FujiFilm S200EXR vs. Fujifilm F660EXR: A Deep Dive into Two Small Sensor Superzooms

When FujiFilm released these two distinct yet somewhat related small sensor superzooms - the S200EXR in 2009 and the F660EXR in 2012 - they catered to photographers looking for versatile cameras that pack significant zoom ranges in a compact or bridge body. For enthusiasts hunting affordable all-rounders suitable for everything from travel snaps to semi-serious zoom shooting, these two often come up in conversation. Yet, despite their similarities in sensor generation and superzoom nature, their different design philosophies and hardware details can hugely impact your shooting experience depending on your priorities.

Having personally handled and tested both cameras extensively over my decade-plus reviewing journey, I’m going to unpack their technical strengths, real-world capabilities, and value proposition with an honest approach - for photographers who want more than spec sheets, and prefer knowing how these cameras perform in the field.

Let’s get started.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Bridge vs. Compact

First impressions count, and here, the physical form tells a compelling story.

The FujiFilm S200EXR embodies a classic bridge camera style - bulky, with a pronounced grip, and SLR-like ergonomics. In contrast, the Fujifilm F660EXR opts for compactness, lightness, and pocketability, losing the viewfinder but gaining on portability.

At 865 grams and dimensions of roughly 133x94x145 mm, the S200EXR feels substantial in hand, almost like a lightweight DSLR alternative. This bulk grants a better grip for prolonged handheld shooting, particularly useful when zoomed in tight. I find this shape especially advantageous for wildlife and sports photography where stability counts.

Meanwhile, the F660EXR weighs a mere 217 grams, measuring 104x59x33 mm - almost three times lighter and with a much narrower profile. It slips easily into a jacket pocket or small bag, perfect for travel and street photography where discretion and weight matter. However, the trade-off is the loss of a viewfinder and a less pronounced grip, which can feel less secure during long shooting sessions or under challenging conditions.

Looking at the top view control layout sheds more light on usage comfort differences:

The S200EXR offers more traditional dials and buttons, including manual exposure controls reachable without diving into menus - welcome for enthusiasts who appreciate tactile control and quick setting changes. The F660EXR, more streamlined, leans on a smaller number of buttons and no dedicated manual focus ring - meaning you rely on menu controls or manual shooting assists.

My takeaway: If you prioritize an ergonomic, DSLR-like experience with direct access to controls, the S200EXR is your choice. For a pocketable, grab-and-go solution with fewer physical controls, consider the F660EXR.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD vs. EXR CMOS

Both cameras share FujiFilm’s EXR processor platform but house fundamentally different sensors, which influence image quality and low-light performance noticeably.

The S200EXR sports a 1/1.6-inch 12MP CCD sensor measuring 8x6mm with an area of 48 mm². CCDs from this time are known for good color reproduction but struggle with noise at higher ISOs and dynamic range limitations compared to modern CMOS sensors.

On the other hand, the F660EXR features a smaller 1/2-inch 16MP EXR CMOS sensor with a 6.4x4.8mm surface area (30.72 mm²). CMOS sensors traditionally offer better high ISO performance, faster readout, and support for video recording enhancements. Fuji’s EXR CMOS technology tries to balance resolution versus dynamic range by pixel binning or other sensor modes, but note the smaller physical sensor size compared to the S200EXR.

How does this translate in practice?

• Low ISO (100–200): Both cameras yield sharp, colorful images with decent detail. The S200EXR’s larger sensor area helps deliver slightly better color depth and less aggressive noise reduction, resulting in more natural textures in daylight.

• High ISO (above 800): The F660EXR pulls ahead thanks to its CMOS sensor, managing noise better, critical for shooting in dim environments or fast-moving subjects under lower light. The S200EXR’s images degrade rapidly here with noise becoming obtrusive.

• Dynamic Range: Neither camera competes with modern APS-C or full-frame models, but the EXR technology in the F660EXR allows - under select exposure modes - for improved highlight and shadow preservation, especially valuable for landscape or contrasty scenes.

• Raw Support: The S200EXR supports RAW files, giving you maximum editing flexibility; the F660EXR surprisingly lacks RAW support, limiting your post-processing headroom.

For photographers concerned with skin tone rendition and natural colors - portrait specialists will note the CCD’s slightly warmer tonality may be preferable, though the F660EXR still does a respectable job.

Viewing and Interface: Optical vs. Electronic vs. None

On shooting composition and review, these cameras couldn’t differ more.

The S200EXR integrates an electronic viewfinder (EVF), albeit without high resolution or coverage data, plus a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k pixels. The EVF helps in bright outdoor conditions and for steady framing.

