FujiFilm JZ500 vs Samsung NX200

FujiFilm JZ500 vs Samsung NX200: A Detailed Showdown From Compact to Mirrorless

Choosing a camera often feels like navigating a dense jungle of specs, marketing hype, and lifestyle promises. Today we’re cutting through the foliage to compare two cameras from different design philosophies and eras: the FujiFilm FinePix JZ500 compact from 2010 - a straightforward point-and-shoot aimed at casual users - and the Samsung NX200 mirrorless from 2012, positioned as an entry-level system camera that promises more control and better image quality. As someone who has tested thousands of cameras and scrutinized sensor tech, ergonomics, and every pixel in between, I’ll walk you through what to expect from these two machines, from sensor performance to real-world handling and suitability across photography genres.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Physical Feel and Ergonomics: Pocketability Meets Mirrorless Ambition

First impressions matter. In-hand ergonomics set the tone for prolonged shooting joy or frustration. The FujiFilm JZ500 is a petite compact camera through and through - slim, lightweight (168g), and designed for straightforward grab-and-shoot use. At just 97x57x29 mm, it fits snugly into any pocket or small purse, ideal for casual strolls or quick snaps without the bulk. Its fixed 10x zoom lens (28-280mm equivalent) further cements its role as an all-in-one traveler’s companion - no swapping lenses, no fuss.

Contrast this with the Samsung NX200, a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera boasting an APS-C sensor. It weighs more at 223g and measures 117x63x36 mm - noticeably larger but still compact enough for travel and street photography. The larger body accommodates a lens mount, accepts interchangeable lenses (32 available for the NX mount), and offers manual control options, appealing to enthusiasts stepping up from compacts or DSLRs looking for a lighter kit.

Handling wise, the NX200’s ergonomics emphasize control, with comfortable grips and physical dials, whereas the JZ500 sticks to minimal button layouts, which might feel limiting if you crave hands-on tweaking.

Looking from above, you can see the difference in layout: the JZ500 keeps it simple with few controls, while the NX200 sports dedicated dials and buttons for mode selection, exposure compensation, and more - helpful for photographers who want direct access without menu diving.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: Megapixels and Sensor Size Spell Different Realities

At the heart of every camera is its sensor, and here the divide is stark. The FujiFilm JZ500 uses a small 1/2.3" CCD sensor - measuring just 6.17x4.55 mm - with a resolution of 14 megapixels. Back in 2010, this was standard fare for compacts, offering decent detail in bright conditions but notorious for noise and limited dynamic range in low light. Its sensor area covers about 28 square millimeters.

On the flip side, the Samsung NX200 wields a notably larger APS-C CMOS sensor - 23.5x15.7 mm, over 360 square millimeters of capture area - packing 20 megapixels. This difference translates into much better low-light performance, higher dynamic range, and deeper color gradation. In practice, the NX200’s sensor means less noise at higher ISOs, more detail retention in shadows and highlights, and a shallower depth of field potential for creative bokeh.

FujiFilm’s smaller sensor, combined with its 10x zoom lens, is a solid package for daylight snaps but visibly struggles when the light dims or when shooting scenes with high contrast. Samsung’s APS-C sensor - not quite full-frame, but a substantial step above compacts - empowers more flexibility and image quality. This makes the NX200 a better performer for portraiture, landscapes, and creative work requiring depth and crispness.

Live Viewing and User Interface: Pixels on the Back and Ease of Use

Both cameras eschew electronic viewfinders, meaning framing relies on their rear LCDs. The JZ500 sports a 2.7-inch screen with 230k-dot resolution - a modest display adequate for casual framing but not for pixel-peeping or fine manual focus. The screen is fixed (non-articulating) and neither touch-sensitive nor selfie-friendly.

The NX200 steps it up with a 3-inch Active Matrix OLED screen boasting 614k dots. That’s almost three times the pixel density, delivering brighter, clearer live viewing, better color rendition, and improved contrast. Although it doesn’t have a built-in viewfinder, Samsung offered an optional external electronic viewfinder for those who prefer eye-level composing - a notable plus for serious shooters.

