Fujifilm S1 vs Olympus Stylus 1s: A Bridge Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros Prospective Buyers

As someone who has handled hundreds of cameras across every conceivable category, I’m always intrigued when two small sensor superzooms face off. The Fujifilm FinePix S1, announced in early 2014, and the Olympus Stylus 1s, a latecomer from 2015, represent compact yet ambitious bridge cameras promising versatility. Yet, these two take quite different approaches in key features and handling - attributes that become apparent only through real-world use and technical scrutiny.

In this comprehensive comparison, I’m diving beyond marketing hype to unveil how these cameras perform in various photographic disciplines, what their technical makeup entails, and who should consider grabbing which one. Whether you’re into landscapes, wildlife, video, or travel, stick around. I’m dropping in my experience-based insights paired with objective data, plus some hands-on takeaways that only come from many hours behind the viewfinder.

Let’s start with the basics before zooming in on specifics.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Grip It and Shoot

First impressions matter - if a camera feels awkward in hand, it’s unlikely you’ll enjoy shooting with it long-term. The Fujifilm S1 and Olympus 1s both channel the classic SLR-like bridge design, featuring fixed lenses but very different physical footprints and controls.

Fujifilm S1: At 133x91x110mm and weighing 680g with battery, the S1 is the heftier of the two - a chunky body that exudes a bit of DSLR presence. Its grip is substantial, making it comfortable for extended handheld shooting, though not exactly pocketable. The fully-articulated 3-inch screen (albeit a TFT LCD) adds versatility for creative angles.

Olympus Stylus 1s: Smaller and lighter at 116x87x57mm and 402g, Olympus’s 1s is noticeably more compact and pocketable for a bridge camera. The slightly squashed dimensions and tilting 3-inch screen (with touchscreen capability) make it nimble and quick to respond, ideal for quick snapshots or street shooting.

Ergonomically, the Olympus boasts a more refined control dial layout and touchscreen autofocus, making manual adjustments more intuitive on the 1s, especially for those used to mirrorless controls. The Fuji’s traditional buttons and dials are robust but less efficient, especially given the lack of touchscreen.

My take: If portability and handling speed are paramount - for example, for street or travel shooters - the Olympus edges out here. The Fuji’s size serves well for a firm grip shooter willing to carry a bit more weight for stabilization and extensive zoom range.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: How Size Really Matters

At the heart of any camera is its sensor, impacting everything from dynamic range to low light performance. Both cameras fall into the 'small sensor' superzoom category, which tends to sit below APS-C and full-frame sizes, but their sensor specs reveal interesting differences.

• Fujifilm S1 uses a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a 16MP resolution (4608×3456). This sensor area calculates to roughly 28.07mm².
• Olympus 1s is equipped with a larger 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS sensor, 7.44 x 5.58 mm, 12MP resolution (3968×2976), totaling about 41.52mm² sensor surface area.

What does this mean practically? The Olympus boasts a sensor nearly 50% larger in area, which theoretically delivers better signal-to-noise ratio, especially in low light, and improved dynamic range. Conversely, Fuji packs more pixels into a smaller area, which can lead to increased noise and reduced high ISO cleanliness.

The Olympus also uses a backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor architecture, which generally enhances light-gathering efficiency compared to traditional CMOS designs like the Fuji’s.

My real-world testing backs this up: in lower light environments, the Olympus 1s’s files hold up visibly better with cleaner shadows and more gradation, despite the lower pixel count - which is fine for most users unless extremely high-resolution cropping is needed.

Both cameras offer RAW shooting capability, an essential professional feature, but the Fuji’s higher megapixels give an edge when requiring large final prints or tight cropping.

Bottom line: Olympus delivers cleaner images with superior tonality in tricky lighting; Fuji offers more resolution but compromises noise performance due to a smaller sensor.

Control Interfaces: Viewing, Focusing, and Screen Interaction

User interface can sabotage or elevate an otherwise strong camera. The Fuji S1 and Olympus 1s differ in their interfaces around critical areas like the EVF, rear display, and autofocus methods.

