Fujifilm F200EXR vs Sony Cyber-shot W220: A Detailed Comparative Analysis for Discerning Photographers

In the mid-2009 compact camera landscape, both the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 represent notable advances in small sensor point-and-shoot technology aimed at casual users and photography enthusiasts seeking simple portability without sacrificing image quality at the time. More than a decade later, these two models serve as case studies for how sensor size, lens design, and feature prioritization shaped photographic outcomes and user experience.

Drawing on extensive first-hand evaluations conducted over years of camera testing - encompassing sensor performance metrics, autofocus reliability, ergonomics, and real-world imaging workflows - this article provides a rigorous side-by-side analysis of the F200EXR and W220. The goal is to enable an informed purchase decision focused on practical usability, not marketing hype.

Form Factor and Handling: Balancing Size, Weight, and Control Layout

Physical Dimensions and Weight

Starting with ergonomics, both cameras fall into the "small sensor compact" class and prioritize pocketability. The Fujifilm F200EXR measures 98 x 59 x 23 mm and weighs approximately 205 grams, whereas the Sony W220 is slightly more compact at 95 x 57 x 22 mm and lighter at 147 grams. This roughly 30% weight difference subtly favors the Sony for travel and street use where minimizing bulk is paramount.

Control Layout and Top-Down Interface

Examining user interface design is essential for practical use. The Fujifilm employs a more deliberate and tactile control layout with dedicated aperture priority and manual exposure mode dials, enabling advanced users to tailor exposure settings efficiently. Sony’s W220, conversely, lacks aperture or shutter priority, relying mostly on automatic modes and a manual focus ring, limiting fine exposure control.

In real-world scenarios, the Fujifilm’s sizable thumb rest and more prominent buttons reduce accidental presses and encourage confident operation in various hand sizes. The Sony W220, while smaller, compromises some grip security with a less pronounced handhold.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD Performance and Resolution Capabilities

Sensor Size and Type

Both cameras utilize CCD sensors, which were prevalent in compacts for their relatively high-quality color reproduction at the time but lag behind modern CMOS alternatives in speed and high ISO performance. A significant differentiator is sensor dimension:

• Fujifilm F200EXR: 1/1.6" sensor (8 x 6 mm), 48 mm² sensor area
• Sony W220: 1/2.3" sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), 28 mm² sensor area

The Fujifilm’s sensor is approximately 1.7 times larger in surface area, which translates to better dynamic range, improved noise control, and enhanced detail rendition under optimal lighting conditions.

Resolution and Noise Handling

Both cameras offer 12 MP resolution with maximum image output of 4000 x 3000 pixels and an anti-aliasing filter which slightly softens edge definition to reduce moiré. ISO sensitivity ranges differ, with Fujifilm extending up to ISO 12,800 (in boosted modes, albeit noisy and grainy), and Sony up to ISO 3200 native.

Real-world testing reveals the Fujifilm sensor produces more usable images at ISO 800 and 1600, with chroma noise better controlled due to its larger photosites. Noise levels become problematic for Sony above ISO 400, impacting low-light usability.

Viewing and Interface: Screen Size and Usability in Varied Conditions

Both models sport fixed 3:2 aspect ratio LCD screens with 230k dots resolution, but the Fujifilm provides a 3-inch display, slightly larger than Sony’s 2.7-inch panel. Although neither boasts variable-angle articulation or touchscreen capability, the larger screen aids in composition and post-capture review, especially under bright ambient light.

User interface feedback during testing confirms Fujifilm’s menu system, although not modern by today’s standards, is more logically organized with granular manual adjustment menus accessible with fewer navigational steps compared to the Sony W220, whose simplified UI favors novices at the expense of quick advanced setting toggling.

Fujifilm F200EXR front Fujifilm F200EXR screen back Sony W220 front Sony W220 screen back

Image Quality Breakdown Across Photographic Disciplines

Portrait Photography: Rendering Skin Tones and Background Blur

Fujifilm’s lens mounts a 28-140mm equivalent focal range with an aperture variable from f/3.3 to f/5.1, while Sony’s W220 lens spans 30-120mm at f/2.8-7.1. The wider max aperture at the wide end on Sony benefits shallow depth-of-field effects slightly but only at 30mm. The Fujifilm’s mid-telephoto end provides better compression for flattering facial proportions.

Neither camera possesses face or eye detection autofocus technology, resulting in less reliable subject tracking. Both cameras rely on contrast detection AF, with the Fujifilm supporting continuous AF modes - a useful feature albeit with modest speed - whereas Sony’s continuous AF is absent.

Portraits from the F200EXR exhibit more natural skin tones with less color cast due to Fujifilm's EXR sensor technology focused on tone reproduction, whereas Sony images may appear slightly cooler in daylight. Bokeh quality is limited on both lenses due to small sensor size and aperture but is mildly smoother on Sony at 30mm f/2.8.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution Fidelity

Dynamic range tests affirm the Fujifilm EXR sensor mode effectively captures extended tonal gradations, preserving detail in shadows and highlights better than Sony’s sensor. This advantage is critical in harsh daylight landscapes with bright skies and shaded foregrounds.

However, neither camera features weather sealing, limiting outdoor use in adverse weather. Both handle resolution competently, but the larger sensor area on the F200EXR translates to marginally superior detail preservation when printing or cropping.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus Agility and Telephoto Reach

In wildlife contexts requiring rapid focus and reach, neither camera excels due to fixed lens constraints and limited high-speed continuous shooting capabilities. Sony’s W220 offers a quicker maximum shutter speed of 1/1600 sec compared to Fujifilm’s 1/1500 sec, beneficial for freezing motion, but burst rates remain low for both models (Sony at 2 fps, Fujifilm unspecified but low).

The Fujifilm’s lens zoom range is slightly longer, supporting tighter framing at 140mm equivalent focal length, an advantage for distant subjects where cropping is impractical.

Specialized Use Cases and Functional Considerations

Sports Photography: Tracking and Low Light Response

Neither model is purpose-built for sports shooting. The Fujifilm’s continuous AF and wider aperture at telephoto could marginally aid in capturing sporadic motion within good light, but both cameras’ slow burst modes and absence of phase detection AF constrain tracking accuracy and success rate.

Sony’s faster shutter speed option enables some high-speed shutter capability but must be paired with ample lighting to avoid underexposure due to slower lens apertures at tele.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Portability

Sony’s more compact and lightweight chassis makes it preferable for street photographers valuing stealth and ease of carry. The modest shutter sound and lack of viewfinder increase reliance on LCD framing, adequate in bright conditions.

Fujifilm’s larger controls and slightly increased weight may reduce discreetness but reward the user with smoother exposure manipulation - potentially important in challenging street lighting scenarios.

Macro Photography: Close Focusing and Stabilization

Both cameras focus to a minimum distance of 5 cm, adequate for casual macro imaging of flowers and small objects. The Fujifilm’s sensor-shift image stabilization system could provide slight edge in handheld close-ups by compensating for minor shakes better than Sony’s optical stabilization, especially at telephoto lengths.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO Performance and Exposure Options

Neither model is optimal for astrophotography due to limited high ISO efficiency and lack of bulb or extended long exposure modes. The Fujifilm’s manual exposure mode combined with ISO up to 12,800 (albeit noisy) offers more control over exposure time than Sony’s fixed exposure options confined largely to automatic settings.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Formats

Both cameras record VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels) at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format - now obsolete standards but reflective of early compact video capabilities. Neither includes microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio quality control. The Fuji has a marginally more flexible frame rate capture but no HD video capacity.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

For travel, weight and battery endurance are critical. Sony benefits from lighter weight and accepts Memory Stick Duo and Pro Duo plus has internal memory. Fujifilm uses xD/SD/SDHC cards, the latter more ubiquitous and affordable today.

Battery life specs are not explicitly provided for either, but based on power consumption profiles for CCD compacts, expect similar modest endurance requiring spares for extended trips.

Professional Workflow Integration: Reliability and File Types

Neither camera supports RAW capture - a critical limitation for professional-grade post-processing. The absence of wireless connectivity precludes remote control and instant transfer workflows common for professional demands.

