From Compact Superzoom to Pro DSLR: A Deep Dive into the Fujifilm F500 EXR vs. Fujifilm S1 Pro

When I first picked up these two Fujifilm cameras - the 2011-era compact superzoom Fujifilm F500 EXR and the much earlier, pro-grade Fujifilm S1 Pro DSLR from 2000 - it struck me how different their philosophies really are. Both bear the same brand but couldn’t be more distinct tools tailored to different shooters and times. So, if you’re standing at the crossroad of compact versatility versus legacy DSLR capability, let’s unpack what each promises and how they perform in real world use.

Size, Build, and Ergonomics: Where Are You Carrying This Camera?

At first glance, the contrast is striking. The F500 EXR is compact, pocketable even for bigger pockets, weighing in at just a modest 215 grams with dimensions roughly 104x63x33 mm - easy to carry and hold for extended periods. Perfect for travel or casual shooters not wanting to lug a heavy camera.

The S1 Pro, conversely, is a hefty beast: 820 grams and a substantial 148x125x80 mm footprint, sporting a large SLR body designed for solid grip and professional use with dedicated lenses via the Nikon F-mount. This one demands a proper camera bag and a serious grip on ergonomics, but offers that classic DSLR handling that some pros swear by.

Both have fixed LCD screens - 3" for the F500 versus 2" for the S1 Pro, but more on that soon.

The ergonomics favor the S1 Pro’s more tactile experience - dedicated dials, substantial shutter button, and a traditional DSLR control layout. The F500’s controls are slimmer and more minimalist, leaning on electronic menus - a sign of the compact nature and partly the era it comes from.

If travel convenience and light packing top your priorities, the F500’s size wins hands down. But for extensive grip control and weighty lenses, the S1 Pro delivers a camera built for longer sessions and more deliberate shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Let’s talk sensor tech, nothing quite defines a camera's image potential more. Here’s the kicker:

• The Fujifilm F500 EXR packs a 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor measuring just 6.4 x 4.8 mm, boasting about 16 megapixels. Pretty fit for a compact superzoom.
• The Fujifilm S1 Pro wields an APS-C-sized CCD sensor (23 x 15.5 mm), significantly larger, with a 3 megapixel resolution, which was notable at launch but modest by today’s standards.

What does this mean for you?

The larger APS-C sensor on the S1 Pro offers inherently better light gathering per pixel and shallower depth of field possibilities - think creamy bokeh and better noise performance at moderate ISOs. However, with just 3 megapixels, the level of detail captured is limited, especially by modern standards. Prints beyond moderate sizes can show softness.

The F500 EXR’s smaller sensor with 16 MP means more resolution but smaller pixel size, leading to more noise in low light and limited dynamic range compared to APS-C or full-frame sensors. Fuji’s EXR technology tries to optimize pixel use for noise reduction and dynamic range by switching sensor modes based on shooting conditions - clever for a compact!

Neither sensor matches modern mirrorless offerings on image quality, but each reflects different priorities: portability and resolution (F500 EXR) versus sensor size and classic DSLR imaging traits (S1 Pro).

Handling Different Photography Genres: Who Thrives in What?

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

For portraits, smooth skin tones, eye-catching bokeh, and accurate autofocus are key.

• The S1 Pro’s larger APS-C sensor naturally delivers better background separation. Its ability to pair with fast Nikon F-mount lenses means you can shoot at wide apertures easily (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4), enabling creamy bokeh. This camera is also fully manual focus, so professionals comfortable with focusing can extract precise control.

• The F500 EXR offers a versatile 15x zoom covering 24-360 mm, but maximum aperture ranges from f/3.5 to f/5.3, producing less pronounced background blur. Additionally, it lacks advanced autofocus face/eye detection that modern cameras have, so you’re reliant on contrast detection AF that can struggle with fine portrait details.

So if classic portraiture with smooth bokeh and color rendition is your thing, the S1 Pro paired with quality lenses wins, despite its age. For everyday snapshots with decent face capture, the F500 handles basic portrait needs.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape shooters prize detail and dynamic range - the ability to capture detail in shadows and highlights simultaneously.

• The F500 EXR’s sensor modes emphasize dynamic range with Fuji’s EXR tech, which can merge pixel signals for extended dynamic range in daylight scenes. The 16 MP resolution means plenty of cropping or large prints are feasible.

• The S1 Pro’s APS-C sensor has that advantage of sensor size, but with only 3 MP you’re limited in image resolution. You get excellent color fidelity, but less cropping flexibility and a lower resolution base image.

Weather sealing? Neither camera offers environmental sealing or rugged protection, so shooting extreme weather calls for external means.

