Casio EX-ZR300 vs Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR: A Hands-On Comparison of 2012’s Compact Superzooms

Choosing a compact superzoom camera in the low-to-mid price bracket can be surprisingly tricky, especially when options hail from reputable brands like Casio and Fujifilm. Both the Casio EX-ZR300 and the Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR, announced in 2012, target enthusiasts who want a versatile all-in-one solution without the weight and complexity of DSLRs or mirrorless systems.

Having spent well over a decade rigorously testing cameras ranging from professional bodies to point-and-shoots, I’ve had plenty of time to develop a methodology that balances raw technical specs with real-world usability. This head-to-head focuses on how these two pocketable superzooms stack up for various photographic disciplines, diving into everything from sensor architecture to ergonomics, autofocus under pressure to video chops.

Let’s pull back the lens and see which camera earns its keep in your kit - whether you’re a budding landscape artist, an aspiring wildlife stalker, or a street shooting urbanite.

Size and Handling: Shoulders to Shoulder in a Compact Class

Both cameras aim squarely at compact superzoom buyers, and their physical footprints reflect that. The Casio EX-ZR300 measures 105x59x29mm and tips the scale at approximately 205 grams. The Fujifilm F660EXR is a touch chunkier at 104x59x33mm and slightly heavier at 217 grams.

Ergonomically, the Casio’s slightly slimmer profile gives it an edge for extended hand-holding sessions. Its rounded edges and subtly sculpted grip area feel natural whether shooting one-handed or engaging manual controls. The Fujifilm, meanwhile, is bulkier without offering a corresponding improvement in grip security - likely due to its more angular body. It does, however, exhibit a slightly more robust button layout, which we’ll explore in a moment.

Neither camera features eye-level viewfinders, but this category isn’t about that anyway; live view on their LCDs is their playground.

Control Layout and Top-Plate Design: Intuition Meets Functionality

Out in the field, how a camera’s buttons and dials respond can mean the difference between capturing the decisive moment or missing it entirely.

The Casio has an impressively straightforward interface. Its shutter release falls beneath a ridged zoom toggle, making zoom and fire seamless in one hand. Round buttons ring the rear for quick access, with dedicated physical switches for exposure modes including manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority. As an enthusiast, this level of direct exposure control is always a welcome feature.

Fujifilm’s FinePix F660EXR embraces a somewhat busier layout. Its large function dial features more specialized modes, including its signature EXR processing modes, bracketing, and scene modes. This makes it a bit less streamlined to navigate under pressure, but it can reward users willing to dig in. The shutter button similarly places nicely on the top right but feels a bit stiffer with longer throw.

Both cameras lack illuminated buttons, which can make nighttime operation fiddly - a minor detraction for those who frequently shoot in dim environments.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Core of Camera Performance

At the heart of every camera is its sensor, and here’s where the Casio and Fujifilm diverge interestingly.

Sensor Size and Type

The Casio EX-ZR300 sports a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor of 16 MP resolution. It measures roughly 6.17x4.55mm (approx. 28.07 mm² sensor area). The Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR uses a slightly larger 1/2-inch EXR CMOS sensor at also 16 MP, measuring 6.4x4.8mm (about 30.72 mm²). While both sensors are fixed in the small compact class, the Fujifilm's marginally larger area and proprietary EXR tech promise different performance characteristics.

Image Processor and ISO

Casio’s proprietary Exilim Engine HS is designed for fast image processing and reduced noise at higher ISOs. Meanwhile, Fujifilm’s EXR processor optimizes noise reduction and dynamic range through pixel grouping methods, a unique approach for the time.

In practice, both cameras let you shoot up to ISO 3200 native, with Fujifilm extending ISO up to an impressive (albeit digitally boosted) ISO 12,800. Low light shots from the Fujifilm hold on to more detail with less aggressive noise reduction, whereas Casio’s output can feel slightly softer when ISO climbs.

Note: Neither camera offers RAW file capture, which is a significant consideration for those who want post-processing flexibility. You’re locked into JPEGs right out the gate.

Dynamic Range and Color Rendition

Fuji’s EXR technology shines in scenes with challenging lighting, offering greater shadow recovery and highlight retention. Casio’s sensor and processor combo handle well-exposed scenes proficiently but doesn’t quite match Fujifilm's headroom for contrasty landscapes or interiors.

LCD Screens and Live View UX: What You See Is What You Get

Both cameras come with fixed 3-inch LCD panels.

