lens assembly and included features.

Take a look at their side-by-side footprint:

Dimensionally, the Finepix Z90 measures approximately 95 x 57 x 20mm, weighing a featherlight 133 grams, while the Nikon is bulkier at 101 x 68 x 24 mm and roughly 180 grams. The weight differential is perceptible during handheld shooting or extended carry - FujiFilm’s offering excels for those valuing pocket comfort; Nikon demands a more deliberate packing choice.

The Z90's flat, metal-like finish feels smooth but can be slippery, lacking pronounced grip areas. This makes shooting with one hand marginally riskier for users with larger hands or in dynamic environments. Conversely, the S1100pj’s rounded edges and slightly textured surfaces enhance handling confidence.

From a tactile control perspective, both cameras lack manual dials or external exposure controls, aimed squarely at automatics and novice-friendly simplicity - a trade-off intrinsic to ultracompacts but still disappointing to enthusiasts who long for some creative input.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive or Minimalist?

Top-plate buttons and screen interface often dictate shooting ease in compact cameras, where limited real estate constrains complex control schemes.

Here’s a comparative top-down look:

The FujiFilm Finepix Z90 opts for a clutter-free top, sporting a small shutter release and a power button, with most functions controlled via touchscreen interface. Meanwhile, the Nikon Coolpix S1100pj adds a bit more physical engagement options, including a dedicated mode dial and a pop-up projector feature button - we’ll get to that unique aspect shortly.

The absence of manual focus rings or exposure compensation buttons is expected but limits photographers seeking granular adjustments. The Nikon’s mode dial provides quick access to scene modes and playback, an advantage over FujiFilm’s largely screen-dependent navigation, which can be slower or less intuitive in bright daylight.

Sensor and Image Quality: Under the Hood of the Image Engine

Both cameras share a common sensor size and resolution benchmark: a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring roughly 6.17 x 4.55mm, capturing 14 megapixels in a 4:3 aspect ratio, maxing out at 4320x3240 pixels.

Check out this graphic comparing sensor real estate:

A 1/2.3" sensor is tiny by today’s standards and imposes physical limitations on dynamic range, noise performance, and depth-of-field control. CCD technology, employed by both, delivers generally pleasant color rendition and low noise at base ISOs but tends to lack the high-ISO prowess and speed of modern CMOS sensors.

• FujiFilm Finepix Z90: Max ISO sensitivity caps at ISO 3200, with limited ISO progression beyond 100, and incorporates an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré artifacts - a standard choice for general use. The sensor design prioritizes balanced color fidelity but struggles with noise beyond ISO 800, as you'd expect.

• Nikon Coolpix S1100pj: ISO maxes at 1600 natively, with a boosted extended ISO 6400 mode that’s usable only with caveats due to heavy noise resulting from sensor limitations. The S1100pj includes nine AF points full of contrast-detection autofocus, aiding in more nuanced focus acquisition.

In practical shooting, both cameras produce adequate 14MP JPEGs suitable for casual prints or online sharing, but neither supports RAW capture - a decisive factor for more serious shooters wanting latitude in post-processing.

Color profiles differ subtly: FujiFilm renders images with a warm tonality and punchier saturation, beneficial for portraits or landscapes with vibrant foliage. Nikon leans slightly toward a neutral palette that preserves highlight details well but can appear flat if not post-processed.

LCD and User Interface: Touchscreens on Small Canvases

Viewing and composing through the LCD is crucial on compacts that lack electronic viewfinders.

Here’s the screen comparison:

Both models sport a 3-inch LCD panel. The FujiFilm’s display is a TFT LCD with a modest 230K-dot resolution, which makes fine focus checking tricky, especially under bright conditions - a common frustration on budget compacts. The touchscreen interface is responsive but can exhibit lag in menu navigation and lacks multitouch gestures.

The Nikon S1100pj improves with a sharper 460K-dot LCD, doubling the clarity and making live view and menu browsing more comfortable. While it lacks touchscreen input, Nikon’s physical buttons compensate adequately for tactile feedback.

Neither screen is articulated, which limits shooting flexibility in tight or unusual angles, and no viewfinder is supplied on either camera - an omission typical for ultraportables but notable.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy in the Real World

Contrast-detection AF systems dominate compact cameras, where size and cost dictate design, but their performance varies.

The FujiFilm Z90 focuses using a touch-to-focus system backed by continuous AF capability. However, without multiple selectable focusing zones or face detection, achieving precise focus on moving subjects or in cluttered scenes is challenging. Its max continuous shooting speed is a modest 1 fps, limiting its use for action.

The Nikon S1100pj edges ahead with nine contrast-detection AF points and spot focus capabilities, granting more compositional flexibility. Tracking AF is absent, so fast-moving subjects remain tricky. The continuous shooting speed is unspecified, but real-world use suggests it’s similarly slow, designed for casual bursts rather than sports.

Neither model includes face or eye-detection AF, a feature that was becoming popular around their release but still rare at this price and category.

Lens and Optical Versatility: What Are We Working With?

Both cameras feature a fixed 5x optical zoom lens covering a 28-140mm equivalent range, suitable for wide-angle group shots up to medium telephoto framing.

• FujiFilm Finepix Z90 has an aperture range of f/3.9-4.9, offering decent light-gathering at the wide end but restricted telephoto brightness.

• Nikon Coolpix S1100pj trails slightly on aperture with a variable f/3.9-5.8, which may affect autofocus speed and low-light performance at full zoom.

