FujiFilm FinePix JZ300 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5: A Thorough Compact Camera Showdown

In the occasionally bewildering world of small sensor compacts, the FujiFilm FinePix JZ300 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 emerge as two notable contenders from around 2010. While neither promises DSLR-level performance, their design philosophies and feature sets reflect distinct approaches to the compact zoom camera niche. After handling and extensively testing both cameras across a range of real-world scenarios, from landscapes to macro and casual video, I’ll walk you through an in-depth comparison, emphasizing practical insights that matter most to everyday photographers and enthusiasts alike.

Let’s start by setting expectations: neither the JZ300 nor the HX5 is a professional-level camera, but each can serve particularly well in certain use cases depending on your needs and style. I have personally tested both cameras to assess their image quality, handling, and feature robustness, so what follows is beyond specs - grounded in practical experience.

Handling and Ergonomics: A Compact Design Battle

The FujiFilm JZ300 and the Sony HX5 share a similar small compact silhouette but diverge notably in feel and control layout. The FujiFilm is a slender, lightweight camera (97x57x29mm, 168g), while the Sony is marginally larger and heavier (102x58x29mm, 200g). Despite this, neither is a burden for pocket carry during urban shoots or travel.

FujiFilm’s JZ300 ergonomics reflect its aimed casual user: rounded edges and a smooth body that fits well for quick grab-and-shoot moments. However, the button layout is sparse with no dedicated dials or manual control wheels, and the shutter button feels slightly plasticky. The lack of an electronic viewfinder or tilting screen nudges users toward the LCD for composition, which can be tricky in bright daylight.

Conversely, the Sony HX5, though just slightly bigger, provides a firmer grip and more tactile controls. The buttons are distinct and spaced enough to promote confident operation, especially for those with average to larger hands. It also sports a higher-resolution and larger 3” screen versus Fuji’s 2.7” with 230k dots on each - more on that shortly.

Using the HX5 felt incrementally more intuitive during lengthy shooting sessions, particularly thanks to the inclusion of a manual exposure mode and exposure compensation buttons - a rarity in small compacts at the time. That said, no touchscreen functionality is present on either model, so menu navigation leans on physical buttons and directional pads.

If you exclusively want something pocketable and simple, Fuji offers a slightly smaller footprint; if you want more control and comfort, Sony nudges ahead here.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD vs BSI-CMOS

The heart of any camera’s image quality campaign often lies with the sensor, and here we have a classic contrast: FujiFilm’s JZ300 uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor with 12 megapixels, while the Sony HX5 features a similar sized 1/2.4" BSI CMOS sensor with 10 megapixels.

From a technical standpoint, the BSI-CMOS in the Sony is generally superior to the CCD in terms of low-light performance and dynamic range. The back-illuminated design allows more efficient light gathering - an advantage we confirmed in dim indoor testing and overcast landscapes. The FujiFilm’s CCD sensor, while higher in nominal resolution, needed good light to perform well, showing more noise and lower ISO performance beyond ISO 400.

In practical terms, the Fuji’s images exhibit slightly more vibrant colors and punchy contrast straight out of the camera - a hallmark of Fuji’s film simulation legacy, albeit without RAW support here to fine-tune that in post. The Sony, meanwhile, produces flatter but more neutral images, which absorb editing better if you plan to post-process.

Resolution-wise, Fuji’s 4000×3000 pixels trump Sony’s 3456×2592 slightly, offering more cropping latitude. However, print sizes up to 8x10 inches from either are very reasonable.

On the LCD Front: Size Matters

Both cameras sport fixed LCD screens with no swiveling or touch capabilities.

The Sony’s 3-inch, 230k-dot screen edges out Fuji’s 2.7-inch variant by offering a bigger and marginally clearer interface. For framing shots in bright environments, the HX5’s display proved easier to view and more responsive when reviewing images. Its menus are simplified but include more exposure options and display aids such as histogram overlays.

Fuji’s smaller screen feels decidedly budget, which is congruent with its entry-level orientation. The interface lacks advanced exposure feedback or customizable display elements that can aid composition and focusing.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking the Action

Autofocus on compact cameras often defines their usability beyond static scenes. The FujiFilm JZ300 features a single central autofocus point with contrast detection, allowing single-shot autofocus and rudimentary tracking. The Sony HX5 boasts a 9-point contrast detection AF system with some multi-area focusing capability.

In daylight, both cameras locked focus reasonably fast on still subjects. However, the Sony’s multi-area AF helped immensely in tricky conditions, such as when subjects moved unpredictably or during low-contrast scenes. Unfortunately, neither supports continuous AF for video or burst mode.

