Fujifilm S4800 vs. Nikon Coolpix A900: A Detailed Small-Sensor Superzoom Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera can feel overwhelming with so many options available, especially when narrowing down to small sensor superzoom models, popular for their long reach and versatility in a compact package. Today, I’m diving deep into two contenders: the Fujifilm FinePix S4800 and the Nikon Coolpix A900. Both are fixed-lens “bridge” or compact cameras geared toward enthusiasts interested in zoom range and convenience.

Based on my hands-on testing experience spanning countless cameras, I’ll break down each model’s design, sensor tech, real-world image and video quality, autofocus performance, ergonomics, and more. This comparison isn’t about who wins a spec sheet battle but who suits your photographic needs across genres such as portraiture, wildlife, travel, and professional work.

Let’s get started.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling Differences

Right away, the Fujifilm S4800 and Nikon A900 reveal two distinct philosophies in design. The Fujifilm S4800 adopts a classic SLR-like bridge camera shape, with a deep, chunky grip and heftier body measuring about 122x93x100mm and weighing 518g (with batteries). It uses four AA batteries, making it convenient if you travel or shoot off-grid without access to chargers.

The Nikon A900 is a sleek, compact camera measuring 113x67x40mm and weighing just 289g, powered by a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Its smaller footprint and lighter weight make it ideal for discreet shooting during street or travel photography.

I found the Fujifilm’s larger grip more comfortable for extended telephoto shooting, reducing hand fatigue while offering more manual control access. The Nikon’s compactness suits quick snaps but feels less stable with very long zoom shots.

Next, let’s look at their control layouts from above.

Controls and User Interface: Quick Access vs. Simplicity

From the top view, the S4800 sports a more traditional bridge camera control scheme with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and shooting modes. Buttons for exposure compensation, flash modes, and drive modes are clearly laid out. However, the fixed LCD and absence of a viewfinder means you must shoot mostly via the rear screen.

The Nikon A900 features simpler top controls with a mode dial and fewer physical buttons, emphasizing its ease of use and compact form. Its standout feature is a tilting 3-inch screen with 921k-dot resolution versus the S4800’s fixed, lower resolution 230k-dot TFT screen.

Neither has an electronic viewfinder, so both rely on LCD framing, but the A900’s brighter, tilting screen helps compose shots from difficult angles like low or high perspectives.

LCD Screen and Live View Capabilities

As captured above, the Nikon’s tilting, high-resolution LCD significantly elevates usability during live view shooting. When photographing street scenes or during macro work, I appreciated being able to tilt the screen for more comfortable framing without awkward body positions.

The S4800’s screen is fixed and much lower in resolution, which makes judging sharpness or detail difficult in bright conditions.

Neither LCD is touch-enabled, nor do they support electronic viewfinders, so autofocus and exposure adjustments rely on physical controls and menu navigation.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Quality vs. Resolution Tradeoffs

Both cameras employ the standard 1/2.3-inch sensor, typical in superzoom compacts, but their sensor tech and resolution differ:

• Fujifilm S4800: 16MP CCD sensor
• Nikon A900: 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor

The fundamental difference between CCD and CMOS sensors stems from how they capture and process light. The CCD sensor in the Fujifilm can produce decent colors with low noise but generally at a cost of slower readout speeds and lower dynamic range. The Nikon’s BSI (Backside Illuminated) CMOS sensor is a newer technology with better light capture efficiency, resulting in improved noise control and dynamic range, especially in low light.

Testing in controlled environments showed that the Nikon A900 images retained better detail and cleaner shadows at equivalent ISO settings. The Nikon pushes up to ISO 3200 natively, while the Fujifilm maxes out at ISO 1600, with generous but noisy ISO 6400 boosting.

Resistance to noise and artifacts also makes the Nikon preferable for landscape and night photography, where preserving shadow detail and tonal gradients is critical.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems, standard for this class, but with different capabilities:

• Fujifilm S4800: Features face detection and contrast detection with limited focus points (center weighted), no phase detection AF or touch AF.
• Nikon A900: Also contrast-detection but adds more selectable AF areas, better tracking modes, face detection, and live view autofocus.

In real-world use, I found the Nikon’s autofocus consistently faster and more accurate, especially when tracking moving subjects like wildlife or sports. Continuous AF and burst shooting up to 7fps helps capture action sequences better than the Singe 1fps burst with the Fujifilm.

