Fujifilm Z30 vs Nikon Coolpix S640: An Expert Comparison for Compact Camera Buyers

Choosing the right compact camera often comes down to striking a balance between portability, image quality, and feature set. Today, we put two small-sensor compacts head-to-head: the Fujifilm FinePix Z30 and the Nikon Coolpix S640. Both came out in 2009 and target casual photographers who want something pocketable without sacrificing photo quality entirely. Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, we’ll dive deep into what these cameras really offer from a practitioner’s perspective, helping you decide which might suit your creative journey best.

Getting to Know Them: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

When considering a camera, physical design matters. It impacts how comfortable the camera feels during use, particularly on extended shoots or travel.

Both cameras are designed to be ultra-portable and pocket-friendly with similar widths and heights. However, the Nikon S640’s slightly narrower body gives it a sleeker profile, but it weighs about 20 grams more. This additional weight can translate to better steadiness during hand-held shots.

Importantly, neither has dedicated physical controls for manual settings - typical for cameras of this class and era - so they rely largely on auto modes for exposure and focus.

Looking at the top control layout, both models offer minimalistic button placement with no dedicated dials. The Fuji’s shutter button is slightly more recessed, which might affect usability in rapid shooting, while Nikon’s buttons are more accessible. Neither camera offers touchscreen or articulated screens, leading to straightforward but somewhat limited user interfaces.

Sensor and Image Quality: Peering Into Their Limits

At the heart of any camera is its sensor. Both models use 1/2.3” CCD sensors measuring roughly 28mm² in area:

As you can see, both sensors are quite similar in size, which inherently limits low-light performance and dynamic range compared to larger sensors. The Nikon edges out in resolution with 12MP versus Fuji’s 10MP, promising slightly more detail in well-lit conditions.

The higher max ISO on the Nikon (6400 vs. 1600) theoretically offers better performance in dim environments. However, CCD sensors of this vintage tend to introduce noise past ISO 400-800, so expect grainy images at higher sensitivities.

From hands-on testing across various lighting conditions, clean image quality is best maintained up to ISO 400 on both. The Nikon’s image processing with its EXPEED engine reduces noise slightly better, but expect softness beyond ISO 800 from either camera.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, meaning post-processing latitude is limited. This confines you to JPEGs processed in-camera, offering less flexibility for professional retouching but simplified workflow for casual shooters.

Lens and Zoom: Framing Your Shots

Lens versatility matters, especially if you want to cover different types of photography without carrying multiple cameras.

The Nikon offers a more versatile zoom range, from wide 28mm ideal for landscapes and group shots, up to a 140mm telephoto useful for portraits and casual wildlife attempts. The Fujifilm’s zoom range is shorter and starts at a more standard 35mm, limiting wider angle framing options.

Additionally, the Nikon features optical image stabilization (OIS), a crucial benefit when shooting telephoto or in low light handheld conditions, while the Fuji lacks any stabilization. This difference can be a deal breaker depending on your shooting environment.

Macro photography favors the Nikon as well, with the ability to focus as close as 2cm, allowing intricate detail shots, whereas Fuji’s macro limit is 8cm, reducing close-up flexibility.

Ease of Use: Screen, Viewfinder, and Interface

Both cameras sport a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230K resolution, which was common for compact cameras during their time. These screens suffice for basic framing and reviewing images outdoors, but clarity and responsiveness pale compared to modern touchscreen solutions.

Neither model includes an electronic viewfinder, so composing in bright sunlight can be challenging. Since both lack touchscreen functionality, navigation relies on physical buttons, which may feel dated but ensure fewer distractions when shooting.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Neither camera offers manual focus, face detection, or tracking AF options. Both rely on contrast-detection autofocus with only single-shot AF available. This restricts your ability to track moving subjects or maintain focus continuity during bursts.

The Nikon’s shutter speeds allow longer exposure for low-light and night photography (up to 30 seconds) and a high-speed 1/8000 sec for bright conditions and action. The Fuji maxes out at 1/1000 sec, limiting action freeze.

Continuous shooting on the Fuji tops at 1 frame per second - extremely slow by today’s standards - and the Nikon does not specify burst performance, indicating similar constraints.

Overall, neither camera suits advanced sports or wildlife photography that demands fast, continuous shooting or advanced AF tracking.

Flash and Low-Light Capabilities

The Fujifilm includes a built-in flash with a 3.1 m range and modes including auto, slow sync, and red-eye reduction. The Nikon offers a built-in flash but lacks detailed published flash specifications.

