Fujifilm FinePix T500 vs S9800: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When looking for a capable superzoom camera, FujiFilm offers several options that cater to different levels of use and expectations. Among these, the Fujifilm FinePix T500 and S9800 stand out as popular choices in the small sensor superzoom category. Both cameras promise versatility with their fixed-lens designs and extensive zoom ranges, yet they appeal to different photographers based on features, ergonomics, and overall performance.

In this comprehensive comparison, we'll dissect these two models - the Fujifilm T500, announced in early 2013, and the more recent Fujifilm S9800, launched in 2015 - across various photography disciplines, technical aspects, and real-world usability. Our analysis is based on extensive hands-on testing experience with similar camera classes, sensor technologies, and user interface responsiveness. Along the way, we will integrate direct side-by-side visuals and sample photos to help you make an informed decision tailored to your creative journey.

Getting to Know the Basics: Design, Size, and Handling

The very first impression of a camera comes from its physical size, weight, and ergonomics. These factors are crucial, especially if you plan to carry the camera on travels, long shoots, or street photography walks.

At 136 grams and compact form factors, the T500 is lightweight and pocketable. It fits nicely in your hand but lacks substantial grip enhancement, making it less comfortable for extended handheld shooting, especially with long zoom engaged.

The S9800 adopts the bridge camera style - bulkier and heavier at 670 grams. The robust grip and more substantial body give better control stability, which is evident when shooting at long focal lengths or slower shutter speeds. The heft also suggests superior handling for extended sessions or wildlife and sports photography where camera steadiness often translates to sharper images.

Control Layout and Interface

Ergonomics extend beyond size. The physical arrangement and intuitiveness of button placement directly influence your shooting experience.

• Fujifilm T500: Has a minimalistic top control system with fewer dedicated buttons and dials. This simplicity suits casual shooters or beginners who prefer an easy point-and-shoot interface without wrestling with manual modes.

• Fujifilm S9800: More conventional DSLR-like controls, including a mode dial with manual exposure priority options and access to features like aperture and shutter priority modes. This layout favors users who want quick tactile control for creative adjustments.

Sensor and Image Quality: Foundations of Creative Output

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, offering a sensor area of roughly 28.07 mm². The sensor resolution clocks in at approximately 16 megapixels for each model, but the underlying sensor technology varies.

CCD vs CMOS: Real-World Performance Implications

Most modern cameras use CMOS sensors because they:

• Offer better low-light sensitivity and dynamic range.
• Consume less power, extending battery life.
• Support faster readout speeds, helping with burst shooting and video.

The T500 relies on an older CCD sensor, which historically offers excellent color rendition and dynamic range in bright environments but tends to perform poorly at higher ISO due to more noise and limited sensitivity. The lack of ISO boost means you’re largely confined to shooting in adequately lit conditions to prevent grainy results.

In contrast, the S9800’s CMOS sensor supports ISO settings up to 12800. In practical terms, this translates to more flexibility for low-light or indoor shooting - an area where the T500 struggles. Additionally, the CMOS sensor supports faster continuous shooting (10 fps) matching the needs of wildlife and sports enthusiasts seeking action capture.

Display and User Interface: Keeping Your Eye on the Shot

A good LCD and viewfinder system allows you to compose accurately and review images conveniently.

The T500’s smaller, lower-res display limits your ability to evaluate focus accuracy or image details in playback. Without a viewfinder, you’re reliant on the LCD, which can be a disadvantage in bright sunlight or fast-action shooting requiring eye-level composition.

The S9800 offers a brighter, higher-resolution 3-inch screen plus a quality electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF allows you to shoot confidently even in strong light and with better framing control. This is especially useful for telephoto zoom shots that demand steadier composition.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Reach and Flexibility in the Field

A superzoom’s defining feature is its zoom range and lens versatility. Here, there’s a stark difference between these Fuji models:

The S9800’s 50× zoom is the star feature. From wide-angle landscapes at 24 mm up to a phenomenal 1200 mm focal length, this bridge camera lets you get close to wildlife or distant sports action without changing lenses. The bright f/2.9 aperture at the wide end helps in low light, too.

The T500’s 12× zoom is modest, limiting its reach to casual travel and portrait scenarios but providing convenient pocket portability.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Modes

The S9800 is the clear winner for photographers who want creative control and responsiveness:

• It supports multiple exposure modes, including manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority.
• Better autofocus features with face detection and selective AF area allow greater accuracy in demanding compositions, like portraits or wildlife.
• Continuous shooting at 10 frames per second enhances your ability to capture fast-moving subjects.

By contrast, the T500 offers a beginner-friendly, automatic style operation without manual exposure modes. Its autofocus is basic, adequate for still subjects but without precision options for challenging scenarios.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

The S9800’s use of four AA batteries means you can easily carry spares, convenient for travel or fieldwork where recharging opportunities are limited. Its battery life of around 300 shots is competitive for a bridge camera but shorter than modern mirrorless models.

The T500’s battery system is unspecified but likely a proprietary lithium-ion cell with typical compact camera longevity. As it is small and light, the T500 is easier to pack multiple spare batteries for extended use.

Videography Capabilities: Beyond Still Images

Video-wise, the S9800 clearly outperforms the T500. Full HD recording at 60 interlaced frames per second and 30p progressive frame rates gives better footage for casual videographers, vloggers, or hybrid shooters. The higher resolution also means you can crop video in post without significant quality loss.

The T500 is limited to 720p HD and older Motion JPEG format which results in larger files with less compression efficiency.

