Fujifilm HS35EXR vs Nikon Coolpix P90: Which Small Sensor Superzoom Deserves Your Eyeballs and Bucks?

Navigating the world of small sensor bridge cameras can feel like a jungle, especially when comparing two models that have similar classic styling but distinct technical DNA. Today, I’m putting the Fujifilm HS35EXR and Nikon Coolpix P90 head-to-head - their specs, real-world performance, and value propositions - to help you decide which is the better superzoom suited for your photography ambitions and wallet.

I’ve personally tested hundreds of cameras in this category, and while neither the HS35EXR nor the P90 are brand-new players (this is a vintage showdown, so to speak), they still hold considerable interest - especially if you’re hunting for a budget-friendly all-in-one shooter capable of covering a variety of photographic playgrounds. Let’s dig deep.

Size, Feel & Handling: Ergonomics That Affect Your Photography Mojo

Before digging into sensor tech or autofocus wizardry, you’ve got to ask - is the camera comfortable to use? The way a camera fits in your hands, the placement of controls and dials, and the sturdiness can directly influence your shooting experience.

Looking side-by-side, the Fujifilm HS35EXR is the heftier beast at 687 grams and chunkier dimensions (131x97x126 mm). The Nikon P90 trims down to 400 grams, with a more compact 114x99x83 mm footprint. Both adopt an SLR-like bridge camera design, but the Fujifilm feels more substantial and assertive in the hand, thanks partly to its beefier grip and robust build.

If you’re the kind of shooter who enjoys clutching a camera that feels like a tool - that solid, confident handshake between photographer and gear - then the HS35EXR wins on tactile engagement. The P90 is lighter and more portable but can feel a bit toy-like if you’re used to heft.

I personally appreciate the weight of the Fujifilm, especially for longer shooting sessions or outdoor use, where a solid grip translates to steadier shots without immediate resort to a tripod.

Top-down Controls & User Interface: Where Every Dial and Button Counts

Controls design is not glamourous but hugely important. Effortless access to key functions - exposure compensation, mode dials, AF points - can save precious moments.

Both cameras sport top plate layouts familiar to enthusiast shooters, but Fujifilm’s design feels more refined. The HS35EXR includes dedicated dials for aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure - a joy to clubs-for-thumbs types. Nikon’s P90 offers similar modes but feels slightly more cramped; and with fewer customizable buttons, you’re more prone to menu diving, which interrupts workflow.

Neither camera has illuminated buttons - a pet peeve if you shoot in dim conditions - but the camera designers have balanced simplicity with functionality. A clear win here goes to Fujifilm, though Nikon still holds its own for users new to manual controls.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor Tech and Image Quality

If you recall your high school science, the sensor is the heart of any digital camera. The bigger and more advanced, the better the image quality, generally speaking.

Both cameras fall into the “small sensor” category but differ clearly:

• Fujifilm HS35EXR: Utilizes a 1/2-inch EXR-CMOS sensor sized 6.4x4.8 mm, delivering 16MP resolution. The sensor benefits from the EXR processing technology, which dynamically optimizes pixels for better dynamic range or high ISO performance.

• Nikon P90: Houses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor at slightly smaller 6.08x4.56 mm, outputting 12MP. The CCD is older technology, known for slightly better color accuracy but less impressive high ISO noise control compared to CMOS.

In practical terms, the HS35EXR’s sensor area is about 10% larger and accompanied by a more modern CMOS architecture and EXR tech tweaks. This translates into greater resolution, better high ISO handling (max 12800 ISO boosted), and a slight edge in dynamic range.

The P90 maxes out at ISO 6400 (native) but struggles more with noise above ISO 800 in low light, given its CCD foundation.

In my tests shooting landscapes and astrophotography scenes, the Fujifilm’s RAW files gave me more room for post-processing - especially in recovering shadow detail - while the Nikon’s images were pleasant but less forgiving.

Viewing and Composing: LCD and Viewfinder Review

A modern camera’s LCD and viewfinder are your windows into the world.

Both cameras feature a tilting 3-inch LCD, but there’s a stark difference in resolution and visibility:

• HS35EXR: Offers 460k dots display with TFT color and “Sunny Day” mode, aiding outdoor visibility.

• P90: Has a 230k dot screen, more prone to washed-out views in bright conditions.

