FujiFilm FinePix JX300 vs Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR: A Hands-On Deep Dive Into Compact Camera Choices

When you’re shopping for a compact camera, especially in the FujiFilm lineup, the choices can seem daunting. These two models - the FujiFilm FinePix JX300 and the Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR - come from different periods and fill distinct niches. I’ve spent considerable time testing both, putting them through real-world shooting scenarios that photographers from weekend snappers to seasoned pros might encounter. This comparison will walk you through their design, tech, performance, and best use cases - so whether you’re a budget-conscious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast seeking a travel-friendly superzoom compact, you’ll have clarity on which camera suits your needs.

The Feel and Handling: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

First impressions count, and in compact cameras, how they feel in your hands often makes or breaks daily use. The FujiFilm JX300 is an ultra-lightweight compact weighing just 130g with dimensions around 94x56x24mm. It’s essentially a glorified pocket camera you can slip into any small bag or sometimes even a large pocket. However, that featherweight status comes with compromises - the small body lacks tactile buttons and sports a tiny 2.7-inch fixed LCD with just 230k dots resolution. Ergonomically, it’s rather “bare-bones” with no viewfinder and limited grip real estate - it’s not built for long shooting sessions or complex handling.

Comparatively, the F900EXR beefs up quite a bit in size (105x61x36mm) and weight (232g), making it more a compact superzoom class camera than a true point-and-shoot. The beefier body houses a larger and much sharper 3.0-inch LCD screen at 920k dots, which really helps framing and reviewing images in diverse lighting conditions. The control layout is significantly more sophisticated, with shutter speed and aperture priority modes, manual exposure, and programmable buttons that provide more clubs for your thumbs.

From a usability standpoint, the F900EXR feels much more "camera-like" and intentional, while the JX300 is for those who want very simple, quick snapshots without fiddle time. For travel or street photography where discretion is essential, the JX300’s small size is a plus, but if you expect to tweak settings on the fly or shoot diverse subjects, the F900EXR’s ergonomics make a compelling case.

Sensor and Image Quality: Peeking Under the Hood

Both cameras use small sensors since they belong to the compact category, but their sensor tech and resolution differ enough to impact image quality and creative possibilities.

• FujiFilm JX300: A 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 14MP resolution, standard for compacts a decade ago. CCD sensors are known for relatively good color reproduction but tend to lag in noise handling and dynamic range compared to CMOS. The sensor area is about 28.07 mm², modest by any standard. ISO sensitivity tops at 1600 native (3200 boosted), but in practice, noise becomes quite apparent beyond ISO 400–800.

• Fujifilm F900EXR: Features a slightly larger and more advanced 1/2-inch EXR CMOS sensor with 16MP. The EXR technology was Fuji’s attempt to balance resolution, dynamic range, and noise reduction intelligently - the sensor can switch between modes optimized for resolution, dynamic range, or low light. ISO goes up to 3200 native and can boost to 12800, which helps in darker scenes. Plus it supports RAW capture - a feature absent in the JX300 - enabling photographers better post-processing latitude.

Real-World Take

In daylight or well-lit conditions, both cameras produce decent results suitable for sharing online or modest prints. But as soon as the light drops, the F900EXR’s sensor excels - noise levels remain manageable, details are better retained, and colors stay more accurate. In contrast, the JX300 struggles with noise and softer detail at higher ISOs and offers no RAW for recovery.

Viewing and Composing: Screen and Viewfinder Differences

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, a typical tradeoff in compacts aiming to keep size and cost low, but their LCD implementations differ:

• JX300’s 2.7-inch LCD: Small and technically an older technology, with only 230,000 dots resolution. This means the image preview can appear quite pixelated, and it’s tough to evaluate critical focus or exposure accurately on the screen itself.

• F900EXR’s 3.0-inch TFT LCD: Offers nearly four times the resolution (920,000 dots), making for a crisp and bright image preview. The larger size makes touch focusing unavailable, but the sharpness aids quick image checks and confident composition.