Neither camera offers microphone input or headphone output, so serious video production requires external audio gear or other cameras.

Real-World Use Across Photography Genres

Now let’s explore how each camera fares across popular photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm T500:

  • Basic autofocus with face detection is helpful.
  • Limited manual controls restrict precise aperture selection to control background blur.
  • The 12× zoom lens performs well for casual portraits but lacks a bright aperture for beautifully smooth bokeh.
  • Fixed screen hampers flexible composition.

• Fujifilm S9800:

  • Manual exposure modes and selective autofocus area provide finer control.
  • Longer focal length helps capture portraits with compressed perspective and background separation.
  • Brighter lens aperture aids in softer subject isolation.
  • EVF assists precise framing and focus confirmation.

Landscape Photography

• T500:

  • Small sensor and CCD limitations reduce dynamic range, requiring careful exposure.
  • Maximum resolution suffices for small prints or web sharing.
  • No weather sealing restricts use in harsh conditions.

• S9800:

  • CMOS sensor elevates image quality, with higher ISO flexibility and sharper details.
  • Fuller aspect ratio options (including 1:1 crop).
  • Larger 3” screen and EVF improve composition in the field.
  • Lack of weather sealing is a downside, though sturdy build helps outdoor use.

Wildlife Photography

• T500:

  • 12× zoom is limited but sufficient for close wildlife or pets.
  • Autofocus not optimized for tracking fast animals.
  • Lightweight body advantageous for quick hikes.

• S9800:

  • 50× zoom excels at reaching distant subjects with good detail.
  • Faster autofocus with tracking supports challenging shots.
  • 10 fps continuous shooting captures fleeting moments.
  • Heavier weight demands better carrying solutions.

Sports Photography

• T500:

  • No continuous shooting or shutter priority limits capturing action.
  • Autofocus less reliable in fast-paced environments.

• S9800:

  • Dedicated high-speed burst mode (10fps) and manual shutter/aperture controls empower action shooters.
  • Superior tracking autofocus and powerful zoom support dynamic framing.

Street Photography

• T500:

  • Compact size and lightweight favor stealthy shooting.
  • LCD-only composition may be challenging in bright sun.

• S9800:

  • Bulky build detracts from discretion and portability.
  • EVF helps with street shooting but size remains a factor.

Macro Photography

• T500:

  • No close-focus lens capabilities reported.

• S9800:

  • 7 cm macro focusing distance is useful for flower and insect shots.
  • Optical image stabilization aids handheld macro photography.

Night and Astro Photography

• T500:

  • Maximum ISO limited to 100, severely restricting low-light performance.
  • CCD sensor less effective in noise control.

• S9800:

  • ISO up to 12800 and manual exposure modes allow longer exposure times and better night shots.
  • Optical stabilization reduces star trailing for handheld astrophotography short sequences.

Video

• T500:

  • Basic HD (720p) recording suitable for snapshots.
  • Lack of mic input limits audio quality control.

• S9800:

  • Full HD video at 60i and 30p supports smoother motion capture.
  • HDMI output facilitates external recording/monitoring.

Travel Photography

• T500:

  • Pocketable and light, ideal for casual sightseeing.
  • Simple operation suits beginners and quick snaps.

• S9800:

  • Versatile zoom range reduces need for multiple lenses.
  • Larger and heavier; plan proper camera bag.

Professional Use

Neither camera supports RAW; this restricts post-processing flexibility and limits appeal for serious professionals. Weather sealing and advanced durability are absent, meaning these are better suited as enthusiast or secondary cameras.

Sample Images and Real-World Outputs

Viewing sample photos side-by-side helps illustrate the practical differences.

Fujifilm T500 front Fujifilm T500 screen back Fujifilm S9800 front Fujifilm S9800 screen back

• Notice the richness of colors and finer detail from the S9800’s CMOS sensor.
• The T500’s images appear softer with less shadow detail, especially in challenging light.
• The longer zoom of the S9800 captures distant subjects with better clarity.

Summary Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

To wrap, here is a consolidated rating for both cameras based on testing criteria:

• The S9800 consistently leads in performance due to modern sensor technology, extensive zoom range, and manual exposure control.
• The T500 delivers commendable value for casual shooters and beginners prioritizing size and simplicity but falls short in advanced features.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Closing Thoughts: Exploring Your Creative Possibilities

Both the FujiFilm FinePix T500 and S9800 are part of Fuji’s superzoom legacy, designed for photographers valuing zoom versatility and simplicity. The T500 is a tried-and-true compact that suits novices or casual shooters who prioritize portability and ease of use. Meanwhile, the S9800 caters to enthusiasts who want higher image quality, more expansive zoom reach, and manual controls to hone their craft.

As you consider which fits your photography goals, think about your shooting style, subjects of interest, and how much manual control you want. Testing these cameras in person, if possible, is invaluable - paying attention to how the ergonomics, viewfinder, and zoom range fit your workflow.

For those ready to embrace longer reach, better autofocus, and richer imagery, the S9800 is a strong contender. If lightness, simplicity, and fast grab-and-go appeal more, the T500 remains a reliable option.

Finally, remember that photography is a journey. Start with the right tool that inspires you to create more, learn faster, and enjoy every frame you capture. Whichever FujiFilm model you choose, your next great shot awaits!

If you’re interested in exploring accessories to complement your new camera choice - such as tripods, filters, or bags - check out Fuji’s ecosystem and third-party gear to maximize your creative possibilities.