Bridging the Gap Between Value and Versatility: Fujifilm S9400W vs Panasonic LZ20

When we dive into the realm of small sensor superzoom bridge cameras, the choices can feel both plentiful and perplexing. Two nostalgic contenders from a few years back, the Fujifilm FinePix S9400W and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20, offer insight into this genre’s classic appeal. Though both were marketed toward enthusiasts seeking an all-in-one travel-friendly camera without interchangeable lenses, their design philosophies and technical details set them apart quite significantly.

Having spent time rigorously testing each camera’s image quality, handling, and every major photography use case over many shoots, I’m here to unravel their strengths and weaknesses from the perspective of daily users and seasoned photographers alike. Let’s embark on this exploration starting with the physical form and ergonomics.

Form and Ergonomics: Who Wears It Best?

At first glance, both cameras carry that hallmark SLR-like bridge camera design meant to evoke DSLR familiarity, but look closer.

Fujifilm S9400W feels noticeably heftier at 670g compared to Panasonic’s 499g. Its dimensions (123 x 87 x 116 mm) afford a robust grip, particularly benefiting users shooting for long durations or outdoors where a steady hand is critical. Panasonic’s LZ20 is slightly more compact (120 x 76 x 80 mm), emphasizing portability, which may appeal to casual travelers or street photographers valuing discretion.

The S9400W scores higher for ergonomics thanks to its pronounced grip and strategic button placement. The SLR-style look is supported by a dedicated electronic viewfinder, while the LZ20 notably lacks one, relying solely on the rear LCD for composing shots.

Both cameras maintain a fixed-lens design with no option for lens swapping - understandable given the superzoom intention - but the S9400W’s controls offer shutter priority, aperture priority, and even manual exposure modes, catering to those who understand creative control nuances. In contrast, the LZ20 only offers manual exposure among those advanced options, indicating a slight lean toward more automatic shooting modes.

Verdict on Handling: If your hand is steady and you prefer more control intervention, the Fujifilm edges ahead. For lightweight travel with minimal fuss, Panasonic’s compact design might better suit your needs.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of a Camera’s Soul

Next, the ever-important sensor specifications and resulting image quality differences demand scrutiny.

Both cameras share a 1/2.3-inch sensor format typical in bridge cameras, but here is where the subtle distinctions begin:

• Fujifilm S9400W: 16MP CMOS sensor with a sensor area of approximately 28.07 mm². Maximum native ISO reaches 12,800.
• Panasonic LZ20: 16MP CCD sensor (a different technology) with a slightly smaller sensor area (~27.72 mm²). Maximum native ISO is limited to 1600, but expandable to 6400.

From first-hand testing, this discrepancy in sensor type is impactful. CMOS sensors like the Fujifilm’s generally provide superior noise control and faster readouts, benefiting both stills and video. The Panasonic’s CCD shows excellent color reproduction in well-lit scenarios but struggles more with noise when the ISO climbs above 400.

In practical shooting environments, the S9400W delivers better high-ISO performance, enabling cleaner images indoors or at dusk without excessive grain. The dynamic range also favors Fujifilm - an important advantage for landscapes where shadow and highlight retention define image quality.

The Lens Story: Zoom Range and Aperture

The core selling point of any superzoom is the lens. Let’s chart their rivalry:

The Fujifilm’s incredible 50x zoom lens allows shooting from ultra-wide to extreme telephoto in one package - essential for wildlife, sports, or distant landscapes. The Panasonic halts at less than half that zoom range but retains slightly brighter aperture values at its telephoto end.

The macro capabilities favor the Fujifilm again, capturing subjects as close as 1 cm. This makes a real difference when you want crisp close-ups without fumbling with extension tubes or dedicated macro lenses.

Viewfinder and LCD – Composing Your Masterpiece

Composing shots often defines the joy of photography, and both cameras offer differing experiences here.

The Fujifilm S9400W sports a 3-inch TFT LCD with 460k resolution and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 201k resolution covering 97% of the frame - a sparse but functional setup that helps stability and composition in bright light. Panasonic skips the EVF altogether, relying on its identical 3-inch 460k LCD alone.

In daylight or challenging lighting, the Fujifilm’s EVF grants peace of mind for framing and focusing, especially at telephoto. The LZ20’s LCD, while sharp, can be challenging under intense sun exposure, affecting usability for outdoor photographers or street shooters.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Seizing Fleeting Moments

Neither camera boasts cutting-edge AF technology, but how do they stack up practically?

Fujifilm’s 10 fps burst mode is a surprise for its class, delivering fast frame rates that could help capture moments in action or sports shooting - if buffer and autofocus speed cooperate. The Panasonic limits to 1 fps burst, more suited for deliberate single shots.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF, effective in good light but prone to hunting in darker environments. Given the tradeoff, I found the S9400W hunts less, likely due to a newer processor and sensor combo. Its face detection works capably but doesn’t extend to animal eye detection, a feature neither model supports.

Real-world Use Across Photography Styles

Enough specs. How do these cameras translate into actual photography disciplines we practice and love?

Portrait Photography

Skin tone reproduction depends both on sensor color science and processing.

• Fujifilm S9400W: Offers pleasant, natural skin tones with less oversaturation. The bokeh at wide apertures is modest but serviceable given the sensor size and lens aperture.
• Panasonic LZ20: Slightly punchier colors, occasionally tipping into oversaturation on warm skin tones. Background blur is shallow, and sharper edges can feel harsher.

Neither camera shines at professional portraits due to limited sensor size and lens speed but the S9400W’s exposure options help you dial in portraits better.

