Putting the Fujifilm S9800 and Sony HX30V Head to Head: A Thorough Comparison for Superzoom Enthusiasts

When it comes to compact superzoom cameras, two names often rise to the surface in the mid-2010s era: the Fujifilm S9800 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. Both launched in the early to mid-2010s, these cameras catered to enthusiasts and casual shooters hungry for long focal length versatility wrapped in a relatively pocket-friendly package. However, despite their shared category - “small sensor superzoom” - they differ in ergonomics, features, and real-world shooting experience.

Having spent extensive hands-on time testing both, I want to guide you through their strengths and shortcomings with a detailed, no-nonsense comparison. Let’s delve into the nuts and bolts, the image quality, usability, and workflow integration - all peppered with real-world use cases across multiple photography genres.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design

Understanding a camera’s physical ergonomics and body design profoundly influences real-world usage, especially on long shoots or travel.

The Fujifilm S9800, despite straddling a bridge camera lineage, impresses with thoughtful SLR-esque handling. Its body is notably larger and chunkier, measuring 123 x 87 x 116 mm and weighing 670 grams with batteries. This heft and girth provide a reassuring grip - ideal for extended telephoto use, where camera shake becomes your nemesis.

In contrast, Sony's HX30V embraces a much more compact footprint: 107 x 62 x 35 mm and tipping the scales at just 254 grams. This ultra-lightweight, compact body is considerably more pocketable, making it attractive for street photographers and travelers who prioritize minimalism. However, the trade-off here is a smaller grip area and overall less physical control comfort, especially when extending the zoom to its maximum reach.

Looking down from above, the S9800 reveals a busy but still logically placed array of dials and buttons reminiscent of traditional DSLRs - aperture and shutter priority modes are accessible, along with manual modes. The viewfinder sits prominently, encouraging stability and eye-contact framing.

The HX30V counters with a smart but more pared-down control layout, mostly reliant on its rear dial and function buttons. Notably, it lacks any electronic or optical viewfinder, which may dismay those who prefer composing through a traditional EVF when shooting under bright sunlight.

In sum, if tactile control and comfortable longer shooting sessions are priorities, the S9800’s SLR-like ergonomics offer an advantage. Meanwhile, Sony’s HX30V will appeal to those chasing portability and quick grab-and-go usability.

Sensor and Image Quality: What’s Behind the Zoom?

Given their similar sensor sizes - both utilizing the small 1/2.3" sensor format with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm - neither camera can fully escape the inherent limitations of this class. However, Sony’s HX30V sports a slightly higher effective resolution at 18 megapixels vs. Fujifilm’s 16 megapixels, which translates into images sized at 4896 x 3672 pixels and 4608 x 3456 pixels respectively.

Over a decade ago, we noted Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor technology brought some improvements in low-light sensitivity for small sensors. The HX30V incorporates this sensor, paired with the tried-and-tested BIONZ image processor; in contrast, Fujifilm’s sensor is more traditional CMOS without advanced backside illumination.

From my test sessions in varied lighting - studio portraits to dim forest trails - the Sony HX30V’s sensor tends to deliver marginally cleaner images at ISO 800 and above, with less noise granularity and better mid-tone rendition. The S9800 image files appear slightly more prone to noise and shadow lifting artifacts when pushed aggressively in post.

It's worth noting that neither model supports shooting RAW, limiting post-processing flexibility somewhat for professionals or advanced hobbyists. JPEGs are the default, with some custom white balance and bracketing options to tweak exposure and color in-camera.

While both cameras sport an anti-aliasing filter, expect moderate detail loss at pixel-peeping magnification, typical for this class. Color depth and dynamic range are serviceable but clearly fall short compared to larger sensor alternatives.

Live View and User Interface: Your Window to the World

No superzoom experience feels complete without a clear, responsive LCD screen and intuitive UI.

Both cameras share a fixed 3-inch LCD screen, but Sony edges ahead here with its 922k-dot resolution XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD, which provides crisper detail and higher contrast for framing and menu navigation. Fujifilm’s screen, with a lower resolution of 460k dots, feels comparatively muted and less responsive in bright outdoor conditions.

The S9800’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a useful feature - with a modest resolution of 920k dots covering around 97% frame coverage - which Sony does not offer on the HX30V. This viewfinder is invaluable for stable shooting at long focal lengths or strong sunlight, greatly reducing eye strain and offering precise composition.

Unfortunately, neither camera incorporates a touchscreen interface, which is increasingly standard even in budget cameras today - a limitation for fast menu changes or AF point selection.

Zoom and Optics: The Heart of Superzoom Cameras

Superzoom cameras’ defining trait is their lens range, which dictates compositional versatility in the field.

