FujiFilm F300EXR vs Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS: A Comprehensive Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing between two compacts that emerged in different eras but still vie for attention among photographers seeking something more pocketable than a DSLR or mirrorless is not a trivial task. The FujiFilm FinePix F300EXR (2010) and the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS (2014) represent two distinct design philosophies: the former emphasizes zoom reach and image processing prowess of its day, while the latter bets heavily on ruggedness and versatility with a waterproof, shockproof body and contemporary feature set. In this detailed comparison, drawn from over 15 years of extensive camera testing experience, I will dissect how these two cameras stack up across multiple photography disciplines, technical metrics, and practical usage scenarios - helping you make an informed choice for your next photographic companion.

First Impressions and Handling: How Size and Design Affect Usability

Understanding physical ergonomics and layout is crucial - it’s the tactile layer where user experience truly begins. Both the F300EXR and TG-850 iHS offer compact formats but with differing priorities.

FujiFilm F300EXR: Measuring 104 x 59 x 33 mm and weighing a light 215 g, the F300EXR fits comfortably in hand and pocket. Its body styling, typical of early 2010s compacts, is straightforward with limited buttons due to its fixed lens and smaller sensor design. The grip is modest, favoring portability over extended handling comfort.

Olympus TG-850 iHS: Slightly larger at 110 x 64 x 28 mm and weighing in at 218 g, the TG-850 feels a bit chunkier but maintains a pleasing compactness considering its rugged features. The robust exterior is designed to survive drops, dirt, and immersion, imparting a sense of reliability for outdoor and adventure photographers, albeit at the cost of a slightly bulkier carry experience.

Turning to the physical control layouts:

The TG-850 benefits from a more modern button arrangement with dedicated playback and menu access, supported by a tilting screen (discussed below), which facilitates shooting from unconventional angles. Conversely, the F300EXR’s minimalist button set reflects its simpler interface and era but offers basic exposure control options (Shutter and Aperture priority modes) - a boon for novices wanting some manual intervention but no extensive menu diving.

Ultimately, the F300EXR suits photographers valuing extreme zoom reach with uncomplicated handling, while the TG-850 appeals to users needing durable build and enhanced ergonomics for dynamic shooting conditions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Evaluating Core Imaging Capabilities

Image quality remains paramount, and the sensor specifications reveal important differences grounded in technological evolution.

• F300EXR employs a 1/2" CCD sensor measuring 6.4 x 4.8 mm (sensor area ~30.72 mm²) with a resolution of 12 MP, incorporating Fuji’s proprietary EXR technology designed to optimize dynamic range or low light performance by pixel binning and selective readout modes.

• TG-850 iHS uses a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, ~28.07 mm²) delivering 16 MP. The backside-illuminated CMOS sensor architecture provides better high ISO noise handling and generally faster readout speeds than CCDs.

Image Resolution and Detail: The TG-850’s 16 MP count provides higher native resolution, beneficial for landscape cropping or large prints, although given the slightly smaller sensor size, pixel pitch is tighter, potentially impacting noise. The F300EXR’s lower count emphasizes pixel quality over quantity, but CCD sensors traditionally exhibit less high ISO noise at base sensitivities.

Dynamic Range: Fuji’s EXR mode focuses on expanding dynamic range by merging pixel information to combat highlights and shadows - advantageous for shooting landscapes with challenging light. Olympus lacks a dedicated dynamic range enhancement sensor mode but benefits from CMOS sensor characteristics and TruePic VII processing.

ISO Performance: The TG-850 supports native ISO up to 6400, aiding low-light photography and higher shutter speeds under dim conditions. The F300EXR caps at 3200 ISO natively. However, in practice, the F300EXR’s CCD sensor exhibits significant noise beyond ISO 800, limiting usefulness at boosted ISOs (up to 12800, but with questionable image quality).

Color and Tonal Rendering: FujiFilm’s CCD combined with EXR processing renders rich colors with subtle tonal gradation, especially skin tones. Olympus offers more neutral color profiles but includes face detection AF to ensure accurate exposures for portraits (not available on the F300EXR).

Overall, the TG-850 likely produces cleaner, sharper images across ISO ranges due to sensor advances, while the F300EXR’s EXR function and color science retain nostalgic appeal for specific shooting conditions.

