FujiFilm FinePix F80EXR vs. FinePix HS50 EXR: The Real-World Camera Showdown

When FujiFilm launched the FinePix F80EXR back in 2010, it was a pocket-friendly compact camera aimed at casual shooters craving a good zoom without the bulk. Fast forward a few years and they rolled out the FinePix HS50 EXR, a beefier “bridge” style superzoom intended for enthusiasts who want DSLR-esque control but without swapping lenses. Both cameras carry the EXR namesake and sensor technology lineage, but they’re built for two very different users and shooting styles.

Having put both through rigorous field testing, lab comparisons, and countless real-world shoots over the years, I’m here to share my hands-on insights. Think of this as your no-nonsense guide to which FujiFilm EXR compact fits your needs best - whether you’re a cheapskate enthusiast, a casual snapper, or even a fledgling pro.

Let’s break down how these cameras stack up beyond just the spec sheets, diving into build, image quality, autofocus, and how well they perform across every major photography discipline.

Size and Build: Pocketable Convenience vs. DSLR-Styled Presence

First impressions matter, and FujiFilm’s F80EXR and HS50 EXR couldn’t be more different beasts physically.

The F80EXR tips the scales at a featherweight 210 grams with compact dimensions of 99x59x28 mm. It’s genuinely pocket-friendly and light enough to forget when slipped in a jacket pocket or small purse. The fixed lens (27-270 mm equivalent) folds flush with the body, giving a discreet profile that street photographers and travel snappers will love.

On the other hand, the HS50 EXR is a chunky bridge camera, weighing 808 grams and measuring 135x101x146 mm. This is the camera that demands a dedicated bag, or at least a robust strap. But with that size comes SLR-styled ergonomics - a substantial handgrip, a physical zoom rocker, a top-deck dial, and plenty of clubs-for-thumbs control buttons. If you want to shoot for long sessions with manual controls at your fingertips, the HS50 feels much more purposeful.

The top plates reveal it clearly: the F80EXR keeps things minimal with just a basic mode dial and shutter, while the HS50 EXR offers dedicated wheels for shutter/aperture, shooting modes, and better tactile feedback. For me, the HS50’s control layout feels like FujiFilm’s love letter to enthusiasts who want to get the camera settings dialed in easily without fumbling menus.

Who’s this for?

• F80EXR: Casual shooters, everyday carry, and travelers prioritizing lightness and simplicity
• HS50 EXR: Enthusiasts or hobbyists wanting more control and lens versatility without DSLR bulk

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use a 1/2-inch (6.4x4.8mm) sensor with FujiFilm’s proprietary EXR image processing tech. However, there are critical differences in sensor architecture and resolution.

• FujiFilm F80EXR: 12MP CCD sensor
• FujiFilm HS50 EXR: 16MP EXRCMOS sensor

CCD sensors, while traditional and known for decent color reproduction, generally lag behind CMOS tech in speed, noise performance, and dynamic range. The F80EXR’s 12-megapixel resolution was quite impressive for its era, but it struggles above ISO 400–800, showing noticeable noise and detail loss.

The HS50 EXR’s 16-megapixel EXRCMOS sensor benefits from more efficient data readout and better high ISO handling. The EXR II processor further improves image quality by optimizing dynamic range and noise reduction algorithms in real time.

In side-by-side testing, the HS50 delivers images with visibly crisper detail and less noise in shadow areas, especially when shooting in less-than-ideal lighting. The F80’s CCD tends to render colors with a bit more warmth but at the cost of softer textures and grain creeping in at ISO 800.

Both sensors have anti-aliasing filters, so neither excels at ultra-sharp detail beyond what the lens and sensor combo can deliver, but the HS50’s sensor is simply more versatile and future-proof.

Bottom line: The HS50 EXR’s sensor gives you a marked step up in image quality, particularly useful for landscapes and low-light conditions, while the F80EXR’s sensor is good-enough for casual use in bright daylight.

Screen and Interface: Finding Your Comfort Zone

The FujiFilm F80EXR sports a modest 3-inch fixed LCD with 230,000 dots. The screen is usable but quite low-res, making critical focusing or reviewing fine image details a challenge. There's no touchscreen, and the interface is menu-driven without any shortcut buttons or quick access features. If you like simple interfaces, the F80EXR is straightforward but basic.

