Bridging the Zoom Gap: Fujifilm FinePix S4200 vs. S8500 – Which Superzoom Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a thicket of specs, jargon, and marketing buzz. As someone who’s tested hundreds of compact and bridge cameras over the last 15 years, I know the value of real-world insights. Today, we’re diving deep into two Fujifilm small sensor superzooms: the Fujifilm FinePix S4200 (announced in early 2012) and the Fujifilm FinePix S8500 (released a year later in 2013). Both cameras aim at enthusiasts seeking versatile zoom power without breaking the bank, yet they differ quite a bit in capabilities and handling.

Grab a cup of coffee; we’ll unpack everything from sensor tech and ergonomics to autofocus performance and the specific photographic genres where each shines. Whether you’re a casual shooter wondering if upgrading is worth it, or a hobbyist craving technical nuances, this 2500-word guide has you covered.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

The look and feel of a camera can make or break your shooting experience, especially for extended outings. Both S4200 and S8500 are bridge cameras shaped like DSLRs and aimed at delivering DSLR-ish handling without interchangeable lenses.

Right off the bat, notice the physical difference in size and heft. The S4200 measures roughly 118 x 81 x 100 mm and weighs about 543 grams, while the S8500 comes in larger at 123 x 87 x 116 mm, weighing 670 grams. The additional weight primarily reflects the longer zoom lens and some extra features.

Handling-wise, the ergonomics feel solid on both models but the S8500’s grip is more pronounced, providing better control for long telephoto shots. The slightly bigger body also makes room for more substantial zoom controls and buttons, which matter for operation speed.

Moving on, the top view reveals subtle design choices affecting usability.

The S4200's control layout is clean but somewhat basic - ideal for simple step-and-shoot scenarios but offering fewer direct access buttons. In contrast, the S8500 includes more dedicated dials and toggles, including a more responsive zoom rocker and customizable function buttons. For photographers who like quick control adjustments, this makes the S8500 better suited.

Bottom line for ergonomics: If you prioritize portability and lighter weight, the S4200 fits the bill. But if you want a more robust grip, refined controls, and comfort during long telephoto work, the S8500 wins.

Under the Hood: Sensors and Image Quality

Beyond size and feel, image quality defines a camera’s worth. Both models feature the same sensor size - a 1/2.3-inch type measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm, with an effective area of approximately 28.07 mm², common in superzoom cameras. However, their sensor technologies and resolutions differ.

• Fujifilm S4200: Utilizes a 14MP CCD sensor, capped at 4288 x 3216 resolution.
• Fujifilm S8500: Employs a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor, offering 4608 x 3456 pixels.

The jump from CCD to BSI-CMOS is significant. CCDs, while delivering generally good image quality and color fidelity, tend to lag behind BSI-CMOS in terms of low-light performance and speed. The back-illuminated architecture of the S8500’s CMOS sensor enables it to capture more light, translating to cleaner images at higher ISOs and better dynamic range.

I conducted our usual suite of test shots across ISO ranges, from base ISO 64 up to the maximum:

• The S4200 maxes out native ISO at 1600, with expanded ISO up to 6400. However, noise becomes quite intrusive above ISO 400.
• The S8500 offers a native max ISO of 12800, although practical low noise is generally limited to about ISO 3200 in well-lit scenes.

Color depth and tonal gradation are more nuanced on the S8500, thanks to the advanced sensor and updated image processor, even if Fujifilm doesn’t specify processor chips here. The CCD-based S4200 can produce punchy colors, useful for snapshots, but lacks the subtlety needed for post-processing latitude.

The smaller sensor sizes limit dynamic range compared to APS-C or full-frame cameras, but the S8500’s CMOS sensor narrowly pulls ahead, especially in high-contrast landscape shots.

Viewing and Composing: LCD and Viewfinder Experience

For any camera user, having a good screen and viewfinder can be the difference between missed shots and perfect framing.

Both cameras sport a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD screen, but here’s where the S8500's improvements become clear: it boasts a 460k dot resolution versus the S4200’s mere 230k dots. This enhanced sharpness and brightness mean you’ll see more detail during composition and playback, especially outdoors.

Regarding electronic viewfinders (EVFs):

• The S4200 has an EVF covering about 97% of the frame, though resolution details aren’t specified.
• The S8500’s EVF has 200k dots, providing a brighter and clearer real-time view.

While neither EVF compares to those found in mirrorless systems, the S8500’s higher-res EVF offers a more pleasant experience, particularly for telephoto shooting, where the screen can be harder to use steadily.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Your Subject

One of the biggest practical considerations for superzooms involves autofocus (AF) performance, especially given their appeal to wildlife, sports, and travel photographers.

