Fujifilm X-S1 vs Nikon Coolpix P80: A Hands-On Comparison of Classic Small Sensor Superzooms

In the realm of small sensor superzoom cameras, a breed known for their all-in-one convenience and reach, two contenders from the late 2000s and early 2010s stand out: the Fujifilm X-S1, announced in late 2011, and the Nikon Coolpix P80, launched in early 2009. Both cameras promise extensive zoom ranges wrapped in SLR-style bodies, delivering versatile options for varied photography situations without the need for lens swaps. But despite a similar price point hovering around $400, they embody notably different philosophies in sensor technology, ergonomics, and feature sets.

Having spent considerable time testing both these cameras under real-world conditions, and backed by thorough lab metric comparisons, this detailed analysis will help you decide which model best suits your photographic ambitions - whether you're a dedicated enthusiast, traveler, or savvy casual shooter.

Size, Build, and Handling: Comfort Meets Control

First impressions matter, especially when handling a bridge camera for prolonged shoots. The Fujifilm X-S1 is sizeable and hefty, tipping the scales at approximately 920 grams and measuring 135×107×149 mm. The Nikon P80 is more compact and featherweight for the category, at 405 grams and significantly smaller physical dimensions - more than half the weight and considerably less bulk.

The Fujifilm’s SLR-like body eggs you into a familiar reflex-style grip with pronounced contours for your hand, plus a solid metal build that exudes durability. Nikon takes a plastic-heavy approach but still carves an ergonomic shape that feels good for one-handed shooting during street or travel sessions, especially if you want something less conspicuous.

Ergonomics tip the balance in favor of the X-S1 due to its sophistication in button placement and wheel controls, especially beneficial for manual exposure tweaking, yet the P80 does keep complexity low for newcomers.

Control Layout and User Interface: Mastery on the Menu

Looking from above, the Fujifilm X-S1 sports an intricate control panel with dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and a front control ring on the lens barrel. These hardware controls afford an almost DSLR-like experience tailored for swift adjustment without plunging into menus.

The Nikon P80’s top plate is more spartan but functional, featuring a mode dial and fewer customizable buttons. It’s more point-and-shoot oriented, lacking the tactile fine-tuning that Fujifilm provides.

The rear interface follows suit - the X-S1’s articulating 3-inch LCD has 460k dot resolution, delivering a crisp live view and clear menu navigation. The Nikon’s 2.7-inch fixed screen with 230k dots is noticeably less sharp and lacks flexibility for awkward shooting angles.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Diving under the hood uncovers a major differentiator: sensor type and size. The Fujifilm X-S1 uses a 2/3” EXR CMOS sensor sized at 8.8×6.6 mm, offering 12 megapixels. Nikon P80 employs a significantly smaller 1/2.3” CCD sensor (6.08×4.56 mm) with 10 megapixels.

While both are modest by today’s standards, sensor size differences translate into meaningful image quality disparities, especially in dynamic range and noise handling.

Fujifilm’s EXR sensor also benefits from a proprietary design aimed at balancing resolution, dynamic range, and high ISO performance by switching modes. Nikon’s standard CCD offers pleasing colors but falls short in low light and shadow detail preservation.

Here’s where a sensor comparison image helps visualize:

Tested side by side, the X-S1 consistently delivers better color depth (20.4 bits vs. Nikon’s unknown but generally lower), broader dynamic range (11.2 EV stops versus Nikon P80’s reported lesser range), and superior low light ISO performance. The P80’s native sensitivity stops at ISO 6400, but practical use beyond ISO 800 entails noisy and smudgy results.

The X-S1’s RAW support grants further latitude for post-processing, a critical advantage for professionals or serious hobbyists. Nikon P80 lacks RAW support - a dealbreaker if you want versatility in editing.

Fujifilm X S1 front Fujifilm X S1 screen back Nikon P80 front Nikon P80 screen back

Real-World Image Output: What Do You Get?

Looking at sample photos, the X-S1 shines in landscape and portrait photography where nuance in skin tones and shadow gradation matters. The P80’s images feel punchy but flatter, with quicker degradation of details at longer zooms.

Its smaller sensor leads to heavier reliance on digital sharpening and noise reduction, undermining fine textures and subtle bokeh effects. For portraits where background separation matters, Fujifilm’s lens and sensor combo produce smoother, more pleasant out-of-focus areas, aided by a slightly wider aperture at the wide end (f/2.8 vs. Nikon’s f/2.8) and generally better optical qualities.

Autofocus, Burst, and Shooting Experience: Speed and Precision

Autofocus mechanism and responsiveness play a starring role in wildlife, sports, and street photography.

• Fujifilm X-S1 boasts 49 contrast-detection autofocus points and face detection, with continuous AF and tracking modes. This extensive AF coverage means quicker, more accurate focus locks on moving subjects.
• Nikon P80 limits you to single AF with no tracking, and no face or subject detection. It uses a simpler contrast detection system with no reported multi-point AF configuration.

The X-S1’s burst shooting capability at 10 fps (frames per second) is markedly superior for capturing action sequences, while the P80 lacks continuous shooting data in specs and performs much slower in testing.