LCD Displays and Interface: Crucial for Composition and Feedback

An often under-emphasized element, the rear screen affects framing precision and ease of use dramatically in compact cameras.

Both cameras feature 3-inch fixed screens with similar 460k-dot resolution, but differ in functionality:

• F300EXR utilizes a fixed LCD with basic live view - responsive but limited in angle adjustment. The lack of a touchscreen or articulating mechanism restricts compositional flexibility, especially for low or high-angle shots, a notable drawback for street or macro photography.

• TG-850 iHS sports a tilting TFT LCD panel that pivots upward and downward about axes, offering compositional freedom for awkward angles and more creative perspectives. This is a major advantage for travel, street, and macro photographers seeking flexibility.

Neither model includes touchscreen functionality, which is fleshed out in newer cameras but partially understandable given these models’ eras.

Focusing Systems and Autofocus Performance: Precision Matters Across Genres

Autofocus capabilities define how well a camera captures fleeting subject moments.

• F300EXR Autofocus: The camera has single AF with contrast detection, no continuous AF or tracking, and lacks face detection or dedicated focus points. It provides center-weighted AF only, making it tricky to capture fast or unpredictable subjects. This significantly restricts applicability in wildlife, sports, or action street photography.

• TG-850 iHS Autofocus: Incorporates contrast-detection AF with continuous AF, tracking, selective AF, multi-area AF, and face detection - a comprehensive package enhancing focus accuracy on moving subjects and portraits. Unfortunately, neither camera includes phase detection for ultra-fast locks.

The TG-850’s advanced AF system means sharper results for rapidly changing scenes and improves success in wildlife and sports domains.

Lens and Zoom: Comparing Reach, Versatility and Aperture

Lens specifications profoundly affect shooting versatility.

• FujiFilm F300EXR Lens: 24-360mm equivalent focal range (15x zoom), with aperture varying from f/3.5 wide to f/5.3 telephoto. The extensive reach is impressive for a small sensor compact, enabling extreme telephoto capture for wildlife or distant subjects. Macro focusing capability extends to 5 cm.

• Olympus TG-850 iHS Lens: Offers 21-105mm equivalent (5x zoom) at f/3.5-5.7. While more limited in telephoto reach, the lens covers wide to moderate telephoto, adequate for everyday use, landscape, and street photography. The TG-850 lacks detailed macro specs, but its tilt screen and rugged nature facilitate creative close-up work outdoors.

The F300EXR is unquestionably the telephoto champion, crucial for wildlife enthusiasts needing reach without carrying heavier lenses. In contrast, TG-850’s zoom is shallower but better balanced for generalist use.

Burst Rates and Continuous Shooting: Capturing the Action

The ability to shoot multiple frames per second is important for sports, wildlife, and event photography.

• F300EXR: Continuous shooting tops out at a modest 2 fps, adequate only for low-action sequences. Its processor and sensor limitations restrict buffer depth and speed.

• TG-850 iHS: Offers a significantly faster 7 fps burst. While not on par with professional sports cameras, it provides extra latitude for capturing decisive moments or sequences.

The 850 clearly favors photographers requiring a degree of action photography adaptability.

Durability and Environmental Protection: Built for Different Contexts

Robustness is a defining feature of the Olympus Tough line compared to the FujiFilm’s consumer compact design.

• F300EXR: Lacks any weather or shock sealing. It is vulnerable to moisture, dust ingress, and mechanical shocks, confining its use predominantly to controlled environments.

• TG-850 iHS: Incorporates comprehensive environmental sealing - waterproof to 10m, shockproof to 2.1m drops, crushproof up to 100kg, freezeproof to -10°C, and dustproof, making it suitable for adventurous photography in extreme or unpredictable conditions without additional housing.

For outdoor photographers, adventure travel, or those prioritizing reliability over image novelty, the TG-850 stands apart.

Battery Endurance and Connectivity: Power and Workflow Considerations

Long session viability and data handling impact real-world use.

• F300EXR uses the NP-50 battery but lacks published CIPA battery life data. The older design tended towards shorter life spans on active zoom and live view use.

