FujiFilm S8200 vs Panasonic ZS70: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

As avid shooters who’ve put countless cameras through their paces, we know the quest for the ideal superzoom can feel like navigating a maze. Today, we're digging deep into two compelling entrants in the small sensor superzoom category: the 2013-era FujiFilm FinePix S8200 and the fresher 2017 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 (also known as the TZ90). Both promise extensive zoom ranges and versatile features but come from very different design philosophies and technological eras.

I’ve tested these cameras extensively across multiple lighting conditions, shooting genres, and real-world scenarios. This comparison will cover everything from sensor nuances and autofocus subtleties to ergonomics and value for your photography goals. My aim is to equip you with thorough, practical insights to guide your choice - no fluff, no hyperbole.

Let’s jump in.

A Tale of Two Designs: Size, Handling, and Control

When you first hold these cameras side by side, their distinct approaches are immediately apparent.

The FujiFilm S8200 is a classic bridge camera - chunky, with an SLR-style grip and a tactile control layout. Its bulk (123×87×116 mm, 670g) conveys robustness but can tire your hand after extended shooting. The body feels competent but somewhat dated. In contrast, the Panasonic ZS70 is compact and sleek (112×67×41 mm, 322g), aimed for portability without sacrificing key features. It slips easily into most bags, making it an ideal travel companion.

From an ergonomics standpoint, the S8200’s larger form factor translates into a more secure grip and physical control dials that are responsive but a bit clunky. The ZS70’s smaller frame incorporates a tilting touchscreen (something the S8200 lacks) and a refined button layout that feels modern yet intuitive.

Looking at the top controls:

The Panasonic ZS70 sports a cleaner, more minimalistic top plate with a dedicated exposure compensation dial. The FujiFilm embraces a more traditional bridge camera interface with a mode dial and zoom rocker, but with fewer shortcut buttons, translating to more menu-diving during action shots.

In my tests, the Panasonic’s touchscreen combined with tactile buttons vastly improved quick-setting adjustments in the field, especially for changing focus modes or navigating menus. The FujiFilm’s fixed LCD and more analog approach may appeal to traditionalists but can slow down workflow.

Bottom line: If portability and modern handling matter most, the ZS70 wins hands down. But for those preferring a heftier grip reminiscent of classic bridge cameras, the FujiFilm offers a solid feel despite its dated ergonomics.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size Matters, But So Does Processing

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²), a staple size for superzooms. However, Panasonic leverages a 20MP sensor, while Fujifilm sits at 16MP resolution.

This difference in pixel count ostensibly gives the Panasonic an edge in detail resolution, but sensor tech, processing, and lens performance play a huge role.

In daylight, both cameras deliver decent sharpness commensurate with their sensor limits, but Panasonic’s ZS70 images have noticeably finer detail and better noise control. The Venus Engine processor and newer image pipeline in the ZS70 ensure snappier noise reduction at higher ISOs. Fujifilm’s S8200 lacks raw support, which handicaps post-processing - images are locked in JPEG format, limiting flexibility for serious photographers.

Thankfully, the ZS70 supports RAW files, opening doors to extensive editing and dynamic range adjustment. This becomes critical for shooting in challenging light or pulling back shadows in landscape shots.

Color rendering between the two is somewhat stylistic. Fujifilm, known for its color science, produces warmer tones with pleasant skin rendering in controlled light. However, the younger Panasonic often yields more neutral colors with better overall consistency.

ISO performance: The Panasonic ZS70’s max native ISO settings go up to 3200 (expandable to 6400), while FujiFilm pushes higher at 12800 native ISO. But in real terms, Fuji’s higher ISO settings show heavy noise and artifacts, limiting practical use beyond 1600. Panasonic’s ISO 3200 images remain usable with grain more effectively managed.

Display and Viewfinder: The Window to Your Image

The LCD and EVF experience is a critical touchpoint shaping framing and focus confidence.

The FujiFilm S8200 sports a fixed 3.0" TFT LCD with a modest 460k-dot resolution. Images appear duller and colors less vibrant compared to modern standards. The lack of touchscreen means navigating menus or adjusting settings requires physical buttons - a bit clumsy for quick changes.

In stark contrast, the Panasonic ZS70 offers a 3.0" tilting touchscreen with a sharp 1,040k-dot resolution. This combination provides bright, vibrant feedback with excellent visibility outdoors - essential for composing shots on the move or from awkward angles. The touchscreen’s responsiveness enables direct autofocus point selection, significantly boosting street and macro shooting efficiency.

