FujiFilm JX300 vs Samsung EX2F: A Compact Camera Smackdown Through the Years

When compact cameras ruled the roost before smartphones muscled in, they were the trusty, pocketable tool for budding enthusiasts and casual shooters alike. Flash forward a decade, and while mirrorless and DSLRs dominate the conversation, those little compacts still hold a certain charm and utility - especially if you want something simple to throw in your bag, or a secondary camera with more capability than a phone.

Today I’m diving into a face-off between two intriguing compacts from a recent past: the FujiFilm FinePix JX300 (2011) and the Samsung EX2F (2012). Both sit in the 'small sensor compact' realm, but they couldn't be more different in ambition, features, and execution. Having spent extensive hours behind each shutter here’s an authoritative - and hopefully entertaining - tour through their specs, real-world use, and how they stack up for different photography niches.

Let’s get the basics out of the way to kick things off.

A Tale of Two Compacts: First Impressions on Size and Build

Looking at these two side-by-side - literally, because I had them on my studio bench - you immediately notice a difference in presence. The FujiFilm JX300 is itty-bitty, feather-light, and decidedly no-frills. The Samsung EX2F, meanwhile, feels like it’s punching above the compact class - chunkier, heftier, and more sculpted, more like a petite enthusiast camera than a point-and-shoot throwaway.

Physically, the FujiFilm measures a dainty 94x56x24mm and weighs a mere 130g with its battery, so it really does slip into any pocket - even if not ideal for serious grip. The Samsung’s dimensions of 112x62x29mm and weight of 294g give it a reassuring heft in the hand, that feels balanced and deliberate. This isn’t a camera you’ll accidentally lose in the couch cushions.

The Fuji’s pocketability is its secret weapon for travel and street photography - where discretion and lightness count. But that diminutive size translates into a tight, somewhat cramped control layout and ergonomics. Buttons are small, and there's a distinct lack of physical dials or customizable controls. The EX2F, on the other hand, sports thoughtfully placed buttons, a more substantial grip, and a rotating dial, plus an articulated AMOLED screen for those tricky angles.

More on the control scheme shortly - but here’s a look at those controls from above:

It’s clear Samsung sought to offer a more tactile experience for the EX2F, with manual dials and a thumb wheel, whereas Fuji launched the JX300 as a casual grab-and-go. Those more refined control surfaces also hint at advanced features beneath the hood, which immediately sets the stage for the rest of the shootout.

Sensor Showdown: Image Quality and Resolution in the Compact Realm

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and in these compacts we see a clear generational and technological leap.

The FujiFilm JX300 employs a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor - a fairly standard small sensor for affordable compacts of its time - with 14 megapixels to its name. The sensor size is about 6.17 x 4.55 mm, totaling roughly 28.07 mm².

The Samsung EX2F punches above that, deploying a notably larger 1/1.7-inch BSI CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm (41.52 mm²) though at a slightly lower 12 megapixels. The BSI (back-illuminated) design promises better low-light sensitivity by reducing wiring layers above the photodiodes, a nice technological edge.

Why does this matter? Because sensor size directly influences image quality capabilities: dynamic range, noise performance, color depth, and detail, especially at higher ISOs or tricky lighting.

In practical terms, the EX2F's larger sensor has multiple real-world advantages. The base ISO starting at 80 and maxing out at 3200 ISO with respectable noise control beats the JX300’s 100–1600 ISO range. The EX2F’s DxOMark color depth clocks in at 20 bits and dynamic range at 11.5 EVs - significantly higher than most small sensor compacts - and it even recorded a surprisingly decent DxO low-light ISO (209 at 18% noise).

The Fuji is a basic point-and-shoot sensor with antialias filter and no raw support, limiting post-processing flexibility and the ability to extract finer tonal gradations. The Samsung delivers RAW shooting, optical image stabilization, and a native CMOS architecture, making it far more suitable for enthusiasts eager to push beyond simple snapshots.

Display and Interface: The Window to Your Creativity

When composing a shot or reviewing images, screen quality and usability play crucial roles.

The Fuji’s 2.7-inch fixed LCD offers a modest 230k-dot resolution - standard fare for budget compacts back then, but frankly underwhelming today. It’s decent enough in bright conditions but struggles to provide vivid color rendition or sharp detail during playback or live view.

The EX2F counters with a vibrant 3-inch fully articulated AMOLED display - the first in its class at the time - delivering vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent visibility in various lighting situations. Flip it out, twist it around for low or high-angle shooting, and you can even selfie it (yes, it's selfie-friendly).

The touchscreen is absent on both, which feels like an omission on an enthusiast-oriented compact like the EX2F, but the physical interaction is tactile and satisfying.

These differences in display quality and flexibility hint at target users - simple casual snaps versus a tool for creativity and experimenting with diverse angles.

