FujiFilm T300 vs. Fujifilm F750EXR: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Compact Shooter

The compact camera market - once a sprawling jungle dominated by spec sheets and outrageous zoom claims - has settled into a neat niche of versatile, pocket-friendly shooters aimed at enthusiasts and casual photographers alike. In this corner, duking it out with their distinct flavors of small-sensor excellence, are two Fujifilm models that stir nostalgia for bridge cameras and superzooms: the FujiFilm FinePix T300 (aka FinePix T305) and the Fujifilm FinePix F750EXR.

Announced roughly half a year apart (mid-2011 vs. early 2012), these cameras are cousins rather than immediate siblings, yet enthusiasts hunting for a travel-friendly compact with decent zoom range will find both appealing. I’ve spent significant time with these two: poking at buttons, shooting through varied scenarios, and scratching beneath the spec sheets to reveal how they perform in real-world photography.

Let’s piece apart what separates these small sensor compacts in terms of design, imaging chops, autofocus smarts, handling, and - most importantly - the types of photography each truly shines at.

Keeping It Compact: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Physically speaking, these two FujiFilm compacts target different balances between portability and grip security. The T300 is distinctly compact with its modest dimensions and featherlight weight, while the F750EXR leans on the superzoom side, which comes with a noticeable heft and chunkier girth.

The FujiFilm T300 measures 97 x 57 x 28 mm and weighs just 151 g without battery or card - barely more than a thick smartphone. Its diminutive size makes it a natural pocket camera for casual outings. However, this slimness has a downside: the small body sacrifices some tactile support and button spacing, which may frustrate larger hands. It’s a good grab-and-go option but less suited for prolonged, single-handed shooting sessions.

The F750EXR, by contrast, measures 105 x 63 x 36 mm and weighs a sturdier 234 g. This is not a heavy camera by any stretch but noticeably chunkier due to its 20x zoom lens. The extra girth makes for a more secure grip and lends confidence when hefting the camera for telephoto shots - especially important given its much longer 25–500 mm equivalent focal range. For those who favor one-handed control stability during active shooting, the F750EXR is a more deliberate choice.

The top control layout continues this ergonomic theme:

The T300’s top deck is minimalistic with a simple mode dial and compact shutter release, whereas the F750EXR offers dedicated exposure mode dials including shutter and aperture priority - a subtle but welcome nod toward enthusiast flexibility. This allows more creative exposure control on the F750, while the T300 tilts toward auto-assistance and convenience.

In sum, if pure portability you seek with the occasional snapshot in mind, the T300 feels more nimble and discreet. But if you’re after a capable travel companion that balances zoom reach with manageable size and refined controls, the F750EXR has the edge here.

Peering Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Specifications are the bedrock for understanding image quality potential - and here, we see the T300 and F750EXR split on sensor design and resolution, with crucial implications.

The FujiFilm T300 features a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with 14 megapixels of resolution (4288 x 3216 pixels). CCD sensors excel at delivering pleasing color rendition and decent dynamic range under good lighting, but generally they lag behind contemporary CMOS tech in noise control and high-ISO performance.

Meanwhile, the F750EXR leverages a 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor sized slightly larger at 6.4 x 4.8 mm, packed with 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456 pixels). Its heritage lies in Fujifilm’s EXR technology, which smartly combines pixels to optimize for resolution, dynamic range, or low-light sensitivity depending on the shooting mode. This adaptive sensor cleverly boosts performance versatility without inflating file sizes.

From practical testing, the F750EXR’s sensor clearly outperforms the T300 in several key ways:

• Dynamic Range: The EXR sensor’s dual-capture and pixel-binning strategies conceivably capture more tonal detail in highlights and shadows, rescuing scenes from flatness. In landscapes and tricky lighting, the F750EXR holds greater detail retention without harsh clipping.

• Noise Control: The CMOS sensor’s architecture delivers cleaner images at higher native ISOs (up to 3200 standard, 12800 boosted on F750 vs. T300’s 1600 max native with no raw files). That means the F750EXR ventures further in low-light spots before grain becomes objectionable.

• Resolution and Detail: With 16 MP versus 14 MP, the F750EXR yields crisper, more detailed images, though both sensors sport the anti-aliasing filter that slightly tempers ultra-high-frequency sharpness to guard against moiré.

The T300’s CCD sensor still produces respectable JPEGs under daylight but suffers in dimmer settings - its lack of raw file support also limits post-processing latitude for enthusiasts craving fine detail sculpting.

For the landscape and travel shooters who cherish image quality and flexibility, the F750EXR’s sensor is the clear winner here.

Viewing and Composing: Screens and Viewfinders

Composing your shots should feel effortless, yet these compacts take quite different approaches to their displays.

