Fujifilm S8600 vs Nikon Coolpix B700: The Definitive Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

In the crowded market of small sensor superzoom cameras - where convenience, versatility, and long reach lenses dominate buying decisions - two models stand out for enthusiasts craving a high-magnification “all-in-one” bridge camera experience: the Fujifilm FinePix S8600 (2014) and the Nikon Coolpix B700 (2016). Both boast powerful zoom ranges, DSLR-like ergonomics, and feature sets targeting versatile travel and casual wildlife photography, but crucially, they bring distinct technical choices and performance trade-offs to the table.

Having put these two under a magnifying glass over several weeks - testing everything from sensor characteristics, autofocus behavior, to real-world usability across portrait, wildlife, landscape, and video scenarios - I’m confident this comparison will help you bypass specs sheets and gain insight based on actual shooting results and workflows.

Let’s dive into the details and figure out which superzoom earns your next camera bag spot in 2024.

Form Factor and Handling: Ergonomics in the Heat of the Moment

Both the Fujifilm S8600 and Nikon B700 come in bridge-style SLR-like bodies, featuring a chunky grip and substantial zoom barrels designed to evoke a DSLR feel while keeping the convenience of fixed optics. But subtle differences influence comfort and on-the-fly operation.

The Fujifilm S8600 is more compact and notably lighter at 450 grams compared to the Nikon’s 565 grams. It measures 121 x 81 x 65 mm, making it easier to toss into medium-sized bags or use for extended periods without fatigue.

By contrast, the Nikon B700’s body is larger and deeper (125 x 85 x 107 mm), primarily due to its heftier zoom lens extending beyond 1440 mm equivalent focal length. That extra size translates into better balance when shooting at full zoom but can be unwieldy for street or travel photography where discretion and quick access matter.

On the control front, the Nikon offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 921k-dot resolution and a fully articulated 3-inch screen that also packs 921k dots, ideal for shooting at awkward angles or under sunny skies. The Fujifilm follows a simpler design with a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD screen of only 460k dots and no EVF, which limits composition options but keeps the weight and cost down.

Both cameras eschew touchscreens, but the Nikon’s layout benefits from more dedicated buttons and a more intuitive exposure control system, including manual aperture and shutter priority modes, which the Fuji partially supports. The Nikon’s manual focusing ring and dedicated zoom rocker also feel more tactile and responsive when rapidly adjusting framing.

In short: If you prize portability and lighter travel weight, the Fujifilm S8600 wins ergonomics. But Nikon’s build and control interface suit shooters requiring more operational flexibility and EVF visibility, especially in bright conditions.

Sensor and Image Quality: Pixel Battles and Noise Performance

The heart of any camera is its sensor - and here both models share a 1/2.3-inch sensor size with an active area of roughly 28 mm², typical for bridge cameras aiming to squeeze massive zooms into manageable packages. But details matter…

The Fujifilm S8600 utilizes a 16-megapixel CCD sensor, a classic choice that favors color rendition and smooth tonal transitions but at the expense of higher noise and lower ISO range capabilities. In contrast, the Nikon B700 sports a 20-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, which employs more advanced backside illumination to capture more light per pixel, offering improved low-light performance and better dynamic range.

From hours of side-by-side tests in studio and outdoors, the Nikon's sensor consistently delivers sharper images with finer detail, especially at base ISO settings between 100 and 400. Its native ISO tops out at 3200, somewhat lower than Fuji’s claimed 6400 maximum but without raw support, the Fujifilm’s high ISO images tend to be noisier and heavily softened in JPEG output.

Speaking of raw, one significant advantage for the Nikon is native RAW support, opening doors to post-processing flexibility - a must-have for professionals or enthusiasts who want maximum control over color grading and image correction. The Fujifilm S8600 only captures JPEGs, limiting options in editing.

Color science-wise, Fujifilm’s CCD sensor renders skin tones richly and warmly - perfect for casual portraiture - but Nikon’s CMOS sensor strikes a more neutral and balanced palette, which might be preferable for landscapes and wildlife where color accuracy is paramount.

So, for your high-resolution landscape panoramas or wildlife frame crops with clean shadows, the B700’s sensor technology gives you a measurable edge.

Autofocus and Zoom: Catching Speed and Reach in Action

When evaluating superzoom cameras, autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy can make or break your ability to capture fleeting moments - especially if you’re into wildlife or sports photography.

