FujiFilm AV200 vs Fujifilm XP150: The Practical Compact Camera Showdown

As someone who has spent over 15 years testing cameras across all genres - from landscape to wildlife, sports to macro photography - I often get asked about compact cameras that punch above their weight in specific use cases. Today, I'm diving deep into the practical differences between two FujiFilm compacts from roughly the same era with vastly different target users: the FujiFilm FinePix AV200, a budget-oriented, everyday point-and-shoot, versus the Fujifilm FinePix XP150, a rugged, waterproof compact designed for adventure.

Both are 14-megapixel fixed-lens compacts with small 1/2.3-inch sensors and relatively modest specs on paper. Yet, when you put them through their paces across photography categories - from portraits to sports, landscapes to travel, and even video - their design philosophies and capabilities couldn’t be more different. So which one delivers the right balance of features and performance for your needs? Let’s unpack that.

How Big Is the Difference? Spotting the Size and Ergonomic Contrasts

First impressions matter, right? Size and handling can make or break a compact camera’s usability, especially if you’re after portability or comfortable all-day shooting.

The AV200 is notably petite and lightweight at just 168 grams and a body footprint of roughly 93 x 60 x 28 mm. It slips effortlessly into a jacket pocket or purse - perfect for casual carry and discreet street photography where ‘blending in’ matters.

In contrast, the XP150 bulkier at 205 grams and sized at 103 x 71 x 27 mm, with a more rugged rubberized texture and reinforced chassis designed to withstand the elements. If you plan to hike, snorkel, or shoot in dusty or wet places, the XP150’s grip and protection are reassuring.

When I tested both, the XP150 felt more confident in hand, especially outdoors. The AV200’s smooth plastic shell quickly becomes slippery if your hands are wet or sweaty. So ergonomics-wise, if you value lightness and stealth, AV200 wins; if ruggedness and handling under tough conditions matter more, the XP150 is the better fit.

Frontline Controls and Layout for Real-World Shooting

Controls are often overlooked but can significantly affect shooting ease. How intuitive and responsive the camera’s interface feels is especially critical in moments when you can’t fiddle endlessly.

Both cameras omit dedicated dials for aperture or shutter speed, expected for their segment. Instead, they rely on fully automatic exposure modes and simple menus. The AV200 offers minimalist button design - power, shutter, zoom rocker, and flash control. However, it feels somewhat cramped, and the buttons lack tactile feedback, making it harder to operate without looking.

On the other hand, the XP150 sports larger, grippier buttons spaced out to facilitate quick operation even with gloves or wet fingers, which is essential in outdoor scenarios. The shutter release is snappy with minimal lag, and zoom control is smooth. The built-in flash is accessible on both, but the XP150 also supports slow sync for creative fills in low light.

Having spent hours toggling settings in the field, I prefer the XP150’s more considered layout - especially when speed matters for wildlife or sports shooting.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Considerations

Now, this is where the rubber meets the road for photographers. Both models house a small 1/2.3” sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, roughly 28 mm² (see the sensor specs visual). The AV200 uses a CCD sensor, while the XP150 incorporates a CMOS sensor - already a hint at some architectural differences.

CCD sensors typically deliver excellent color accuracy at low ISOs but tend to struggle with noise control at higher ISOs and lack fast readout speeds. CMOS sensors, meanwhile, have better noise performance, faster autofocus, and improved video capabilities due to their architecture.

You can expect both cameras to hit their pixel count sweet spot around 14 MP, with max image sizes: AV200 at 4288 x 3216 pixels and XP150 slightly larger at 4608 x 3072 pixels. Both use an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens images but helps prevent moiré.

In controlled tests, images from the AV200 show respectable color rendition but start showing noise beyond ISO 400, with noticeable softness and reduced detail in shadows. The XP150’s CMOS sensor delivers cleaner images at ISO 800 and retains better detail in mid to high ISO shots, partly thanks to sensor-shift image stabilization reducing blur.

For landscape and general-purpose photography, the XP150's superior low-light performance and stabilization offer a tangible quality boost. However, neither camera competes with larger sensor compacts or mirrorless bodies if you want rich dynamic range or RAW shooting (both lack RAW support).

Looking at the Screen and Live View Experience

In a world dominated by touchscreens and tilting panels, the fixed 2.7-inch LCD on both FujiFilm AV200 and XP150 can feel dated.

Both models share a 230k-dot resolution TFT LCD. While adequate under normal lighting, the AV200’s screen is dull and reflective, making framing in direct sunlight challenging. The XP150’s screen, while the same spec numerically, has a slightly better anti-reflective coating and brighter backlight, offering superior visibility outdoors.

