FujiFilm F500 EXR vs S9800: The Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

In the world of compact superzoom cameras, FujiFilm’s lineup has always held a special place for delivering versatile lenses coupled with user-friendly handling. Today, we're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two intriguing FujiFilm small-sensor superzoom models: the Fujifilm F500 EXR from 2011, and the Fujifilm S9800 introduced in 2015.

These two bridge cameras might sound similar on paper - both packing beastly zoom ranges and designed for enthusiasts who crave reach without lugging around multiple lenses - but their differences extend beyond specs. I’ve spent practical time with both models, pushing their limits across photography genres to unpack what they do well, and where they leave you wanting more.

So, buckle up for a thorough exploration combining solid hands-on impressions, technical examination, and targeted advice tailored to real photographers. And because I know how visual comparisons cement understanding, I’m sprinkling in seven relevant images along the way.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics - Is Bridge Camera Bulky Always Better?

Superzooms can be notorious for carrying bulk that feels like a small boulder around your neck. But not all are created equal. The F500 EXR embraces a compact, pocket-friendly form factor, while the S9800 sports a full-fledged SLR-like bridge design that demands a bigger grip.

At 104 x 63 x 33 mm, the F500 EXR weighs just 215 grams - exceptionally light. This is a camera you can almost forget is in your bag. Its slender profile makes it ideal for effortless carry, crucial for street and travel photographers who want to blend in or skip the gym session that often comes with heavy kit.

On the other hand, the S9800 measures 123 x 87 x 116 mm and tips the scales at a hefty 670 grams. The SLR-like grip and heft definitely make it feel more substantial and camera-like, lending better control for bracketing long zoom shots, wildlife, or sports. But that size means it sits in your hands like a mini DSLR - and your bag will know it’s there.

Beyond size, the top control layout also reflects their disparity in use case focus:

The F500 EXR opts for simplicity, with minimal buttons and dials but supports essential modes like PASM (program, aperture, shutter priority, manual). The S9800 ups the ante with more dedicated controls and a built-in electronic viewfinder - something the F500 EXR is sorely missing.

If you’re someone who prefers shooting with a viewfinder to steady longer telephoto shots - especially under bright sun - the S9800's electronic viewfinder, boasting 920k dot resolution and 97% coverage, is a massive plus.

Bottom line on handling: The F500 EXR is your ultralight sidekick, perfect for casual outings and travel where simplicity and portability reign supreme. The S9800 is for the enthusiast craving DSLR-like heft and ergonomics for extended zoom shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality - Pixels and Performance in a Small Package

Both cameras share a small sensor pedigree crucially shaping image quality: the F500 EXR uses a 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor (6.4 x 4.8 mm), while the S9800 runs a slightly smaller 1/2.3" CMOS (6.17 x 4.55 mm). They each sport 16 effective megapixels allowing up to 4608 x 3456 resolution images.

The EXR sensor firmware in the older F500 EXR was quite innovative at launch, designed to balance dynamic range and noise control. However, the S9800’s sensor benefits from newer technology, though the smaller sensor area (28.07 mm² vs. 30.72 mm²) and marginally smaller pixels may impact low-light performance.

In my side-by-side controlled tests under various lighting and ISO scenarios, the S9800 produced images with a slightly warmer color tone and a bit more noise at ISO 1600+ compared to the F500 EXR's cleaner files at similar sensitivity - but this difference is razor-thin and often negligible for casual shooting.

Image processing reveals each camera’s approach: the F500 EXR’s processing tends to retain slightly more detail in shadows, reflecting the EXR mode's heritage of juggling exposure to optimize dynamic range. The S9800’s output leans toward smoother gradients, likely due to more aggressive noise reduction.

Neither models offer RAW capture, locking you into JPEG compression, which limits post-processing flexibility - a serious consideration for pros and advanced hobbyists.

If pixel-peeping or demanding print sizes beyond 8x10 inches are your norm, neither offers the detail or quality you’d expect from larger sensors or modern mirrorless cameras. But for online sharing, prints up to A4, and general use, both sensors do a respectable job given their size constraints.

LCD and User Interface - The Window to Your Shots

Neither FujiFilm superzoom is trying to rival the latest mirrorless with gigantic articulating touchscreens, but display quality affects the shooting experience dramatically.

Both cameras have a 3-inch, 460k-dot fixed TFT LCD screen - sharp enough in most conditions but lacking touchscreen functionality. The F500 EXR’s display is moderately bright but can struggle under harsh daylight, occasionally forcing you to rely on histogram hints rather than live preview.

The S9800, in contrast, adds an electronic viewfinder (mentioned earlier) which elevates compositional accuracy and usability in bright sunlight, a clear edge for outdoor shooters. The LCD on the S9800 is a bit brighter and better contrast-balanced, but still not something I'd call class-leading.

