FujiFilm F300EXR vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Superzooms

In the realm of compact superzoom cameras from the late 2000s and early 2010s, FujiFilm’s F300EXR and Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 stand out as notable contenders. Both cameras target enthusiasts looking for versatile focal ranges in a portable package, yet they diverge considerably in design philosophy, feature sets, and real-world performance. After personally testing both models extensively across multiple photography scenarios, I’m excited to share a detailed comparison grounded in hands-on experience and technical analysis.

Whether you’re after a travel-friendly all-rounder or a feature-packed bridge camera, this article will guide you through the key differences and help you identify which model fits your creative needs and budget.

First Impressions: Ergonomics and Handling Matter More Than You Think

Let’s start with something immediate - the look and feel in your hands. Ergonomics directly influence how comfortably you can shoot for extended periods.

At just 104×59×33 mm and weighing 215 grams, the FujiFilm F300EXR is delightfully compact - almost pocketable by some standards. Its slim profile and minimal weight make it an excellent companion for travel and casual shooting. However, the smaller form factor means less grip space and fewer physical controls, which can limit quick adjustments on the fly.

In contrast, the Sony HX1 sports an SLR-like (bridge) body measuring 115×83×92 mm and tipping the scales at a hefty 544 grams - more than twice as heavy. On the positive side, the bulkier build provides a robust handgrip and a traditional DSLR-like shooting posture, which I personally prefer during long shooting sessions or when tracking subjects. The control scheme here is richer, lending itself to manual modes and faster operational response.

Interestingly, despite the HX1’s larger dimensions, it doesn’t feel unwieldy once in your hands - rather, it feels reassuringly solid and well-balanced. By contrast, the Fuji’s minimalism appeals more to photographers prioritizing portability above all else.

Button Layout and Control Intuitiveness: Finding Your Workflow

Ergonomics are incomplete without considering how cameras place their controls.

The FujiFilm F300EXR’s top plate is sparse, reflecting its compact ambitions. Lacking a dedicated mode dial for quick mode switching (though shutter and aperture priority are supported), you’ll find yourself navigating menus often. While the classic layout minimizes complexity for beginners, enthusiasts might find the button arrangement limiting for more involved shooting.

Sony’s HX1 embraces a more traditional DSLR-like design - with a dedicated mode dial, direct access buttons for ISO, white balance, exposure compensation, and a customizable function button. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) control toggle complements the larger grip, facilitating eye-level shooting. The flip-out tilting LCD (more on that shortly) further enriches handling versatility.

To summarize: if rapid access to manual controls and flexibility in shooting modes matter to you, the HX1 has the upper hand. The F300EXR skews toward simplicity - ideal for beginners and casual snappers who prize portability.

Viewing Experience: LCD and Viewfinder Options

A photography session’s enjoyment often boils down to how you preview and review your images.

Both cameras offer 3-inch LCD screens, but the similarities end there.

The FujiFilm F300EXR has a fixed 3.0-inch LCD with a fine resolution of 460k dots, resulting in crisp, detailed image preview and menu legibility. The screen performs well in controlled lighting but struggles in direct sunlight due to its non-articulating nature and lack of anti-reflective coatings.

Sony’s HX1, on the other hand, sports a more modestly resolved 230k dot 3-inch tilting screen. Its lower resolution means images appear less sharp on the display, but the tilting mechanism is a versatile boon. Whether capturing low-angle street scenes or high-overhead shots, the variable angle screen enhances compositional freedom - a feature I greatly appreciated in dynamic shooting scenarios.

Adding to that, the HX1 offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF) - absent on the FujiFilm. Although the EVF resolution isn’t class-leading (common for the period), it delivers a stable and intuitive eye-level preview, shielding you from glare and helping in bright daylight conditions.

In sum, if you prioritize high-resolution rear display quality and don't mind composing exclusively through the LCD, the FujiFilm excels. If you need compositional flexibility and prefer shooting via a viewfinder, the HX1’s design will serve you better.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Image quality often determines if a camera can truly satisfy your photographic ambitions. Here, sensor technology plays a starring role.

The FujiFilm F300EXR is built around a 1/2-inch CCD sensor (6.4 x 4.8 mm) with a resolution of 12 megapixels (4000 x 3000). Fuji’s EXR processor drives dynamic range optimizations and noise reduction. This sensor uses Fuji’s innovative EXR mode, which selectively prioritizes resolution, sensitivity, or dynamic range depending on shooting conditions. However, the benefits are somewhat muted by the sensor’s relatively small size, limiting native ISO performance and overall image fidelity.

The Sony HX1 features a slightly smaller sensor at 1/2.4 inch (6.104 x 4.578 mm) but uses a 9-megapixel CMOS chip paired with Sony’s Bionz image processor. Despite the lower resolution, the CMOS architecture generally provides better noise handling and speed advantages over CCDs, particularly in continuous shooting and live view responsiveness.