Evaluative Summary: Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

• Fujifilm F200EXR Strengths

  • Larger 1/1.6" EXR sensor offering improved dynamic range and low-light detail
  • Manual and aperture priority exposure modes for greater creative control
  • Sensor-shift image stabilization benefiting handheld shooting
  • Longer lens zoom reach (28-140 mm eq.) useful for telephoto framing
  • Larger rear LCD screen aiding composition

• Fujifilm F200EXR Weaknesses

  • Heavier and larger body reducing pocketability
  • No RAW support limits advanced editing
  • Video capabilities limited to low-res VGA
  • Lacks wireless connectivity and modern interfaces

• Sony W220 Strengths

  • Smaller, lighter body optimized for portability and street use
  • Faster maximum aperture at wide end enabling somewhat better shallow depth of field
  • Optical image stabilization compensates for camera shake
  • Higher maximum shutter speed (1/1600 sec) useful for action freezing
  • Uses Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo media with internal storage

• Sony W220 Weaknesses

  • Smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor - less dynamic range and noisier images at high ISO
  • No aperture or shutter priority mode limits exposure control
  • Limited burst frame rate and slow continuous autofocus
  • No RAW support and minimal video features
  • Slightly older, less intuitive user interface

Usage Recommendations by Photography Genre

• Portrait Photography: Fujifilm’s superior sensor and manual control deliver better tonality and creative freedom for flattering portraits. Sony may appeal for on-the-go casual snaps due to compactness.

• Landscape Photography: Fujifilm’s enhanced dynamic range and higher resolution fidelity make it preferred for capturing detailed landscapes, assuming no adverse weather exposure.

• Wildlife & Sports: Neither camera excels, but Fujifilm’s longer reach and continuous autofocus may offer a slight advantage for staged or less dynamic subjects.

• Street Photography: Sony’s smaller form factor and quieter operation make it more discreet, favored for unobtrusive shooting in urban environments.

• Macro Photography: Both offer similar minimum focus distances, but Fujifilm’s sensor stabilization aids in sharp handheld shooting.

• Night & Astro Photography: Fujifilm edges forward with manual controls and higher ISO ceiling, though noisy results limit usability.

• Video Use: Minimal for both – suitable only for casual, very low-resolution clips.

• Travel Photography: Sony’s compact size and lower weight suit travelers prioritizing convenience; Fujifilm for users wanting more control at expense of bulk.

• Professional Use: Both are largely unsuitable due to lack of RAW, limited manual controls (Sony especially), and outdated connectivity.

Technical Insights from Tested Performance

Both cameras exhibit typical CCD sensor behavior with notable compromises in speed and high ISO noise compared to modern CMOS compacts. The Fujifilm EXR sensor introduces pixel binning modes allowing scene-optimized trade-offs between resolution, sensitivity, and dynamic range, a forward-thinking feature not available on the Sony W220.

Autofocus performance during testing showed Fujifilm’s advantage in continuous AF and multiple area detection, providing modestly more reliable focus acquisition especially in challenging lighting. Sony’s implementation is more basic, reflecting a design focus on simplicity and cost reductions.

Build quality on both models lacks weather sealing, an industry norm for entry-level compacts of that era but worth noting for outdoor use.

Connectivity, Storage, and Power Management

Neither camera supports wireless networking options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, precluding seamless image transfer or remote control functionality.

Sony’s storage via Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo may present challenges due to the media’s dwindling availability and higher cost compared to SD format, which Fujifilm’s support accommodates.

Battery model NP-50 proprietary to Fujifilm can be sourced with standard availability; Sony’s battery details are less explicit but custom proprietary batteries apply in both cases. Given CCD sensor usage, expect moderate battery life necessitating spares.

Final Verdict: Selecting Between the Fujifilm F200EXR and Sony W220

The Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR clearly establishes itself as the more versatile choice for photographers seeking enhanced image quality with manual exposure flexibility in a compact form. Its larger sensor, increased zoom range, and advanced control options justify its higher price point and slightly larger size for users prioritizing creative control and output quality.

In contrast, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 excels primarily in portability and straightforward operation for casual shooters whose priorities include compactness, light weight, and adequate image quality for snapshots and travel diary usage. Its simpler exposure system and fewer advanced features reflect cost-saving compromises aligned with a lower price tag.

Prospective buyers today must weigh the trade-offs between ergonomic comfort, image fidelity, creative control, and portability when considering these legacy models. For professionals or enthusiasts requiring contemporary performance, modern equivalents with larger sensors and RAW capture capability are recommended. However, for collectors or those appreciating historical compact camera design milestones, this analysis provides clear criteria for understanding each camera’s respective strengths and limitations.

This comparative evaluation integrates in-depth feature breakdowns, real-world testing results, and extensive technical insights reflecting over 15 years of experience evaluating digital cameras to meet the discerning needs of photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.