The Fujifilm S8600 offers contrast-detection autofocus only, with face detection and center-weighted AF zones but no phase detection or advanced tracking features. Its maximum continuous shooting rate hits 8 FPS, which is commendable in theory but slowed down by buffer limitations.

The Nikon B700 adds manual focus control and continuous autofocus with face detection, plus “selective AF” for choosing focus points. Its AF tracking, while contrast based, is more sophisticated and reliable based on my experience. Continuous shooting is capped at 5 FPS, but with better frame-to-frame focus consistency.

The zoom capabilities are starkly differentiated: Fujifilm’s 25-900mm (equivalent to 36×) offers tremendous versatility, but Nikon’s 24-1440mm (a monstrous 60× zoom) lets you capture extreme telephoto shots unreachable to the Fuji.

You can see the difference here clearly in sample wildlife and birding images, where Nikon’s reach and AF consistency let you isolate subjects crisply at distance.

Fujifilm S8600 front Fujifilm S8600 screen back Nikon B700 front Nikon B700 screen back

If you’re planning to photograph distant wildlife or sporting events, the Nikon B700’s autofocus system paired with its insane 1440mm equivalent zoom is hard to beat. On the other hand, the Fujifilm’s lighter, slightly faster burst shooting at 8 FPS could benefit casual action shots, but with less zoom reach.

Image Stabilization: Getting Steady at Extreme Focal Lengths

At long focal lengths, even the slightest handshake is magnified, making image stabilization (IS) vital.

The Fujifilm S8600 employs sensor-shift (in-body) stabilization, which counteracts camera movement by physically moving the sensor element. This method is effective but somewhat limited by the small sensor and lack of lens-based stabilization.

The Nikon B700 opts for optical lens-shift stabilization, which generally offers superior compensation because it directly stabilizes the image projected by the lens before the sensor receives it.

In practical shooting tests, Nikon’s optical IS was noticeably more effective, especially beyond 1000mm equivalent zoom, allowing sharp hand-held shots at shutter speeds down to 1/50s or slower where the Fuji struggled.

If you plan long telephoto handheld shooting in low light or want a steadier video experience (more on video next), the Nikon’s IS system is a clear advantage.

Video Capabilities: From Family Clips to Travel Vlogs

Despite being primarily photo-centric bridge cameras, video performance can sway buying decisions - especially for content creators on the go.

The Fujifilm S8600 offers 720p HD video at 30fps using Motion JPEG format, which is dated and results in large files with less efficient compression.

By contrast, the Nikon B700 steps up with 4K UHD recording at 30 and 25fps, plus multiple 1080p options up to 60fps in efficient MPEG-4 H.264 codecs. This makes Nikon capable of producing high-quality footage suitable even for semi-professional projects.

Neither camera features microphone or headphone jacks, which is a limitation for serious videographers, but the Nikon’s better IS and articulated screen make framing and handheld shooting easier.

Since video creative control is limited on both (no touchscreen focusing, no log profiles), I’d say Nikon’s superior specs and stabilization give it a distinct edge for those wanting solid travel and family videos without lugging DSLRs or mirrorless setups.

Display and Viewfinder: Composition Tools That Matter

The Fuji’s fixed 3-inch 460k LCD does the job but feels outclassed by Nikon’s technology. The Nikon B700 sports a fully-articulated 3-inch LCD at 921k resolution alongside a high-res electronic viewfinder.

In bright daylight or when shooting from unconventional angles - say, birding in dense foliage or low-angle street scenes - the Nikon setup provides compositional flexibility and visibility that the Fuji can’t match.

Nikon’s EVF has 100% coverage as well, ensuring accurate framing. This is a vital feature if you plan to shoot outdoors extensively.

Battery Life and Storage: Workflow and Practical Concerns

The Fujifilm uses 3 AA batteries, a mixed blessing. On one hand, AA batteries are easy to replace anywhere in the world, and rechargeable NiMH AAs can keep things going, but they generally lack the power density of proprietary lithium packs.

Nikon’s B700 relies on a proprietary EN-EL23 lithium-ion battery, providing around 350 shots per charge, slightly less than Fuji’s claim of 410 shots but with the benefit of consistent performance and in-camera battery monitoring.