• EVF: The Olympus 1s’s electronic viewfinder boasts 1,440k-dot resolution and 100% coverage, providing a crisp, edge-to-edge preview. The Fuji’s EVF is 920k dots with 97% coverage - still respectable but less immersive and sharp.
• LCD Screen: Olympus’s 3-inch 1,040k-dot touchscreen tilts upwards to about 90 degrees, improving shooting versatility and quick AF area selection. Fuji’s fully articulated 3-inch screen with 920k dots is bigger in movement range but a TFT type lacking touchscreen, which feels dated in 2014 and beyond.
• Focusing Interface: Both cameras feature contrast-detection autofocus, with face detection. Olympus’s touchscreen AF lets you rapidly select focus subjects, boosting speed and confidence in shifting compositions on the fly.

In continuous AF and tracking, I noticed the Fuji maintains focus a touch better in zoomed-in telephoto shots - likely owed to its contrast-based AF tuned for superzoom length, despite lacking phase detection points. Olympus, providing 35 focus points, enables quicker initial acquisition but can occasionally hunt in undemanding light.

Shooting experience aside, Olympus’s interface feels more modern and flexible; Fuji’s remains traditional but reliable for those who prefer conventional button dials.

Lens Capabilities and Zoom Reach: The Magnification Battle

Here’s where things get starkly different.

• Fujifilm S1 lens: 24-1200mm equivalent (50x zoom), aperture varying F2.8-5.6.
• Olympus 1s lens: 28-300mm equivalent (10.7x zoom), constant F2.8 aperture.

If you crave sheer reach for wildlife and distant sports action, the Fuji’s 50x zoom is jaw-dropping - no small sensor superzoom rivals that range even years later. However, keep in mind optical compromises: lens sharpness diminishes at the extremes, and max aperture narrows significantly (F5.6 at 1200mm equivalent), requiring good light or higher ISOs for steady shots.

Olympus’s 10.7x zoom is short in comparison but cleverly designed to offer a constant wide aperture F2.8 throughout the range, enhancing low light capability and depth-of-field control.

For macro, Fuji’s minimum focusing distance of just 1cm is exceptional, offering true close-up prowess compared to Olympus’s 5cm. Fuji’s sensor-shift stabilization also helps here.

If you prefer landscape or travel shooters favoring wide apertures for bokeh, Olympus shines, but for casual wildlife or adventurous telephoto shots, Fuji is your go-to.

From my real shoots, Fuji’s telephoto can nail elusive subjects, but Olympus’s faster lens lets you isolate subjects with pleasing background blur even at mid-zoom.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Superzoom bridge cameras can’t afford sluggish AF or poor tracking - especially for wildlife or sports.

• Fuji S1 offers AF single, continuous, and tracking modes with contrast detection. Exact number of focus points unknown but includes face detection.
• Olympus 1s offers 35 focus points with autofocus single, continuous, tracking, plus touchscreen AF support.

Continuous shooting speed differs too: Fuji yields 10 fps burst at full res, while Olympus caps at 7 fps.

In practical shooting, Fuji’s 10 fps is enticing, but buffer depth and write speed limit extended bursts. Olympus’s lower fps feels more measured but manages a smoother, more consistent AF tracking experience, likely due to more AF points and improved processing despite lower frame rate.

None of these cameras offer phase detection AF, so contrast autofocus still imposes some hunting in low contrast or fast action, but Olympus edges Fuji on liveview responsiveness and AF accuracy due to more refined algorithms and touch AF.

I tested both on fast-moving subjects like runners and birds in flight: Olympus handled better for general tracking, Fuji could deliver quicker shots but sometimes faltered locking focus consistently at maximum zoom.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

Both cameras share SLR-like bridge designs but differ in durability.

• Fujifilm S1: Features environmental sealing protecting against dust and moisture - a rare benefit for bridge cameras in this price range. No shockproof or freezeproof guarantees but better suited for outdoor use and light adverse conditions.

• Olympus 1s: Lacks environmental sealing and splashproofing. Its reduced size and weight benefit travel but only if you’re careful with exposure to elements.

Given Fujifilm’s sealing, I took the S1 on several overcast hikes and even light drizzle photo walks without worry.

Video Capabilities: Video Shooters, Take Note

Neither camera impresses as a pure videography tool, but useful side comparisons follow.

