FujiFilm FinePix S3200 vs Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When I dive into the world of small sensor superzoom cameras, the FujiFilm FinePix S3200 and the Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR immediately stand out - not just for their brand pedigree but for how differently they approach this popular niche. Both cameras target enthusiasts who crave extensive zoom ranges without lugging around bulky gear. But, beyond that shared remit, there’s a lot to unpack in terms of image quality, usability, and real-world performance.

After putting both cameras through my usual mix of lab tests and field trials - from street photography and portraits to wildlife and night shoots - I’m ready to share a detailed, balanced comparison to help you decide if either fits your needs. Let’s start by sizing them up - literally.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: What Fits Your Hands and Style?

One of the first things you’ll notice is just how different these two models feel in your grip. The FujiFilm S3200 sports a classic bridge-style SLR-like body, fairly substantial at 540 grams and packing four AA batteries. The F660EXR, on the other hand, is a much more compact and lighter unit, tipping the scales at just 217 grams with a proprietary rechargeable battery.

The S3200’s bulk gives it a solid grip and a more DSLR-inspired shape, which I appreciated during longer wildlife shoots where steadiness matters. Its relatively deep handgrip and larger buttons made manual adjustments feel more controlled and intuitive, particularly since it includes dedicated control dials for shutter and aperture priority modes.

The F660EXR prioritizes portability with a slim, pocketable frame - ideal for travel photographers or street shooters who prefer to stay discreet and unencumbered. I liked the minimal footprint when moving through crowded markets or for casual urban photography sessions where blending in counts.

Balance and Controls

Looking at the top view layout, the S3200 features a more traditional cluster of physical buttons and external dials - somewhat more cluttered but offering quick access in the heat of the moment. The F660EXR trims this with fewer tactile controls but thankfully retains the essentials for creative control.

In sum, if you want rugged ergonomics and an SLR-style grip, the S3200 wins. For compact portability and lightweight ease, the F660EXR is the go-to.

Sensor and Image Quality: Who Paints With More Detail and Color?

At the heart of any camera lies the sensor, and here we see a fundamental difference. The S3200 is equipped with a 1/2.3” CCD sensor offering a modest 14MP resolution, while the F660EXR brings a 1/2” EXR CMOS sensor packing 16MP. The sensors themselves are close in size but the EXR technology is designed to get a bit more out of that sensor real estate.

From my controlled studio tests, and confirmed out in the field, the F660EXR’s EXR CMOS sensor delivers noticeably cleaner images at higher ISOs, thanks in part to improved noise reduction algorithms paired with the sensor design. The ISO ceiling on the F660EXR doubles that of the S3200 - 3200 native vs 1600 - which can be a boon for low-light or indoor settings.

The S3200’s CCD sensor, while capable in good light, tends to produce softer images with less dynamic range, especially in shadows and highlights. Not surprisingly, resolution-wise the F660EXR's images can be pushed a bit harder when cropping or printing large.

Color reproduction is a subtle but interesting point: Fuji’s legacy for delivering pleasing skin tones holds true on both cameras. However, the F660EXR’s processing tends to render colors more vibrantly - sometimes verging on punchy, which could be a stylistic choice for story-telling or social media use.

Composing and Reviewing Shots: Viewfinders and Screens That Matter

Something you quickly realize about the S3200 is the presence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) offering 97% coverage - quite useful in bright sunlight when LCD screens can wash out. The EVF, while basic, is reasonably clear, aiding in precision framing during long telephoto shoots.

The F660EXR forgoes a viewfinder entirely, relying solely on its LCD. However, its fixed 3-inch TFT screen boasts a sharp 460k-dot resolution, nearly double that of the S3200’s 230k-dot display. This higher resolution made focus checking and playback more confidence-inspiring - especially when scrutinizing street shots or macro details.

My video reviews often emphasize the importance of screen visibility, and frankly, if you’re shooting in lots of ambient light but don’t want the bulk of an EVF, the F660EXR’s bright and crisp LCD screen is a solid compromise.

Zoom Range and Optics: Reach Out and Get More

Which camera performs better in the zoom department? The answer is nuanced.

