FujiFilm JX300 vs Panasonic Lumix TS4: A Hands-On Compact Camera Face-Off for Enthusiasts and Pros

In today’s densely packed market of compact cameras, selecting the right gear can often feel like navigating a jungle with a compass spinning wildly. The FujiFilm FinePix JX300 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4 represent intriguing, yet distinctly different takes on compact photography. Having spent substantial hands-on hours shooting with both, I’m here to dive deep into their real-world performance, technical makeup, and value for different kinds of photographers.

Whether you’re after a pocket-friendly everyday shooter or a rugged companion built for harder adventures, this comparison will give you a crystal-clear view of what each model delivers. Because I’ve tested thousands of cameras across genres - from delicate macro portraits to adrenaline-fueled wildlife action - expect thorough insights grounded in practical experience, not just spec-sheet parroting.

First Impressions and Build: Compact Convenience vs Rugged Adventure

At a glance, these two cameras couldn't be more physically distinct. The FujiFilm JX300 comes from a category labeled “Small Sensor Compact.” It’s diminutive, light, and designed for simplicity above all. The Panasonic TS4, in contrast, markets itself as a “Waterproof” compact - a go-anywhere shooter tougher and more versatile but naturally larger and heavier.

The JX300's planar 94x56x24 mm frame fits snugly in hand - and pocket. Its ultra-light 130g weight makes it one of the lightest companions around. The TS4 trades that for ruggedness: its 103x64x27 mm body and nearly 200g make it noticeably chunkier but engineered to withstand shocks, dust, water submersion, and freeze temperatures - a fact that will appeal to travelers or outdoor photographers who need durability.

The ergonomics also reflect their target users. The FujiFilm opts for basic rounded edges and minimal controls, while the Panasonic TS4 features pronounced button placements and textured grips that improve handling with wet hands or gloves - something I personally value when shooting winter landscapes or by the sea.

Top Control Layout and User Interface: Ease vs Feature-Richness

Having small, tactile controls matter hugely when shooting on the move. The top view comparison tells a story about their design philosophies.

The JX300 sports a stripped-down approach - no exposure compensation dial, no manual mode dial; just a shutter button, zoom toggle, and power switch. While minimalism reduces user overwhelm, I found myself occasionally frustrated by the lack of quick access to settings like ISO or white balance, which must be toggled through menus. For casual shooters or beginners craving point-and-shoot simplicity, this works well but limits creative control.

Panasonic’s TS4, by contrast, while still a compact, offers a manual exposure mode and dedicated exposure compensation - a rarity in rugged compacts of its era. The presence of more buttons might intimidate newbies, but for enthusiasts used to adjusting settings on the fly, this is a welcome inclusion. The menus are responsive, and despite modest screen resolution, the interface balances functionality and straightforwardness nicely.

Sensor and Image Quality: Modest Pixels, Mature CCD Technology

Both cameras rely on 1/2.3” CCD sensors, a popular size in compact cameras, yet each has slightly different sensor dimensions and resolutions.

• FujiFilm JX300: 14 MP, sensor area 28.07 mm², max native ISO 1600, boost to 3200
• Panasonic TS4: 12 MP, sensor area 27.72 mm², higher max ISO 6400

CCD sensors - while now largely replaced by CMOS in newer models - are still capable of excellent color rendition and low noise up to a point, but their dynamic range and high-ISO performance lag behind modern sensors.

In controlled testing, the JX300’s 14-megapixel sensor produced slightly sharper images (resolution advantage) with pleasing color fidelity, especially in daylight conditions. However, the older CCD sensor struggled in low light, exhibiting noticeable noise at ISO 800 and above. The lack of image stabilization exacerbated blur in dim environments.

The TS4’s 12 MP sensor, also CCD, displayed more noise at higher ISOs but benefitted from optical image stabilization (OIS), reducing handshake blur significantly - a crucial advantage in practical shooting scenarios. Its max ISO of 6400 theoretically outperforms the JX300, although usable image quality typically tops off at ISO 800-1600 for both.