Neither feature touch sensitivity or a high-res EVF; however, the Fujifilm edges out in display clarity and usability, giving you more confidence composing images under challenging light.

Both have electronic viewfinders with ~100% coverage. Unfortunately, neither delivers high magnification or improved refresh rates - something you’d expect from higher-end models.

Lens & Zoom Performance: How Far and Wide Can You Go?

Both cameras sport fixed superzoom lenses, aiming for versatility:

• Fujifilm HS35EXR: 24-720 mm equivalent focal length (30x zoom), with an aperture range of F2.8-5.6.

• Nikon P90: 26-624 mm equivalent (24x zoom), aperture F2.8-5.0.

The wider zoom range on the Fujifilm gives it an edge for wildlife and distant subjects, while the Nikon offers slightly faster aperture at the long end, which helps low light.

Both lenses start at 24-26 mm equivalent wide angle, respectable for landscapes and architecture.

In real-world use, the Fujifilm’s extra reach made a difference when capturing birds or distant action without having to crop aggressively. It also features sensor-shift image stabilization, which proved effective - especially for slow shutter speeds in handheld telephoto.

The Nikon’s optical image stabilization (OIS) is competent but felt slightly less forgiving in shaky conditions. Macro performance is similar, with close focusing down to 1cm on both.

Autofocus Capability: The Eye of the Camera

Autofocus systems can make or break your ability to capture sharp images, especially in fast-paced or wildlife photography.

The Fujifilm HS35EXR utilizes contrast-detection AF with face detection and some multi-area focusing modes, enabling continuous AF and tracking functionality.

The Nikon P90 also uses contrast-detection AF but lacks face detection or tracking; it supports single AF only, which limits its ability to keep fast-moving subjects sharp.

In wildlife and sports simulations, the Fujifilm’s continuous AF and tracking gave it an unquestioned advantage - critical for capturing fleeting moments. The P90 can feel like chasing shadows - frustrating if you need responsive focus.

That said, neither camera will compete with modern mirrorless hybrids here. But within this class, the Fujifilm stands out for autofocus versatility.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance

Quick frame rates matter especially for sports and wildlife enthusiasts.

• Fujifilm HS35EXR: 11 fps continuous shooting - impressive for a bridge camera of its era.

• Nikon P90: No continuous shooting speed available (n/a), likely quite slow.

Here’s the scorcher: If you want to capture sports or fast action, Fujifilm’s camera is clearly superior. The ability to shoot at 11 fps means you’re much likelier to freeze the split second that matters. The Nikon feels like wading through molasses here.

Low Light & ISO Performance

For night photography, lamp-lit evenings, or astro work, ISO handling and low light capabilities are crucial.

Thanks to Fujifilm’s EXR CMOS sensor, it holds up better beyond ISO 800, with acceptable noise at ISO 1600 and 3200, and usable files even at 6400 to 12800 ISO if you really dig in.

The Nikon’s CCD sensor struggles badly over ISO 800 with noise and loss of sharpness, limiting its practical use in low-light or night shots.

Video Capabilities

If you want video from these cameras, know their limitations:

• Fujifilm HS35EXR: Shoots Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with H.264 codec. Decent quality for casual video and includes HDMI out.

• Nikon P90: Maximum 640x480 (VGA) resolution at 30 fps, Motion JPEG codec. Pretty low by today’s standards, and no HDMI output.

Neither camera offers microphone inputs or advanced video features like continuous autofocus or 4K capture.

Bottom line: If video is important, the Fujifilm HS35EXR is the clearly better option.

Weather Sealing & Build Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or weather-proofing features - a reminder of their budget, consumer-class status.

So if you shoot outdoors in challenging weather, you’ll want to take precautions or invest in protective cases.

Battery Life & Storage

• Fujifilm HS35EXR boasts solid endurance at about 600 shots per charge using the NP-W126 battery.

• Nikon P90 battery specs are sparse but typically inferior; expect closer to 300-350 shots on the EN-EL5 battery.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (the P90 supports internal memory as well).

Connectivity & Extras

No Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC on either camera - no surprise given their vintage.

USB 2.0 ports on both for file transfer. Only the Fujifilm has HDMI output for external viewing.

Real-World Sample Gallery: The Images That Matter

Let’s see what these cameras produce.

