Fujifilm F500 EXR vs Nikon Coolpix S1000pj: A Detailed Compact Camera Showdown

Choosing the right compact camera can be daunting, especially with so many models dating from the early 2010s still popular in the budget-conscious and entry-level market segments. Today, we compare two intriguing cameras from that era, each with its distinct feature set and target user base: the Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR and the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj. Even though neither model is recent, they provide unique value and demonstrate different engineering approaches to compact photography.

Whether you’re a casual snapper, a travel photographer, or a creative hobbyist looking to understand small sensor superzoom cameras better, this article will guide you through technical details, real-world performance, and suitability across photography genres. Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, we’ll deliver an expert perspective grounded in hands-on experience - with clarity, honesty, and practical advice.

First Impressions: Design & Ergonomics

When purchasing a compact camera, size and handling feel are often decisive factors, especially if you travel frequently or shoot street-style candid images. Below is a direct size and weight comparison:

The Fujifilm F500 EXR has a noticeably larger and chunkier body, primarily due to its more ambitious 15× zoom lens. This makes it less pocket-friendly but offers much greater telephoto reach for wildlife and sports snapshots. The Nikon S1000pj is thinner and lighter, making it ideal for discreet shooting and travel.

In practice, the Fujifilm's heft translates into better grip stability - important when shooting with long focal lengths handheld. The Nikon encourages spontaneity with its compactness but can feel limited zoom-wise in some scenarios.

Top-Down Controls and User Interface

The user interface - buttons, dials, and menus - directly impacts how fast and intuitively you can work. Especially if you shoot fast-moving subjects or varying lighting situations, quick access to settings matters.

• Fujifilm F500 EXR:

  • Dedicated dials for exposure compensation, shutter priority, and aperture priority modes provide a semi-professional feel.
  • The EXR processor allows access to manual mode, enabling creative exposure control - rare in this segment.
  • Physical buttons are pronounced and offer tactile feedback.

• Nikon S1000pj:

  • Simplified controls geared towards automatic shooting.
  • Lacks manual exposure modes, restricting creative input.
  • More minimalist button layout focusing on ease of use.

For photographers learning the ropes or wanting quick point-and-shoot convenience, the Nikon may serve well. However, if you want to push your camera’s capabilities and adjust exposure creatively, the Fujifilm shines with its advanced control scheme.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Fundamentals

The sensor acts as the heart of any camera. It defines image resolution, low-light sensitivity, and dynamic range. Let's deep-dive into their sensor designs:

The Fujifilm EXR CMOS sensor introduced innovative features in sensor design around 2011. It uses novel pixel binning and pixel combination techniques for optimized dynamic range and improved noise reduction, labeled the EXR mode. This technology helps balance highlight retention and shadow detail - highly beneficial for landscapes and high-contrast scenes.

The Nikon CCD sensor is a more traditional design known for excellent, natural color rendition but generally performs less well in low light due to higher noise. The slightly smaller sensor area also constrains image sharpness and ISO performance when compared to the Fujifilm.

Our lab and real-world tests confirm that the Fujifilm produces more detailed, cleaner images with better noise control at higher ISOs and delivers enhanced dynamic range - especially in challenging lighting. The Nikon, while competent for everyday use, exhibits more noticeable noise creeping in beyond ISO 400, which is typical for small CCD sensors.

If ultimate image quality and flexibility are priorities, the Fujifilm has a definitive advantage here.

LCD Screens and Viewing Experience

Shooting comfort can hinge on the rear LCD’s size, resolution, and visibility in daylight. Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, so the LCD is your main composition tool.

The Fujifilm’s larger and higher-resolution screen makes framing and reviewing shots more comfortable and accurate. Seeing fine details for checking focus or exposure is easier on the F500's 460K dot screen. The Nikon’s smaller, lower-res screen can feel cramped and less distinct, especially in bright outdoor settings.

While neither shows touchscreen functionality or articulating display, we appreciate the Fujifilm’s sharper LCD as a factor for workflow speed and confidence.

Autofocus Performance in Varied Scenarios

Autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy are pivotal in genres like wildlife, sports, and macro photography. Though neither camera targets professional AF prowess, their performance varies.

• Fujifilm F500 EXR AF System:

  • Contrast-detection autofocus.
  • Offers continuous AF, single AF, and AF tracking.
  • Multiple AF area selections available (though exact number of points unspecified).

• Nikon S1000pj AF System:

  • Contrast-detection AF only.
  • Single AF mode without continuous or tracking.
  • Limited to center-weighted AF with no selectable points.

In controlled tests, the Fujifilm’s ability to maintain focus on moving subjects is a distinct plus for action or wildlife work. Nikon’s camera tends to hunt more and lock focus slower, which can frustrate capturing fleeting moments.

For still subjects, both cameras perform acceptably. But for dynamic scenarios, the Fujifilm’s tracking and multi-area fields provide an edge, supported by its faster lens and EXR processor responsiveness.

Lens Capabilities: Zoom Range and Aperture

The lens defines flexibility and creative control. Optical zoom range and maximum aperture determine framing options and low-light performance.

The Fujifilm’s extensive 15× zoom coverage takes you from moderate wide-angle to significant telephoto reach, suitable for landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and even close-up details. The sensor-shift image stabilization is effective at countering camera shake through longer focal lengths.

The Nikon’s 5× zoom is more limited, focusing on convenience and portability. Its optical stabilization aids in steady images but lacks the sophistication of Fujifilm's sensor-shift system. However, the Nikon’s closer macro focusing distance (3cm vs. 5cm) allows finer close-up shots, helpful for casual macro subjects.

If versatility matters most, the Fujifilm’s zoom and stabilization combo make it a strong candidate.

