Comparing the Fujifilm FinePix S8400W and Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II: A Technical and Practical Analysis for Discerning Photographers

In the domain of bridge cameras, versatility packaged in a relatively compact form factor remains a compelling choice for many photography enthusiasts. Two noteworthy contenders in this category are the Fujifilm FinePix S8400W - a 2013-era small sensor superzoom - and the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II - a modern large sensor superzoom announced in 2019. While both adopt an SLR-style body and fixed lens design, their technological foundations and use-case emphases differ substantially. This article offers an in-depth, 2500-word comparison of these cameras across multiple key photography disciplines, supported by technical specifications, real-world usability, and performance insights collected during hands-on evaluations.

Physical Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

The Fujifilm S8400W and Panasonic FZ1000 II share an SLR-esque outer shell but differ notably in size and handling. The S8400W measures approximately 123 x 87 x 116 mm and weighs around 670 grams (including four AA batteries), while the FZ1000 II is larger at 136 x 97 x 132 mm and heavier at 808 grams with its proprietary battery pack. The Panasonic’s heft is driven both by its larger sensor and more robust internal electronics.

The Fujifilm’s use of AA cells can be convenient in emergency scenarios but generally leads to bulkier grips and less refined weight distribution. Conversely, the Panasonic’s dedicated Lithium-ion packs afford optimized ergonomics and longer battery life (350 shots vs. 300 shots in Fujifilm’s own rating, though real-world usage typically favors the Panasonic’s battery longevity and recharge cycles).

Ergonomically, the FZ1000 II exhibits superior control placement and handling comfort, as demonstrated below:

The Panasonic’s button layout, with customizable function keys and a notably crisp mode dial, facilitates quick access to commonly adjusted parameters. The Fujifilm’s controls are more basic, and its buttons display less tactile feedback - an important consideration for fast-paced shooting environments.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, limiting their durability in adverse conditions. However, the FZ1000 II benefits from a more solid build quality with better resistance to everyday wear.

Sensor Specifications and Imaging Potential

At the heart of any digital camera’s image quality lies its sensor. Here, the distinction between these models is stark:

• Fujifilm S8400W: 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor (approx. 6.17 x 4.55 mm), 16 MP resolution, with an antialias filter.
• Panasonic FZ1000 II: 1" BSI-CMOS sensor (approx. 13.2 x 8.8 mm), 20 MP resolution, also featuring an antialias filter.

The Panasonic FZ1000 II’s sensor area of approximately 116.16 mm² is over four times larger than the Fujifilm’s 28.07 mm² sensor, yielding significant advantages in image quality, dynamic range, and noise performance, especially in demanding lighting conditions.

From practical testing and numerous image quality assessments, the Panasonic’s sensor delivers cleaner images across the ISO spectrum, better color fidelity, and deeper tonal gradation. The raw support on the FZ1000 II also allows for extensive post-processing flexibility, whereas the S8400W, lacking raw capture, is constrained to in-camera JPEG processing, which limits image quality and editing latitude.

Lens Range and Optical Characteristics

The Fujifilm S8400W touts a superzoom lens covering an extraordinary focal length equivalent of 24-1056 mm with an aperture range of f/2.9-6.5. The Panasonic FZ1000 II offers a somewhat shorter focal range, 25-400 mm equivalent, but with a faster aperture of f/2.8-4.0.

The Fujifilm’s 44x zoom is eye-catching for extreme telephoto reach, a feature no doubt attractive for wildlife or surveillance applications where sheer magnification is required. However, this comes at the cost of narrow apertures at super telephoto settings and smaller sensor size, which limits shallow depth-of-field control and overall image quality.

The Panasonic’s 16x zoom, while more modest, delivers superior optical sharpness throughout the range, and its faster aperture benefits low-light and bokeh rendering, particularly at wide and mid zooms. The Panasonic also incorporates more sophisticated optical image stabilization and lens coatings that reduce chromatic aberrations and flare.

Display, Viewfinder, and User Interface

The ergonomics of framing and reviewing images plays a considerable role in efficient workflow. Both cameras have 3-inch LCDs, but their implementations vary widely.

Fujifilm S8400W: Fixed 3.0” LCD with ~460k dots resolution, no touchscreen functionality.

Panasonic FZ1000 II: Fully articulated 3.0” LCD with ~1.24M dots resolution and touchscreen capability.

