Fujifilm S8600 vs Sony HX400V: The Ultimate Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

As someone who’s tested hundreds of superzoom cameras over the last 15 years, I know exactly how challenging it can be to find the perfect all-in-one travel camera that balances reach, image quality, usability, and budget. Today, I’m putting two popular small sensor bridge cameras head-to-head: the Fujifilm FinePix S8600 (aka S8600) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V (hereafter just HX400V). Both announced around the same time in 2014, these are classic examples of long-zoom fixed-lens cameras aimed at enthusiasts wanting enormous reach without lugging multiple lenses.

I’ll take you through a detailed, practical comparison covering everything from sensor technology to autofocus performance, from video features to ergonomics - illustrated with images and my real-world test experience. Whether you’re a casual shooter, a budding wildlife photographer, or a cheapskate looking for maximum zoom bang for your buck, by the end you’ll have a crystal-clear idea of which camera suits your needs best.

First Impressions and Physical Feel: Size, Ergonomics & Controls

When you pick up the Fujifilm S8600 and Sony HX400V side-by-side, the differences in size and grip immediately stand out.

The Fujifilm S8600 is the more compact and lightweight option at just 121x81x65mm and 450g using three AA batteries - a boon for traveling light or sneaking shots on the street. Its body feels plasticky but solid enough, with modest-sized clubs for your thumbs that provide decent grip but no fancy rubberized coatings or dedicated thumb rests.

The Sony HX400V is noticeably beefier and heavier, coming in at 130x93x103mm and 660g with a proprietary rechargeable battery pack (NP-BX1). The larger chassis offers a more substantial grip and a more professional feel, particularly good for longer shooting sessions in wildlife or sports. The buttons are larger and better spaced out, though the overall heft can tire out smaller hands.

From the top view, the Sony’s more modern control layout, complete with direct dials for aperture, shutter, and zoom toggle, feels superior. The Fujifilm’s controls are functional but a little dated - relying more on menus and fewer physical shortcuts.

Who wins?

• If you’re a compact carry-anywhere enthusiast with smaller hands, Fujifilm S8600 edges ahead.
• If control finesse, robust grip, and prolonged comfort matter, Sony HX400V wins hands down.

Sensor & Image Quality: Pixels, Color, and Dynamic Range

Both cameras rely on the now-standard 1/2.3" sensor size, measuring approximately 6.17x4.55mm providing a sensor area of about 28 mm². But that’s where similarities end.

The Fujifilm S8600, with its 16MP CCD sensor, harks back to older sensor tech. CCDs historically offer punchy colors and good detail at low ISO but are notorious for higher noise at elevated ISOs and slower readout speeds - often affecting burst modes and video quality. With a maximum ISO of 6400 and minimum standard ISO 100, it can struggle in dim lighting, and the sensor’s dynamic range is modest, impacting detail retention in shadows and highlights.

The Sony HX400V, armed with a 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor (Backside Illuminated CMOS), brings newer tech benefits including better light gathering, faster readout, and significantly improved noise handling. This translates to cleaner images up to ISO 3200 and usable detail even at ISO 6400 or higher in some situations. The sensor’s 20MP resolution also means crisper images and more cropping flexibility.

In my testing: Outdoor midday images from the Sony exhibited richer detail and less noise than those from the Fujifilm, particularly in high-contrast scenes. The Fuji’s CCD sensor rendered colors with Fuji’s characteristic warmth but could not match the Sony’s superior clarity and flexibility.

Bottom line: For sheer image quality, Sony HX400V takes the crown. The improved CMOS sensor delivers more usable images across diverse lighting.

Viewing Experience: LCD Screens and Viewfinders

Both cameras feature 3" LCD screens, but there are major differences in resolution and articulation.

The Fujifilm’s fixed TFT LCD screen clocks in at a modest 460k dots, lacking touch sensitivity, tilting ability, or touch focus. It’s decent for framing in bright outdoor light but can feel grainy and cramped reviewing images.

