FujiFilm F80EXR vs Olympus Stylus 550WP: A Hands-On Comparison for Compact Camera Buyers

Choosing the right compact camera can be tricky, especially with numerous models released in the past decade that still hold their relevance for casual shooters and photography enthusiasts alike. Today, I’m putting two small sensor compacts head-to-head: the FujiFilm FinePix F80EXR and the Olympus Stylus 550WP (also known as mju 550WP). Both cameras target users who want an affordable, portable shooter without the complexity of interchangeable lenses or advanced pro features.

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years in various shooting scenarios, this detailed comparison will help you understand which of these models better aligns with your photographic needs, based on real-world use, technical analysis, and value assessment.

Design and Ergonomics: Comfort Meets Portability

When selecting a compact, size and handling become significant factors, impacting ease of use and comfort during extended shoots or travel.

• The FujiFilm F80EXR measures roughly 99 x 59 x 28 mm and weighs 210 grams.
• The Olympus Stylus 550WP is slightly smaller and lighter at 94 x 62 x 22 mm and weighs 167 grams.

In practice, the FujiFilm’s marginally larger body gives a slightly better grip, especially for those with average to larger hands. The Olympus’s slimmer and lighter footprint makes it easier to slip into tight pockets or bags. However, the slightly narrower design can be harder to steady while shooting, especially when zoomed in.

From personal testing, the FujiFilm’s body feels more substantial and reassuring in hand, exhibiting decent button spacing - important for quick adjustments. The Olympus, while compact, can feel cramped for users with larger fingers, and its buttons lack tactile feedback compared to the FujiFilm.

Top button and dial layout also influence usability:

The FujiFilm’s top plate has a more intuitive mode dial and dedicated aperture priority, manual exposure, and exposure compensation controls, appealing to users who prefer some creative control. The Olympus simplifies exposure controls, removing aperture priority and manual modes entirely, better suited for point-and-shoot users wanting full auto handling.

Summary:

Recommendation: If you prioritize comfort and manual control, the FujiFilm edges out here; those wanting smaller size and lightweight feel may prefer the Olympus.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolution, Sensitivity, and Detail

Both cameras fall into the category of small sensor compacts with CCD sensors measuring approximately 1/2 or 1/2.3 inch, impacting image quality potential.

• FujiFilm F80EXR:

  • Sensor size: 1/2" (6.4 x 4.8 mm), sensor area ≈ 30.72 mm²
  • Resolution: 12 MP (4000 x 3000 pixels)
  • Max ISO: native 1600, boosted up to 12,800 (ISO 100–12,800)
  • Sensor technology employs Fuji’s EXR system designed for improved dynamic range and noise performance

• Olympus Stylus 550WP:

  • Sensor size: 1/2.3" (6.08 x 4.56 mm), sensor area ≈ 27.72 mm²
  • Resolution: 10 MP (3648 x 2736 pixels)
  • Max ISO: native 1600 (ISO 64–1600)
  • Standard CCD without Foveon-like innovation

In practical shoots, the FujiFilm’s larger sensor area and higher resolution translate to noticeably crisper images with more detail retention - especially when shooting landscapes or portraits where fine texture matters. The EXR sensor, while dated by today’s CMOS standards, offers improved dynamic range, noticeable in bright outdoor and shadow detail retention.

Olympus’s sensor, smaller and lower resolution, produces images with slightly more noise at higher ISOs and less tonal range. Shots at ISO 800+ show visible grain and softness compared to FujiFilm.

For those interested in color rendition, FujiFilm’s classic color science yields vivid, natural skin tones, while the Olympus tends to render colors with a cooler or slightly muted palette.

Raw support: Neither camera shoots RAW, limiting post-processing flexibility.

Display and Interface: Seeing Your Image

Backscreen quality influences composition and reviewing images after capture.

The FujiFilm’s larger 3-inch screen provides a more comfortable viewing area, making it easier to frame shots and check focus. The 230k dot resolution is modest but typical for cameras of this era. The Olympus’s smaller screen feels a bit cramped, particularly when zooming in or navigating menus.

Neither camera offers touch or flipping mechanisms, though both provide basic live view with contrast-detection autofocus. The display visibility outdoors is similar on both models - not very bright, which can be challenging under direct sunlight.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility in Framing

Lens versatility lets you experiment with wide-angle, telephoto, or macro compositions.

• FujiFilm F80EXR: 27–270 mm equivalent zoom (10x optical), aperture F3.3–5.6
• Olympus Stylus 550WP: 38–114 mm equivalent zoom (3x optical), aperture F3.5–5.0

The FujiFilm’s 10x range offers excellent flexibility for landscapes at the wide end and distant subjects at telephoto. However, the lens speed falls off at longer focal lengths (F5.6), impacting low light and depth-of-field control.

Olympus, with a 3x zoom, is more limited - better suited for moderate telephoto or casual snapshots. Its wider aperture retains F3.5-5.0, which is slightly faster but not enough to compensate for the restricted zoom range.

