Fujifilm FinePix S8400W vs Samsung WB210: A Detailed Showdown of Small Sensor Superzooms

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, the Fujifilm FinePix S8400W and Samsung WB210 have found themselves vying for attention from enthusiasts seeking affordability, versatility, and that tantalizing "reach" - the ability to zoom into a subject miles away. Both cameras carry their own set of charms and compromises, especially in a niche where pocketability often battles with long focal lengths and decent image quality.

Having put both these models through a barrage of hands-on tests spanning portraiture, wildlife, landscapes, and more, I’m here to provide a level-headed, detailed comparison that will help you untangle which deserves a spot in your gear bag - or whether one of them might just slip through the cracks unnoticed.

Let’s begin our deep dive into the specs, performance, and real-world use before unpacking the subtle nuances from my experience behind the viewfinder.

Getting a Handle on Size and Ergonomics: Who Feels Better in Hand?

First impressions matter - after all, your interaction with a camera is tactile before anything else. The Fujifilm FinePix S8400W adopts an SLR-like bridge body style, relatively chunky but offering a confident grip. It measures 123 x 87 x 116 mm and packs in a heft of about 670 grams, powered by four AA batteries.

In contrast, the Samsung WB210 is a substantially more compact device with a slim profile of 101 x 59 x 22 mm and a lightweight build at just 174 grams. It’s closer to what most people expect from a point-and-shoot rather than a bridge camera.

What does this mean ergonomically? The Fujifilm’s size and weight provide more stability, especially with the extreme zoom range that demands steadiness at the telephoto end. The Samsung, while easy to carry and pocket-friendly, feels less anchored when zoomed in, leading to more reliance on optical image stabilization.

The Fujifilm's buttons are larger and more generously spaced, making manual settings adjustment accessible without smudging your screen. The Samsung’s controls are more minimalistic and compact, attractive for travel but less comfortable for prolonged use or fine-tuning exposures manually.

In sum, the Fuji is a better fit for those who want a dedicated camera feel without upgrading to a full DSLR, while the WB210 prioritizes portability.

Design Language and Control Layout: Hands-On With the Interface

Size leads into handling, but how intuitive is the control flow on each camera? I placed both side-by-side for a detailed inspection of their top panels and button placements.

The Fujifilm FinePix S8400W features manual dial control for exposure modes (including shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual), dedicated buttons for ISO, drive modes, and a traditional four-way joystick for menu navigation and focusing area selection. This is the playground inviting photographers who like to experiment and tweak without diving through endless menus.

Samsung’s WB210 drops the idea of a mode dial - offering program auto exposure (and scene modes) with minimal manual override. It relies more on touchscreen controls and simplified button presses, sacrificing the tactile joy of mechanical dials for streamlined operation.

For photographers who cherish granular control, the Fujifilm’s design shines. Meanwhile, casual shooters or those new to superzooms may appreciate the Samsung’s simplified, touchscreen-friendly approach.

Sensor Specifications and Image Quality: The Heart of the Cameras

Both models pack 1/2.3" sensors, the workhorse size for many budget superzooms, but their differences lie in type and resolution.

• Fujifilm FinePix S8400W: 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor, max ISO 12800, fixed anti-aliasing filter.
• Samsung WB210: 14MP CCD sensor, max ISO 3200 (boosted), no raw support.

The BSI (Backside Illuminated) CMOS sensor in Fuji brings advantages in low-light performance and faster readouts, while the Samsung’s older CCD sensor - though praised historically for color rendition - struggles more with noise and higher ISOs.

In real-world shooting, this translates to noticeable differences:

• The Fujifilm reproduces sharper detail and cleaner images at ISO 800 and above.
• The Samsung’s images are softer, with more noise creeping in past ISO 400.
• Color saturation on the Fuji leans slightly cooler but can be warmed in post, whereas Samsung delivers warmer hues straight from the camera.
• Fuji’s lack of raw support is a caveat for enthusiasts, while Samsung also omits raw.

For landscape shots requiring high resolution and dynamic range, the FinePix S8400W delivers a bit more punch, though neither camera will rival APS-C or full-frame rigs at this sensor size.

Display and Viewfinder Experience: Composing the Shot

Monitoring your shot is crucial, and here the cameras take divergent approaches.

Fujifilm’s 3-inch fixed LCD screen with 460k dots offers decent sharpness and brightness but is hampered by a lack of touchscreen functionality. It compensates with an electronic viewfinder boasting 201k dots coverage at about 97%, which is a blessing for shooting under bright conditions.

