FujiFilm JX300 vs Panasonic ZS45: An Expert Hands-On Comparison for Practical Photographers

Choosing a compact camera that fits your photography style, budget, and workflow can be a challenge - especially when two models come from reputable brands with distinct approaches. Today, I’m diving deep into the FujiFilm FinePix JX300 and Panasonic Lumix ZS45, a comparison tailored around practical, real-world performance rather than just spec sheets.

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I bring a keen eye on how these two compacts hold up across key photographic situations - from portraits to landscapes, wildlife to street - and the technical nuances that guide their handling, image quality, and value.

Let’s break down what works, where the compromises lie, and who should reach for which.

Getting To Know Them: Who Are These Cameras?

At first glance, both cameras appear as straightforward point-and-shoots but with notably different ambitions.

• FujiFilm FinePix JX300 (2011) is a budget-friendly, ultra-compact camera sporting a 14MP CCD sensor and a modest 5x zoom (28-140mm equivalent). Its simplicity suggests a beginner-friendly, pocketable companion.

• Panasonic Lumix ZS45 (2015) takes a more versatile route with a 16MP CMOS sensor, a seriously beefy 20x zoom (24-480mm equivalent), optical image stabilization, and more exposure flexibility. It’s clearly designed for the enthusiast who wants a travel-friendly one-camera-does-it-all experience.

Before we dive into detailed performance, here’s a look at their physical size and ergonomics that directly affect shooting comfort and portability:

FujiFilm JX300 (left) vs Panasonic ZS45 (right) - Notice the larger grip and bulk of the ZS45 for extended zoom comfort.

The Fuji is notably smaller and lighter at 130g, placing it firmly in wallet-friendly casual use territory. The ZS45 weighs almost double at 249g, and it shows through a chunkier grip and thicker chassis to house longer glass and stabilization hardware.

First Impressions: Design and Handling

Handling a camera you’ll enjoy using day-to-day is as important as image quality, so let’s glance at how these cameras feel in hand.

Control layouts reflect their target markets: the FujiFilm’s ultra-simple interface lacks manual controls, whereas the Panasonic adds dials and buttons for aperture and shutter priority.

FujiFilm JX300 is a no-frills, beginner-centric camera. It lacks manual exposure modes, with no aperture or shutter priority, no exposure compensation, and minimal customization. The buttons are small and spaced tight. The fixed, non-tilting 2.7” screen comes with just 230k dots resolution - adequate for framing but no joy in checking sharpness or detail.

How do fixed cameras like this adapt to varied lighting? You basically rely on automatic exposure and digital processing, which I found can plateau on image quality very early when light gets tricky.

Panasonic ZS45 was clearly engineered with more control-conscious users in mind. It features aperture and shutter priority plus manual modes, exposure compensation, auto bracketing, and multi-area autofocus with face detection. The 3” tilting LCD screen with 1040k dots offers a much sharper live view and compose experience.

Its controls provide a decent learning curve, with clubs-for-thumbs sized dials and buttons that improve the tactile shooting experience. This makes it much more appealing to enthusiasts and travelers who want to grow beyond fully automatic.

Into the Sensor: Image Quality and Processing

At the heart of every camera lies the sensor, governing resolution, dynamic range, noise handling, and ultimately, print or screen-worthy image quality.

Both cameras share a 1/2.3" sensor size, with minimal physical difference. The ZS45 edges slightly better resolution (16MP vs 14MP), as well as a CMOS versus CCD sensor technology.

This similarity in sensor size tells us their low-light and dynamic range abilities are going to be limited compared to larger-sensor cameras. However, the Panasonic’s CMOS sensor generally outperforms CCD designs due to advanced noise reduction and faster readouts.

In practical shooting tests, the following stood out:

• Resolution & Detail: The Panasonic produced cleaner, more detailed images, especially noticeable in good lighting. The Fuji’s images were softer and prone to slight color fringing towards the edges, likely due to its older lens design and sensor characteristics.

• ISO Performance: Native ISO maxes at 1600 on Fuji and 6400 on Panasonic. While both deliver acceptable clarity at ISO 100-400, the Fuji’s images become noisy quicker at ISO 800 and above. The ZS45 maintains decent noise control through ISO 1600 and even usable images at 3200 in a pinch.

• Dynamic Range: Neither camera boasts impressive dynamic range, but the Panasonic’s metering system and image processing produced better highlight retention and shadow detail, especially in landscape and high-contrast scenes.

For portrait shooters seeking accurate skin tones and smooth gradients, the Panasonic’s sensor and processor combo offers a stronger foundation for pleasing tones and less noise interference.

Live View & Viewfinders: Composing Your Shot

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, a common omission in this segment, steering users to rely on LCD screens.

Screen differences are stark: Panasonic’s 3" high-res tilting screen vs FujiFilm’s fixed, low-res 2.7" panel.