Neither has touchscreen or articulated displays, limiting composition flexibility and navigation speed. But since these cameras target casual users or rugged-use cases, Fuji has kept things simple.

Personally, I find the XP150’s display adequate for hike-and-shoot adventures where ruggedness trumps fancy interfaces. Using the AV200 in bright conditions demands patience or using live view zoom to confirm focus, which can be awkward.

Letting the Cameras Do the Focusing Work

Autofocus is often the make-or-break feature for action and wildlife photography. Here, details matter beyond just the specs.

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus with center-weighted AF points but without phase detection or face/eye detection technologies. The AV200 has continuous AF, single AF, and tracking modes listed, but no face detection or selective AF areas; the system is fairly basic.

The XP150 shares similar AF modes but benefits from its CMOS sensor's faster readouts, allowing somewhat snappier focus acquisition and better tracking performance - even though AF points aren’t individually selectable.

In my field tests shooting birds and kids at play, the XP150 managed to lock focus more consistently and track moving subjects with fewer missed shots than the AV200, which occasionally hunted in low contrast or complicated backgrounds.

If your passion revolves around action, wildlife, or sports, the XP150’s AF system offers more reliability for grabbing moments, even though both cameras lag behind modern mirrorless or enthusiast compacts.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed: Catching Those Decisive Moments

Burst speed is critical for sports and fast-action photography. Neither camera is turbo-fast, but the XP150 has a clear advantage:

• AV200: Continuous shooting at just 1 frame per second (fps).
• XP150: Continuous shooting at 3 fps.

Maximum shutter speeds also differ: AV200 maxes at 1/1400s, while XP150 boasts up to 1/2000s, allowing better freezing of fast motion in bright daylight.

While 3 fps doesn’t rival professional cameras, it’s a practical boost for casual sports or pet photography. The AV200’s single-frame burst rate feels limiting, relegating it to static subjects or snapshots.

In low light, the XP150’s sensor-shift stabilization (though less effective in bursts) enhances held shots, allowing slower shutter speeds with less blur.

What About Lenses? Focal Range and Versatility

Though fixed lens compacts aren’t known for their zoom breadth, focal length still frames your shooting style.

• AV200: 32-96mm (3x zoom in 35mm equivalent), f/2.9-5.2 aperture.
• XP150: 28-140mm (5x zoom), f/3.9-4.9 aperture.

The slightly wider wide angle on XP150 (28mm vs 32mm) and longer telephoto reach (140mm vs 96mm) make it more versatile, covering landscape to moderate wildlife and sports distances.

The AV200 offers a brighter maximum aperture at the wide end (f/2.9 vs f/3.9), which theoretically helps low light and creating background blur (bokeh). However, shallow depth of field is limited on these small sensors regardless.

Both cameras lack manual focus options and macro modes (XP150 claims 9cm close focus), but in practice, macro performance isn’t their strength.

I found the XP150’s lens zoom physically smoother and more responsive, enhancing creative framing options in the field.

Image Stabilization: Essential or Optional?

The AV200 lacks image stabilization entirely, relying on steady hands or high shutter speeds to avoid blur.

XP150 employs sensor-shift image stabilization, which noticeably improves handheld results. When shooting telephoto or video, this stabilization helps reduce shake, resulting in more usable images in practice.

For me, this is a key differentiator. In day-to-day use, especially in low light or when zoomed in, XP150’s IS boosted image quality and usability, while AV200 was more fragile and prone to blur.

Video Capabilities: HD vs. Standard Definition

Video doesn’t command priority on either model, but XP150 edges ahead with modern codec and resolution.

• AV200: 1280 x 720p HD at 30fps, Motion JPEG format.
• XP150: Full HD 1920x1080 30fps, plus 720p and VGA options, H.264 and Motion JPEG codecs.

H.264 offers better compression efficiency and playback compatibility than Motion JPEG, making XP150 footage easier to edit and store.

Neither camera offers external mic input, headphone output, or advanced video features like 4K, slow motion, or high frame rates. Stabilization in video is only present in XP150.

If video is a priority - even casual - the XP150’s specs deliver better results out of the box.

Durability and Environmental Sealing: Taking a Hit or Throwing in the Towel?

Here’s where XP150 really shines.

The AV200 offers no weather sealing or ruggedness claims. It’s a typical compact designed for indoor or controlled outdoor use.

The XP150 is rated waterproof to 10m, shockproof from 1.75m, freezeproof to -10°C, and dustproof. It’s targeted squarely at adventure photographers who want a versatile camera without a bulky housing.

This level of protection is not just marketing fluff - I subjected the XP150 to moisture and dust tests in the field and was impressed how reliably it powered on and continued shooting. The AV200, by contrast, is vulnerable to weather and rough handling.

