Fujifilm FinePix S4800 vs S9900w: Which Superzoom Bridge Camera Fits Your Photography Needs?

If you’re digging into the world of bridge cameras with superzoom capabilities, you’ve probably come across Fujifilm’s FinePix S4800 and its successor, the S9900w. Both pack a substantial zoom range and appeal to enthusiasts eyeing versatility without jumping into interchangeable-lens systems. But with two models nearly two years apart, how do they actually compare in day-to-day shooting? More importantly, which one matches your style and budget?

Having logged hundreds of hours testing these cameras side-by-side across multiple genres - portrait, landscape, sports, even casual video - I’m here to distill the strengths, compromises, and real-world usability of each. Pull up a chair; let’s dive deep with a hands-on perspective and not just spec sheet regurgitation.

Physical Feel and Handling: How Size and Ergonomics Influence Shooting Comfort

First impressions count, and both Fujifilm S4800 and S9900w embody that typical bridge camera form factor - DSLR-like bodies with chunky grips allowing you to hold these superzooms steady for long-range shots.

Looking at size and weight:

• S4800: Compact and lightweight at 518g, measuring 122×93×100 mm.
• S9900w: Noticeably bulkier and heavier at 670g, with dimensions 123×87×116 mm.

That extra heft in the S9900w comes from a beefier zoom lens and battery system, which can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, that weight translates to steadier handling - crucial when shooting at full 1200mm telephoto. On the other, it can tire you out on long excursions, especially for street or travel photography demanding portability.

Controls do not skimp either:

Both cameras tuck in a similar button layout with dedicated dials for exposure modes (shutter/aperture priority), exposure compensation, and manual focus/manual exposure access. But the S9900w gains an electronic viewfinder (EVF), missing from the S4800 entirely. The EVF sports 920k-dot resolution and covers 97% of the frame - an indispensable asset under bright daylight or when composing quickly for wildlife and sports subjects.

Whereas the S4800 relies solely on its fixed 3-inch LCD with 230k resolution, the S9900w ups the ante with a much crisper 460k-dot LCD, making image review and menu navigation a noticeably smoother experience.

If you prefer eye-level shooting or subject tracking via EVF, the S9900w immediately feels more modern and capable.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Showdown

Both cameras use the same 1/2.3-inch sensor size, a common small sensor standard in superzooms, but the underlying sensor tech and processing create some distinct image quality differences:

• S4800: Utilizes an older CCD sensor with 16MP resolution. While CCD generally had good color fidelity in its day, here the small sensor size limits dynamic range and noise handling.
• S9900w: Features a CMOS sensor (also 16MP) with more advanced on-chip processing. The CMOS sensor allows for faster readouts, better noise control especially at higher ISOs, and improved live view autofocus performance.

Speaking of ISO, the S9900w supports native ISO 100–12800, giving it a significant edge over the S4800’s max ISO of 1600 (with boost to 6400). In real-world shooting, this means the S9900w is noticeably better in low-light or indoor scenarios - critical if you shoot events, casual evening portraits, or street scenes.

Speaking of image samples, here are direct snapshots taken side-by-side in various lighting and scene types to visualize output quality:

Fujifilm S4800 front Fujifilm S4800 screen back Fujifilm S9900w front Fujifilm S9900w screen back

Pay close attention to:

• Color rendition: both show Fujifilm's signature color science warmth, but the S9900w renders skin tones with slightly more accuracy.
• Noise and detail: S4800 images start to show luminance noise and softening above ISO 800, while the S9900w maintains cleaner edges and finer detail up to ISO 1600.
• Dynamic range: highlights retain more detail on the S9900w, thanks to CMOS sensor improvements.

Bottom line? If ultimate image quality in varied lighting is key, the newer sensor and processing pipeline of the S9900w provide a clear upgrade.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Accuracy Matter

Autofocus is one of the most critical specs - especially for sports, wildlife, and action photography - which the superzoom category often targets.

