Compact Shootout: Fujifilm F200EXR vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6 – Which Small Sensor Compact Suits You Best?

When it comes to pocket-friendly cameras, the fine balance between convenience and image quality is always a juggling act. Today, I dive deep into a head-to-head comparison between two small sensor compacts that have gathered their share of attention over the past decade: the Fujifilm F200EXR (2009) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6 (2012). Both sit firmly in the "walk-around" category - compact, fixed lens, designed for everyday photographers who want a no-fuss digital camera.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras across genres and use cases, I’ll walk you through what each model brings to the table. From sensor tech to handling, and from varied photography styles to video performance, I’ll reveal where each camera excels, and what compromises you might face. Grab a coffee, because this is your thorough, trusted guide to help you pick the camera that matches your shooting style and priorities.

First Impressions and Handling: Size, Ergonomics & Controls

Starting with the fundamentals: these cameras are distinctly compact but approach the form factor with slightly different design philosophies. The Fujifilm F200EXR measures roughly 98 x 59 x 23 mm and weighs 205 g, while the Panasonic FH6 is slightly smaller and lighter at 96 x 56 x 20 mm and 119 g. So, if sheer pocketability is a priority, the Panasonic FH6 comfortably slips into your coat pocket or small bag thanks to its more lightweight and slimmer profile.

Looking from the top, the Fujifilm offers a well-laid-out control dial, an aperture-priority mode, and more manual exposure options than the Panasonic. This gives you a modicum of creative control - a rare find in compacts of the era. The Panasonic FH6 is more pared-back, focusing on ease of use with fewer physical controls and no aperture or shutter priority modes.

Neither model has a viewfinder, so you’ll depend on their LCD screens for composition. Here the Fujifilm edges ahead with a slightly larger (3.0-inch) screen compared to Panasonic’s 2.7-inch display, though both share similar resolution (230k dots). The Fuji’s screen, however, is not touchscreen-enabled, and neither supports tilt or articulation - a nod to their cost-conscious design.

Personally, I like the Fujifilm’s menu system and ergonomics better for extended shooting. The camera’s slight bulk actually helps with comfortable grip, which is appreciated in longer shooting sessions. Panasonic’s lighter build is nice for grab-and-go snaps but can feel a bit toy-like in the hand during serious use.

Sensor and Image Quality: Where It Really Counts

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and here the differences begin to shape up the end-user experience significantly.

The Fujifilm F200EXR sports a 1/1.6-inch CCD sensor measuring 8 x 6 mm, with a total sensor area of approximately 48 mm² and a resolution of 12 megapixels. This sensor is relatively large for a compact of its time and is paired with Fujifilm’s proprietary EXR technology designed to optimize dynamic range, color accuracy, and noise reduction by switching between modes depending on scene brightness. Fujifilm prioritized image quality over megapixels, and this CCD achieves clean skin tones and good highlight retention, especially in well-lit conditions.

The Panasonic FH6, meanwhile, features a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring around 6.08 x 4.56 mm (about 27.7 mm² sensor area) but with 14 megapixels. The higher pixel count packed onto this physically smaller sensor can lead to more noise at higher ISOs and less dynamic range. Although the FH6 has slightly better native ISO range ceiling at 6400 compared to Fuji’s 12800 max claim, practically noise mounts quickly beyond ISO 800 on both.

In my tests shooting RAW was impossible on either camera - neither supports RAW capture, pushing you to work within in-camera JPEG processing limitations. Between them, the Fuji’s sensor and EXR processing typically produce smoother gradations and more faithful colors in portraits and landscapes.

Real-World Image Examples

Take a look at these sample images I shot with both cameras under similar conditions:

Fujifilm F200EXR front Fujifilm F200EXR screen back Panasonic FH6 front Panasonic FH6 screen back

You’ll see the Fujifilm delivers slightly more natural skin tones and richer color depth in outdoor scenes, especially noticeable in bright sky gradients and foliage textures. The Panasonic images tend to be crisp but slightly more contrasty, edging toward punchier, consumer-friendly JPEGs.

However, both cameras struggle similarly with shadow noise in low light - do not expect miraculous low-light capability from either.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: How Quickly Can They Capture the Moment?

For enthusiasts like us who sometimes crave photographing moving subjects or candid street moments, autofocus (AF) performance is pivotal.

The Fujifilm F200EXR uses contrast-detection AF with multi-area focusing and offers continuous autofocus, which is a welcome feature. However, the camera’s AF system is fairly basic with no face or eye detection.

The Panasonic FH6’s AF system is also contrast detection but lacks continuous AF during video and still image capture, though it offers face detection with nine AF points, which helps for portraits or casual snapshots.

In practical tests, neither camera shines in challenging focusing scenarios. Autofocus speed is average at best for static subjects in good light but hunts considerably in lower light or low-contrast scenes. If you aim to shoot wildlife, sports, or fast action, these compacts won’t be your first pick - they simply cannot compete with even mid-range mirrorless or DSLR autofocus systems.

Continuous shooting speed is modest: the Panasonic offers 2 fps burst shooting, while Fujifilm does not specify continuous burst rate, likely due to limited buffer depth.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility for Everyday Scenarios

Both cameras come with a fixed zoom lens - no interchangeable lenses here - designed for general-purpose use.

• Fujifilm F200EXR: 28-140mm equivalent zoom (5x optical) with aperture ranging F3.3-5.1
• Panasonic FH6: 24-120mm equivalent zoom (5x optical) with aperture ranging F2.5-6.4

The Panasonic’s slightly wider 24mm equivalent at the wide end is beneficial for landscapes and travel shots where you want to capture as much in the frame as possible. The Fuji starts a bit narrower at 28mm but stretches slightly further in telephoto.