The FujiFilm macro focusing ability is limited to 9cm, whereas Nikon impresses with a tighter 3cm minimum focus distance. For macro enthusiasts, the S1100pj offers superior close-up performance, enabling better detail capture of flowers or small subjects.

Neither lens supports interchangeable optics - typical for ultracompacts - but both deliver image stabilization: FujiFilm uses sensor-shift stabilization, while Nikon uses optical lens-shift stabilization. Optical stabilization usually offers better clarity across zoom ranges; our tests confirmed slightly crisper telephoto shots on the Nikon.

Video Capabilities: How Do They Stack Up?

Video is increasingly important for hybrid shooters who want stills and motion.

• FujiFilm Z90 shoots 720p HD video at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, a basic codec that is easy to edit but often results in large files with inferior compression efficiency.

• Nikon S1100pj also records 720p at 30 fps but uses the more modern and efficient H.264 codec, supporting additional lower resolutions with variable frame rates, enhancing versatility.

Neither camera supports manual video controls or external microphones, limiting creative video work. But the Nikon adds a unique selling point: a built-in projector capable of displaying photos and videos on flat surfaces - handy for casual sharing or impromptu presentations, though the actual brightness and resolution are limited.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping the Cameras Ready

Battery life remains a critical usability metric, especially on day-long excursions.

• FujiFilm Finepix Z90 uses an NP-45A battery pack rated for approximately 220 shots per charge, adequate but not generous by compact standards. Spare batteries or charging accessories are recommended for extended use.

• Nikon Coolpix S1100pj’s battery life stats are less clear but anecdotal user reports and manufacturer estimates suggest roughly 260 shots per charge - slightly better but in the same ballpark.

Both accept SD, SDHC cards and use single memory card slots. The Nikon's support includes SDXC, offering future-proofing for large capacity cards, while FujiFilm sticks with the standards prevalent at its launch.

Durability and Environmental Sealing: Ready for Rough Use?

Neither camera includes weather sealing, waterproofing, or ruggedized features. Both are designed primarily for casual everyday use - no frozen mountaintops or beach shoots without protective cases.

Reviewing Image Samples: How Do Shots Actually Look?

Theory aside, let’s examine actual photos shot side-by-side under varied conditions. Below is a curated gallery showcasing portraits, landscapes, macro, and low-light images from both bodies.

FujiFilm Finepix Z90 front FujiFilm Finepix Z90 screen back Nikon S1100pj front Nikon S1100pj screen back

The FujiFilm tends to render skin tones with warmth and a slightly smoother bokeh effect, aided by its aperture and sensor characteristics. Landscapes benefit from vivid saturation but can occasionally clip highlights in harsh sun.

Nikon images keep a cooler color balance with slightly more edge definition, especially noticeable in macro shots thanks to closer focusing. The projector feature was tested but naturally, image quality projected is too low-res for serious display - more a novelty than tool.

Performance Ratings: Overall and Genre-Specific Scores

To offer a quantitative assessment, we've benchmarked both cameras across key performance indicators and photography types based on lab and real-world tests.

And broken down by genre:

To summarize:

• FujiFilm Finepix Z90 rates higher for portrait and travel photography, thanks to lightweight design and commendable sensor color response.

• Nikon Coolpix S1100pj leads in macro and street photography niches, benefiting from sharper focusing capabilities and a more versatile lens macro range.

Neither model suits wildlife or sports photography seriously, given sluggish autofocus and frame rates.

Where Each Camera Excels - And Where They Don’t

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

In an era where smartphones dominate casual photography, ultracompacts like these carve out a niche for quick, easy-to-use cameras with slightly better zoom and optical stabilization.

• Choose the FujiFilm Finepix Z90 if you prioritize a slender, lightweight body for travel or everyday carry, value warmer portrait tones, and want a simple touchscreen interface. Its image stabilization is competent for casual handheld shooting and the price point appeals to budget-oriented buyers.

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix S1100pj if close-up macro capability and video versatility tempt you, especially with the novel projector feature enhancing sharing possibilities. The superior screen resolution and more tactile controls make it easier to use in varied lighting and fast-paced street situations. The higher price tags a more substantial feature set.

For professional use, neither camera suffices. Low-light noise, lack of manual controls, and limited optics mean pros should look to interchangeable-lens systems. But as pocket companions for casual photography, they both reflect the strengths and compromises of early 2010s ultracompacts - neither reinventing the wheel but offering specific appeals.

Parting Thoughts

Examining the FujiFilm Finepix Z90 and Nikon Coolpix S1100pj side by side paints a vivid picture of what ultracompacts were capable of just a decade ago: modest sensors, minimalist controls, and niche features crowded into tiny bodies.

Where the Z90 shines in lightweight simplicity and pleasant color, the S1100pj teases with purposeful macro performance and quirky projector tech. Both falter on autofocus speed and high-ISO noise, reminding us how much camera tech has progressed since.

If you’re seeking to understand vintage compacts or grab a budget device for casual use with specific strengths, these models remain worthy of consideration. Just temper expectations against current standards.

Thanks for joining me on this deep dive - I hope my hands-on insights help you match your photographic ambitions with the ultracompact camera that fits best.

If you’re looking for alternatives with more modern features, keep an eye on recent mirrorless and advanced compacts with larger sensors and hybrid autofocus systems - they’ve changed the landscape dramatically in the last decade.