The F660EXR, in line with its compact design ethos, foregoes a viewfinder entirely and offers a larger 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 460k resolution - a big jump in sharpness and brightness from the S200EXR’s screen.

In my experience, the F660EXR’s bright, crisp screen is excellent for framing and reviewing images, even under sunlight (although neither LCD is exceptionally reflective or anti-glare treated). The absence of a viewfinder means you’ll be shooting at arm’s length, which is less stable but more spontaneous for street or travel photography.

The S200EXR's EVF can feel quite dated, with lower resolution and noticeable lag compared to modern EVFs - but it’s invaluable when shooting in bright conditions where LCDs wash out.

User interface: Both cameras rely on traditional button and dial combos with no touchscreen support. The F660EXR’s menu is streamlined but occasionally sluggish; the S200EXR is more traditional with more manual control access, which I personally prefer.

Lens and Zoom Versatility

Superzoom cameras live and die by their lens specs and performance. Here’s the rub:

• FujiFilm S200EXR: 31-436mm equivalent focal length (14.3x zoom), max aperture f/2.8-5.3
• Fujifilm F660EXR: 24-360mm equivalent focal length (15x zoom), max aperture f/3.5-5.3

Despite the F660EXR boasting a longer zoom ratio, the S200EXR starts wider at 31mm and extends further telephoto to 436mm, giving more reach advantage for wildlife or distant subjects. The bigger maximum aperture at the wide end (f/2.8) on the S200EXR also helps in low light and offers more control over depth of field at wide angles.

The F660EXR’s 24mm wide end is slightly wider, better for landscapes and tight interiors, but it loses out on reach compared to the S200EXR. The maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the wide end is also slower, affecting light gathering and bokeh capability.

Macro focusing is impressive on the S200EXR, down to 1cm, facilitating extremely close shots. The F660EXR is limited to 5cm minimum focus distance, less flexible but still reasonable for casual close-ups.

Both lenses contain multi-element optics, but the S200EXR’s lens design feels a bit more robust, reflecting its bridge camera positioning. Sharpness is generally good on the S200EXR throughout the focal range, while the F660EXR exhibits some softness wide open at the long end.

If you plan macro, wildlife, or telephoto-heavy shooting, the S200EXR’s lens versatility is a clear advantage. If wide-angle landscapes or street shots dominate, the F660EXR’s wider start and zoom ratio might work better.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds

Autofocus determines what fraction of shots you get sharp - especially for fast subjects.

The S200EXR uses contrast-detection AF with face detection, center-weighted metering, no AF tracking, and modest continuous shooting at 2 fps. Autofocus speed is middling - adequate for landscapes and casual portraits - but a struggle on fast-moving subjects.

The F660EXR improves on this with contrast detection plus AF tracking support and continuous shooting reaching up to 11 fps, a notable jump for action sequences. Live view AF is less practical here, as continuous AF during video or live view is disabled, but the camera excels at locking focus quickly and sustaining it during bursts.

Practically, the F660EXR suits sports or wildlife better for its speed and AF tracking, whereas the S200EXR is more sluggish but can lock on faces consistently for portraiture.

Note: Neither camera has phase detection AF or sophisticated tracking found in modern mirrorless cameras, so expect limitations on fast-moving subjects.

Video Capabilities

Though primarily stills cameras, these are often chosen for casual video too.

The S200EXR records video max at 640x480 (VGA) at 30fps in Motion JPEG format. This low resolution means video quality is poor by today's standards, with noticeable compression artifacts and low detail.

The F660EXR upgrades to 1080p Full HD at 30fps, with MPEG-4/H.264 compression, considerable for point-and-shoot video enthusiasts. It also supports 720p and VGA modes.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio enhancement, and no image stabilization during video shooting, although the sensor-shift stabilization on the F660EXR helps reduce shake in photos.

For casual vlogging or home videos on a budget, the F660EXR is the better pick, yet you’ll find modern smartphones or entry-level mirrorless cameras outperform both easily.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance surprisingly favors the F660EXR:

• S200EXR uses NP-140 batteries with unspecified battery life - typical of bridge cameras, expect around 200-300 shots on a charge depending on LCD and EVF usage.
• F660EXR uses a smaller NP-50A battery but rates around 300 shots, supported by its efficient CMOS sensor and smaller form factor.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC cards, but the F660EXR benefits from SDXC compatibility, enabling use of larger and faster cards - a factor if you plan longer continuous shooting or video.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Neither camera offers modern wireless features - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - so image transfer depends on USB 2.0 cable connection.

However, the F660EXR adds GPS for geo-tagging images, a boon for travel photographers documenting locations without manual logging.

