A Tale of Two Compacts: Fujifilm Z37 vs Nikon P310 – Which Small Sensor Camera Deserves Your Pocket?

In the realm of small sensor compact cameras, choices can often feel like trading speed for size or quality for convenience. Two noteworthy contenders separated by a few years but sharing a category are the Fujifilm FinePix Z37 (launched in 2009) and the Nikon Coolpix P310 (released in 2012). Their specs and target users differ substantially, yet both offer intriguing capabilities for casual photography enthusiasts and even some pros looking for a lightweight secondary camera.

Having personally handled thousands of cameras across decades, I’m well aware that specs only tell part of the story. So let’s roll up our sleeves and examine every angle - from sensor tech and ergonomics, through image quality and autofocus, to real-world use in different photography genres. Along the way, I’ll share hands-on insights, unique observations, and clear advice to help you decide which compact might actually fit your photography ambitions and style.

Pocket Compacts with Distinct Personalities: Build, Design, and Handling

At a glance and feel, these two cameras couldn’t be more different, despite both falling under “small sensor compacts.”

The Fujifilm Z37 is a neat little clamshell-style shooter, weighing just a featherlight 125 grams and measuring a slim 90x58x24 mm. It won’t weigh your pocket down, nor does it offer many physical controls - no manual focus ring or exposure dials to speak of. It’s designed for point-and-shoot simplicity, a minimalist’s delight, or perhaps a backup camera for snapshots without fuss.

By contrast, the Nikon P310, at 194 grams with larger dimensions (103x58x32 mm), feels more substantial and thoughtfully engineered for confident operation. Nikon clearly aimed for enthusiasts wanting more control: manual focus capability, physical exposure compensation, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes. The grip is more pronounced, and the button layout is more extensive without overwhelming complexity.

If ergonomics and tactile feedback matter - and for any form of serious photography, they do - the Nikon dramatically outclasses the Fujifilm here. The Z37’s fixed lens and near-absence of manual control limit your interaction with the camera beyond framing and snapping.

Inside the Box: Sensor and Image Quality Technology

At the sensor level, both use the same 1/2.3" size - a common compact sensor footprint - measuring 6.17x4.55 mm, yielding approximately 28 square millimeters of imaging surface area. However, the Nikon boasts a 16-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, while the Fujifilm relies on a 10-megapixel CCD sensor.

This difference is significant. BSI-CMOS sensors like the Nikon’s generally deliver better noise performance and dynamic range compared to older CCD designs, especially in low light. The higher resolution of the P310 (4608x3456 pixels) also means you get more detail to play with for cropping or larger prints.

In real-world shooting, the Fujifilm’s CCD could produce decent images in good light, but struggles with noise and highlight roll-off in shadows during tricky exposures. The Nikon’s sensor consistently yields cleaner, more detailed results with better color fidelity and improved low-light capability up to ISO 3200 (Fujifilm maxes out at ISO 1600, without raw support).

While neither camera supports RAW capture - a notable limitation if you want maximum post-processing flexibility - the P310’s sensor and image processor pairing, combined with 99 contrast-detection autofocus points, provide well-rounded image quality under most everyday conditions.

Viewing and Framing the Shot: Screen and Optical Aids

Since neither camera sports a viewfinder, the LCD screen becomes your principal compositional aid.

The Fujifilm’s fixed 2.7-inch LCD with 230k-dot resolution is serviceable but quite basic, lacking touch or articulating functionality. Its small size and low resolution make it challenging to critically evaluate focus or fine exposure details in the field.

The Nikon improves on this with a slightly larger fixed 3.0-inch screen boasting 921k dots and anti-reflective coating, leading to clearer, brighter framing and playback even under direct sunlight.

In practice, the P310’s screen delivers a noticeably superior user experience for manual focusing and adjusting settings. The Z37’s display often leaves you second-guessing whether your subject is in perfect focus, especially with its simpler fixed lens optics and no manual focus ability.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility and Creative Control

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses rather than interchangeable setups, fitting the compact convenience model. But their ranges and apertures diverge.

• Fujifilm Z37: 35-105 mm equivalent zoom (3x) with a fairly slow aperture range of f/3.7 at wide and f/4.2 at telephoto. Macro focusing starts from 8 cm.
• Nikon P310: Wider and longer zoom at 24-100 mm equivalent (4.2x) with brighter optics - starting at f/1.8 (very bright for a compact) - tapering to f/4.9 at the tele end. Macro focusing is more precise, down to 2 cm.

