FujiFilm F80EXR vs Fujifilm X-E3
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FujiFilm F80EXR vs Fujifilm X-E3 Key Specs
(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
(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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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
FujiFilm FinePix F80EXR | Fujifilm 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 |