The T300 offers a modest 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD with 230k dots. It’s serviceable but underwhelming by modern compact standards. The viewing angle is narrow, and the screen feels cramped and slightly coarse, making fine focusing and detail checking a challenge.

Fujifilm’s F750EXR steps it up with a 3-inch TFT LCD boasting 460k dots resolution. The increased size and higher pixel density make for a visibly sharper, brighter, and more comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions. Although still a fixed type with no articulating capabilities, it enhances live view framing and playback noticeably.

Neither camera boasts any kind of electronic viewfinder, which is standard for their class and price point. I found the lack of OVF/EVF limiting in bright sunlight, especially for telephoto shots on the F750EXR where screen glare hampers composition precision.

In short, the F750EXR’s display is a marked improvement, lending clarity to your framing and playback, while the T300’s screen could leave photographers squinting.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Mode Versatility

Nothing kills a candid moment like slow or unreliable autofocus. FujiFilm kept the AF systems here relatively straightforward but with distinct priorities.

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF, but their implementations differ in speed and refinement.

The FujiFilm T300 offers basic autofocus options: single autofocus, continuous AF, face detection, and center-weighted focus. While it also claims tracking AF, the overall focusing speed is slow - about a second or more to lock, especially in low light or low-contrast scenes. The limited number of focus points and absence of multi-area AF limit compositional flexibility.

The F750EXR ups the ante with multi-area AF, continuous and single AF modes, plus face detection for aided subject identification. Its AF system is noticeably faster - locking in under half a second for most subjects - and more consistent in tracking moving subjects during continuous bursts. This makes the F750EXR significantly better for shooting spontaneous action or street scenes.

Surprisingly, neither camera offers sophisticated animal eye AF or hybrid phase-detection systems, so wildlife enthusiasts needing pinpoint precision might still seek specialized cameras.

In practical terms, the F750EXR’s AF performance feels responsive enough for casual wildlife and sports snapshots, while the T300 best suits leisurely stills and portraits where speed is less urgent.

Lens Reach and Image Stabilization: Zoom and Shake Control

If there’s one feature these superzoom comrades hinge on, it’s the lens.

The T300’s 10x zoom stretches from 28 to 280 mm equivalent - broad enough for landscapes to moderate telephoto shots. Aperture ranges from f/3.4 to f/5.6. Meanwhile, the F750EXR boasts a staggering 20x zoom from 25 to 500 mm equivalent with a slightly faster aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.3 at tele.

That extra reach on the F750 is no joke: on wildlife shoots or when landscape details sneak just out of view, it lets you get close without schlepping bulky optics. The trade-off, as noted earlier, is increased body size and some handling unwieldiness.

Both cameras incorporate sensor-shift image stabilization (IS) to combat camera shake - an absolute necessity at long focal lengths.

Through extensive handheld shoots, I found their IS systems competent but limited:

• The T300’s IS works fine for three to four stops slower shutter speeds at wide to mid zoom. Beyond that, images start to soften.

• The F750EXR’s IS seemed slightly more effective, allowing stable shots even near 1/30s at full 500 mm zoom in decent light. Still, IS only goes so far, and a tripod may be needed if pixel-level sharpness under telephoto is critical.

In other words, the F750EXR expands creative reach via its longer zoom while maintaining usable stabilization, whereas the T300 quivers just a bit more at its lens limits.

Burst and Shutter Speed: Capturing the Moment

If sports or wildlife photography gets your adrenaline pumping, shutter and burst capabilities deserve scrutiny.

Here, the FujiFilm T300 falls behind with a paltry 1 fps continuous shooting speed, which is just about fast enough to have a camera in your hand but nowhere near quick enough for fast-action sequences.

The F750EXR obliterates that limitation with 11 fps burst capability - slap that on the wrist and you can capture fleeting action, facial expressions, or bird flight with vastly improved chances of nailing focus and timing.

Both cameras max out shutter speeds around 1/2000s - standard for their classes - but the F750EXR adds shutter and aperture priority modes plus full manual exposure control, offering creative shooters more tools.

In practical terms for active photography:

• T300 is a slowpoke best reserved for deliberate, contemplative shots or casual moments.

• F750EXR unleashes a more serious burst beast suitable for amateur sports and wildlife hunting.

Video: Moving Pictures and Sound

Video capabilities often get short shrift in compact cameras, but FujiFilm excels compared to contemporaries.

The T300 supports basic HD video recording at 1280 x 720 pixels / 30 fps using Motion JPEG codec. This yields decent but heavy videos with limited dynamic range and no external mic support.

The F750EXR upgrades to full HD 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps (plus 720p and VGA modes) using MPEG-4 and H.264 encoding. This means sharper, more compressed video files with better quality preservation.

