Nikon S8000 vs Samsung EX2F: A Compact Camera Showdown Through a Seasoned Reviewer’s Lens

In the ever-shrinking world of compact cameras, two models often surface in conversations among photography enthusiasts looking for capable pocket-sized shooters: the Nikon Coolpix S8000 and the Samsung EX2F. Both were unveiled in the last decade’s early 2010s era - Nikon’s in mid-2010, Samsung’s in late 2012 - when camera makers aimed to cram ever more features into small form factors without utterly surrendering image quality. Having put both these cameras through their paces in a variety of settings, I’m here to dissect their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one, if either, deserves a place in your bag.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Let’s start with the chassis. Both the Nikon S8000 and Samsung EX2F belong to the “small sensor compact” category, but the EX2F is a bit chunkier and heavier - 294g versus Nikon’s light 183g. The Nikon’s dimensions (103x57x27mm) make it pocket-friendlier than the EX2F’s slightly more substantial 112x62x29mm. In real-world hands, that difference is palpable. The S8000 feels more nimble for street photography or quick grab-and-go shooting, whereas the EX2F’s heft contributes to a reassuring sturdiness but makes it slightly less discreet.

Ergonomically, the Nikon tries to appeal to casual shooters with minimal physical controls and a fixed 3-inch LCD. Meanwhile, Samsung’s EX2F opts for a fully articulated 3-inch AMOLED screen - a smart move for creative compositions and, yes, selfies. (The S8000 isn’t selfie-friendly, a notable omission for a camera competing two years later in a market increasingly focused on social media sharing.)

In terms of control layout, Samsung decidedly gives more to the enthusiast: manual focus rings, aperture priority, shutter priority, exposure compensation, even manual modes inaccessible from the Nikon. The S8000’s limited controls reaffirm its target demographic - point-and-shoot novices - while the EX2F entices the more serious hobbyist willing to invest time into mastering manual exposure.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Cameras may have grown smaller, but sensor quality remains king for image fidelity. Here the Samsung EX2F demonstrates a technical advantage: a 1/1.7” BSI-CMOS sensor covering 41.5 mm², larger and more modern than the Nikon’s conventional 1/2.3” CCD sensor at 28 mm². The size difference alone corresponds to a noticeable improvement in noise control, dynamic range, and color depth.

While the Nikon boasts 14 megapixels compared to Samsung’s 12, pixel count doesn’t equate to quality - especially on compact sensors. Testing reveals that the EX2F produces punchier, less noisy images at higher ISOs. Samsung’s BSI (backside illuminated) technology further improves low-light sensitivity, confirmed by DxOMark scores showing a color depth of 20.0 bits and dynamic range of 11.5 EVs for the EX2F, whereas the Nikon S8000 has no official DXOMark rating but generally expected to fall short because of its smaller CCD sensor and older architecture.

In practice, the EX2F’s sensor yields richer colors and cleaner shadows - particularly welcome in complex lighting. Nikon’s sensor can produce decent images in good light but quickly struggles with noise beyond ISO 400, limiting high-ISO usability. This impacts disciplines like night photography or indoor events, where the Samsung will better preserve detail with fewer grain artifacts.

One caveat: the Nikon’s images have a slightly warmer, nostalgic tone thanks to CCD idiosyncrasies, which some enthusiasts might appreciate for portraits with softer skin tone rendition, even if it’s at the cost of technical precision.

Autofocus and Shooting Experience: Speed, Accuracy & Usability

Autofocus prowess can’t be ignored, especially for spontaneous shooting scenarios. Both cameras utilize contrast detection AF systems - no phase detection here. Predictably, autofocus speed and tracking capability are middling, but the Samsung’s more advanced contrast-detect autofocus is somewhat snappier albeit still unfortunate in sluggish performance compared to modern mirrorless.

The Nikon S8000 autofocus is strictly single-shot and center weighted without face or eye detection - it simply locks focus where you tell it or hopes the center has your subject. The EX2F similarly lacks face detection autofocus but compensates with manual focus capability - a rarity in compact cameras - which allows focus-peaking and precise control, rewarding when you want to nail sharpness in macro or portrait scenarios.

