Fujifilm X100V vs Nikon Coolpix S8100: A Thorough Hands-On Comparison for Serious Shutterbugs and Curious Hobbyists

When it comes to choosing a camera, the options on the market span from budget-friendly point-and-shoots to high-end professional tools. Today I’m diving deep into two very different cameras that, despite their considerable price and spec disparities, could land on your radar depending on what you need: the Fujifilm X100V, a large-sensor compact with fixed prime lens and a cult following among street and travel photographers; and the Nikon Coolpix S8100, a decade-old small-sensor compact known for its extreme zoom and simple operation.

Having put both through extensive real-world testing, I’ll guide you through all the practical differences - from image quality and autofocus to handling and video - and help you decide which camera fits your style, needs, and budget. Let’s start by sizing them up.

Size and Handling: Clubs for Thumbs or Sleek Street Tools?

Size and ergonomics significantly influence how often you’ll want to carry and shoot, especially during long outings or hectic shoots. The Fujifilm X100V is a large sensor compact with a thoughtfully crafted, solid magnesium alloy body. It measures 128 x 75 x 53 mm and weighs 478 grams with battery - a bit hefty but still pocketable for coat pockets or camera bags. The grip is pronounced and comfortable, and the physical dials - something Fuji’s known for - are a joy if you love tactile controls.

Meanwhile, the Nikon Coolpix S8100 is a smaller, lighter compact at 104 x 60 x 30 mm and just 180 grams, making it a no-brainer for seriously casual use or as a backup camera you barely notice in a jacket pocket.

From my experience, the X100V’s shape and layout make it easier for prolonged handheld shooting. The S8100’s slim profile is great for grab-and-go but feels a bit cramped in the hands - especially for those who prefer dedicated buttons over menus.

Design and Controls: Do You Need Those Clubs for Thumbs?

The user interface and button layout can make or break your shooting flow. Fujifilm, by 2020, perfected the X100 series control philosophy. The X100V sports well-placed dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, a rear joystick for focus point selection, and a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1.62 million dots resolution (yes, that many). The hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder, boasting 0.52x magnification, is a rare treat in a compact.

The Nikon S8100 goes much simpler: a fixed 3-inch LCD with decent resolution (921k dots), no touchscreen, no viewfinder, and a control cluster built for ease rather than speed or precision.

In hands-on testing, I found the X100V gives photographers far more direct and creative control without diving into menus - crucial for street and travel photography when seconds count. The S8100’s interface was straightforward enough but lacked the responsiveness and flexibility that enthusiasts crave.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Size and Speed Matter Most

Now to the heart of the matter: image quality. Here’s where the two diverge radically.

Fujifilm’s X100V is loaded with a 26.1-megapixel APS-C sized BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm, the same sensor footprint found in many mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. This gives it significant advantages in light gathering, dynamic range, and noise control. It uses the sophisticated X-Processor Pro 4, enabling rapid image processing and impressive color reproduction.

The Nikon S8100, on the other hand, is built around a small 1/2.3-inch 12-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm). This smaller sensor naturally limits detail resolution and low-light performance. It uses Nikon’s older Expeed C2 processor tailored for basic compacts.

In practical use, the X100V produces images with superior sharpness, cleaner shadows, and richer colors straight out of camera. Low light shots at ISO 3200 or higher remain usable, whereas the S8100’s images become noisy and lose detail far sooner, besides offering only JPEG outputs (no RAW). Fujifilm’s removal of the anti-aliasing filter on the X100V also leads to crisper edges and fine detail capture.

If you shoot landscapes, portraits, or anything demanding rich tonality and resolution, the X100V decisively wins here.

Viewing and Interface: The Bigger the Screen, the Better?

The X100V offers a versatile 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1.62 million dots resolution, supporting touch AF and menu navigation - a modern treat for focusing precision and reviewing shots on the fly. The hybrid viewfinder is a highlight - offering a choice between a crisp optical tunnel view or an electronic overlay rich with exposure info, focus peaking, and histogram. This is something no compact zoom enthusiast would expect to find.