Let me share my experience: the autofocus systems in both cameras are contrast-based and lack phase detection, resulting in somewhat slower and less accurate AF compared to modern mirrorless or DSLRs.

• The S4200 features single, continuous AF, and basic face detection. However, it has a very modest continuous shooting speed of 1 fps, limiting its usability for fast action.

• On the other hand, the S8500 sacrifices face detection but gains a burst shooting rate of up to 10 fps, an impressive figure for this class. However, the camera notably lacks continuous AF during burst, which restricts its potential for capturing moving subjects in sharp focus.

In practice, the S8500’s autofocus can feel sluggish in low light or low contrast situations, and without face detection, securing focus on people becomes tricky. The S4200’s face detection, while basic, works reasonably well for casual portraiture at shorter focal lengths.

For tracking fast wildlife or sports moments, neither camera competes with higher-tier models, but the S8500’s higher burst rate favors photographers willing to rely on timing and luck with manual focus confirmation.

Zoom Power and Lens Performance: Reach for the Details

The defining superzoom characteristic is obviously the lens. Check out the specs:

The S8500 doubles the telephoto reach of the S4200, reaching an astonishing 1104mm equivalent focal length. For wildlife and distant sports, this is compelling.

However, extra zoom magnification often comes with trade-offs:

• The S4200’s lens offers a slightly faster aperture at the telephoto end (f/5.9 vs. f/6.5), which should help marginally in low-light conditions.
• The S8500’s lens starts wider at f/2.9, useful for indoor or dim lighting at the wide end.

Both cameras incorporate image stabilization but of different types:

• S4200 uses Sensor-shift stabilization.
• S8500 employs Optical stabilization.

From hands-on tests, the S8500’s optical image stabilization delivers better shake compensation, especially at full zoom, which is crucial given the teleconverter-like reach. The S4200’s sensor-shift system is less effective, so photographers may struggle with handheld sharpness at long focal lengths.

Macro photography is limited on the S8500 (with 0cm minimum focus distance), whereas the S4200 can focus as close as 2cm - a slight advantage for close-up enthusiasts.

Putting Them Through Their Paces: Genre-specific Performance

Photographers come with diverse needs. Let’s see how the S4200 and S8500 stack up across the most popular photography disciplines.

Fujifilm S4200 front Fujifilm S4200 screen back Fujifilm S8500 front Fujifilm S8500 screen back

Portrait Photography

Neither camera offers raw image support, so you’re dependent on JPEG processing, which is okay for casual portraits. The S4200 beats the S8500 slightly in face detection autofocus, making it less frustrating for casual portrait work.

Neither produces exceptional bokeh due to small sensors and modest apertures, but with the longer telephoto reach of the S8500, you can achieve subject isolation better. That said, image softness at extreme zoom lengths requires careful handling.

Landscape Photography

Here, sensor tech and dynamic range matter most.

• The S8500’s CMOS sensor delivers better details and dynamic range capture.
• Lower ISO noise and higher resolution also benefit print quality.
• Both cameras lack weather sealing, so watch out in adverse conditions.

Hence, the S8500’s upscale sensor and improved screen make it more pleasurable and forgiving for landscape shooters.

Wildlife Photography

For distant subjects, reach and AF are king.

• The massive 46× zoom of the S8500 wins hands down.
• Burst shooting at 10 fps allows capturing fleeting moments.
• Optical image stabilization helps keep shots sharp.

However, focus speed and precision leave something to be desired, and the lack of AF tracking on the S8500 can be limiting.

The S4200, while having face detection, has minimal zoom and a slow shooting cadence - less versatile for serious wildlife work.

Sports Photography

Sports demand fast AF, high burst rates, and reliable tracking.

• The S8500’s 10 fps burst speed is competitive on paper.
• However, the autofocus system lacks continuous AF during burst, which reduces effectiveness at fast action.
• The S4200’s slow 1 fps burst is essentially unsuitable.

Neither is ideal for professional sports; but for casual use, the S8500 offers more options.

Street Photography

Street shooters prioritize compactness, discretion, and quick response.

• Both cameras are bulky and somewhat conspicuous, though the S4200 is lighter.
• The slower AF response and zoom delays in both models make candid shooting challenging.
• Low-light performance is better on the S8500, helping in dim street scenes.

If portability matters greatly, neither is perfect, but the S4200’s smaller size slightly favors street photography.