Continuous shooting tops out at 3 FPS on the Nikon; Samsung’s burst rate isn’t officially specified, but from my experience, it is comparable if not slightly slower. Neither camera suits fast-action sports or wildlife photography, though the Nikon’s greater zoom reach (30-300mm equivalent) has a wildcard advantage for distant wildlife snapshots over Samsung’s short telephoto 24-80mm equivalent.

Lens & Optical Performance: Zooms, Clarity, and Creativity

The Nikon S8000 offers a 10x zoom lens from 30mm wide to 300mm telephoto, aperture range f/3.5-5.6. It’s versatile and lets you get closer to wildlife or sports subjects (though autofocus speed somewhat bottlenecks effective use). The Samsung EX2F’s purported focal range (24-80mm e) is more limited, but it compensates with a noticeably brighter lens - f/1.4 at wide angle narrowing to f/2.7 telephoto - excellent for low-light scenes and shallow depth of field.

This wide max aperture on the EX2F lends itself beautifully to portraits with creamy, smooth bokeh - quite surprising in a compact. The Nikon’s lens, while reasonably decent, cannot produce the same subject-background separation or excel in dim conditions without boosting ISO and risking noisy images.

Samsung’s EX2F also supports external flash units - a real boon for portrait and creative photographers using fill light. Nikon’s built-in flash is adequate for casual use but non-expandable.

Screen & Viewfinder: Composing Your Shots

Both cameras have 3-inch LCDs, but that’s where similarity ends. The Nikon’s is a fixed type with 921k dots resolution - bright enough but limited for composing challenging angles or selfies. Samsung’s AMOLED articulating screen offers more flexibility, clearly superior for live viewing in bright daylight or awkward positions (think macro flowers or street photography).

Unlike Nikon, the Samsung offers an optional electronic viewfinder accessory, adding compositional precision when bright sun renders LCD use difficult - a thoughtful nod towards serious shooters.

Video Capabilities: How Do They Stack Up for Moving Pictures?

Video isn’t a primary focus here but let’s not dismiss it. Nikon S8000 shoots only at 1280x720p (HD) at 30fps, while Samsung EX2F can capture full HD 1080p video, offering better clarity if you occasionally want moving images.

Neither provides advanced video features such as microphone or headphone ports, 4K, or in-body stabilization for video, but the EX2F’s brighter lens helps ensure cleaner footage in lower light when compared side by side.

Battery Life, Storage, and Convenience

Neither camera’s manufacturer-stated battery life is overwhelming; expect modest 200-300 shots per charge depending on use. The Nikon S8000 runs on the smaller EN-EL12 battery, keeping weight down, while Samsung’s SLB-10A powers the EX2F’s richer features but likely tempers battery endurance with the larger processor and screen tech.

Both utilize SD cards, with Samsung supporting SDXC formats for larger storage volumes - a mild edge for extended shooting sessions.

Connectivity-wise, Nikon offers none, making image transfer a somewhat manual affair. Samsung bolsters wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi enabled), allowing photo sharing straight from your camera - welcome in a hyper-connected era.

Diving Into Photography Styles: Who Excels Where?

Here’s where I get to have some fun teasing out real-world performance for common photography genres - based on my hands-on experience, studio tests, and on-the-road use.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portraiture is where these cameras diverge notably. The Samsung EX2F’s fast f/1.4 aperture gives it a distinct upper hand in creating flattering portraits with shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh backgrounds - a look Nikon’s narrower f/3.5 max aperture simply can’t mimic. Additionally, the EX2F’s more accurate exposure compensation and manual control let you fine-tune skin tones.

Nikon struggles a bit with skin tone naturalness, sometimes rendering slightly flat or cooler images, though its warmer CCD palette can be charming under certain conditions. Neither camera has face or eye autofocus, which limits precision for quick headshots, but manual focus on the EX2F can make up for that with some care.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

For landscapes, dynamic range and resolution are vital. Samsung’s bigger sensor, 12MP resolution, and higher DxOMark dynamic range rating deliver richer tonal graduations, better highlight recovery, and less noise, especially in shadow regions.

The Nikon’s 14MP sensor gives slightly higher resolution images on paper, but image quality is softened by the smaller sensor and CCD traits. Weather sealing is absent on both, so neither is ideal in harsh environments without extra care.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Zoom and Burst Rates

In wildlife scenarios, Nikon’s extensive 10x zoom range (30-300 mm equivalent) naturally fits better for sniping distant subjects. However, autofocus sluggishness means you’ll miss many action shots. Burst shooting at a modest 3 FPS is adequate for casual use but unsuitable for high-speed sports.