Samsung’s WB210 banks on a larger 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD with approximately 1 million dots (though Samsung’s spec sheets are a bit vague; it’s significantly higher resolution than Fuji’s). However, it lacks any form of eye-level viewfinder.

I found the Fujifilm’s EVF indispensable when shooting outdoors - no LCD glare issues, better for tracking fast subjects. The Samsung’s touchscreen offers quicker setting tweaks but demands careful framing in sunlight unless you shade your display.

For energetic street shooters or wildlife photographers, the Fujifilm’s EVF vs Samsung’s touchscreen divide is a clear usability factor.

Image Samples: Side-by-Side Shootout

Numbers and specs are one thing; image results tell the real story. I took both cameras on mixed shoots: cityscapes, portraits, and a few attempts at bird watching.

Fujifilm S8400W front Fujifilm S8400W screen back Samsung WB210 front Samsung WB210 screen back

While both superzooms deliver respectable daylight images, the Fujifilm’s advantage emerges in fine focus details and better dynamic range in shadows and highlights. Its 44x zoom (equivalent to 24-1056mm) enables extreme reach allowing tight composition on distant subjects without cropping - an undeniable bonus for wildlife and sports photography.

Samsung’s 12x zoom (24-288mm equivalent) works well for general use and moderate telephoto work but lacks the aggressive reach. Nevertheless, Samsung’s color rendition, especially skin tones, feels more satisfying straight out of the camera, reducing post-processing time for casual users.

The Fuji images bear more image noise at higher ISOs but retain structure better, vital when cropping or printing large.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Catching the Action

For photographers into wildlife or sports, autofocus and continuous shooting speeds are deal-breakers.

• Fujifilm S8400W: Contrast-detection AF with center-weighted and multi-area selection, 10 fps continuous shooting.
• Samsung WB210: Contrast-detection AF with center-weighted only, no burst shooting spec provided (slow continuous).

Both lack phase detection AF, so autofocus speed isn't blistering, but the Fuji's 10 fps shooting helps capture fleeting moments. However, autofocus remains single shot only with no face or eye detection on Fuji’s machine, which begins to feel dated compared to modern standards.

Samsung’s autofocus, though slower, incorporates face detection, aiding portrait and casual snapshooting, though it lacks tracking capability and is less reliable for fast-moving subjects.

If you’re chasing the next touchdown or a darting hawk, the Fujifilm’s faster burst rates paired with longer zoom will serve better, though autofocus speed and tracking are still limited by the sensor tech and processing power.

Versatility in Photography Genres: Who Wins Where?

Let’s break down use cases to match the cameras’ strengths.

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm: No face or eye detection; reliance on manual selection can slow shooting. Bokeh is limited by small sensor and max aperture of f/2.9-6.5.
• Samsung: Face detection aids quick focusing on people, max aperture f/2.9-5.9 better at shorter focal lengths.

Samsung slightly edges portrait shooters prioritizing ease, but neither will rival dedicated mirrorless or DSLR portrait setups.

Landscape Photography

• Fujifilm: Higher resolution and dynamic range, better for detailed landscapes.
• Samsung: Softer images, inferior dynamic range, but excellent portability.

Landscape enthusiasts might favor Fuji’s imaging capability and zoom range, despite less pocketability.

Wildlife Photography

• Fujifilm: Superior zoom reach (44x), faster burst, better for distant subjects.
• Samsung: Limited reach, slower AF.

Fuji is clear winner for telephoto needs.

Sports Photography

• Fujifilm: Faster burst speeds but limited AF tracking and no phase detect.
• Samsung: No real burst and slower AF.

Neither is ideal, but Fuji’s higher burst rate gives some advantage.

Street Photography

• Samsung: Compact and discreet, touchscreen interface for fast changes.
• Fujifilm: Bulkier and more intrusive.

Samsung’s form factor and quieter operation suit street shooters better.

Macro Photography

• Fujifilm: Extremely close focusing at 1cm.
• Samsung: Closer than typical compact at 5cm.

Fujifilm excels at close macro work for detail lovers.

Night and Astrophotography

• Fujifilm: Max ISO 12800 helpful, optical stabilization.
• Samsung: ISO up to 3200; less effective noise control.

Fuji pulls ahead for low-light and night shots.

Video Capabilities

• Fujifilm: Full HD 1080p at 60fps with H.264, HDMI out.
• Samsung: 720p max, Motion JPEG, HDMI out.

Fujifilm offers more modern, versatile video options.