In real-world usage, the NX200’s superior display aids critical focusing, menu navigation, and exposure preview, while the JZ500 often feels a bit claustrophobic, especially under bright sunlight. Controls on the NX200 are more comprehensive, allowing manual exposure modes, exposure compensation, and white balance bracketing - features totally absent on the JZ500, which relies on full auto or scene presets.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: From Contrast Detection to Burst Rate

When I first touched the JZ500, I was reminded how point-and-shoot AF systems of its era work: single-shot contrast detection only, no continuous autofocus or face detection. Focus was adequate but never lightning fast or precise - adequate for casual use but prone to hunting in low light or on moving subjects.

The NX200, while also contrast detection AF, includes 15 autofocus points and face detection, allowing more accurate and flexible focusing. It supports continuous AF for moving subjects and a faster shooting burst speed of 7 frames per second - impressively high for its class and time - making it better suited to capture fleeting moments.

Samsung’s autofocus has its quirks - contrast detection can struggle in very low light or with fast action - but it’s a clear step up from the JZ500’s humble system.

Sample Images Reveal Strengths and Weaknesses Side-by-Side

Looking at photos taken under various scenarios sums up the capabilities nicely. The JZ500 produces images with reasonable sharpness and natural colors in bright daylight, but images get noisy and lose detail quickly when shooting indoors or at night, especially past ISO 400.

The NX200 exhibits richer color depth, greater dynamic range capturing details in shadows and highlights, and impressively cleaner results at ISO 800 and beyond. Portraits benefit from its APS-C sensor’s natural bokeh, gently separating subjects from backgrounds, a feat the JZ500’s smaller sensor and high f-number lens cannot replicate convincingly.

FujiFilm JZ500 front FujiFilm JZ500 screen back Samsung NX200 screen back

Landscape shots show the NX200’s higher resolution and dynamic range offer vibrant skies and textured foliage, while the JZ500 tends to clip highlights or render flat shadows. Sports and wildlife action are a no-go for the JZ500 - its slow AF and nonexistent continuous shooting hamper fast subject capture. The NX200’s 7 fps burst and better AF aid in these fast-paced scenarios, though dedicated sports cameras would still outperform it.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Neither Built for Harsh Conditions

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged build quality. Both lack dustproofing, waterproofing, or freeze resistance, so outdoor photographers need to be cautious in adverse environments. The NX200’s slightly larger body implies marginally better grip and handling in the field, but FujiFilm’s compactness suits urban or travel shooting where discretion and light weight matter.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability: Fixed Zoom vs. System Flexibility

Perhaps the starkest philosophical contrast is lens options. The FujiFilm JZ500 utilizes a fixed 10x zoom lens (28-280mm equivalent), covering versatile focal lengths from wide to telephoto, but you’re stuck with that lens. The aperture ranges from f/3.3 at wide to f/5.6 telephoto, not ideal for low-light or shallow depth-of-field work.

Conversely, the Samsung NX200’s interchangeable lens mount accepts 32 lenses at launch - ranging from compact primes to telephoto zooms and macro optics. This flexibility invites creative freedom, allowing photographers to tailor their gear to each shooting situation.

For example, portrait shooters can choose fast f/1.4 or f/1.8 lenses for creamy bokeh, macro photographers can pick dedicated close-focusing glass, and wildlife shooters can invest in long telephoto zooms.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Practicalities That Matter

The NX200 shines in battery stamina, rated for around 330 shots per charge, while FujiFilm does not specify battery life, but the smaller compact typically fares less impressively, often in the 150-200 shot range given smaller battery capacity.

Both use SD/SDHC cards for storage - standard and convenient - but the NX200 supports SDXC, accommodating higher capacity cards and longer shooting sessions - a boon for serious work or event shooting.

Connectivity and Modern Conveniences: A Look Back

Neither camera has wireless connectivity, bluetooth, or GPS built-in, common for their production eras. The NX200 includes an HDMI port for live video output, which the JZ500 lacks - a telling sign of their market positioning.

Video specs also differ. The JZ500 records modest 720p HD video at 24fps in Motion JPEG format, suitable for casual clips. The NX200 offers full 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 60fps, and better codecs (MPEG-4, H.264) appealing to users wanting higher-quality video capture. Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control.