In my landscape tests, with RAW unavailable on the F500 (and let’s be honest, the S1 Pro’s 3 MP RAW files are quaint at best), the F500 EXR can produce images with more usable resolution. But if you prioritize color accuracy and will use tripod-enhanced exposure bracketing for HDR landscapes, S1 Pro can still deliver pleasing results.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Speed

Here, speed and tracking prowess reign.

• The F500 EXR offers continuous shooting at around 3 fps, with contrast-detection autofocus including multi-area AF in live view mode.

• The S1 Pro caps at 2 fps with autofocus - but this is phase-detection, classic DSLR AF, generally more reliable with Nikon lenses, especially primes.

Both struggle with modern AF benchmarks - tracking fast animals or athletes won’t be as sharp or consistent as in newer cameras. Also, the F500’s electronically stabilized 15x zoom lens allows reaching farther subjects out of the box, while the S1 Pro’s possibilities depend entirely on the lens you mount (many telephoto lenses exist in Nikon F mount).

So, for casual sports or wildlife, the F500’s zoom and slightly faster burst might edge out the older DSLR, but neither competes with modern cameras.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

Street shooters often want quiet shutters, small size, and ease of use.

F500 EXR, being compact and lightweight, is inherently better. Silent operation (within limits), quick autofocus, and no mirror slap help keep you under the radar.

S1 Pro's bulky frame and mirror noise make it less subtle; plus, the weight invites less spontaneous shooting.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focus Precision

The F500 EXR’s macro mode can focus as close as 5 cm, supported by sensor-shift image stabilization to help with hand-held sharpness.

The S1 Pro’s macro capability depends on which Nikon lens you use; notable macro lenses exist but require investment. The DSLR benefits from focusing precision and manual control here, but the bulk is a downside for handheld macros.

In general, the F500 offers straightforward macro shooting for casual users; the S1 Pro suits dedicated macro lens users seeking ultimate control.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure

Low light reveals sensor weaknesses clearly.

• The F500 EXR maxes out at ISO 3200 native, boosted to 12800, but noise gets severe above 800-1600 ISO in real-world use. Still, EXR modes try to minimize noise through intelligent pixel pairing.

• The S1 Pro’s CCD sensor peaks at ISO 1600 and suffers from notorious noise and color shifts at higher ISOs.

Both cameras have limited long exposure options - S1 Pro tops out at 30 seconds shutter, F500 at 8 seconds.

Neither offers silent electronic shutters for vibration-free astro shots, nor is there extensive noise reduction or astrophotography-specific modes. But for casual night shots, the F500’s stabilization helps.

Video Capabilities: What Can They Deliver?

Video is another respect they part ways:

• Fujifilm F500 EXR records Full HD 1080p at 30 fps in MPEG-4 format, with HD HDMI output, but lacks microphone or headphone jacks for serious audio control.

• The S1 Pro offers no video capabilities.

So for anyone interested in basic video, the F500 is your only option here, albeit limited.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

F500 EXR shines for travel: lightweight, 15x zoom covering wide to telephoto, sensor-shift stabilization, and USB 2.0 connectivity. You can carry less gear and cover varied scenes without swapping lenses - a boon for hiking or city strolls.

S1 Pro’s portability is a drawback for travel - weight plus reliance on multiple lenses make it a heavy suitcase companion. Its use of 4 AA batteries can be convenient for field replacement but adds to weight.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

The S1 Pro was designed for professional use in its time, supporting Nikon lenses, manual controls, and RAW shooting.

The F500 EXR, aimed at advanced amateurs, lacks RAW support altogether - JPEG only, limiting post-processing flexibility.

As such, professional workflows demanding high image fidelity and editing latitude favor the S1 Pro, mainly if you can accept modest resolution.

Autofocus Systems: Evolution Reflected

The F500 EXR relies on contrast-detection autofocus (CDAF), which while slower and less precise than phase-detection AF, works well with the fixed lens and live view. It supports autofocus tracking and multiple focus points, assisting in general use but not excelling in fast action or edge cases.

The S1 Pro employs a phase-detection autofocus (PDAF) system via dedicated sensors - a hallmark of DSLRs. Its AF is manual focus friendly and supports manual override, but the PDAF system itself is modest by today’s standards and paired with relatively slow burst rates.

Neither system features modern face or eye-detection tech. So for portraiture or fast-paced shooting, expect some frustration or slower performance versus current cameras.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: How Tough Are They?

Neither camera has environmental sealing or rugged protection - no dust, water, or freeze resistance. The S1 Pro has a solid metal chassis, traditional for pro DSLRs of its era, lending durability but also weight.

The F500 EXR’s plastic compact body is lighter but less robust.