While the Fuji’s fixed screen is adequate for casual snaps, the low resolution and small size make fine focusing and review difficult, especially outdoors in sunlight.

In contrast, the Panasonic’s tilting screen gives you versatility for awkward angles, like waist-level shooting or selfies (even though it’s not labeled “selfie-friendly” per se), and its higher pixel count aids in precision framing and checking focus.

If you regularly shoot street or travel photography where discreet, flexible composition is key, I'd lean toward the Panasonic’s LCD as a clear advantage.

Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy All Day Long

Autofocus (AF) can make or break shooting fast-moving subjects like wildlife or sports.

• FujiFilm JX300: Contrast-detection system, no autofocus area options, works well for static subjects but struggles to lock quickly or track movement.

• Panasonic ZS45: 21 focus points with face detection and multi-area AF, plus continuous AF tracking.

In testing, I shot birds in flight and kids playing with both cameras. The Fuji’s single AF point and contrast detection caused hunting and delay - it often failed to nail focus on fast action, leading to missed shots. The Panasonic showed faster, more confident focusing and smoother tracking, even under partial occlusion.

If your photography involves wildlife or sports, the ZS45 has a significant operational advantage.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance

The cameras have very different zoom capabilities:

• FujiFilm JX300: 28-140mm (5x zoom), max aperture F2.6-6.2
• Panasonic ZS45: 24-480mm (20x zoom), max aperture F3.3-6.4

That Panasonic’s zoom goes to 480mm equivalent is a game changer, allowing you to reach distant subjects without changing lenses (because, of course, both have fixed lenses). The Fuji’s zoom range is modest, better suited for basic snapshots.

Keep in mind, longer zooms come with increased potential for camera shake, but the Panasonic offsets this with optical image stabilization, which the Fuji lacks.

In my hands, the Panasonic combo made telephoto framing practical and relatively shake-free even at slower shutter speeds, whereas the Fuji’s lack of stabilization forced me to boost ISO or use faster shutter speeds, hurting image quality in some cases.

Shutter Speeds and Exposure Control

• FujiFilm JX300: Minimum 8 seconds, max 1/1800 seconds, no manual exposure control
• Panasonic ZS45: Minimum 4 seconds, max 1/2000 seconds, shutter/aperture priority and manual modes present

A max shutter speed beyond 1/1000s is critical if you want to freeze fast action. Both cameras hit the mark, but the Panasonic edges in flexibility with manual modes and exposure compensation.

If you like tinkering or are venturing into more technical photography (long exposures, low-light scenes, creative blur), the ZS45 offers more breathing room.

Burst Rates and Continuous Shooting

Continuous shooting speeds impact capturing decisive moments in sports or wildlife:

• FujiFilm JX300: 1 fps (frames per second)
• Panasonic ZS45: 10 fps

That’s a night-and-day difference. I used the ZS45 to shoot action bursts of soccer players and never missed a critical moment. The Fuji is all but unsuitable for any subject in motion unless you’re patient.

Video Capture: Handy or Hobbled?

Neither camera ventures into serious video territory, but the Panasonic clearly delivers more:

• FujiFilm JX300: 720p at 30fps, Motion JPEG format
• Panasonic ZS45: Full HD 1080p at 30fps, MPEG-4 format, HDMI out

Panasonic’s video results had cleaner edges, steadier footage (due to IS), and better color fidelity. The Fuji’s chunkier compression and lower resolution make it suitable only for casual clips.

Neither camera supports mic input or advanced framing features, so video pros will need to look elsewhere, but the ZS45 can cover the casual videographer better.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Battery endurance often gets overlooked until you’re stranded on a shoot.

• FujiFilm JX300: Rated 180 shots per charge, single SD/SDHC card slot
• Panasonic ZS45: Rated 350 shots per charge, single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, plus internal storage options

In real-world shooting - especially travel - I found the Fuji runs out noticeably faster, and combined with its slower operation (camera lag between shots), it’s not a model for extended sessions. The Panasonic’s longer battery life and snappier responsiveness make it much better for shooting all day.

Connectivity and Sharing

In today’s instant-sharing world, wireless connectivity is a plus.

• FujiFilm JX300: No Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC
• Panasonic ZS45: Built-in Wi-Fi

Having Wi-Fi on the Panasonic enables remote control and quick transfers to phones or tablets - a huge bonus for casual photographers or content creators who want to share instantly.

Build Quality & Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedness. Given their price points and categories, that's expected. Both feel plastic-bodied but reasonably well-made.

If you’re a professional or outdoor enthusiast needing durability, neither camera checks those boxes.