Menus on both devices remain straightforward without complicated nested menus - perfect for those who want to adjust exposure compensation, ISO, or focus without fumbling. However, the F500 EXR’s simpler button layout means fewer shortcuts compared to the more button-rich S9800, which I appreciated when switching between shutter and aperture priority during fast shooting scenarios.

Lens and Zoom Range - Reach for the Far, Frame the Close

This is where things get interesting.

The F500 EXR packs a fixed lens with a 15× zoom range spanning 24-360 mm equivalent with apertures between f/3.5–5.3. The S9800 boasts a whopping 50× zoom from 24 to 1200 mm equivalent, but with a narrower aperture range of f/2.9–6.5.

If you crave that ultimate reach to capture distant wildlife, planes, or inaccessible landscapes, the S9800 is in a league of its own. The 1200 mm telephoto equivalent is jaw-dropping for a bridge camera and offers serious flexibility.

But with that range comes compromises:

• The narrower maximum aperture on the long end (f/6.5) reduces low-light capability.
• Longer zooms increase susceptibility to camera shake - though the S9800’s optical image stabilization helps a lot.
• Autofocus can slow down slightly at maximum zoom, a common tradeoff given the lens complexity.

The F500 EXR, with its shorter zoom but brighter aperture on the wide end, offers better performance in lower light and tends to be snappier. Its sensor-shift image stabilization is effective but somewhat less robust than the optical system in the S9800.

For those interested in macro photography, the F500 EXR can focus as close as 5 cm, slightly closer than the S9800’s 7 cm. It’s subtle, but if you’re into flower or insect shots, the F500 EXR has a minor edge.

Autofocus System - How Fast and Accurate is the Focus?

Despite being fixed-lens cameras targeted at enthusiasts rather than professionals, autofocus performance is critical in preserving shot opportunities, especially in dynamic situations.

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems, typical for their time, making them slower than modern phase-detection hybrids but offering accuracy in well-textured scenes.

The F500 EXR has a limited focus area system, with options mainly between center and multi-area, lacking face or eye detection. This makes it a bit trickier when tracking moving subjects like pets or children.

The S9800 raised the bar by integrating face detection autofocus, improving subject acquisition and reactivity in portrait and street photography. Continuous AF and tracking are more capable here, thanks to more focus area options and selective focusing abilities. Yet, it still lags behind modern mirrorless cameras with hybrid autofocus.

In real-world use, the S9800 felt more confident when photographing moving subjects, especially at longer focal lengths - a boon for wildlife or sports snapshots with a slower pace. The F500 EXR’s autofocus sometimes “hunted” more in low light or complex patterns.

Burst Shooting and Video - Capture the Action and Motion

Burst shooting and video recording capabilities are often overlooked in superzooms, but they can be critical for capturing fleeting moments and sharing dynamic content.

The S9800 shoots at a much more impressive 10 frames per second, up from the 3 fps in the F500 EXR. Practically speaking, this means the S9800 is far better suited to action photography - sports, wildlife, or squirmy kids - where consecutive frames increase your odds of nailing the ideal moment.

Video-wise, both cameras shoot Full HD 1920x1080 at 30 fps (though the S9800 adds 60 fps at 720p). The S9800 records in H.264 codec offering higher quality compression than the F500 EXR’s MPEG-4.

Neither camera offers external microphone inputs or headphone jacks, limiting audio control and monitoring, but the S9800's video quality benefits from optical stabilization, resulting in smoother handheld footage.

If video is a significant part of your work, the S9800 gives you better frame rates, clearer motion, and more versatile codecs.

Battery Life and Storage - Staying Power on the Road

Battery life can quickly become a dealbreaker for travel and event photographers.

The F500 EXR uses a proprietary NP-50 rechargeable battery, but unfortunately, no official CIPA rating is available - from personal use, plan for around 200–250 shots per charge, meaning carrying spares is essential if you intend an all-day outing.

The S9800 uses the ubiquitous 4x AA batteries - a blessing and a curse. A blessing because you can pop regular alkalines or rechargeables in a pinch almost anywhere. A curse since the weight adds further bulk and the performance varies with battery brand/type. Fuji rates it for about 300 shots per battery set, which is decent, but powering a big LCD and electronic viewfinder is demanding.

Regarding storage, both support SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. The S9800 offers internal memory for emergency shots, which the F500 EXR lacks - handy when you forget your card or need quick captures.

Connectivity and Other Features - Modern Necessities?

Surprisingly, despite being launched four years apart, both cameras lack built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS. This means wireless image transfer is impossible natively, and geo-tagging is not supported.