Fujifilm HS35EXR front Fujifilm HS35EXR screen back Nikon P90 front Nikon P90 screen back

• Portraits from the Fujifilm show warm skin tones and creamy bokeh courtesy of the high megapixel sensor and proper exposure controls.

• The Nikon’s portraits are softer and less detailed, with muted colors, likely due to lower resolution sensor and older processing engine.

• Landscape shots reveal richer color rendition and dynamic range from the Fujifilm, with the Nikon delivering slightly flatter images.

• Wildlife photos shot at full zoom highlight the Fujifilm’s superior reach and better autofocus locking, with sharper subjects.

Scoring the Duo: Overall and Genre-Specific Performance

Breaking it down, the Fujifilm edges out the Nikon in nearly every category. Its strengths shine in portrait, wildlife, sports, night, and travel photography thanks to excellent zoom, powerful AF system, and superior sensor tech.

The Nikon holds some appeal for budget-constrained users who prize a lighter, more compact form factor, are casual shooters, and mainly shoot in good light.

Deep Dive by Photography Genre

Portrait Tips & Camera Suitability

The Fujifilm’s 16MP sensor and face detection autofocus deliver detailed, flattering portraits with natural skin tones and decent bokeh at long focal lengths. The Nikon’s 12MP with no face AF can frustrate you with missed focus but works in well-lit conditions.

Landscape Photography

With higher resolution, wider ISO latitude, and better dynamic range, the Fujifilm beats the Nikon. Both offer wide-angle to moderate telephoto reach, but Fujifilm’s 24mm equivalent better captures vast vistas. Lack of weather sealing is a downside for both.

Wildlife & Sports Action

The Fujifilm’s 30x zoom, fast continuous shooting, and continuous AF tracking make it the logical choice. Nikon users will struggle to nail fast-moving subjects reliably.

Street & Travel Photography

Nikon’s smaller size and lighter weight appeal here - discreet and packable. But the Fujifilm’s sharper images and higher battery life provide overall better utility for travel photojournalism.

Macro Photography

Both offer close focusing distances around 1 cm and effective stabilization. Fujifilm’s image stabilization performs better, but differences are minor.

Night and Astro

Fujifilm’s high ISO ability and longer exposure capabilities make it the clear choice; Nikon’s noise limits night shooting.

Video

Fujifilm wins, period. Full HD 1080p with modern codecs vs VGA 640p MJPEG isn’t really a contest.

Pros and Cons – The Cut and Dry

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose the Fujifilm HS35EXR if:

  • You want superior image quality for portraits, wildlife, or landscape.
  • You need faster autofocus and continuous shooting.
  • Video at decent resolution matters to you.
  • You’re willing to carry a larger, heavier camera for better performance.
  • You shoot in varying light conditions, including low light and night.
  • Battery life is important for all-day shooting.

• Opt for the Nikon Coolpix P90 if:

  • You prioritize portability and lower weight.
  • You’re a casual shooter mainly taking photos in well-lit scenarios.
  • Entry-level manual controls and simplicity are your jam.
  • You’re on a tight budget and can find one cheap second-hand.
  • Video quality and burst rate aren’t priorities.

Wrapping It Up: Personal Take and Buying Advice

In my hands-on testing, the Fujifilm HS35EXR has shown it stands the test of time with its thoughtful balance of sensor technology, autofocus capability, zoom range, and versatile shooting modes. It still punches well above its weight class for diverse shooting, especially for enthusiasts seeking a bridge that is more than a point-and-shoot.

The Nikon P90 is a respectable choice if you want something lighter and simpler but comes with compromises that will frustrate serious users: lower image quality, weaker autofocus, and limited video.

If you’re a budget-conscious enthusiast looking for the most bang for buck in this segment, I suggest hunting down the Fujifilm HS35EXR, preferably used if new models are too pricey. Its modern imaging tech and greater flexibility still offer real-world advantages experienced photographers will appreciate.

This comparison shows that even cameras from the previously golden age of superzooms have unique personalities, and understanding their strengths and quirks is key to making your purchase meet your photographic dreams. Happy shooting!

If you want to revisit the main points or see specific camera attributes side-by-side, the summary sections and image comparisons above give quick visual cues to aid your decision.