Looking through the electronic viewfinders (EVF), the ZS70 again leads, offering a 1,166k-dot OLED EVF with nearly 100% coverage and 0.46x magnification. The S8200’s EVF resolution is a paltry 200k dots, and coverage is unspecified but noticeably narrower and grainier during testing.

For manual focus precision and quick composition shifts, the Panasonic’s EVF makes a tangible difference, especially under bright sun where LCDs struggle.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed Meets Accuracy

In superzoom cameras, autofocus (AF) system efficacy largely defines utility in real-world conditions - especially in wildlife, sports, and street photography.

Here’s where the two diverge dramatically.

The FujiFilm S8200 employs a relatively basic contrast-detection AF system with no continuous AF, face or eye detection, or tracking. In practical terms, this means it locks focus slower and struggles with moving subjects, exhibiting noticeable hunting in low light or at extreme zoom ranges. Moreover, the lack of multiple focus points limits precise composition, encouraging center-weighted focusing only.

Conversely, Panasonic’s ZS70 hosts a sophisticated 49-point contrast-detection AF system boasting face detection, autofocus tracking, continuous AF, and even touch-enabled AF point selection. This translates to snappier, more reliable focus acquisition and better performance in action scenarios.

Burst shooting is identical on paper for both cameras at 10 fps, but Panasonic’s faster buffer clearing and tracking AF keep shots sharp and usable, while Fuji’s system is more prone to focus misses during continuous shooting.

Testing notes: In a series of wildlife test shots (fast swooping birds and jittery squirrels), the ZS70 maintained focus on the subject far more consistently. The S8200 often missed focus or locked on background elements.

Optical Zoom and Lens Characteristics

One of the main selling points for superzooms is versatility over vast focal ranges.

The FujiFilm S8200’s lens spans 24-960mm equivalent (a hefty 40x zoom) with a maximum aperture of f/2.9-6.5. The Panasonic ZS70 covers 24-720mm (30x zoom) at f/3.3-6.4 aperture.

While the FujiFilm has the longer reach, it’s worth considering the practical sharpness and image quality at full zoom.

At wide-angle, both lenses produce respectable distortion control given the sensor size, but Panasonic offers more consistency edge-to-edge. At telephoto, Fuji’s lens shows significant softness and chromatic aberration, especially beyond 600mm equivalent, even with image stabilization engaged.

The Panasonic balances its zoom range well, with surprisingly good sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration up to 400mm and controlled softness beyond that. The lens also supports a close macro focus distance of 3 cm, allowing true macro shots. FujiFilm’s macro focus at zero centimeters is advertised but less usable in practice due to poor detail and no focus stacking.

Regarding stabilization, both employ optical image stabilization (OIS). Fujifilm’s system is effective but slightly less sophisticated, resulting in minor blur during handheld shots at maximum zoom. Panasonic’s Venus Engine OIS performs admirably, facilitating crisp shots at slow shutter speeds even at the 720mm telephoto end.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images Matter

Video recording is no longer an afterthought, so how do these cameras stack up?

The FujiFilm S8200 maxes out Full HD (1920x1080) at 60fps using Motion JPEG format, which unfortunately results in large file sizes and less efficient compression.

The Panasonic ZS70 crushes the FujiFilm in video with 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) at 30fps support, Full HD at 60fps, slow-motion options, and recording in efficient AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats. It also includes 4K photo mode, allowing extraction of high-res stills from video clips - a boon for event and wildlife shooters wanting to capture elusive moments.

Though neither camera offers microphone or headphone ports, Panasonic’s video codec advantages and touchscreen controls facilitate better video-focused shooting.

Durability, Battery Life and Connectivity

Neither camera provides weather sealing or rugged body construction, so neither is an ideal choice for harsh environmental conditions.

Powering the FujiFilm S8200 are four AA batteries, which have the advantage of easy replacement but generally offer modest battery life requiring frequent spares on trips. The Panasonic ZS70 uses a proprietary lithium-ion battery rated for around 380 shots per charge - more than adequate for day-long excursions but requires recharging facilities.

Connectivity-wise, the FujiFilm is sparse - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. Panasonic throws in built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and remote control via smartphone, a notable convenience factor in today’s connected world.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Different photographic disciplines highlight dissimilar strengths. Here is a summary of how these cameras fare by genre, supported by tested ratings.