• Fujifilm S1: Shoots Full HD 1080p at 60 fps with H.264 codec; no 4K or advanced video modes. No mic or headphone ports; basic sound capabilities.
• Olympus 1s: Also 1080p but only up to 30 fps; supports MPEG-4 and H.264. Like Fuji, no audio inputs.

Neither sports in-body stabilization tailored for smooth video; rather, Fuji’s sensor-shift and Olympus's optical IS offer some handheld shake control.

Fuji’s higher frame rate recording could appeal to those wanting slow-motion or smoother playback, but neither camera matches mirrorless or DSLR video standards circa 2015.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

People often neglect battery and card considerations until halfway through the day - and then regret it.

• Fujifilm S1: Rated ~350 shots per charge using the NP-85 battery. Uses SC/SDHC/SDXC cards plus small internal storage - handy as a safety net.
• Olympus 1s: Rated better at approximately 450 shots per charge with the BLS-50 battery. Supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

In practical use, Olympus’s battery life felt more reliable during long photo walks or events, partly thanks to its smaller, more efficient sensor and user interface. Fuji’s internal memory is a thoughtful fail-safe if cards fill or malfunction.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Conveniences

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer, a significant bonus given their release dates. Neither supports Bluetooth or NFC, which began appearing more widely afterward.

Physical ports include HDMI and USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) - standard but not blazing fast. Neither has GPS built-in, though Fuji offers it as optional.

Neither incorporates illuminated buttons, which may frustrate nighttime users fiddling with manual controls.

Practical Shooting Across Photography Genres

Having dug into key specs, let’s examine how these cameras perform in real photographic categories - because specs only tell half the story.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone rendition and bokeh quality hinge on lens aperture, sensor size, eye detection, and autofocus.

• Fujifilm S1: Offers face detection AF and solid single-point AF, but no eye-detection or animal detection. The variable aperture (F2.8-5.6) across zoom makes shallow depth of field challenging except at wider focal lengths or macro mode. Skin tones rendered naturally but slightly flat due to smaller sensor.

• Olympus 1s: Also provides face detection AF with more AF points and touchscreen AF advantages - speeding focus on eyes in some cases. Constant F2.8 aperture allows for better background blur, helping portraits pop, aided by the larger sensor size.

If shallow depth of field and quick eye tracking are priorities, Olympus wins portrait sessions hands down.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters crave resolution, wide dynamic range, and sometimes weather-proofing.

• The Fuji’s higher 16MP count promises more cropping/printing flexibility, but its smaller sensor and lack of back-illuminated tech hurt shadow detail and highlight retention.
• Fuji’s environmental sealing allows rugged shooting in mist or dusty conditions.
• Olympus’s larger sensor and superior dynamic range make for richer tonal gradations, although 12MP max resolution means fewer fine details at extreme enlargements.
• Both cameras offer multiple aspect ratios aiding landscape composition.

Given the Fuji’s sealing and zoom breadth, adventurous hikers might appreciate it; for pristine image quality, Olympus leans better.

Wildlife Photography

Here’s where Fuji’s 50x zoom flaunts its strength. Popping that monster telephoto range without swapping lenses is a massive advantage for distant wildlife.

Continuous shooting speed of 10 fps bolsters chances to nail fleeting moments, though autofocus may falter at range.

Olympus’s shorter zoom limits reach; however, its faster aperture and more accurate tracking AF make it better for closer, fast-paced bird behavior or terrestrial wildlife in shaded forests.

Sports Photography

Tracking moving subjects requires fast and accurate AF, high burst rates, and good low light operation.

Fujifilm's higher fps and longer zoom favor capturing distant athletes, but contrast AF shortcomings reduce hit rate on unpredictable motion.

Olympus provides smooth continuous AF with more focus points catering to action but lower frame rates limiting overall throughput.

Neither is an ideal sports camera compared to APS-C or full-frame DSLRs or mirrorless, but Olympus suits closer, lighter action; Fuji is better suited for distant sports where reach dominates.

Street Photography

Portability, discretion, quick responsiveness, and low light ability are top priorities here.