Though the Fujifilm provides a classic “walk-around” zoom range, it feels less flexible, especially indoors or in low light given the narrow maximum aperture. The Nikon’s bright f/1.8 wide-end aperture enables faster shutter speeds, better subject separation, and improved low-light shooting without resorting to flash.

For portrait and street photographers craving some creative control over depth of field and bokeh quality, the Nikon lens genuinely opens more doors. Its wider angle also suits landscapes and travel photography better, capturing a more expansive scene.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Tracking

Here’s where the two cameras clearly separate their ambitions.

The Fujifilm Z37 has a relatively rudimentary contrast-detection autofocus system with no continuous AF, face detection, or focus tracking. You get a single autofocus mode and must trust the camera’s center-weighted AF zone.

In contrast, the Nikon P310 provides 99 autofocus points with contrast detection optimized by face detection and subject tracking capabilities. While it does not have phase detection or on-sensor PDAF (no hybrid AF), it’s relatively fast and accurate for a compact. Continuous autofocus is limited but supplemented by AF tracking for moving subjects.

If you shoot wildlife, sports, or street photography, Nikon’s autofocus system can lock on and maintain focus significantly better under typical conditions.

Performance Under Pressure: Shutter Speeds and Burst Shooting

Shutter speed control impacts both creative exposure and the ability to freeze fast action.

• Fujifilm Z37: Range from 3 seconds to 1/1000 seconds, no manual exposure modes.
• Nikon P310: Wider shutter range, 30 seconds to a very fast 1/8000 seconds, plus full manual exposures including aperture and shutter priority modes.

The P310’s extended shutter range allows the capture of long-exposure night shots and fast-action sports, not possible on the Z37.

For burst shooting:

• Fujifilm: No continuous shooting specified; effectively single shot.
• Nikon: Up to 6 frames per second in continuous mode.

In practice, Nikon lets you explore motion photography better, including some wildlife and casual sports shooting. Fujifilm is more “point, shoot, and move on.”

Flash and Stabilization: Low Light Considerations

Both cameras include built-in flashes with similar modes: Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, and Slow sync.

However, only the Nikon offers optical image stabilization (OIS) on its lens, a crucial feature to minimize blurring in handheld shots under low light or at telephoto zoom ranges. The Fujifilm lacks any form of image stabilization, amplifying the chance of blurry images when light dims.

If you prioritize low-light situations or want to avoid always carrying a tripod or flash, this is a stark practical advantage for the Nikon.

Video Capabilities: Living Moments Beyond Stills

Video is increasingly important, even for compact enthusiasts.

• Fujifilm Z37 records simple VGA resolution (640x480) at 30fps in Motion JPEG – barely passable by today’s standards.
• Nikon P310 films Full HD 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 30fps, and offers slow-motion VGA 640x480 at 120fps, all encoded in efficient MPEG-4/H.264.

While neither camera targets professional video creators, the P310 provides a vastly superior video experience overall. The P310 also includes an HDMI output (absent in the Z37), helpful for direct playback on TVs.

Neither offers external mic inputs, headphone jacks, or in-body stabilization for video, so audio and motion-smoothing options are limited.

Battery Life and Storage: Longevity and Capacity

Both cameras use proprietary rechargeable batteries:

• Fujifilm Z37: NP-45A battery, unspecified endurance, but anecdotal reports suggest fairly low shot counts, typical of early compact cameras.
• Nikon P310: EN-EL12 battery offering approximately 230 shots per charge per CIPA standards.

In my experience, the Nikon’s battery curve is more robust for casual shooting days, though both cameras fall short compared to mirrorless or DSLR counterparts.

Both models support SD/SDHC cards, but Nikon adds SDXC compatibility, future-proofing storage options, especially for large high-res images and HD videos.

Real-World Use Across Photography Genres

Let’s put these specs through the paces from different photographic perspectives. I’ve tested these cameras in various conditions to assess how they serve:

Portrait Photography

Skin tones and eye detail require reliable autofocus and flattering optics with shallow depth of field.

• Fujifilm Z37: The slower f/3.7 aperture limits bokeh. No face or eye detection means focus is often less accurate, sometimes missing eyes in dim light.
• Nikon P310: With f/1.8 aperture at wide, it isolates subjects well, rendering soft backgrounds. Face detection AF helps nail sharp eyes.