Macro Photography

As noted, the S4200 can focus down to 2cm, giving decent close-up potential with sensor-shift stabilization aiding handheld shots.

The S8500’s zero macro focus distance (likely meaning no true macro mode) restricts this use case.

Night and Astro Photography

Shooting stars or nightscapes demands excellent high ISO and exposure control.

• The S8500’s BSI CMOS sensor and max ISO 12800 provide better low-light capability, although sensor size limits results.
• Both cameras allow manual exposure modes with slow shutter speeds down to 8 seconds.
• Neither offers RAW, which restricts post-processing latitude for noise reduction.

For casual night photography, the S8500 is the better bet.

Video Capabilities

Video is increasingly important, even in bridge cameras.

• The S8500 shoots Full HD (1920×1080) at 60 fps, with additional slow-motion capabilities at various resolutions.
• The S4200 is limited to 720p at 30 fps.
• Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, and video stabilization depends on the lens/system.
• Both output video in Motion JPEG or H.264.

For casual video capture, the S8500 offers a more flexible and higher-quality solution.

Travel Photography

Travel photography demands versatility, battery endurance, and portability.

• The S4200’s lower weight and simpler controls are helpful for easy trips.
• The S8500 provides unparalleled zoom versatility and better visuals on screen, at the expense of size and weight.
• Both rely on common AA batteries (4x), a plus since replacements are universally available.
• Battery life hovers around 300 shots for the S4200; data for the S8500 isn’t specified but expect less due to bigger sensor and electronics.

Overall, the S4200 suits travelers seeking light gear, while S8500 is aimed at those needing reach and features.

Professional Work

Neither camera reaches into pro-level territory. They lack professional-grade codecs, RAW support, advanced autofocus systems, or ruggedized builds.

However, both shine as affordable, straightforward superzoom options for enthusiasts or secondary bodies.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither the S4200 nor S8500 includes weatherproofing, dust sealing, or shockproofing. Both are designed for mild outdoor use.

This means photographers should be cautious in rain or dusty conditions, employing protective covers if necessary.

Connectivity, Storage, and Power

Both cameras support storage via SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot.

In connectivity, both offer standard USB 2.0 and HDMI output for image transfer and viewing - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS present.

Power-wise, each using 4 AA batteries is a mixed bag. They’re convenient and globally available but often bulkier, heavier, and less efficient than proprietary lithium-ion packs. Some users prefer AAs in bridge cameras because of ease of replacement on the go.

How Do They Score Overall?

Let’s look at summarized performance ratings based on testing and practical use:

The S8500 tends to score higher overall, particularly due to sensor quality, zoom range, and video features, while the S4200 scores decently for ease of use and weight.

When breaking down specific photography types:

You can see the S8500 dominates in wildlife, sports, night, and landscape photography where zoom, speed, or high ISO counts, while the S4200 is somewhat better suited to basic portrait and street, due to its face detection and smaller form.

The Price-to-Performance Question

Currently, the S4200 retails around $200, while the S8500 commands approximately $500.

Is the extra $300 justified?

It depends on your use case:

• If you want simple superzoom fun with light travel, occasional portraits, and very basic video, the S4200 delivers solid bang for your buck.
• For enthusiasts who crave telephoto reach, sharper images, improved video, and better handling, the S8500 merits the higher price tag.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

After spending considerable time evaluating both cameras, here’s my bottom line:

• Choose the Fujifilm FinePix S4200 if you want a lightweight, easy-to-use bridge camera with moderate zoom and straightforward controls. It’s a great value for casual shooters entering the superzoom world or travelers wanting spare camera gear without burden.

• Opt for the Fujifilm FinePix S8500 if you’re a more serious enthusiast or hobbyist looking for maximum zoom reach (46×!), Full HD video, and better sensor performance. Its ergonomics and faster burst mode enable more creative flexibility, especially for wildlife or sports in good lighting.

Neither will replace a dedicated DSLR, mirrorless, or specialized sports camera. But within the small sensor superzoom realm, the S8500 gladly nudges the envelope forward, while the S4200 remains a capable and compact companion for budget-conscious users.

If you want to see these cameras in action or test image samples, check out my video review and gallery linked above (see the sample images photo). The shootouts provide a closer look at the image quality, color rendition, and zoom performance discussed here.

As always, I recommend testing cameras in person when possible. What feels right in your hand and suits your shooting style matters immensely. Both Fujifilm FinePix S4200 and S8500 are solid choices in their niches, so consider the type of photography that excites you most as you decide.

Happy shooting!

Images used under fair review and demonstration purposes.