For casual sharing and travel convenience, this is a downside in an increasingly connected world. On the positive side, both have HDMI outputs and USB 2.0 for tethered transfers.

If wireless workflow and instant mobile sharing are important, you’ll need third-party solutions with these models.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance - Can They Brave the Outdoors?

Neither camera offers environmental sealing. Both should be handled with care around dust, rain, or extreme temperatures.

The S9800’s bulk and build feel more robust, leaning on a bridge-style body with more textured grips, but it’s still not weatherproof or shock-resistant. The F500 EXR’s compact plastic shell is less reassuring for tough conditions.

Practically, for outdoor adventurers or travel photographers, neither model is ideal for bad weather without aftermarket protection.

Real-Life Sample Images - The Proof in the Pixels

Pictures speak louder than words, right? Here's a gallery showing representative shots from both cameras under controlled daylight, low-light, and zoomed scenarios.

Fujifilm F500 EXR screen back Fujifilm S9800 front Fujifilm S9800 screen back

From these, you can see:

• Both cameras produce sharp details and vibrant colors at base ISO.
• The F500 EXR shows better shadow retention and punchier contrast.
• The S9800 handles zoomed-in distant subjects well but shows slight softness and noise creeping in at highest focal lengths.

Performance Scores and Value Assessment

While neither model has DxOMark sensor scores (unofficial or otherwise), my comprehensive evaluations yield these summary scores out of 10 based on key criteria:

Breaking these down by photography type:

• Portrait: S9800 edges ahead with face detection but F500 EXR’s larger aperture at wide focal lengths supports better bokeh.
• Landscape: F500 EXR's slightly larger sensor and better DR handling give it a small lead.
• Wildlife: The S9800’s longer zoom and faster burst clearly win.
• Sports: S9800 wins on frame rate and focus tracking.
• Street: F500 EXR’s compactness and quiet operation work for casual street snapping.
• Macro: F500 EXR slightly better due to closer minimum focus.
• Night/Astro: Neither excels here; noise becomes a problem, but F500 EXR slightly better.
• Video: S9800 is the more practical choice.
• Travel: Depends on priorities - F500 EXR wins portability, S9800 versatility.
• Professional Work: Neither suited for pro level due to no RAW and small sensor.

When to Choose the Fujifilm F500 EXR

The F500 EXR’s charm lies in its compact, lightweight design, making it a favorite for:

• Travelers and street photographers prioritizing portability and discretion.
• Casual shooters seeking ease-of-use with manual control basics.
• Those who want slightly crisper image quality and better low-light handheld stability.
• Macro and landscape enthusiasts on a budget.

While it’s older and lacks advanced autofocus or viewfinder options, I found this camera more intuitive for spontaneous shooting and less strenuous on your arms or neck.

When to Choose the Fujifilm S9800

The S9800 brings a more DSLR-esque experience with:

• Impressive 50× zoom for serious wildlife, aviation, and outdoor hobbyists.
• Faster burst shooting and decent video specs for capturing action.
• Electronic viewfinder providing stability and composition control.
• Face detection autofocus for portraits and street photography reliability.
• Slightly better battery flexibility with AA support.

If your photography revolves around extreme reach, continuous shooting, and you don’t mind the size and weight tradeoff, the S9800 holds strong appeal - especially at its lower price point.

Final Thoughts - Two Cameras, Different Missions

It's clear these two FujiFilm small sensor superzooms, while similar in branding, serve two distinct user profiles:

• The F500 EXR is the lightweight, image-quality cautious traveler and city snapper’s dream.
• The S9800 is the reach-hungry, activity-driven enthusiast's tool, sacrificing pocketability for enormous versatility.

Neither camera competes with today's mirrorless hybrids or even beginner DSLRs on sensor size, RAW capability, or AF speed. But they represent intriguing affordable alternatives for certain niche uses.

Choosing between them boils down to which compromises you’re willing to accept: portability and image nuance (F500 EXR) versus reach and action responsiveness (S9800). Budget-wise, with the S9800 often found for less, it offers exceptional value if you need that zoom.

Ultimately, your next photographic adventure should guide your decision - and with either FujiFilm superzoom, you’ll have a capable companion for moments where larger gear feels like overkill.

Happy shooting, and may your lens always find the light!

Appendices

If you want the quick summary:

Both models are solid for beginners easing into zoom cameras or hobbyists seeking versatile all-in-one tools - with the caveat that neither can replace dedicated cameras in specialized photography or professional environments.

If you want to know more about how I test cameras like these - from lab-controlled ISO and dynamic range measurements to real-world autofocus tracking and color accuracy evaluations - just reach out. After testing thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’m always eager to share insights that bridge technical specs with actual photographic joy.

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to check out the images above for visual context before making your mind up.