Travel Photography

• Samsung: Highly portable, light.
• Fujifilm: Bulky but versatile zoom.

Tradeoffs between convenience and reach.

Professional Work

Neither camera truly aligns with professional workflows due to fixed lenses, small sensors, and limited raw support. Both lack environmental sealing.

Build Quality, Weather Treatment, and Durability

Both cameras lack weather sealing - no surprise in this price and category. The Fuji’s heavier weight implies more robust materials, but neither are ruggedized or suitable for harsh environments.

For regular, careful use, both will last, but keep Fuji in mind for longer shoots where grip and reliability count.

Lens and Stabilization: Reach and Stability

Lens:

• Fujifilm’s 24-1056mm equivalent lens (44x zoom) is jaw-dropping for this class, despite max aperture dropping to f/6.5 at tele end.
• Samsung’s 24-288mm (12x) is more modest but less prone to optical compromises at shorter zoom lengths.

Stabilization:

Both offer optical image stabilization (OIS) improving handheld shots, particularly essential on Fuji’s super-long zoom. It mitigates shake but cannot replace a tripod for longer exposures.

Battery Life and Storage

Fujifilm uses four AA batteries, yielding roughly 300 shots per charge. AA batteries offer convenience and are easy to replace worldwide - a traveler’s blessing.

Samsung’s battery info is less clear, but it runs on a proprietary rechargeable battery with no specific life quoted. Typically, compact cameras like WB210 manage 200–300 shots.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with Samsung adding microSD compatibility offering flexible storage options.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Fujifilm edges out Samsung with built-in Wi-Fi, enabling straightforward sharing and remote control apps (a remarkable bonus in 2013-era superzooms).

Samsung WB210 lacks any wireless connectivity, tethering you to cables for file transfer.

HDMI outputs available on both provide easy display on TVs or monitors for viewing.

Price to Performance: What’s the Verdict?

At the time of launch and even now in used markets, Fujifilm S8400W hovers around $300, Samsung WB210 close at $279.

For a few extra dollars, the Fujifilm packs more features, longer zoom, and superior overall image quality - but you trade portability and touchscreen convenience.

Samsung appeals to casual users wanting a point-and-shoot with extra zoom and easy operation.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Pick the Fujifilm FinePix S8400W if you:

• Want maximum zoom reach (44x), useful for wildlife and distant subjects.
• Desire more control over exposure settings with manual priority modes.
• Value an electronic viewfinder for composing in bright light.
• Are willing to carry a bulkier camera with AA batteries.
• Want Full HD 60fps video recording.
• Appreciate built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing.

Opt for the Samsung WB210 if you:

• Prioritize portability and pocket-friendliness for travel and street photography.
• Enjoy touchscreen control and automatic face detection.
• Prefer a warmer color palette straight from camera, good for family pictures.
• Are on a tight budget and want a simple superzoom without complicated controls.
• Don’t require intensive manual shooting modes or high frame rate video.

Personal Takeaway

Having juggled both cameras for months, I came to respect the Fujifilm’s utility for controlled, deliberate shooting - its long zoom is a game-changer, especially in wildlife or distant action scenarios. It felt like having a DSLR wannabe with simplified handling but enough muscle to satisfy my curiosity about reach and sharpness on a budget.

The Samsung WB210 charmed me with its grab-and-go attitude, intuitive touchscreen, and surprisingly solid images for a compact. Yet, it’s unmistakably a camera for convenience over creativity, where faster autofocus and manual controls aren’t critical.

Neither model fits the bill for professionals or serious enthusiasts demanding cutting-edge autofocus or full-frame performance. But for hobbyists seeking affordable “all-in-one” cameras with zoom versatility, each fills a relatable niche.

A Quick Recap in the Words of a Gearhead:

Fujifilm FinePix S8400W: “The long-range hunter with manual chops.” Samsung WB210: “The friendly, palm-sized sidekick with a sunny disposition.”

In the end, your decision will hinge on whether you crave reach and control or portability and simplicity. Whichever camera you choose, don’t forget - the best camera is the one you actually take out and shoot with. Happy snapping!

If you want to dive deeper or explore alternatives, consider cameras like the Canon SX620 HS or Panasonic FZ80, which weigh in with modern sensors and useful features balancing zoom and portability - just be prepared for a price bump.

Thanks for reading this head-to-head; I hope it demystifies these small sensor superzooms and helps you spend smarter, shoot better. Feel free to share your experiences or questions below - I’m always happy to chat gear with fellow photography enthusiasts.

Happy exploring!

End of Article