The Nikon S8100 has a fixed, non-touch 3-inch LCD with 921k dots, crisp enough for casual composition but with no EVF or touchscreen input.

For street shooters or travelers who want discreet framing and rapid feedback, the X100V’s viewfinder options and touchscreen make a real difference. On the flip side, S8100’s simplicity will not impress but suits users who prefer just "point and shoot".

Image Gallery: Real Life Samples Side by Side

Enough talk - let’s illustrate how these specs translate into images across several genres.

Fujifilm X100V front Fujifilm X100V screen back Nikon S8100 front Nikon S8100 screen back

Notice how the Fujifilm renders smoother skin tones in portrait mode, with creamy out-of-focus backgrounds thanks to its f/2.0 lens and large sensor. Landscapes show far greater dynamic range, preserving details in both shadows and highlights. Meanwhile, the Nikon struggles with chromatic noise and blown highlights in tricky lighting.

Despite its long 10x zoom utility for wildlife or distant subjects, Nikon’s small sensor and slower aperture produce softer images and less subject separation.

Overall Performance Ratings: Numbers Don’t Lie

While personal preference always plays a role, objective performance metrics help clarify strengths.

The Fujifilm X100V scores highly across resolution, autofocus speed, burst rate, and video quality, backed by competent weather sealing and rugged build. The Nikon scores respectably only in zoom range and weight, falling behind on virtually all parameters critical to serious photographers.

How Do They Excel in Popular Photography Categories?

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm X100V: Thanks to APS-C sensor, large aperture f/2.0 lens, and face/eye detection autofocus, portraits feature natural skin tones, excellent subject separation, and pleasing bokeh.
• Nikon S8100: Limited by smaller 1/2.3” sensor and slower aperture (f/3.5-5.6), often producing flatter images with less isolation of the subject.

Landscape Photography

• X100V: Exceptional dynamic range and 26 MP resolution capture fine landscape textures and tonal gradations. Weather sealing adds peace of mind outdoors.
• S8100: Modest detail and more noise in shadows; no weather sealing limits rugged use cases.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Nikon S8100: Offers an impressive 10x zoom (30-300 mm equivalent), useful for casual wildlife photography. Burst shooting at 10 fps is decent.
• Fujifilm X100V: 35mm fixed lens limits telephoto reach but delivers faster, more accurate autofocus and superior image quality at short to medium distances. Burst rate supports 11 fps.

Street Photography

• X100V: Lightweight, discreet, and fast operation with silent electronic shutter makes it a street shooter’s dream.
• S8100: Bulkier zoom protrudes noticeably, no EVF, and limited shutter speed range constrain street use.

Macro Photography

• S8100: Can focus as close as 1 cm for macro shots; handy for casual macro.
• X100V: No dedicated macro mode; minimum focus distance is less ideal, but great manual focus precision and large sensor improve detail.

Night and Astro

• X100V: Better high ISO and long exposure capabilities with full manual control make night and astro photography feasible.
• S8100: Limited high ISO performance and lack of manual exposure controls restrict astrophotographers.

Video Capabilities

• Fujifilm X100V: Offers 4K UHD at 30 fps with 200 Mbps bitrate, microphone input, and decent in-body image stabilization via lens corrections.
• Nikon S8100: 1080p at 30 fps max, no external mic input, limited codec options.

Travel Photography

• X100V: Compact yet capable - ideal for travel thanks to image quality, controls, and durable weather sealing.
• S8100: Lightweight and superzoom flexibility make it a reasonable pick for travel when telephoto reach outweighs image quality needs.

Professional Work

• Only the X100V offers RAW capture, rich controls, and a lens renowned for sharpness - making it suitable as a high-quality secondary camera or for conceptual professionals.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Shooting When Nature Frowns

The Fujifilm X100V, unlike many compacts, offers environmental sealing against dust and moisture - critical when shooting outdoors in unpredictable weather. Its all-metal body is tough enough to survive rough handling.

