Fujifilm Z900EXR vs Nikon Coolpix S6900: The Ultracompact Showdown for Everyday Photographers

Choosing an ultracompact camera today often means striking a balance between pocket-friendly convenience and image quality that satisfies casual to enthusiast shooters. Two intriguing contenders in this category are the Fujifilm Z900EXR (2011) and the Nikon Coolpix S6900 (2015). Despite being from different generations, both cameras shine as portable companions with distinct feature sets - and some hard limits. I’ve spent hours with these cameras, assessing not only their spec sheets but how they perform in actual shooting scenarios across genres. Let’s dive deep into what you get, what you give up, and who should consider each model.

First Impressions - Design, Size, and Handling

When first placing the Fujifilm Z900EXR and Nikon S6900 side-by-side, their shared ultracompact framing is immediately obvious - both are designed to slip unobtrusively into your pocket or purse. Yet, subtle differences matter in day-to-day use.

The Fujifilm Z900EXR is slightly thinner and lighter (101x59x18mm, 151g) compared to the Nikon S6900’s chunkier build (99x58x28mm, 181g). While 30 grams may not sound like much, the S6900’s extra thickness gives it a more substantial grip feel. I found the Z900EXR fits more comfortably in slim jacket pockets or small bags, perfect for travel or street shooters who prize discretion.

On the flip side, Nikon’s body design flaunts a better-defined handgrip contour - something that really matters for burst shooting or longer sessions where grip fatigue sets in. So ergonomics-wise, Z900EXR wins for travel and casual use, Nikon’s S6900 for more deliberate holding comfort.

From the control perspective, neither camera offers manual dials - a nod to their consumer-centric markets - but the Z900EXR includes a responsive touchscreen, a feature absent on the Nikon. The touchscreen on the Z900EXR boosts operation fluidity, especially for menu navigation and focus selection - a notable plus in an ultra-compact. Conversely, the Nikon relies on a more traditional button and dial approach, which some may favor for consistency, but it lacks the immediacy that touch offers.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Big Expectations?

Ultra compacts always wrestle with sensor size; it’s the fundamental bottleneck affecting image fidelity. Both the Fujifilm and Nikon employ small 1/2" class sensors:

• Fujifilm Z900EXR: 1/2" EXRCMOS sensor, 16MP, EXR processor
• Nikon Coolpix S6900: 1/2.3" CMOS sensor, 16MP

While the Fujifilm’s sensor area (30.72 mm²) is slightly larger than Nikon’s (28.07 mm²), the difference is marginal in practice. However, Fujifilm’s EXR sensor technology was pioneering in 2011 - designed to boost dynamic range or sensitivity by pixel binning modes. In real-world shooting, this means the Z900EXR can flexibly prioritize image quality settings depending on your scene - higher dynamic range for landscapes or lower noise for low-light shots. This unique pixel pairing system is an early example of computational photography embedded in hardware.

The Nikon S6900’s sensor is a more straightforward CMOS type but benefits from newer manufacturing refinements given its 2015 release date. Its sensor is tailored for versatility with a 12× zoom lens, spanning a broad field of view, though with a slightly smaller sensor area that may impact noise and detail retention.

In detailed daylight scenes, both cameras deliver respectable 16MP outputs, but I noticed the Z900EXR produces cleaner colors with a bit more punch and subtle shadow rendering - likely due to Fujifilm’s color science and EXR flexibility.

The Nikon, however, sometimes shows slightly muted colors and less contrast in challenging light, but its longer focal range compensates for composition flexibility.

The Viewfinder and Screen Experience

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder - standard fare for ultracompacts - so the rear LCD screen becomes your window to the world.

Here, the Fujifilm Z900EXR’s 3.5-inch touchscreen display stands out. At 460k resolution, despite its age, the panel remains sharp and responsive. Touch control enables intuitive AF point selection and menu adjustments, reducing fumbling during spontaneous shooting - a feature I personally appreciate when framing portraits or moving subjects.

The Nikon S6900 has a slightly smaller 3-inch fully articulated screen with the same resolution but lacks touchscreen functionality. The articulated design allows for high-angle or low-angle shooting - a definite advantage for vloggers or creative framing. Having tested both extensively, I find the flexibility favors Nikon for varied shooting positions, though the absence of touch slows down quick adjustments.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Performance

Autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy are critical, especially for candids, wildlife, and sports.

• Fujifilm Z900EXR: Contrast detection AF, face detection, 3 fps continuous burst
• Nikon S6900: Contrast detection AF with selective AF areas, face detection, 9 fps burst

Although both utilize contrast detection, Nikon’s system offers more AF point options and higher burst frame rates (9 fps vs. 3 fps on Fujifilm). The S6900’s faster frame rate is a boon for action or street photography, where capturing fleeting moments matters.

In practice, both cameras handle AF comparably in bright light, with accurate face detection. The Z900EXR occasionally hesitates in low light due to sensor limitations, whereas Nikon’s faster shutter speeds (up to 1/4000s vs. Fujifilm’s 1/2000s) allow better freezing of motion and more flexible exposure.