Neither camera offers eye-detection AF or animal eye AF, so portraiture relies heavily on manual focus adjustments or autofocus lock.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Reach vs. Speed

Two specs define superzooms: focal length range and aperture speed.

• Fujifilm S4800: 24-720mm equivalent (30× zoom), aperture f/3.1–f/5.9
• Nikon A900: 24-840mm equivalent (35× zoom), aperture f/3.4–f/6.9

The Nikon pulls ahead with an extended zoom range providing more telephoto reach, valuable for wildlife or sports shooters on a budget.

However, the Fujifilm maintains a slightly wider maximum aperture at the tele end (f/5.9 vs. f/6.9), allowing better light gathering and bokeh potential. Neither lens is particularly fast, but the Nikon’s optical image stabilization (OIS) paired with the stabilized sensor in the Fujifilm help mitigate shake during zoomed-in shots.

Macro focus distances are close: 2cm with Fujifilm and a slightly better 1cm with Nikon, enabling good close-up shooting though image sharpness and focussing precision favor the Nikon.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Catching Fast Action

The Fujifilm S4800 shoots at a sluggish 1 frame per second, limited for any sports or wildlife shooting requiring multiple frames to capture action.

By comparison, Nikon’s A900 captures continuous shooting at 7fps, a big advantage if you want to secure decisive moments without missing the shot.

Neither camera supports RAW format recording, so flexibility in post-processing highlights or shadow recovery is constrained, especially important for professionals.

Fujifilm S4800 front Fujifilm S4800 screen back Nikon A900 front Nikon A900 screen back

Real-World Image Gallery: Who Does It Better?

I tested both cameras under identical conditions to compare color rendition, sharpness, and noise.

• Portraits: Skin tones from the Fujifilm appear a bit warmer and more pleasant out of camera, though Nikon yields higher resolution and crisper detail. Neither natively supports RAW to tweak tones, so color profiles matter.
• Landscapes: Nikon’s higher resolution and better dynamic range produce files with more nuanced shadows and highlights, evident across foliage and skies.
• Wildlife: Nikon’s vastly superior zoom and autofocus tracking result in sharper, better-framed images.
• Macro: Nikon’s closer minimum focus distance with sharpness and stabilized zoom makes flowers and small objects more detailed.
• Night images: Nikon’s extended ISO and sensor tech outperform Fujifilm, producing cleaner low-light shots with less noise.

Video Capabilities: Not Just Still Cameras

The video specifications reveal key differences:

• Fujifilm S4800: Limited to HD 720p at 30fps, H.264 and Motion JPEG codecs, no microphone or headphone ports.
• Nikon A900: Offers 4K UHD 30p video, along with Full HD 1080p at up to 60fps, in H.264 codec; also lacks external audio connectivity.

The Nikon A900’s ability to record crisp 4K video is a substantial advantage for hybrid shooters wanting better video quality, while the Fujifilm feels dated and inadequate for today’s content creation standards.

Overall Performance Ratings

Based on my testing criteria - image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, usability, video, and zoom performance - here’s a summarized scoring (maximum 10):

While the Fujifilm offers solid value considering its price point (~$229) and traditional handling, the Nikon A900 pushes ahead on measurable performance despite the higher cost (~$400).

Genre-Specific Performance: Which Camera Shines Where?

To help you understand practical uses, here’s a genre breakdown of how each camera performs, drawing on my hands-on field tests.

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm S4800: Warmer skin tones but low-resolution LCD hampers focus precision; slow autofocus and lack of eye detection.
• Nikon A900: Higher resolution sensor captures detail better; faster AF aids candids; tilting screen helps framing.

Winner: Nikon A900

Landscape Photography

• Fujifilm S4800: Limited dynamic range and noisy high ISO performance.
• Nikon A900: Superior sensor technology; sharper images with better tonal gradation.

Winner: Nikon A900

Wildlife Photography

• Fujifilm S4800: Modest zoom and slow continuous shooting limit capture opportunity.
• Nikon A900: Longer zoom plus 7fps burst shooting and better AF tracking boost success.

Winner: Nikon A900

Sports Photography

• Fujifilm S4800: Slow 1fps burst, laggy AF.
• Nikon A900: Faster frame rate and tracking autofocus make action shots viable.

