Fujifilm FinePix SL300 vs Nikon Coolpix S9700: A Deep Dive into Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

Choosing the right superzoom camera from the plethora of options available - especially in the small sensor category - can be daunting, given the trade-offs between image quality, versatility, and handling. Today, we’ll meticulously dissect two contenders that embody this compromise: the Fujifilm FinePix SL300 and the Nikon Coolpix S9700. Both target photography enthusiasts and casual users seeking substantial zoom reach without the complexity or expense of interchangeable lens systems.

Leveraging my 15+ years of experience in rigorous camera testing, I will provide an exhaustive, evidence-based comparison. We’ll explore these models across a multitude of photographic disciplines, evaluate their core technologies, handling characteristics, and real-world usability, while illustrating key differences through curated images and technical analysis.

Getting Hands-On: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

First impressions matter tremendously, especially for cameras targeting enthusiast travelers and casual photographers who want something manageable for day-long use. The Fujifilm SL300 presents a robust, bridge camera form factor with an SLR-like shape measuring 122×93×100 mm, weighing around 510 grams. In contrast, the Nikon S9700 adopts a sleeker compact design - much smaller at 110×64×35 mm and just 232 grams.

Despite the SL300’s larger body yielding a more secure grip and more room for physical controls, it may feel cumbersome for extended handheld shooting or street photography where discretion and portability are prized. The Nikon’s slim profile makes it pocketable and convenient for travel or spontaneous shooting, though the smaller body reduces tactile ergonomics.

Both employ fixed lens designs with comprehensive manual exposure modes, but the SL300’s heft and close-to-DSLR styling might appeal more to shooters who prioritize a ready-made “serious” camera feel over absolute portability. Ultimately, if you favor size and weight reduction, Nikon leads here; if durability and grip stability matter more, Fujifilm’s bulk serves a purpose.

Control Layout and Usability in Detail

Examining the control schemes and interface, the SL300 offers straightforward, albeit basic, ergonomics. It features a fixed 3-inch TFT color LCD with modest 460k-dot resolution and an electronic viewfinder covering 97% of the frame. The EVF, while functional, lacks detailed specification and resolution information, which limits confidence during framing in bright environments.

The S9700 forgoes an EVF altogether, relying solely on its sharper 3-inch TFT LCD boasting 921k dots and an anti-reflection coating - a boon for outdoor shooting where glare can be debilitating. Notably, neither camera sports touchscreen capabilities or interactive live view focusing aids, which are increasingly standard in modern compacts.

Control-wise, the Nikon provides a physical command dial and customizable buttons that enhance quick adjustments, whereas the Fujifilm’s buttons are basic with no illuminated labeling. Neither offers illuminated buttons, which can hinder operation in dim light.

The Nikon's built-in Wi-Fi and GPS afford connectivity and location tagging, missing in the SL300, which may influence workflow efficiency, especially for travel photographers who prize instant image sharing and geo-tagging features.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Insights

Both cameras employ 1/2.3-inch sensors with identical 6.17×4.55 mm dimensions leading to a 28.07mm² sensor area, typical for small sensor superzooms. However, the Fujifilm SL300 uses a 14MP CCD sensor, while the Nikon S9700 sports a more modern 16MP backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor.

Why does this matter? CCD sensors historically offered pleasing color reproduction but tend to suffer in high ISO noise and dynamic range compared to BSI CMOS sensors that leverage more efficient light gathering and signal amplification.

• Resolution: The Nikon edges out with higher maximum resolution (4608×3456 vs. 4288×3216 pixels), offering potential for larger prints and crop flexibility.

• ISO Sensitivity: The SL300’s native ISO starts at 64 and maxes at 1600 (boostable to 6400 but with severe noise), whereas the S9700 has a narrower range starting at ISO 125 but extends more cleanly to ISO 6400 without boost. The S9700 thus provides better low-light capability.

• Dynamic Range & Color Depth: While neither camera has DxOMark testing, we can extrapolate from sensor technology - the CMOS sensor in Nikon should deliver superior dynamic range and superior low-light imaging performance, crucial for landscapes and night scenes.

