Clicky

FujiFilm F80EXR vs Fujifilm X-E3

Portability
92
Imaging
35
Features
28
Overall
32
FujiFilm FinePix F80EXR front
 
Fujifilm X-E3 front
Portability
85
Imaging
67
Features
78
Overall
71

FujiFilm F80EXR vs Fujifilm X-E3 Key Specs

FujiFilm F80EXR
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 1600 (Increase to 12800)
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 27-270mm (F3.3-5.6) lens
  • 210g - 99 x 59 x 28mm
  • Introduced June 2010
  • Alternative Name is FinePix F85EXR
Fujifilm X-E3
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 200 - 12800 (Increase to 51200)
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Fujifilm X Mount
  • 337g - 121 x 74 x 43mm
  • Introduced September 2017
  • Succeeded the Fujifilm X-E2S
  • Later Model is Fujifilm X-E4
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

From Compact Convenience to Mirrorless Mastery: Comparing the FujiFilm F80EXR and Fujifilm X-E3

Choosing the right camera can be daunting, especially when you’re navigating a vast sea of models ranging from entry-level compacts to advanced mirrorless systems. Today, I’ve put two FujiFilm cameras head to head that, despite sharing a brand heritage, sit galaxies apart in terms of target user, technology, and creative potential - the 2010 FujiFilm FinePix F80EXR compact and the 2017 Fujifilm X-E3 mirrorless.

Having spent extensive time with each - the F80EXR as a nimble travel pocket camera and the X-E3 as a versatile creative tool - I want to take you beyond the spec sheet into real-world performance across all major photographic genres. This article covers everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus to video, and finishes with clear recommendations to help you decide which FujiFilm fits your photographic ambitions.

Let’s dive in.

FujiFilm F80EXR vs Fujifilm X-E3 size comparison

Body and Handling: Ultra-Compact Meets Rangefinder Style

At first glance, the FujiFilm F80EXR is a classic ultra-compact - small, light, and pocketable. Measuring just 99 x 59 x 28 mm and weighing a mere 210 grams (battery included), it can slip into a jacket pocket with ease. Contrast that with the more substantial Fujifilm X-E3, measuring 121 x 74 x 43 mm and weighing 337 grams - nearly 1.6 times heavier and bulkier.

The F80EXR’s fixed lens and simple controls make it ideal for quick snaps or travel use when you want to just shoot without fuss. However, as a compact, the ergonomics suffer from tiny buttons and a lack of physical dials, making manual adjustments less intuitive and sometimes fiddly, especially for users with larger hands.

The X-E3, sporting FujiFilm’s characteristic rangefinder-style body, puts a premium on manual control and tactile feedback. Dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and aperture (via lens) encourage creative interaction, a pleasure for enthusiasts comfortable with manual mode. The solid build feels reassuring even without weather sealing, and while it lacks extensive ruggedization, the robust metal body is far more durable than most compacts.

Not having a built-in flash on the X-E3 is a nod to prosumers who prefer external flash units for quality and control, while the F80EXR’s built-in flash serves casual shooting needs but is limited in range (4.2 m) and modes.

Overall, if handheld comfort and physical control are your priorities, the X-E3 delivers a noticeably more satisfying experience for extended shoots.

FujiFilm F80EXR vs Fujifilm X-E3 top view buttons comparison

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Compact CCD vs. APS-C X-Trans CMOS

Here lies the most critical divergence: sensor size and technology. The FujiFilm F80EXR offers a 1/2" CCD sensor measuring 6.4 x 4.8 mm with a total area of about 30.72 mm². Its resolution tops out at 12 megapixels - adequate for casual prints and online sharing but limited when large prints or cropping is required.

The CCD sensor, while known for good color reproduction and smooth tonal gradation, falls short in noise control and dynamic range compared to modern CMOS sensors. Without RAW support and advanced ISO handling, the F80EXR’s image quality is restrained, particularly in challenging light.

On the other hand, the Fujifilm X-E3 boasts a large APS-C sized (23.6 x 15.6 mm sensor) CMOS X-Trans III sensor with no optical low-pass filter. Its 24 megapixel resolution enables highly detailed images with excellent dynamic range and color depth - hallmarks of FujiFilm's X-Trans design aimed at minimizing moiré and enhancing sharpness.

The X-E3 can shoot RAW files, allowing maximum post-processing flexibility, and native ISO ranges from 200 to 12800, expandable to 100 and 51200. This enables superior low-light performance and shadow detail recovery. The absence of an anti-aliasing filter sharpens images without visible artifacts.