In practical shooting, this means FujiFilm delivers good image quality for daylight and controlled conditions, with decent color reproduction and moderate noise at ISO 100-400. The EXR modes help to capture more dynamic range, though I noticed some trade-offs in sharpness and noise when shifting priority modes.

Sony’s HX1, meanwhile, yields slightly softer images at base ISO due to fewer pixels but excels at higher ISOs with less noise and better detail retention. This advantage becomes crucial in indoor, low-light, and fast-action contexts.

Neither camera offers RAW capture, limiting post-processing latitude for professional workflows - a significant downside for some enthusiasts.

Autofocus System and Speed: Tracking Performance

Autofocus (AF) can make or break photographic moments, particularly for fast-moving subjects like wildlife or sports.

The FujiFilm F300EXR relies on a single AF point system, with contrast-detection autofocus only. The camera lacks face detection or continuous AF modes, restricting its effectiveness for action or unpredictable subjects. My tests confirmed it’s best suited for static or slow-moving subjects, like landscapes or portraits.

Sony HX1 brings a much more sophisticated AF system with 9 focus points (center-weighted AF focus aided by contrast detection). It supports single and multi-area AF, plus face detection (though not animal eye detection). While it lacks continuous AF tracking, its performance in fast single-shot AF is noticeably quicker and more reliable than the Fuji. This makes it better positioned for street photography and casual wildlife snapshots.

Lens-wise, both have fixed superzoom lenses - Fuji with 24-360mm equivalent range at f/3.5-5.3 aperture; Sony with an ambitious 28-560mm equivalent range at f/2.8-5.2. The HX1’s longer reach and brighter wide-angle aperture provide additional creative and practical flexibility.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Capturing the Decisive Moment

When it comes to sports or wildlife photography, frame rate and shutter speed flexibility become critical.

FujiFilm F300EXR offers slow continuous shooting at 2 frames per second, with shutter speeds ranging from 8 seconds to 1/2000 sec. This is adequate for casual shooting, but insufficient for truly capturing fast-paced action.

Sony HX1 delivers up to 10 fps burst shooting at a reduced resolution, and shutter speeds spanning 30 sec to 1/4000 sec - much more versatile for panning, timed exposures, and quick sequences. I found the HX1’s faster burst function particularly helpful for sports and bird photography, enabling multiple frame capture to nail peak action poses.

Image Stabilization Technology

Both cameras include image stabilization, but implementation differs:

• FujiFilm F300EXR uses sensor-shift (CCD-shift) stabilization.
• Sony HX1 offers optical image stabilization integrated into the lens.

In practice, optical stabilization is usually superior - compensating effectively for handshake, especially at long focal lengths - something I observed repeatedly while zooming on the HX1. Fuji’s sensor-based approach works reasonably well but struggles at telephoto ends.

Low-light and High ISO Performance

A perennial weak point for small sensor cameras is low-light shooting.

FujiFilm’s CCD sensor maxes out at ISO 3200 native, with boost up to 12800, but above ISO 400 images degrade rapidly with noise and softening. The EXR mode’s dynamic range gain partly offsets highlights but doesn't rescue ISO noise fully.

Sony HX1’s CMOS sensor also caps at ISO 3200 native, without boosted modes. However, Bionz processing and CMOS characteristics deliver more usable images at ISO 800 and 1600 with respectable noise control and detail preservation.

While neither camera shines in challenging low light, the HX1 holds a slight advantage, in my view, for event or indoor shooting.

Video Capabilities: Surprising Strengths and Limitations

Video was becoming an increasingly important feature when these cameras were launched.

FujiFilm F300EXR offers HD video at 1280×720 pixels / 24 fps in Motion JPEG format. While the resolution is respectable, MJPEG files tend to be large and less efficient, and the frame rate somewhat choppy compared to the standard 30fps.

Sony HX1 impresses with 1440×1080 pixels / 30 fps AVCHD Lite (H.264 codec) video recording, yielding sharper, more highly compressed files for longer recording times and better quality footage. It also provides 720p and lower resolutions at 30 fps.

However, neither camera has external microphone or headphone jacks, limiting professional audio options. The HX1’s video autofocus is relatively quick for the era, yet neither model supports modern features like 4K, high frame rates, or advanced stabilization.

Lens Ecosystem and Macro Performance

Both cameras feature fixed, integrated lenses - not interchangeable - but their focal lengths and macro capabilities differ.

• FujiFilm F300EXR: 24-360 mm (15× zoom), minimum macro focusing distance of 5 cm.
• Sony HX1: 28-560 mm (20× zoom), minimum macro focusing distance of 1 cm.

The HX1 delivers notable macro versatility, allowing you to shoot close-up subjects more intimately. Fuji’s 5 cm is less forgiving but still adequate for simple close ups.

On the telephoto end, Sony’s extended 560 mm equivalent focal length edges out Fuji's 360 mm. This is a key differentiator for wildlife and distant subjects.

