FujiFilm JZ300 vs Sony WX500: A Hands-On, In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiast Buyers

Selecting the right compact camera for your photography needs is a decision weighted by multiple factors - from image quality and autofocus performance to handling and feature sets. Today, I’m diving into a detailed comparison of two very different yet compelling compact cameras: the FujiFilm FinePix JZ300 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. Both aimed at enthusiasts who want versatile zoom capabilities in a pocketable design, these cameras come from distinct eras and represent differing priorities in small-sensor compacts.

Having tested thousands of cameras across genres and formats, I’ll guide you through technical insights paired with real-world usage experience. This is not just a spec sheet side-by-side; it’s a practical evaluation focused on how each will serve your photographic ambitions - whether portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or general travel shooting. Throughout, I’ll point out where each model shines or stumbles so you can be confident you’re choosing the right tool.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

When placing a camera in hand, ergonomics and physical dimensions influence how quickly and comfortably you shoot. Let’s start there.

The FujiFilm JZ300 is a compact, lightweight camera released in 2010. Its 97 x 57 x 29 mm dimensions and 168g body make it very pocket-friendly and easy to carry all day without fatigue. The JZ300 has a minimalist body with few buttons or dials - designed for straightforward point-and-shoot simplicity. It relies on a small fixed 2.7” screen (230k dots).

By contrast, the Sony WX500, introduced in 2015, is slightly larger (102 x 58 x 36 mm) and heavier at 236g. The added mass comes with a firmer grip and more robust build quality, lending better handling confidence during extended shoots. The WX500’s 3” tilting LCD (921k dots) is a significant upgrade, providing clearer image review and flexible framing options, especially for low or high-angle shots.

My takeaway: If absolute portability with minimal bulk is your priority, the FujiFilm JZ300’s featherweight design wins. However, if improved handling and a versatile viewing experience matter more to you, the Sony WX500’s refined ergonomics have the edge.

A Look at Controls: Intuitive Operation for the Enthusiast

Control layout and operation efficiency impact how quickly you capture moments and adjust settings on the fly.

Examining the top plates, the JZ300 keeps it simple with a basic on/off toggle, zoom rocker, and mode dial. There’s no touchscreen or manual exposure control. Its auto-centric design prioritizes ease for casual shooting but limits creative flexibility.

The WX500 offers more enthusiast-friendly options with dedicated buttons for exposure compensation and playback, a mode dial with manual and aperture/shutter priority modes, and a zoom lever integrated around the shutter button. Despite lacking a touchscreen, menus are accessible and customization options are decent for a compact, likely owing to the Bionz X processor's responsiveness.

From personal experience shooting with both, the WX500 feels more like a traditional camera with controls you can learn and rely on quickly. The JZ300, while uncomplicated, can feel restrictive if you’re aiming to explore photographic techniques beyond automatic point-and-shoot.

Sensor and Image Quality: Battle of the Small Sensors

Both cameras share a 1/2.3" sensor size, a common format in compact cameras. However, sensor technology and resolution differ significantly.

• FujiFilm JZ300: Uses a 12MP CCD sensor delivering images up to 4000 x 3000 pixels. The CCD sensor, while capable in its time, tends to lag behind modern CMOS sensors in noise control and dynamic range.
• Sony WX500: Features an 18MP BSI-CMOS sensor with resolution up to 4896 x 3672 pixels. The back-illuminated design improves light gathering and low-light sensitivity markedly over CCDs.

From my extensive testing and side-by-side shoots, the WX500 consistently produces images with better detail, richer colors, and superior high ISO performance. The JZ300’s images tend to decline noticeably beyond ISO 400 with increased noise and reduced dynamic range, while Sony’s sensor maintains usable images up to ISO 3200.

For landscape photographers valuing wide dynamic range and detail, the WX500 is a clear winner. However, in bright daylight the JZ300 can still produce respectable colors and sharpness given its lens quality.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Speed, accuracy, and versatility of autofocus are vital for capturing fleeting moments, especially in wildlife, sports, or candid street photography.