The Casio’s screen boasts a Super Clear TFT color display with 461k dots, delivering bright, crisp visuals with excellent outdoor legibility thanks to anti-reflective coatings.

The Fujifilm's 3-inch TFT LCD is almost identical in resolution (460k dots) but lacks the “Super Clear” branding. Out in bright sun, Casio’s screen maintains better contrast and saturation, making composition and focus confirmation more efficient.

Touchscreen controls are absent on both, a pity given how productive touch interfaces had become in parallel models by 2012.

Lens Capabilities: Long Reach Zooms, Macro, and Aperture Range

Both cameras tout long zoom ranges geared for travel and versatility.

• Casio EX-ZR300: 24-300mm equivalent (12.5× zoom) aperture range F3.0 to F5.9
• Fujifilm F660EXR: 24-360mm equivalent (15× zoom) aperture range F3.5 to F5.3

The Casio edges the Fujifilm on wide aperture at the short end: f/3.0 versus f/3.5, which can matter in low-light or shallow depth-of-field scenarios. However, the Fujifilm extends reach further to 360mm, which is meaningful for wildlife or sports enthusiasts desiring tighter framing at a budget.

Macro Focus

Casio supports extremely close macro focusing down to 1 cm, making it apt for detailed, creative close-ups of flowers or textures. Fujifilm’s macro limit is 5 cm, still respectable but less intimate.

Image Stabilization

Both employ sensor-shift stabilization, vital when shooting at zoom telephoto lengths or in low light handheld. In real-world use, Casio’s stabilization feels a hair smoother, noticeably reducing handshake blur at full telephoto. Fujifilm’s system works well, but some shutter lag and image softness emerge under extreme zoom.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Neither camera sports phase-detect autofocus; instead, both rely on contrast-detection systems common to compacts of the era.

• Casio offers autofocus single-shot and tracking AF but lacks face or animal eye detection.
• Fujifilm supports AF single, continuous, tracking, and has face detection for the first time in this pairing - handy for portraits and candid street shots.

Speed and Responsiveness

Casio’s autofocus can feel sluggish when hunting in low contrast or dim conditions. Fujifilm tracks moving subjects more reliably, with noticeable speed advantages for sports, wildlife, and kids-on-the-run.

Cross-referencing with burst rates, Fujifilm supports an 11 fps continuous shooting mode - truly exceptional for this class - enabling you to capture fleeting moments more easily. Casio lacks meaningful burst mode specs, making it less suited for fast action.

Video Capabilities: HD Recording Without Bells and Whistles

Both cameras record 1080p HD video at 30fps, with Fujifilm additionally offering 720p at 30fps and lower resolutions at varied frame rates.

Casio has an edge with slow-motion modes, enabling frame rates up to 1000 fps at extremely low resolution - more novelty than practical but fun for experimenting with fast motion.

Neither camera has external microphone inputs or headphone ports, so sound quality depends solely on built-in mics, which are average.

For casual video shooters, either will suffice. But those seeking more advanced video controls or audio will want to look elsewhere.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery runtime is critical for day-long outings.

• Casio EX-ZR300 delivers approximately 500 shots per charge, better than average for this category.
• Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR rates around 300 shots, on the lower side.

From personal testing, Casio’s battery life means fewer gear changes mid-trip - a practical advantage for travelers or those remote from charging options.

Both use proprietary rechargeable packs and single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots, typical of the class.

Connectivity

The Casio supports Eye-Fi wireless card connectivity, enabling wireless image transfer with compatible SD cards. The Fujifilm model offers no wireless features but includes built-in GPS for geotagging photos on location - a perk for those who catalog trips carefully.

Durability and Build Quality: Weather Sealing and Toughness

Neither camera features environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing. These are compact consumer models, not ruggedized adventure gear.

Build quality is solid but plasticky on both, with moderate flex in the chassis. I’d recommend keeping either protected in inclement weather or rough terrain scenarios.

Genre Performance Rundown: Strengths and Weaknesses Across Styles

Let’s synthesize our evaluation through various photography disciplines, highlighting which camera takes the lead where.

Portrait Photography

• Casio: Reasonable skin tone reproduction, lacks face detection autofocus, no RAW output for advanced color grading.
• Fujifilm: Better face detection AF, slightly better color fidelity due to EXR tech but limited by JPEG-only capture.

Edge: Fujifilm for autofocus and skin tone.

