Nikon S3000 vs Fujifilm XQ2 Comparison

Camera to replace

Change

Nikon S3000

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD Sensor

CHECK PRICE

Change

Fujifilm XQ2

12 MP | 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) CMOS X-TRANS II Sensor

CHECK PRICE

Nikon S3000 vs Fujifilm XQ2 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing S3000 and XQ2, two Ultracompact cameras from Nikon and Fujifilm. Both cameras have 12.0MP sensors but Nikon S3000's sensor is 1/2.3-inch sized whereas Fujifilm XQ2 has a 2/3-inch sensor. Nikon S3000 was introduced to market in February 2010 and Fujifilm XQ2 was launched in January 2015. As you can see, S3000 is 5 years older than XQ2. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon S3000 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2010-02-03

12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 3200

27-108 mm F3.2-5.9 Zoom Lens

2.7" Fixed Type Screen

3 fps continuous shooting

- 640 x 480 video resolution

116g. 94 x 56 x 19 mm

Fujifilm XQ2 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2015-01-14

12MP - 2/3-inch CMOS X-TRANS II Sensor

ISO 100 - 12800

25-100 mm F1.8-4.9 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

12.0 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

Built-in Wireless

206g. 100 x 59 x 33 mm

Replaced Fujifilm XQ1 Compare

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix S3000 over Fujifilm XQ2

Weight	116 g vs 206 g	90 g lighter
Focal Length - Tele	108mm vs 100mm	8 mm longer tele reach

Reasons to choose Fujifilm XQ2 over Nikon Coolpix S3000

Wireless Connection	Built-In vs None	Better connectivity
Image Stabilization	Optical vs None	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
RAW Support	Yes vs No	Better image quality
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs No	very handy for portraits
Max ISO	12.800 vs 3.200	300% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size	3" vs 2.7"	0.3 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution	920k dots vs 230k dots	300% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter	1/4000s vs 1/2000s	faster mechanical shutter
Continuous Shooting	12.0fps vs 3.0fps	9 fps faster
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control
Focal Length - Wide	25mm vs 27mm	2 mm wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	1.80 vs 3.20	faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele	4.90 vs 5.90	faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area	4.84µm² vs 2.34µm²	106% larger pixel area
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080 vs 640 x 480	Higher Resolution Video
AE Bracketing	Yes vs No	Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2

Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light

Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs No	No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe	No vs No	Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder	None vs None	No eye-level shooting option
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions

New4

Nikon S3000 vs Fujifilm XQ2: 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 S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon S3000 has external dimensions of 94 x 56 x 19 mm (3.7 x 2.2 x 0.75″) and weighs 116 g (0.26 lb / 4.09 oz) (including batteries). Fujifilm XQ2 has external dimensions of 100 x 59 x 33 mm (3.94 x 2.32 x 1.3″) and weighs 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2. Nikon S3000 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 6mm narrower, 3mm shorter and 14mm thinner than Fujifilm XQ2.

Comparison image of Nikon S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2.

Comparison image of Nikon S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2.

Top View Comparison image of Nikon S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon S3000 is significantly lighter (90g ) than the Fujifilm XQ2 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

S3000

XQ2

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

S3000

XQ2

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix S3000 nor Fujifilm XQ2 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 Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Fujifilm XQ2's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Nikon S3000's 2.7" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Nikon S3000 vs Fujifilm XQ2: Sensor Comparison

Both Nikon S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2 have 12.0 MP resolution sensors but Nikon S3000's sensor is 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) and Fujifilm XQ2's sensor is 2/3-inch (8.8 x 6.6 mm ).

Since Fujifilm XQ2'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 S3000.

Below you can see the S3000 and XQ2 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2 Cameras

As seen above, Fujifilm XQ2 has a 2.1x Larger sensor area than Nikon S3000. 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 S3000 vs Fujifilm XQ2 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon S3000 features a 27-108 mm F3.2-5.9 4× zoom lens whereas Fujifilm XQ2 features a 25-100 mm F1.8-4.9 4× zoom lens.

Fujifilm XQ2 has 2mm wider coverage than the Nikon S3000. At f1.80, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Nikon S3000 has 8mm longer reach than the Fujifilm XQ2. However, with a max aperture of f4.90, Fujifilm XQ2 is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

S3000

XQ2

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

S3000

XQ2

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

S3000

XQ2

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

S3000

XQ2

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Nikon S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Nikon S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2 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 S3000 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Fujifilm XQ2 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) sensor
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon S3000 for Street Photography

POOR

Fujifilm XQ2 for Street Photography

GOOD

Small Body
Live-view
27 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f1.80
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) sensor
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Nikon S3000 for Sports Photography

POOR

Fujifilm XQ2 for Sports Photography

POOR

Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Focus Points
108 mm Tele Lens
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
Wireless Connection
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 240 shots
100 mm Tele Lens
Read the details

Nikon S3000 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Fujifilm XQ2 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Compact Body
116g
Body Thickness 19mm
4.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
206g
4.0X Optical Zoom
Small 2/3" (8.8 x 6.6 mm) sensor
Read the details

Nikon S3000 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Fujifilm XQ2 for Landscape Photography

POOR

27 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 Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
25 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 S3000 vs Fujifilm XQ2: 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 S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2, 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 S3000 and Fujifilm XQ2 scores compare:

Nikon S3000

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #132 out of 155 in Ultracompact cameras
Ranked #1171 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Fujifilm XQ2

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #3 out of 155 in Ultracompact cameras
Ranked #442 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Fujifilm XQ2 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Nikon S3000 in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Nikon S3000. Otherwise, Fujifilm XQ2 is the better camera overall.

Fujifilm XQ2 vs Nikon S3000 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Nikon Coolpix S3000	Fujifilm XQ2
Brand	Nikon	Fujifilm
Announced	2010-02-03	2015-01-14
Body Type	Ultracompact	Ultracompact
Sensor
Type	CCD	CMOS X-TRANS II
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	12,800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	80 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	n/a	n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	27-108 mm (4×)	25-100 mm (4×)
Max Aperture	F3.2-5.9	F1.8-4.9
Macro Focus Range	8cm	3cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	2.7"	3"
Resolution	230k dots	920k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/2000s	1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	No	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	n/a	7.40 m (at Auto ISO)
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	3.0 fps	12.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	640 x 480	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	Motion JPEG	H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	116g	206g
Dimensions	94 x 56 x 19mm	100 x 59 x 33mm
Battery Life	n/a	240 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction