FujiFilm Z700EXR vs Fujifilm XQ2: An In-Depth Ultracompact Camera Comparison

When it comes to ultracompact cameras, FujiFilm has produced some interesting contenders that blend portability with respectable image quality and useful features. Today, I’m putting two FujiFilm ultracompact cameras head to head: the FujiFilm FinePix Z700EXR, released in early 2010, and the newer Fujifilm XQ2 from 2015. These aren’t just two tiny cameras - they’re windows into the evolution of compact digital photography over five years.

With my 15-plus years in camera testing, including hundreds of real-world photo shoots, lab tests, and technical evaluations, I’ll dissect these two models across 10 major photographic disciplines, sensor tech, autofocus, ergonomics, and value. My goal is to help you decide which one suits your photography style and budget best.

But first, let’s get acquainted with their physical footprints and control layouts - because size and feel matter immensely when you’re shooting on the go.

Size and Ergonomics: How Do They Handle in Your Hand?

Right off the bat, both cameras are featherweights aimed at maximum portability. The Z700EXR measures 98x59x20mm and weighs only 158 grams, while the XQ2 is slightly bigger at 100x59x33mm and heavier at 206 grams.

That thickness difference makes the XQ2 feel a little more substantial but not bulky - in my hands, the added heft translates into better grip stability when shooting handheld. The Z700EXR’s razor-thin profile is great for slipping into a pocket quickly but can feel a bit fragile without a case.

Looking at the top control layouts, the XQ2 boasts more physical dials and buttons, including exposure compensation, shutter priority, and aperture priority options - features you won’t find on the Z700EXR.

The Z700EXR favors simplicity with fewer dedicated controls - no dedicated manual exposure dials here, only some basic manual exposure capability. As a result, operating the Z700EXR feels more casual and straightforward, which might suit beginners or casual shooters just wanting to point and shoot. But the XQ2’s tactile controls dramatically speed up the workflow for enthusiasts who want to tweak exposure on the fly.

Ergonomically, I have to tip my hat to the XQ2. Despite being slightly bigger, it lets me confidently shoot for longer periods because of its thoughtful button placement and tactile dials.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both pack 12-megapixel sensors, but that’s about where similarities end. The Z700EXR sports a 1/2” CCD sensor sized at 6.4x4.8mm, whereas the XQ2 features a 2/3” CMOS X-Trans II sensor measuring 8.8x6.6mm.

The XQ2’s sensor offers nearly double the surface area, a crucial factor for better light gathering and image fidelity. FujiFilm’s unique X-Trans II sensor uses a randomized pixel array to reduce moiré and improve sharpness without an optical low-pass filter.

In my lab tests and real-world shots, the XQ2 consistently pulled ahead in dynamic range and noise performance, especially at higher ISOs. Whereas the Z700EXR maxes out at ISO 1600 native (boosted to 3200), the XQ2 comfortably handles up to ISO 12800, allowing for night or indoor shots with fewer compromises.

Color depth and tonality on the XQ2 also felt richer and more natural, which you’ll especially appreciate for portraiture and nature photography.

One notable limitation of the Z700EXR is its lack of RAW image support, removing much flexibility in post-processing. The XQ2 supports RAW files, giving pro photographers and enthusiasts the freedom to finely tune their images.

In practical portrait sessions, I found the XQ2’s image quality noticeably cleaner and better defined. See the sample images side by side below, taken under identical conditions for a direct comparison.

FujiFilm Z700EXR front FujiFilm Z700EXR screen back Fujifilm XQ2 front Fujifilm XQ2 screen back

Notice how the XQ2 delivers smoother skin tones and better highlight retention, while the Z700EXR exhibits more noise and less detail in shadows.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Precision on Demand

Fast, accurate autofocus can make or break action, wildlife, sports, or even everyday candid photography. The Z700EXR relies on contrast-detection AF without face detection or tracking, and it offers only single AF mode with no continuous tracking.

In contrast, the XQ2 incorporates a hybrid autofocus system combining phase detection and contrast detection, plus face detection and continuous autofocus modes.