Speaking of burst, Sony’s HX5 significantly outpaces Fuji’s shooting speed with up to 10fps continuous shooting at reduced resolution, making it better suited for quick moments or casual sports shots. FujiShips with no continuous burst mode at all, which limits versatility for action.

Zoom Range and Optical Stabilization: Reach and Steadiness

Both cameras offer a commendable 10× zoom range, with Fuji at 28-280mm equivalent and Sony at 25-250mm equivalent.

The Fuji’s lens opens wider at the shortest end (f/3.3 vs f/3.5 at wide) but narrows to f/5.6 vs f/5.5 at long telephoto, making their low-light performance at telephoto roughly comparable.

Both employ image stabilization but utilize different systems: Fuji uses sensor-shift stabilization, while Sony bets on optical stabilization built into the lens. Our testing revealed Sony’s optical IS to be more effective at reducing handshake blur, especially at the long end of the zoom - critical when shooting wildlife or distant subjects handheld.

Portrait Photography: Can They Do Skin Tones and Bokeh Justice?

Neither of these cameras has advanced face or eye detection AF, nor aperture ranges that afford creamy bokeh effects often desired in portraits. However, their long zoom lenses do allow some subject isolation at the 280mm / 250mm equivalent focal lengths.

Fuji’s CCD sensor and image processing yielded warmer skin tones in daylight, which can be flattering, yet it sometimes errs toward oversaturation in harsh sunlight. Sony’s images appear slightly cooler and more neutral, which can be either clinical or crisp depending on your taste.

Bokeh wise, neither camera’s maximum aperture at telephoto (f/5.5–5.6) provides shallow depth of field typical of larger sensor cameras, so backgrounds remain mostly in focus. That said, shooting at the longest zoom and getting very close to subjects still produced decent background separation.

Landscape Photography: Evaluating Dynamic Range and Usability Outdoors

In landscape usage, resolution, dynamic range, and lens sharpness matter most.

Fuji’s higher resolution CCD captures more detail, but its dynamic range is limited compared to the Sony’s CMOS sensor. Under harsh lighting with bright skies and shadows, Fuji’s images showed quicker highlight clipping and crunching shadows, while Sony maintained more tone gradation.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so extreme conditions require caution. Lens sharpness on both is adequate at mid and wide zoom settings but noticeably softens at maximum zoom, making compositions that use the widest or middle focal lengths preferable.

Battery life can be a consideration for long landscape shoots. Although official specs are sparse, Fuji’s smaller body houses a NP-45A battery, which underperformed relative to Sony’s NP-BG1 - likely because the Sony’s energy-efficient BSI sensor and processing requires less instantaneous power.

Wildlife and Sports: Telephoto Reach and Burst Frame Rates

If birds or fast-moving subjects are your targets, the HX5’s faster 10-fps burst mode and longer battery life make it a more compelling choice. Autofocus though not as sophisticated as modern hybrids still tracked reasonably in bright conditions.

The FujiFilm JZ300’s lack of continuous shooting severely limits candid wildlife capture, where moments are fleeting.

Neither camera offers professional AF tracking modes or animal eye AF, but Sony’s slightly better multi-point AF system is a clear advantage.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Portability

Street photographers prize size, silence, and responsiveness. Fuji’s lighter 168g body and tiny form factor might lure you if you want a subtle companion that doesn’t scream “camera.”

Sony’s marginally bulkier build with its more confident grip still fits in a jacket pocket but stands out slightly more. The addition of a modest electronic beep and zoom motors add to noise signatures, yet still quieter than most compacts with large zoom ranges.

Neither camera has an EVF, meaning in bright street light you rely entirely on the LCD, with Sony’s bigger and clearer screen winning out here.

Macro Photography: Close Focus and Precision

Both cameras claim 5cm macro focusing capability, and in practice, achieve decent close-up shots.

Fuji’s sensor-shift IS helps reduce blur from hand tremors at close range. Sony’s optical IS is equally helpful but tends to produce slightly better edge-to-edge sharpness on macro shots.

Manual focusing is not supported, reducing control when experimenting with macro depth of field, but both cameras provide a reasonably reliable autofocus for casual flower, insect, or product photography.

Low Light and Night/Astro Performance: ISO and Noise Handling

When pushing ISO, the Sony HX5 holds a distinct advantage thanks to its modern BSI CMOS sensor allowing native ISO up to 3200 and more usable results at ISO 800 and above.

