Comparing the Fujifilm FinePix S4800 and S8400W: A Comprehensive Bridge Camera Analysis

When evaluating bridge cameras in the small sensor superzoom category, the Fujifilm FinePix S4800 and S8400W models often come under scrutiny due to their similar lineage yet notably distinct feature sets. Both announced in early 2013, they offer substantial optical zooms wrapped in an SLR-style body, targeting enthusiast photographers who want flexibility without the complexity or expense of interchangeable lenses.

Having extensively tested both over varied photographic scenarios, this analysis delves into their strengths and constraints, employing technical measurements alongside real-world usability trials. The goal is to assist photographers - from serious hobbyists to professionals seeking a reliable travel or casual-use camera - in making informed choices based on photographic disciplines and practical considerations.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Handling the Bridge Experience

The first impression when handling these two cameras is their substantial SLR-like bodies with fixed superzoom lenses. Understanding their physical differences is crucial for extended use, especially in dynamic environments like wildlife or street photography.

Fujifilm S4800 is lighter and slightly more compact at 518g and dimensions 122×93×100 mm, providing modest portability. It employs a streamlined control layout designed for straightforward operation but lacks an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on its 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 230K-dot resolution.

In contrast, the S8400W weighs 670g with dimensions 123×87×116 mm. It incorporates an electronic viewfinder with a 201K-dot resolution covering 97% of the frame, in addition to a higher resolution 3-inch LCD at 460K dots. This addition notably enhances usability in bright conditions and when precise framing is needed.

Ergonomically, the S8400W provides more substantial grip and manual focus capability, supporting users who prefer tactile control for advanced adjustments. The S4800 opts for ease and immediacy over granular control, lacking manual focus but offering aperture and shutter priority modes. Both cameras utilize AA batteries (4x), suitable for travel but less convenient than proprietary lithium-ion packs when considering weight and recharge cycles.

The control interface on the S8400W favors more demanding photographic workflows with dedicated function buttons and clearer button feedback, whereas the S4800 is simpler but may frustrate users seeking speed and customization due to limited inputs.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD vs. BSI-CMOS

At the core of any imaging device lies the sensor - and here lies some of the most consequential differences impacting image quality, ISO performance, and usability.

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" sensor sized 6.17x4.55 mm with a sensor area of 28.07 mm², offering a resolution rating of approximately 16 megapixels with an antialiasing filter.

However:

• The S4800 employs a CCD sensor, a technology known for respectable color rendition but limited dynamic range and poorer performance at high ISOs. Its ISO range caps at 1600 natively with a maximum boosted ISO of 6400, which tends to produce excessive noise.

• The S8400W integrates a back-illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) sensor, enabling enhanced light sensitivity and higher ISO capability up to 12,800. This advantage manifests in cleaner low-light images with better detail retention and less noise.

Real-world testing under various lighting conditions confirmed the CMOS sensor's superiority in shadow recovery and reduced noise textures, making the S8400W preferable for night, indoor, and event photography. By contrast, the S4800 is suitable for well-lit conditions and daylight shooting but struggles to maintain image fidelity beyond ISO 800.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing latitude and workflow flexibility for professional users.

Lens Optics and Zoom Performance: Reach vs. Brightness

The core appeal of bridge cameras lies in their versatile zoom lenses. Both cameras flaunt extended zoom ranges but with trade-offs in aperture and telephoto usability.

The S4800 offers a 30x zoom from wide-angle to long telephoto, suitable for general-purpose shooting. Its maximum aperture range f/3.1-f/5.9 is moderate, with the lens tapering towards the telephoto end. The 2 cm macro focusing capability is adequate for close-ups.

In comparison, the S8400W pushes zoom reach impressively to 44x (equivalent to 24-1056 mm), enhancing possibilities for distant wildlife or sports photography. Its aperture extends slightly brighter on the wide end at f/2.9 but narrows to f/6.5 at full zoom, which can limit shutter speeds in low light. The lens enables a closer macro distance at 1 cm, permitting more detailed close-ups.

Optical image stabilization on the S8400W provides more effective shake reduction, particularly noticeable when shooting at long focal lengths or slower shutter speeds. The sensor-shift system on the S4800 is less effective in comparison, resulting in more frequent motion blur under challenging conditions.

Autofocus and Focusing Capability: Speed, Accuracy, and Modes

Autofocus performance critically influences user experience, especially for fast-paced genres such as sports and wildlife.

• The S4800 lacks manual focus control but features autofocus with face detection and supports AF single, continuous, and tracking, though the actual speed is modest. Live view focusing does not employ phase detection but uses contrast-detection AF, which is inherently slower, sometimes producing hunting in low contrast scenes.

• The S8400W includes manual focus, appealing to users requiring precision and creative control. Its autofocus is also contrast-detection based but benefits from improved algorithms and higher processing power, offering faster and more reliable focusing, especially useful when shooting at extended zoom lengths.

Both cameras lack detailed autofocus point selection or phase-detection capabilities, limiting fine focus zone control. Neither provides advanced animal eye AF or selective AF area modes. Still, the S8400W's ability to track moving subjects more consistently makes it better suited for wildlife and sports photography.

Viewfinder and Display Technologies: Critical Components for Framing

The absence or presence of an effective viewfinder affects composition in varied lighting.

The S4800’s 3-inch fixed TFT screen with 230K dots offers basic image review and framing but suffers under bright sunlight due to low brightness and no anti-reflective coatings.

The S8400W’s superior 460K dot LCD screen affords sharper previews and menu navigation. Its integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 201K dots and 97% coverage allows for more stable compositions, reducing reliance on the LCD when shooting outdoors. Although the EVF resolution is not high by modern standards, its presence significantly enhances usability in scenarios where glare or battery conservation matter.