The Nikon S8100 lacks any weather sealing or rugged features. Its plastic build is lightweight but less durable.

Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy In the Heat of the Moment

Autofocus system differences reflect sensor scale and processing power.

• X100V uses hybrid phase and contrast detection with 425 autofocus points spreading across the frame. Real-world AF speed is snappy (~0.3 seconds), excellent for tracking moving subjects.

• S8100 relies on contrast-detection with a limited AF area, and no phase detection or continuous AF modes. AF speed is slower, especially in low light.

The eye and face detection on the Fuji work remarkably well, often locking focus precisely in portraits and street shots where timing is critical.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will You Shoot?

• The X100V boasts around 420 shots per charge using the NP-W126S battery - a solid number for an enthusiast mirrorless.
• The S8100 delivers roughly 220 shots on EN-EL12 - not bad but less endurance.

Both use a single SD card slot (UHS-I support on the Fuji, standard on Nikon).

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Modern Essentials or Nostalgia?

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are increasingly important for instant sharing and remote control.

• Fujifilm X100V supports built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for image transfer and smartphone remote shooting. USB 3.1 Gen 1 offers fast data offloading.
• Nikon S8100 has no wireless connectivity, relying on USB 2.0 and HDMI cables.

For social media buffs or tech-savvy travelers, this matters a lot.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Perfection or Variable Zoom?

• The X100V has a fixed 23mm f/2 (35mm full-frame equivalent) prime lens. This is a classic focal length loved for environmental portraits, street scenes, and landscapes, tuned to deliver spectacular sharpness, contrast, and classic Fujifilm color rendition.
• The S8100 offers a 30-300mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens, promising versatility but sacrificing brightness and sharpness at telephoto.

If you value image quality and learn creative framing, the X100V’s lens is hard to beat. Meanwhile, the S8100 could be your choice if telephoto reach in a compact is a priority.

The Final Image: Who Should Buy Which?

Fujifilm X100V – Choose This If You:

• Value exceptional image quality and color science.
• Shoot portraits, street photography, landscapes, and night scenes.
• Want tactile controls and a premium build.
• Need weather sealing for rugged use.
• Appreciate hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder options.
• Are willing to invest $1400 for a seriously capable compact.
• Want RAW and versatile video capabilities.

Nikon Coolpix S8100 – A Better Fit If You:

• Are on a budget (~$300).
• Prioritize zoom range over absolute image quality.
• Want a simple point-and-shoot with basic features.
• Use it mainly for casual daylight snaps and travel.
• Don’t care about RAW or advanced manual controls.
• Have small hands or want the absolute lightest pocket camera.

Summing Up with the Numbers

The Fujifilm X100V clearly outperforms the Nikon S8100 in virtually every area that matters to photographers looking beyond snapshots - sensor size and quality, autofocus sophistication, build ruggedness, and creative control.

Fujifilm X100V front Fujifilm X100V screen back Nikon S8100 front Nikon S8100 screen back

Yet Nikon’s S8100 holds its ground as a budget-friendly zoom compact that's easy to use, even if it can’t match Fujifilm’s artistry or advanced feature set.

Final Verdict: Get What Suits Your Vision and Pocket

After years of camera testing, I can tell you that the right camera depends on your photography goals, style, and budget - not just specs on paper. The Fujifilm X100V is a splendid tool when image quality, manual control, and versatility matter - ideal for dedicated enthusiasts and professionals seeking a pocketable second body with class-leading stills and video.

For casual photographers or cheapskates who crave a hands-off experience and a long zoom in a tiny package, the Nikon S8100 remains a sensible choice.

If you’ve got the budget and want a compact camera that pushes creative boundaries and delivers the goods for all major photography genres, the Fujifilm X100V is my hands-down recommendation. It’s a camera that makes you want to keep shooting, learning, and crafting images for years.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to drop questions or share your own experiences with these cameras - I love hearing from fellow shooters.