Image Quality in Different Photography Genres

Let's analyze how each camera fits into key photography types based on testing, sensor capabilities, and lens performance.

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm F500 EXR:

  • 16MP sensor renders skin tones naturally with good detail.
  • Wider 24mm wide-angle helps environmental portraits.
  • No eye-detection AF but fast contrast AF focuses well on faces.
  • Reasonable bokeh at telephoto end, though aperture limits depth of field.

• Nikon S1000pj:

  • 12MP images are softer but acceptable for casual portraits.
  • Narrower zoom range limits framing variety.
  • AF slower and less precise on faces.

Winner: Fujifilm for truer colors and more controlled portrait look.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic range and resolution favor the Fujifilm due to EXR sensor tech.
• Fujifilm’s wider angle starting point (24mm vs. 28mm) gives more expansive framing.
• Nikon's lower resolution and higher noise in shadows restrict fine detail capture.
• Neither camera offers weather sealing, so plan accordingly if shooting outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports

• Fujifilm's 15× zoom dramatically outperforms Nikon’s 5×, essential for subjects at a distance.
• Continuous and tracking AF make Fujifilm usable for moving subjects.
• Burst rate is limited on both (3 fps for Fujifilm; Nikon doesn't specify), so not ideal for serious action.

Street Photography

• Nikon’s smaller size and lighter weight make it more discreet and portable.
• Faster startup times on Nikon encourage quick street candid shots.
• Fujifilm, though bulkier, offers manual exposure modes to creatively control ambient light.

Macro Photography

• Nikon edges out with focus from 3cm, capturing decent subject detail.
• Fujifilm’s stabilization aids steady close-ups, but macro distance is longer.
• Neither camera supports focus stacking or advanced macro features.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither camera is specialized for low-light astrophotography.
• Fujifilm offers higher ISO sensitivity (up to 12800 boosted) with better noise control.
• Nikon's CCD sensor produces more noise at high ISO.
• Both lack long exposure bulb modes, but Fujifilm has a 8-second max shutter vs. Nikon’s 30 seconds (helpful if handheld astrophotography approaches).

Video Capabilities at a Glance

Video in compact cameras from this generation is generally basic, but can still be useful for casual content creators and family moments.

Fujifilm’s ability to record full 1080p video is a clear step above Nikon’s 720p offering. MPEG-4 format yields efficient files, whereas Nikon’s Motion JPEG results in large files with limited editing flexibility.

However, neither supports external microphones or headphone monitoring, limiting professional video use. For casual video, Fujifilm again holds the edge.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with Nikon having additional internal memory. Battery runtime varies by model, but neither provides exceptionally long life, as is common in compact cameras from this era.

The Fujifilm NP-50 battery is somewhat more powerful, enabling longer shooting sessions. Both cameras rely on proprietary batteries, so carrying spares is highly recommended for lengthy shoots.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS, reflecting their design goals focused on simplicity and affordability rather than connectivity.

• Fujifilm provides an HDMI port for easy image and video playback on HDTVs.
• Nikon lacks HDMI but includes internal memory backup.
• Both cameras have USB 2.0 interfaces for file transfer.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera is weather sealed, waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof. Handling rugged conditions requires dedicated protection. The Fujifilm’s denser build and more substantial lens barrel construction inspire more confidence, but both are designed primarily for indoor or casual outdoor use.

Price-to-Performance and Who Should Buy Which

At launch, the Fujifilm F500 EXR commanded approximately $430, while the Nikon S1000pj was around $289, making the Nikon the budget-friendly choice.

If your budget allows and you want versatility, better image quality, and more control, the Fujifilm is the better investment. It will serve you well if you’re exploring multiple genres such as portraits, landscapes, sports, and casual wildlife photography.

If you prioritize an ultra-compact design, intend mostly casual snapshots or travel with ultra-light gear, and your subjects are closer rather than distant, the Nikon may suit you.

Visual Proof: Side-by-Side Photo Gallery Examining Output Quality

To help you visualize differences in real-world image quality, here is a gallery showing identical scenes captured by both cameras, directly compared on parameters like color, sharpness, and noise.

Fujifilm F500 EXR screen back Nikon S1000pj front Nikon S1000pj screen back

These images illustrate how the Fujifilm provides crisper detail, richer color saturation, and cleaner shadows. The Nikon images are softer with muted contrast, reflecting sensor and lens differences.

Summary Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

Based on comprehensive hands-on testing across all relevant criteria, here are overall performance ratings:

And how they score within specific photography genres:

• Fujifilm consistently outperforms Nikon in portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, and video.
• Nikon scores better in street and macro due to size and autofocus focus distance advantages.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both cameras represent interesting mid-budget options from the early 2010s compact camera market, each with a particular user in mind.

• Choose the Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR if:

  • You desire a versatile superzoom covering wide to telephoto extremes.
  • You prefer manual controls and exposure flexibility.
  • You want better image quality and higher-definition video.
  • You shoot in a variety of genres from wildlife to portraits.
  • Bulk and weight are not deal breakers.

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj if:

  • You want a lightweight, pocketable camera for quick candid shots.
  • You primarily shoot in well-lit conditions and prioritize portability.
  • Macro photography is a preferred feature.
  • You are on a tighter budget and OK with basic photo controls.

No matter your choice, ensure hands-on testing when possible - ergonomics and shooting experience are deeply personal. And pair your new camera with the right accessories: durable SD cards, additional batteries, and suitable bags to maximize your creative journey.

Want to learn more or try before you buy? Check out local camera shops or rental services to get real feel with these models. Your next step in photography awaits!

This comparison reflects more than a decade of experience, blending technical expertise and practical evaluation to help you find the camera that fits your creative needs.