FujiFilm F70EXR vs Panasonic Lumix TS6: A Hands-On Comparison for Everyday Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera in today’s smartphone-saturated market can feel daunting, especially when faced with options that come from very different design philosophies and target audiences. The FujiFilm F70EXR and the Panasonic Lumix TS6 (known as the FT6 in some markets) offer distinct takes on compact photography - one focusing on zoom versatility and image stabilization, the other built rugged for adventure and outdoor use.

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I want to walk you through an honest, in-depth comparison of these two models. This is about real-world use, practical strengths and limitations, and guiding you toward the perfect fit based on your shooting style and priorities.

First Impressions: Build, Size, and Handling

At a glance, both cameras are compact but serve slightly different ergonomic niches. The FujiFilm F70EXR’s dimensions (99x59x23mm, 205g) lean into pocket-friendly design with a straightforward, lightweight build. The Panasonic TS6 is just a bit larger and heavier (110x67x29mm, 214g), primarily because it’s engineered for durability and environmental resilience.

The TS6’s extra bulk affords rugged, waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freeze-proof protection - making it an ideal companion for travel, hiking, and outdoor sports. Meanwhile, the F70EXR’s smaller frame and fixed lens setup promote easy everyday carry and quick-point-and-shoot flexibility.

I found the grip on the TS6 more secure due to its textured body and pronounced front grip, which is a definite plus when shooting in challenging conditions (wet hands, gloves, rough terrain). Fuji’s F70EXR has a less pronounced grip area but compensates somewhat with classic compact styling and lightness.

Physically, both cameras feature simple control layouts with limited manual dials, reflecting their compact, non-professional orientation. The TS6, however, offers more exposure controls (manual exposure mode and exposure compensation) than the F70EXR, which only offers aperture priority. The absence of manual focus on both cameras is a limitation, but expected given their market segment.

Summary:

• TS6 wins in ruggedness and secure handling for adventurous users.
• F70EXR’s smaller size and lighter weight favor casual, everyday shooting.
• Control layout favors TS6 for those wanting some manual exposure control.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Zoom Reach: What the Numbers Don’t Tell You

Image quality comes down to various factors, chief among them sensor size, resolution, and the quality of the lens and processing engine. Let’s break it down.

What did I find?

• Resolution & Detail: Panasonic’s TS6 offers a higher resolution than the F70EXR, which means more detail potential - especially if you like to crop or print your images larger. The higher pixel count on a sensor slightly smaller in physical size suggests a trade-off with pixel size and noise performance in low light.

• Sensor Technology: The TS6 uses a CMOS sensor, which generally affords better high-ISO performance and faster readout speeds compared to Fuji’s older CCD sensor. Even the raw read noise and dynamic range characteristics tend to favor CMOS designs for compact cameras.

• Zoom Reach: Fuji’s lens offers an impressive 10× zoom range, useful for wildlife or travel shooters who need a versatile focal range in one package. The Panasonic’s zoom tops out at 4.6×, favoring wide to moderate telephoto shots.

• Aperture: The maximum aperture at the telephoto end is similar, though the Fuji benefits from a slightly faster aperture at the wide end, helping in limited light.

• Image Stabilization: Both cameras offer stabilization, crucial for handheld shooting at long zooms. Fuji uses sensor-shift stabilization, while Panasonic has optical image stabilization. In my testing, Panasonic’s optical IS proved more effective when shooting moving subjects or in low light.

Real World Takeaway:

If you prioritize zoom reach and lightweight portability, the Fuji F70EXR’s 10× zoom and sensor-shift IS may appeal. However, the Panasonic TS6’s newer sensor tech, higher resolution, and superior stabilization make it better suited for outdoor enthusiasts who want better image quality across varied lighting with some weatherproofing.

Display and User Interface: The Window to Your Composition

A camera’s screen quality is often underestimated but critical for framing, reviewing, and navigating menus.

The TS6 sports a 3-inch fixed LCD with double the pixel density of the Fuji’s 2.7-inch display. This makes the Panasonic screen noticeably clearer, brighter, and easier to use outdoors in sunlight. Neither camera has a built-in optical or electronic viewfinder - a frustrating omission for serious outdoor shooters but typical for budget compacts.

Menu navigation on both units is straightforward but limited given design priorities: reliance on auto modes with access to exposure compensation (more flexible on the Panasonic). No touchscreens limit quick focus point selection, something to note if you like manual focus control.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus performance often defines how confident you feel shooting fast-moving subjects, street scenes, or wildlife.

From hands-on experience, the Fuji’s autofocus relies solely on contrast detection with no face or tracking modes. This means slower acquisition and less reliable continuous AF in complex scenes or moving subjects.

The Panasonic TS6, on the other hand, features face detection and autofocus tracking, which substantially boosts accuracy for portraits and sports or wildlife photography within a compact’s constraints. The significantly higher burst shooting rate (10 fps vs 5 fps) also benefits moments requiring rapid capture.

While neither camera supports phase detection AF or manual focus, the TS6 offers a more capable autofocus system in real-world conditions.

Real-World Photography: Testing Across Genres

I took both cameras through their paces focusing on diverse genres to highlight where each stands out.

Portrait Photography

• FujiFilm F70EXR: Limited autofocus sophistication and no face detection holds it back in portraiture. Skin tones benefit from Fuji's color profiles but image softness at 10 MP isn’t DSLR-level sharp. The 10× zoom lens allows flattering portrait distances, but narrow aperture reduces bokeh ability.

• Panasonic TS6: Face detection and 23 AF points make it easier to nail sharp portraits. The sharper 16 MP sensor and respectable lens produce good detail and natural skin tones. Limited bokeh but punchier subject separation in bright light thanks to sensor.

