FujiFilm F70EXR vs. Fujifilm JX370: Which Compact Camera Suits Your Photography Style?

When diving into the realm of compact cameras, especially from a brand as respected as FujiFilm, choosing between different models can be tricky. Both the FujiFilm FinePix F70EXR (released in 2009) and the Fujifilm FinePix JX370 (released in 2011) are affordable, compact options targeting casual and enthusiast photographers who want point-and-shoot simplicity with some bells and whistles. But if you’re someone who cares about image quality, handling, and where these cameras fit in different photography genres, I’ve put these two in a head-to-head based on extensive hands-on testing and analysis.

Let’s walk through everything from sensor specs to real-world performance while unpacking who will benefit most from which model. I’ll share practical insights you won’t find in typical spec sheets because, honestly, I’ve tested thousands of cameras and seen what really matters on shoots.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Ergonomics

Before I talk pixels and processors, size and feel often influence how comfortably you shoot over a day. Both cameras are small sensor compacts targeting portability, but the subtle differences impact handling.

• FujiFilm F70EXR weighs about 205g and measures 99x59x23mm.
• Fujifilm JX370 is lighter at 124g and slightly smaller at 95x57x24mm.

That difference is more than a number - the F70EXR feels more substantial, with a more confident grip. It’s a bit thicker and has a more pronounced front grip. The JX370 feels lighter, which some may appreciate for a pocket carry but, in my experience, it can feel a bit toy-like after longer sessions.

Neither has an electronic viewfinder, relying on fixed 2.7-inch LCD screens. More on the displays in a moment.

The control layout shows the F70EXR offers aperture priority mode (which I love shooting to control depth of field) while the JX370 sticks to fully automatic exposure. Neither has manual focus or programmable buttons, keeping things simple but limiting creative control.

In terms of build quality, both feel plasticky, typical for budget compacts; no weather sealing to speak of, so both are best kept away from bad weather.

For traveling lightweight and grabbing casual snaps without fiddling, the JX370’s size and weight are compelling. If you want a bit more control and a more solid feeling, the F70EXR clearly wins.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality - The Heart of the Camera

Now the crucial bit - what images can they produce? Specs say one thing, but I ran practical tests (controlled lighting, various ISO levels, and shooting scenarios) to assess image quality, noise, dynamic range, and color fidelity.

Both use small 1/2” class CCD sensors; the F70EXR has a 10MP resolution while the JX370 jumps to 14MP. You might think more megapixels mean better images, but in compact cameras especially, sensor size and pixel pitch hugely affect quality.

• F70EXR sensor size: 6.4x4.8mm (approx. 30.7mm²)
• JX370 sensor size: 6.17x4.55mm (approx. 28.1mm²)

Slightly larger sensor area on the F70EXR translates to bigger pixels, which generally deliver cleaner images, especially in low light.

Image processing matters, too: F70EXR’s EXR processor was quite advanced at its time, helping extend dynamic range and optimize noise levels with specialized modes (though these require manual exposure adjustments). The JX370 lacks such processing sophistication.

In my hands-on comparisons:

• The F70EXR produced richer colors and less noise above ISO 400.
• The JX370’s higher resolution resulted in sharper edges in good light but struggled more with noise creeping in at ISO 800 and above.
• Dynamic range on the F70EXR was noticeably better. Highlights preserved better on bright scenes, which makes it more usable for landscapes and outdoor portraits.

Display and Interface - Shooting the Moment

Given the absence of viewfinders, the rear screen experience matters a lot for composition and reviewing shots.

Both have a fixed 2.7-inch, 230k-dot LCD but with some differences:

• F70EXR’s screen is non-touch but with good visibility in moderate light.
• JX370 sports a TFT color LCD, slightly better at wide viewing angles but susceptible to reflections.

The interface on both is simple, and menu navigation is straightforward, but the F70EXR provides more access to exposure settings (aperture priority mode, custom white balance) making it more flexible for enthusiasts.

The JX370’s simplicity is a double-edged sword: easy for beginners but can feel limiting quickly. Neither has touchscreen or gesture controls, which is standard at this budget level.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed & Accuracy Under Pressure

The backbone of shooting any moving subject - how fast and accurately can these cameras lock focus?

Both employ contrast-detection autofocus systems with no phase-detection or hybrid tech, so expect average speed.

• The F70EXR autofocus is reasonably quick for a compact, with continuous AF mode available.
• The JX370’s autofocus is noticeably slower and sometimes hunts, especially in low light or complex scenes.

Neither has face detection or eye detection AF, which is a bummer - especially for portraiture. The F70EXR does have center-weighted AF and continuous focus modes, which help when tracking action, whereas the JX370 lacks continuous AF altogether, limiting its usefulness for moving subjects.

For burst shooting, the F70EXR offers 5fps continuous - impressive for a budget compact, good for casual sports or wildlife snapshots. The JX370 caps out at 1fps, which feels sluggish.

Exploring Photography Genres: Real-World Suitability

Now how do each fare across popular photography types? I test cameras in diverse scenarios from portraits to astrophotography, drawing practical conclusions you can trust.

FujiFilm F70EXR front FujiFilm F70EXR screen back Fujifilm JX370 front Fujifilm JX370 screen back

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand accurate skin tones, pleasing compression, and bokeh.

• F70EXR’s 27-270mm zoom with f/3.3-5.6 aperture can produce mild subject separation but don’t expect creamy bokeh.
• No face or eye detection AF, so you manually rely on focus confirmation.
• Color rendition is warm and natural, skin tones come out flattering on the F70EXR.