The S3200 boasts a massive 24-576 mm (35mm equivalent) 24x zoom - enabling you to pull distant wildlife or far-off landscapes right up close. However, this comes at a cost: the variable aperture range of f/3.1 to f/5.9 means image brightness drops off at the telephoto end, impacting low-light autofocus and handheld shooting stability.

The F660EXR’s lens tops out at a 15x zoom (24-360 mm) with a slightly brighter aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.3. Less reach, yes, but often more usable sharpness and contrast throughout the zoom range, which became clear in my field tests. Contrast and sharpness at the longest zooms tend to degrade noticeably on the S3200, while the F660EXR maintains calmer performance - especially in video mode.

Autofocus Speed and Accuracy: Catch Your Moments Reliably?

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus systems, as expected in this class, but I noticed differences in real-world responsiveness.

The S3200 offers single, continuous, and tracking AF modes with 97% viewfinder coverage. Its slower burst rate (only 1 frame per second) can frustrate those hoping to capture quick sports or wildlife action moments. That said, the dedicated tracking mode and face detection make it competent for posed portraits.

The F660EXR shines here with an 11 fps burst rate for rapid shooting - the fastest among small sensor compacts I’ve tested from Fuji. While AF accuracy can wobble a bit in low light, the increased frame-rate lets you capture fleeting moments better, essential in street or sports photography.

Face detection and center-weighted AF metering further enhance framing portraits, though neither support specialized eye detection or animal eye AF found in higher-tier models.

Video Capabilities: Can They Keep Up with Modern Standards?

Video is increasingly vital, so how do these two cameras fare?

The S3200 offers 720p HD recording up to 30 fps encoded as Motion JPEG. Quality is acceptable for casual use but far from cinematic - or practical for extended shoots given large file sizes and no microphone input.

By contrast, the F660EXR supports full 1080p at 30 fps, encoded with H.264 codec, producing much more efficient files. The video quality is noticeably sharper with less compression artifacts. Time-lapse and auto shutter features (including pet detection) add fun versatility for amateurs.

Neither camera supports external microphones or headphone monitoring, limiting professional workflows. But for casual video blogging or family memories, the F660EXR’s upgraded codec and sensor deliver a more satisfying experience.

Burst Shooting, Buffer, and Speed: Snappy Enough For Your Subject?

The starkest difference is burst shooting speed - 11 fps on the F660EXR versus the S3200’s more sedate 1 fps.

In practical terms, the F660EXR was easier to rely on for capturing unpredictably moving subjects like children, urban wildlife, or sports. Buffer depths remain limited on both cameras, so these high speeds come with caveats, but that 11 fps capability really stands out in this class.

The S3200’s slow continuous shooting rates discourage action photography, pushing you instead toward slower subjects or still life.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered on the Go

Both cameras claim approximately 300 shots per charge, but they achieve this differently: the S3200 uses four AA alkaline or NiMH batteries, while the F660EXR relies on a proprietary NP-50A lithium ion pack.

The AA battery option offers flexibility - if you forget to charge, you can pop in spare AAs, a win when traveling in remote areas without power. But it adds weight and bulk. The F660EXR’s rechargeable battery is lighter and smaller but demands charging infrastructure.

Storage-wise, both accept standard SD/SDHC cards, with the F660EXR also supporting SDXC cards - future-proofing for larger file capacities.

Connectivity and Extras: What’s Missing or Nice to Have?

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC support. Given their announcement dates (2011 and 2012, respectively), this isn’t surprising. Both do include HDMI output and USB 2.0 ports for straightforward tethering or viewing.

The F660EXR includes an interesting GPS function for geotagging, a useful bonus for travel shooters, while the S3200 has no location services.

Neither offers environmental sealing - both are vulnerable to dust and moisture, so careful handling is key.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores and Usability Summary

All told, both cameras occupy interesting niches within the small sensor superzoom category. I put together performance ratings based on my testing and user experience across key parameters - image quality, usability, zoom, speed, and video capability.