The S4800 offers basic contrast-detection AF with continuous, single, and tracking modes but no manual focus ring, which limits fine manual adjustments. It can struggle in low contrast or fast-moving scenarios.

In contrast, the S9900w boasts:

• Contrast-detection AF with selectable AF modes including selective, center, multi-area, tracking,
• Manual focus ring enabling precise control,
• Face detection autofocus which assists portraits and candids,
• Continuous AF that is significantly quicker and more reliable.

Shooting bursts at:

• S4800: a paltry 1 frame per second continuous shooting,
• S9900w: up to 10 fps, making it much better suited for capturing fleeting wildlife or sports moments.

Although neither camera features phase-detection AF, the enhanced AF algorithms in the S9900w, combined with its CMOS sensor’s faster readout, consistently produce quicker and more reliable focus locks in practice.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Reach and Image Stabilization

Here’s where you really feel the different philosophies:

• The S4800’s lens covers a 24-720mm (30x optical zoom), aperture F3.1-5.9.
• The S9900w extends this to 24-1200mm (50x optical zoom), aperture F2.9-6.5.

The S9900w’s higher telephoto reach opens up new creative possibilities for wildlife and sports photographers, or anyone who wants to catch distant subjects without the expense and bulk of long prime lenses.

But superzoom lenses are notorious for optical compromises:

• The S4800 shows moderate barrel distortion at wide angles and some softness at max telephoto,
• The S9900w improves optical stabilization with an optical image stabilization system, compared to the sensor-shift stabilization on the S4800.

With the S9900w's lens, you will see improved sharpness through the zoom range and the optical IS ensures more steady shots at the extreme telephoto, whereas the S4800’s sensor-shift IS is less effective on longer focal lengths.

If macro is your jam, the S4800 features a closer macro focusing distance (2 cm) than the S9900w (7 cm), which means it can get you really up close for tiny subjects.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Durability in the Field

Neither camera offers professional-grade weather sealing or ruggedness. Both lack dustproof, waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof features.

From my experience shooting these cameras outdoors:

• The S4800's plastic body feels decent but somewhat lightweight, which can impact durability.
• The S9900w, while heavier, has a more solid feel and better grip design, making it preferable for off-trail photography.

Neither is a serious choice for heavy weather but with reasonable care, the S9900w provides a bit more confidence in challenging shooting conditions.

Display and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shots

I touched on this earlier, but worth a dedicated note.

The S4800 relies solely on its fixed 3-inch LCD with only 230k dots, which feels underwhelming together with no eye-level viewfinder.

The S9900w improves dramatically with a higher resolution LCD and adds an electronic viewfinder with 920k dot resolution and 97% coverage.

For shooting in bright sunlight or maintaining steady framing while tracking fast-moving subjects, the EVF is invaluable.

Furthermore, the S9900w screen includes touch sensitivity in live-view autofocus modes (though no full touchscreen controls), enhancing usability.

Video Capabilities: What to Expect from Your Superzoom

Both cameras support HD video, but with different outcomes:

• S4800: shoots at 1280 x 720 (30fps) and 640 x 480 (30fps), h.264 and Motion JPEG formats. No external mic input and no 4K.
• S9900w: upgrades to full 1080p at 60fps and 720p at 60fps in h.264 only. Still no external mic, headphone jack, or 4K support.

The S9900w offers smoother video with higher frame rates and better image stabilization, resulting in less shake during hand-held shooting.

Yet both cameras are basic video tools and won’t satisfy demanding videographers, partly due to sensor size limitations impacting shallow depth of field and overall image quality.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Features Check

Connectivity is important for today’s photographers who want rapid sharing.

• The S4800 lacks wireless features.
• The S9900w includes built-in Wi-Fi for quick image transfer to mobile devices - very handy for casual shooting during travel.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with one slot and comparable write speeds limited by USB 2.0 standards for tethered downloads.

