Fujifilm Z33WP vs Nikon Coolpix S800c: A Thorough Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right compact camera within specific use-case constraints can be a nuanced decision, particularly when one is comparing models from distinct eras and with diverging feature sets like the Fujifilm Z33WP and Nikon Coolpix S800c. Each camera occupies a unique niche - the Z33WP as a rugged, waterproof compact aimed at outdoor adventurers, and the S800c as a versatile, Wi-Fi enabled small sensor compact with a broad zoom range and Android-based interface enhancements. Over my 15+ years testing and evaluating digital cameras, I've extensively analyzed compact cameras’ sensor technologies, autofocus systems, ergonomics, and real-world imaging performance - making for an informed and balanced evaluation to help you decide which fits your photographic journey best.

In this analysis, I unpack the detailed specifications and assess each model within the contexts of major photographic disciplines - portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night/astro, video, travel, and professional applications - while directly addressing sensor capabilities, AF performance, lenses, build quality, usability, and value propositions.

Designing for Purpose: Physical Dimensions and Handling Differences

The Fujifilm Z33WP and Nikon S800c represent different philosophies in compact camera design strengthened by their respective functional priorities. The Z33WP, released in 2009, projects an ultra-compact form measuring only 92x60x21 mm and weighing 110g, emphasizing waterproof durability with environmental sealing that can withstand immersion and splashes - one of its core unique selling points. In contrast, the slightly larger Nikon S800c, at 111x60x27 mm and 184g, prioritizes high zoom versatility and touchscreen interactivity but lacks ruggedization features.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the Z33WP’s slim profile fits unobtrusively in pockets for adventure and travel photographers requiring no-fuss portability in harsh conditions. Meanwhile, the S800c’s increased thickness accommodates a 10× optical zoom lens while integrating a sizable 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen - a critical user interface enhancement.

Control Systems and User Interfaces: Simplicity Meets Smart Touch

Neither camera offers manual control modes such as aperture or shutter priority, reflecting their aimed target users - the casual to enthusiast happy to rely largely on intelligent auto modes and simple operation. However, the Nikon S800c advances with a capacitive touchscreen featuring anti-reflection coating, allowing intuitive menu navigation and shooting adjustments not possible on the Fujifilm’s fixed non-touchscreen 2.7-inch LCD. This difference significantly impacts real-world usability, particularly for users accustomed to smartphone-like interfaces or who want to quickly change settings.

The Z33WP's button layout focuses on robustness and underwater usability, but it lacks illuminated buttons or custom assignable controls, making operation in low light or while diving more challenging. The S800c partially offloads this with its touch controls, although physical buttons remain the primary tactile interface. Both omit viewfinders, leaning heavily on LCD screens for composition, but the S800c provides a larger, higher resolution display (819 vs 230 K dots).

Sensor Technologies and Image Quality: CCD vs BSI-CMOS

Under the hood, both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch sensor format (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm² sensor area), but the sensor technologies diverge. The Fujifilm Z33WP employs a 10-megapixel CCD sensor, typical for the era of its release. In contrast, the Nikon S800c integrates a 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, a more advanced design that improves low-light sensitivity, dynamic range, and readout speed.

The BSI (Backside Illuminated) design in the S800c mitigates pixel-level light loss found in traditional CCDs, thus substantially enhancing performance at higher ISOs (up to 3200 vs 1600 max on Fujifilm). This translates to cleaner images with less noise in dim conditions, a critical factor for many photographic scenarios such as night, street, and wildlife photography.

While both have anti-aliasing filters to reduce moiré, the higher resolution of the S800c allows for greater detail capture, especially noticeable in landscape and portrait work where fine textures and skin tones matter. Unfortunately, neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility - a notable limitation for professional workflows but consistent with their target user base.

Autofocus Systems: Contrast Detection and Face Detection Capabilities

In autofocus performance, the older Fujifilm Z33WP relies on simple contrast-detection AF with a single center focus area and no face or eye detection capabilities. The result is slower and less precise autofocus performance, particularly problematic for moving subjects or macro close-ups. The camera lacks continuous or tracking AF modes altogether, restricting burst photography effectiveness.

Contrast this with the Nikon S800c’s 9-point AF system that incorporates contrast detection augmented by face detection and AF tracking. This allows the camera to intelligently maintain focus on human subjects during movement, a boon for portraiture, sports, and wildlife shooting where focus accuracy under dynamic conditions is essential. Although the S800c also lacks manual AF and phase detection, its improved AF sophistication leads to perceptibly faster and more reliable focusing in real-world shooting.

However, neither camera excels in continuous AF for video or burst modes, with the Z33WP limited to a very modest 1fps and the S800c capped at 8fps, albeit with the latter’s superior overall performance.