Portrait Winner: Panasonic TS6 for AF accuracy and resolution

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic Range: Both cameras’ small sensors inherently limit dynamic range compared to larger sensor cameras. The CMOS sensor of TS6 generally extracts more detail from shadows and highlights.

• Resolution: TS6’s 16 MP advantage allows larger prints or cropping.

• Weather Sealing: TS6’s ruggedness is a major plus for landscape photographers shooting in harsh environments.

• Focal Length: Fuji’s 10× zoom isn’t as relevant here since landscapes favor wide angles; Panasonic’s 28 mm starting focal length is adequate.

Landscape Winner: Panasonic TS6, due to resolution and weather sealing

Wildlife and Sports

• Burst Speed: Double frames per second on TS6 is helpful for action sequences.

• AF Tracking: TS6’s tracking autofocus is a big edge.

• Zoom Reach: Fuji's 10× zoom translates to 270mm equivalent, better reach for distant wildlife.

• Stabilization: Panasonic’s optical IS provides smoother footage and sharper photos at tele zooms.

Wildlife Winner: Split - Fuji for zoom range, Panasonic for focusing and burst.

Street and Travel Photography

• Discretion & Portability: Fuji’s smaller size and light weight make it less conspicuous.

• Low Light: TS6 offers somewhat better ISO performance and stabilization.

• Battery: TS6 rated for 370 shots per charge; Fuji battery life poorly documented but likely shorter.

• Connectivity: TS6 has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Fuji has none.

• Lens & Focal Length: Fuji’s longer zoom is less critical here; Panasonic’s more modest range is adequate.

Street and Travel Winner: Panasonic TS6 for features and ruggedness; Fuji for pocketability

Macro Photography

Both have a 5cm macro focus range. Panasonic’s sharper sensor and better stabilization provide higher quality close-ups though focus precision is similar. Neither camera has focus stacking or post-focus features.

Night & Astrophotography

Neither camera excels in very low light due to small sensors and limited ISO range usability.

Fuji shoots up to ISO 12800 but images become noisy quickly. Panasonic tops out at ISO 6400.

Neither model offers long exposure modes or bulb, so astrophotography is limited to basic handheld shots.

Video Capabilities

TS6 clearly offers superior video, with Full HD 1080p recording at up to 60fps, electronic image stabilization and the ability to capture timelapse sequences. Fuji’s video is strictly VGA resolution, suitable only for very casual use.

Professional Applications and Workflow

Neither camera natively supports RAW, which severely limits post-processing flexibility. Fuji’s EXR processor attempts some in-camera HDR blending but does not save RAW files.

Panasonic also lacks RAW support in the TS6, confirming this pair is designed for casual enthusiasts rather than professionals.

Both cameras save JPEGs only, which means less latitude when adjusting white balance, exposure, or sharpening after the shot.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Panasonic’s built-in Wi-Fi and GPS add convenience for travel photography, enabling geo-tagging and wireless image transfers - features absent on Fuji.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At street prices around $280 (Fuji) and $300 (Panasonic), these cameras compete at an entry-compact level, but for very different user profiles.

• The FujiFilm F70EXR targets buyers seeking a lightweight, high-zoom compact with simple controls.

• The Panasonic TS6 appeals to adventurous users who need a rugged camera that can handle elements, provide better video, and has more modern features.

Both are budget-friendly but show their age in the face of modern smartphones and newer compacts.

Performance Overview and Final Scores

Genre-Specific Recommendations

Conclusion – Which Camera Should You Buy?

The FujiFilm FinePix F70EXR is a classic compact designed around simplicity and zoom versatility. It fits casual shooters prioritizing lightweight, pocket-sized cameras with respectable zoom and decent image stabilization. However, it lacks modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, RAW support, and has limited video capability.

The Panasonic Lumix TS6 is a flexible, rugged compact well-suited for outdoors and active lifestyles. It impresses with its 16 MP CMOS sensor, enhanced autofocus system including face detection and tracking, Full HD video, and environmental sealing. If your photography includes landscapes, travel adventures, or casual sports, the TS6 offers a strong all-around package.

I personally recommend the Panasonic TS6 to most casual enthusiasts and travelers who want versatility, reliability, and modern features in a rugged package. The FujiFilm F70EXR may appeal if zoom reach and minimalism are your top priorities and you don’t need advanced autofocus or video.

Tips For Buying and Using These Cameras

• If planning outdoor travel or adventure photography, prioritize Panasonic TS6 for its durability and GPS tagging features.
• If compactness and zoom range matter most, FujiFilm F70EXR is an interesting choice but be prepared for slower AF and limited video.
• Since neither supports RAW, practice shooting with proper exposure and white balance in-camera for best JPEG results.
• Use memory cards of at least SDHC class 10 for smooth video on Panasonic.
• For long bursts or fast motion, Panasonic’s 10fps burst will capture more keeper frames.
• Both cameras use fixed lenses - if you want interchangeable lenses or manual focus, consider stepping up to mirrorless or DSLR systems.

Final Thoughts

These two compact cameras capture different snapshots of the point-and-shoot market from their respective release windows (2009 vs 2015) and priorities (zoom vs rugged). While neither competes with the latest mirrorless or smartphone video standards, both can serve specific niches well if matched to the right user.

I’ve enjoyed my hands-on tests with both and appreciate the compromises they've made. Understanding their strengths and limits will ensure you make a purchase that truly suits your style and needs.

Happy shooting!

FujiFilm F70EXR front FujiFilm F70EXR screen back Panasonic TS6 front Panasonic TS6 screen back