CCD’s limitations often manifest in noisier images under indoor or shadow conditions, and Fujifilm’s CCD may become a bottleneck in image quality compared to the CMOS-based Nikon.

Autofocus and Performance Under Pressure

Both cameras have inherent limitations in autofocus (AF) due to their fixed-lens compact/superzoom design and reliance on contrast-detection systems without phase-detection or hybrid AF.

• Fujifilm SL300: Offers single AF, continuous AF, and tracking modes but lacks sophisticated multi-area AF. It supports face detection but not animal eye AF or advanced subject tracking. Autofocus speed is noticeably slower, resulting in a sluggish focus-lock time especially at longer focal lengths or low light.

• Nikon S9700: Provides single AF with face detection and a selective AF area option. It features 99 AF points for improved focusing precision and offers a reasonable AF tracking system with the caveat that it is still contrast-detection only. AF speed is generally quick but can hunt in dim settings.

• Burst Rate: The Nikon has a significant advantage with a continuous shooting speed of 7fps, well suited for casual wildlife or sports photography, whereas the SL300 only manages 1fps, greatly limiting its use for action photography.

In practical experience, Nikon’s autofocus system responds faster and more accurately when shooting moving subjects hence yielding higher keeper rates in fast-paced scenarios.

Image Stabilization: The Role of Stability in Sharpness

• The SL300 employs sensor-shift stabilization, effective in countering camera shake during telephoto shooting - a vital feature for this 30x zoom lens ranging 24-720mm equivalent.

• The Nikon S9700 uses optical image stabilization (OIS) integrated within the lens optics - typically more effective especially when combined with intelligent shooting modes in Nikon's image processing pipeline.

Both systems help mitigate blur at extended focal lengths, albeit Nikon's latest firmware and OIS innovations deliver steadier results in hand-held shooting, particularly in low light or during video capture.

Lens Performance and Macro Capabilities

The lens specs for these two cameras are close:

While the maximum apertures favor Fujifilm in brightness, especially at wide angle, in actual image quality and distortion correction, Nikon’s optics tend to produce marginally sharper images with less chromatic aberration and vignetting.

Macro Photography: Nikon’s closer 1 cm macro focus distance enables crisper, more detailed close-up shots, which will appeal to enthusiasts focusing on small subjects like flowers or insects, aided further by precise focusing options.

Displays and Interface: Evaluating Live View and Composition Aids

The Nikon S9700’s 921k-dot TFT LCD with anti-reflective coating outperforms the Fujifilm SL300’s 460k-dot LCD in brightness and clarity, making it easier to compose, review images, and adjust settings in tough lighting conditions.

Neither supports touch input, which would greatly ease navigation, nor do they offer articulating or tilting screens for challenging compositions or video use - a limiting factor for vloggers or creative shooting angles.

The lack of high-resolution viewfinders or viewfinders altogether (Nikon) means outdoor usability can degrade significantly under bright sun, with Nikon relying heavily on LCD visibility enhancements.

Real-World Photography Across Genres

Portrait Photography: Rendering Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portrait enthusiasts value skin tone accuracy, eye-detection AF, and pleasing background blur. Both cameras feature face detection autofocus; however, neither is equipped with eye AF, which has become a hallmark of advanced focusing in mirrorless and DSLR systems.

The Fujifilm’s larger aperture at wide end (f/3.1 vs f/3.7) lends a slight edge for shallow depth-of-field portraits, though small sensor sizes greatly limit bokeh quality and separation in either camera.

Color science differs as well - Fujifilm traditionally excels in delivering warm, natural skin tones due to decades of film heritage implemented through color processing. Nikon tends to produce slightly cooler and more neutral color profiles, which can be adjusted in post but require color management knowledge.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Detail

For landscape shooters who demand expansive dynamic range and high resolution for large prints, Nikon’s 16MP BSI CMOS sensor provides more detail and better highlight/shadow preservation. The enhanced anti-reflective screen and GPS tagging further complement outdoor shooting.

Fujifilm’s sensor combined with slower autofocus impedes fast composition changes when light fluctuates dramatically, a common landscape challenge.