Displays and Compositional Tools: Touch and Res View

While both cameras forgo EVFs, their rear LCDs are central to user experience. The Fujifilm offers a modestly sized 2.7-inch fixed LCD at 230K resolution, adequate for framing but imprecise for detailed composition or reviewing images on the go. Its brightness and color fidelity are average, and the absence of touchscreen or live histogram can hinder critical assessment.

By comparison, the Nikon S800c’s 3.5-inch OLED panel with anti-reflective coating provides a rich, vibrant view with far superior resolution (819K dots), enabling confident framing and onsite exposure evaluation. The touchscreen adds an interactive layer, simplifying menu navigation and focus point selection, a clear advantage for users familiar with smartphone interfaces.

Fujifilm Z33WP front Fujifilm Z33WP screen back Nikon S800c front Nikon S800c screen back

Real-World Imaging Performance Across Photography Disciplines

To dissect the practical implications of the specifications, let’s assess how each camera fairs across key genres:

Portrait Photography

The S800c’s larger 16MP sensor and face detection facilitate accurate skin tone reproduction and crisp eye focus, essential in portrait contexts. Its 25-250mm equivalent zoom (wide to telephoto) offers framing versatility, although the maximum apertures (f/3.2-5.8) limit shallow depth-of-field bokeh effects - common in small sensor cameras but still useful for casual portraits.

The Z33WP’s more limited 35-105mm lens with aperture range f/3.7-4.2 delivers modest background separation, but slower AF and lack of face or eye detection can frustrate portrait shooters seeking sharp results on moving subjects.

Landscape Photography

Landscape enthusiasts demand resolution, dynamic range, and durability. The S800c wins on resolution (16MP vs 10MP), but both cameras share 1/2.3” sensor size, limiting ultimate dynamic range capabilities. Neither is known for exceptional DR due to sensor size constraints.

However, the Z33WP’s environmental sealing and waterproof design make it an excellent companion in wet or harsh landscapes where camera protection is paramount. In contrast, the S800c lacks weather sealing entirely - risky in some outdoor conditions.

Wildlife Photography

The Z33WP provides limited utility for wildlife photographers due to its slow burst rate (1 fps) and rudimentary AF limited to single-point contrast detection. The Nikon S800c offers a substantial leap with 8fps shooting and continuous AF tracking. Combined with a 10× zoom lens extending to 250mm equivalent (telephoto), it better addresses wildlife capture at a distance, although aperture and sensor size still constrain low-light and fast-motion performance.

Sports Photography

High-speed tracking and rapid frame rates are essential for sports. Neither camera offers professional-level capabilities, but the Nikon S800c’s higher continuous shooting speed and AF tracking make it more viable for casual sports events. The Z33WP’s single frame shooting and absence of AF tracking make it impractical.

Street Photography

Size, discretion, and low-light performance matter here. The ultra-compact and waterproof Fujifilm Z33WP is more discreet and rugged for adventurous street shooters who might encounter inclement weather. However, the Nikon S800c’s larger sensor, better ISO range (125-3200 vs 64-1600), and touchscreen enhance image quality and shooting flexibility - although it is more conspicuous.

Macro Photography

The Z33WP’s macro focus down to 8cm allows for reasonably close capture, though lacking image stabilization limits sharpness at longer focal lengths. The Nikon S800c’s minimum macro distance is 10cm with optical image stabilization, enhancing handheld sharpness in close-ups. The S800c’s superior AF system aids fine focusing precision, useful when shooting detailed macro subjects.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light capability relies heavily on sensor performance and high ISO noise suppression. The Nikon S800c’s BSI-CMOS sensor and higher max ISO of 3200 offer a substantial advantage over the Z33WP’s CCD sensor capped at ISO 1600. Nikon also supports exposure bracketing (AEB) and white balance bracketing, essential for high-dynamic astrophotography, which the Fujifilm lacks. Thus, the S800c would be a stronger tool for night sky shooters or low-light scenes, despite sensor size limitations.

Video Capabilities

Video is another realm where the Nikon S800c clearly excels - offering Full HD 1080p at 30fps encoded in efficient MPEG-4/H.264 formats, suitable for casual video creation. It also incorporates optical image stabilization, essential for handheld video smoothness.

By comparison, the Fujifilm Z33WP produces low-resolution 640x480 VGA video at 30fps in Motion JPEG - an outdated format delivering bulky files and limited usefulness for modern content creation. Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks for audio, limiting professional video audio quality.

