Casio EX-ZR700 vs Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR: Comprehensive Superzoom Compact Comparison

Choosing the right superzoom compact camera can be daunting. Both the Casio EX-ZR700 and the Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR fit into the small sensor superzoom niche, boasting versatile focal ranges and appealing features for travel, wildlife, and everyday photography. We’ve extensively tested both models, applying rigorous evaluation techniques to help you decide which suits your creative ambitions best.

In this detailed comparison, we'll dive into technical specifications, real-world image quality, usability, and performance across multiple photography disciplines, so you can confidently find your ideal match.

Getting a Feel for Size and Handling

Both cameras aim for portability, crucial for enthusiasts prioritizing travel and street shooting. Let’s start by comparing their physical dimensions and ergonomics:

The Casio feels a touch chunkier front-to-back but offers a more substantial grip area for those with larger hands. By contrast, the Fujifilm’s slimmer profile makes it easier to slip inside a jacket pocket but with slightly less tactile surface area for secure holding during active use. Both have fixed lenses and pocketable builds, though neither feels “ultra-compact.”

If compactness and lightness are crucial, Fujifilm takes a slight edge; for a sturdy feel that encourages steadier handling during bursts or telephoto reach, the Casio is comfortable.

Top View and Control Layout: Usability Under the Hood

Good ergonomics are about more than size - control placement and intuitive layouts dictate your shooting efficiency.

Each camera sports a conventional compact setup with mode dials and a few buttons:

• Casio EX-ZR700:

  • Central mode dial with manual exposure modes (M, Av, Tv) and programmable custom modes.
  • Dedicated movie record button.
  • Easily accessible zoom rocker around the shutter button.
  • No touchscreen; reliance on physical buttons.

• Fujifilm F500 EXR:

  • Also offers manual exposure control but no manual focus ring - focus is electronically controlled.
  • Slightly simpler layout with fewer direct controls.
  • Movie recording button shared with mode dial selection.
  • No touchscreen.

Both cameras avoid complexity, which benefits beginners and those who prefer not to dig through menus. For more advanced photographers, Casio’s inclusion of manual focus and shutter/aperture priority modes is compelling.

Sensor Technology and Imaging Performance

Core to any camera’s output is its sensor. Both your contenders use 16MP sensors with 1/2.3-inch class sizes, which are typical for superzoom compacts. Let’s break down key details:

Analysis:

• The Fujifilm sensor benefits from EXR technology, designed for enhanced dynamic range and detail extraction by pixel binning or pixel shifting. This is often a practical advantage in bright/dark contrast scenes common in landscapes or street photos.
• Although the Casio sensor is slightly smaller, it shows commendable noise handling at base ISO and stabilizes image quality with its built-in sensor-shift stabilization.
• Neither supports RAW shooting, which is a limitation for professionals wanting maximum post-processing latitude. Expect JPEG-centric workflows.

Image quality takeaway: The Fujifilm has a slight edge in dynamic range and ISO latitude from our testing, thanks largely to EXR processing, but both produce respectable images in good light.

Back Screen and Interface Experience

For composing and reviewing your images, screen quality and navigation fluidity count big.

Insights:

• The Casio’s high-resolution screen reveals sharper detail in menus and images, which aids precise composition and playback review. This is helpful for photographers shooting landscapes or macro where fine focus checking matters.
• Fujifilm’s screen feels more basic and less contrasty, but remains usable.
• Neither has touch functionality or articulating screens, a downside for vloggers or awkward-angle shooting.
• Menu systems on both are straightforward, but Casio’s interface is cleaner and more responsive.

Autofocus Systems Put to the Test

Fast and accurate focusing is mission critical, especially for wildlife, sports, and street photography. Here’s how they stack up:

Real-world AF evaluation:

• The Fujifilm F500 EXR has an advantage in continuous autofocus, making it slightly more reliable for moving subjects in good light.
• Casio’s face detection works well for portraiture, helping maintain crisp AF on eyes and faces in common poses.
• Manual focus availability on the Casio enables deliberate control for macro or low-light work where autofocus can hunt.
• Autofocus can struggle at the long telephoto ends of both cameras due to small sensors and slow apertures, but image stabilization helps compensate.

Zoom Lenses: Reach and Image Quality Across the Frame

Telephoto versatility is the hallmark of superzooms. Both cameras feature sizable zoom ranges with some differences.

Analysis:

• Casio offers slightly longer reach from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, enhancing its wildlife and distant subject potential.
• Fujifilm’s slightly wider wide-end captures more context for landscapes or architecture.
• Maximum apertures are quite similar; neither is ideal for extremely low light telephoto shots.
• Image stabilization on both models reduces shake effectively at longer zooms, vital given slow lenses.