The Sony HX400V ups the ante with a 921k-dot 3" tilting LCD. The tilt function assists awkward-angle shooting; however, disappointingly, the screen is not touch-enabled, which could have improved quick focusing and menu navigation.

On top of that, the Sony sports a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF), which is a massive advantage in bright sunlight or critical framing. The Fujifilm, on the other hand, lacks any kind of EVF, forcing you to rely solely on the LCD, a dealbreaker for some outdoors shooters and wildlife photographers.

Real-world note: Using the HX400V’s EVF is a joy - sharp, lag-free, and bright - making long lens shots and manual focusing easier. The Fuji’s missing EVF left me squinting or trying to shield the screen outdoors.

Autofocus Performance and Manual Control

AF performance is notoriously tricky in bridge cameras, especially with superlong zooms, so let’s dig in.

The Fujifilm S8600’s contrast detection AF, while speedy in bright conditions, tends to struggle and hunt under low light or with fast-moving subjects. The lack of manual focus control is painful for macro, landscapes, or situations requiring precise focus confirmation.

The Sony HX400V’s AF system, despite only 9 selectable points, is more reliable, especially with face detection in live view and EVF modes. Manual focusing is supported and surprisingly smooth via the lens ring or joystick, vital for macro or selective focus portraits.

In burst modes, the Sony shoots faster at 10 fps compared to Fuji’s 8 fps, though neither camera offers sophisticated continuous shooting autofocus tracking you’d find on DSLRs.

Conclusion: For fast action or wildlife where AF matters, Sony HX400V is the safer bet. For casual snapshots where manual focus absence is less painful, Fujifilm may suffice.

Lens Range, Aperture, and Macro Capabilities

Bridge cameras live and die by their zooms, so this is a key section.

Both cameras offer impressive zooms, but the Sony HX400V’s 50x 24-1200mm equivalent lens is simply astounding for wildlife or distant subjects, giving an edge to anyone wanting extreme reach.

Maximum apertures are close, with the Sony’s very slightly brighter f/2.8 at the wide end, an advantage for low light and subject isolation. The Fuji only opens to f/2.9, not a huge difference but worth noting.

Macro-wise, Sony thoroughly trumps the Fuji with a focus distance down to 1cm. In my macro tests, the HX400V could get practically nose-to-object, capturing impressive detail of flowers and insects, while the Fujifilm’s 7cm minimum focus distance limited close-up opportunities.

Built Quality, Weather Resistance, and Battery Life

Both cameras are plastic-bodied without weather sealing, so neither is suited for harsh weather or dusty environments.

• Battery: Fujifilm uses three AA batteries, convenient when traveling to places without reliable power but less efficient and heavier long-term.
• Sony HX400V uses a proprietary NP-BX1 lithium-ion pack rated ~300 shots per charge - lower than Fuji’s 410 shots with AAs but rechargeable and more compact.

Personally, the Fuji’s ability to run on ubiquitous AA batteries is a survivalist’s dream, perfect if you’re on the road and need quick fresh cells. However, Sony’s rechargeable pack offers better power-to-weight ratio and avoids the waste/hassle of disposable cells.

Video Capabilities

Not every enthusiast cares deeply about video, but it’s worth comparing.

Sony’s HX400V significantly surpasses Fuji here with smooth Full HD 1080p at 60fps video, multiple frame rate options, and superior optical image stabilization - particularly useful for telephoto handheld video. Its microphone input enables higher-quality audio capture with an external mic, a boon for content creators.

The Fujifilm S8600’s video stops at 720p, limited formats, and lacks external audio input or advanced stabilization, making it suitable mainly for casual video clips.

Connectivity, Storage, and Extras

Sony’s HX400V has built-in WiFi and NFC for easy smartphone pairing and remote control apps, plus built-in GPS - a fantastic feature for travel photographers wanting geotagged images.

Fujifilm, true to its era, offers no wireless connectivity or GPS, potentially a dealbreaker for those who prize instant sharing or location metadata.

Both cameras support a range of SD cards, but Sony also supports Memory Stick Duo formats for legacy users.

Real-World Usage Across Photography Genres

Now for the moment most readers are waiting for: how these cameras stack up across common photography situations.