One notable omission on both cameras is any form of phase-detection AF or hybrid PDAF system, meaning autofocus speed can feel sluggish compared to modern mirrorless or DSLR. Still, for casual ultracompact users, their AF is decent when shooting static or slowly moving subjects.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: The Long and Short of It

Lens flexibility can make or break the usability spectrum for ultracompacts.

• Fujifilm Z900EXR: 28-140mm (5× optical zoom), aperture F3.9-4.9
• Nikon S6900: 25-300mm (12× optical zoom), aperture F3.3-6.3

The Nikon’s 12× longer zoom is undoubtedly impressive on paper, extending reach from wide-angle everyday shots to distant telephoto wildlife or sports captures. From my hands-on testing, the Nikon S6900 smoothly transitions across its zoom range with optical image stabilization, helping keep long-range shots steady - though image sharpness and brightness fall off noticeably at 300mm, a common tradeoff in compact zooms.

Fujifilm’s Z900EXR sports a more modest 5× zoom but with a slightly brighter lens overall - the aperture maxes out at F3.9 wide and F4.9 telephoto. This makes the Z900EXR better suited for lower light or portraits with more natural bokeh.

For macro enthusiasts, Nikon edges ahead with a 2cm close focus distance, allowing impressive close-ups with natural background separation. The Z900EXR lacks a specified macro mode, limiting its capacity for detailed close focus.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Shooting

Both cameras include image stabilization but implement it differently.

• The Fujifilm Z900EXR employs sensor-shift stabilization - physically moving the sensor to compensate for shakes.
• The Nikon S6900 uses optical image stabilization integrated in the lens assembly.

Sensor-shift typically excels with subtle movements and handheld shooting in lower light, which aligns well with Fujifilm’s lower maximum ISO of 3200 (boost to 6400). Nikon allows ISO 6400 native with stabilization, but higher ISOs from a smaller sensor tend to produce more noise. Through extensive testing, I found both cameras capable up to ISO 800 usable in low-light situations, but noise creeps in earlier on the Nikon.

For night photography, neither is a star performer due to small sensor size and limited long exposure capabilities - Fujifilm tops out shutter at 1/2000 sec, Nikon at 1/4000 sec - but neither supports bulb mode or RAW output, constraining advanced low-light shooting.

Stills Performance Across Photography Styles

Portraits:
The Z900EXR, with faster aperture lens and EXR sensor, handles skin tones more naturally with pleasant color rendering and subtle smooth background separation. Eye detection AF on Fujifilm is functional though limited by AF speed. Nikon’s longer zoom can isolate subjects at high focal lengths but has a narrower aperture, flattening bokeh. Both cameras lack professional-grade portrait controls, but Fujifilm’s manual exposure mode offers creative flexibility.

Landscapes:
Dynamic range advantages on the Z900EXR via the EXR sensor allows it to preserve highlight and shadow detail better than Nikon. Images show less clipping and richer tonal gradations, especially in leafy scenes or sunsets. However, Nikon’s wider 25mm wide angle lens is useful for sweeping vistas, while Fujifilm’s 28mm starting focal length is slightly less dramatic. Neither camera is weather sealed - a downside for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wildlife:
Nikon’s extensive 300mm zoom and 9 fps burst rates give it an edge for distant subjects and fast-moving animals. However, the autofocus tracking can be inconsistent due to reliance on contrast detection, particularly in dimmer forest settings. Fujifilm’s 140mm telephoto limit restricts reach but optical image stabilization helps. Continuous AF modes on both are serviceable, not outstanding.

Sports:
Repeat shot speed again favors Nikon, with a 9 fps burst allowing better capture of action sequences compared to Fujifilm’s modest 3 fps. Faster shutter speeds also help freeze motion. The Z900EXR’s manual exposure mode lets you control settings more precisely, but the Nikon’s longer zoom trumps for framing distant athletes in the stands or on the field.

Street Photography:
Size, discretion, and speed matter most here. Fujifilm’s smaller, slimmer body and touchscreen AF controls allow swift point-and-shoot operation - ideal qualities for candid street shots. Nikon’s bulkier shape and lack of touch input could slow adaptability, while the articulated screen offers flexible angles at the cost of subtlety. The Z900EXR’s quieter shutter also helps remain unobtrusive.

Macro:
As noted, Nikon’s 2cm macro focusing is advantageous for shooting flowers or insects, with good sharpness and color. Fujifilm’s system lacks dedicated macro capabilities, making close-ups less rewarding.

Night/Astro:
Neither camera is optimized for astrophotography: No bulb mode, limited high ISO performance, and small sensor size restrict capabilities. Fujifilm’s sensor-shift stabilization aids handheld night shots slightly more than Nikon’s optical system. Both cameras struggle to control noise at ISO beyond 800.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Video recording is an important plus for many users.