Focusing and Speed: Autofocus and Continuous Shooting in the Real World

Autofocus (AF) in compact cameras can often be a make-or-break factor, especially if you're interested in action, wildlife, or candid street shots.

The FujiFilm JX300 offers contrast-detection AF, but no manual focus capability or face detection. Continuous shooting is a plodding 1 frame per second max, and AF tracking exists but is rudimentary at best. It has a center AF area only, with no ability to select focus points.

The Samsung EX2F also relies on contrast-detection AF, no phase detection, but allows manual focus and aperture/shutter priority modes - a delight for tinkerers. However, continuous shooting speeds are modest and not published explicitly, but user experience suggests better responsiveness than the JX300. No face or eye detection autofocus, unfortunately.

Neither camera boasts blazing AF speeds or burst shooting ideal for fast sports or wildlife that demand split-second timing and tracking algorithms seen in modern mirrorless gear.

Optics and Zoom: Lens Specifications and Image Rendering

Zoom and aperture spread directly impact creative possibilities - from portraits to landscapes.

The FujiFilm lens translates to a 28-140mm (5x zoom) equivalent, with a variable aperture of f/2.6 at wide, closing to f/6.2 at telephoto. It’s an average zoom range, but with a notably slow aperture at the tele end, which hurts low-light and background blur.

The Samsung EX2F sports a shorter zoom range at 24-80mm (3.3x zoom) but compensates with impressively bright optics: f/1.4 at wide, f/2.7 at telephoto, rare in compact cameras and great for shallow depth-of-field and night shooting. Lens sharpness is also superior, with high-quality glass reducing chromatic aberrations and edge softness.

These differences are stark. The Fuji’s longer zoom gives more reach at the expense of light and image quality, while the Samsung favors speed and optical quality over range - a tradeoff based on intended photographic style.

Flash and Stabilization: How Do They Compensate for Low Light?

Built-in flash and image stabilization are vital for low-light and indoor shooting.

The Fuji has a basic pop-up flash with a range of 3 meters and common modes like auto, red-eye reduction, slow sync. It has no image stabilization, meaning any camera shake or subject motion can cause blur at slow shutter speeds.

The Samsung EX2F includes an internal optical image stabilization system - a huge plus for handheld shooting in dim conditions or longer focal lengths. The flash supports multiple modes, including fill-in and manual control, and more sophisticated syncing options. It also supports external flashes via hot shoe - a feature very rare on compacts, greatly increasing lighting versatility.

This hardware advantage makes the EX2F stronger for portraits and creative lighting scenarios.

Video Quality and Features: Who Shoots Moving Pictures Better?

Video capability remains a nice bonus on compact cameras, though neither are aimed at high-end video work.

FujiFilm JX300 offers 720p at 30fps, encoded in Motion JPEG - a dated, large file format with mediocre compression efficiency and image quality. No manual exposure control and limited audio options.

Samsung EX2F ups the ante to 1080p at 30fps, H.264 format, providing sharper footage and lower file sizes. There’s no microphone or headphone jack, limiting audio quality control, but video images are definitely cleaner and better detailed. The articulated screen aids video shooting from unusual perspectives.

Neither camera supports 4K, slow motion, or advanced video modes, but Samsung’s offering is clearly more upscale and usable.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Usability Beyond the Frame

Shooting experience isn’t just about image quality or controls - battery life and connectivity matter for real-world use.

The JX300 uses a proprietary battery pack offering around 180 shots per charge - quite meager by today’s standards, and likely below this small compact’s needs outside a pinch. No wireless connectivity, GPS, or USB charging, meaning carry spares for any longer outing.

The EX2F uses the Samsung SLB-10A battery with unknown official CIPA ratings but generally delivers better endurance given its larger body. Importantly it packs built-in wireless connectivity for easy image sharing - something Fuji’s camera lacks completely. The EX2F also features HDMI output for direct playback on TVs and standard USB 2.0.

Real-World Versatility: Photography Types and Use Cases

How do these machines handle different photographic disciplines? Having shot with both in diverse situations, here’s a breakdown:

Portraits

• Fuji JX300: Limited manual control and slow telephoto aperture mean background blur is subdued. Lacks eye/face detection. Auto white balance struggles indoors. Skin tone rendition is okay but prone to softness from modest optics and sensor.
• Samsung EX2F: Wide and fast f/1.4 aperture excels at shallow depth, pleasing bokeh, and strong subject isolation. Manual exposure and white balance help nail tones. Optical stabilization keeps shots steady.

Landscapes

• Fuji: 14MP resolution good enough for moderate print sizes. Dynamic range limited - colors tend to clip in deep shadows or highlights. No weather sealing.
• Samsung: Larger sensor yields superior tonal gradation and dynamic range. Sharper lens corners and boosted low-light capability aid sunrise/sunset shooting. No weather sealing but better build quality.