This difference becomes vividly clear in dynamic shooting scenarios. In my wildlife and sports trials, the XQ2’s AF was markedly faster, locking onto moving subjects swiftly and holding focus accurately for continuous bursts.

The Z700EXR’s AF lag and hunting hurt its performance beyond casual snapshots. Importantly, the XQ2 offers a much higher continuous shooting speed of 12 frames per second, compared to just 2 fps for the Z700EXR. That makes the XQ2 a far better choice for fast action or spontaneous moments.

Viewing and Interface: How You Frame and Review Matters

Neither camera features a dedicated electronic viewfinder, preferring LCD screens instead.

The Z700EXR sports a large 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD with 460k-dot resolution, while the XQ2 has a smaller 3-inch non-touchscreen TFT LCD but at double the resolution of 920k dots.

The touchscreen on the Z700EXR is a bit of a mixed bag in my experience - while it’s responsive for framing and reviewing, some controls are buried in menus without tactile shortcut buttons, making quick adjustments clunky.

The XQ2’s non-touch but sharper LCD offers a clearer preview with better contrast under sunlight and an overall more precise shooting experience despite lacking touch input.

I appreciate the XQ2’s interface design, which supplements the LCD clarity with direct manual controls that reduce dependency on menus.

Photography Type Performance: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s dive into how these cameras perform across core genres - portrait, landscape, wildlife, and more. I’ve summarized their strengths by category and added insights from my extensive field tests.

Portrait Photography

• XQ2: Offers smoother, more natural skin tones, thanks to its superior sensor and image processing. Face detection autofocus helps keep eyes sharp, though it lacks eye-tracking. The lens’s wide aperture of f/1.8 at the wide end enables pleasant background separation and bokeh.
• Z700EXR: Limited by weaker sensor performance and narrower aperture (f/3.9 max). No face detection autofocus hampers subject tracking.

Landscape Photography

• XQ2: Wider native ISO range, higher resolution LCD, and better dynamic range make it preferable for rich landscapes. The 4x zoom covers from wide to moderate telephoto, though the max aperture narrows at telephoto.
• Z700EXR: 5x zoom covers more telephoto reach but at a higher aperture cost (f/3.9–4.7). Dynamic range and resolution limitations become apparent in challenging lighting.

Wildlife Photography

• XQ2: High-speed 12 fps continuous shooting, hybrid AF with tracking, and faster shutter speeds allow better capture of moving wildlife.
• Z700EXR: 2 fps continuous and slow contrast-detect AF limit usefulness for wildlife.

Sports Photography

• XQ2: High burst rates and continuous AF give it a clear edge for action sequences.
• Z700EXR: Slow frame rate and single AF mode restrict it to casual sports usage.

Street Photography

• Z700EXR: Slimmer, lighter, and more discreet with a pocketable form factor; benefits street photographers valuing stealth and spontaneity.
• XQ2: Bulkier but packed with faster controls and better image quality suited for urban street scenes in varying light.

Macro Photography

• XQ2: Superior close focusing at 3cm and optical stabilization produce sharper macro shots.
• Z700EXR: 9cm macro minimum focus distance and sensor-shift stabilization help but fall short on detail and speed.

Night and Astro Photography

• XQ2: Stands out with higher ISO sensitivity and support for longer shutters up to 30 seconds, plus better noise handling.
• Z700EXR: Shorter max shutter of 1/1000s to 4 seconds, higher noise at max ISO, limiting long exposures.

Video Capabilities

• XQ2: Full HD 1080p up to 60p with H.264 compression and built-in optical stabilization make it versatile for casual videography.
• Z700EXR: Limited to HD 720p at 30fps using MJPEG codec; no advanced features or external mic support.

Travel Photography

• Z700EXR: Ultralight with long zoom makes it easy to carry yet compromises image quality and speed.
• XQ2: Slightly larger but better all-around for quality, speed, and handling. Wireless connectivity enhances image transfer on the move.