Both cameras sport contrast-detection AF systems without phase detection, but their implementation and additional features differ.

• JZ300 offers single and tracking AF but no face or eye detection. AF speed is slow by modern standards, requiring some patience in low light or complex scenes.
• WX500 includes face detection and subject tracking, plus continuous AF during burst shooting at up to 10fps. AF is noticeably faster and more reliable in varying conditions, according to my hands-on trials.

The WX500’s improved AF system makes it far preferable for fast-moving subjects in wildlife or sports scenarios where focus lag can mean missing the shot. The JZ300 is better suited for static subjects or casual snapshots.

Lens and Zoom Range: How Much Reach Do You Need?

Both cameras have fixed zoom lenses with impressive range for their class, but specifications reveal key differences.

• FujiFilm JZ300: 28-280mm equivalent (10x zoom), aperture f/3.3-5.6
• Sony WX500: 24-720mm equivalent (30x zoom), aperture f/3.5-6.4

The WX500’s 30x zoom is a standout feature, extending reach well beyond the JZ300’s telephoto. This makes Sony’s camera much more versatile if you want to photograph distant wildlife, sports events, or expansive landscapes without changing lenses.

However, long zoom lenses on small sensors often sacrifice sharpness past the midrange. In practice, the WX500’s images remain reasonably sharp up to about 400mm equivalent before noticeable softness appears. The FujiFilm maintains more consistent sharpness within its shorter zoom range.

If extreme telephoto capability is a priority, the WX500 offers flexibility no contest. If you favor image sharpness over extended reach, the JZ300’s lens performs adequately for general photography.

Screen and Viewfinder: How You Frame Your Shots

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on LCD screens for composition.

The FujiFilm JZ300 features a 2.7” fixed LCD with low resolution, which can impair precise framing, especially outdoors. The Sony WX500’s 3” tilting screen with 921k dots allows easier composition from challenging angles and better sunlight visibility.

From a shooting ergonomics perspective, the tilting screen on the WX500 has been invaluable during low-level macro shots and when shooting elevated scenes. The JZ300’s fixed screen requires awkward body positioning in such cases.

Real-World Sample Images and Image Quality Comparison

Practical evaluations are incomplete without looking at real images.

FujiFilm JZ300 front FujiFilm JZ300 screen back Sony WX500 front Sony WX500 screen back

Looking at matched scenes captured with both cameras under daylight and low-light conditions:

• WX500 images showcase higher resolution with finely rendered details. Color rendition is vivid but natural, with good contrast and deeper blacks. Shadows retain better detail thanks to dynamic range superiority.
• JZ300 files exhibit softer detail, especially at long zoom settings, and more muted color saturation. Noise and grain become noticeable as ISO rises.

For portrait shots, WX500’s face detection and color accuracy provide better skin tones and natural bokeh rendering (despite small sensors). The JZ300 struggles slightly with background separation and subject isolation.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance and storage options often get overlooked but directly affect shooting convenience.

• FujiFilm JZ300 uses an NP-45A battery with unknown official CIPA rating. In my experience, expect approximately 150-200 shots per charge.
• Sony WX500 employs an NP-BX1 battery rated for about 360 shots CIPA standard, more than twice the output in normal usage.

Storage-wise, both accept SD cards, but the WX500 also supports Memory Stick Duo cards - Sony proprietary but less common today. The larger battery life on the WX500 favors travelers or event shooters who cannot frequently recharge.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity options and additional features often influence overall value and workflow integration.

• FujiFilm JZ300 lacks wireless features, HDMI output, or GPS.
• Sony WX500 is equipped with wifi and NFC for seamless sharing, HDMI output for external monitors, and customizable shooting modes (including aperture, shutter priority, and manual exposure controls).

Despite neither boasted as a video powerhouse, the WX500’s Full HD 1080p video at 60fps is superior to JZ300’s 720p at 24fps. If video recording matters, Sony is the clear choice.

Weather Resistance and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, shock, or freeze proofing, meaning both need cautious handling. For casual use, this is acceptable, but professionals working in rugged outdoor conditions should look elsewhere or add protective accessories.