Because neither has a viewfinder, users relying on bright sunlight for composition might find the F900EXR’s screen easier to see. The JX300’s tiny screen can be frustrating outdoors.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Features

Autofocus quality often separates usable compacts from frustrating ones, especially in genres like wildlife or sport photography where subjects move fast.

• JX300: Uses contrast-detection autofocus with single, continuous, and tracking AF modes, but no face or animal eye detection assistance. The number of focus points isn’t disclosed but given the era and class, it’s limited. AF speed is modest - suitable for casual snapshots but not for fast action. In low light, focus tends to hunt noticeably.

• F900EXR: Employs Fujifilm’s hybrid AF technology using phase-detection pixels, allowing faster, more accurate focus. It supports face detection, improving portrait work. Its continuous autofocus and AF tracking modes comfortably handle more dynamic subjects. Though not perfect for hardcore sports photography, it’s more capable in burst sequences and wildlife.

From personal testing, the F900EXR’s AF is significantly more responsive and reliable in varying light conditions - a must for active users.

Zoom Versatility and Macro Capabilities

A standout difference is lens reach:

• JX300: Modest 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens (5× optical zoom) with a fairly bright starting aperture of f/2.6 at wide angle, but closing down to f/6.2 telephoto. Macro capability starts at about 10cm, decent for casual close-ups.

• F900EXR: Huge 25-500mm equivalent (20× optical zoom), quite remarkable for a compact. Maximum aperture ranges from f/3.5 to f/5.3. Macro focusing starts at 5cm, allowing closer detail shots. The longer reach gives it a significant edge for wildlife and travel.

Additionally, the F900EXR has a sensor-shift image stabilization system that compensates particularly well for camera shake at long focal lengths - something the JX300 lacks entirely. For me, this makes a huge difference when shooting handheld telephoto shots or trying for sharper macro images.

Exposure Control and Creative Flexibility

If you’re the kind of photographer who likes to control your settings, here’s an important distinction:

The F900EXR certainly shines for those wanting to step beyond point-and-shoot simplicity. The presence of manual modes and bracketing capabilities lends it to more thoughtful creative photography such as landscapes or controlled portraiture.

Burst Shooting and Video Abilities

For fast-paced scenes and multimedia versatility:

• Burst Speed: JX300 shoots at a snail’s pace of 1 frame per second - clearly for static subjects or slow moments. The F900EXR can shoot bursts at 11 fps at full resolution, a response much more suitable for sports or wildlife action shots where timing is critical.

• Video Recording: JX300 supports 720p HD video at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, a rather basic codec with large file sizes and modest quality. The F900EXR upgrades to full HD 1080p at 60 fps using efficient MPEG-4/H.264 codecs, delivering superior video quality and smoother motion capture.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone jacks, which limits serious audio control, but the F900EXR’s video specs offer more room for casual video creation.

Durability, Connectivity, and Battery Life

• Build Quality: Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance, so treat them as delicate rather than rugged tools.

• Battery Life: The JX300 manages about 180 shots per charge, while the F900EXR extends this to roughly 260 shots. Not outstanding by today's standards, but considering their compact sizes and sensor technology, they’re adequate for light outings.

• Connectivity: The JX300 lacks wireless features entirely. The F900EXR includes built-in Wi-Fi (although no Bluetooth or NFC), allowing easier image transfer and remote control - increasingly essential for modern workflows.

• Storage: Both use the standard SD/SDHC cards; the F900EXR additionally supports SDXC, which means using high-capacity cards is possible.

Sample Images and Image Quality Outcomes

Let's look at how these differences materialize in actual pictures.

FujiFilm JX300 front FujiFilm JX300 screen back Fujifilm F900EXR front Fujifilm F900EXR screen back

Key observations:

• The JX300 photos offer pleasing colors and decent detail in daylight but suffer softness and noise creeping in at ISO 400 and above. The limited zoom constrains composition creativity.

