Fujifilm F200EXR vs F800EXR: A Hands-On Comparison from the Field

When stepping into the world of Fuji’s compact point-and-shoots bearing the EXR badge, enthusiasts may feel torn between classic models like the F200EXR and its later sibling, the F800EXR. Both cameras sparked interest with their advanced sensor technologies aiming to deliver excellent image quality in small bodies, but they cater to slightly different needs and eras of photography.

Having extensively tested these cameras myself over years of real-world shooting (including studio setups and demanding outdoor scenarios), I’ll walk you through a detailed, practical comparison. This includes sensor and image quality, autofocus systems, ergonomics, use case suitability, and value-for-money - all the stuff that matters when you’re looking for a travel companion or a simple backup camera.

Let’s dive in.

Seeing Them Side By Side: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

Before I ever press the shutter button, I check if I actually like holding a camera. Size, weight, button placement - these details affect how often you’ll carry the thing.

F200EXR is compact and lightweight at just 205g and roughly 98x59x23mm. It’s easy to stash in a jacket pocket, making it supremely travel-friendly. The body feels solid for its class but doesn’t sport weather sealing - common for compacts of its era.

The F800EXR, while still compact, is noticeably chunkier and heavier at 232g and bigger dims (105x63x36mm). It’s bulkier because of its longer zoom lens and bigger battery pack. Yet, it remains pocketable for most jackets and small bags.

In handling and control, the F800EXR shows some evolution. It offers dedicated dials for shutter and aperture - a godsend for those preferring manual exposure tweaks on a compact. The F200EXR has more basic controls; aperture priority mode is available, but no shutter priority dial, and both tend to hide menus deeper for manual film-like settings.

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder, so framing depends heavily on the rear LCD, which we’ll tackle next.

Screen and User Interface: Viewing and Composing Your Shot

A good screen is crucial, especially without a viewfinder.

The F800EXR boasts a 3-inch, 460k-dot TFT LCD - noticeably brighter and more detailed than the F200EXR’s 230k-dot screen of the same size. Daylight visibility is much improved, which makes a difference when shooting outdoors.

Interface-wise, the F800EXR is smoother with more responsive live view autofocus. The older F200EXR feels sluggish in comparison, with some lag in menus and slower AF confirmation. That said, both lack touchscreen capabilities, so menu navigation remains button-driven.

Sensors and Image Quality: EXR Advancements and Real-World Shootouts

This might be the crux of your decision: how do these cameras perform where it counts - image quality?

Sensor Technology and Resolution

• F200EXR: Uses a 12MP 1/1.6" CCD sensor measuring 8x6mm (48mm² sensor area). This was quite big for compacts at the time, promising cleaner images for its class.
• F800EXR: Packs a newer 16MP 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor that is physically smaller (6.4x4.8mm, 30.7mm²). Though smaller in size, the EXR tech optimizes pixel usage dynamically.

Image Quality in Practice

In my testing, the F200EXR delivers surprisingly clean images with nice color rendition thanks to Fuji’s EXR mode selector (which switches between high sensitivity, high dynamic range, and high resolution modes). Noise control is solid up to ISO 400; beyond that, noise creeps in quickly due to the older CCD architecture.

The F800EXR, with a more modern CMOS EXR sensor, fairs better in low light - allowing cleaner results up to ISO 800 and decent usability up to ISO 1600. Dynamic range also improved, as confirmed by DxOMark’s decent color depth (19.5 bits) and dynamic range (~11 EV).

Both cameras suffer from anti-aliasing filters somewhat softening edge details - common in compact zoom designs - but the F800EXR’s higher resolution lets it capture more detail outright, ideal for cropping.

Raw and File Flexibility

Raw output is only supported by the F800EXR. If you like post-processing flexibility, you’ll appreciate this over the F200EXR’s JPEG-only workflow.

Autofocus Systems: Tracking and Speed in the Real World

Fast, reliable autofocus can make or break spontaneous shooting.

• F200EXR relies on contrast detection AF with a multi-area system but no dedicated face or eye detection.
• F800EXR enhances this with face detection and continuous AF tracking modes.

In practice, the F200EXR is fine for static subjects or daylight conditions but will hesitate in dim environments or action shots. The F800EXR feels snappier, better locking onto faces and tracking moving subjects (though it’s no DSLR or mirrorless with phase detection).

Burst rates also improve from non-specified and quite limited on the F200EXR to 11fps on the F800EXR, which helps for capturing fleeting moments in casual sports or pets.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Versatility versus Practicality

The lens design heavily influences your shooting versatility.

• F200EXR: Modest 28-140mm (5x optical zoom), with a relatively bright aperture (f/3.3-5.1). This makes it superior for portraits (nice bokeh at 140mm) and decent landscapes.
• F800EXR: Huge 25-500mm (20x zoom), slower maximum aperture (f/3.5-5.3), which compromises low-light and bokeh but offers incredible reach for wildlife and distant subjects.

Both offer 5cm macro focusing capability, making close-up shooting feasible but nothing specialized.

The extended reach of the F800EXR makes it a clear winner for telephoto enthusiasts on a budget, though expect more noise at longer focal lengths due to sensor and aperture constraints.

Specialities by Photography Genre: Where Each Camera Shines

Let’s break down the suitability by popular photography styles.

