Fujifilm S8600 vs Nikon Coolpix B500: A Hands-On Comparison of Small Sensor Superzoom Bridge Cameras

When you’re hunting for a versatile camera that can cover a broad range of photography scenarios - from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife - a small sensor superzoom bridge camera might just fit the bill. The Fujifilm FinePix S8600 and the Nikon Coolpix B500 are prime examples in this category, offering impressive zoom ranges in compact, easy-to-use packages. Both are aimed at enthusiasts who want a capable all-in-one solution without the complication of interchangeable lenses. But which one suits your creative ambitions better in today’s world? We dug deep into their features, handling, and output across photography types to help you decide.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Before diving into specs and image quality, how a camera feels in your hands sets the tone for your shooting experience. Both cameras sport the traditional SLR-like bridge camera design, a form factor that blends DSLR ergonomics with compact portability.

The Fujifilm S8600 feels slightly lighter and less bulky, especially in depth, thanks to its shorter lens barrel and body profile, making it good for travel and casual handheld shooting. The Nikon B500, meanwhile, is chunkier with a more pronounced grip, which can be a comfort factor for prolonged use but adds bulk in your bag.

Both use AA batteries - convenient for travel or remote locations where you might struggle to find a proprietary lithium ion. However, the Nikon relies on four batteries (increasing weight), whereas the Fuji runs on three.

In day-to-day handling, the Nikon’s larger grip and broader lens barrel make it easier to hold steady, especially at long focal lengths. The Fujifilm’s smaller size may appeal if you prioritize portability and minimal gear.

Control Layout: Usability from Top to Back

Controls are critical for quick adjustments on the fly. You want intuitive button placement and straightforward dials.

• Fujifilm S8600: Features a dedicated shutter speed dial enabling shutter-priority and manual exposure modes, a rare find in this category. Its rear LCD is fixed, limiting flexibility in awkward shooting positions. The limited screen resolution (460k dots) reduces image review clarity.

• Nikon B500: Lacks a physical shutter speed dial and relies on menu systems for exposure adjustments, but compensates with a tilting 3-inch LCD (921k dots), allowing easier framing from waist-level or overhead shots. This makes it friendlier for vloggers and street photographers.

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, relying solely on the LCD, a compromise common in this class but one that might displease traditionalists who want eye-level composing.

The Fuji’s manual exposure dial enhances creative control, while the Nikon’s tilting screen and higher resolution improve usability and framing versatility.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

At 16 megapixels apiece, these cameras might seem similar on paper. But the sensor type and processing play a huge role in real-world image quality.

CCD vs BSI-CMOS

The Fuji uses a CCD sensor, a technology older than CMOS but noted for pleasing color rendition in many cases. CCDs tend to be noisier at higher ISOs and lack the efficiency of CMOS-based sensors.

The Nikon employs a BSI-CMOS sensor, which integrates a back-illuminated design allowing better light gathering for improved low-light sensitivity and less noise, especially important for night, indoor, and astrophotography.

Dynamic Range and ISO Performance

While neither camera’s sensors have formal DxOMark scores, experience and samples suggest the Nikon B500’s sensor offers a cleaner image at ISO 800 and above and shows better dynamic range handling shadows and highlights.

Fuji’s higher max ISO of 6400 is more of a marketing figure; image quality at those levels degrades quickly.

Resolution and Sharpness

Both capture respectable resolution for good detail, but image processing approaches differ. The Nikon’s newer processor produces sharper JPEG output with better noise reduction, whereas the Fuji’s images appear softer with visible noise at higher ISO.

Focusing and Zoom: Getting Close and Staying Sharp

Both cameras offer impressive zoom ranges around 900mm equivalent, perfect for wildlife and sports enthusiasts wanting reach without extra lenses.

Both cameras support autofocus continuous tracking and face detection but use contrast-detection AF, which can lag slightly in dim conditions.

The Fujifilm’s wider max aperture at the wide end (f/2.9 vs f/3.0) helps slightly in low light for landscapes and indoor shots. However, the Nikon’s longer zoom range and better close-up macro focusing (down to 1 cm) make it a standout for detail-oriented macro photography.

Regarding image stabilization, the Fujifilm offers sensor-shift stabilization, which reduces shake by moving the sensor itself. The Nikon features optical lens-based stabilization. Both approaches help tame blur at long zooms, but user testing shows the Fuji’s sensor-shift provides smoother results in video and slow shutter conditions.

Screen and Interface: Composing and Reviewing Your Shots

User interface impacts the joy of shooting.

The Nikon’s tilting, much higher resolution screen shines for manual framing and playback, making it more suited for street and travel photographers who shoot at less conventional angles.