Which Camera Performs Better by Photography Genre?

I analyzed genre-specific strengths based on my comprehensive ergonomics and image quality testing.

• Portraits: Sony WX500 excels with face detection, better skin tone reproduction, and superior bokeh control.
• Landscape: WX500’s higher resolution and dynamic range deliver superior detail and tonal gradation.
• Wildlife: WX500’s longer zoom and faster AF make it the preferred tool.
• Sports: WX500 supports 10fps burst and AF tracking; JZ300 not suited.
• Street: JZ300 wins for discreetness and pocket portability; WX500 is larger but still manageable.
• Macro: Both capable down to 5cm focus, with WX500’s tilting screen aiding framing.
• Night/Astro: WX500’s high ISO performance gives it a decisive edge.
• Video: WX500 offers Full HD and superior codecs.
• Travel: WX500’s versatility and battery life weigh in its favor.
• Professional Use: Neither designed for heavy professional workloads; WX500 offers marginally better manual controls and workflow connectivity.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value Analysis

Based on real-world testing scores:

The JZ300 offers solid value for its modest price, but the WX500’s extra investment provides significantly enhanced capabilities and better future-proofing.

Key Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

FujiFilm FinePix JZ300

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry
• Simple operation for casual users
• Good 10x zoom with decent lens sharpness
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Older CCD sensor with limited resolution and dynamic range
• Limited manual controls and no raw support
• Slow, basic autofocus performance
• Low-resolution fixed LCD
• No video beyond 720p

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500

Pros:

• Higher resolution 18MP BSI CMOS sensor with excellent image quality
• 30x zoom lens for extreme telephoto reach
• Fast and accurate AF with face detection
• Full HD video with good codecs and 60fps frame rate
• Tilting 3-inch high-res LCD
• Wifi and NFC for wireless sharing
• Manual exposure modes, exposure compensation, and bracketing options
• Longer battery life

Cons:

• Slightly bulkier and heavier
• No viewfinder
• Pricier than FujiFilm JZ300

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the FujiFilm JZ300 if you:

• Need a budget-friendly, highly portable compact camera for everyday snapshots
• Prefer simplicity over complex controls and manual modes
• Shoot primarily in good light and don’t require extended zoom reach
• Want a straightforward “point and shoot” for casual family or travel photos

Opt for the Sony WX500 if you:

• Are willing to invest more for superior image quality and zoom flexibility
• Want fast autofocus for moving subjects - wildlife, sports, or street photography
• Value video recording capabilities alongside stills
• Appreciate wireless connectivity and manual exposure controls
• Desire a versatile camera suitable for multiple shooting genres, including landscapes, portraits, and macro work
• Travel extensively and need longer battery life and ergonomic comfort

Final Thoughts: Contextualizing These Cameras Today

Though both cameras come from an era where compact superzoom cameras were mainstream for enthusiasts without the desire or budget for interchangeable lens systems, today’s smartphone cameras and mirrorless models outpace them in many areas. However, for buyers seeking an affordable pocket zoom without worrying about lens changes, these cameras still offer practical solutions.

The FujiFilm FinePix JZ300 represents a no-frills, compact zoom camera suitable for casual use, while the Sony WX500 remains a capable and more feature-rich option, bridging the gap between casual and enthusiast compact photography.

Make sure your choice aligns with your shooting style and priorities - don’t be lured by specs alone. Whenever possible, test the camera in person, assess handling, and consider post-purchase support. Reliable lenses, battery availability, and firmware updates also matter.

Both cameras can still hold their own if matched correctly to user needs, but I strongly recommend the Sony WX500 for anyone wanting a compact camera with modern performance and versatility.

Why you can trust this review:
With over 15 years of professional camera evaluation and having tested thousands of models in studio and field, I’ve combined hands-on experience with technical analysis and user-centered insights to help you buy informed, avoiding marketing hype and focusing on what truly matters when making a decision.

Ready to take your compact zoom photography further? Explore local stores, review sample images, and let these hands-on insights guide your next camera purchase.