One notable Fuji advantage is better macro focus capability as close as 5 cm - matching the Panasonic but combined with the sensor and stabilization could yield sharper close-ups.

Regarding image stabilization, the Fujifilm uses sensor-shift (CCD shift) stabilization, whereas Panasonic relies on optical image stabilization built into the lens. Both systems are decent but have limitations in very low light or at maximum zoom focal lengths.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Day-to-Day Use

Battery life is often overlooked but crucial for reliability on trips or long sessions. Panasonic specifies roughly 280 shots per charge, aligning with typical compact expectations. Fujifilm does not list official battery life but uses the NP-50 battery, which in practice delivers similar performance.

Both cameras use common SD or SDHC cards, but the Fujifilm also supports the older xD Picture Card format. Connectivity is minimal with no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, nor HDMI ports for live video output - reflecting the era they were released in.

USB connectivity is USB 2.0 on both cameras, enough for basic file transfer but not fast by today’s standards.

Shooting Styles and Specialized Genres: Who Suits What?

Home in on what you want to shoot. These compacts serve distinctly different niches in photography capability despite shared basic traits.

Portrait Photography

Portraits hinge on skin tone rendition and ease of focusing on faces and eyes. The Fujifilm leads here due to its EXR sensor’s natural color palette and support for aperture priority, enabling background blur control (bokeh). The lack of face or eye detection AF on Fuji is a minus, but the camera lets you carefully nudge exposure and aperture settings.

Panasonic’s face detection AF is a comfort for casual portraits but its lens max aperture is smaller at portrait focal length (~F4.0-5.6 range), limiting bokeh and low-light advantage.

Landscape and Travel

For landscapes, sensors with better dynamic range and resolution count. Fuji’s larger CCD and 12MP resolution along with 28mm wide-end zoom make it great for crisp, vibrant nature shots. Its EXR sensor mode can maximize detail in highlights and shadows.

Travel photographers may appreciate Panasonic’s wider 24mm wide-angle and lighter body for ease of carrying. Battery life and ruggedness are similar (minimal), so these cameras are not built for extreme environments.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is ideal here. AF speed, continuous shooting, and high ISO performance fall short for fast-moving subjects or challenging light. If you want wildlife or sports, a camera with fast hybrid AF and faster frame rates is recommended.

Street and Macro

The small size of the Panasonic FH6 makes it more discrete for candid street photography, where unobtrusiveness helps. However, low light performance is tentative on both.

For macro, both focus as close as 5 cm, but Fuji’s stabilized sensor and EXR technology deliver slightly sharper close-ups with balanced exposure.

Night and Astro

In very low light, neither camera is a champion. Both feature CCD sensors that produce noticeable noise above ISO 800. Long exposure capabilities exist (min shutter speed 8 seconds), but the fixed lenses and limited exposure control mean astro photography is a stretch.

Video

Both cameras offer very basic video - Panasonic shoots up to 720p at 30fps, and Fujifilm maxes out at VGA 640x480. Neither supports external microphones or advanced codecs; video quality is strictly casual.

Build Quality and Durability: Will This Camera Last?

Neither device boasts environmental sealing or shockproof capabilities - a reality for budget compacts from the late 2000s and early 2010s. Both have plastic polycarbonate bodies with moderate robustness. For rugged outdoor or professional use, consider something sturdier or weather-sealed.

Price and Value Assessment: What Do You Get for Your Money?

At launch, the Fujifilm was priced around $350, while the Panasonic FH6 retailed at roughly $130 - almost half the cost.

Given that price difference, the Panasonic represents a decent affordable option for casual shooters who want an easy-to-use point-and-shoot with decent versatility in zoom and resolution.

The Fujifilm demands a premium for:

• Larger sensor with superior color and dynamic range
• Aperture priority/manual exposure control
• Slightly better stabilization and macro abilities
• Larger, easier-to-use display and controls

In today’s market, both cameras fall into used or expired stock categories. Modern alternatives, even at entry-level mirrorless or advanced compacts, will outperform these significantly in autofocus, image quality, video, and connectivity.

Summary Comparison at a Glance

So Which One Do I Recommend?

• Choose the Fujifilm F200EXR if: You care about image quality above all, want greater manual control, and don’t mind carrying a slightly heavier camera. Ideal for enthusiasts who shoot portraits, landscapes, and macro and value color fidelity and dynamic range.

• Choose the Panasonic FH6 if: Your budget is tight, you want the smallest, lightest camera for casual travel and street photography, and prefer a simple point-and-shoot style with some face detection and slightly wider zoom.

Both cameras are relics today - but at their primes, they offered respectable imaging experience. If you seek a compact for casual snaps with minimal fuss and a friendly price, the Panasonic fits. For those who want enhanced control and better image output in a compact, the Fujifilm wins hands down.

Closing Thoughts

Small sensor compacts like these serve a niche of incremental convenience and casual use. From my extensive experience testing cameras, you sacrifice a lot in speed, dynamic range, and autofocus to gain pocketability at this scale. If image quality and control matter more than minimal bulk - go Fujifilm. For shallow learning curves and lighter carry, Panasonic is your pal.

If you’re serious about photography, you’ll soon find these cameras limited, and investing in a mirrorless or larger sensor compact will pay dividends. But if you want a snapshot companion or budget-friendly point-and-shoot, this side-by-side prepares you to choose wisely.

Happy shooting!