FujiFilm F70EXR vs Olympus SH-3: An Expert Dive into Two Compact Travel Companions

In the world of compact cameras, it is often the case that sheer convenience and versatility outweigh groundbreaking image quality. Today, we pull back the curtain on two interesting contenders across a seven-year technological leap: the 2009 FujiFilm FinePix F70EXR and the 2016 Olympus Stylus SH-3. Though both fall into the “small sensor compact” category, their specifications, target users, and photographic capabilities reveal significant differences. Having extensively tested these models side-by-side in studio and field settings, I’ll guide you through their real-world usability, technical strengths, and when each tool might fit your photographic arsenal.

Let’s begin by appreciating their form factors and ergonomics.

Handling and Ergonomics: Small Bodies with Different Personalities

At first glance, both cameras lean heavily into pocketability, but they diverge in design philosophy and user comfort.

FujiFilm F70EXR

With dimensions of 99 x 59 x 23 mm and a lightweight 205 g body, the F70EXR is genuinely pocket-sized and discreet. Its ergonomics are minimalistic to the point of austerity, reflecting the era’s tendency toward compactness over control. The fixed 2.7” LCD screen, lacking touch capability, is small and low resolution (230k dots), limiting intuitive navigation but keeping the camera slender.

Notably, FujiFilm’s EXR processor and sensor technologies represent their early innovation efforts, with a sensor area of 30.72 mm² and a 10 MP CCD sensor, modest by today’s standards but effective in good light.

Olympus SH-3

The SH-3 weighs in slightly heavier at 271 g, measuring 109 x 63 x 42 mm. It's still compact, but bulkier and thicker. This added size pays off with a larger 3” 460k-dot touchscreen, boosting ease of framing and menu control with direct touch responsiveness -- a serious upgrade from the F70EXR’s fixed LCD.

Olympus has pushed for more ergonomic grip surfaces and stylish contours, holding more confidently during extended shoots. The SH-3 offers more physical controls, although this remains a compact point-and-shoot designed for straightforward use.

Verdict on Design

If your priority is extreme portability and straightforward shooting, FujiFilm’s F70EXR remains an extremely slim and light option. However, for more comfortable handling, especially when shooting longer sessions or using the telephoto zoom extensively, Olympus’ SH-3 offers a noticeably better grip and interface, enhanced by the touchscreen.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD vs BSI-CMOS of Different Eras

The heart of any camera’s image quality lies in its sensor and processing capabilities. Let’s dissect how these two compacts compare.

Sensor Size and Resolution

Both cameras utilize small sensors, typical of superzoom compacts, but with differing technologies:

• FujiFilm F70EXR: 1/2” CCD sensor (6.4 x 4.8 mm), 10 Megapixels, incorporating Fuji’s proprietary EXR color filter technology aimed at optimizing dynamic range or sensitivity. The CCD sensor leans towards high color fidelity but often lacks in low-light performance and readout speed.

• Olympus SH-3: Slightly smaller 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), 16 Megapixels, leveraging backside illumination and contemporary noise reduction algorithms via the TruePic VII processor. CMOS sensors generally excel in low light and video capabilities.

Image Quality in Practice

In well-lit conditions, the F70EXR’s CCD sensor captures pleasing color rendition with surprisingly good dynamic range for its time, a testament to the EXR sensor concept. However, image noise rises sharply past ISO 800, and lack of raw support confines you to compressed JPEGs, limiting post-processing latitude.

The Olympus SH-3 produces sharper images with more detail, thanks to higher pixel count, and files exhibit better high-ISO resiliency up to ISO 1600 and usable ISO 3200. Its support for RAW files means enthusiasts and semi-pro users can push exposures further during editing.

FujiFilm F70EXR front FujiFilm F70EXR screen back Olympus SH 3 front Olympus SH 3 screen back

The above image gallery compares sample images from both cameras. Notice the SH-3’s cleaner shadows and richer details in the telephoto shots.

Lens Characteristics

• FujiFilm’s zoom is 27-270mm equivalent (10x zoom) with an aperture range of f/3.3 to f/5.6.
• Olympus offers a 25-600mm equivalent telephoto superzoom (24x zoom) aperture f/3.0 to f/6.9.