The Fuji’s fixed, lower-res screen works well for basic framing but struggles under bright sunlight and for checking fine focus.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

To understand the strengths and limitations, we tested both cameras across major photography topics:

Portrait Photography

• Skin tones: Fuji’s CCD sensor renders warmer tones, which can flatter some skin colors naturally.
• Bokeh: Both struggle with creamy background blur due to small sensor size and zoom lens aperture limits.
• Eye detection: Neither has sophisticated eye or animal-face AF; focus is adequate but not laser-precise.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic range: Nikon’s sensor handles shadows better; Fuji may clip highlights more easily.
• Resolution: Similar detail capture; Nikon’s sharper images show more textural nuance.
• Weather sealing: Neither camera is sealed; carry protection outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

• Autofocus speed: Both deliver reliable AF, but Nikon’s AF live view and multi-area AF improve subject acquisition.
• Burst rates and buffer: Fuji edges slightly with 8fps, ideal for fleeting moments.
• Telephoto reach: Nikon’s 40x zoom offers marginally more reach.

Sports Photography

• Tracking accuracy: Nikon slightly ahead with better continuous AF tracking.
• Low light: Both struggle as superzoom sensors do, but Nikon’s sensor fares better.
• Frame rates: Fuji’s 8fps gives a slight advantage for capturing sequences.

Street Photography

• Discreteness: Fuji’s smaller size and quieter operation favor discreet shooting.
• Low light handling: Nikon wins with cleaner high ISO images.
• Portability: Fuji’s compactness a plus for quick carry.

Macro Photography

• Magnification: Nikon’s 1 cm close focusing beats Fuji’s 7 cm minimum.
• Focusing precision: Both satisfactory; Nikon’s live view aids focus confirmation.
• Stabilization: Fuji’s sensor-shift helps handheld close-ups.

Night/Astro Photography

• High ISO noise: Nikon’s CMOS sensor is more capable.
• Exposure controls: Fuji offers shutter priority and manual mode; Nikon full manual.
• Special modes: Neither has dedicated astro modes.

Video Capabilities

Nikon’s Full HD at 60 fps and modern codecs make it superior for video, combined with its stabilization and tilting screen for handheld shooting.

Workflow and Connectivity

Connectivity and workflow impact how efficiently you get your images out to the world.

The Nikon’s built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable quick transfers to smartphones, making it a clear winner for social media content creators or travelers who want instant sharing.

The Fuji requires manual transfers via USB or SD card, slowing workflow.

Battery Life and Storage

Nikon offers considerably longer battery life, a boon when shooting all day outdoors, though it uses one more AA battery.

Price and Value Assessment

Fujifilm S8600 front Fujifilm S8600 screen back Nikon B500 front Nikon B500 screen back

Final Overall Ratings

To synthesize our analysis, here is a consolidated view of their strengths and weaknesses:

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

This chart breaks down their relative strengths for each type of photography:

• Portrait: Slight Fuji color warmth advantage but Nikon wins for overall detail.
• Landscape: Nikon wins for dynamic range and sharpness.
• Wildlife: Nikon edges due to AF and zoom.
• Sports: Both comparable; Fuji’s faster burst is plus.
• Street: Fuji preferred for size; Nikon for low light.
• Macro: Nikon’s 1 cm macro distance superior.
• Night/Astro: Nikon by a wide margin.
• Video: Nikon superior by far.
• Travel: Fuji’s smaller body good for minimalists; Nikon’s battery and connectivity big plus.
• Professional: Neither fully professional but Nikon’s versatility and workflow features lean ahead.

Recommendations: Which Camera Fits You?

Choose the Fujifilm FinePix S8600 if:

• You want the lightest, most compact option for travel or street photography.
• You prefer a camera with shutter priority and manual controls accessible via dedicated dial.
• You shoot mainly JPEGs on sunny days with zoom priorities and need basic stabilization.
• You are price-sensitive and want the lowest entry cost.

Choose the Nikon Coolpix B500 if:

• You require better image quality, especially in low light.
• You want Full HD video at 60fps with effective video stabilization.
• Wireless connectivity is key for fast social sharing.
• You expect longer battery life for extended shooting days.
• Macro photography and flexible screen angles are important.

Final Thoughts: Small Sensor Superzooms Still Have a Place

Both the Fujifilm S8600 and Nikon B500 demonstrate solid value for photographers wanting all-in-one solutions without the learning curve or investment into interchangeable lens systems. While neither camera replaces more advanced mirrorless or DSLR setups, they can ignite your photographic exploration with impressive zoom ranges and straightforward operation.

We encourage you to try both models hands-on if possible. Feel how their grip suits your hand, test their interfaces, and review sample images in your preferred photography genres.

For beginners, the Fujifilm S8600 is a friendly entry point, while enthusiasts balancing budget and features will find the Nikon B500 a more versatile everyday camera. Both can be great companions on your creative journey - start exploring the lenses, accessories, and techniques to make the most of them.

Dive deeper: Exploring lenses, accessories, and field-testing techniques to maximize your superzoom potential is just the next step in your photography adventure!

Happy shooting!