Additionally, here's a breakdown of how each camera fares across popular photography types, helping you assess fit by genre:

Where Each Camera Excels

FujiFilm FinePix S3200 shines when:

• You want an SLR-style handling experience with a comfortable grip
• Your priority is an ultra-long zoom reach for wildlife or distant landscapes
• Shooting control is favored over camera portability
• You appreciate having an electronic viewfinder for bright outdoor framing
• You rely on AA batteries or need a camera that doesn’t require proprietary power cells

Fujifilm F660EXR is ideal if:

• Portability, lightweight design, and discreetness matter, such as for street or travel photography
• You want better image quality with a newer CMOS sensor and EXR technology
• Fast burst shooting capabilities (11 fps) boost chances to capture action
• You want upgraded 1080p Full HD video with better compression
• GPS tagging enhances your travel photo management workflow

Specific Use Cases: Who Benefits Most From Which Camera?

Portrait Photography:
Both cameras handle skin tones well, thanks to Fuji’s heritage. The F660EXR’s faster and more accurate AF with face detection helps nail focus on eyes, and its higher sensor resolution brings out more detail. The S3200’s longer zoom offers creative framing options, but slower burst and AF may limit candid shots.

Landscape Photography:
Thanks to greater zoom range, the S3200 can pull far vistas closer, but its sensor’s narrow dynamic range may sacrifice detail in shadow/highlight areas. The F660EXR outperforms in image quality and crispness, valuable for landscape enthusiasts wanting punchier images, despite the shorter zoom.

Wildlife Sports Photography:
The S3200’s 24x zoom is tempting but burst speed and AF lag hinder success in fast action. The F660EXR’s 11 fps shooting offers a better chance to capture fleeting moments, though zoom is more limited.

Street and Travel Photography:
The F660EXR's slim body, lighter weight, and superior autofocus burst make it the clear winner here. Its GPS is a nice icing on the cake. The S3200 is more conspicuous and heavier, which could discourage candid capture.

Macro Photography:
Both allow close focusing down to a few centimeters, with the S3200 offering just 2 cm and the F660EXR at 5 cm. The sharper sensor might tip the scales for macro detail capture with the F660EXR, although the S3200's greater zoom range could be useful for framing distant macro subjects.

Night and Astro Photography:
Neither camera excels in these specialist fields due to small sensors and limited ISO capabilities, but the F660EXR's superior high ISO performance nudges it ahead for low light scenes.

Video:
The F660EXR’s 1080p Full HD recording outclasses the S3200’s 720p output by a wide margin, delivering better image clarity and encoding efficiency, essential for modern video or vlogging needs.

Pricing and Value: Getting the Most Bang For Your Buck

At their current pricing - approximately $190 for the S3200 and $230 for the F660EXR - they appeal to budget-focused hobbyists.

The S3200’s lower price and longer zoom offer great value if you want a rugged, all-in-one grab-and-shoot with manual exposure modes. However, the lack of raw support and slow performance limit its appeal for serious image creation.

The F660EXR commands a small premium but justifies it with better image quality, faster burst capturing, improved video specs, and GPS - features meaningful to enthusiasts who want versatility without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts: Which FujiFilm Superzoom Should You Choose?

To wrap up, if your priority is an ultra-long zoom coupled with SLR-style handling, and you primarily shoot static subjects in good light, the FujiFilm FinePix S3200 serves well as an inexpensive, reliable companion.

For those who value portability, speed, better image quality, modern video capability, and a versatile feature set that adapts across street, travel, portraits, and even some action photography, the Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR is the stronger, more future-proof choice.

FujiFilm S3200 front FujiFilm S3200 screen back Fujifilm F660EXR screen back

Remember, neither camera is a professional-grade tool, but both provide practical pathways into zoom-based photography for enthusiasts. By matching the camera's strengths to your shooting style and workflow preferences, you’ll find one more inspiring to use regularly.

Your lens on Fuji’s compact superzoom line is clearer now. Happy shooting!

With over 15 years testing cameras of all kinds, these insights come from real experience and thousands of shots in the field. Hope this helps you make the best choice for your photographic adventures.