Both cameras lack weather sealing, external microphone inputs, and advanced durability features. If harsh environmental shooting is in your plans, neither is ideal without extra protection.

Real-World Photography Use Cases: How Do They Stack Up?

I often find photographers grapple with small sensor superzooms because of perceived compromises but let’s break down some genres with these two:

Portraits

• S200EXR: Larger sensor CCD, RAW support, manual focus option, and f/2.8 wide aperture enable more controlled portraits with flattering skin tones and pleasant background blur in tight framing. Face detection works well, albeit without eye tracking.
• F660EXR: Smaller sensor and slower lens limit bokeh and blur effects but improved AF tracking and faster write speeds ease shooting quick expressions. No RAW files reduces post-processing options.

Landscape

• S200EXR: Larger sensor size helps dynamic range. Lens quality is strong on the wide to mid range. The EVF aids composing under bright sunlight.
• F660EXR: 24mm wide end is advantageous for sweeping vistas; CMOS sensor’s dynamic range tweaks help with tricky light but smaller sensor limits ultimate detail.

Wildlife & Sports

• S200EXR: Zoom reach is longer but slow burst rates and sluggish AF hamper fast subject capture.
• F660EXR: Faster continuous shooting (11 fps), AF tracking, and lighter body make it better for spontaneous action, though zoom reach is less.

Street

• S200EXR: Large and bulky, not discreet. Better ergonomics but less portable.
• F660EXR: Compact, quiet, and quicker AF facilitate candid moments without drawing attention.

Macro

• S200EXR: Impressive 1cm minimum focus distance and optical stabilization maximize sharp close-ups.
• F660EXR: Closer to basic macro; 5cm minimum focus is less flexible.

Night & Astro

• S200EXR: CCD sensor struggles with noise above ISO 800.
• F660EXR: Superior high ISO with EXR CMOS, yet small sensor area caps ultimate noise performance.

Image Samples Showcasing Capabilities

To see how these specs convert to images, here is a gallery of side-by-side shots from both cameras under varied conditions:

FujiFilm S200EXR front FujiFilm S200EXR screen back Fujifilm F660EXR screen back

Look closely at color rendition differences, sharpness, noise textures in shadows, and bokeh quality for portraits.

Overall Performance Ratings

Balancing specs, handling, and real-world results, here’s a synthesis of how these two perform across general parameters:

The F660EXR scores higher on autofocus speed, burst rate, video, and portability. The S200EXR leads in sensor size, lens brightness, manual controls, and RAW support.

Genre Specific Scores: Who Excels Where?

Breaking it down by photographic specialties:

• Portraits & Macro: S200EXR leads
• Wildlife & Sports: F660EXR takes it
• Travel & Street: F660EXR preferred for form factor
• Landscape & Night: Slight advantage to S200EXR on dynamic range
• Video: Clear win for F660EXR

Verdict and Recommendations

If you want my straight talk:

• Go for the FujiFilm S200EXR if you’re after a semi-professional bridge camera with a more substantial body and excellent manual control, prefer RAW files for extended editing, and value a versatile zoom with great macro closeness, especially if landscapes and portraits are your focus. It’s also better for those who value a built-in viewfinder for composing outdoors.

• Choose the Fujifilm F660EXR if portability, speedy autofocus, and video recording with Full HD quality are at the top of your checklist. Its longer continuous shooting burst rate and GPS also make it excellent for travel, street photography, and casual wildlife shots. Just be mindful of limited post-processing flexibility without RAW.

Both cameras are now aging designs (the S200EXR dates back over a decade), but they uniquely cater to slightly different audiences within the superzoom niche. Your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize image quality and control (S200EXR) or speed, portability, and modern video (F660EXR).

Dear FujiFilm and camera makers in general: please consider blending the best of both worlds in successors - a bump in sensor size and resolution, reliable AF tracking, articulated screens, and modern connectivity would push these cameras right into the sweet spot for enthusiasts and casual pros alike.

Summing Up

As a longtime reviewer and user of Fuji’s EXR line, these two cameras spotlight the evolution of small sensor superzooms over just a few years. They embody trade-offs between form factor, sensor technology, and photographic ambition.

Whether you lean toward the larger, more analog-feeling S200EXR or the nimble, video-capable F660EXR, you’re getting a camera that’s more than a simple point-and-shoot. They invite creativity within their limit - if you approach them with realistic expectations and choose the one aligned with your shooting style.

I hope this comparison guides you through the complexities, so your next camera is more companion than frustration. Happy shooting!

If you want further hands-on impressions, see my detailed video review and sample image walkthrough linked in the accompanying references.