Fujifilm F500 EXR vs Kodak EasyShare C140: A Practical Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing a camera can feel like trying to hit a small moving target - especially with so many options on the market spanning various features, sensor sizes, and usability quirks. Today, I’m diving into a detailed, side-by-side comparison of two compact cameras from the early 2010s: the Fujifilm F500 EXR and the Kodak EasyShare C140. Both have a classic compact body type, but they target quite different photography needs.

After extensive hands-on testing - putting these cameras through their paces in real-world scenarios across multiple photography disciplines - I’m here to share exactly how they stack up, where they excel, and where they might come up short for today’s enthusiast or professional looking for an affordable, compact secondary camera.

Let’s start by sizing them up - literally.

How They Feel in Your Hands: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

The first impression when picking up a camera isn’t about megapixels - it’s how it fits and feels. I’ve spent hours lifting, gripping, and shooting with both cameras, paying attention to control layout, balance, and comfort for extended use.

At 104 x 63 x 33 mm and 215 grams, the Fujifilm F500 EXR is a bit chunkier but still pocket-friendly. Compared to the Kodak C140’s slim 92 x 63 x 22 mm frame and lighter 160 grams, you immediately notice the Fujifilm has more substance - especially important when zooming with a 15x optical range.

The Kodak is extremely portable, almost a gadget you could stash in even a small purse or jacket pocket - which is no small benefit if you favor spontaneous street photography or travel light.

Ergonomically, the F500’s more robust body provides a better grip and physical controls, helping when shooting for longer sessions or in challenging lighting conditions. FijiFilm’s buttons feel more robust and responsive, whereas the Kodak’s simpler layout is intuitive but less tactile.

If you prize portability above all, the Kodak C140 wins here. But if you want a more confident hold and ergonomic reassurance for longer shooting sessions, the Fujifilm F500 EXR pulls ahead.

Design Language and Control Layout: Usability at a Glance

Digging deeper, I always examine how manufacturers have designed their controls, as this impacts your shooting workflow day-to-day.

The Fuji F500 EXR utilizes a classic layout with dedicated dials and buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, exposure compensation, plus a well-sized zoom toggle. There’s a clear effort here to facilitate manual control, suggesting Fuji imagined this aimed at more serious users or enthusiasts.

Kodak C140’s top view is more minimalist. You get basic zoom toggles and a shutter button but no manual mode access or exposure compensation controls. This simplicity benefits casual shooters or beginners, but pros may find it limiting quickly.

Neither camera features a viewfinder, which isn’t surprising in this class, but this means crafting images relies entirely on their LCD screens.

Sensor Specifications and Impact on Image Quality

At the heart of image quality is the sensor, and no surprise, the two differ quite a bit in specs and technology. Let’s break down the numbers.

• Fujifilm F500 EXR: Uses a 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels, dimensions 6.4 x 4.8 mm, and a total sensor area of 30.72 square millimeters.
• Kodak C140: Employs a 1/2.5" CCD sensor, 8 megapixels, dimensions 5.744 x 4.308 mm, with a sensor area of just 24.74 square millimeters.

The EXR CMOS sensor in the Fujifilm boasts nearly double the megapixels and roughly 25% more surface area, benefiting resolution, low-light sensitivity, and dynamic range. Fuji’s proprietary EXR technology dynamically shifts between high resolution, high sensitivity, and wide dynamic range modes depending on the scene, which is a smart solution in a compact camera.

Kodak’s CCD sensor with 8MP and smaller size is more modest. CCDs traditionally offer good color but lag CMOS sensors in power efficiency and high ISO noise handling. The Kodak tops out at ISO 1000 natively, while the Fujifilm extends to 3200 with boosts to 12,800 ISO (albeit with significant noise at the highest sensitivities).

Testing real images at varying ISOs confirms this: the Fuji outperforms in noise control and detail retention at higher ISO, which will matter to most users shooting indoor events or dimly lit environments.

In summary: The Fujifilm’s sensor represents markedly better image quality, resolution, and situational flexibility - a huge plus for any photographer looking to push image quality above typical compact performance.

LCD Screens and Interface: Framing and Review Experience

Both cameras put heavy reliance on their rear LCD for framing, reviewing, and navigating menus.

The Fujifilm sports a 3-inch 460k-dot TFT LCD, sharper and larger than Kodak’s 2.7-inch 230k-dot display. This makes the Fuji’s screen noticeably more detailed and useful for manual focusing, composition, and image review. Menus feel clearer and quicker to navigate.

Kodak’s simpler UI with a lower resolution screen is good enough for basic framing but starts to feel cramped and less precise as your needs grow.

For critical focus checking, white balance, or histogram reading, Fuji’s superior LCD makes a real difference, improving confidence during shoots.

Sample Images: Putting Theory into Practice

Specs are useful, but how do these cameras hold up when used for actual photography? I processed and compared images taken under identical conditions.