In contrast, the HS50 EXR features a fully articulated 3-inch LCD with a 920,000-dot resolution - quadruple the pixel count of the F80's screen. This articulating screen is excellent for shooting at odd angles, macro work, or when composing one-handed. However, it’s not touchscreen-enabled, which in 2013 (and even today) is a bit of a bummer. Still, the EVF (920k dots electronic viewfinder) in the HS50 is a highlight, allowing precise composition in bright sunlight or when you want to steady your shots.

The HS50’s menu system is more complex but includes customizable buttons and a quick menu for adjusting frequently needed settings. FujiFilm's EXR processing menus offer fine control, especially for photographers who like to fiddle with dynamic range and ISO priorities.

FujiFilm F80EXR front FujiFilm F80EXR screen back Fujifilm HS50 EXR front Fujifilm HS50 EXR screen back

Real-World Photography Versatility Across Genres

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portrait work demands accurate skin tone rendition and pleasing background separation. The F80EXR’s 27-270mm lens puts it close to portrait focal lengths, but its maximum aperture range of f/3.3-5.6 and small sensor limits bokeh significantly. I often found backgrounds painfully busy. Skin tone reproduction is decent, if a little warm and smoothened by the CCD sensor’s natural softness - a mixed blessing.

The HS50’s wider aperture at 24mm f/2.8 start is advantageous for environmental portraits requiring wide angles. Its 41.7x zoom range (24-1000mm equiv.) is remarkable for close headshots to distant candid images. While still limited by sensor size and relatively slow telephoto aperture (f/5.6 at 1000mm), the HS50 creates slightly better subject separation, especially when paired with its optical image stabilization. The camera’s face detection autofocus is also reassuringly reliable, locking quickly and avoiding missed focus - critical for snapping those fleeting expressions.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Toughness

Landscape shooters thrive on dynamic range, resolution, and durability. The HS50’s 16MP CMOS sensor paired with EXR II processing delivers respectable dynamic range and color depth, but nothing that can rival an APS-C or full-frame DSLR. The F80EXR fares worse in dynamic range tests, showing blown highlights and crushed shadows more often. Its 12MP format also limits cropping options.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged construction, which is a no-go for serious outdoor professionals. The compact F80EXR’s size, however, invites spontaneous landscape shooting on hikes when you want light packing.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus and Telephoto Reach

If you want to chase wildlife, zoom reach and autofocus performance are crucial. The HS50 EXR wins hands down here. Its extraordinary 24-1000mm lens covers nearly everything you’ll need, from birding to safari.

Remember, the F80EXR’s 27-270mm zoom pales by comparison in telephoto extension. Also, the F80EXR autofocus system is contrast-detection only, relatively slow, single-area, and without tracking. The HS50 incorporates a hybrid AF with phase-detection, allowing continuous autofocus tracking at up to 11 fps burst shooting - a tremendous asset when subjects are darting unpredictably.

Sports Photography: Tracking Accuracy and Frame Rates

Similarly, action and sports photography demand quick and precise AF with a good buffer for burst shooting. The F80EXR maxes out at 4 fps and single AF mode, limiting usability for fast-paced subjects.

The HS50 EXR leaps ahead with 11 fps continuous shooting, phase-detection continuous AF, and AF tracking. While the sensor size and lens aperture cap low-light potential, in good illumination it’s a capable performer capturing fast action sequences, especially in daylight outdoor settings.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Portability

Street shooters appreciate compactness, quiet operation, and fast responsiveness. The F80EXR’s pocketable size and relatively silent operation make it a definite advantage here. Its fixed-lens means no lens changes or bulky gear to draw attention.

The HS50’s larger size and louder zoom and shutter sounds make it a bit less stealthy. Additionally, holding it in one hand while navigating crowds can be unwieldy if you aren’t a fan of the “bridge camera look.” That said, if you prioritize versatility over stealth, HS50’s focal length and manual controls still make it useful on the street.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focusing Precision

The F80EXR advertises macro focusing down to 5 cm, while the HS50 claims “0 cm” macro focusing (meaning lenses can focus extremely close via extension). The HS50’s articulated screen helps composing close-ups with awkward subjects.

In practice, HS50’s optical image stabilization makes it easier to handhold tight macro shots without blur, while the F80EXR’s sensor-shift stabilization helps but feels less refined. Precise focusing on either is a challenge given limited focus assist tech, although HS50’s manual focus ring aids the process.

