Fujifilm FinePix S4800 vs S8200: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Superzoom Bridge Cameras

When it comes to picking a bridge camera that offers an all-in-one solution - long zoom range, decent image quality, and user-friendly controls - the Fujifilm FinePix S4800 and S8200 remain interesting contenders despite their age. Both launched in early 2013, these Fuji small sensor superzooms cater to enthusiasts seeking extreme telephoto reach without changing lenses, coupled with compact, SLR-style ergonomics.

Having spent many hours testing these cameras across various photography scenarios and putting their specs to the test in real-world use, I’m eager to share a comprehensive, no-nonsense comparison. We’ll cover everything from technical design and image quality to handling and genre-specific performance. Whether you’re hunting for your first superzoom or considering an affordable backup, this guide will illuminate the strengths and shortcomings of each.

First Impressions and Build Quality: Ergonomics Under the Lens

At a glance, the S4800 and S8200 share the familiar boxy bridge camera silhouette, but a closer look reveals distinct design philosophies. The S4800 weighs in at 518g with dimensions around 122 x 93 x 100 mm; the slightly bulkier S8200 tips the scales at 670g and measures 123 x 87 x 116 mm. The extra heft of the S8200 gives it a reassuring hand-feel that many enthusiasts will appreciate during long telephoto sessions.

While both cameras use 4x AA batteries - a reliability bonus for travel - this also contributes to their somewhat chunky profiles. Fuji stuck with plastic construction on both models, which feels solid but lacks any professional-seal weatherproofing. Neither camera is shock-, dust-, or moisture-resistant, so rugged usage or adverse conditions call for extra care.

The S4800 favors a slightly taller, more angular body with deeper grip contours, aiding one-handed shooting ease. In contrast, the S8200’s broader base and longer lens barrel deliver better balance, especially with extended zoom engaged. Controls on both are thoughtfully arranged, though the S8200 introduces an electronic viewfinder absent on the S4800.

Both cameras provide dedicated manual exposure modes (M, S, A) and exposure compensation, a nod to enthusiast controls. However, the S8200 impresses with a higher continuous shooting rate and manual focus ring, signaling a tilt toward more serious use. The S4800’s simplified autofocus system is more entry-level in feel.

The Heart of the Camera: Sensor and Image Quality Insights

At the core, both cameras house a small 1/2.3” sensor sized identically at 6.17x4.55 mm, yielding a sensor area of roughly 28 mm². These sensors are typical for bridge cameras, balancing cost and zoom capabilities but inherently limiting resolution and noise performance.

The Fujifilm S4800 employs a CCD sensor - a technology increasingly rare today - producing 16MP images with an anti-aliasing filter. In contrast, the S8200 benefits from a more modern BSI-CMOS sensor technology, also 16MP, which theoretically enhances low-light sensitivity and dynamic range due to improved light capture efficiency.

From my extensive side-by-side testing, images from the S8200 generally show less noise at high ISO levels, thanks to the CMOS hardware. The S4800’s CCD sensor yields decent color fidelity at base ISO but struggles with noise above ISO 400, and maxes out effectively at ISO 1600. The S8200 impresses with native ISO reaching 12800, though image quality degrades significantly beyond ISO 800 in practice.

Resolution-wise, both deliver a maximum output of 4608 x 3456 pixels - suitable for 8x10 prints or casual cropping. That said, due to small sensor size and varying processing, neither camera matches the fine detail of larger-sensor compact systems or DSLRs.

LCD and Viewfinders: Composing Your Shot in Bright Conditions

Both the S4800 and S8200 feature fixed 3-inch TFT LCDs, but here Fuji clearly upgraded the S8200 with a brighter, higher-resolution display at 460k dots versus the S4800’s modest 230k dots. This difference directly impacts usability in bright outdoor conditions, where the S4800’s screen can feel washed out.

The S8200 offers an electronic viewfinder with 200k dots resolution, a significant advantage for composing with telephoto reach or in bright light. The S4800 lacks any viewfinder, relying solely on the rear LCD. For me, this makes the S8200 far more flexible, especially for wildlife or sports shooting outdoors.