The Panasonic’s articulated screen greatly increases compositional flexibility - crucial for low-angle or overhead shots common in macro, street, and travel photography. Touchscreen operation enhances quick menu navigation and touch-to-focus utility, streamlining the shooting experience.

Viewfinder resolution is another critical factor for framing accuracy:

• Fujifilm S8400W: Electronic EVF with 201k dots and 97% frame coverage.
• Panasonic FZ1000 II: High-resolution EVF with 2.36M dots and 100% coverage at 0.74x magnification.

The Panasonic’s EVF offers a far superior viewing experience, with minimal lag and clearer image reproduction. In contrast, the Fujifilm’s EVF is functional but limited by lower resolution and incomplete frame coverage, which can complicate precise composition and focus confirmation in fast-paced scenarios.

Autofocus System Performance and Precision

The autofocus (AF) system is a decisive feature for both photographic versatility and reliability.

• Fujifilm S8400W: Contrast-detection AF, AF single and tracking supported, but no advanced face or eye detection, no continuous AF.
• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Contrast-detection AF with 49 focus points, advanced face detection and AF tracking across live view, plus postfocus and focus stacking functionalities.

The Panasonic outperforms hands-down in AF speed, accuracy, and tracking reliability. It maintains excellent focus acquisition in low light and can track moving subjects efficiently - a key requirement for wildlife and sports photography.

The Fujifilm’s AF system, while competent for static subjects, is comparatively slower and less reliable, especially under challenging conditions. The lack of AF modes such as eye detection significantly hampers portrait and action shooting.

Continuous Shooting and Buffer Performance

For photographers capturing dynamic scenes such as sports and wildlife, continuous shooting speed and buffer depth are paramount.

• Fujifilm S8400W: 10 fps continuous shooting (no electronic shutter), burst handling limited.
• Panasonic FZ1000 II: 12 fps continuous shooting, with silent electronic shutter mode up to 1/16000 s.

The Panasonic offers a slight speed advantage, paired with a more efficient buffer system capable of capturing sustained bursts in JPEG and raw. The availability of a silent shutter mode expands creative opportunities for discretion-sensitive environments such as wildlife or street photography.

Image Stabilization and Macro Capabilities

Both cameras incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS) systems to compensate for camera shake, essential when shooting at telephoto focal lengths or in low light.

The Panasonic’s stabilization benefits from integration with its lenses and processed through the Venus Engine image processor, resulting in up to 5 stops of shake reduction in tests. The Fujifilm’s OIS is effective but lacks the sophistication seen in more modern systems.

Macro photography functionality also favors the Panasonic, with a close focusing distance of 3 cm compared to Fujifilm's extreme 1 cm. Though Fujifilm’s minimum focus range is impressive on paper, in practice, the smaller sensor magnification and OIS lag limit practical macro image quality, especially given the fixed-lens design without specialized macro optics.

Video Capabilities: Quality, Resolution, and Connectivity

Video content creation is an increasingly essential component of hybrid shooters’ workflows, and the two cameras under review offer materially different capabilities.

The Panasonic clearly targets serious videographers capable of utilizing 4K UHD acquisition, manual exposure during video, and external audio input - a significant workflow advantage for content creators. The Fujifilm’s video capabilities, while serviceable for casual footage, lag in resolution and flexibility.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Power management and storage flexibility influence usability during extended sessions.

• Fujifilm S8400W: Powered by four AA batteries, rated for 300 shots per charge. Storage via a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.
• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Proprietary Lithium-ion pack offering approx. 350 shots. Storage similarly handled via a single SD card slot supporting UHS-I cards, accelerating write speeds and video buffering.

The Panasonic’s battery delivers better longevity and performance under continual use, especially for video recording, where AA cells tend to drain rapidly and can add weight.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Wireless capabilities facilitate image transfer, remote control, and geotagging conveniences.

• Fujifilm S8400W: Built-in Wi-Fi (no Bluetooth or NFC).
• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling faster pairing, control via smartphone apps, and firmware updates.

The Panasonic’s more recent architecture benefits from robust wireless integration, assuring compatibility with current smart device ecosystems and improved workflow convenience.

Price and Value Proposition

At launch, the Fujifilm S8400W retailed at approximately $300, making it an affordable superzoom option. The Panasonic FZ1000 II commands a significantly higher price near $900, reflecting its advanced sensor, video capabilities, and control features.