Samsung’s zoom range is frustratingly short, disqualifying it for serious wildlife or sports shooting, though its handling and manual controls reward slower-paced nature capture and macro photography.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

For street and candid shots, Nikon’s lighter, smaller body aids discretion. Its quieter operation and simpler fixed lens make it unobtrusive, perfect for spontaneous moments. However, Samsung’s articulated AMOLED screen provides compositional freedom and better visibility on sunny city streets.

Low light performance also tends to favor Samsung’s lens and sensor, producing cleaner handheld images at night or indoors.

Macro and Close-Up Work

Nikon boasts a mighty 2 cm macro minimum focusing distance, an attractive feature for flower or insect photographers. Samsung doesn’t specify macro range but offers manual focus aiding precise close-ups. Both deliver usable results but Nikon’s extended zoom into macro territory is distinctive.

Night & Astro Photography

Both cameras face challenges for astrophotography given their small sensors and limited manual controls. Yet Samsung’s brighter lens and superior ISO performance (up to ISO 3200 usable) make faint stars and night scenes more achievable. Long exposure support is limited on Nikon; Samsung’s manual modes afford slightly more creativity.

Video Recording: Quick Summary

Samsung wins here with full HD 1080p versus Nikon’s capped 720p, and its brighter lens offers smoother footage under poor light. Lack of mic input or advanced stabilizers on both restricts their serious videography potential.

Travel Photography: Versatility & Battery Considerations

Travelers value lightweight gear with versatility. Nikon’s compactness and long zoom make it a solid all-rounder. Samsung’s extra weight and shorter zoom range trade portability for better image quality and creative shooting flexibility, especially portrait and street.

Both have modest battery endurance and limited weather resistance, requiring spares or careful packing.

Professional Work: Reliability & Workflow

Neither camera is “professional” grade - they lack rugged environmental sealing, advanced autofocus systems, raw support in Nikon’s case, or extensive workflows integrations. Samsung’s raw support is a small plus for pros stepping up from casual shooters.

Nikon S8000 front Nikon S8000 screen back Samsung EX2F front Samsung EX2F screen back

Technical Rundown: Specs Versus Real Performance

Let’s sum up some key specs:

Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

If forced to choose, the Samsung EX2F earns my recommendation for photographers seeking a compact camera that punches above its weight - especially for portrait, low-light, and creative manual control. Its bigger sensor, fast bright lens, and flexible articulation screen justify the higher price for serious enthusiasts who value image quality and exposure control in a small package.

Conversely, the Nikon S8000 is more of an enthusiast’s entry point or casual shooter’s ideal sidekick - light, simple, and with a versatile zoom lens. It’s not great in low light or action but is nimble for everyday snapshots and travel, particularly if budget or pocket size is a priority.

Who should pick the Nikon S8000?

• Casual users craving zoom reach without fuss
• Travelers valuing compactness and light weight
• Novices preferring automatic ease without manual complexity

Who should invest in the Samsung EX2F?

• Enthusiasts wanting creative control and better image quality
• Portrait and low-light photographers needing fast aperture glass
• Street shooters desiring articulation and wireless sharing

Final Personal Reflections

Having handled these two cameras extensively, I appreciate each for the era and audience they targeted. The Nikon S8000 feels like a classic affordable pocket bridge - reliable if not dazzling. The Samsung EX2F pushes the compact camera envelope with enthusiast features that hint at micro four-thirds performance at a fraction of the size and price.

Neither is a modern powerhouse - but with a pragmatic eye on your photographic priorities, one of these little marvels may just still have a place in today’s camera collection. For me, the promise of manual control, bright glass, and better image quality make the Samsung EX2F a more rewarding companion - if you don’t mind the extra bulk.

Whether you pick the Nikon’s simplicity or the Samsung’s subtle sophistication, you’re getting a snapshot of compact camera evolution - and an opportunity to hone your art without hefting a DSLR. Not bad for cameras that some might dismiss as “just compacts,” but which, in my view, reveal the careful balancing act that thoughtful camera engineering demands.

Happy shooting!