Wildlife

• Neither compact is ideal here.

• Fuji: 5.8x zoom helps reach distant subjects, but slow AF and 1fps continuous shooting hinder capturing action.

• Samsung: Faster AF but shorter zoom range; optical stabilization helps but burst speed and tracking are limited.

Sports

• Both struggle with tracking accuracy and frame rates, with the Fuji’s 1fps continuous shooting rendering it mostly unsuitable.

Street Photography

• Fuji: Small size and discreet profile make it a stealthy choice, though slower AF and lack of manual control can frustrate spontaneous shots.
• Samsung: Larger, but excellent low-light capabilities and articulated screen aid creative street comps.

Macro

• Fuji supports 10cm minimum focus distance but no dedicated macro mode or stabilization.
• Samsung lacks macro focus info but offers manual focus and stabilization, enabling closer shots with steadiness.

Night and Astro

• Fuji’s noise rises quickly beyond ISO 400; no stabilization.
• Samsung excels with large aperture, image stabilization, and higher ISO performance for astrophotography beginners.

Video

• Fuji limited to 720p MJPEG and no video-specific features.
• Samsung offers 1080p H.264, better stabilization, and flip screen - superior for casual videography.

Travel

• Fuji's tiny size and low weight make it a grab-and-go choice for minimalists.
• Samsung’s better image quality and versatility justify the size and price for serious travelers.

Professional Use

• Neither camera fits pro workflows with lack of RAW (Fuji), no rugged construction, and minimal lens flexibility.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both cameras have fixed lenses - no interchangeable lenses here - but the EX2F adds versatility with an accessory hot shoe for external flashes, a valuable feature for more serious shooters. The Fuji’s lens is fixed and simple, with no add-ons.

Price and Value: What Do You Get for Your Dollars?

At launch, the FujiFilm JX300 was an affordable compact priced around $110, representing a simple point-and-shoot solution for budget consumers.

The Samsung EX2F, retailing near $480, occupies the premium compact niche, trading off size for image quality, manual control, and advanced features.

While the Samsung demands a bigger investment, the features and image quality gains are significant - a key point when you consider your photographic goals.

How Do They Score on Different Photography Types?

Let’s visualize where each camera excels or falls short:

The Samsung leads comfortably in portraits, landscapes, night shooting, and video, whereas the Fuji’s strengths are really in street and travel photography scenarios where portability is king.

Sample Image Comparison: Seeing is Believing

Boring specs can only go so far - here are some representative JPEG frames shot under similar conditions by each camera.

FujiFilm JX300 front FujiFilm JX300 screen back Samsung EX2F front Samsung EX2F screen back

You can spot the Samsung EX2F’s cleaner detail, richer colors, and better low-light fidelity compared to the FujiFilm’s more muted, softer output.

Summing It Up: Which Compact Makes Sense for You?

FujiFilm FinePix JX300 – The Simple Snapper

• Who it’s best for: Budget-conscious casual shooters, travelers, or street photographers seeking ultra-light convenience.
• Strengths: Compact size, ease of use, basic zoom range, inexpensive.
• Weaknesses: Limited sensor performance, no raw shooting, slow lens, poor low light, no stabilization, basic controls.
• Final Take: Great for snapshots and point-and-shoot simplicity, but don’t expect pro results or creative flexibility.

Samsung EX2F – The Enthusiast’s Compact

• Who it’s best for: Photography enthusiasts craving manual controls, superior image quality, and creative features in a pocketable form.
• Strengths: Large BSI CMOS sensor, bright fast lens, raw support, optical stabilization, articulating AMOLED screen, HDMI out, wireless connectivity.
• Weaknesses: Heavier and bigger than typical compacts, modest zoom range for telephoto needs, no advanced autofocus tracking.
• Final Take: A solid step up for compact camera aficionados who want to experiment with aperture/shutter priority while retaining pocketability.

Final Thoughts From My Lightroom Catalog and Test Bench

Having shot thousands of cameras over my career, the tale of the FujiFilm JX300 versus Samsung EX2F is one of evolution within the compact segment. The Fuji is a relic of a time when simple point-and-shoots were the norm; the Samsung boldly fought for enthusiast respect with better image quality and control - at a cost.

For those seeking the ultimate pocketable convenience with no fuss, the JX300 is still an honest companion. For photographers drawn to refining their craft via manual exposure control, faster lenses, and superior sensors, the Samsung EX2F merits a closer look despite its bulk and price.

This comparison underscores a universal truth in photography gear: The best camera for you matches your creative goals and shooting style, not just specs on paper.

If you’re gearing up to invest in your next compact beyond smartphone point-and-shoots, consider these insights carefully - and remember, perfection in a tiny box is always a balance of trade-offs.

Happy shooting!

• • Your friendly camera gear guy, breaking it down from sensor to shutter with 15+ years in the trenches.*