Fujifilm XP150 vs Nikon Coolpix S100: Which Compact Camera Earns Its Keep?

When it comes to compact cameras with fixed zoom lenses hovering around the $250 mark, the choices can be underwhelming or mildly confusing. The Fujifilm XP150 and Nikon Coolpix S100 represent two stalwarts from a few years back - vintage now but still relevant if you’re shopping used or looking for backup gear with rugged or travel-friendly cred. Both share a similar zoom range (28-140mm equivalent, 5× optical zoom) but diverge sharply in build philosophy and features.

After spending many hours wrangling these two compacts across awkwardly lit dinner tables, splash zones, and the occasional rolling countryside, I’m here to share the nitty-gritty on which one deserves a spot in your camera bag - even for pros hunting a reliable secondary snapper, or enthusiasts venturing off the beaten path.

So buckle up - this is a deep dive balanced with technical rigor and first-hand experience, sprinkled with a bit of cheeky photographer skepticism. Let’s kick things off with the most tactile first impression: size, ergonomics, and build.

Size and Grip: Rugged Survivalist vs Sleek Contender

Here, the FujiXP150 flexes its rugged pedigree clearly, while Nikon’s S100 sensuously slips into your palm like a tech gadget from a James Bond movie.

Measuring 103 × 71 × 27 mm and tipping the scales at a solid 205 grams, the Fujifilm feels notably chunky - by design. This isn’t subtle camera art; it’s armored for adventure. Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and even freezeproof to -10ºC, the XP150 practically dares you to take it swimming, hiking, or clumsy. The textured grip is generous and reassuring, even with wet fingers. However, if you have small hands (or delicate fingers), those thick body contours could hinder quick one-handed operation.

The Nikon S100, more svelte at 99 × 65 × 18 mm and just 175 grams, gives off a sophisticated, understated vibe. It’s polished, with cleaner lines and a slicker finish, but don’t expect it to survive a dunk - or even a hard knock. The metal-like smoothness and compact frame make it a stealthy street or travel companion, but offering no weather sealing means you’ll tread carefully around the elements.

In terms of handling, the XP150’s bulk carries a sense of reassurance (and yes, a workout over prolonged use), while the S100 is as nimble as an expert pickpocket but needs steadier hands for steady shots.

Top Controls and Interface: Button Frenzy or Minimalist Chic?

Before taking shots, you have to feel at home with the camera. Let’s peek at their top decks.

The Fujifilm XP150 features a straightforward but somewhat sparse control layout: shutter release, zoom toggle, power button, and a mode dial responsible for the core shooting modes, plus a dedicated GPS button - a rarity in this class and era. The buttons are raised and reasonably spaced, but with no illuminated feedback and a relatively low-resolution 2.7-inch fixed TFT screen, usability can suffer under bright sun or dim rooms.

The Nikon S100 contrasts with a slightly busier but more modern top panel - with tactile shutter and zoom control, a power button, and a small but bright OLED screen on the rear. The S100's standout feature is its touchscreen LCD, the rare luxury in such compacts at the time. This affords quick menu navigation, focus point selection, and intuitive control - great for those transitioning from smartphones or novices craving simplicity.

Summary: Fuji’s controls feel rugged and pragmatic but dated, Nikon’s are slicker, livelier, and more in tune with modern user expectations.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: A Tale of Two CMOS Chips

Ah, the sensor - the heart of any camera. Both these contenders use a 1/2.3” MOS sensor (roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm² area), which is standard fare for compact shooters in this price bracket, but there are meaningful differences.

The Nikon S100 boasts a slightly higher native resolution at 16 megapixels (4608 × 3456), compared to Fuji’s 14 MP (4608 × 3072). Even though 14 vs 16 MP is a marginal difference on paper, in practice, Nikon’s sensor complements a sophisticated Expeed C2 processor for cleaner output and marginally better detail capture.

However - and here’s where real-world testing challenges specs alone - the XP150’s sensor is particularly noise-resilient and benefits from effective sensor-shift image stabilization. Fuji’s system proves surprisingly robust in low-light, producing better usable images above ISO 800, whereas Nikon’s noise becomes more noticeable beyond ISO 400. Given the fixed lens zoom similarities (F3.9-4.9 for Fuji vs. F3.9-4.8 for Nikon), lens sharpness is nearly identical across the zoom range, though lens coatings on the S100 yield slightly better flare resistance.

Color science, a highly subjective domain, tips in Fuji’s favor - reproducing warmer, richer skin tones - thanks to its heritage in film simulation (though no explicit film modes here). Nikon delivers punchier saturation, sometimes verging on oversaturation in greens and blues, which can alienate purists but pleases casual shooters.