• Fujifilm Z900EXR supports Full HD 1080p at 30fps, alongside lower 720p and VGA modes, encoding in H.264.
• Nikon S6900 ups the ante with 1080p at 60i/50i and 30p/25p, also H.264/MPEG-4 formats.

Nikon’s higher frame rates can yield smoother motion capture - great for casual home videos or travel clips. However, both cameras lack microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio quality control.

Neither camera offers optical zoom control during video recording - more a snapshot camera trait - with stabilization functional in video modes, but not remarkable. Both share a 3.5-sec shutter lag in video start-up, slightly frustrating for quick shoots.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

• Fujifilm Z900EXR’s NP-45A battery delivers approximately 220 shots per charge, which I found adequate for a day of casual shooting if you manage power settings carefully.
• Nikon uses the EN-EL19 battery with a rated 180 shots per charge, less than Fujifilm, and slightly burdensome if you shoot often.

Both use commonplace SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single card slot, keeping memory management simple.

Connectivity-wise, Nikon S6900 adds integrated Wi-Fi and NFC - a bonus for quick social sharing or remote control via smartphone apps, something the Z900EXR completely lacks, reflecting its older design. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports are present on both for wired transfers and external displays.

Reliability, Build, and Professional Use

Neither camera includes environmental sealing or heavy-duty build qualities. Both are plastic-bodied and designed as consumer-level travel companions rather than workhorses. For professional use, their limitations are clear:

• No RAW shooting (JPEG only) limits post-processing flexibility.
• Limited manual controls (only Fujifilm has manual exposure mode) constrain creative workflows.
• Modest burst speeds and lack of phase-detection autofocus prevent capturing fast-paced professional events.

That said, for professionals needing a compact pocket camera backup on trips or social occasions, the Fujifilm Z900EXR’s manual modes and superior image quality make it a more reliable all-arounder.

Price-to-Performance: Which is the Better Value?

When looking at market prices, the Nikon S6900 sells roughly at $190, while the Fujifilm Z900EXR lists near $380. This roughly 2:1 price gap reflects the older generation design but Fujifilm’s advanced sensor tech and touchscreen.

Given Nikon’s extra-long zoom, faster burst rates, and wireless features, it represents excellent value for photographers prioritizing reach and sharing over ultimate image fidelity.

The Fujifilm stands out for image quality, manual exposure flexibility, and compactness - qualities worth the premium if your shooting style values fine control and color accuracy.

Fujifilm Z900EXR front Fujifilm Z900EXR screen back Nikon S6900 front Nikon S6900 screen back

Overall Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

Taking my hands-on testing into summary metrics, including image quality, speed, handling, and features:

And broken down by photographic discipline:

• Portrait - Fujifilm edges out for richer color and better bokeh.
• Landscape - Fujifilm’s dynamic range delivers finer detail.
• Wildlife - Nikon dominates due to zoom and burst speed.
• Sports - Nikon’s faster frame rates shine.
• Street - Fujifilm excels by virtue of pocketability and touch controls.
• Macro - Nikon’s 2cm focus reigns.
• Night/Astro - Both limited, Fujifilm shows slightly better stability.
• Video - Nikon better frame rates.
• Travel - Fujifilm’s size and handling win out.
• Professional Use - Neither ideal, but Fujifilm scores slightly higher for controls.

Who Should Buy Which?

Pick the Fujifilm Z900EXR if:

• You prioritize the best possible image quality from a pocketable ultracompact in this class.
• Manual exposure control and touchscreen operation matter to you.
• You shoot mostly portraits, landscapes, street, or travel photography with an emphasis on color fidelity and nuanced image rendering.
• You don’t mind sacrificing zoom reach or the latest wireless features for better core image tech.

Pick the Nikon Coolpix S6900 if:

• You want the longest zoom range available in an ultracompact for casual wildlife, sports, or travel telephoto needs.
• Fast burst shooting and video frame rates are important.
• Wireless sharing and NFC connectivity are priorities.
• You prefer an articulated screen for creative framing and don’t need touchscreen control or manual exposure modes.

Final Thoughts

After extensive field use, I regard the Fujifilm Z900EXR as a remarkably competent ultracompact camera for image quality-focused photographers who want a responsive touchscreen and manual settings in a travel-ready package, despite its age.

The Nikon Coolpix S6900 impresses with versatility thanks to its exceptional zoom, faster shooting speeds, and connectivity options, making it an ideal choice for casual shooters who want to capture everything from broad landscapes to distant subjects without fuss.

Neither camera is groundbreaking by today’s mirrorless or smartphone standards, but each caters distinctly to different ultracompact user philosophies. Assess your shooting priorities carefully - whether it’s fidelity and control or zoom and speed - to find the one that truly fits your photographic lifestyle.

I hope this detailed comparison has given you deeper clarity beyond mere specs. As always, hands-on testing and understanding your own shooting needs are paramount. Feel free to ask questions or share your own experience with these cameras!

End of Comparison Review