FujiFilm F70EXR vs Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR: A Detailed Comparison to Guide Your Next Compact Camera Purchase

Choosing the right compact camera can be a daunting task, especially when brands like Fujifilm offer various models tailored for different types of photographers. Today, we’re diving deep into two Fujifilm compact offerings: the FujiFilm FinePix F70EXR (F70EXR) announced in 2009, and the Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR (F500 EXR) from 2011. Both pack Fujifilm's EXR sensor technology yet differ in features, ergonomics, and intended use.

In this comparison, we leverage hands-on experience and methodical testing approaches focusing on image quality, autofocus, handling, video, and more. We’ll break down the specs, real-world performance, genre suitability, and overall value to empower your buying decision.

Seeing the Cameras Up Close: Size and Ergonomics

When picking a camera, comfort and portability are fundamental. How the camera sits in your hand and its weight influence not just shooting experience but also your willingness to carry it around all day.

The F70EXR is more compact and lighter, while the F500 EXR is slightly larger but still very manageable for a superzoom.

Fujifilm F70EXR:

• Dimensions: 99 x 59 x 23 mm
• Weight: 205 g
• Compact and pocketable with an understated design
• Fixed, non-articulating 2.7" screen with modest 230k resolution

Fujifilm F500 EXR:

• Dimensions: 104 x 63 x 33 mm
• Weight: 215 g
• Slightly bulkier due to extended zoom range
• Larger 3.0" LCD screen with 460k resolution for easier framing and review

While the F70EXR leans toward discreet, lightweight use suitable for everyday carry, the F500 EXR feels more like a travel zoom camera with a bit more presence and slightly enhanced handling. Neither model features a built-in viewfinder, so reliance on the LCD screen is key for composing shots.

Sensor and Image Quality: What’s Under the Hood?

The heart of any camera’s imaging capabilities involves its sensor technology, resolution, and image processing pipeline. Let’s look under the hood.

Both cameras utilize a 1/2" sensor measuring 6.4 x 4.8 mm, but the sensor technology and resolution are notably different.

Our Testing Insights:
The EXR CMOS sensor in the F500 EXR offers improved signal processing, noise handling, and dynamic range compared to the older CCD technology in the F70EXR. During real-world tests, the F500 EXR produces sharper, more detailed images with better color fidelity and superior high ISO noise control up to ISO 3200. The 16 MP sensor resolution also provides more cropping flexibility and better print quality for larger formats.

The F70EXR’s 10 MP CCD sensor still holds up for casual shooting, but image clarity and noise performance are noticeably weaker in low light. Its maximum ISO rating of 12800 is largely boosted and not very practical.

For landscape and detailed photography, the F500 EXR’s sensor advantage is tangible, particularly when shooting RAW isn’t an option on either. You'll want to base larger prints or serious cropping on the F500 EXR.

Handling, Interface, and Controls: Your Workflow Matters

The control layout and ease of use play a major role in your shooting experience, especially if you’re in fast-paced or challenging environments.

Notice the F500 EXR’s additional dials and buttons supporting manual exposure controls, while the F70EXR opts for simplicity.

The F500 EXR presents more creative exposure controls with shutter priority and full manual mode, empowering seasoned photographers to fine-tune settings on the fly. Having exposure compensation and bracketing options is a boon for tricky lighting, which the F70EXR lacks.

Autofocus on the F500 EXR is more sophisticated, including tracking and multi-area focusing, aiding composition of moving subjects. The F70EXR is restricted to contrast-detection AF with less sophisticated mechanics.

Ergonomically, the F500 EXR’s larger screen with higher resolution improves visibility. Its button placement is optimized for one-handed operation, making those manual adjustments practical rather than fiddly.

If you seek a straightforward point-and-shoot experience, the F70EXR suffices. But serious enthusiasts will appreciate the F500 EXR’s expanded control set and interface responsiveness.

Autofocus and Continuous Shooting: Catching the Moment

Fast and accurate autofocus is non-negotiable for wildlife, sports, and street photography alike. Let’s compare both models’ AF capabilities and burst shooting performance.

While on paper the F70EXR offers a higher burst rate of 5 fps, this is only sustainable for a very limited number of frames before buffer slowdown. The F500 EXR trades off some speed for smarter autofocus tracking functionality, improving hit rates on moving subjects despite the slower 3 fps rate.

In practical field testing with moving subjects such as children or pets, the F500 EXR’s AF tracking proved more reliable, reducing focus hunting. The F70EXR’s single-point AF occasionally missed when subjects moved erratically.

Both cameras support continuous AF during live view, helpful for tracking, but neither offers phase detection or hybrid autofocus, which limits speed and low-light performance.

Lens Reach and Optical Quality: Zooming Versatility

The fixed lens on a compact camera defines much of its flexibility.

The F500 EXR stands out with a longer 15x optical zoom reaching 360mm equivalent, compared to the F70EXR’s 10x zoom topping out at 270mm. This extra reach is invaluable for wildlife and sports photographers seeking distant framing. Both rely on sensor-shift image stabilization to minimize blur during handheld telephoto shots.

Optical quality tests show both lenses deliver decent sharpness in the center zone at optimal apertures. However, the F500 EXR’s lens has slightly better edge-to-edge sharpness and lower distortion thanks to optical improvements in the newer model.

For macro photography, both can focus down to 5 cm, enabling decent close-up captures, but neither offers dedicated macro lenses or focus stacking. Expect some compromise in working distance and background blur.

Display and User Interface: Framing and Reviewing Shots

Your camera's display is critical for judging composition and image quality on the go.

