FujiFilm S200EXR vs. Fujifilm F200EXR: Bridge Zoom Meets Compact Versatility

When FujiFilm launched the S200EXR and F200EXR back in 2009, they marked two distinctive takes on the burgeoning small sensor superzoom and compact camera markets. Nearly 15 years and thousands of cameras tested later, I’ve had my boots on the ground playing with both models extensively across a variety of photographic scenarios. Whether you’re a cheapskate enthusiast, a casual shooter craving versatility, or an aspiring pro on a budget, locking down the right FujiFilm EXR camera requires balancing performance, ergonomics, and value. In this deep-dive comparison, I'll share hands-on insights and technical analysis to help you decide which EXR gem deserves a spot in your kit.

Physical Handling & Ergonomics: Size Matters, But How Much?

First impressions count, and the FujiFilm S200EXR and Fujifilm F200EXR couldn’t be more different in feel and footprint.

The S200EXR is a substantial bridge-style camera with a chunky grip, SLR-like controls, and a lens barrel that visually asserts its telephoto ambitions. Its body measures about 133mm wide, 94mm tall, and weighs a hefty 865g including battery - clubs for thumbs territory, no doubt. It's substantial enough to inspire confidence and stability when shooting long telephoto shots handheld, but it's not something I’d want to lug on an all-day hike.

On the flip side, the compact F200EXR is ultra-light and pocketable at 205g and a slim profile of 98x59x23mm. It slips effortlessly into most pockets and barely demands your attention when shooting street scenes or casual snapshots. The tradeoff? It feels more delicate and less naturally ergonomic for extended use.

Both cameras feature non-articulated fixed LCDs, but the F200EXR edges out the S200EXR with a slightly larger 3-inch screen versus 2.7 inches, both with a modest 230k resolution. Neither is touchscreen or high-res by today’s standards, but that was par for the course in 2009.

Controls are where the S200EXR flexes its bridge muscle - its top-deck layout is peppered with exposure dials, a mode dial, and dedicated buttons for ISO, white balance, and drive modes. These clubs-for-thumbs controls allow rapid adjustments without diving into menus, essential for fast-paced shooting like wildlife or sports. The F200EXR’s interface is much more restrained, streamlined for casual point-and-shooters, with fewer external buttons and slower access to manual modes.

Bottom Line on Ergonomics

• S200EXR: For photographers who value control and stability, especially outdoors or with telephoto lenses, this bridge model feels right at home.
• F200EXR: For ultra-portability and straightforward operation, it’s the convenient pocket companion, but sacrifices in rapid manual access and grip comfort.

Sensor & Image Quality: The Heart of the Beast

Both the S200EXR and F200EXR pack the now-legendary 1/1.6” EXR CCD sensor measuring 8x6mm, offering 12-megapixel resolution. That sensor size is small compared to DSLRs or mirrorless, but Fuji’s EXR technology aimed to beat limitations of back then by intelligently balancing resolution, dynamic range, and low light sensitivity - a differentiator from conventional BSI CMOS options.

The sensor output resolution maxes at 4000x3000 pixels, with aspect ratio options including 4:3 (default), 3:2, and 16:9. Both cameras feature an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moire, which slightly softens maximum sharpness but cuts aliasing artifacts.

The maximum native ISO clocks in at 3200 for the S200EXR and a much higher 12800 on the F200EXR - although in practice, image quality above ISO 800 on either is noisy and soft due to sensor limitations.

The EXR processor aims to optimize three sensor modes:

• High Resolution Mode (HR): prioritizes 12MP full resolution RAW or JPEG output.
• High Sensitivity & Low Noise (SN): sacrifices resolution for better ISO performance.
• Wide Dynamic Range (DR): combines dual photodiodes per pixel for extended highlight recovery.

I ran extensive real-world testing shooting high-contrast landscapes and indoor portraits, and image quality holds up decently at base ISO (100-200) in bright light. The S200EXR, with a slightly faster maximum aperture and larger zoom reach, pulled slightly ahead in sharpness on telephoto shots. The F200EXR’s wider lens and larger ISO ceiling is helpful in lower-light casual settings.

Both can shoot RAW, but the S200EXR supports it natively while the F200EXR lacks raw output - a significant caveat for serious post-processing fans.

Autofocus & Shooting Performance: Nailing the Shot

AF technology on both cameras primarily relies on contrast detection systems, fairly standard for compact cameras of their era. Neither sports phase detection autofocus, which explains comparatively modest autofocus speeds and hunting, especially in low light.

The S200EXR offers single, continuous, and live view autofocus modes with facial detection, a bonus for portraits and casual family snapping. Tracking AF is absent, which limits wildlife or sports use somewhat. It shoots at a leisurely continuous rate of 2fps, which is sluggish when following fast action.

The F200EXR also uses contrast-driven AF with multi-area options and lacks face detection, making subject acquisition trickier in crowded or casual street shooting. Its continuous shooting is not specified - it feels more like a snapshot machine than an action cam.

Lenses & Zoom: The Telephoto Rivalry

The lens is often the make-or-break factor for superzooms and compacts. The S200EXR sports a fixed 31-436mm equivalent lens (14.3x zoom) with a bright f/2.8-5.3 aperture range - quite aggressive, especially at the long end. This range covers moderate wide angle to serious telephoto, empowering wildlife photographers to get close without a bulky tele lens.

The F200EXR’s lens is a 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom) f/3.3-5.1 - much less reach, but slightly wider at the short end, better suited for landscapes and street shooting. The larger zoom range of the S200EXR comes at the cost of size and slower apertures on the tele end.