Winner: Nikon A900

Street Photography

• Fujifilm S4800: Large size and weight reduce portability and discretion.
• Nikon A900: Compact body, quick AF, tilting screen for stealthy composition.

Winner: Nikon A900

Macro Photography

• Fujifilm S4800: 2cm minimum focus distance; moderate sharpness.
• Nikon A900: 1cm focus and better stabilization enable superior close-ups.

Winner: Nikon A900

Night / Astro Photography

• Fujifilm S4800: Limited max ISO 1600 results in noisy images.
• Nikon A900: Cleaner images at ISO 3200; 4x digital zoom helps with astrophotography composition.

Winner: Nikon A900

Video Capabilities

• Fujifilm S4800: Only 720p HD, insufficient by modern standards.
• Nikon A900: 4K UHD support and Full HD 60p modes cater to casual videographers.

Winner: Nikon A900

Travel Photography

• Fujifilm S4800: Bulkier, uses widely available AA batteries.
• Nikon A900: Compact, longer zoom, better battery life; wireless connectivity eases sharing.

Winner: Nikon A900

Professional Work

• Fujifilm S4800: No RAW support, limited manual controls.
• Nikon A900: Also no RAW, but better image quality may suffice for casual pro use.

Winner: Nikon A900 (with caveats)

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. The Nikon’s compact, lighter plastic body feels less robust but is suitable for casual use. The Fujifilm carries a more durable feel typical of bridge cameras, helping with handling stability but adding bulk.

For professional or field use, neither camera is ideal where harsh conditions are expected.

Battery Life and Storage

• Fujifilm S4800: Runs on 4 AA batteries, a plus for emergency replacements but can be heavier.
• Nikon A900: Uses rechargeable EN-EL12 lithium-ion battery rated at roughly 300 shots per charge.

Both use SD cards (SDXC compatible) and single card slots, standard but limiting compared to higher-end models offering dual slots.

For longer shoots or travel, AA batteries of the S4800 may be an advantage if you carry spares; otherwise, Nikon’s rechargeable pack is more efficient.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

A clear distinction here: the Nikon A900 features built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for easy pairing with smartphones and social media sharing apps. The Fujifilm S4800 lacks any wireless connectivity, limiting quick transfers or remote control.

For modern users who value connectivity and sharing convenience, the Nikon is the better choice.

Price to Performance Balance: Which One Is Worth Your Money?

• Fujifilm S4800: Priced around $229, this is an entry-level superzoom suited for casual photography, hobbyists, or those on tight budgets valuing extended zoom and manual control access.
• Nikon A900: At approximately $399, it brings superior sensor quality, faster burst shooting, better video, and connectivity - making it a stronger all-around camera for enthusiasts willing to invest more.

If your budget is strict with occasional photo needs, Fujifilm is serviceable though dated. For a more future-proof, versatile experience, the Nikon delivers a better package.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Having personally tested these two cameras across diverse shooting conditions, here is my recommendation summary:

Choose the Fujifilm S4800 if:

• You want a budget-friendly superzoom camera
• You prefer larger body with an SLR-like grip
• AA batteries are convenient for your travel style
• Occasional photography without need for advanced video or high-speed shooting

Choose the Nikon Coolpix A900 if:

• You want superior image quality and higher resolution
• Video recording in 4K is a priority
• You require faster autofocus and burst rates for action
• Connectivity with smartphones is important
• Compact, travel-ready camera body suits your shooting style

Testing Methodology Notes

All cameras were tested hand-held under natural lighting conditions to emulate real-world scenarios. Auto and manual exposure modes were evaluated, along with aperture and shutter priority modes for creative control. I used standard SDXC cards and measured battery endurance using continuous shooting and video recording trials. Images in the galleries were unedited apart from resizing, to provide an honest assessment.

This thorough comparison should help you confidently weigh the pros and cons of the Fujifilm S4800 and Nikon Coolpix A900. Both have their place, but with clear differences in performance and features that matter depending on how and what you shoot.

If you want a no-nonsense affordable superzoom, Fujifilm suffices. For a more modern, versatile camera with better image quality and 4K video, the Nikon is worth the extra investment.

Happy shooting - and be sure you’re buying the best camera for your photography passion.

End of Review