• Fujifilm S9800: 24-1200 mm equivalent, 50x optical zoom
• Sony HX30V: 25-500 mm equivalent, 20x optical zoom

This wide zoom disparity immediately flags the Fujifilm S9800 as a beast of reach. Leveraging a max aperture range from F2.9 (wide) to F6.5 (telephoto), the S9800 allows you to approach wildlife or distant landscapes with a degree of freedom unattainable on the HX30V.

Sony’s HX30V zooms comfortably to 500mm at F3.2-5.8, respectable but clearly more modest. On the flip side, the HX30V’s ability to focus as close as 1 cm in macro mode beats the S9800’s modest 7 cm macro minimum focusing distance, letting you capture ultra-detailed close-ups of flora or textural subjects.

The lens speed on both cameras is fairly similar, albeit the Fuji’s aperture narrows slightly more at the extended zoom end, which might necessitate ISO boosts in telephoto low-light shooting.

For stabilization, both employ optical image stabilization, a critical assist when handholding at such focal lengths. Real-world use revealed slightly steadier results on the Fujifilm at its longest zoom, likely due to its heavier body and stabilized lens unit synergy.

Autofocus System: Accuracy Versus Speed

A crucial area, especially for fast-paced subjects like wildlife or sports, is autofocus (AF) performance. Here’s how our contenders stack up:

Feature	Fujifilm S9800	Sony HX30V
AF type	Contrast-detection	Contrast-detection
AF points	Multi-area, center, face	9 points, multi-area, face
Continuous AF	Yes	No
AF tracking	Yes	Yes
Live view AF	Yes	No
Manual focus	No	Yes
Animal eye AF	No	No

The Fujifilm system supports continuous autofocus during burst shooting and live view, yielding slightly better action tracking over Sony, which confines continuous AF to single shot mode only. Although both rely solely on contrast-detection (no phase detection), the S9800’s programmable AF areas and face detection make it the better choice for moving subjects like sports and wildlife at this level.

Sony astonishes with manual focus capability, a rarity in this category, letting patients dial in critical focus for macro or portrait segments - a plus for careful shooters.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Range: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Both cameras offer a burst rate of 10 frames per second, adequate for casual sports and moving subjects, but buffering limits and continuous AF performance differ.

• S9800’s 10 fps continuous burst with AF tracking is useful for moderate action but buffer size is limited, requiring tempering your shooting intensity.
• HX30V’s 10 fps burst lacks continuous AF, so focus locks after the first frame, making it less suited for fast subject tracking.

Shutter speeds also vary:

• Fujifilm: 8s minimum shutter speed to 1/1700s
• Sony: 30s minimum shutter speed to 1/1600s

Sony’s longer max exposure fares better for long-exposure night and astro-photography, though neither camera has electronic shutter options or silent shooting modes.

Photography Genres: Practical Use Cases Breakdown

Let’s analyze how each camera performs across major photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Portraiture demands accurate skin tone reproduction, pleasing bokeh, and reliable eye detection.

Neither camera offers full-frame bokeh capabilities or large aperture lenses (maximum F2.9 for Fujifilm and F3.2 for Sony), meaning background blur is limited by sensor size and lens speed. The Fujifilm’s face detection autofocus and continuous AF during bursts is helpful for capturing fleeting expressions. However, the HX30V’s manual focus functionality can offer subtle focusing control for more deliberate portrait setups.

Color rendition favors the S9800, which delivers slightly warmer skin tones compared to Sony’s more neutral output. The S9800’s electronic viewfinder again enhances composition accuracy for closer portrait framing.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prioritize resolution, wide dynamic range, and weather durability.

Both cameras have modest dynamic range and no weather sealing, which discourages rugged outdoor use in adverse conditions.

In terms of resolution, Sony’s 18 MP sensor edges ahead, but practically this difference is subtle. The Fuji’s longer zoom allows closer framing of distant landmarks, which some landscape photographers might appreciate.

Low base ISO and exposure bracketing modes on Fujifilm aid in capturing better-exposed HDR scenes, but lack of RAW support limits post-processing fidelity.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands fast, accurate autofocus, long reach, stabilization, and often silent shooting.

The Fujifilm S9800’s 1200 mm max focal length combined with continuous AF makes it a more compelling choice for telephoto wildlife shots in bright conditions.

Sony’s limited 500 mm reach and no continuous AF in burst mode restrict tongue-in-cheek birdwatchers or nature photographers hoping to nail fast subjects.

Neither offers silent or electronic shutters, which would be ideal for sneaking shots without spooking skittish animals.

Sports Photography

Sports shooting benefits from tracking accuracy, burst shooting, and reliable AF in varied light.

The Fujifilm’s 10 fps continuous burst with AF tracking grants some success in fast action scenarios such as amateur sports or children’s athletics.

Sony’s burst rate is the same frame rate-wise, but lack of continuous AF significantly hampers tracking moving subjects, making it less effective for sports.

Build quality is non-weather sealed on both, so they’re best limited to well-protected, dry environments.

Street Photography

Discretion, portability, and quick responsiveness count here.