This roughly twelve-fold increase in sensor area translates to vastly superior image quality: richer colors, cleaner shadows, and finer detail.

FujiFilm F80EXR vs Fujifilm X-E3 sensor size comparison

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Precision vs. Simplicity

The F80EXR provides a contrast-detection autofocus with a single focus mode and no tracking or face/eye detection capabilities. When shooting stills, autofocus is slow to moderate, adequate for static subjects but prone to hunting under difficult lighting.

Continuous shooting clocks in around 4 frames per second (fps), respectable for an older compact, but the lack of burst AF tracking limits usefulness for action or wildlife shooting.

The Fujifilm X-E3 elevates performance with a hybrid AF system combining phase-detection pixels and contrast detection, peppered across 325 focus points. This allows rapid, precise autofocusing with advanced features like continuous AF, face and eye-detection (although animal eye AF is absent), and selectable AF modes (single, continuous, zone, wide/track).

Burst rates reach up to 14 fps with electronic shutter - impressively fast for an APS-C mirrorless - and 8 fps mechanically, making it a potent option for sports and wildlife photographers who demand quick, reliable focus tracking.

While testing, I observed that the X-E3 focuses swiftly even in low contrast or low light scenarios, a decisive advantage over the F80EXR’s simpler system.

Viewing and Interface: Screen and EVF in the Digital Age

Both cameras feature 3-inch rear screens, but the quality and usability differ markedly. The F80EXR’s fixed, 230k-dot LCD is modest even by 2010 standards - poor outdoors, limited touch control (none), and no tilting or articulation.

Conversely, the X-E3’s 3-inch touchscreen boasts a high-resolution 1,040k-dot display, which is bright, sharp, and excellent for composing, reviewing, and navigating menus. Although the screen is fixed (no tilting), touch input enables intuitive focus point selection and menu interaction - a modern convenience missing from the F80EXR.

Moreover, the Fujifilm X-E3 includes a 2.36 million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) covering 100% of the frame at 0.62x magnification. This EVF is fast, crisp, and invaluable when shooting in bright light or for precision framing. The absence of any viewfinder on the F80EXR limits its usability in sunlit environments.

FujiFilm F80EXR vs Fujifilm X-E3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Lens Compatibility and System Flexibility: Fixed Zoom vs. Interchangeable Prime or Zooms

The F80EXR comes equipped with a fixed, built-in 27–270 mm equivalent 10x zoom lens with a modest maximum aperture range of f/3.3 to 5.6. This covers broad focal lengths but has limited light gathering. Its macro capabilities reach as close as 5 cm, good for casual close-ups. However, this fixed lens severely curtails creative control - no ability to swap for brighter primes, ultra-wide angles, telephotos, or specialized optics.

The Fujifilm X-E3 opens the door to FujiFilm’s extensive X-mount lens lineup - current count at 54 and growing. This includes fast primes (f/1.2, f/1.4), telephotos, macro lenses, and ultra-wide options, accommodating every shooting style. Pair that with the 1.5x crop factor (APS-C sensor), and you gain access to a versatile kit adaptable for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and more.

While system lenses add bulk and expense compared to a fixed zoom, the quality and flexibility they offer multiply creative possibilities enormously.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Being a compact, the F80EXR uses the NP-50 battery with unspecified but brief battery life - typical for older compacts - with a single SD/SDHC card slot. No wireless connectivity limits instant sharing or remote control, and the USB 2.0 port only handles file transfer, without charging capability.

The X-E3 is powered by the NP-W126S battery, providing a respectable CIPA-rated 350 shots per charge - a significant improvement that supports longer outings and more frames under demanding use. It uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-I support, handy for faster data write speeds.

Wi-Fi with Bluetooth is built-in, allowing seamless wireless image transfer, remote camera control, and easy firmware updates. USB 2.0 remains the wired standard but includes charging support - a welcome modern convenience.

Performance Across Photography Genres: What Each Camera Excels At

Let’s look at how these two cameras stack up in various photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

The X-E3 shines here. Its large APS-C sensor paired with fast, sharp X-mount primes delivers stellar skin tones, creamy bokeh, and excellent subject-background isolation. The advanced eye-detection AF ensures tack-sharp focus on the subject’s eyes even in complex compositions - a luxury absent on the F80EXR.