Olympus’s compact size, tilting touchscreen, and faster constant aperture lend it clear advantages for spontaneous shooting and subtle framing.

Fujifilm’s bulk and slower touchscreen-free interface make it less nimble, and variable aperture hinders shallow depth of field effects in tight urban scenes.

Olympus wins hands down for urban photographers craving immediacy and discretion.

Macro Photography

Macro needs precision focusing, close minimum distances, and stabilization.

Fujifilm’s 1cm focusing distance is exceptional - close enough to reveal intricate details rarely captured without dedicated macro lenses. Sensor-shift stabilization aids sharp handheld close-ups.

Olympus’s 5cm macro limit is respectable, but less extreme; its optical stabilization supports steadiness.

For dedicated macro fans seeking super zoom versatility, Fuji’s edge is clear.

Night and Astrophotography

Small sensors always struggle here, but some excel vs. peers.

Olympus’s larger BSI sensor offers cleaner high ISO performance, reducing noise and banding in low light.

Fuji’s smaller sensor and higher pixel density produce more noise, but with careful exposure management can still yield decent night shots.

Both cameras lack long-exposure specialized modes or bulb exposures, restricting astrophotographers seeking full manual control.

Video Shooting

Neither camera wowed during my video tests - limited resolutions, frame rates, no 4K, and minimal stabilization or audio input.

Fujifilm’s 60 fps at 1080p offers more flexibility in post-production slow-motion.

Olympus’s touchscreen autofocus helps video focusing but capped to 30 fps recording.

For casual video, both are adequate; serious videographers should look elsewhere.

Travel Photography

Key travel priorities include battery life, size, versatility, and ruggedness.

Olympus’s lighter and smaller body with longer battery life win travel ease.

Fuji’s environmental sealing and massive zoom also advantageous in adventure travel or unpredictable weather.

Overall, each fits different traveler profiles: Olympus for urban and short excursions; Fuji for rugged outdoor exploration.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

Neither camera targets high-end professional use directly but include professional-grade RAW shooting and exposure modes (shutter/aperture priority, manual), plus use of SD cards is standard.

From my workflow standpoint, Fuji’s higher megapixel files yield more detailed source material better for commercial use demanding large prints.

Olympus’s slightly cleaner sensor output and better dynamic range ease post-production work but lower max resolution may limit applications.

Both offer basic wireless image transfer but lack tethering or advanced studio integration common among mirrorless or DSLR pro tools.

Performance and Value Scores Summarized

Seeing is believing, so I’ve compiled overall and genre-specific scores based on handling, image quality, features, and subjective user experience.

Final Verdict: Which Bridge Camera Should You Choose?

After testing extensively and weighing strengths and shortcomings of each, here’s my takeaway:

• Choose the Fujifilm FinePix S1 if:

  • You absolutely need extreme telephoto reach (50x zoom) for wildlife, distant sports, or adventurous travel.
  • You want weather sealing for shooting in harsher environments.
  • You prioritize resolution over low light performance or can live with some noise.
  • Macro photography with ultra-close focusing interests you.

Just be ready to carry the weight and be patient with less intuitive controls.

• Opt for the Olympus Stylus 1s if:

  • You desire a compact, lighter camera perfect for street, travel, or everyday use.
  • You value image quality over megapixels - favoring cleaner low light shots and smoother dynamic range.
  • You want a faster constant-aperture zoom lens (F2.8) for superior depth of field control.
  • Touchscreen AF and a crisp EVF are important to your shooting style.
  • You appreciate longer battery life and more responsive burst shooting with reliable autofocus tracking.

In a nutshell, Fuji leans towards "superzoom adventurer," while Olympus is the "compact all-rounder with high-quality imagery."

If you want a raw powerhouse with massive reach, Fuji is your camera. If you prize shooting quality, ergonomics, and portability, Olympus makes a compelling case for your dollar.

Either way, these cameras exemplify the best of small sensor superzoom bridges of their era - versatile tools that might surprise you despite their compromises.

I hope this insider comparison helps you decide which bridge camera aligns with your photography ambitions! Happy shooting!

For a more in-depth hands-on or to see sample images side-by-side, drop me a line - I’m always eager to dig deeper with readers and fellow photo-enthusiasts.