LCD Screens and Usability: Touchscreen Glory or Rugged Simplicity?

For composing shots, reviewing images, and navigating menus, the display matters - especially outside studio comfort.

The Nikon S100’s OLED 3.5-inch touchscreen is vibrant, bright (~820k dots), and highly responsive. It allows autofocus point selection with a tap, gesture-based zoom playback, and ease of menu toggling. Its color accuracy and contrast are amongst the best I’ve seen in compact cameras from that era, making it a joy - and often the deciding factor for travel and street photographers who rely on quick visual feedback.

Conversely, the Fujifilm XP150’s 2.7-inch TFT LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution is a throwback at best. Fixed, non-touch, and washed out under direct sunlight, it forces you to depend more on muscle memory for settings and post-capture review. However, in dense overcast or shaded environments, the screen manages but never impresses.

Ultimately, the Nikon’s superior display radically improves usability and versatility, especially for spontaneous shooting situations or fine - often fiddly - manual adjustments.

Autofocus: Precision vs Simplicity in Action

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus systems with no phase-detection AF, a common compromise for budget compacts. However, the implementation and feature details differ.

• Fujifilm XP150: Offers contrast-detection with center-area AF, continuous AF (for moving subjects), and tracking AF. However, it lacks face detection or eye detection. The AF system is unsurprisingly slow and cautious, wandering slightly in low light or fast-moving scenes. Out in the field, I noticed frequent hunting during video capture and an occasional inability to lock focus swiftly on wildlife or sports subjects.

• Nikon S100: Improved with touch autofocus, face detection, and even limited multi-area AF. The processor team at Nikon clearly optimized AF algorithms here - faster yet still far from DSLR/ mirrorless standards. While continuous AF is absent (which can frustrate video shooters or dynamic subject chasers), the S100 feels more confident in tracking human faces and maintains focus crisply under reasonable lighting.

For portraiture, Nikon’s face detection and touchscreen AF provide ease and accuracy to capture expressive eyes sharply, which Fuji’s simpler system can’t match. For wildlife or street, both struggle with fast action but Nikon’s methods edge ahead for selectivity.

Macro Capabilities: Getting Up Close and Personal

Macro enthusiasts will find the Nikon S100 more inviting, thanks to a minimum focusing distance of just 1 cm, compared to Fuji’s 9 cm. The difference is stark; Nikon’s lens permits tight frame-filling close-ups of flowers, gadgets, and textures with beautiful bokeh and impressive detail from this fixed optic.

The Fujifilm’s relatively longer minimum focus length limits creative macro possibilities. While the sensor-shift stabilization adds some steadiness, the 5× zoom and aperture limitations keep Fuji in the “close-ups only” zone rather than true macro.

So if you’re into shooting tiny worlds - think plants, jewelry, insects - your clear winner with these two is Nikon, no contest.

Video: Full HD with Modest Features

Both these cameras support 1080p Full HD video at 30fps, with additional options for 720p and VGA for quick clips.

• Fujifilm XP150: Records in H.264 and Motion JPEG, benefits from sensor-shift IS providing stable handheld footage, and includes slow sync flash in video mode - a niche plus. However, audio capture is basic, with no external mic or headphone jacks, and its autofocus is slow and noisy during recording.

• Nikon S100: Also shoots 1080p 30fps video but adds an OLED touchscreen with touch-to-focus, improving video usability. Stabilization is optical rather than sensor-shift, which gives slightly smoother pans. Audio quality remains basic, no mic input. Continuous AF during video is lacking, which can give off that “hunt-and-peck” focus feel.

In practical terms, both cameras are more than adequate for casual video but fall short for aspiring videographers or social media creators needing manual control or higher frame rates.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Here is a quick rundown, based on real-world usage and manufacturer specs.

• Fujifilm XP150: Roughly 300 shots per charge using the NP-50A battery; respectable considering the rugged hardware powering GPS and waterproofing. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with USB 2.0 and HDMI out. Notably, lacks wireless connectivity or Bluetooth.

• Nikon S100: Rated at around 150 shots per charge via EN-EL12 battery; less longevity reflecting its smaller battery and more feature-rich OLED display. Also supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, USB 2.0, and HDMI, but no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

I found the Fuji more trustworthy on extended trips or outdoor shoots since battery anxiety is the last thing you want when hiking or kayaking with a camera.

Build Quality and Durability: Who Will Survive Your Adventures?

While many cameras look the same, only a handful dare to survive your worst moments without a fuss.