The F80EXR’s smaller sensor and slower lens limit shallow depth of field effects and creative control, but for casual portraits or snapshots, it produces decent results in well-lit environments.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range is crucial here. The X-E3’s sensor and Fuji’s renowned film simulations provide rich color gradation and the ability to recover shadows and highlights in post-processing. Coupled with high-resolution RAW files and an array of sharp wide-angle lenses, it’s a natural fit.

The F80EXR’s comparatively narrow dynamic range and lower resolution restrict possibilities for large prints or intense editing. Lack of weather sealing on both cameras makes careful shooting conditions necessary outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports

The X-E3’s fast 14 fps burst, extensive autofocus point coverage, and tracking capabilities place it head and shoulders above the F80EXR. Its smaller crop factor enhances telephoto reach when combined with long lenses, and its responsiveness favors capturing fleeting moments.

The F80EXR is ill-suited - limited burst rate, slow focus, and fixed lens with limited reach and aperture.

Street Photography

While the X-E3 is larger, its discreet rangefinder styling, quiet electronic shutter (up to 1/32000s), and extensive manual controls make it a serious tool for street photographers. The smaller native ISO range of the F80EXR and sluggish autofocus force compromises in challenging light or quick scenes.

That said, the F80EXR’s pocketable size favors quick snaps without drawing attention - a valid advantage if discretion is paramount.

Macro Photography

Neither camera offers dedicated macro systems, but the F80EXR can focus as close as 5 cm with its zoom, suitable for casual close-ups. The X-E3 relies on compatible macro lenses, enabling higher magnification and sharper precision focus.

Most serious macro photographers would gravitate toward the X-E3 plus a dedicated lens.

Night and Astro Photography

Here, the X-E3’s low noise at high ISO and ability to shoot long exposures (up to 30s) combined with manual controls and RAW support edge out the F80EXR. Its electronic shutter minimizes vibrations during exposures - essential for astrophotography.

The F80EXR maxes out at 1/8 sec shutter speed in manual mode and lacks RAW, making it less suitable for demanding night work.

Video Capabilities

The F80EXR offers only 720p HD video at 30 fps recorded in Motion JPEG - outdated by today’s standards, with limited quality and no external mic input.

The X-E3 supports 4K UHD video up to 30 fps, Full HD up to 60 fps in H.264 codec, and includes a microphone input for better audio control - a solid set for hybrid shooters.

Neither camera offers advanced video features like in-body stabilization or headphone monitoring, but the X-E3’s specs stand out clearly.

Travel Photography

The F80EXR’s light weight and pocketability excel for minimalist travelers or casual tourists, enabling effortless carry and quick spontaneous photos.

The X-E3 accepts interchangeable lenses, offers better image quality, and battery life (350 shots versus unknown but likely lower) trades immediate portability for creative flexibility - ideal for enthusiasts seeking higher quality souvenirs.

Technical Breakdown: Evaluating Specs Beyond the Numbers

Feature FujiFilm F80EXR Fujifilm X-E3
Sensor 1/2" CCD (6.4x4.8 mm) APS-C CMOS X-Trans III (23.6x15.6 mm)
Megapixels 12 24
ISO 100–1600 (max ISO 12800 boosted) 200–12800 (expandable 100–51200)
RAW Support No Yes
Autofocus system Single AF, contrast detection only Hybrid PDAF + CDAF, 325 points
Continuous Shooting Speed 4 fps 14 fps (electronic shutter)
Built-in Flash Yes, with multiple modes No, external only
Video Resolution 1280x720p (MJPEG) 3840x2160 4K (H.264)
Viewfinder None Electronic 2.36M dots
Screen 3" fixed, 230k dots 3" fixed, 1.04M dots, touchscreen
Battery Life Unknown, NP-50 350 shots, NP-W126S
Wireless None Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
Weight 210 grams 337 grams
Price (approximate) $400 $700

Real-World Image Quality Gallery

To truly grasp the differences, here are side-by-side lab and real-world images - you can immediately appreciate the higher detail, color fidelity, and dynamic range of the X-E3 compared to the F80EXR’s softer, more muted output.

Overall Performance Ratings and Use-Case Scores

Summarizing our head-to-head testing results across all factors and genres:

Breaking it down by photographic discipline:

Who Should Choose Each Camera?