Travel Photography

Portability, versatility, and reliability are critical when on the go. The Fujifilm’s waterproof rugged design, extreme compactness, and lightweight 110g body make it an ideal companion for adventurous travel, particularly water sports or hiking in wet environments. Its limited zoom (3×) restricts compositional options, but trade-offs in reliability and durability are evident.

The Nikon S800c weighs more and is larger, but its 10× zoom and superior image quality make it a general-purpose travel camera better suited for variety. However, absence of weather sealing means users must be cautious in adverse environments.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

Neither camera was designed for professional-level workflows. Both lack RAW capture, manual controls, and robust file management. However, Nikon’s USB 3.0 offers faster data transfer, and built-in GPS provides geo-tagging useful for cataloging locations - features absent on Fujifilm.

For professionals requiring flawless integration into editing pipelines, neither camera is optimal; instead, they serve as secondary or casual-use devices.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Ruggedness

The underwater-ready Fujifilm Z33WP’s standout attribute is environmental sealing: waterproof to 3m depth, shockproof features aren’t indicated, but the camera is dust resistant to some degree. This specialized ruggedness uniquely positions it among compacts for marine, snorkeling, kayaking, or accident-prone shooting situations.

Conversely, the Nikon S800c lacks any weatherproofing or dust resistance claims, making it unsuitable for rough outdoor conditions - a clear trade-off for its tech-forward features like touchscreens and connectivity.

Physically, the Z33WP’s more robust sealed body compared to the S800c’s conventional compact shell defines their fundamental difference in intended shooting environments.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Battery life ratings are sparse for the Fujifilm Z33WP, but it uses the NP-45 battery, which is typical for compact cameras, though likely limited given its age and processing capabilities.

The Nikon S800c is rated for approximately 140 shots per charge using the EN-EL12 battery - modest but sufficient for casual daily usage. Its USB 3.0 interface supports faster file transfer to computers, an advantage when managing more extensive JPEG image libraries.

Both cameras use one SD/SDHC card slot - standard for compact cameras - supporting straightforward memory expansion.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

In 2009, the Fujifilm Z33WP did not include wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS capabilities. This absence limits immediacy for image sharing or geo-tagging photos.

The Nikon S800c (2013) distinguishes itself via built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and sharing, plus integrated GPS for photographic geolocation, a feature particularly valuable for travel photographers tracking shooting locations or geo-archiving images.

Both cameras support HDMI output, with S800c offering USB 3.0 versus Fuji’s slower USB 2.0, enhancing workflow throughput.

Price and Value Proposition: Budgeting for Features

When originally launched, the Fujifilm Z33WP retailed around $197, while the Nikon S800c commanded approximately $290 - reflecting their different capabilities and market segments.

Today, availability and pricing vary widely as both models have aged, generally appealing to buyers seeking secondary, niche, or rugged compacts rather than primary creative tools.

From a value standpoint, the Z33WP offers unparalleled ruggedness per dollar, while the S800c delivers superior image quality, zoom range, and modern connectivity, justifying its premium for users prioritizing these attributes.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

The Fujifilm Z33WP and the Nikon Coolpix S800c provide compact camera solutions tailored to meaningfully different user profiles:

• Choose the Fujifilm Z33WP if: Your primary concern is a tough, waterproof camera for underwater and adventure photography where durability trumps image refinement. The compact, lightweight form and environmental sealing are unmatched in this pair, ideal for travel in rugged conditions, water sports, or as a backup shooter for professional photographers needing a “take anywhere” option.

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix S800c if: You want a versatile, zoom-rich compact with substantially better image quality, improved autofocus, Full HD video, and wireless sharing capabilities. The S800c excels at casual portrait, street, landscape, and travel photography in fair weather, benefiting from its touchscreen interface and GPS for metadata. It fits users preferring connectivity and creative flexibility over ruggedness.

Neither camera fits well for professional work due to lack of manual controls, RAW support, or advanced image pipelines. For serious shooting, higher-end interchangeable lens cameras or advanced compacts are recommended.

Summary Table: Head-to-Head Spec Highlights

In conclusion, your choice hinges primarily on whether you prioritize rugged waterproof durability or advanced digital imaging with modern conveniences. Both cameras offer entry points into affordable compacts but appeal to markedly different lifestyles and photographic requirements.

For a visual recap of their nuanced strengths and how these cameras rank across photographic disciplines, see the integrated charts and gallery images that illustrate their potentials and limitations.

Images used in this article: Size and ergonomics comparison, top-view controls, sensor specs, back LCDs, sample shots, overall ratings, and genre-specific scores.

If you want detailed further advice tailored to your shooting style or have questions on firmware updates or lens add-ons (where applicable), feel free to reach out. My hands-on testing experience and years of technical analysis ensure that your next camera purchase aligns with both your ambitions and realistic expectations.