Landscape Photography

Here, detail retention, dynamic range, and weather sealing matter.

• Fujifilm’s sensor excels in dynamic range and resolution, allowing more latitude in shadows and highlights.
• Neither model has weather sealing - so caution outdoors is warranted.
• The 50x zoom lets you capture faraway mountain ranges or architectural details unseen before.

Wildlife and Sports

With fast autofocus and high burst rates, the Fujifilm S9400W clearly targets action shooters more than the Panasonic can.

• Its longer lens reach makes wildlife photography possible without additional gear.
• Sports photography is feasible, but autofocus lag and focus tracking limitations will frustrate professionals demanding precision.

The Panasonic LZ20 struggles in these domains, with slower autofocus and very limited burst, confining it mostly to casual shooting.

Street and Travel Photography

Panasonic’s petite body and lighter weight earn it brownie points for street and travel.

• Fujifilm feels a bit bulky but delivers versatility.
• Both cameras’ fixed-lens approach means you’ll carry less and shoot more spontaneously.
• Low light performance, critical for urban evenings, clearly favors Fujifilm due to better ISO scaling and stabilization.

Macro Photography

The closer minimum focus distance of 1 cm from Fujifilm’s lens allows more creative macro shots with minimal fuss. Panasonic’s 2 cm minimum distance restricts intimate captures slightly.

Night / Astro Photography

Small sensors are limited for astrophotography, but:

• Fujifilm’s higher ISO ceiling and better noise control make it the better candidate.
• Both lack raw support, restricting post-processing latitude, but you can coax surprisingly detailed shots on the S9400W.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures?

Neither camera aims to be a video powerhouse, but they tick basic boxes.

The Fujifilm’s full HD 60i video provides smoother footage quality compared to Panasonic’s 720p standard. Neither supports external microphones or headphones, limiting creative sound control. Stabilization helps handheld shooting but don’t expect professional cinematic results.

Battery Life and Storage: The Workhorse Factor

Fujifilm relies on 4 x AA batteries, powering approximately 500 shots per charge - unusually generous for a bridge camera.

Panasonic uses a proprietary battery pack, with a rated 380 shots per charge. The convenience of AA batteries (readily found everywhere) versus rechargeable packs is subjective; I appreciate Fuji’s approach when traveling remote areas or extended days without electricity.

Both accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with a single slot. No dual card backup options here.

Connectivity and Extras

The Fujifilm S9400W includes built-in Wi-Fi, allowing easy image transfer and remote triggering via smartphone applications - a big plus for instant sharing. Panasonic LZ20, however, lacks any wireless features.

Neither have GPS, NFC, or Bluetooth.

Durability and Build Quality

Judge them on ruggedness - both are plastic-heavy with no environmental sealing. Neither is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof, limiting them to fair-weather use.

Price and Value: What Do You Get for Your Buck?

Fujifilm demands a premium but delivers more features, superior optics, and better performance in crucial areas. Panasonic, more affordable and lighter, suits a casual user not chasing technical excellence.

Summing It Up: Who Should Choose What?

Both cameras serve a niche well but are clearly designed for different priorities.

• Choose Fujifilm S9400W if you:

  • Desire tremendous zoom reach (50x).
  • Want better low light and high ISO performance.
  • Need faster continuous shooting.
  • Crave manual exposure controls and an EVF.
  • Appreciate built-in Wi-Fi and generous battery life.
  • Shoot various genres, from landscapes to casual wildlife and sports.

• Choose Panasonic LZ20 if you:

  • Prioritize compactness and lighter weight.
  • Are a casual shooter favoring simplicity.
  • Shoot mostly in daylight with less need for extreme zoom.
  • Have budget constraints preventing the Fuji’s premium.
  • Need a straightforward camera for travel snapshots, street photography, or family events.

Delving Into Genre-specific Capability

Let’s peek at their comparative strengths with respect to photography genres:

• Portraits: Fujifilm leads with more natural skin tones and manual controls.
• Landscapes: The superior sensor and dynamic range of the Fujifilm provide a noticeable edge.
• Wildlife & Sports: The S9400W’s long reach and speed-focused burst make it dominant.
• Street: Panasonic’s smaller form factor wins.
• Macro: Closer focusing on Fuji.
• Night/Astro: Fujifilm’s better ISO output excels.
• Video: Slight luxury to Fujifilm with full HD and better frame rates.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

After testing extensively in real-world scenarios - from serene park walks to bustling urban streets, and spirited wildlife pursuits - the comparative tale is clear. The Fujifilm S9400W offers a more rounded, enthusiast-grade superzoom experience, with better optics, more controls, stronger image quality, and increased versatility. It’s a camera that asks you to grow into it, rewarding mastery with flexibility.

The Panasonic LZ20, meanwhile, remains an accessible, straightforward companion for casual shooters who want decent zoom and decent images without fuss or weight.

If you value ultimate zoom reach with better handling and video, go with Fuji. If flight-like portability or budget is supreme, Panasonic won’t disappoint.

Sample Image Gallery: Fuji vs Panasonic in the Field

Fujifilm S9400W front Fujifilm S9400W screen back Panasonic LZ20 front Panasonic LZ20 screen back

Observe the Fujifilm’s sharper detail retention and cleaner images in mixed lighting situations compared to Panasonic’s more contrast-heavy but softer outcomes.

Photography is about capturing what the eye sees and how the heart feels. Both these cameras tell stories in their own way. Which one tells your story better?

This analysis is based on over a month of side-by-side field shooting, lab-based sensor tests, and user-inspired scenario recreations, ensuring the advice here equips you for an informed, confident choice.