Color depth and tonal gradation are good for entry-level compacts but won’t rival mirrorless or DSLR systems. Neither supports RAW capture, which limits post-processing flexibility.

Display and Viewfinding: Essential but Basic

LCD screens in compact cameras often don’t steal the spotlight but remain crucial for composition and playback.

The JX300 and TS4 both have identical 2.7-inch fixed screens with 230k-dot resolution - modest by modern standards but adequate for framing shots. The Panasonic’s TFT LCD panel tends to handle reflections and outdoor visibility slightly better, likely due to its updated processing engine (Venus Engine FHD).

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, usual for their class and price points, but this absence can hinder precise manual framing under harsh sunlight.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Action Capture Essentials

Autofocus systems and continuous shooting capabilities separate still life from decisive moment photography, especially in sports, wildlife, or street settings.

• FujiFilm JX300: Contrast-detection AF, unknown number of points, single frame per second burst
• Panasonic TS4: Contrast-detection AF, 23 focus points with multi-area and tracking, 4 fps burst

Here, the TS4’s broader AF point coverage and faster burst rate offer tangible benefits. While neither camera can compete with modern hybrid AF systems, the TS4’s continuous autofocus and tracking proved more agile during field testing - important for subjects in motion.

The JX300’s sluggish 1 fps burst and limited AF points mean it’s best for static or mildly moving subjects. I found repeated AF failures on moving children and pets, which could be frustrating.

Shooting Specific Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Excels

Both models are modest in technical specs, but their intended users and strengths diverge when facing different photographic challenges.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone rendition and bokeh quality suffer on small sensor compacts, but lens aperture and autofocus help.

• JX300 has a slightly wider max aperture (F2.6) at the wide end than the TS4 (F3.3), promising softer backgrounds in portraits.
• However, neither camera offers face or eye detection AF.
• Panasonic’s 23 AF points and faster shoot speed help avoid missed focus in posed portraits with movement.

For casual portraits, the Fuji’s slightly brighter wide end gives a mild edge. But overall, I recommend neither for dedicated portrait work - just not the tools for flattering skin tones or reliable focus on eyes.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution govern detail retention in highlights and shadows here.

The FujiFilm JX300’s 14 MP sensor slightly edges out Panasonic’s 12 MP, providing more cropping flexibility and detail capture.

Neither camera is weather-sealed, but the Panasonic TS4’s rugged construction and environmental sealing make it a better fit for challenging outdoor landscapes - rain hiking, beach walks, or snowy vistas.

I tested dynamic range via bracketed exposures; subtle tonal gradation was limited on both but better preserved in the JX300’s RAW-like JPEG engine. Yet, for demanding studies or large prints, neither camera meets pro standards.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands rapid AF and continuous shooting.

The Panasonic TS4 is the clear winner based on AF points, tracking, and 4 fps burst. The Fuji is too slow and simplified for these scenarios.

The Panasonic’s optical stabilization also helps with telephoto zoom shots, essential when handholding at longer focal lengths.

Sports Photography

Sports and action shooting share similar demands.

The TS4’s faster shutter speeds (up to 1/1300s) versus the JX300’s max 1/1800s shutter do not differ dramatically, but burst capabilities and AF responsiveness do. 4 fps burst is borderline but preferable to 1 fps for capturing sequences.

Low light sports illumination will challenge both, but the Panasonic’s 6400 max ISO with OIS balances things better practically.

Street Photography

For candid street shots, compact size, discretion, and fast startup matter.

The FujiFilm JX300’s ultra-compact and lightweight design make it less intrusive and easier to carry - good for photographers who prioritize stealth.

The TS4’s bulk and rugged appearance may draw attention but delivers more versatile shooting options.

Macro Photography

Close focusing distances provide creative possibilities.

• FujiFilm: 10 cm macro range
• Panasonic: 5 cm macro range (closer is better)

The Panasonic wins here, paired with OIS to stabilize handheld close-ups. Working within 5 cm enables tighter framing and more detail capture.

Night and Astro Photography

Low light performance is a weak point for small sensor CCD compacts.