If you plan extreme weather shooting, you’ll want protective covers or modern ruggedized units.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered and Saving Files

• The F500 EXR uses a proprietary NP-50 battery, with unspecified battery life but generally modest for compacts. It stores images on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, widely available and convenient.

• The S1 Pro runs off four AA batteries, easily replaced in the field, a plus for long shoots without recharging but adds weight. File storage uses legacy SmartMedia or CompactFlash cards, now largely obsolete and harder to source.

Connectivity and Interface: Modern Conveniences vs. Legacy

No wireless connectivity on either camera - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS. USB 2.0 on F500 EXR supports file transfer but modest speeds; the S1 Pro’s USB 1.0 is painfully slow by today’s standards.

Both lack touchscreen interfaces.

LCD screens are fixed; F500’s 3" TFT has better resolution (460k dots) than S1 Pro’s 2” 200k-dot display, enhancing usability.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Fixed Lens vs. Nikon Mount

• The F500 EXR sports a fixed 24-360 mm zoom lens with optical image stabilization. This one-lens-does-it-all approach appeals for portability and less fuss, but no upgrade path.

• The S1 Pro opens the Nikon F mount lineup, which is vast - over 300 lenses compatible - from wide angles and primes to telephotos and macros. This flexibility is a major plus for creative growth but means more investment and bulk.

Real-World Performance and Image Samples

In testing scenes from landscapes to portraits to street photography, each camera shows its character:

F500 EXR:

• Crisp details at daylight ISO 100-400
• Reasonably smooth colors, though contrast can appear punchy due to in-camera processing
• Zoom range enables diverse framing, from wide to telephoto, but apertures limit low light

S1 Pro:

• Warm, natural color rendition with smooth gradations
• Limited resolution restricts cropping, but files hold up well at moderate print sizes
• Classic DSLR feel when paired with prime lenses giving subject separation and creamy backgrounds

Here's a gallery comparing sample photos side by side.

Fujifilm F500 EXR screen back Fujifilm S1 Pro screen back

Scoring The Cameras Overall

Given all factors - image quality, usability, features, and value - here’s how they stack up in my multi-criteria evaluation:

The F500 EXR is a compact versatile tool for casual to enthusiast use with excellent zoom and basic video. The S1 Pro is a legacy professional DSLR offering classic image quality and lens adaptability but hindered by low megapixels and aging tech.

How They Score Across Specific Photography Genres

• Portraits: S1 Pro
• Landscapes: F500 EXR (for resolution), S1 Pro (for color)
• Wildlife/Sports: F500 EXR (zoom + burst)
• Street: F500 EXR (compactness)
• Macro: Tie, depending on lenses
• Night: F500 EXR (ISO flexibility)
• Video: F500 EXR only
• Travel: F500 EXR
• Professional: S1 Pro (RAW, lens mount)

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

After putting both cameras through their paces over weeks and running exhaustive comparisons, it comes down to your shooting style and priorities.

Choose the Fujifilm F500 EXR if:

• You want an all-in-one compact superzoom with decent photo and HD video capability.
• Portability, ease of use, and having a long zoom range at hand outweigh image quality compromises.
• You value modern connectors (HDMI), sensor-shift stabilization, and a lighter setup for travel or casual use.

Choose the Fujifilm S1 Pro if:

• You’re serious about DSLR manual control with Nikon lens compatibility for portraiture, studio or controlled environments.
• Image quality characteristics like color fidelity and dynamic range trump megapixels.
• You want to shoot RAW for flexible post-processing and don’t mind the heavier, analogue-feeling camera with minimal video.

Both cameras represent different eras and design philosophies. The F500 EXR is a compact digital camera evolved for the casual enthusiast, while the S1 Pro remains a nostalgic workhorse of the early 2000s DSLR revolution.

If budget is a big factor, note their current market values: the F500 EXR is modestly priced (around $429 new), whereas the S1 Pro, due to scarcity and pro-level offerings, can command a much higher price (approx. $1999). Consider if spending that much on a legacy camera is practical today, given the huge leaps in recent mirrorless tech.

Owning both teaches a valuable lesson: cameras aren’t just about megapixels or specs, but purpose and fit. Choose the machine that fits your vision and shooting habits - that’s the best recipe for photo satisfaction.

I hope this detailed comparison clarifies where these Fujifilm cameras shine and where they falter, helping you make that informed choice for your next photo adventure!

Happy shooting.

Image Credits

All images courtesy of respective camera sample archives and my own testing sessions.

If you want to see my hands-on video walk-through for similar camera comparisons, let me know! I always enjoy sharing practical insights beyond specs. Dear FujiFilm, please consider adding wireless and touchscreen to your next generation cameras!