Neither camera features environmental sealing - both are vulnerable to dust and moisture - limiting outdoor robustness.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Focus and Speed

The Nikon stands as the superior option here thanks to its 7fps burst and more advanced AF with 99 selectable points. This facilitates better tracking of erratic subjects at a distance. Its 750mm equivalent reach slightly outperforms Fujifilm’s 720mm, marginally extending the telephoto advantage.

SL300’s 1fps burst and limited AF responsiveness make it unsuitable for fast action or wildlife shooting.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Mobility

For candid street shooters, the Nikon’s compact size and lighter weight prove invaluable. It can remain unobtrusive, better handling crowd environments than the chunkier SL300, which attracts more attention.

The slightly better high ISO handling on Nikon also aids low light street scenarios, especially during evening shoots.

Macro Photography: Close Focusing and Stability

Nikon's 1 cm macro minimum focusing distance, plus better stabilization, enable sharper close-up shots, placing it ahead in this category.

While the Fujifilm offers sensor-shift stabilization, its slower AF can hinder pin-sharp macro shots.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure Options

Here the Nikon’s CMOS sensor shines through with cleaner high ISO images up to ISO 6400. The Fujifilm struggles visibly beyond ISO 1600 with noise artifacts.

Neither camera supports bulb mode or long-exposure controls critical for astro photography, limiting their usefulness for night sky capturing.

Fujifilm SL300 front Fujifilm SL300 screen back Nikon S9700 front Nikon S9700 screen back

Video Capabilities: What Can They Deliver?

• Fujifilm SL300: Records at 1280x720p (30 fps) and VGA resolutions using H.264 and Motion JPEG codecs. No microphone or headphone ports limit sound control, and no advanced image stabilization exists for video.

• Nikon S9700: Provides Full HD 1080p recording up to 60i, 50i with MPEG-4 and H.264 compression. No external audio and no headset jacks, but equipped with optical stabilization, resulting in steadier handheld footage.

For casual video, Nikon leads with full HD support and better stabilization, making it more attractive for vloggers or travel videographers.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras use proprietary Lithium-Ion battery packs - Fujifilm’s NP-85 and Nikon’s EN-EL12 respectively - with near-identical rated shot life around 300 shots. In practical use, Nikon’s smaller form factor and efficient CMOS sensor may eke out marginally longer real-world operation.

Storage options are standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and single slot in both cameras.

Connectivity marks a key divide: Nikon’s built-in Wi-Fi and GPS provide wireless image transfer and convenient geotagging - a crucial inclusion for modern workflows and travel photography. Fujifilm lacks wireless and GPS capabilities, requiring cabling for downloads.

Comprehensive Scores and Value Assessment

No high-end DxOMark data is available for these models, but general consensus and test scores put Nikon’s S9700 ahead in lens quality, autofocus speed, sensor performance, video, and connectivity. Fujifilm SL300’s strengths are mainly in tactile ergonomics and slightly better lens aperture at the wide end.

At the time of their respective releases, the Nikon carried a higher price (~$350 vs $280) justified by newer sensor tech, improved autofocus, and more comprehensive video support.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Conclusion: Balancing Legacy and Innovation in Small Sensor Superzooms

The Fujifilm FinePix SL300 caters well to enthusiasts favoring a DSLR-like grip and manual controls along with respectable zoom reach at an affordable price, making it ideal for those prioritizing handling over the latest imaging tech.

Conversely, the Nikon Coolpix S9700, despite its older release date, incorporates more modern sensor and video technology, improved autofocus, compact design, and wireless connectivity, fitting the needs of versatile travelers, casual action shooters, and video creators.

Neither model can compete with larger sensor systems or modern mirrorless cameras in terms of pure image quality, but within their niche segment, the Nikon S9700 provides a more balanced, future-proof package in 2024, whereas the Fujifilm SL300 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious users and portrait-focused amateurs.

If your shooting scenarios demand agility, speed, and contemporary connectivity, Nikon is the clear winner. If your priority is a tactile, stable grip with wider aperture at the wide end for portraits, and you’re willing to trade some modern convenience, Fujifilm still has its charms.

I hope this detailed analysis empowers you to make an informed decision aligned with your photographic journey. Should you need further insight on lenses or post-processing workflows tailored to these cameras, feel free to ask.

Safe shooting and happy zooming!