Head to Head: Fujifilm F200EXR vs. Fujifilm XP80 - Which Compact Suits Your Photography?

When it comes to compact cameras in the FujiFilm lineup, the FinePix F200EXR and XP80 represent two distinct snapshots of camera evolution - one debuting back in 2009 with a focus on sensor innovation, the other rolling in 2015 as a rugged, all-weather shooter. Having tested both extensively under varied conditions, I’m keen to unpack what separates these two, and crucially, which photographer each is really made for.

If you’re weighing these FujiFilm compacts for your next camera, stick around - I break down their build, sensor tech, autofocus, image quality, and even their performance across photography styles you actually care about. Let’s get into it.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Before diving into megapixels and autofocus algorithms, the physical feel often makes or breaks a camera’s usability - especially when you want to shoot comfortably without lugging heavy gear.

The F200EXR sports a compact, slightly boxy body with dimensions of 98 x 59 x 23 mm, weighing in at a modest 205 grams. Its slim profile makes it pocket-friendly and comfortable for casual use. The XP80 is a bit chunkier - 104 x 67 x 26 mm - and lighter at 179 grams, thanks to a more rugged build composed of reinforced materials.

Handling experience speaks volumes here: the F200EXR feels more like a traditional point-and-shoot, with a neat grip and intuitive button placement. In contrast, the XP80’s extra bulk is a trade-off for waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing, and freezeproof capabilities. If you value durability for outdoor adventures, the XP80’s design clearly appeals, but if discretion and portability matter more, the F200EXR edges ahead.

Looking down at their controls, both cameras have a fixed lens and similar focal ranges, but the XP80’s top layout integrates more ruggedized buttons without sacrificing ease of use. The F200EXR offers traditional exposure compensation and aperture priority controls, catering to enthusiasts wanting some manual input. The XP80, meanwhile, omits aperture priority and manual exposure modes, favoring automatic operation and simplicity.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

Let’s geek out for a bit. Sensor specs are the linchpin for image quality, and here we see a fundamental difference worth considering.

The F200EXR employs a 1/1.6" CCD sensor measuring approximately 8 x 6 mm, packing 12 megapixels. It features Fuji’s proprietary EXR technology aimed at optimizing dynamic range and reducing noise by adapting sensor behavior based on scene conditions. CCD sensors like this one excel in color depth and noise control at base ISOs, although they fall behind CMOS designs in speed.

The XP80 steps up to a smaller 1/2.3" CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) but ups the resolution to 16 megapixels. While smaller physically, CMOS sensors generally provide better high ISO performance, faster readout, and video capabilities. Fuji’s sensor here is paired with image stabilization via sensor-shift, essential given the XP80’s tendency towards active outdoor shooting contexts.

My hands-on experience confirms the subtlety: in good light, the F200EXR’s EXR sensor churns out rich colors with a smooth gradation, especially appealing for landscape and portrait work where tonality matters. The XP80, however, compensates with overall livelier images thanks to the higher pixel count and better noise management at elevated ISO - critical for low-light or fast-moving subjects.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Real-World Use Cases

Focus speed and precision can make or break shots, especially in wildlife, sports, or street photography. Let’s see how these two stack up.

The F200EXR’s autofocus relies on contrast detection. It offers single and continuous AF modes but lacks face or eye detection tools. Autofocus is typically slower and more tentative, occasionally hunting in low light or on moving subjects. Spot AF is available, favoring precise focusing on a particular area.

The XP80, while still using contrast detection, boosts performance with face detection and tracking autofocus - surprisingly responsive for a compact. Continuous AF tracking can keep up better with moving subjects. It also combines center-weighted metering, though lacks manual focus.

Realistically, if your photography involves wildlife, children, or sports, the XP80’s improved tracking autofocus and burst shooting at 10 frames per second provide a smoother experience. The F200EXR, though decent in static or well-lit conditions, struggles with fast action.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

If you’re an outdoor or adventure shooter, understanding the durability quotient is essential.

The XP80 shines with waterproofing (up to 15m), dust resistance, shockproofing (drops from 1.75m), and even freezeproofing down to -10°C. This ruggedness lets you bring it to snorkeling trips, snowy hikes, or dusty festivals with minimal worry.

The F200EXR, introduced long before action cameras became mainstream, lacks any environmental sealing. It’s fragile by comparison, best reserved for careful, everyday use in stable conditions.

Whether you prioritize robustness or compactness depends largely on your shooting contexts. For harsh conditions, the XP80's build gives peace of mind.

Rear LCD Screen and User Interface: Composing and Reviewing Shots

Touchscreens are standard now, but both these cameras come with fixed (non-touch) displays.

The F200EXR features a 3-inch fixed LCD with 230,000 dots resolution - serviceable but on the dim side. The larger screen is helpful for framing but can feel a bit grainy. Its interface supports manual exposure adjustments and access to EXR shooting modes, giving more control for creatively minded shooters.

The XP80’s 2.7-inch, 460,000-dot screen packs nearly double the resolution, yielding a clearer preview and playback experience despite the smaller size. Its UI is simpler, geared toward quick menus and automatic shooting modes, minimal fuss.

If you spend time reviewing shots in the field or adjusting exposure settings on the fly, you might prefer the sharper screen of the XP80. On the flip side, the F200EXR’s control depth appeals to users craving manual tweaking.

Lens and Focal Range: Versatility Meets Practicality

Both cameras have fixed lenses with similar zoom reach, approximately 28-140mm equivalent.