Users valuing precise manual framing or shooting in diverse conditions will find the S8400W's duo of LCD and EVF a critical advantage.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities: Motion Capture and Multimedia

For photographers interested in action or video content, performance in continuous shooting and video recording often influences camera choice.

Burst Shooting:

• The S4800 shoots at a limited 1 fps continuous rate, unsuitable for sports or wildlife scenarios demanding rapid capture of fleeting moments.

• The S8400W supports 10 fps burst shooting, a significant enhancement allowing photographers to capture sequences of fast action, increasing keeper rates in dynamic subjects.

Video Recording:

• The S4800 records HD video at 1280×720 pixels and 30 fps in H.264 and Motion JPEG formats, which is serviceable but outdated by current standards.

• The S8400W upgrades video to full HD (1920×1080) at 60 fps, producing smoother motion ideal for casual videography. It also supports high-speed recording modes (320×120 at 480 fps, 320×240 at 240 fps, and 640×480 at 120 fps) for slow-motion playback.

Neither camera includes external microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control for serious video users. However, the S8400W's built-in Wi-Fi connectivity facilitates wireless file transfer, a boost for on-the-go content sharing.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations for Extended Use

Both cameras operate on readily available AA batteries (4x), favoring convenience in remote locations or travel where recharge facilities may be limited.

The S4800 does not specify rated battery life, but anecdotal testing suggests moderate endurance consistent with AA-powered cameras, typically allowing a few hundred shots per set of alkaline batteries.

The S8400W claims approximately 300 shots per charge using standard AA batteries. Although heavier due to elevated specs and EVF usage, its better power management extends use considerably compared to the S4800.

Both rely on a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, standard for the segment but presenting no redundancy for critical professional workflows.

Real-World Performance: Photography Disciplines and Use Cases

In practical field tests, performance nuances emerge across photographic genres.

Portrait Photography

• The S8400W benefits from manual focus for precise eye focusing and a slightly brighter lens aperture at wide angle, which helps in softer background separations.

• Face detection and eye detection are basic on both, with the S4800 being superior in face detection autofocus. However, limited bokeh control due to small sensor size restricts creative shallow depth of field.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras’ 16 MP resolution suffices for moderate-sized prints, but the S8400W’s higher dynamic range from the CMOS sensor offers better highlight and shadow detail essential for landscape.

• Neither is weather sealed, limiting outdoor use under harsh conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The S8400W's longer 1056 mm zoom and 10 fps burst shooting enable tighter, more dynamic wildlife and sports shots.

• Faster autofocus and superior stabilization also mean less motion blur at extended telephoto ranges.

• The S4800’s slower autofocus and 30x zoom limit telephoto reach and tracking effectiveness.

Street and Travel Photography

• The S4800’s smaller size and lighter weight favor portability and discretion in street scenarios.

• Lack of an EVF might hinder framing in bright environments.

• The S8400W, although heavier, provides greater versatility with its EVF and extended zoom, suitable for travel photographers prioritizing reach and flexibility.

Macro Photography

• The S8400W’s 1 cm macro focusing distance edges out the S4800’s 2 cm, allowing closer detail capture.

• Both offer reliable in-body stabilization, critical for handheld macro shots at slower shutter speeds.

Night and Astro Photography

• The S8400W’s expanded ISO range (up to 12,800) and superior sensor performance afford better low-light results despite small sensor limitations.

• Absence of RAW capture and high noise at boosted ISOs constrain astrophotography potential.

Workflow and Professional Considerations

Neither camera provides RAW capability, limiting professional post-processing workflows. Both save images as JPEGs only, which compresses data and reduces editing flexibility.

Connectivity-wise, only the S8400W features built-in Wi-Fi, allowing wireless image transfer that can save time on-location. HDMI output on both enables external monitoring, although no headphone or mic jacks restrict audio control in video work.

Their fixed-lens configurations eliminate the need for lens changes but also restrict optical flexibility that interchangeable lens systems offer professional users.

Comprehensive Image Gallery and Sample Quality

Fujifilm S4800 front Fujifilm S4800 screen back Fujifilm S8400W front Fujifilm S8400W screen back

Side-by-side comparisons of outdoor daylight, indoor portraits, and telephoto shots reveal that the S8400W consistently renders clearer images with less noise and better color accuracy, especially in low-light and zoomed-in scenes. The S4800 images are respectable but show earlier onset of noise and reduced sharpness at longer focal lengths.

Summary of Overall Performance

And when broken down by category:

These scores confirm the S8400W's superior versatility across most photographic genres, particularly in wildlife, sports, and nighttime use, while the S4800 excels in value and portability for casual or beginner enthusiasts.

Final Recommendations: Which Fujifilm Bridge Camera Suits You?

Closing Assessment

While both the Fujifilm S4800 and S8400W occupy the same small sensor superzoom bridge camera class, their divergent specifications mark clear distinctions in capability and user focus. The S4800, with its CCD sensor and limited zoom, functions as a compact, affordable option emphasizing straightforward operation. The S8400W elevates the experience with its BSI-CMOS sensor, longer zoom reach, faster shooting modes, and enhanced ergonomics, positioning itself toward the enthusiast or semi-professional market seeking greater creative control and performance versatility.

Ultimately, the S8400W stands out as the more technically advanced and practical choice for photographers demanding broader functionality and superior image quality. The S4800 still holds value where budget and simplicity are prioritized above all else.

Through this detailed comparison, incorporating extensive hands-on testing and technical evaluation, photographers are equipped to choose the camera that best aligns with their shooting styles, environmental demands, and creative ambitions.