• Portrait Photography: Panasonic’s superior autofocus, face detection, and color reproduction provide more pleasing skin tones and sharper eye focus. FujiFilm’s wider aperture at 24mm contributes to background blur but its lack of face detection makes consistent portraits harder.

• Landscape: Fuji’s slightly longer zoom can help isolate distant features, but Panasonic’s higher resolution, tilting LCD for awkward angle shots, and better dynamic range edges it out.

• Wildlife: Panasonic excels with faster, more accurate tracking autofocus and steadier stabilization at moderate telephoto lengths - crucial for moving animals.

• Sports: High burst rates in both, but Panasonic’s continuous AF and buffer handling mean it captures action moments more reliably.

• Street Photography: Panasonic’s compactness, near-silent electronic shutter option, and touchscreen AF make it ideal. Fuji’s bulk and slower focus hinder stealth.

• Macro: Panasonic’s 3 cm macro capability with focus stacking functions is a significant plus over Fuji’s more limited macro.

• Night & Astro: Both are limited by small sensor size, but Panasonic’s better high ISO handling and electronic shutter make it marginally better.

• Video: Panasonic dominates, supporting 4K and advanced codecs.

• Travel: Lightweight, Wi-Fi, and multi-functional controls make Panasonic the go-to choice.

• Professional Use: Neither replaces advanced APS-C or full-frame systems, but Panasonic’s RAW support and connectivity make it more suitable for supplementary professional work.

Real-World Image Gallery Comparison

Nothing beats reviewing actual photos to get a feel for these cameras’ output.

Fujifilm S8200 front Fujifilm S8200 screen back Panasonic ZS70 front

In controlled daylight landscapes, Panasonic’s images show greater fine detail, firmer edges, and reliable exposure. Skin tones in portraits look more natural and less flat than Fujifilm’s warmer bias. In low light, Panasonic maintains sharpness better with lower noise. The FujiFilm occasionally produces overly warm or soft images.

Ratings and Value Assessment

To encapsulate the overall performance and value, let’s reference our rating matrix:

Panasonic ZS70 scores consistently higher across almost every category thanks to:

• Superior sensor and image quality
• Advanced autofocus with tracking
• 4K video capability
• User-friendly touchscreen and EVF
• Compact, travel-friendly design
• Wireless connectivity
• RAW file flexibility

The FujiFilm S8200 offers respectable zoom reach and a dependable, robust design, but its dated tech limits its appeal today.

At roughly $450 for each, Panasonic arguably provides more bang for your buck due to enhanced versatility and operating speed. The FujiFilm might appeal to budget-conscious buyers prioritizing ultimate zoom reach and a more “traditional” bridge shooter feel, but with clear concessions.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

In the superzoom niche, small sensor cameras aren’t for imaging purists hungry for the finest quality. But they can capture important moments where size, zoom, and convenience dominate.

• Choose the Panasonic ZS70 if:
  You want the best all-rounder with solid image quality, 4K video, intuitive controls, and reliable autofocus for varied shooting - from travel and street to casual wildlife and video. The ZS70 represents a strong mid-range compact superzoom with modern conveniences.

• Choose the FujiFilm S8200 if:
  You value maximum zoom reach (up to 960mm equivalent), prefer the ergonomics of a bigger grip, and need a solid bridge-style camera for casual photography with no raw files or 4K video concerns. It’s a budget-friendly option for those less concerned by cutting-edge features.

Testing Methodology Transparency

All insights arise from hands-on field shoots and studio controlled tests for noise, dynamic range, and autofocus in matched lighting. Imaging comparison files were analyzed with Adobe Lightroom at default profiles to ensure fair assessment.

Battery performance was noted through practical day outings, focusing on continuous shooting and video duration limits. Ergonomics assessment involved both still shooting and spontaneous scenario handling to gauge intuitive operation under pressure.

By approaching both cameras from multiple angles, we ensure the conclusions reflect real user experience, not just spec-sheet theory.

In conclusion: The Panasonic ZS70 is a markedly more capable, modern superzoom that suits enthusiasts seeking versatility and quality within a compact package. The FujiFilm FinePix S8200, while capable, feels increasingly dated and best reserved for bargain-oriented buyers who prioritize extreme zoom above all else.

Thanks for joining me on this deep dive. Keep shooting sharp!