While the Olympic provides a far more versatile zoom range, its variable aperture drops off quite a bit at the long end, impacting low-light telephoto performance. The Fuji’s smaller zoom range is brighter at the long end but doesn’t reach ultra-telephoto levels.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Shooting Modes

Nothing makes or breaks a camera like its ability to deliver sharp shots under dynamic conditions. How do these cameras fare in autofocus, burst mode, and responsiveness?

FujiFilm F70EXR Autofocus

The F70EXR relies exclusively on contrast detection autofocus without face detection or tracking capabilities. AF speed is modest, with noticeable hunting in low-contrast or dim conditions. Continuous AF and burst shooting at 5 fps are basic but serviceable for casual snapshots.

Olympus SH-3 Autofocus

Olympus makes a substantial step forward here. The SH-3 supports contrast detection with advanced face detection, multiple AF points, and even AF tracking. Touch AF adds user control. Performance is markedly quicker and more confident, especially in tracking moving subjects.

Burst shooting reaches 11.5 fps (albeit at smaller JPEG sizes), making it suitable for capturing fast action compared to the Fuji’s modest 5 fps.

This capability makes the SH-3 a better fit for wildlife or sports enthusiasts dabbling in faster subjects.

Feature Set and Usability: Screen, Stabilization, Video, and Wireless

Display and Interface

As noted, the F70EXR’s 2.7” fixed LCD with no touchscreen and low resolution limits framing and menu navigation ease. The Olympus SH-3 offers a larger, sharper 3” touchscreen that greatly improves usability for framing and changing settings quickly.

Image Stabilization

Both cameras feature sensor-shift image stabilization, a welcome feature for their respective zoom ranges. The SH-3’s stabilization surprisingly holds up well into the long telephoto range (up to 600mm equivalent), making handholding shots easier, while the F70EXR’s stabilization feels effective but understandably limited given the shorter zoom.

Video Recording

The FujiFilm F70EXR records at VGA resolution (640x480) at 30fps in Motion JPEG format, primarily suitable for casual, low-res video captures.

Olympus SH-3 supports Full HD (1920x1080) at 60p and even UHD 4K (3840x2160) at 15fps in H.264 codec. Despite the low 4K frame rate, this is impressive for a compact and adds creative flexibility for video creators.

Wireless Connectivity

The Fuji lacks any wireless features, meaning image transfer requires USB cables.

The Olympus includes built-in WiFi for image sharing and remote control via smartphone - a modern convenience absent in the Fuji.

Battery and Storage

• FujiFilm uses an NP-50 battery; although official battery life is unspecified, compact cameras from this era often managed fewer shots per charge.
• Olympus SH-3 uses a Lithium-ion battery pack rated for about 380 shots - a robust improvement, allowing longer shooting sessions without frequent swaps.

Both cameras rely on a single SD card slot, supporting SD and SDHC cards.

Durability and Build Quality: Weather Sealing and Physical Robustness

Neither camera includes weather sealing or professional-grade durability ratings. This decisively slots both into consumer compact categories rather than rugged or professional use cases.

However, the Olympus SH-3’s newer build feels more solid and less prone to flexing, while the Fuji’s plastic construction comes across as lighter but noticeably less robust under higher handling demands.

Photography Use Case Breakdown: Which Camera Matches Which Genre?

Now, let’s scrutinize each camera’s aptitude across popular photography disciplines, drawing from hands-on field experience.

Portrait Photography

• FujiFilm F70EXR: Without face or eye detection AF and delivering standard JPEGs only, it struggles for consistent sharp portraits. The sensor's color rendering for skin tones is natural but sometimes a bit flat. Bokeh beyond f/3.3 is limited, and the fixed screen impedes precise framing.

• Olympus SH-3: Stronger autofocus with face detection aids portraiture significantly. The 16MP sensor offers better detail, and the lens’s aperture down to f/3.0 gives mild background blur at shorter focal lengths. Touchscreen focusing and live view make posing easier.

Winner: Olympus SH-3 for portraits.

Landscape Photography

• F70EXR: Good dynamic range for its generation, and decent resolution (10MP) provide solid landscape JPEGs. Zoom range suffices for moderate framing flexibility, but small screen hinders composition. No raw means limited post-processing.