The S9900w also offers internal storage, a small but useful feature for temporary buffering.

Battery Life and Power Options: Supporting Long Shoots

S4800 and S9900w both run on four AA batteries:

• The S9900w uses a dedicated battery pack composed of AAs, offering around 300 shots per charge under typical conditions.
• The older S4800’s battery life isn’t specified clearly, but given lower LCD resolution, it might edge higher in shot count.

While AA batteries are convenient and easy to replace worldwide, they add bulk and weight, notably in the S9900w’s case.

Pricing and Value: What Will You Pay?

• The S4800 currently lists around $229 - an entry-level superzoom price point.
• The S9900w, more feature-rich and newer, clocks in around $719 - a significant premium.

This threefold price difference is justifiable by the improvements in optics, sensor performance, burst rate, EVF, and connectivity - but does it make financial sense for every buyer?

Performance Rankings and Genre-Specific Analysis

Bringing it all together, the cameras’ overall and genre-specific strengths clarify their ideal users.

Portrait Photography

• S9900w leads thanks to more accurate autofocus with face detection, better skin tones, and low light ISO performance.
• The lack of RAW support on both limits professional tweaking.

Landscape Photography

• Both deliver decent resolution but limited dynamic range inherent in the small sensor.
• The S9900w’s higher ISO ceiling and longer zoom reach offer more framing flexibility.
• Neither offers weather sealing, so be cautious outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The S9900w is clearly superior with its 10fps burst, EVF, and reliable AF tracking, making it a practical choice for action.
• The S4800’s slow 1fps hampers fast subject capture.

Street Photography

• The S4800’s smaller size and lighter weight suit quicker, more discreet shooting.
• Lack of EVF on S4800 is a downside in bright conditions.

Macro Photography

• S4800’s closer 2cm macro focus edge makes it a better choice for detailed close-up work.

Night and Astrophotography

• Both limited by sensor size and noise.
• S9900w's higher ISO is still marginal but offers better low-light shots.

Video

• S9900w delivers better video with 1080p60 and image stabilization.

Travel Photography

• The S4800’s light weight and decent zoom pack a compelling case.
• S9900w’s versatility and connectivity suit travelers needing more features and willing to carry extra bulk.

Professional Use

• Neither supports RAW or professional file formats.
• They work best as secondary cameras or for hobbyists.

Wrapping Up: Which Fujifilm Superzoom Should You Buy?

You’ve seen the technical differentiation and real-world implications. So, my take:

• Buy the Fujifilm S4800 if:

  • You want a lightweight, budget-friendly superzoom for casual travel and family snapshots.
  • You prioritize macro photography with close focusing.
  • You don’t need fast burst rates, EVF, or Wi-Fi.
  • Price sensitivity is a key factor.

• Buy the Fujifilm S9900w if:

  • You want a more serious all-rounder bridge superzoom with a massive 50x zoom.
  • You shoot action, wildlife, or sports demanding fast AF and 10fps burst.
  • You value eye-level shooting with an EVF and better low-light performance.
  • You appreciate the convenience of Wi-Fi built-in for quick sharing.

Both cameras exist in a niche between compact point-and-shoots and entry-level DSLRs. Neither replaces interchangeable-lens systems but offer an affordable bridge for shooting versatility. As always with bridge cameras, be mindful of inherent sensor limitations and lens compromises.

If I had to pick one for my own casual wildlife and travel use, I’d lean toward the Fujifilm S9900w - the improved sensor, extended zoom, and better AF make it truly more capable, despite the added bulk and price. Its features align better with today’s diverse shooting situations.

I hope this detailed comparison sheds light on these two long-zoom contenders. Choosing the right camera comes down to your expected use cases and budget, and now you’ve got the insights to decide wisely.

Happy shooting!

• Your friendly camera gear tester and reviewer

Appendix: Quick Specs Summary

For side-by-side visual reference and more examples, don’t forget to check the images embedded above.