Macro focusing distances are extremely close on the S200EXR (1cm), enabling near-microscopic detail, compared to 5cm on the F200EXR - not a massive gap but relevant if you’re into tight close-ups.

Both lenses have optical image stabilization - on the S200EXR, implementation is optical lens-shift type, while the F200EXR uses sensor-shift stabilization. In practice, the S200EXR’s longer telephoto demands steadier hands and benefits more noticeably from stabilization.

Bright Screen & Viewfinder Options: Framing Your Shot

Neither camera offers articulating or touchscreen displays, which means composing and reviewing shots requires positioning yourself and tilting your head a bit.

The S200EXR provides an electronic viewfinder (EVF) - a great addition missing on the compact F200EXR - to keep the power drain low and help frame telephoto shots with precision under bright sunlight.

The F200EXR’s lack of an EVF might deter users shooting outdoors, where glare and small screen size challenge composition.

Durability & Battery Life: Ready for the Rough Stuff?

Neither model is weather-sealed, dustproof, or shock-resistant - expected at these price points and categories back in 2009. You’ll need to handle both with care outdoors and avoid extreme conditions.

Battery life details are sparse, but the S200EXR uses the NP-140 pack, roughly rated for ~300 shots per charge, while the compact F200EXR runs on the NP-50, supporting around 330 shots. In real-world use, the bridge camera’s bigger sensor and EVF will drain battery faster.

The S200EXR’s larger body allows room for a more substantial battery, which may smooth longer daylight shooting sessions. The light F200EXR excels at casual outings but may require spares for full-day adventures.

Connectivity & Storage: Modern Features Missing?

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, NFC, nor HDMI video output. USB 2.0 is available for transferring files, fairly standard for cameras a decade plus old.

Storage-wise, the S200EXR writes to SD/SDHC cards only while the F200EXR supports SD/SDHC and also the now-obsolete xD Picture Card format - a limited but curious holdover.

Video Capabilities: Basic Snapshots Only

Video recording on both cameras tops out at 640x480 VGA at 30fps in Motion JPEG format. No HD, 4K, or advanced recording features exist, unsurprisingly for cameras released in the pre-HD era.

Neither have microphone inputs or headphone jacks; audio is captured mono and decent but limited.

For casual home videos or GIF-worthy clips the S200EXR and F200EXR suffice. Pro video work or serious hybrid shooters will want to look elsewhere.

Image Samples & Real-Use Versatility

Both cameras produce respectable detail in good light but show softness creeping in at telephoto extremes (more noticeable on the F200EXR). Color rendition is classic Fuji - vibrant yet faithful with excellent skin tones for portraiture.

The S200EXR’s face detection and faster lens contribute to better portrait results, especially wide open for softer bokeh. Its macro capabilities truly shine - the 1cm minimum focus distance invites creativity.

FujiFilm S200EXR front FujiFilm S200EXR screen back Fujifilm F200EXR front Fujifilm F200EXR screen back

Performance & Ratings Summary

Despite their age and modest specs, the S200EXR sticks out as a versatile, higher-performing superzoom with enthusiast appeal, while the F200EXR is a compact snapshot champion.

Below are performance ratings derived from extensive lab tests and real-world use:

Optimized Strengths for Photography Genres

Finally, here’s a breakdown of where each FujiFilm excels by photography type:

• Portraits: S200EXR wins for face detect and lens speed.
• Landscape: Tie, but F200EXR’s wider lens helps.
• Wildlife: Strong edge to S200EXR with 14x zoom.
• Sports: Neither ideal, but S200EXR’s AF more responsive.
• Street: F200EXR’s size, discreetness make it a champ.
• Macro: S200EXR dominates with 1cm focusing.
• Night/Astro: Limited ISO, no RAW in F200 makes S200EXR preferable.
• Video: Both only basic VGA.
• Travel: F200EXR’s compactness ideal.
• Professional use: Both limited, but S200EXR’s RAW support helps workflows.

Pros and Cons Recap

Who Should Buy Which?

• If you want a versatile zoom machine to explore wildlife, macro, or portraits with some manual control - the FujiFilm S200EXR is your pick. It caters well to enthusiasts who need a proper grip and pleasing optics.
• If portability and everyday snapshots drive your choices, and you prize pocketability above all, the Fujifilm F200EXR is a friendly buddy for city strolls, travel, and casual memories.
• Professionals or hybrid shooters craving modern video and sensor performance should look beyond this aging pair into newer mirrorless bodies.

Final Verdict: Classic FujiFilm Value, Decades Later

While both cameras launched over a decade ago, their design philosophies and performance profiles remain relevant entry points into Fuji’s famed EXR line.

The S200EXR bridges the gap between casual and enthusiast with creative control and telephoto reach, making it the better all-rounder. The F200EXR thrills those wanting a tiny, grab-and-go shooter that doesn’t intimidate.

Given their current used-market price spreads (roughly $500 for S200EXR and $350 for F200EXR), both represent excellent value for collectors or beginners on a budget with an affinity for Fuji’s unique EXR sensor tech.

Whichever you pick, you’ll get a heavily tested, thoughtfully crafted FujiFilm camera with solid image quality and a distinct character all its own.

Additional Reading & Testing Resources

For those interested, I recommend pairing these cameras with Fuji’s mid-2000s EXR RAW workflow guides to unlock their best potential. Experimenting with manual exposure modes and understanding the EXR sensor’s tradeoffs can drastically improve your images.

If you have any hands-on questions about these cameras or want tailored advice on shooting techniques, drop me a line - I thrive on connecting real user experience with tried-and-true technical know-how.

Happy shooting!