Pick the FujiFilm F80EXR If You:

  • Want an affordable, ultra-compact point-and-shoot camera.
  • Prioritize pocketability and simple operation over professional-level controls.
  • Shoot mostly outdoors in good light and don’t mind limited image editing options.
  • Need a convenient travel camera with a versatile built-in zoom lens.
  • Are satisfied with 720p video and JPEG-only images.
  • Desire a low-cost secondary or backup camera.

Choose the Fujifilm X-E3 If You:

  • Demand excellent image quality with a large, advanced sensor and RAW shooting.
  • Want a system camera with access to an extensive lens lineup.
  • Require fast, accurate autofocus for action, wildlife, and portraits.
  • Appreciate tactile manual controls and an updated interface.
  • Are interested in hybrid photo and video capabilities at 4K resolution.
  • Are willing to invest in a system with upgrade potential - lenses, flash, accessories.
  • Seek wireless connectivity for ease of use and modern workflows.

Final Thoughts: Evolution in FujiFilm’s Camera Lineup

The FujiFilm FinePix F80EXR and the Fujifilm X-E3 are cameras born in entirely different eras and for different photographic mindsets. The F80EXR epitomizes the late-2000s compact scene - convenient, affordable, but constrained by sensor and processing limitations.

Eight years on, the Fujifilm X-E3 represents mirrorless innovation - high-resolution imaging, flexible handling, and creative freedom packaged in a sleek, yet robust body.

From a hands-on perspective, there’s simply no contest when it comes to advanced photography needs, image quality, and future-proofing. The X-E3 consistently delivers excellence in every tested category - technology and FujiFilm’s own engineering clearly shine.

That said, the F80EXR holds nostalgic charm and practical simplicity, serving as a capable everyday snapshooter and lightweight explorer.

Your choice hinges on photography ambitions, budget, and priorities. Do you want ready-to-go simplicity or creative control and image excellence? Either way, FujiFilm offers quality options tailored to your photographic journey.

For photographers seeking a capable pocket companion that won’t break the bank, the FinePix F80EXR remains a modest candidate. Enthusiasts and professionals looking to elevate their craft with superior image quality, versatile lenses, and modern features will find the Fujifilm X-E3 a highly rewarding companion.

I hope this comprehensive comparison equips you with clear insight to make an informed decision. If you have questions about specific shooting scenarios or desire lens recommendations for the X-E3, feel free to reach out – after all, hands-on expertise is here to guide you.

FujiFilm F80EXR vs Fujifilm X-E3 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for FujiFilm F80EXR and Fujifilm X-E3
 FujiFilm FinePix F80EXRFujifilm X-E3
General Information
Brand FujiFilm FujiFilm
Model type FujiFilm FinePix F80EXR Fujifilm X-E3
Alternative name FinePix F85EXR -
Category Small Sensor Compact Entry-Level Mirrorless
Introduced 2010-06-16 2017-09-07
Body design Compact Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Chip EXR EXR Processor III
Sensor type CCD CMOS X-TRANS III
Sensor size 1/2" APS-C
Sensor measurements 6.4 x 4.8mm 23.6 x 15.6mm
Sensor surface area 30.7mm² 368.2mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixels 24 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest resolution 4000 x 3000 6000 x 4000
Highest native ISO 1600 12800
Highest boosted ISO 12800 51200
Min native ISO 100 200
RAW images
Min boosted ISO - 100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points - 325
Lens
Lens support fixed lens Fujifilm X
Lens zoom range 27-270mm (10.0x) -
Maximum aperture f/3.3-5.6 -
Macro focusing distance 5cm -
Amount of lenses - 54
Crop factor 5.6 1.5
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 3" 3"
Display resolution 230 thousand dot 1,040 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 2,360 thousand dot
Viewfinder coverage - 100%
Viewfinder magnification - 0.62x
Features
Lowest shutter speed 8 seconds 30 seconds
Highest shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Highest quiet shutter speed - 1/32000 seconds
Continuous shooting speed 4.0fps 14.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance 4.20 m no built-in flash
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro no built-in flash
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Highest flash sync - 1/180 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 3840 x 2160 (20p, 25p, 24p)
Highest video resolution 1280x720 3840x2160
Video format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 210g (0.46 pounds) 337g (0.74 pounds)
Dimensions 99 x 59 x 28mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") 121 x 74 x 43mm (4.8" x 2.9" x 1.7")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 350 shots
Battery format - Battery Pack
Battery ID NP-50 NP-W126S
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots One One
Pricing at launch $400 $700