• The F900EXR images appear sharper, with better retention of highlight and shadow detail thanks to EXR dynamic range optimization. The zoom's reach and stabilization create opportunities for diverse shooting - from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife.

Skin tones on the F900EXR feel more nuanced, the bokeh is smoother, particularly when zoomed in, and autofocus locks quickly on eyes with face detection enabled.

Scoring the Cameras Across the Board

Here is an objective assessment based on comprehensive hands-on tests, weighted by importance for typical user needs.

Performance Across Photography Genres

How do these cameras stack up depending on your preferred photography style?

• Portraits: The F900EXR wins with more accurate skin tone rendering, face detection AF, and better background blur (thanks to longer zoom and stabilization). The JX300 is workable for casual snaps but lacks fine control.

• Landscape: F900EXR’s dynamic range and resolution advantage enable more detailed, vibrant landscapes. Macro performance is also superior with its 5 cm focusing. The JX300’s limited controls and slower shutter hamper creative exploration.

• Wildlife & Sports: JX300 is simply too slow and lacks reach, burst speed, and AF agility here. F900EXR offers 11 fps shooting, 500mm reach, and sufficient AF for casual wildlife and some sports photography.

• Street Photography: JX300’s size offers stealth, but limited ISO and poor AF reduce handheld low-light performance. The F900EXR balances portability with capability but is more conspicuous.

• Night & Astro: Neither is designed for astrophotography, but F900EXR’s higher ISO ceiling and longer exposure times position it better for low-light shots.

• Video: F900EXR again leads with full HD at 60fps and better codecs, though neither replace a dedicated camcorder.

• Travel: F900EXR’s extensive zoom, better battery, and Wi-Fi connectivity justify its bulk. JX300 appeals if weight and size are your absolute priority and you accept limitations.

• Professional Work: Neither camera is intended for pro workflows due to sensor size and control limitations, but F900EXR’s RAW support gives it an edge for casual professionals or content creators on a budget.

Summing It Up: Who Should Buy Which?

FujiFilm FinePix JX300 - The Simple Snapper

• Pros: Ultra-lightweight, compact, easy to operate, very affordable (~$110), great for casual shooting or beginners prioritizing convenience.
• Cons: Weak zoom, no manual controls, noisy high ISO, poor AF speed, low-res screen, no wireless features.
• Best For: Point-and-shooters, kids, cheapskates on tight budgets, simple family snapshots, anyone wanting a comfortable pocket camera without fuss.

Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR - The Versatile Superzoom Compact

• Pros: Impressive 20× zoom, manual controls, fast autofocus, RAW support, superior video, better battery and screen, Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Cons: Larger and heavier for a compact, no electronic viewfinder, non-weather sealed, pricier (~$380).
• Best For: Enthusiasts who want a portable all-in-one travel camera, hobbyists venturing into wildlife or sports, content creators needing raw files and better video, anyone valuing flexibility over ultra-compact size.

Final Verdict: Which FujiFilm Compact Suits You?

If you’re pushing 15 years back and want effortless snapshots for social media, the JX300 still has charm as a simple, budget-focused compact. But the world has evolved, and compact cameras like the F900EXR raise the bar considerably with a far better balance of zoom reach, sensor capability, and creative control - all at a still reasonable price.

For photography enthusiasts who want more than just “point and shoot,” or for travelers looking for a do-it-all, carry-anywhere camera, the F900EXR is the clear winner. I recommend it without hesitation if your budget allows - it delivers a real return on investment for image quality, speed, and versatility.

I hope this comparison helps you make an informed choice tailored to your photographic ambitions! For more photo tests and real-world shooting tips with these cameras, stay tuned for follow-up articles. And remember - the best camera is always the one you have with you and know how to use well.

Happy shooting!