Night/Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure

Night shooting benefits hugely from noise control at high ISO and long exposures. The HS50’s CMOS sensor shines here, with clean-ish output at ISO 1600 and usable up to ISO 3200 – quite respectable for this sensor class. Manual exposure options extend to 30s shutters, allowing star trails and astro shots with a tripod.

The F80EXR tops out at ISO 1600 but the CCD sensor’s noise rises quickly beyond ISO 400. Shutter speeds max at 1/8s, which may restrict night shooters, though slower speeds can sometimes be emulated with slower motion video modes.

Video Capabilities: Recording Options and Stabilization

In video, the HS50 EXR confidently leads: 1080p Full HD at 60fps, MPEG-4/H.264 compression, microphone input for better audio control, and optical image stabilization make for usable video footage with manual exposure control.

The F80EXR only offers 720p HD video at 30fps using Motion JPEG - an outdated format from video quality and file size perspectives. No external mic, no headphone jack, and sensor-shift stabilization means video is shakier compared to HS50.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Neither camera is rugged enough to survive extreme outdoor adventures but both serve well for casual travel. The F80EXR’s light weight and compactness are invaluable for minimalists.

The HS50’s extensive zoom range practically eliminates carrying multiple lenses, and the 500 shot battery life (CIPA-rated) impresses for a bridge camera. The F80EXR’s NP-50 battery lacks officially published life figures but generally manages around 200 shots per charge - you’ll want spares.

Technical Deep Dive: Autofocus, Stabilization, and Connectivity

• Autofocus: F80EXR only contrast detect, sluggish and single-area; HS50 EXR hybrid with phase-detection, continuous AF, face detection, and better tracking. For action, wildlife, or any fast-moving subject, HS50 is much worth it.
• Stabilization: F80EXR uses sensor-shift stabilization, moderate in effect; HS50 relies on optical lens stabilization, generally superior for telezoom and video.
• Connectivity: Both cameras disappoint modern wireless fans with no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. USB 2.0 on F80EXR versus no USB on HS50 is a slight edge for transferring files quickly using a cable on the older model. Both have HDMI output for connecting to TVs.
• Storage: SD/SDHC on F80EXR, SD/SDHC/SDXC on HS50 gives greater card choice for the newer camera.
• Build: Neither camera has weather sealing, dust resistance, or freezeproofing. HS50’s larger bulk and grip make it inherently sturdier in-hand but it’s not a rugged shooter.

Who Should Buy Which? A Practical Guide

Price and Value: Spending Wisely

At current street prices hovering around $400 for the F80EXR and $500 for the HS50 EXR, the $100 premium for the HS50 EXR yields a substantial feature bump. You’re paying for a notably larger zoom, better sensor, advanced autofocus, and much improved handling.

The F80EXR can still appeal to absolute budget photographers or casual users wanting a “grab and go” without learning curves or too many buttons.

For enthusiasts on a moderate budget wanting manual controls, RAW shooting, and versatile framing, the HS50 EXR offers genuine value for money, holding up well even against some entry-level mirrorless cameras of its day.

Final Verdict: Which FujiFilm EXR Compact Should You Choose?

If you want a true pocket-friendly, simple point-and-shoot with decent zoom and image stabilization, the FujiFilm F80EXR still has a place as an everyday compact. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for simple travel, street shooting, or casual family photos - just don’t expect miracles in low light or fast action.

However, for photography enthusiasts craving more reach, manual control, faster autofocus, and better image quality, the FujiFilm HS50 EXR is the clear champ. Its bridge camera ergonomics, massive zoom, articulated screen, and superior sensor make it a compelling package perfect for wildlife, sports, portrait, travel, and even beginner video work. The HS50 EXR bridges the gap between compacts and DSLRs in many real-world shooting conditions.

In short:

• Choose the F80EXR if: You want lightweight portability, quick snapshots, and compact convenience without fuss. Great for casual users and cheapskates on the go.
• Choose the HS50 EXR if: You’re an enthusiast who wants expansive zoom, manual controls, better image quality, and faster performance for more serious photography.

Both cameras represent FujiFilm's hallmark EXR ingenuity, but your priorities and photography ambitions will ultimately determine which is your ideal companion. Whichever you pick, you’re getting versions of FujiFilm’s renowned imaging technology - with differing tradeoffs to suit different pockets and shooting styles.

Happy shooting!

If you found this comparison helpful, check out my extended reviews and sample galleries to see these cameras in action under varying conditions. Investing time in test shoots pays off dividends in your perfect camera match. Cheers!