Professional Use

• XQ2: RAW support and manual exposure modes make it a secondary pro pocket camera for quick shots or backups.
• Z700EXR: Limited manual control and no RAW output restricts professional workflow integration.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Are They Ready for Adventure?

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or ruggedization, so both call for gentle handling.

Build quality is typical for ultracompacts in their respective eras: the XQ2’s body features more robust materials with a premium feel, while the Z700EXR feels plasticky and budget-oriented.

Lens Compatibility and Focal Range: Fixed Zooms with Different Ideals

Both cameras use fixed lenses, so you don’t have lens ecosystems or mounts to worry about.

• Z700EXR: 35-175mm equivalent (5x zoom), f/3.9 to f/4.7 aperture.
• XQ2: 25-100mm equivalent (4x zoom), faster at f/1.8 wide end but narrower at f/4.9 telephoto.

I prefer the XQ2’s wider aperture and wider-angle start at 25mm for landscapes and interiors, whereas the Z700EXR’s longer reach might benefit casual telephoto use.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The XQ2 offers a rated 240 shots per charge - typical for compacts with modern sensors - while the Z700EXR’s official battery life isn’t specified, but my experience suggests similar or slightly lower endurance.

Both use proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (NP-48 and NP-45A respectively) and accept SD/SDHC cards. The XQ2 supports SDXC, allowing larger cards.

Connectivity and Sharing Features

With no wireless options on the Z700EXR, transferring images involves removing the SD card or connecting via USB 2.0.

Conversely, the XQ2 introduces built-in Wi-Fi for image sharing - a big plus in today’s connected world - which makes uploading photos to smartphones or cloud services easier. It also has an HDMI port, absent in the older Z700EXR, for direct playback on HDTVs.

Putting It All Together: Performance and Value Scores

To give you a clear snapshot of overall performance, I’ve compiled weighted scores based on testing results and real-world usage across core features.

The Fujifilm XQ2 scores significantly higher in autofocus, image quality, burst rate, and versatility, while the Z700EXR is notable for pure portability and ease but falls short in all other aspects.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

If you’re weighing these two FujiFilm ultracompacts, here’s my frank, practical verdict based on years of shooting and testing experience:

• Choose the Fujifilm Z700EXR if you:

  • Need an impossibly light, pocket-ready camera for casual snapshots and everyday carry
  • Want a simple point-and-shoot experience with a decent zoom for occasional telephoto reach
  • Are on a tight budget (often available second-hand at lower cost)
  • Don’t care about RAW format, manual exposure dials, or high-speed shooting

• Choose the Fujifilm XQ2 if you:

  • Demand superior image quality with modern sensor technology and RAW support
  • Shoot in diverse conditions, including low light, wildlife, sports, and night photography
  • Need fast and reliable autofocus with face detection and continuous tracking
  • Value manual exposure controls, faster continuous shooting, and video quality
  • Appreciate features like Wi-Fi connectivity and HDMI output for effortless sharing and playback
  • Are willing to handle a slightly larger form factor for significantly enhanced performance

Final Thoughts: Evolution of Ultracompacts in Five Years

The leap from the 2010 FinePix Z700EXR to the 2015 XQ2 illustrates how ultracompact cameras matured to meet enthusiastic and pro-level demands. The XQ2’s stylish blend of advanced sensor tech, responsive controls, and video capabilities pushed ultracompact photography into a highly competitive arena.

By contrast, the Z700EXR, while charmingly portable and easy, increasingly feels like a beginner’s camera stuck in yesteryear’s tech. Despite this, it still holds appeal for those who prize simplicity and extreme pocketability above all.

If you’re reading this review, chances are you’re someone who cares about image quality, speed, and versatility, even in a small package. I wholeheartedly recommend the Fujifilm XQ2 for anyone wanting a true all-around performer in an ultracompact body - my highest praise for a pocket powerhouse.

Please feel free to ask any questions about specific features or shooting scenarios - I’m here to help guide your next camera purchase with clear, experience-driven insights!