Storage, Connectivity, and Battery Life

On the technical connectivity front:

• FujiFilm stores photos on SD/SDHC cards with a single slot; uses NP-50 batteries.
• Sony HX1 records on Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo media (Sony proprietary), also with one slot; powered by NP-FH50 batteries.

Both cameras connect via USB 2.0 and support HDMI output, but neither offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or NFC - unsurprising given their age.

Battery life stats are not fully disclosed for either model, but my testing suggests the HX1’s larger body accommodates bigger batteries, generally resulting in longer shooting sessions per charge.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Neither model is weather-sealed, dustproof, or shockproof. Both require careful handling outdoors in inclement conditions. The HX1’s build quality feels sturdier, reflecting its bridge style, but it should not be considered a rugged camera.

Assessing Performance Across Photography Genres

How do these cameras fare under different photographic demands?

Portrait Photography

• FujiFilm F300EXR: Good color rendition, albeit with some softness due to smaller sensor. Limited AF points and no face detection hinder subject tracking. Bokeh quality is modest due to smaller sensor and lens aperture.
• Sony HX1: Better focal reach allowing flattering medium and telephoto portraits. Face detection aids exposure and focus. Slightly better Bokeh with longer focal lengths and brighter aperture.

Winner: Sony HX1

Landscape Photography

Both excel in daylight static scenes but with caveats.

• FujiFilm’s 12MP resolution offers more detailed image capture.
• The EXR modes boost dynamic range handling.
• However, smaller sensor and lens sharpness limit ultimate quality.

Sony’s lower megapixel count is balanced by better noise performance but lacks EXR-style dynamic range enhancement.

Both cameras lack weather sealing - another consideration.

Winner: FujiFilm F300EXR slightly edges ahead for resolution and dynamic range.

Wildlife Photography

• Sony’s 20x zoom and faster AF outperform Fuji’s 15x zoom and slow focusing.
• Higher burst rate enables better action capture.
• Fuji struggles with AF tracking and reach.

Winner: Sony HX1

Sports Photography

Faster shutter speeds, higher burst rates, and responsive AF systems are essential:

• FujiFilm’s 2 fps and slow AF limit usability.
• Sony’s 10 fps and 9 AF points improve chances of capturing moving action.

Winner: Sony HX1

Street Photography

Portability and discretion are key:

• FujiFilm’s compact size offers better stealth and quick grab shots.
• Sony’s larger bulk may be less inconspicuous but benefits from tilting LCD and EVF.

Winner: FujiFilm F300EXR for portability; Sony HX1 if camera size is less of an issue.

Macro Photography

Sony’s minimum focusing distance of 1 cm wins hands down.

Night / Astro Photography

Limited by sensor size; neither excels.

Sony’s better high ISO performance offers slight advantage.

Video Shooting

Superior codec and resolution on Sony HX1.

Travel Photography

FujiFilm’s size and weight favor portability.

Professional Work

Neither models cater to professional workflows - lack RAW support and advanced connectivity.

Reviewing Sample Images: Real-World Results

Perusing examples, color and detail vary as anticipated: Fuji delivers punchier color saturation; Sony’s images are more neutral but less noisy at higher ISO. Lens distortion on wide ends is acceptable on both cameras but slightly more noticeable on the Sony.

Summarizing Performance Scores

Our testing panel scored the Sony HX1 higher for versatility, autofocus, and video capabilities. The FujiFilm F300EXR earned points for compactness, image resolution, and ease of use.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the FujiFilm F300EXR if:

• You want a truly compact superzoom that fits easily in pockets or small bags.
• Portability and simplicity outweigh advanced features.
• You shoot mainly landscapes, portraits in daylight, or casual travel snapshots.
• Budget is a concern - F300EXR tends to be more affordable on secondary markets.

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 if:

• You desire longer reach and an all-around more capable camera.
• You often shoot moving subjects like sports or wildlife.
• You want more manual control, better video quality, and a flexible viewfinder/LCD system.
• You don’t mind a larger, heavier camera.

Honesty and Limitations in Our Testing

While we dedicated hours testing both cameras across multiple scenarios, some limitations remain. Seasonal availability, vintage nature, and discontinued status mean firmware updates are unavailable, and warranty support is limited. Additionally, sample variability and medium format differences can impact results.

Conclusion

The FujiFilm FinePix F300EXR and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 both reflect their era’s ambitions to blend zoom versatility with compact form factors. Yet their divergent design philosophies and performance profiles make them suited to distinct photographic audiences.

Having personally shot thousands of images and researched technical specs, I can confidently say - choose the Fuji for small size and snapshot ease, and pick the Sony for zoom power and manual flexibility. Neither replaces a mirrorless or DSLR for serious pro work, but both remain nostalgic gems and capable superzooms for enthusiasts.

Happy shooting!

For further exploration and gallery samples, please refer to the linked images above.