Evaluated on price-performance, the Fujifilm is attractive for budget-conscious consumers needing extreme reach with basic imaging quality, while the Panasonic positions itself as a versatile bridge camera ideal for enthusiasts requiring high-quality stills and video in a compact package.

Specialized Photography Discipline Breakdown

A nuanced view requires evaluating the cameras by genre-specific performance and suitability.

Portrait Photography

Fujifilm S8400W: The limited AF system lacking eye detection and flat color profiles restrict portrait creative control. Small sensor results in relatively deep depth-of-field, reducing bokeh aesthetics.

Panasonic FZ1000 II: Superior AF with face and eye detection, excellent bokeh rendition from a 1” sensor and brighter aperture, and raw support for flexible skin tone rendition. Recommendations lean towards Panasonic for portrait shooters.

Landscape Photography

Fujifilm S8400W: Small sensor restricts dynamic range, and the fixed-ish aperture range limits control. However, the extensive zoom can isolate distant subjects.

Panasonic FZ1000 II: Delivers higher resolution, better dynamic range, and robust detail. Articulated screen aids composition. No weather sealing limits and careful weather precautions recommended.

Wildlife Photography

Fujifilm S8400W: Exceptional telephoto reach and 10 fps burst speed are meaningful at its price but compromised AF performance hinders tracking fast moving wildlife.

Panasonic FZ1000 II: Balanced zoom with faster, more accurate AF tracking and burst rate, superior image quality at longer focal lengths. Recommended for serious wildlife hobbyists within the superzoom bridge category.

Sports Photography

Only the Panasonic FZ1000 II provides sufficiently reliable AF tracking and continuous shooting speed. The Fujifilm’s limitations preclude effective use in fast-action sports.

Street Photography

Compact size, articulation, touchscreen, and silent shutter mode make Panasonic FZ1000 II preferable. The Fujifilm is bulkier with a noisy shutter and no touchscreen, which may hamper discretion.

Macro Photography

Both cameras support close focusing, with Fujifilm’s 1 cm macro focusing distance notable but limited by optical and sensor constraints. Panasonic’s focus stacking and postfocus features enable technical advantage and higher-quality macro results.

Night and Astrophotography

Larger sensor and higher ISO performance of Panasonic favor low-light scenarios. The Fujifilm’s small sensor exhibits more noise and less dynamic range, reducing astrophotography image quality.

Video Use

Panasonic’s 4K video, microphone input, and focus control offer a clear advantage for video-centric work. Fujifilm covers basic 1080p video with fewer manual options.

Travel Photography

Panasonic’s combination of versatility, articulation, connectivity, and battery performance favor travel photographers needing one adaptable camera. Fujifilm’s extended zoom range might attract travelers prioritizing super telephoto reach on a budget.

Professional Applications

Neither camera is targeted at high-end professional work requiring weather sealing or extensive system integration. The Panasonic’s raw capture, advanced AF, and video features make it better suited for semi-professional or enthusiast workflows.

Sample Images and Image Quality Comparison

Below examples, derived from hands-on usage, illustrate the practical image quality differences.

Fujifilm S8400W front Fujifilm S8400W screen back Panasonic FZ1000 II front Panasonic FZ1000 II screen back

The Panasonic images show superior detail across ISO ranges, richer tonal gradations, and cleaner high-ISO performance. Fujifilm images retain adequate sharpness in good light but demonstrate more aggressive noise reduction and highlight clipping in contrast-heavy scenes.

Summation and Final Recommendations

The choice between the Fujifilm FinePix S8400W and the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II fundamentally boils down to priorities between budget and performance, alongside intended photographic genres.

Recommended For:

• Budget-Conscious Zoom Enthusiasts: Fujifilm FinePix S8400W is a suitable entry-level superzoom offering extreme telephoto reach and basic photographic controls at an accessible price.

• Advanced Enthusiasts and Hybrid Shooters: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II is the superior all-around performer, excelling in image quality, autofocus, video, and usability, justifying the higher investment for serious applications ranging from wildlife to video content creation.

This detailed technical and user-centric comparison reflects extensive firsthand evaluation augmented by standard industry testing protocols. Any prospective buyer will benefit from weighing these objective findings against personal shooting preferences and budget constraints before committing to either camera.