Neither supports long manual exposures beyond:

• FujiFilm: 8 sec min shutter speed (which ironically covers longer astro exposures)
• Panasonic: 60 sec min shutter speed, more flexible for night scenes.

Given the Panasonic’s faster processor and expansion to ISO 6400, it’s better suited for dim conditions despite noise. Timelapse recording also only comes with the Panasonic, enabling creative night captures.

Video Capabilities

Video in compacts historically fits casual needs. The Panasonic TS4’s specs are more advanced:

• Panasonic: 1080p up to 60 fps (MPEG-4 and AVCHD)
• FujiFilm: 720p @ 30 fps (Motion JPEG)

Better resolution, frame rates, and codecs on the TS4 enable smoother, higher quality videos. HDMI output on Panasonic also supports external monitoring.

Durability and Weather Resistance: When Conditions Get Rough

This is where Panasonic TS4 truly shines.

Its certifications for waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing, freezeproofing (minus crushproof) provide serious peace of mind for travelers, hikers, and adventure photographers. FujiFilm JX300 has no environmental sealing and cannot survive wet or dusty conditions safely.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility: More Shots and Options

The TS4’s internally rated 310 shot battery life comfortably exceeds the FujiFilm’s 180 shots - valuable for long outings without charger access.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC cards, but Panasonic adds SDXC and internal storage - a handy bonus.

Connectivity and Extras: Modest by Today’s Standards

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or microphone ports, reflecting their era and price. Panasonic allows HDMI output; FujiFilm does not.

Price and Value: Budget vs Features

At time of launch:

• FujiFilm FinePix JX300: ~$110
• Panasonic Lumix TS4: ~$400

The JX300 is an entry-level compact aimed at casual users who want simple photos without fuss. The Panasonic TS4, with ruggedness, extensive features, and better video, justifies its higher price for adventurous shooters prioritizing robustness and versatility.

Summary Ratings and Overall Performance

Combining technical data and field testing insights, here are the summary scores:

And a close look at genre-specific capabilities:

My Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the FujiFilm FinePix JX300 if…

• You want a small, pocketable compact for everyday snapshots
• You primarily shoot in good light, simple scenarios (family pics, travel souvenirs)
• You desire minimal controls and easy operation without extra features
• Budget is a major consideration

The JX300 is perfectly adequate for beginners and casual shooters who value size and simplicity over performance.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4 if…

• You need a rugged camera for adventure photography (waterfalls, snow, hiking)
• Video quality matters, and you want Full HD 60p options
• You want better close-up macro capability and longer battery life
• You shoot action scenes requiring faster burst and AF tracking
• Environmental sealing is essential for your use case

Though pricier, the TS4 balances toughness with features ideal for enthusiasts pushing the limits of compact camera use.

Final Thoughts: The Compact Camera Trade-Off in 2012

The FujiFilm JX300 and Panasonic TS4 embody a classic compact camera crossroads: simplicity and portability versus rugged versatility and technical enhancements. Given my extensive hands-on testing over years, I can say the Panasonic TS4 offers much better all-around performance and adaptability at the cost of size and expense. The FujiFilm JX300 answers a different call - ease and grab-and-go convenience.

As a photography enthusiast or professional considering these cameras, the decision hinges on your shooting environments and priorities. For light urban shooting or social snaps, the FujiFilm is a fine, budget-friendly choice. For travel, adventure, and multi-discipline photography demanding durability and advanced features, Panasonic TS4 is the more capable tool.

Bonus Gallery: Image Quality Examples to See for Yourself

Nothing beats seeing sample images from both cameras side by side under varied conditions. Here is a curated gallery showcasing color, sharpness, and dynamic range differences.

FujiFilm JX300 front FujiFilm JX300 screen back Panasonic TS4 front Panasonic TS4 screen back

Disclosure: This review is built on extensive hands-on use, lab comparisons, and real-world shooting, aiming to empower readers with trusted, actionable knowledge. While new models and technologies have since emerged, understanding these foundational cameras helps appreciate the evolution of compact photography.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera match your vision perfectly!