Both cameras offer a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot - standard but limiting if you expect extensive capture sessions or failover security.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

While the Fujifilm S8600 lacks any wireless connectivity, the Nikon B700 boasts built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. This lets you easily transfer images to smartphones or tablets, a real convenience for social media sharing or quick backups without cables.

For casual photographers and travelers who prioritize instant sharing, the Nikon's wireless suite is a decisive plus.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is weather sealed, dustproof, waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, or freezeproof. They are best suited to fair-weather, controlled use environments. If you require ruggedness, stepping up to higher-end models is necessary.

Summarizing Performance Across Photography Genres

Now, let's assess both cameras against photography disciplines most relevant to their class.

• Portraits: Fujifilm's warmer CCD sensor delivers pleasing skin tones; limited control and no raw support hurts professional workflows. Nikon offers better detail and manual controls for more refined portraits.

• Landscapes: Nikon’s higher resolution and better dynamic range mean crisper, more detailed images. Articulated screen helps with composition; Fuji's resolution and sensor limitations curb ultimate image fidelity.

• Wildlife: Nikon's 60x zoom and better AF tracking outperform Fuji's smaller zoom and simpler AF system, making Nikon the go-to for serious wildlife shooters.

• Sports: Fuji’s slightly faster 8 FPS burst may help, but Nikon’s superior AF consistency and reach generally win out.

• Street: Fuji’s smaller size and weight assist in discreet shooting; Nikon’s size hinders spontaneity despite viewfinder advantage.

• Macro: Nikon reaches closer focus (1cm vs 7cm), providing more versatility for macro and detail shots.

• Night/Astro: Neither excels here - small sensors limit quality, but Nikon’s better ISO performance and lens speed give it an edge.

• Video: Nikon clearly leads with 4K support and better stabilization.

• Travel: Fuji’s compactness and AA battery usage favor travelers in remote areas; Nikon’s expanded wireless features and versatile focusing excel for casual travel shooters.

• Professional Work: Neither replaces a dedicated system, but Nikon’s raw support and controls make it better suited as a backup or secondary camera.

Final Performance Ratings: Where Do They Stand Overall?

After extensive hands-on testing, I’ve rated these cameras based on image quality, speed, versatility, and value.

• Nikon Coolpix B700: Scores higher across image quality, zoom range, video, and autofocus sophistication. Best suited for enthusiasts needing extreme telephoto reach and hybrid photo/video capabilities.

• Fujifilm FinePix S8600: Offers great value for those prioritizing lightweight handling, good zoom range, and simple operation, but lacks modern conveniences and raw file support.

Who Should Buy Which? Clear Recommendations

• Buy the Fujifilm S8600 if:

  • You want an affordable, lightweight bridge camera with respectable zoom power (36×).
  • Your photography is casual with limited post-processing needs.
  • You appreciate traditional CCD color rendering and need excellent battery availability abroad via AA cells.
  • Portability and simplicity rank higher than video quality or extreme telephoto reach.

• Buy the Nikon Coolpix B700 if:

  • Absolute zoom power (60×) and reach are critical for wildlife, birding, or surveillance.
  • You want 4K video support and superior image stabilization.
  • Raw shooting and post-processing flexibility matter.
  • You need better autofocus reliability for moving subjects.
  • Wireless image transfer and connectivity are important to your workflow.
  • You are willing to accept extra size, weight, and price (~$500).

Closing Thoughts: Which Offers the Best Small Sensor Superzoom Package?

In my experience, the Nikon B700 stands out as a more versatile and future-proof choice, largely because of its modern CMOS sensor, superior zoom lens, video features, and flexible shooting controls. It balances robust telephoto performance with usable autofocus and image stabilization technologies, making it a dependable bridge camera for hybrid shooting.

The Fujifilm S8600, while a bit dated and pared down, remains a compelling option for photographers on a budget or those who value portability and ease of use over cutting-edge specs. Its CCD sensor imparts a distinct color character that some find very pleasing, especially for casual portraits and daylight shooting.

Neither replaces a DSLR or mirrorless system for the professional, but for enthusiasts craving a long zoom in a manageable package, both cameras carve out solid niches.

Appendices: Quick Specs Recap

In closing, I encourage you to weigh your needs against these insights. Both cameras offer strong value - and as someone who’s tested both extensively, I believe your choice hinges most on zoom requirements, video ambitions, and desired workflow flexibility.

Happy shooting!