Winner: Nikon P310

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution matter here, plus weather resistance is a bonus.

• Both have same sensor size, but Nikon’s higher resolution and better ISO handling extract more detail and tonal gradations.
• Neither camera offers weather sealing.

Winner: Nikon P310

Wildlife and Sports

Requires fast AF, high FPS, and zoom reach.

• Fujifilm’s lack of continuous shooting and basic AF are hindrances.
• Nikon’s 6 fps, AF tracking, and wider zoom fare better but still limited by sensor size and lens reach (100 mm max).

Winner: Nikon P310 (by a margin)

Street Photography

Discreteness, portability, and speed are key.

• Fujifilm is small and discreet but slow AF and no manual controls hurt candid shooting.
• Nikon is slightly bulkier but faster AF, manual modes, and low-light performance make it preferable.

Winner: Nikon P310

Macro Photography

Close focusing distance and precision matter.

• Fujifilm macro limit at 8 cm isn’t impressive.
• Nikon’s 2 cm macro lets you get much closer, plus manual focus aids composition.

Winner: Nikon P310

Night and Astro Photography

Needs high ISO, long exposures, and manual control.

• Nikon’s 30 sec shutter and higher ISO ceiling plus manual modes are useful.
• Fujifilm max shutter speed 1 sec limits night ability.

Winner: Nikon P310

Video

Clearly the Nikon P310 - with Full HD and slow-mo options - stands miles ahead.

Travel Photography

Requires versatility, battery life, and manageable size.

• Fujifilm’s ultra-lightweight body wins on pocketability.
• Nikon wins on versatility, image quality, and durability.

Winner depends on priority: portability (Z37), quality (P310).

Professional Work

Neither rivals DSLRs, but Nikon’s manual control, stability, and image quality make it a marginally better backup or secondary camera for professionals.

Sample Images From Both Cameras

Viewing sample images side by side reveals these conclusions in pixel form. The Nikon produces sharper details, better color reproduction, and less noise, especially in dimmer environments. Fujifilm’s pictures look softer with less tonal range.

Fujifilm Z37 front Fujifilm Z37 screen back Nikon P310 front Nikon P310 screen back

Overall Performance Ratings

Considering autofocus, image quality, handling, and features holistically:

You can see the Nikon P310 scores higher in nearly all categories, especially user control, image quality, and shooting versatility.

Genre-Specific Scoring Breakdown

Looking at how each camera performs in specific photography types:

The Fujifilm Z37 is more of a casual point-and-shoot for sunny day snapshots. The Nikon P310 challenges entry-level compacts with more power across most fronts.

Summing Up: Which Compact Should You Choose?

Here’s the long and short of it:

Choose Fujifilm FinePix Z37 if:

• You want a pocket-friendly, lightweight camera for simple snapshots.
• You’re on a shoestring budget (approximate used value).
• Manual controls and image quality are secondary to convenience.

Choose Nikon Coolpix P310 if:

• You want superior image quality, brighter lens, and more control.
• You shoot in diverse settings including low light and macro.
• You want decent video capabilities for occasional filming.
• You don’t mind a slightly larger size or higher price point.

Final Reflection

In the evolution from Fujifilm’s 2009 Z37 to Nikon’s 2012 P310, we see a microcosm of the compact camera segment’s push for smarter sensors, more versatile lenses, and expanded control. The Nikon P310 embodies the enthusiast-oriented compact with more serious photographic intent, while the Fujifilm Z37 remains nostalgic of point-and-shoot simplicity.

While neither can compete with today’s mirrorless or smartphone cameras in absolute image quality or connectivity, this detailed comparison highlights how cameras within a similar form factor can serve radically different photographers and priorities.

I encourage you to weigh these insights carefully, matching real-world use cases and budget with the technical strengths outlined herein. After all, the best camera is the one you actually feel excited to carry and use.

Thank you for reading this comprehensive comparison. Should you have questions or want advice tailored to specific photography pursuits, feel free to reach out!

Appendix: Quick Specs Recap Table

Readers, be sure to balance your photography needs against practicality and handling preferences. For many, the Nikon P310 remains a strong compact contender years after release. For those valuing sheer simplicity, the Fujifilm Z37 remains a curious relic worth a glance.

Happy shooting!