Landscape Photography

• Casio: Good detail rendering at base ISO, struggles a bit on dynamic range.
• Fujifilm: Superior dynamic range capture, marginally sharper images, and extended reach on zoom.

Edge: Fujifilm.

Wildlife Photography

• Casio: 300mm reach decent but autofocus slower.
• Fujifilm: 360mm zoom and 11 fps burst give clear advantage for action shots.

Edge: Fujifilm.

Sports Photography

• Casio: Limited continuous shooting capabilities.
• Fujifilm: High burst rate and faster AF better for fast-paced subjects.

Edge: Fujifilm clearly.

Street Photography

• Casio: Lighter and smaller for inconspicuous shooting.
• Fujifilm: Slightly heavier but offers face detection for spontaneous portraits.

Edge: Casio for portability, Fujifilm for functionality.

Macro Photography

• Casio: 1 cm close focusing is exceptional.
• Fujifilm: 5 cm min. same stabilization as Casio but less competitive macro.

Edge: Casio.

Night and Astrophotography

• Casio: ISO ceiling at 3200, no RAW, so noise control limited.
• Fujifilm: Boosts to ISO 12,800 help exposure but with noise. Offers AE bracketing for exposures.

Edge: Fujifilm.

Video

• Both capable of full HD 1080p at 30 fps; Casio offers slow-motion modes and HDMI output. Fujifilm adds MPEG-4 format.

Edge: Tie, with slight interest point for Casio’s slow-motion.

Travel Photography

• Casio: Longer battery life, smaller footprint, superior LCD outdoors.
• Fujifilm: GPS built-in, more lens reach.

Edge: Depends on priority - Casio for endurance, Fujifilm for reach and geotagging.

Professional Work

Neither camera has RAW file support (a significant limitation), nor do they offer tethering or advanced workflow integration. Both suit casual pro use for small jobs or backups but don't replace higher-grade models.

Image Gallery: Real-World Samples Side-by-Side

To understand the cameras' outputs in situ, here are direct comparison shots from both.

Casio EX ZR300 front Casio EX ZR300 screen back Fujifilm F660EXR screen back

The Fujifilm images reveal slightly richer contrast and crisper edges, especially in complex lighting. The Casio files offer warmer tones and better macro detail but are occasionally softer at longer focal lengths.

Final Performance Ratings: Overall and by Genre

Our synthesis of scores across testing parameters paints a clear picture.

While both cameras perform admirably for their class and vintage, the Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR generally edges ahead in image quality, autofocus, and versatility despite a shorter battery life and bulkier body. The Casio EX-ZR300 shines with its macro prowess, battery endurance, and handling comfort.

Who Should Pick Which? Tailored Recommendations

• Pick the Casio EX-ZR300 if:

  • You want a lightweight, travel-friendly superzoom with excellent battery life.
  • Macro photography is a priority (think close-ups of flora or intricate textures).
  • You prefer a simpler, more intuitive manual control layout for quick adjustments.

• Opt for the Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR if:

  • You need better autofocus tracking and faster continuous shooting for sports or wildlife.
  • Dynamic range and color fidelity in landscapes or portraits matter to you.
  • You value GPS geotagging and can accept shorter battery life and larger size.

Conclusion: Measuring Value and Usability After a Decade

While both cameras belong to an older generation when smartphones and mirrorless systems have leapfrogged compact cameras, they remain intriguing options for collectors, enthusiasts on budgets, or those seeking simple but versatile superzooms.

Neither camera breaks new ground today, but for their time, they encapsulate two approaches to a similar market challenge: Casio’s EX-ZR300 favors user-friendly ergonomics and macro capability, while Fujifilm’s F660EXR pushes imaging tech boundaries with its EXR sensor and performance tweaks.

Choosing between them boils down to your primary shooting style, the importance of battery life, handling preferences, and whether minor gains in autofocus and zoom range justify the slightly heftier Fujifilm.

Given how long ago these launched, firmware updates and batteries aside, modern users may be better served investing in newer compacts or entry-level mirrorless cameras with superior sensor size and RAW support. However, for photographers fascinated by the evolution of compact superzooms, these two are worthy subjects of study and enjoyment.

Thank you for joining me on this deep dive into the Casio EX-ZR300 and Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR. I hope this hands-on comparison illuminates the subtle and not-so-subtle differences, empowering you to make an informed choice tailored to your photographic adventures.

Happy shooting!

Article images:

Casio EX ZR300 front Casio EX ZR300 screen back Fujifilm F660EXR screen back