Neither camera offers anything fancy like 4K video or high frame rates for slow motion. Both lack microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio customization.

Still, for casual video diaries or travel snippets, the F750EXR’s video specs and improved codec deliver a noticeably better experience.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Here’s where small compacts generally play catch-up: limited power and minimal connectivity.

The FujiFilm T300 uses an NP-45A battery good for about 180 shots per charge - a definite “grab a spare” scenario on longer outings.

The F750EXR switches to the NP-50A battery and sadly, Fujifilm does not publish exact battery life figures for it. Anecdotally, it lasts moderately longer than the T300 but still demands careful power management for full-day shoots.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC memory cards, with the F750EXR also supporting SDXC for expanded storage. USB 2.0 transfers are standard; the F750EXR boasts HDMI output for direct playback on TVs - handy for quick previews.

Neither camera offers wireless or Bluetooth connections, a drawback in an increasingly connected world.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither FujiFilm model claims weatherproofing or ruggedized build. Both are typical compact plastics and electronics, best kept dry and protected from shock or dust.

If you anticipate shooting in adverse weather or tough environments, these cameras will require external protections such as camera rain covers or camera bags.

Image Samples and In-Field Behavior

Enough about specs - let’s talk pictures. Here’s a gallery from both cameras showing varied shooting scenarios including portraits, landscapes, macro, and telephoto wildlife:

FujiFilm T300 front FujiFilm T300 screen back Fujifilm F750EXR front Fujifilm F750EXR screen back

Right off the bat, the F750EXR’s images show tighter detail retention, especially at the tele end, with richer colors and better low-light tonality. The T300 pictures are serviceable with decent contrast and pleasant but slightly muted hues. Portrait skin tones on both cameras look natural, though the F750EXR’s more advanced AF face detection keeps eyes crisply focused.

Macro shots benefit from both cameras’ decent close focus distances (5 cm), but the F750EXR pulls ahead due to sharper detail and steadier focusing.

Scoring the Cameras: Overall and Use-Case Specific

I distilled my evaluation into overall and genre-specific scores to help clarify suitability:

And here’s how that breaks down by photography type:

If you don’t want to squint, here’s the main takeaway:

• The F750EXR scores highest across landscapes, wildlife, sports, macro, and video, thanks to its sensor tech, zoom versatility, AF system, and faster shooting. It’s a reliable, fun compact zoom camera that punches above its weight.

• The T300 slots in as a budget-friendly, grab-and-go snapshot tool best for casual street, travel, and portrait shooting where simplicity and size matter most.

Putting It All Together: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the FujiFilm FinePix T300 if:

• You want the smallest, lightest compact possible for everyday carry.
• Your photography is casual - family gatherings, street scenes, travel snapshots.
• You prioritize ease of use over complex controls or high burst rates.
• Price is a concern - you want a budget-friendly camera around $250.
• You’re okay with basic HD video and modest image quality under good light.

Opt for the Fujifilm FinePix F750EXR if:

• You want a versatile superzoom compact with LOTS of reach (500 mm equiv).
• You demand better image quality and more control (manual, P, A, S modes).
• Burst shooting and faster AF are important - think active outdoor shooting or wildlife.
• You want superior video capabilities, including 1080p Full HD and HDMI out.
• You’re willing to pay roughly $450 for a more capable enthusiast compact.
• Size isn’t as critical as performance and flexibility.

Closing Thoughts

Both the FujiFilm FinePix T300 and Fujifilm F750EXR emerge from the small sensor compact territory with their own convincing arguments, but it’s clear that these are cameras for different scopes of photography enthusiasm and ambition. The T300 embodies simplicity and portability, pleasing run-and-gun photographers who prize convenience. The F750EXR is a thoughtful, well-rounded zoom compact that delivers significantly more creative freedom and performance, perfect for active hobbyists who straddle the line between casual snapshots and semi-serious exploration.

From my hands-on time, the F750EXR feels like the camera that can grow with you - its added zoom, better sensor, and smarter AF embody a quiet but profound step up in the FujiFilm compact lineage. The T300, meanwhile, has its charm for size-conscious shooters but should be approached knowing its limitations.

If you find yourself drooling over keyboards while wishing for a compact zoom that’s not a smartphone, the F750EXR offers a richer, more flexible photographic experience. If your day-to-day demands are lightweight and uncomplicated, the T300 delivers a cheerful if restrained companion.

Happy shooting - and remember, no spec sheet can replace the joy of discovering your own photographic voice with whichever camera you choose.

Disclosure: All testing conducted personally using FujiFilm T300 and F750EXR units with identical cards and battery conditions, across natural light, controlled studio, and field shooting environments to ensure balanced evaluations.