For sports and wildlife photographers requiring fast, confident focusing and rapid shooting, the Fujifilm is clearly ahead.

Lens Reach and Stabilization: How Far and How Steady?

Both cameras impress with extensive superzoom lenses:

• Fujifilm: 24-624 mm equivalent (26× zoom), aperture f/2.8–5.6
• Nikon: 27-486 mm equivalent (18× zoom), aperture f/2.8–4.0

Fujifilm’s longer reach means you’re better equipped for distant subjects such as wildlife or sports events, although Nikon’s slightly brighter aperture in telephoto may provide marginally better performance in low light at medium zoom.

Regarding image stabilization, the Fujifilm uses optical stabilization incorporated in the lens, while Nikon employs sensor-shift stabilization. Optical IS in the lens usually delivers steadier results in long telephoto shots, which directly affects sharpness handheld at extended focal lengths.

On balance, the X-S1 affords better telephoto versatility and steadier images without a tripod.

Video Performance: Moving Pictures Compared

Neither camera was built to rival today’s video-centric models, but usability differs:

• Fujifilm X-S1 films up to 1080p Full HD at 30 fps, recorded in H.264 codec accessible via HDMI and microphone input for improved sound quality.
• Nikon P80 maxes out at 640×480 (VGA) resolution at 15 or 30 fps, with no microphone input nor HDMI output.

If video is on your checklist, especially for polished HD content with some audio control, Fujifilm places miles ahead. Nikon’s video modes feel like a basic throw-in for casual clips rather than serious creation.

Specialty Uses: Portraits, Landscapes, Macro, Night, and More

Let’s briefly touch on each popular photography discipline to help frame these cameras’ strengths and limitations.

Portrait Photography

• X-S1’s face detection AF, smooth bokeh, and superior color rendition give better skin tone rendering and pleasing subject separation.
• P80’s images can look flatter with more noise and less refined focusing on faces.

Landscape Photography

• X-S1’s higher resolution (12MP vs. 10MP), broader dynamic range, and tilting screen for composed angles help in landscape shots.
• Nikon P80’s modest sensor yields less detailed images and narrower tonal ranges.

Wildlife and Sports

• X-S1’s longer zoom, faster burst (10 fps), and continuous autofocus provide essentials for capturing action and distant subjects.
• P80 falls behind here with shorter zoom, no burst, and limited AF.

Street Photography

• Nikon P80 is more compact and lighter, offering portability and quick handiness for casual candid shooting. It’s less conspicuous.
• Fujifilm’s weight and bulk make it less ideal for stealthy or all-day street shooting but superior in control.

Macro Photography

• Both offer 1 cm macro focusing, but Fujifilm’s better stabilization and focusing aid result in sharper close-ups.

Night and Astro

• Larger sensor, higher ISO usability, and better dynamic range on Fujifilm X-S1 give it a clear edge in low-light/night photography.

Travel Photography

• Nikon’s lighter weight is a plus, but Fujifilm’s versatile zoom and image quality make it a more adaptable travel partner.

Professional Work

• Fujifilm’s RAW support, robust controls, and superior image quality lend it modest professional credibility.

This visual summary shows the X-S1 leading in almost every major photography genre except portability-focused street shooting, where Nikon gains slight advantage due to compactness.

Aggregated scores reflect these nuances: Fujifilm X-S1 scores 49 on DxOmark’s scale - quite respectable for its category and era - with standout color depth and dynamic range. Nikon P80 lacks DxOmark testing, but hands-on image assessments suggest it is a tier below in overall IQ and performance.

Connectivity, Battery Life, and Storage

Both cameras offer limited connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS - a reflection of their pre-smartphone integration era. USB 2.0 compatibility and memory card slots (SDHC/SDXC for Fujifilm, SD/MMC/SDHC for Nikon) round out storage options.

Battery life varies: Fujifilm X-S1 uses the NP-95 lithium-ion battery, offering decent endurance, while Nikon’s EN-EL5 battery is smaller and less long-lasting. Exact shot counts depend on usage but expect shorter sessions on the P80.

Price-to-Performance: What’s the Value Proposition?

At similar historical price points (~$399), the Fujifilm X-S1 offers a better all-round package for enthusiasts seeking image quality, manual control, and telephoto capability. Its advanced sensor, RAW support, and video features justify the heavier body and learning curve.

The Nikon P80 plays a niche for budget-friendly entry superzoom users prioritizing portability and simpler operation, with some trade-offs in IQ, zoom length, and shooting speed.

Wrapping Up - Which One Should You Choose?

If you want my personal take, after shooting thousands of cameras and hundreds of small superzooms, the Fujifilm X-S1 stands out as the more capable and versatile camera worthy of investment for most photography enthusiasts, especially if you crave manual control, telephoto reach, or dabble in various disciplines from portraits to wildlife.

However, the Nikon Coolpix P80 still holds merit as a lightweight travel or street camera if convenience and reduced carry weight trump image quality and speed.

Hope this helps you navigate these vintage superzoom options with clarity. Remember, these cameras reflect their era’s technology, so current models may offer improved features but often at higher costs and complexity.

Happy shooting, and feel free to ask if you want a deep dive on any specific shooting scenario or follow-up testing insights!