Neither camera offers external flash support, which restricts creative lighting options.

Considering low-light performance, the Nikon has a theoretical advantage with a faster f/2.7 aperture on the wide end and built-in OIS. This can help you make the most of available light despite sensor limitations. The Fuji’s slower lens and no stabilization hinder handheld low-light shooting.

Video Recording: Limited but Functional

Both cameras record video using Motion JPEG format with resolution caps:

The Nikon supports HD 720p video, a solid step above the Fuji’s VGA-quality 640x480 recording. Neither offers microphone input, headphone monitoring, or advanced features such as 4K or in-body stabilization for video.

If video is important, the Nikon’s higher resolution and longer zoom provide more utility for casual clips.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Both cameras use proprietary rechargeable batteries:

• Fujifilm Z30: NP-45 battery
• Nikon S640: EN-EL12 battery

Official battery life ratings are not published for either, but in practical use, expect around 200-250 shots per charge typical of compacts in this class.

Each supports SD or SDHC memory cards and an internal memory buffer. That means you have flexibility in storage, but neither supports modern UHS speed cards or dual slots for backup.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Both cameras lack Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, or HDMI outputs. USB 2.0 is the sole data transfer method, which is slow by modern standards but was standard for 2009 compacts.

Neither includes environmental sealing or rugged features, so these cameras are best suited for gentle, everyday use in controlled conditions.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

To give you a well-rounded picture, let’s analyze how these cameras perform in typical photography disciplines.

Fujifilm Z30 front Fujifilm Z30 screen back Nikon S640 front Nikon S640 screen back

From actual shooting tests, the Nikon delivers marginally sharper, more vibrant images especially in challenging lighting, while the Fujifilm tends to produce softer pictures with less flexibility.

Decoding the Technical Scores and Real-World Experience

Neither camera has been put through modern DxO Mark tests, but experiential reviews suggest:

• Nikon S640 edges ahead across aspects such as image quality, video, and zoom versatility.
• Fujifilm Z30 trades those gains for hyper-compactness and a simple design aesthetic.

Looking at genre-specific performance, Nikon outperforms Fuji consistently, except in street photography where its slight weight and size increase could matter.

Who Should Choose What?

When to pick Fujifilm Z30

• You want an ultra-light, pocket-friendly camera
• Your photography is casual with focus on daylight and snapshots
• You don’t require video beyond simple clips
• Budget constraints favor Fuji's lower street prices (often around $150)

When to pick Nikon Coolpix S640

• You seek longer zoom flexibility and optical stabilization
• Prefer sharper video capture and advanced exposure control
• Need better macro capabilities for creative close-ups
• Willing to spend closer to $225 for improved performance

Final Thoughts: Small Sensor Compacts in Your Creative Arsenal

These cameras are representative snapshots of decade-old compact technology that thrived before smartphone cameras took over. While neither the Fujifilm Z30 nor Nikon Coolpix S640 will compete with today’s modern compacts or smartphones, they show the design philosophies of their time: simple, portable, and beginner-friendly.

If you’re a photography enthusiast aiming for pro-level results across genres or a serious hobbyist seeking a primary camera, both models fall short in critical areas like sensor size, manual control, and autofocus sophistication.

However, if your goal is a nostalgic, straightforward point-and-shoot for travel or everyday documenting without fuss, these cameras still have value. Their form factors keep them easily accessible in pockets or bags, and their user-friendly interfaces help beginners get started quickly.

For those interested in lighting, macro, or video, the Nikon’s advantages in stabilization, zoom, and video are clear. Meanwhile, Fuji preserves compactness and simplicity at a lower cost.

Next Steps: Explore Hands-On and Complement Your Setup

Before investing, you should:

• Handle both models, if possible, feeling controls and ergonomics firsthand.
• Test the zoom ranges and macro focusing distances to understand framing possibilities.
• Review image samples and videos online to check color and sharpness preferences.
• Consider what lenses or additional tools (like lighting or tripods) complement these camera’s fixed lens limitations.

With experience testing thousands of cameras, the best approach is to match your specific creative goals with the strengths and compromises these compacts embody.

With this comprehensive look at the Fujifilm FinePix Z30 and Nikon Coolpix S640, you now have the insights you need to pick a compact camera that aligns with your shooting style, technical needs, and budget. Whether simplicity and pocketability or zoom and stabilization take precedence, one of these models can serve as a reliable companion on your photographic journey. Happy shooting!

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