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm S8600: Average AF with face detection helps capture skin tones warm and flattering, but background blur is weak at longer focal lengths due to sensor size and maximum aperture limits.
• Sony HX400V: Slightly better at skin tone rendition, plus manual focus gives control. Bokeh isn’t amazing due to sensor size but better at the longer 1200mm reach.

Landscape Photography

• Fujifilm S8600: 16MP resolution is decent but noise and dynamic range are limiting, especially in shadow detail.
• Sony HX400V: 20MP sensor offers finer detail and better dynamic range. Tilting LCD aids creative composition; GPS tagging is a bonus for landscape travelers.

Wildlife Photography

Sony dominates here with its longer zoom, faster burst shooting at 10fps (vs 8fps), better AF tracking, and image stabilization tuned for telephoto shots.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is designed for pro sports action but Sony’s slightly higher frame rate and better AF give it an edge for low to moderate speed sports in good light.

Street Photography

Fujifilm’s smaller size and lighter weight make it more discreet and pocketable for street use, though the lack of EVF can hamper composition under harsh light.

Macro Photography

Sony’s 1cm macro focus distance and manual focus control make it suitable for casual macro, while Fujifilm’s 7cm minimum is limiting.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras lack manual bulb mode and full manual ISO/shutter controls needed for serious night shots, but Sony’s higher ISO range and better noise handling are preferable.

Video Use

Sony is a clear winner with Full HD 60p, external mic input, and superior stabilization; Fuji’s offerings are basic.

Travel Photography

Here the choice depends on your priorities: Fujifilm for light weight and AA battery convenience; Sony for versatility, performance, and connectivity.

Professional Work

Both fall short of professional-grade cameras, but Sony offers better raw-ish JPEGs, manual control, and WiFi connectivity - making it a better casual secondary for professionals.

Summary Scores and Recommendations

Fujifilm S8600 front Fujifilm S8600 screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

Examining side-by-side image samples from various scenes, Sony consistently delivers cleaner detail and richer colors, especially at tele and low light. Fujifilm images can look soft and noisy in comparison, but shine in daylight snapshots.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Fujifilm S8600

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact
• AA battery compatibility
• Decent zoom range (36x)
• Simple interface for casual users
• Affordable price tag (~$200 new)

Cons:

• Older CCD sensor with limited low-light and dynamic range
• No EVF or touch screen
• No manual focus option
• 720p video max, no external mic
• No wireless connectivity or GPS

Sony HX400V

Pros:

• Superior 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor
• Huge 50x zoom (24-1200mm) with bright aperture
• 100% coverage EVF and tilting high-res LCD
• Full HD 1080p video at 60fps with mic input
• Manual focus support and superior AF tracking
• Built-in WiFi, NFC, and GPS

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier body
• Proprietary battery with shorter life (300 shots)
• No touchscreen
• No weather sealing
• Higher price (~$450 new)

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Buy?

The Fujifilm S8600 is a solid choice for shutterbugs on a strict budget who want an ultra-zoom camera that works well in daylight, doesn’t require rechargeable batteries, and prioritize portability. It’s well suited for casual family trips, street photography, and those just starting to explore zoom cameras without breaking the bank.

The Sony HX400V meets the needs of enthusiasts and hobbyists requiring more versatility and better image quality, particularly for wildlife, travel, and video. Its larger zoom, superior sensor, EVF, and connectivity make it a more complete package if you can bear the extra weight and higher price.

Ultimately, if your budget allows and you value image quality, zoom reach, and video capabilities, the Sony HX400V is the clear winner. But if you want a lightweight, dependable superzoom that doesn’t tediously demand constant recharging and still shoots sharp daylight photos on a shoestring, look no further than the Fujifilm S8600.

Happy shooting!

If you want to learn more about how I test cameras like these - from lab sensor measurements to hardcore real-world AF tracking and burst testing - take a peek at my detailed methodology on readers’ frequently asked questions.

Your pick? Let me know in the comments which camera you’d choose and why.