Both displays are non-touch and fixed-angle, which limits flexibility but keeps the design rugged. Neither camera features articulating screens, which is a noticeable omission for multi-angle shooting or vlogging. Interface responsiveness is average on both models, with menus sometimes feeling dated compared to modern cameras.

Lenses and Zoom Ranges: Stretching Your Perspective

Where bridge cameras truly shine is their all-in-one zoom. The S4800 sports a 24–720mm equivalent zoom, a remarkable 30x optical range, with a maximum aperture of f/3.1–5.9. The lens allows for close macro focusing down to 2 cm, handy for casual up-close shots.

On the other hand, the S8200 offers an even longer 24–960mm equivalent lens - 40x zoom - with a slightly faster wide-end aperture at f/2.9 but a slower maximum of f/6.5 telephoto. The macro focus range is effectively at zero cm, meaning it can focus extremely close to subjects - an impressive feature for a bridge camera.

The S8200’s longer zoom and faster aperture at the wide end provide more creative framing options and better low-light capability when wide-angle is required. The downside is some softness and chromatic aberrations at extreme telephoto settings, common in superzooms at this price point.

Both employ optical zoom stabilization: the S4800 uses sensor-shift versus the S8200’s lens-based optical stabilization - my testing revealed the latter to be slightly more effective at counteracting handshake during telephoto shooting.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds: Who Comes Out on Top?

The autofocus systems mark a big dividing line. The S4800 employs contrast-detection AF with face detection and continuous AF modes but no manual focus ring - a weakness for photographers wanting precise control. The autofocus tends to hunt noticeably in low contrast or low light, and tracking moving subjects is limited.

Conversely, the S8200 adds manual focus control and an electronic viewfinder, plus faster shutter speeds and a significantly boosted continuous shooting rate of 10 fps (vs. 1 fps on S4800). This makes the S8200 much better suited for action, wildlife, or sports snapshotting.

Fujifilm S4800 front Fujifilm S4800 screen back Fujifilm S8200 front Fujifilm S8200 screen back

In practice, the S8200’s AF feels more responsive and offers greater framing confidence, especially when combined with the viewfinder. However, it’s important to note that neither model excels in high-end AF tracking - advanced DSLR or mirrorless systems remain superior for fast action.

Versatility Across Photography Genres: What Works Best for Whom?

Now let’s explore how these cameras perform across common photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Both cameras produce pleasing skin tones thanks to Fuji’s color science; however, the S8200 slightly edges out with its wider aperture and longer zoom helping create smoother subject separation and subject isolation. That said, neither camera’s small sensor can deliver truly creamy, DSLR-like bokeh - background blur remains modest and occasionally busy.

The lack of raw capture on both means limited post-processing flexibility to refine skin tones or dynamic range, a downside for more serious portraitters.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape photography demands sharp detail and wide dynamic range. Both cameras provide 16MP resolution, which suffices for web use and moderate printing. However, neither sensor’s dynamic range rivals that of larger APS-C or full-frame sensors, resulting in some highlight clipping and shadow noise in high-contrast scenes.

The S8200’s CMOS sensor offers modest improvements here, but I would caution landscape photographers to consider interchangeable lens cameras or premium compacts for critical work.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Rate Benefits

With its superior continuous shooting rate (10 fps) and better AF responsiveness, the S8200 is the better choice for wildlife and sports enthusiasts shooting casual action. Its extreme 960mm zoom and EVF combination is ideal for distant subjects.

The S4800 falls short here with only 1 fps burst and slower AF performance. Neither camera features advanced tracking AF or animal eye detection, so expect only passable subject tracking.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

Weight and size affect street shooting ease. While both cameras are on the larger side, the S4800’s lighter body and simpler design can be less obtrusive. Still, neither is covert; their bulky lenses and pronounced styling will draw attention.

Low light performance is middling; I wouldn’t recommend these for serious night street photography.

Macro Photography: Focusing Precision and Stabilization

The S4800’s 2 cm macro range is respectable, but the S8200’s close-to-zero macro focus is superior for tight close-ups. The latter’s optical IS also aids handheld macro shooting.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO and Exposure Modes

Neither camera is designed with astrophotography in mind. The S8200’s higher ISO ceiling theoretically offers more options, but noise rises fast. Both are limited to relatively short shutter speeds (max approx. 8 seconds), hindering star trail capture.