How These Cameras Perform Across Popular Photography Types

Using detailed field tests and standard evaluation metrics, here’s how each camera stacks up in different photography genres:

Portrait Photography

• FujiFilm JX300: Struggles with skin tones and lacks bokeh (due to small sensor and lens). No eye-detection AF.
• Panasonic ZS45: Better skin tone rendering, face detection AF helps keep eyes sharp, slight background blur at longer focal lengths.

Landscape Photography

• FujiFilm JX300: Limited dynamic range, struggles with shadows and highlights; resolution adequate for small prints.
• Panasonic ZS45: Superior dynamic range and resolution, allowing detailed landscapes, though sensor size still limits large prints.

Wildlife Photography

• FujiFilm JX300: Almost unusable due to slow AF, short zoom, and low burst rate.
• Panasonic ZS45: Excellent telephoto reach and fast AF make it suitable for casual wildlife shooting.

Sports Photography

• FujiFilm JX300: No chance beyond posed shots.
• Panasonic ZS45: Burst shooting and tracking suitable for amateur-level sports photography.

Street Photography

• FujiFilm JX300: Compact, discreet, but weak low-light performance and fixed screen hamper flexibility.
• Panasonic ZS45: Larger but still portable, better low-light, tilting screen helps candid angles.

Macro Photography

• FujiFilm JX300: Macro focus to 10cm, no stabilization, okay for casual close-ups.
• Panasonic ZS45: Closer macro at 3cm, stabilization and manual modes aid precision.

Night/Astro Photography

• FujiFilm JX300: ISO limited and noisy, no manual exposure options make long-exposure difficult.
• Panasonic ZS45: Manual modes and higher ISO range offer slightly better astro/night capabilities.

Video Capabilities

• FujiFilm JX300: Basic 720p clips, little control.
• Panasonic ZS45: Full HD video with stabilization, better for casual video creation.

Travel Photography

• FujiFilm JX300: Ultra-lightweight and compact, but limited flexibility.
• Panasonic ZS45: A “one camera, all focal lengths” kit lens replacement, slightly heavier but much more versatile.

Professional Work
Neither are pro-level cameras, but the Panasonic’s control and image quality make it marginally more viable for backup or casual use.

Sample Image Quality: Visual Evidence From Real Shoots

Nothing beats seeing for yourself, so I put both cameras through the paces in varying light and subjects:

FujiFilm JX300 front FujiFilm JX300 screen back Panasonic ZS45 front Panasonic ZS45 screen back

Summarizing the Scores: Overall Performance Ratings

Compiling all objective and subjective criteria, here’s how each camera scored overall:

Pros and Cons at a Glance

FujiFilm FinePix JX300

• Very compact and lightweight
• Simple point-and-shoot ease (for cheapskates or absolute beginners)
• Affordable price (~$110)
• Limited zoom range and no stabilization
• Low-res fixed LCD screen
• Slow autofocus and burst rate
• Poor low-light and video performance
• No manual controls or connectivity

Panasonic Lumix ZS45

• Large focal range with 20x zoom and optical stabilization
• Reliable autofocus with face detection and continuous tracking
• Manual exposure modes plus bracketing
• High-res tilting LCD screen
• Full HD video recording with stabilization
• Good battery life and built-in Wi-Fi
• Larger and heavier than FujiFilm JX300
• No viewfinder, no mic/headphone jacks
• Still limited by small sensor size

Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re shopping on a tight budget, need absolute portability, or want a straightforward “point and shoot” for basic snapshots strictly in good light, the FujiFilm JX300 can still fill that niche. It excels where simplicity and size win over image quality or versatility.

For enthusiasts or travelers who want one camera that covers all bases well, including long telephoto reach, manual control, and decent video, the Panasonic ZS45 is a superior investment - even at nearly three times the price. Its combination of versatile zoom, image stabilization, and advanced AF lets you explore a broader range of photographic styles without switching bodies or lenses.

Finally, if you’re a professional or serious hobbyist, you’ll likely find neither camera fully adequate for demanding work, but the Panasonic may function well as a lightweight backup or discreet street/travel camera.

My Final Verdict

Having juggled both cameras in my hands, tested them in different lighting, with action sequences, and across varied focal lengths, I can confidently say:

• The Panasonic Lumix ZS45 is the more complete and capable compact camera by a significant margin. It blends convenience, control, and solid image quality into one package that performs well for most popular genres except top-end professional use.

• The FujiFilm FinePix JX300 feels like a relic from the early 2010s, suitable for absolute beginners with minimal ambitions or those for whom budget triumphs all. It can be a nostalgic throwback or emergency carry-around but lacks the substance for modern photography enthusiasm.

If you value practicality, flexibility, and the ability to grow as a photographer, the Panasonic ZS45 is my strong recommendation. Just be prepared to accept a larger size and price tag in exchange for palpable capability.

I hope this comparison helps you find the right gear for your vision and shooting style. Remember, the best camera is the one you enjoy using - and that reliably captures your moments well.

Happy shooting!