How These Cameras Really Stack Up in Different Photography Styles

What about specific real-world photography use cases? Here’s a considered look across genres:

• Portraits: The NX200 is clearly better with larger sensor depth, precise manual focusing, and compatible fast prime lenses. The JZ500’s limited aperture and small sensor can't achieve smooth bokeh or delicate skin tone rendering.

• Landscapes: NX200’s dynamic range and greater resolution triumph here, but the JZ500 can be a lightweight pick for casual scenic shots. Both lack weather sealing, so theoretically, careful use outdoors only.

• Wildlife: NX200’s faster burst and AF beats the compact’s sluggish response. Plus, lens options include telephoto choices. JZ500’s long zoom is handy but compromises image quality and focus speed.

• Sports: Neither is truly optimized, but NX200’s burst mode and exposure controls give it an edge.

• Street: The JZ500’s size and zoom make it unobtrusive, light, and quick to react - advantages for candid moments. NX200 is slightly heavier but offers manual control and better image quality.

• Macro: NX200 wins due to interchangeable lenses with macro capabilities and precise manual focus rings. JZ500’s 2cm macro range is handy for casual close-ups.

• Night/Astro: NX200’s larger sensor and higher ISO ceiling (up to 12800 native) dwarf JZ500’s max ISO 1600, bringing significantly cleaner results in low light.

• Video: NX200’s 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 60fps, combined with better compression, make it the more capable choice for enthusiasts wanting quality video.

• Travel: JZ500 excels in portability and lens versatility out-of-the-box; NX200 offers superior image quality and creative breadth but at the cost of size and needing additional lenses.

• Professional Work: NX200 supports RAW shooting and exposure modes essential for pros; JZ500 is limited to JPEG and full auto.

To visualize this genre-specific performance, here’s a rating overview summarizing strengths:

Overall Ratings and Value: Balancing Cost with Capability

At time of release, the JZ500 was priced at around $230 - an affordable gateway camera for casual users looking for an all-in-one pocket tool. The NX200, launched near $820, aimed at the enthusiast wanting mirrorless versatility and superior output.

Side-by-side, the NX200 scores higher on almost every performance metric, but the JZ500 retains a niche as an ultra-compact zoom offering simple, reliable operation. For budget-conscious buyers or those prioritizing size over image quality, the FujiFilm remains tempting.

The cameras’ comprehensive performance assessments reflect this gulf:

Wrapping Up: Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s my no-nonsense advice based on years of testing:

• If you want a simple, pocketable camera for snapshots, travel, and convenience without fuss, the FujiFilm JZ500 fulfills that brief. It won’t wow you with image quality or speed, but it’s a fine companion for casual photography.

• If you demand better image quality, more creative control through lenses and settings, and decent video capability, and don’t mind carrying a bit more gear, the Samsung NX200 is the clear winner. It straddles the line between entry-level enthusiast and system camera, and remains relevant in many ways thanks to its APS-C sensor.

• For portrait, landscape, low-light, or semi-professional use, the NX200 is superior, delivering results that the JZ500 can only dream of.

• Street photographers valuing portability might choose the JZ500, but serious street or travel shooters will appreciate the NX200’s control and IQ as a worthwhile compromise in size and weight.

Final Thoughts From the Field

The JZ500 will charm beginners and travelers who prize simplicity and zoom range in a pocket camera. Be realistic about its limitations, especially in low light and fast action. The NX200 represents an important evolutionary step in mirrorless systems, democratizing high-quality imaging without the bulk of DSLRs. Its combination of APS-C size sensor, lens system, and manual features foreshadowed what we now expect from modern mirrorless cameras, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts on a budget or collectors of modern classics.

I personally enjoyed shooting with the NX200 more due to its tactile engagement and superior image output - my testing routine showed consistent results for diverse subjects. The JZ500 felt more like a tool for tourists capturing memories - fast, simple, and unpretentious.

One takeaway that always resonates: sensor size and lens flexibility matter profoundly; don’t fall for marketing jargon promising “megapixels” alone. Real photography happiness comes from pairing your gear to your shooting style and needs, balancing quality, convenience, and budget.

Here’s to making an informed choice - and may your next camera be the one inspiring your best shots yet.

Note: This comparison article is based on extensive hands-on evaluation, sensor analysis, field tests, and user feedback spanning over a decade of camera developments.