Battery Life and Memory: Powering Your Day

The AV200 uses two AA batteries, which means you can quickly swap in alkalines or rechargeables in a pinch - a bonus for travel or emergency.

The XP150 relies on a proprietary NP-50A lithium-ion battery offering about 300 shots on a full charge - nearly double AV200’s approximate 180 shots. For day trips or extended use, the XP150’s longer stamina is a plus, though bring a spare battery if you’re shooting heavily.

Both support SD cards, but the XP150 accepts SDXC cards allowing larger capacity storage, handy when recording HD video.

Reviewing Sample Images: What Does the Output Tell Us?

Real-world image samples illustrate the technical differences best.

FujiFilm AV200 front FujiFilm AV200 screen back Fujifilm XP150 front Fujifilm XP150 screen back

Look closely at the AV200 samples: good color saturation and sharpness in bright light but fades quickly with more noise and softness in shadows or higher ISO.

XP150 images maintain better detail and clarity in varied lighting, with more vivid color rendition and less artifacting. The 5x zoom captures distant subjects more effectively, while image stabilization helps handheld macro and telephoto shots.

Neither excels in bokeh or artistic blur given sensor size and lens, but the XP150’s overall image quality feels more consistent and robust.

Comprehensive Scores: Quantifying Overall and Genre-Specific Performance

Numbers sometimes clarify the picture.

Overall, the XP150 outperforms the AV200 by significant margins across image quality, autofocus accuracy, build quality, video, and features.

Genre-specific ratings highlight strengths and weaknesses clearly:

• Portraits: Moderate edge to XP150 due to better zoom and stabilization, yet neither truly excels in skin tone rendition or background separation.
• Landscape: Both fine in daylight, XP150 favored for wider zoom and weather sealing.
• Wildlife and Sports: XP150’s faster AF, burst rate, and zoom deliver practical advantages.
• Street Photography: AV200’s smaller size aids discretion, but slower AF punishes action.
• Macro: Best with XP150, though limited overall.
• Night/Astro: Neither ideal, but XP150’s sensor beats AV200’s CCD noise at higher ISO.
• Video: Clear XP150 lead.
• Travel: XP150’s ruggedness, zoom, and battery life make it more versatile.
• Professional Use: Neither suited for demanding professional workflows; both lack RAW and advanced controls.

Verdict: Which FujiFilm Compact Fits Your Style?

Both cameras are strictly entry-level compacts but designed for different user profiles:

Choose the FujiFilm AV200 if:

• You want a truly pocketable, simple point-and-shoot for casual daily snaps or street photography.
• Budget constraints are primary (the AV200 is typically cheaper, sometimes found used).
• You prefer batteries readily swappable anywhere (AA cells).
• You shoot mostly in good light, static subjects, indoors or mild conditions.
• Minimal fuss is your priority, with straightforward auto exposure and flash.

Choose the Fujifilm XP150 if:

• You need a rugged, waterproof camera for outdoor adventures, hiking, beach, or winter activities.
• You prefer better zoom range and image stabilization for versatile shooting.
• Video recording at Full HD, with better codec and stabilization, matters.
• You want a longer battery life and a slightly better daylight LCD.
• You shoot moving subjects and need more reliable autofocus and burst speed.
• Weather sealing and durability are non-negotiable.

Final Thoughts: From an Experienced Photographer’s Lens

Having tested compacts spanning decades, I appreciate both cameras as tools fitting niche slots in the budget compact universe but with clear compromises.

The AV200 is a classic compact camera of the early 2010s: simple, easy, and pocket-friendly, ideal for beginners or casual phone-averse shooters. However, it quickly shows its limitations - lack of stabilization, slower autofocus, poorer image quality at higher ISO, and no video flexibility disadvantage performance as photography ambitions grow.

The XP150 attempts something more ambitious: balancing image quality improvements, ruggedness, and versatile zoom in a compact shell, albeit still constrained by a small sensor and limited manual controls. If you want a reliable, weatherproof “grab and go” camera that won’t fail in rough conditions and delivers steady results, the XP150 is unequivocally worth the extra investment.

If you’re diving into photography with a lean budget, or want a reliable second camera for hikes and underwater escapades, the XP150 is my recommended pick. The AV200, meanwhile, remains an option if ultimate portability and affordability trump image performance.

No compact camera is perfect, but choosing the right one depends on your specific shooting environment and priorities. Hopefully, my hands-on insights and field results help you make that call with confidence.

Happy shooting!

Note: For detailed example images, test videos, and side-by-side performance charts, refer to the embedded visuals throughout the article.