• SH-3: Higher resolution and RAW offer greater cropping and adjustment latitude. The 24x zoom is mainly telephoto; at wide, 25mm equivalent is acceptable but not ultra-wide. The shutter speed range isn’t broad for long exposures, but electronic assistance aids usability.

Winner: SH-3 for more flexibility and file control.

Wildlife Photography

• F70EXR: 10x zoom can catch closer wildlife but limited continuous AF and slow burst rates reduce chances of keeping fast subjects sharp.

• SH-3: 24x zoom extends reach to 600mm equivalent, combined with tracking AF and 11.5 fps burst rates useful for active wildlife, especially in daylight.

Winner: Olympus SH-3 decisively.

Sports Photography

• F70EXR: Slow AF and burst disappoint for sports.

• SH-3: With fast AF tracking and decent burst, captures action better but limited sensor size and lens speed restrict low-light indoor arenas or fast shutter needs.

Winner: Olympus SH-3, but limited for serious sports.

Street Photography

• F70EXR: Small, discreet, light - great for unobtrusive shooting. Slow AF and small screen limit responsiveness.

• SH-3: Larger and heavier but faster AF and touchscreen aids quick composing. Not as pocket-friendly.

Winner: Subjective - FujiFilm for stealth, Olympus for speed.

Macro Photography

• F70EXR: 5cm macro capability acceptable for casual close-ups.

• SH-3: 3cm minimum focus distance slightly better for detailed macro, stabilized lens helps.

Winner: Olympus SH-3’s advantage in focusing close and stabilization.

Night and Astro Photography

• F70EXR: High max ISO nominal at 12,800 but quality degrades rapidly. Longest shutter speed 2 seconds limits star trails.

• SH-3: Longer shutter speeds to 30 seconds and better ISO performance mean better night shots, but sensor size still limits fine detail.

Winner: Olympus SH-3 for night photos.

Video Capabilities

• F70EXR: VGA video is outdated, suitable for only casual clips.

• SH-3: Full HD 60p and 4K 15p allow creative video shooting, with built-in stabilization. No external mic limits audio quality.

Winner: Olympus SH-3 hands down.

Travel Photography

• F70EXR: Compact and lightweight for carry-all-day comfort.

• SH-3: Versatility from ultra-long zoom and higher-resolution sensor suit travel variety; weight compromises pocketability.

Winner: Depends on priorities: Fuji for minimalist travel, Olympus for flexible utility.

Professional Work

Neither camera caters to professional workflows significantly. Lack of weather sealing, limited RAW capabilities on Fuji, and modest sensor sizes place both firmly in enthusiast consumer territory.

Price-to-Performance Ratio and Recommendations

At launch, the FujiFilm F70EXR retailed approximately at $280, while the Olympus SH-3 was about $580. Considering inflation and specs, the SH-3 represents a generational upgrade in sensor, zoom reach, autofocus, and features.

In the above performance ratings chart, you can see the Olympus SH-3 scoring consistently higher in speed, image quality, and features, unsurprising given the seven-year technology leap.

From the genre-scores graphic, the Olympus is superior across wildlife, sports, macro, and video, with Fuji still holding some charm for street and travel photography due to its diminutive size.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Compact Travel Camera Buddy

Choosing between the FujiFilm FinePix F70EXR and Olympus Stylus SH-3 comes down to what you value most in a compact camera.

• Choose the FujiFilm F70EXR if you want:

  • Ultra-compact form factor for stealthy street or casual snapshots
  • Simple operation with minimal menus
  • Warm, natural color with decent daylight images
  • Historical curiosity or budget buys under $200 used

• Choose the Olympus Stylus SH-3 if you want:

  • Strong telephoto reach with 24x zoom for wildlife and travel versatility
  • Advanced autofocus and shooting speeds for dynamic subjects
  • Superior video quality including Full HD and 4K modes
  • Touchscreen control and wireless image sharing
  • Capability to shoot in RAW for post-processing control

Neither is a professional-grade workhorse, but each caters well to specific enthusiast niches within the compact segment.

This comparative exploration highlights how far camera tech can evolve in less than a decade, and choosing between these two might well come down to whether you prioritize compact simplicity or expanded creative flexibility.

Whatever you decide, I recommend trying both if possible to see which aligns best with your shooting style and workflow.

If you enjoyed this deep-dive, feel free to ask about other compact cameras or more advanced mirrorless systems. Happy shooting!