Nikon P500 vs Fujifilm X-S1 Comparison

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Nikon P500

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

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Fujifilm X-S1

12 MP | 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) EXRCMOS Sensor

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Nikon P500 vs Fujifilm X-S1 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing P500 and X-S1, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras from Nikon and Fujifilm. Both cameras have 12.0MP sensors but Nikon P500's sensor is 1/2.3-inch sized whereas Fujifilm X-S1 has a 2/3-inch sensor. Nikon P500 was introduced to market in February 2011 and Fujifilm X-S1 was launched in November 2011. There is only 9 months difference between P500 and X-S1 so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and technology level.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon P500 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2011-02-09

12MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 160 - 3200

23-810 mm F3.4-5.7 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3" Tilting Screen

Electronic viewfinder

1 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

240fps High-Speed Video

494g. 116 x 84 x 103 mm

Fujifilm X-S1 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2011-11-24

12MP - 2/3-inch EXRCMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 3200 ( expands to 12800)

24-624 mm F2.8-5.6 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Tilting Screen

Electronic viewfinder

10 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

920g. 135 x 107 x 149 mm

Nikon P500 was replaced by Nikon Coolpix P510. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon Coolpix P510 vs Nikon Coolpix P500
Nikon Coolpix P510 vs Fujifilm X-S1

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix P500 over Fujifilm X-S1

LCD Screen Resolution	921k dots vs 460k dots	100% higher resolution screen
Weight	494 g vs 920 g	426 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide	23mm vs 24mm	1 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	810mm vs 624mm	186 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	36× vs 26×	more flexible focal coverage

Reasons to choose Fujifilm X-S1 over Nikon Coolpix P500

External Flash Shoe	Yes vs No	Better for flash photography
RAW Support	Yes vs No	Better image quality
Number of Focus Points	49 vs 9	40 more focus points
Max Mech. Shutter	1/4000s vs 1/1500s	faster mechanical shutter
Continuous Shooting	10.0fps vs 1.0fps	9 fps faster
Microphone Port	Yes vs No	High quality audio recording option
Max Aperture - Wide	2.80 vs 3.40	faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele	5.60 vs 5.70	faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area	4.84µm² vs 2.34µm²	106% larger pixel area
AE Bracketing	Yes vs No	Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix P500 and Fujifilm X-S1

Image Stabilization	Sensor-shift vs Optical	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Adjustable LCD Screen	Tilting vs Tilting	Flexible shooting positions
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Viewfinder	Yes (Electronic) vs Yes (Electronic)	Better framing and control
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs Yes	very handy for portraits
Manual Focusing	Yes vs Yes	both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure	Yes vs Yes	better exposure control
Focal Length - Wide	23mm vs 24mm	Very good wide angle coverage
Focal Length - Tele	810mm vs 624mm	Very good Telezoom

Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix P500 and Fujifilm X-S1

Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions

Nikon P500 vs Fujifilm X-S1: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon P500 has external dimensions of 116 x 84 x 10 mm (4.57 x 3.31 x 4.06″) and weighs 494 g (1.09 lb / 17.43 oz) (including batteries). Fujifilm X-S1 has external dimensions of 135 x 107 x 149 mm (5.31 x 4.21 x 5.87″) and weighs 920 g (2.03 lb / 32.45 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1. Nikon P500 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 19mm narrower, 23mm shorter and 46mm thinner than Fujifilm X-S1.

Comparison image of Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1.

Comparison image of Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1.

Top View Comparison image of Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon P500 is significantly lighter (426g ) than the Fujifilm X-S1 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Bridge Cameras

P500

X-S1

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Bridge Cameras

P500

X-S1

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix P500 nor Fujifilm X-S1 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Both cameras feature Tilting screens where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over the head levels.

Nikon P500 vs Fujifilm X-S1: Sensor Comparison

Both Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1 have 12.0 MP resolution sensors but Nikon P500's sensor is 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) and Fujifilm X-S1's sensor is 2/3-inch (8.8 x 6.6 mm ).

Since Fujifilm X-S1's has a larger sensor area with the same resolution, this means that it also has a larger pixel area hence better light collecting capacity for a given aperture compared to Nikon P500.

Below you can see the P500 and X-S1 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1 Cameras

As seen above, Fujifilm X-S1 has a 2.1x Larger sensor area than Nikon P500. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

Nikon P500 vs Fujifilm X-S1 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon P500 features a 23-810 mm F3.4-5.7 36× zoom lens whereas Fujifilm X-S1 features a 24-624 mm F2.8-5.6 26× zoom lens.

Nikon P500 has 1mm wider coverage than the Fujifilm X-S1. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.80, Fujifilm X-S1 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Nikon P500 has 186mm longer reach than the Fujifilm X-S1. However, with a max aperture of f5.60, Fujifilm X-S1 is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

DSLR-Like Cameras

P500

X-S1

Widest - Samsung WB2200F

Average

Telezoom

DSLR-Like Cameras

P500

X-S1

Longest - Nikon P1000

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

DSLR-Like Cameras

P500

X-S1

Fastest - Olympus 1

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

DSLR-Like Cameras

P500

X-S1

Fastest - Sony RX10 III

Average

What types of Photography are Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Nikon P500 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Fujifilm X-S1 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) sensor
Read the details

Nikon P500 for Street Photography

GOOD

Fujifilm X-S1 for Street Photography

GOOD

Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
23 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) sensor
Read the details

Nikon P500 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Fujifilm X-S1 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
810 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1500s
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 220 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.70
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
49 Focus Points
624 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon P500 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Fujifilm X-S1 for Daily Photography

GOOD

35.2X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
494g
Body Thickness 103mm
Read the details

RAW shooting capability
26.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) sensor
920g
Body Thickness 149mm
Read the details

Nikon P500 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Fujifilm X-S1 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
23 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon P500 vs Fujifilm X-S1: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Nikon P500 and Fujifilm X-S1 scores compare:

Nikon P500

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #50 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #556 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Fujifilm X-S1

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #22 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #364 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Fujifilm X-S1 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Nikon P500 in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Nikon P500. Otherwise, Fujifilm X-S1 is the better camera overall.

Fujifilm X-S1 vs Nikon P500 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Nikon Coolpix P500	Fujifilm X-S1
Brand	Nikon	Fujifilm
Announced	2011-02-09	2011-11-24
Body Type	SLR-like (bridge)	SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor
Type	BSI-CMOS	EXRCMOS
Size	1/2.3-inch	2/3-inch
Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm	8.8 x 6.6 mm
Area	28.07mm²	58.08mm²
Megapixels	12 megapixels	12 megapixels
Max Resolution	4000 x 3000	4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity	3,200 ISO	3,200 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity	-	12800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	160 ISO	100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	9	49
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	23-810 mm (36×)	24-624 mm (26×)
Max Aperture	F3.4-5.7	F2.8-5.6
Macro Focus Range	1cm	1cm
Screen
Type	Tilting	Tilting
Size	3"	3"
Resolution	921k dots	460k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Electronic	Electronic
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a	100%
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/1500s	1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Sensor-shift	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	8.00 m	8.00 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	1.0 fps	10.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264	H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	494g	920g
Dimensions	116 x 84 x 103mm	135 x 107 x 149mm
Battery Life	220 shots	n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested	49
DxO Color Depth	not tested	20.4
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested	11.2
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested	216
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