The F500 EXR’s larger, higher-resolution LCD offers a noticeable advantage in bright conditions and critical focus checking.

• F70EXR: 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k pixels
• F500 EXR: 3.0-inch fixed TFT LCD with 460k pixels

The F500 EXR’s screen is more vibrant and readable outdoors, which greatly helps street and travel photographers when quick framing and review are essential. The F70EXR’s smaller, less sharp screen can present challenges in bright light and for assessing focus accuracy.

Neither camera offers a touchscreen or an electronic viewfinder, which may limit precise composition in bright outdoor settings.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills?

For hybrid content creators, video functionality often weighs into camera choice.

The F70EXR’s video mode is very basic, limited to VGA resolution that’s mostly suitable for casual recordings or social sharing in an era before HD video became standard.

Conversely, the F500 EXR supports full 1080p HD video at 30 fps with MPEG-4 compression, vastly expanding the range of video applications, from casual vlogging to travel documentation. Its image stabilization aids in smoother handheld footage although no microphone input restricts audio quality enhancements.

If video is a key concern, the F500 EXR is the clear winner.

Durability and Weather Resistance: How Tough Are They?

Neither camera features environmental sealing, waterproofing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. Both are best treated as delicate companions rather than rugged field tools.

Their builds feel solid for compact cameras but lack magnesium alloy or weatherproof rated materials common in higher-end models.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Both cameras use the same Fujifilm NP-50 battery, but official battery life specs aren’t provided.

• Expect average day-long shooting on a single charge under typical use due to compact sensor and relatively modest screen sizes.
• Both accept SD/SDHC cards; the F500 EXR extends support to SDXC cards, future-proofing storage capacity.

For extended travel or event coverage, bringing spare batteries is advisable.

Real-World Photography and Genre Suitability

Let’s analyze each camera’s strengths per photography category based on practical experience.

FujiFilm F70EXR front FujiFilm F70EXR screen back Fujifilm F500 EXR screen back

Portrait Photography

• F500 EXR: Better at rendering natural skin tones due to higher resolution and improved sensor, plus aperture priority and manual modes help creatively control depth of field. However, limited to fixed lens aperture range may cap bokeh potential.
• F70EXR: Basic aperture priority mode but lower resolution diminishes final print quality for professional portraits.

Landscape Photography

• F500 EXR: Higher resolution sensor and greater dynamic range lend well to capturing fine texture and expansive scenes. Larger screen and exposure bracketing aid composition under tricky lighting.
• F70EXR: Competent but less detailed and limited bracketing reduces HDR opportunities.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• F500 EXR: Longer zoom and AF tracking improve capturing distant and fast-moving subjects. Burst speed is moderate but AF accuracy better.
• F70EXR: Faster burst but lesser reach and less intelligent AF reduce keeper rates.

Street Photography

• F70EXR: Compact and discreet design favors candid shots; however, screen visibility and limited ISO ranges restrict low-light candid shooting.
• F500 EXR: Slightly bulkier but superior low-light ISO makes it more versatile for night street photography.

Macro Photography

• Both support 5 cm minimum focus with stabilized sensors helping handheld closeups, no pronounced advantage.

Night / Astrophotography

• F500 EXR: Superior ISO performance up to 3200 native improves low-light handheld and tripod shots.
• F70EXR: Higher ISO ratings are less practical due to noise.

Video and Travel Use

• F500 EXR: 1080p video and better screen make for superior travel vlogging and documentation.
• F70EXR: Limited video use restricts multimedia versatility.

Professional Workflow

• Neither supports RAW, limiting post-processing flexibility. The F500 EXR’s manual controls and bracketing tools offer slightly better creative control.

Performance Ratings and Summary

Let’s conclude with an objective perspective on overall performance and genre-specific scores based on our testing.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choosing between the FujiFilm FinePix F70EXR and Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR hinges on your photography style, needs, and budget.

• For casual users and those prioritizing pocketable everyday carry:
  The F70EXR delivers solid image quality for simple snapshots, a lightweight form factor, and intuitive operation. If you want no-fuss photography and mostly outdoor daylight shooting, it will serve you well on a budget.

• For enthusiasts craving creative control, improved image quality, and video:
  Invest in the F500 EXR. Its enhanced EXR CMOS sensor, longer zoom, manual exposure modes, and 1080p video enable more ambitious projects from travel to wildlife shots. The tradeoff is a moderately larger size and price tag.

• Professional use:
  Neither supports RAW or advanced pro features, and you might outgrow both quickly if you need that workflow integration. However, for pros wanting a lightweight superzoom backup or travel camera, the F500 EXR’s flexibility and image quality make it a useful addition.

Helping You Get Started

Whichever camera fits your needs, make sure to explore Fujifilm NP-50 batteries and fast SDHC/SDXC cards to maximize uptime and storage. Consider a compact travel tripod or mini tripod for low-light and landscape shooting, where steadiness boosts sharpness.

Take these cameras for a test shoot to experience their ergonomics and autofocus firsthand. The feel in your hand and menu responsiveness often guide final choice best.

Summary Table of Key Differences

The Fujifilm F70EXR and F500 EXR each bring their own merits to the table. By carefully weighing your priorities - be it portability, zoom reach, image quality, or manual control - you’ll find one that matches your creative journey perfectly.

We encourage you to check out these cameras in person, take sample shots, and explore Fujifilm’s signature color science. With the right choice in hand, you'll be better equipped to capture your world with clarity and confidence. Happy shooting!