The JX370’s shorter zoom (28-140mm, f/2.6-6.2) offers a bit more light at the wide end, which is great indoors, but its AF sluggishness impedes capturing fleeting expressions, and images can feel flat - less vibrant and with more noise.

My take: If portraits matter to you, the F70EXR, despite its age, delivers better consistency and tonal accuracy.

Landscape Photography

Here, resolution, dynamic range, and build come to the fore.

• JX370’s higher 14MP can capture more detail, but its sensor struggles with shadows and highlight clipping under high contrast.
• F70EXR, with EXR technology, provides better dynamic range squeezed from the smaller resolution sensor.
• Neither camera has weather sealing; landscape shooters will want to shield from moisture and dust.

The F70EXR has a longer zoom and slightly wider angle, better for landscapes and travel scenes.

Recommendation: For bright, contrast-rich landscapes, F70EXR is safer. For pixel-peeping in perfect conditions, JX370 edges ahead.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast autofocus, high burst rates, and effective zoom are crucial.

• The F70EXR’s 10x zoom outperforms the JX370’s 5x; focal reach matters for distant subjects.
• F70EXR autofocus speed and 5fps burst make it usable for casual wildlife and low-level sports.
• JX370’s 1fps and slower AF are handicaps.

Neither has stabilization beyond sensor-shift on F70EXR; the JX370 lacks any IS. This makes handheld telephoto shots challenging.

Street Photography

Street photography benefits from small size, discretion, and fast response.

• JX370 scores with being lighter and more pocketable.
• F70EXR’s larger body may attract attention but offers more handling confidence.
• Both cameras’ zooms aren’t ideal for discreet shooting due to telescoping barrels.

Low-light AF and shutter response favors F70EXR.

Macro Photography

Close-up work demands precise focusing and minimum focus distance.

• F70EXR can focus as close as 5cm.
• JX370 minimum focus is 10cm, which is less intimate.

Neither shines as a macro specialist, but F70EXR’s closer focus helps.

Night and Astro Photography

Shooting stars requires high ISO performance and long shutter capabilities.

• F70EXR max shutter is 1/2000s, min is 8s - enough for short exposures, but no bulb mode.
• JX370 max shutter speed is slightly slower at 1/1800s; same minimum shutter.

ISO ceiling is higher on the F70EXR (ISO 12,800 native), though practicability at these levels is questionable on tiny sensors.

Both struggle with noise and dynamic range under night skies; not cameras I’d recommend for serious astro.

Video Capabilities

Simple video for memories only.

• F70EXR max video: 640x480 @30fps (Motion JPEG)
• JX370 max video: 1280x720 @30fps (Motion JPEG)

The JX370 triples resolution here, but video quality remains basic compared to modern cameras. No mic or headphone ports on either, no stabilization for video.

Travel Photography

Travelers want light gear but versatile cameras.

• F70EXR’s longer zoom and better control weigh its steadiness.
• JX370’s compact size and light weight appeal to minimalists.
• Battery life info for F70EXR is scarce; JX370 rated approx. 190 shots per charge - modest for a day out.

Inside the Details: Build, Connectivity, and Storage

Neither camera supports wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - a sign of their era. USB 2.0 is the only transfer method.

Storage is via SD/SDHC cards, single slot each - standard fare.

Battery types differ:

• F70EXR uses NP-50 battery; battery life wasn’t officially rated but from experience should deliver a decent day.
• JX370 uses NP-45A, rated around 190 shots per charge; the lighter camera trades battery size for portability.

Breaking Down the Numbers: Final Scores and Value Proposition

Based on sensor performance, autofocus speed, burst rate, zoom reach, and flexibility, the F70EXR scores higher as an all-around compact enthusiast camera from the late 2000s. The JX370 caters more to absolute beginners or casual snap shooters who prize compactness and simplicity.

Across genres, the F70EXR is stronger for portraits, wildlife, sports, and landscapes due to its extended zoom, better dynamic range, and faster shooting. The JX370’s advantage is mostly in casual travel and simple video resolutions.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the FujiFilm FinePix F70EXR if:
  You want a compact camera with more photographic control, longer zoom reach, faster autofocus, and better image quality in challenging light. Its aperture priority mode and sensor-shift stabilization give you a subtle edge for portraits, travel, and casual wildlife.

• Choose the Fujifilm JX370 if:
  You want something ultra-light, straightforward to use, and don’t mind trading speed or reach for smallness. Great for beginners or as a backup camera for everyday snapshots and family events with above-average video resolution.

Final Thoughts - The Best Compact Camera in Context

Neither camera provides modern connectivity or RAW support (both lack RAW capture), limiting high-end workflow integration. But for the price (F70EXR around $280, JX370 around $160 as of latest data), both represent affordable entry points.

The F70EXR’s advanced EXR processor and zoom range still impress given its age; if you stumble on a good deal, it’s worth owning. The JX370 is more of a beginner-friendly budget compact - a decent camera to keep in a bag if portability is a priority above all else.

In summary, my hands-on experience confirms the FujiFilm FinePix F70EXR offers better overall photographic potential, notably in scenes requiring more control, reach, and dynamic range. The Fujifilm JX370 suits the casual user who prefers carrying the lightest possible camera with minimal fuss.

If you want to see sample images and specific test shots between these two, check the gallery I’ve included above - it highlights the characteristic image quality differences you’ll encounter in practical use.

Happy shooting!

For those looking to upgrade from either of these models, modern compacts and mirrorless cameras have come leaps ahead - but as affordable entry-level or second cameras, these two still hold nostalgic charm and practical use.