Sony’s HX30V wins for street use thanks to its small size and lightweight design, which avoids drawing attention. The lack of viewfinder isn’t much of an issue given the usually informal, candid shooting style.

Fujifilm’s large body, while helpful for longer zooms, is more conspicuous and less pocketable.

Macro Photography

Close-up shooters look for focusing precision and minimum focus distance.

Sony’s astounding 1 cm macro focusing capability allows ultra-fine detail shots, rendering it a winner here.

Fujifilm’s 7 cm minimum focus distance is adequate but less versatile than Sony's for tight detail.

Both lack focus stacking or bracketing features.

Night and Astro Photography

Available shutter speeds, low-light ISO performance, and noise handling dictate success.

Sony’s longer 30-second maximum shutter speed enhances star trails and night shots, a point where Fujifilm's max 8 seconds is limiting.

Small sensors can be noisy at ISO 12800 (max ISO on both), but Sony’s BSI sensor edges out again with better high ISO noise control.

Neither camera offers bulb mode or special astro features.

Video Capabilities: What Can These Cameras Deliver?

Both offer Full HD video capture:

• Fujifilm S9800: 1080p at 60i (interlaced), 720p at 60p, and 480p at 30p
• Sony HX30V: 1080p at 60p (progressive), 1440x1080 at 30p, plus slower resolutions

The Sony’s usage of AVCHD format and true 60p progressive scanning provides smoother video, preferable for casual shoots.

Both lack microphone and headphone ports, limiting professional audio recording options.

Neither includes advanced video features such as 4K, high frame rates for slow motion, or in-camera stabilization modes beyond optical.

For casual travel and family video, both suffice.

Travel and Everyday Use: Battery, Storage, and Portability

Battery life is measured in shots per charge:

• Fujifilm S9800 uses 4 x AA batteries, rated at 300 shots
• Sony HX30V uses a proprietary NP-BG1 lithium-ion battery, rated at 320 shots

While the Sony edge is slight, AA batteries can be easier to replace on the go, especially when abroad and power sources are scarce. However, lithium-ion typically offers better consistent performance and less weight.

Storage options differ slightly - Fujifilm supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and internal memory, while Sony adds Memory Stick Duo formats for backward compatibility.

Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity is entirely absent on the S9800, while the HX30V includes built-in GPS for geotagging and wireless features. This is a clear plus for Sony on travel convenience and post-shoot organization.

Professional and Workflow Considerations

Neither camera is aimed at high-end professionals. The fixed-lens, small sensor design puts them closer to enthusiast or casual use. However:

• No RAW support limits heavy post-processing workflow integration.
• No weather sealing constrains field use.
• Limited external accessory compatibility, lacking hot shoes for flashes or microphones.

That said, JPEG quality is good enough for social media, prints up to 8x10", and everyday photography. For demanding pro work, these cameras are better supplements or travel backups than main units.

Putting It All Together: Cameras Scores and Genre Breakdown

As reflected in performance ratings, the two cameras are externally similar but with nuanced strengths. Sony’s slight edge in sensor performance and compact size contrasts with Fujifilm’s more robust ergonomics and extended zoom reach.

Gallery: Sample Images from Both Cameras

Examining real-world photos, one notices Fuji's superior ability to capture distant subjects sharply thanks to profound zoom, while Sony images display cleaner skies and better colors in low light. Macro images exhibit Sony's prowess with crisp, detailed close-ups.

Verdicts: Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Fujifilm S9800 if:

  • You need extreme zoom range (1200 mm) for wildlife or landscapes.
  • You prefer an ergonomically substantial camera with an EVF.
  • You want continuous autofocus for tracking moving subjects.
  • You don’t mind sacrificing portability and compactness for greater control.
  • Your budget around $300 is tight but want an express zoom tool.

• Choose the Sony HX30V if:

  • Portability, low weight, and street-friendly dimensions matter most.
  • You want a slightly better sensor with cleaner high ISO results.
  • You need built-in GPS and wireless conveniences for travel.
  • Manual focus capability is important to your style.
  • You desire smoother 60p progressive HD video.
  • You have a $420 budget and value advanced video options and strong macro capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Both cameras are emblematic of a period just before mirrorless revolutionized the compact superzoom segment. While they’ve since been supplanted by more sophisticated models, they remain excellent examples of balancing budget, zoom length, and feature sets.

The Fujifilm S9800 stands out as a telephoto champion and user-friendly ruggedized bridge camera. The Sony HX30V shines in sensor quality, compactness, and travel-ready connectivity.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on priorities: extra reach and ergonomics or sensor refinement and portability. Hopefully, this detailed comparison helps you bring your photographic visions to life, whether stalking birds from afar or wandering the city streets.

For visual comparison and quick reference, here again are the physical dimensions and control layouts:

And the sensors that drive the images:

With the live-view interfaces:

Sample image quality to judge for yourself:

And the performance scores:

Happy shooting!