Fuji’s native ISO tops at 1600, with images becoming noticeably noisy beyond ISO 400. Moreover, the Fuji lacks long shutter exposures beyond 1/8 of a second for handheld low-light shots, whereas the Sony allows shutter speeds up to 30 seconds, a boon for night or astro photography.

Neither camera offers RAW capture to aid noise reduction or exposure blending, limiting creative latitude.

Video Capabilities: HD vs Full HD, Formats, and Stabilization

When these cameras arrived around 2010, HD video was an exciting frontier. The FujiFilm JZ300 records 720p at 24fps in Motion JPEG - a less efficient codec leading to large file sizes without much versatility.

Sony’s HX5 is notably stronger here, offering true 1080p (1920x1080) at 60fps in AVCHD format - a more advanced compression that produces smoother, smaller files. Optical image stabilization improved video steadiness as well.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone ports, so sound quality remains basic and internal. Lack of touchscreen focus limits video focusing capabilities.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Expectations vs Legacy Limitations

Both cameras are barebones on connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. The Fuji relies on USB 2.0 and SD/SDHC card slots, while Sony supports Sony Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo and optional SD/SDHC in a single slot, plus a built-in GPS for geotagging photos - a practical plus for travel shooters.

Battery types differ (Fuji’s NP-45A vs Sony’s NP-BG1), affecting recharge time and availability of spares.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

Neither model offers weather sealing or rugged protections like dustproofing or freezing resistance. Users should treat them as conventional compacts, safe from light moisture and dust, but beware in adverse conditions.

The Fuji’s lighter weight feels less substantial in the hand, whereas Sony’s slightly heavier chassis inspires a bit more confidence, but build quality on both is typical of consumer compacts of their era - plastics dominate.

Image Gallery: Real-World Samples Side-by-Side

FujiFilm JZ300 front FujiFilm JZ300 screen back Sony HX5 front Sony HX5 screen back

Looking at side-by-side photos taken on outdoor portraits, landscapes, wildlife closeups, and street scenes, the FujiFilm JZ300 delivers pleasant, vivid renditions with slightly more pop. The Sony HX5 offers more natural color balance with better handling of contrast and shadow details.

Performance Scores and Summary Ratings

Specialization: How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

• Portraits: Fuji edges with skin tone warmth; Sony better for controlled tones.
• Landscape: Sony’s dynamic range and long exposures help; Fuji offers higher resolution.
• Wildlife: Sony’s burst and AF better for action.
• Sports: Sony bursts ahead with 10fps.
• Street: Fuji’s smaller size offers discretion; Sony’s control aids quick shooting.
• Macro: Both perform similarly; Sony slightly sharper.
• Night/Astro: Sony capable of long exposures, Fuji limited.
• Video: Sony’s 1080p and AVCHD a clear advantage.
• Travel: Sony’s GPS and battery life favorable; Fuji lighter for carry.
• Professional Work: Neither ideal; both lack RAW and versatile workflows.

Who Should Consider Each Camera?

Choose the FujiFilm FinePix JZ300 if…

• You favor a compact, ultralight camera for casual snaps.
• Portrait photography with vibrant colors appeals to you.
• Your shooting rarely ventures into low-light or action-packed scenarios.
• Budget is tight, and basic HD video suffices.
• You want straightforward point-and-shoot simplicity without manual controls.

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 if…

• You want better image quality especially in shadow and highlight detail.
• Low-light and night photography are priorities with long exposures.
• You appreciate faster burst shooting for wildlife or sports.
• 1080p video recording with smoother frame rates is a must.
• You plan to shoot travel with GPS tagging and desire more manual control.
• You don't mind a slightly bigger body and a higher price point.

Final Impressions

Both the FujiFilm FinePix JZ300 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 offer a glimpse of affordable zoom compacts circa 2010 but with different strengths. The FujiFilm is a charming, lightweight traveler with pleasing colors, while the Sony is more versatile, better engineered for action and varied lighting.

For today’s photography enthusiasts seeking an affordable compact with some manual options and better imaging tech, the Sony HX5 still holds its ground. The Fuji JZ300 can appeal as a simple run-and-gun camera with a smaller footprint but is more limited in scope.

If opting between these for a modern purchase, it would be wise to consider used prices and how their capabilities align with your photographic interests. For casual portraits and daylight travel, Fuji’s vibrancy can be charming; for video, wildlife, or low-light enthusiasts, Sony’s head start in sensor tech and features delivers tangible benefits.

Hope this detailed comparison helps clarify where each small sensor compact shines. Happy shooting!