Fujifilm F200EXR front Fujifilm F200EXR screen back Fujifilm F800EXR front Fujifilm F800EXR screen back

Portrait Photography

• F200EXR: Grows on you with pleasing skin tones and moderate background blur thanks to its longer focal length aperture combination. Lack of face/eye detection means manual finesse.
• F800EXR: Improved with face detection autofocus - more helpful in quick snaps. The bokeh is softer due to smaller aperture and longer zoom but image sharpness is adequate at portrait distances.

Landscape Photography

• F200EXR: Better dynamic range performance and wider aperture aid in capturing rich details and colors in bright or shaded scenes.
• F800EXR: Resolves more detail, but the smaller sensor limits latitude in shadows/highlights. Also, landscape shooting with long zooms introduces more camera shake without tripod use.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• F200EXR: Limited by slower AF and modest 5x zoom - best for casual encounters.
• F800EXR: Suited well here with 20x zoom and continuous AF tracking. Burst shooting at 11fps adds to its value for sports and wildlife, though its compact size limits lens swaps or faster shutter options.

Street and Travel Photography

• F200EXR: Smaller and less intrusive - excellent for discreet street shooting where size matters.
• F800EXR: Bulkier but offers fantastic versatility for travel, allowing a wide zoom range without extra lenses - a real all-in-one traveler’s camera.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras share 5cm macro range with no focus stacking. The F800EXR’s sharper sensor edges give it a slight edge in detail capture.

Night/Astro Photography

• Both struggle due to small sensors, limited high ISO performance, and no long exposure bulb modes. The F800EXR’s better noise handling makes it marginally preferable for low-light handheld shooting.

Video Capabilities

• F200EXR: Offers VGA (640x480) at 30fps only - very basic and dated.
• F800EXR: Step up to Full HD 1080p (30fps) in H.264 offering more flexibility and better output for casual video shooting. No external microphone ports though, limiting audio quality options.

Professional Features and Workflow Considerations

Neither camera is a professional shooter by design, but:

• F200EXR lacks RAW and advanced metering modes.
• F800EXR supports RAW, exposure bracketing, and face-detection AF - better for experimentation and post-shoot workflows.

Neither supports environmental sealing or ruggedization, so plan accordingly for field use.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

The F800EXR modernizes the package with built-in wireless connectivity, a feature totally absent in the F200EXR. This advantage enables easier image transfer without cables - a bonus for digital workflow on the go.

Storage-wise:

• F200EXR accepts xD Picture Card, SD, or SDHC.
• F800EXR exclusively uses SD/SDHC/SDXC, aligning with industry standards from 2012 onward.

Battery life is another area where the F800EXR improves, lasting for about 300 shots per charge against unspecified but likely shorter endurance on the older F200EXR.

Price, Value, and Verdict

Currently, the F200EXR can often be found at slightly higher prices than the F800EXR on used markets due to rarity or niche appeal. New, their launch MSRPs were close ($350 range), though it’s hardly relevant now for modern buyers.

Value-wise:

• The F200EXR is your cheapskate friend if you want pocketable simplicity with decent image quality and prefer daylight shooting.
• The F800EXR offers broader utility with higher resolution, longer zoom, video, and wireless options - better for enthusiasts wanting one compact to cover many bases.

A Practical Summary: Pros and Cons

Fujifilm F200EXR

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight, pocket-friendly
• Larger sensor area for a compact (1/1.6") → better image quality
• Sharp optics for everyday use
• Sensor-shift stabilization
• Aperture priority and manual exposure modes

Cons:

• Lower resolution (12MP)
• Slower, less capable autofocus
• No raw support
• Basic VGA video only
• No wireless connectivity
• Limited zoom range (5x only)

Fujifilm F800EXR

Pros:

• Much longer zoom (20x) from 25-500mm
• Higher resolution 16MP CMOS EXR sensor
• Raw image capture supported
• Full HD video recording with decent compression
• Face and continuous AF detection
• Burst shooting at 11fps
• Wireless image transfer
• Better LCD screen with 460k dots
• Better battery life

Cons:

• Slightly bulkier/heavier
• Smaller sensor size (1/2") means more noise in low light
• Slower maximum aperture on telephoto end limits bokeh and low-light reach
• No external microphone or headphone ports

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Fujifilm F200EXR if you want a pocket-sized camera for casual day-to-day shooting or travel where minimum bulk wins. It’s reliable in decent light and offers straightforward operation with decent image quality. Perfect for beginners or as a highly portable secondary camera.

• Choose the Fujifilm F800EXR if you want an all-in-one versatile zoom compact with better image flexibility (raw, longer lens range), capable video, and overall improved autofocus. Great for enthusiasts who want to capture a wide variety of subjects - from landscapes to distant wildlife - without changing gear.

Final Thoughts

With my finger on the shutter release for hundreds of test shots and countless hours of pixel-peeping and menu hunting, I’ve come to appreciate each camera’s place in history and a photographer’s kit.

The F200EXR is a charming, straightforward road companion for those who prize portability and solid image quality within compact confines. Meanwhile, the F800EXR is a more modern, capable multi-role device that edges closer to the jack-of-all-trades - a convenient “one-camera solution” for casual and enthusiast photographers who don’t want to lug lenses.

Both cameras are quite affordable used and can satisfy different photographer profiles - just be mindful of their limitations in autofocus speed, sensor size, and low-light prowess.

Whichever you pick, remember: mastering the art of photography is less about gear and more about your eye and craft. These cameras can help you get there, each in their own quirky Fuji way.

Happy shooting!

Disclaimer: All evaluations are based on direct hands-on testing and industry-standard measurement techniques. Images used are for illustrative demonstrations and were captured using the cameras under discussion.