• F200EXR: f/3.3-5.1 maximum aperture, 5x zoom, 5cm macro focus
• XP80: f/3.9-4.9 max aperture, 5x zoom, 9cm macro focus

While the XP80 edges out in aperture slightly on the telephoto end and offers longer macro minimum focusing distance (less close), the F200EXR’s wider aperture at 28mm aperture favors shallow depth of field potential. Yet, neither camera delivers professional-grade bokeh due to sensor size and lens design limitations.

If you love getting close to flowers or insects, the F200EXR’s 5cm macro is more flexible. For general travel and everyday photography, the XP80’s optics provide balanced reach and speed.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how these cameras behave in your typical shooting scenarios.

Fujifilm F200EXR front Fujifilm F200EXR screen back Fujifilm XP80 front Fujifilm XP80 screen back

Portraits

The F200EXR, with its EXR sensor’s color depth and aperture priority mode, offers more nuanced skin tones and controllable backgrounds in portraits. It lacks face/eye detection but the aperture priority gives some artistic control.

The XP80’s face detection autofocus makes portraits easier, but colors trend a little cooler and less nuanced. Its smaller sensor impacts background separation, delivering less creamy bokeh.

Landscapes

Dynamic range shines with the F200EXR thanks to EXR mode, capturing more detail in highlights and shadows. The 12MP resolution is adequate. But the XP80’s 16MP sensor yields slightly higher detail resolution, helpful when cropping.

Neither camera is weather sealed (except XP80), so landscape photographers venturing outdoors prefer the XP80 for reliability.

Wildlife and Sports

The XP80 dominates here - 10 fps burst, better AF tracking, higher max shutter speed (1/2000s vs. 1/1500s), and better low light ISO capabilities.

The F200EXR’s autofocus and burst speed are limiting factors in capturing fast-moving subjects.

Street Photography

Compact and discreet, the F200EXR’s slim frame is advantageous for street shooting. Limited ISO range and slower AF can be compromises, however.

The XP80’s bulk and louder shutter make it less ideal for stealthy street snaps but better once you need fast reaction and better low light.

Macro Photography

Close-focus at 5cm (F200EXR) vs. 9cm (XP80) is a clear win for the F200EXR if macros are a priority.

Night and Astro

Neither camera excels under astrophotography demands, but the XP80’s higher native ISO and better noise control in high ISO ranges make it the milder option.

Video

The XP80 can shoot Full HD 1080p at 60p with H.264 compression and has HDMI output, giving it a simple edge for handheld video.

The F200EXR only records VGA 640x480 MOV files at 30fps, which feels quite limited today.

Neither has external microphones or headphone jacks, so for serious videography, neither is ideal, but XP80 is clearly more capable.

Travel and Everyday Use

The XP80’s waterproofing and ruggedness fit well for travel where you might face unpredictable environments. The F200EXR focuses on image quality and compactness, better for casual city exploration or family snapshots.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera supports RAW or professional tethering. For business or high-end workflows, these are more snapshot tools, not full-fledged professional cameras.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Both rely on rechargeable battery packs (NP-50 for F200EXR and NP-45S for XP80).

• XP80: Rated for about 210 shots per charge - average for compacts.
• F200EXR battery life data is scarce but generally shorter due to older design.

Storage wise:

• F200EXR accepts xD Picture Cards and SD/SDHC.
• XP80 uses SD/SDHC/SDXC plus internal memory (handy for emergencies).

Connectivity is almost nonexistent on the F200EXR. The XP80 includes built-in wireless features, enabling easy image transfer - even if limited by the absence of Bluetooth or NFC.

Price and Overall Value

Let’s put price against what you get.

Despite its older age, the F200EXR holds appeal for enthusiasts seeking superior image quality and manual control in a pocketable form. The XP80 is compelling for budget-conscious buyers wanting versatility, toughness, and adequate image quality backed by better autofocus and video.

Specialty Photography Breakdown and Final Verdicts

Portraits: F200EXR for nuanced skin tones; XP80 for ease of autofocus.

Landscape: F200EXR for dynamic range; XP80 for rugged use outdoors.

Wildlife/Sports: XP80’s autofocus speed and burst rate give it a clear edge.

Street: F200EXR’s compactness beats XP80’s bulk.

Macro: F200EXR’s closer minimum focus distance wins.

Night/Astro: XP80’s high ISO handling dominates.

Video: XP80 vastly superior.

Travel: XP80’s rugged design preferred for unpredictable conditions.

Professional: Neither supports RAW; casual backup only.

Wrapping It Up: Who Should You Choose?

As someone who’s field-tested thousands of cameras, I’m always about matching gear to your needs rather than chasing specs for their own sake.

• Pick the Fujifilm F200EXR if you prioritize image quality, manual exposure control, and portability. Ideal for portraits, landscapes, and street photographers who appreciate subtle tonal gradation and want to carry an old-school compact that punches above its weight in stills.

• Choose the Fujifilm XP80 if you shoot outdoors in rough conditions, need faster autofocus with face detection, want better video capabilities, or if budget is your focus. It’s also better across wildlife, sports, and travel contexts where weather sealing and burst speeds matter.

In sum, these Fujifilm compacts serve quite different purposes despite similarly labeled zoom lenses. Your shooting habits and environment ultimately reveal the better fit.

Thanks for joining me on this head-to-head! Don’t hesitate to ask if you want sample RAWs or specific shooting test results - I’m all about helping you shoot smarter with cameras that suit your style.

Happy shooting!