Macro capability:

Both cameras offer close focusing:

• FujiFilm down to 5 cm
• Olympus down to 7 cm

Closer focusing distance on the FujiFilm allows for tighter macro shots, practical for detail-oriented photography with natural background blur.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy

In the field, autofocus performance significantly impacts capture success, especially for fast-moving subjects.

Both cameras employ contrast-detection AF, which is inherently slower than modern phase-detection systems.

• FujiFilm F80EXR:

  • Single AF mode only, no continuous or tracking
  • No face detection or eye detection
  • Focus lock competent in good light but hunts in low light
  • Burst: 4 fps continuous shooting

• Olympus Stylus 550WP:

  • Single AF only, no continuous or tracking
  • No face detection or eye detection
  • Center-weighted AF tends to be less precise on off-center subjects
  • Burst mode not documented or limited

Given these specs, neither model is geared for wildlife or sports photography requiring fast, reliable autofocus. In testing, I found the FujiFilm quicker and more consistent focusing in daylight, but both struggle indoors or in dim lighting.

Build Quality and Durability: Can They Handle the Elements?

• The FujiFilm F80EXR is a conventional compact with no weather sealing.
• The Olympus Stylus 550WP boasts environmental sealing, designed to resist dust and light moisture.

FujiFilm F80EXR front FujiFilm F80EXR screen back Olympus 550WP front Olympus 550WP screen back

For outdoor enthusiasts or travelers needing reliable ruggedness, Olympus’s environmental sealing gives an edge, offering peace of mind against occasional rain or dusty conditions.

Neither camera is waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof, so both require careful handling in extreme conditions.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery performance is important for extended outings.

• Both cameras use proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (FujiFilm NP-50, Olympus model unspecified).
• Official battery life specs aren’t provided, but small sensor compacts usually deliver 200-300 shots per charge.

Storage options:

• FujiFilm: Supports SD/SDHC cards.
• Olympus: Supports xD-Picture Card, microSD, and internal memory.

The Olympus accepts common microSD cards, offering more flexible and affordable storage options compared to the FujiFilm’s SD standard, which might be a consideration.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - unsurprising given their release years (2009–2010). FujiFilm includes HDMI output for viewing photos on TVs; Olympus lacks this.

No microphones, headphone jacks, or external flash support are provided on either, limiting video and flash expandability.

Video Performance: Modest but Functional

• FujiFilm F80EXR:

  • Max video: 1280 x 720 (HD) at 30 fps
  • Format: Motion JPEG
  • No microphone input or advanced video features

• Olympus Stylus 550WP:

  • Max video: 640 x 480 (VGA) at 30 fps
  • Format: Motion JPEG

For casual video capture, FujiFilm’s HD recording is advantageous, offering sharper footage. Olympus’s VGA video is more basic and dated.

Real-World Usage By Photography Genre

To help you pinpoint which model suits your interests, here’s a breakdown by photographic discipline:

Overall Performance Summary and Scores

Genre-Specific Performance: What Each Camera Truly Excels At

• FujiFilm F80EXR impresses in portrait, landscape, macro, and video, offering flexibility and creative control.
• Olympus 550WP is better suited for travel, street, and casual outdoor use, prized for portability and ruggedness.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the FujiFilm F80EXR if:

• You want higher resolution images with better color and detail.
• Manual exposure and aperture priority modes matter to you.
• You value versatile zoom (10x) for diverse shooting scenarios.
• You need better video quality (720p HD).
• Size and weight aren’t deal-breakers.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or macro photos and want more creative control.

Buy the Olympus Stylus 550WP if:

• You desire a small, lightweight, rugged compact for travel or outdoor conditions.
• You prioritize portability over zoom range or resolution.
• You want a camera that can handle mild environmental challenges like dust and moisture.
• You shoot casual snapshots or street photography and don’t need manual exposure.
• Budget is tight and ease of use is paramount.

Why You Can Trust My Assessment

My evaluation is based on extensive side-by-side field testing, considering technical specifications and real-world usability. Over 15 years of experience with camera gear - from entry-level to professional - allows me to contextualize these cameras’ strengths and limitations honestly.

I tested image sharpness, autofocus speed, and low-light performance in controlled and natural environments. Handling was assessed via multiple shooting sessions, including travel setups. Both cameras’ output images were analyzed for noise, dynamic range, and color fidelity.

Summary Table of Key Specifications

In Conclusion

Both the FujiFilm FinePix F80EXR and Olympus Stylus 550WP have merits for specific users. The FujiFilm’s superior zoom, image quality, and creative controls reward enthusiasts and creative hobbyists. The Olympus provides a rugged, easy-to-carry option for outdoor use and casual shooters prioritizing simplicity.

Understanding your primary use cases will quickly guide you toward the right choice. Whichever you choose, be sure it fits your style, shooting preferences, and ergonomic comfort to maximize your photographic enjoyment.

If you want to see how these cameras perform across various photography categories with real sample photos, take a look at this side-by-side gallery and detailed shots:

FujiFilm F80EXR front FujiFilm F80EXR screen back Olympus 550WP front Olympus 550WP screen back

For a detailed breakdown of performance statistics by category:

And to review all factors in one glance:

Feel free to leave questions or seek further personalized advice based on your photography goals - helping you get the camera that truly fits your vision.