For travel or wildlife, Casio’s longer zoom gives you extra framing flexibility, while Fujifilm balances zoom with a marginally brighter telephoto aperture.

Burst Shooting and Performance Under Pressure

Capturing action requires a quick frame rate and buffer performance:

Neither camera targets professional sports shooters. The 3 fps rate is adequate for casual bursts or fleeting street moments but uncompetitive for fast-moving wildlife or sports athletes. Buffer depth is modest, meaning the camera slows quickly during extended series.

Flash Systems and Low Light Shooting

Both have built-in flashes with differing ranges and modes:

In dim light, Fujifilm’s higher max ISO expands creative possibilities, but expect noise. Casio offers a more powerful flash flash, which benefits fill or close subject illumination. Both benefit from sensor-shift stabilization to reduce blur in slower shutter speeds.

Video Features: Basic but Functional

Neither camera aims to compete with advanced video shooters but offer useful recording options:

Casio adds value with multiple slow-motion framerates, a creative bonus for enthusiasts, while Fujifilm sticks to standard Full HD capture. Both cameras lack external audio connectivity, limiting videography control.

Battery Life and Storage

Both use proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion packs:

Casio offers impressive battery longevity for a compact with its sensor shift, meaning more shooting time per charge. Both accept widely available SD card formats.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera features weather sealing or rugged protections such as shockproof or freeze-proof certifications. Both are designed primarily for casual outdoor use, so protective cases are recommended for harsh environments.

Image Quality Showdown: Sample Gallery Insights

Let’s see real image output side-by-side from typical shooting scenarios:

Casio EX ZR700 front Casio EX ZR700 screen back Fujifilm F500 EXR screen back

• Portraits: Casio’s face detection yields sharper eye focus and natural skin tones; Fujifilm images are slightly softer but maintain pleasant color.
• Landscape: Fujifilm’s EXR sensor pulls superior dynamic range in high contrast settings, preserving highlights and shadows better.
• Wildlife at telephoto: Casio’s longer zoom lets you frame distant animals closer but autofocus hunting occurs occasionally.
• Low Light: Fujifilm’s boosted ISO delivers usable files but with more noise; Casio maintains cleaner images at lower ISO but can struggle in deeper shadows.

Performance Summary and Scoring

We synthesized our technical testing and practical use evaluations into performance scores:

While Fujifilm edges slightly in imaging sophistication, Casio offers a more balanced package at a marginally lower price.

Best Camera for Every Photography Genre

Your choice depends on intended use. Here’s how the cameras perform in niche shooting styles:

• Portrait: Casio's face detection → better focusing; choose Casio.
• Landscape: Fujifilm's EXR sensor → wider dynamic range → better for landscapes.
• Wildlife: Casio’s longer telephoto lens → better reach.
• Sports: Similar AF speed; neither suited for professional fast action shooting.
• Street: Both compact; Fujifilm’s smaller size better for stealth.
• Macro: Both support 5cm focusing; Casio’s manual focus helps precision.
• Night/Astro: Fujifilm’s higher ISO boost slightly better.
• Video: Casio’s slow-mo options add creative flair.
• Travel: Casio’s battery life and zoom favor travel versatility.
• Professional Work: Neither supports RAW; best suited for hobbyist/prosumer use.

Final Thoughts – Which to Choose?

Here is the distilled advice from our expert testing:

Choose the Casio EX-ZR700 if you:

• Want longer zoom reach for wildlife or distant subjects.
• Prefer manual focus control and a sharper rear LCD.
• Need better battery life for extended shooting.
• Value face detection AF for portrait shooting.
• Appreciate creative video slow-motion modes.

Choose the Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR if you:

• Want slightly better dynamic range and image quality in landscapes.
• Prefer slightly more compact and lighter camera.
• Need continuous AF for casual action shooting.
• Value ISO expansion for low light creative work.
• Are looking for a camera with EXR sensor benefits.

Getting Started and Next Steps

If you are a photography enthusiast or a budding professional exploring superzooms, both these cameras offer accessible, versatile solutions to capture beautiful moments without carrying bulky DSLRs. Their fixed lenses simplify operation and avoid costly glass at the expense of ultimate optical quality.

We recommend trying each at a local store if possible to feel the ergonomics and test menus firsthand. Consider picking up optical or digital accessories like tripods or external flashes to extend capabilities.

Whether prioritizing sharp portraits, sweeping landscapes, or casual travel snaps, the Casio EX-ZR700 and Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR help you get started with confidence - offering value-packed features tuned for everyday creativity.

Happy shooting!