• Fujifilm XP150: Shockproof (to 1.5 m drops), waterproof up to 10 m, freezeproof to -10°C, and dustproof - this camera is designed for the abuse of active lifestyles. The rubberized seals and use of a more robust chassis make it a stellar all-weather companion.

• Nikon S100: Polished but delicate. No weather sealing, no shock protection. Best suited for everyday shooting indoors or in fair weather only.

In my abusive outdoor testing (read: accidental drops, rain splashes, sudden cold snaps), the XP150 kept humming with no complaints. The S100? Treated with kid gloves, or risk costly repairs.

Photography Genres in Focus: Which Excels Where?

Let’s apply our findings to real-world shooting:

Portrait:

• Winner: Nikon S100
  Face detection, touchscreen AF, higher resolution sensor, and richer detail give the edge over Fuji’s slower AF and washed-out rear screen. Skin tones from Fuji are warm but occasionally muddy.

Landscape:

• Winner: Fujifilm XP150
  While neither offers pro-level dynamic range, Fuji’s weather sealing and rugged body win points for serious outdoor use. Nikon’s brighter screen aids composition, but Fuji’s wider aperture range and IS stabilize long exposures better.

Wildlife:

• Winner: Nikon S100
  Faster AF response, tracking, and closer macro bring more wildlife options. However, both cameras struggle with speed and reach, so consider them backyard wildlife companions.

Sports:

• Winner: Tie, leaning Nikon
  Neither is sports autofocus-friendly, but Nikon’s 6 fps burst rate doubles Fuji’s 3 fps, offering better chances of capturing the moment.

Street:

• Winner: Nikon S100
  Compact, light, quiet, and fast touchscreen operation make Nikon the street photographer’s stealthy buddy. Fuji’s ruggedness is overkill - and bulk - for city photography.

Macro:

• Winner: Nikon S100
  Superior minimum focus distance and zoom make Nikon perfect for close-ups.

Night/Astro:

• Winner: Fujifilm XP150
  Sensor-shift stabilization and better high-ISO performance favor long exposures and low-light shots.

Video:

• Winner: Nikon S100
  Touchscreen AF and OLED tilt the scales despite similar specs.

Travel:

• Winner: Fujifilm XP150
  Superior battery life, rugged build, and GPS trump Nikon’s slicker design for reliability on the road.

Professional Work:

• Winner: Neither
  File limitations (no RAW), slow AF, and budget-level IS restrict their use to supplementary or casual roles.

Sample Images: Real-World Image Quality Snapshot

Fujifilm XP150 front Fujifilm XP150 screen back Nikon S100 front Nikon S100 screen back

I captured the same scenes on both cameras under identical natural light conditions. Notice Fujifilm’s slightly warmer white balance and more natural skin tones; Nikon’s shots appear sharper but occasionally oversaturated. Both struggle with high-contrast scenes, but Fuji handles shadows with more detail retention.

Overall Scores and Conclusions

Summing up all core metrics - image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, features, and value - the Fujifilm XP150 scored higher in ruggedness, battery life, and low-light capability, while Nikon’s S100 impresses with better screen, touchscreen AF, higher resolution, and macro abilities.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability: Fixed, But Not Forgotten

With fixed zoom lenses, neither offers changing glass, but both tap their brand’s experience:

• Fujifilm's lens is sharp and stabilized, optimized for rugged use, but a touch slow at the telephoto end (F4.9 max aperture).
• Nikon’s optical IS and slightly wider aperture at tele (F4.8) improve handheld shooting and clarity.

Neither supports external flashes, mic inputs, or advanced connectivity, limiting their appeal to casual or backup shooters.

Verdict: Who Should Pick Which?

Final Thoughts: Compact Cameras with Character

The Fujifilm FinePix XP150 and Nikon Coolpix S100 may feel like products from a pre-mirrorless era, but they each possess charm and utility for niche users craving simplicity, portability, and specific strengths.

If your photographic adventures involve hiking, swimming, or rough terrain, the XP150 is the dependable, no-nonsense workhorse. If convenience, touchscreen control, and slightly better image detail matter more, the Nikon S100 remains a worthy, if fragile, choice.

Neither camera will rival modern mirrorless systems or even advanced smartphones' computational photography - but they serve as reminders that well-executed compacts still hold a place.

Thanks for coming on this photo gear journey with me. If you’ve enjoyed the deep dive or want to share your experiences with these cameras, drop a comment or reach out anytime. Happy shooting!

Author’s note: All hands-on testing was conducted under diverse real-life conditions including outdoor daylight, artificial indoor lighting, and various weather. Sample images and scores reflect practical shooting rather than lab-only findings.