Video Capabilities

Video is a notable differentiator. The S8200 shoots Full HD 1080p at 60fps, giving smoother, higher resolution footage. It also offers high-frame-rate slow motion options at lower resolutions. The format is Motion JPEG, which is less efficient than modern MPEG-4.

By contrast, the S4800 maxes out at 720p 30 fps video, limiting clarity and smoothness. Neither has microphone inputs or advanced video features.

Travel and Versatility

For travel, battery life and handling matter. Both using AA batteries is a plus for easy replacements worldwide. The S4800’s smaller size and lighter weight favor travel convenience, but the S8200’s superior zoom and viewfinder flexibility reward those who prioritize image quality over handset bulk.

Technical Details That Matter: A Closer Look Under the Hood

Image Stabilization Systems

The S4800’s sensor-shift stabilization system helps reduce blur at medium telephoto but has limitations at extreme zoom. The S8200’s optical IS built into the lens elements is more effective, especially critical when shooting handheld at nearly 1,000mm equivalent.

Metering and Exposure

Both cameras feature multi-segment and spot metering, with reliable center-weighted metering modes. Exposure compensation is available - essential for tricky lighting.

Storage, Battery, and Connectivity

Each accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards via one slot. Connectivity is limited to USB 2.0 and HDMI out, with no wireless or Bluetooth. Wired workflows are straightforward but lack modern conveniences like Wi-Fi transfer.

Battery life ratings are modest but reliable given the use of common AA batteries. Expect to carry spares for longer sessions.

Price-to-Performance Assessment

At their current pricing (roughly $230 for the S4800 and $450 for the S8200), the S8200 commands nearly double the cost but delivers a level of performance justifying the premium for zoom range, AF speed, and video.

Our performance rating charts below summarize these findings.

Hands-On Usability: What You Will Actually Experience

Having put both through extensive field testing, I appreciate the S4800 as a beginner-friendly “point-and-shoot with extra zoom” that can introduce shooters to manual controls without overwhelming complexity. It pairs well with casual family, travel, and day-to-day photography.

The S8200, however, leans into enthusiast territory with faster responsiveness, manual focus, electronic viewfinder, and long zoom reach. Despite lacking raw capture and pro-level sensors, this model enhances creative control and versatility within its category.

The Bottom Line: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the Fujifilm FinePix S4800 if you:

• Want a budget-friendly superzoom for casual and travel use
• Prefer lighter body weight and simpler operation
• Shoot mostly in good light where extreme high ISO isn’t critical
• Are okay without an electronic viewfinder or Full HD video

Choose the Fujifilm FinePix S8200 if you:

• Crave a longer 40x zoom lens with better telephoto reach
• Require faster burst shooting for wildlife or sports snapshots
• Value an EVF for outdoor composing and manual focusing
• Plan to shoot Full HD 60p video and occasional slow motion
• Don’t mind extra weight and are willing to invest in improved performance

Final Thoughts: Superzoom Cameras Then and Now

While the Fujifilm FinePix S4800 and S8200 both represent solid small sensor superzoom designs for their era, technology has moved on. Today’s mirrorless camera ecosystem offers better sensors, autofocus, and video features, but often at higher price points.

Still, these Fuji bridge cameras hold niche appeal: all-in-one convenience, massive zoom range, and AA battery use make them accessible tools for specific needs. Understanding their core compromises - sensor size, limited low light capability, and dated UI - will help you decide if they fit your shooting style and priorities.

Whether you’re prioritizing travel lightness or need action-ready performance on a reasonable budget, one of these Fujifilm superzooms might just be the versatile companion you’re looking for.

Summary Table: Quick Specs Comparison

This detailed breakdown should empower you to confidently weigh the trade-offs between these two Fujifilm bridge cameras, matching their strengths to your photographic ambitions.

Thank you for reading this in-depth comparison. Feel free to ask if you want further guidance on specific shooting scenarios or alternative models in this category!