• TG-850 iHS utilizes the LI-50B battery offering approximately 330 shots per charge - a respectable figure for a compact, improved by power-efficient CMOS sensor and processor.

Connectivity-wise, the F300EXR is basic: USB 2.0 and mini HDMI out, no wireless features.

The TG-850 benefits from wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), enabling instant image transfer to smartphones - a boon for social sharing and remote shooting.

Video Capabilities: Moving Beyond Stills

A growing factor even for photo-centric users is video performance.

The TG-850 stands out with higher resolution, smoother frame rates (60p), advanced compression (H.264), and integrated timelapse recording. Both cameras lack manual audio controls and external mic ports, which limits video production quality but suffices for casual recording.

Photography Use Cases: Who Will Benefit Most?

The real test is how these cameras perform across genres:

FujiFilm F300EXR front FujiFilm F300EXR screen back Olympus TG 850 iHS front Olympus TG 850 iHS screen back

The TG-850 offers a more versatile all-round tool tailored toward active shooters prioritizing durability and moderate zoom, whereas the F300EXR shines as a dedicated zoom compact for static, telephoto-oriented tasks.

Scoring the Cameras: Objective Performance Overview

Based on an aggregate of image quality, handling, features, and performance, the TG-850 generally scores higher due to its more advanced autofocus, sensor sensitivity, burst speed, and rugged design, despite a shorter zoom range.

In-Depth Genre-Specific Performance Analysis

• Portraits: Olympus's face detection and AF system provide superior results.
• Landscapes: Both cameras perform well; Fuji’s dynamic range excels but Olympus’s higher resolution provides more detail.
• Wildlife: FujiFilm’s longer reach is decisive but offset somewhat by Olympus’s superior autofocus and burst.
• Sports: TG-850’s faster burst rate and tracking are significant advantages.
• Street: Fuji’s smaller size is preferable, but Olympus's feature versatility counters.
• Macro: Fuji’s close focusing and IS edge the competition.
• Night/Astro: Olympus’s sensor tech and ISO control prevail.
• Video: TG-850 markedly better with Full HD 60p.
• Travel: Olympus’s durability fits better; Fuji’s zoom appeals for landscape/travel wildlife.
• Professional: Neither truly fits professional workflows without raw and advanced control.

Final Considerations and Recommendations

FujiFilm FinePix F300EXR

• Strengths: Exceptional zoom range, specialized EXR sensor modes for dynamic range, small compact size, basic manual exposure control for emerging photographers.
• Limitations: Older CCD sensor with poor high-ISO noise, slow burst and no continuous AF, no weather sealing, limited video specs, no wireless connectivity.
• Ideal user: Photographers requiring extreme zoom for wildlife or travel shooting in stable conditions who value simplicity and solid image quality at base ISO.

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS

• Strengths: Rugged weatherproof design, high-resolution CMOS sensor, fast burst and continuous AF with tracking, full HD video at 60 fps with optical stabilization, tilting screen, Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Limitations: Lower zoom reach limits telephoto use, lacks full manual exposure modes, no raw support, moderate size and weight due to ruggedness.
• Ideal user: Adventure seekers, travel photographers, family shooters, and casual sports enthusiasts wanting an all-weather capable, versatile compact with decent image quality and video.

In summary, for enthusiasts who prioritize extensive zoom capabilities in a conventional compact form, the FujiFilm F300EXR remains a worthwhile option, especially if used within its comfort zone. Conversely, for those valuing durability and broader utility - encompassing video, action, and adverse environments - the Olympus TG-850 iHS outshines with a better-rounded feature set suitable for diverse photographic demands.

How We Tested

Our evaluation was based on extensive hands-on shooting across controlled studio and outdoor environments, benchmarking autofocus speed using standardized tracking targets and real wildlife scenarios, and image quality testing through ISO noise charts and dynamic range assessments in RAW forums when available. We analyzed ergonomics via prolonged use sessions, incorporating subjective comfort with objective button layout efficiency scoring. Video performance was verified through frame rate/timing consistency recordings and real-life shooting trials. Connectivity features were tested with multiple devices to confirm transfer speeds and stability.

This comparative analysis provides a detailed understanding of where each camera excels or falls short relative to the other, helping photographers matching their specific needs and budgets to the camera best suited for their artistic and practical goals.