Fujifilm F500 EXR screen back Kodak C140 front Kodak C140 screen back

• Portraits: The Fuji’s higher resolution and sensor performance produce noticeably cleaner skin tones and gentle bokeh effects at longer focal lengths - even if its lens isn’t the fastest (F3.5-5.3). The Kodak struggles to isolate subjects with its shorter focal range and softer optics.

• Landscapes: Fujifilm again shines, retaining more fine details, better dynamic range, and truer colors. The Kodak’s images appear flatter with less depth and sharpness around the edges.

• Low Light: The Fuji can handily capture usable images where the Kodak’s noise makes shots almost unusable beyond ISO 400.

• Video: Fujifilm records Full HD 1080p 30fps video, while Kodak maxes out at VGA 640x480 - so for moving imagery, Fuji clearly wins.

These real-world tests underline the value of the Fujifilm’s improved sensor and optics, which translate to tangible, professional-grade results even in challenging conditions.

Burst Shooting, Autofocus, and Speed: Catching the Action

For sports, wildlife, or fast street moments, speed matters. How do these cameras perform?

• Fujifilm F500 EXR offers continuous shooting at about 3 fps, with autofocus tracking using contrast detection and multi-area AF systems. The AF is relatively quick, but not blazing - adequate for casual action, but not professional sports.

• Kodak C140 lacks continuous shooting modes entirely, and autofocus is single-point contrast detection, noticeably slower and less reliable under less-than-ideal lighting or on moving subjects.

If fast autofocus and burst shooting matter to you, the Fujifilm is the only viable option here.

Lens Specifications and Versatility: Zoom and Aperture Range

The lens you have shapes what you can shoot.

• Fujifilm F500 EXR: 24-360mm equivalent focal range with a 15x optical zoom, aperture F3.5-5.3
• Kodak C140: 36-108mm equivalent range with a 3x zoom, aperture F2.7-4.8

Fujifilm’s superzoom lens gives you much greater versatility - wide angle to reach sweeping vistas, telephoto to capture distant wildlife or candid portraits. The aperture range isn’t fast, but that’s typical for long zooms in compact cameras.

Kodak’s simpler lens favors brighter conditions and closer subjects with a faster aperture on the short zoom end but lacks telephoto reach, limiting creative framing or distant subjects.

If you value diverse shooting scenarios, Fujifilm’s zoom definitely wins here.

Special Features and Image Stabilization

Image stabilization is critical when shooting at telephoto focal lengths or in low light without a tripod.

The Fujifilm F500 EXR includes sensor-shift stabilization, which minimizes blur and enables slower shutter speeds handheld, a huge benefit on the long end of the zoom lens.

The Kodak C140 lacks any form of image stabilization, so you’ll be battling more motion blur, particularly in dim conditions.

Neither camera supports RAW format, limiting post-processing latitude for advanced photographers, a common compromise in this category and price range.

Video Capability: Moving Images in Real Use

With video increasingly important, here’s what I learned after testing both cameras for real shooting:

• Fujifilm F500 EXR supports Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps, with MPEG-4 compression. The footage is decent for casual use, capturing fair color and decent detail. However, it lacks a microphone input or manual controls, so audio quality is basic, and exposure adjustments happen automatically.

• Kodak C140 shoots low-res VGA 640x480 video, limited mainly to novices wanting quick clips. The quality is soft and noisy in anything but bright light.

If video is a consideration - even casual - the Fujifilm provides a markedly better experience.

Battery and Storage: Longevity and Capacity

Everything else aside, how long can you shoot and where do your files go?

• Fujifilm F500 EXR uses an NP-50 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, offering decent shooting sessions but not exceptional endurance. It uses SD cards (SDHC/SDXC) and has generous storage flexibility.

• Kodak C140 runs on 2 AA batteries, convenient for quick swaps on the go but less sustainable for heavy shooting days. It supports SD card storage and even has some internal memory for emergency shots.

Given the more power-hungry Fujifilm sensor and zoom, battery life is moderate. However, the C140’s reliance on AA cells could be seen as plus or minus depending on your preferences.

Durability and Build Quality

Both cameras lack formal weather sealing. Neither is dustproof, waterproof, or shockproof, so mind environmental conditions during shoots.

Fujifilm’s construction feels sturdier due to its heft and material choices, while Kodak’s lighter build is more fragile but easier to replace or carry.

How They Score Across Photography Genres

Let’s summarize with a look at genre-specific performance, drawing on my extensive evaluations.

• Portraits: Fujifilm excels with superior image quality and reach. Kodak is acceptable in bright conditions but limited in artistic control.
• Landscape: Strong advantage to Fuji for dynamic range and detail.
• Wildlife: Fuji’s zoom and autofocus make it the better choice.
• Sports: Neither is perfect, but Fuji’s burst mode offers some utility.
• Street: Kodak’s small size is attractive, but Fuji’s versatility wins for more serious shooters.
• Macro: Fuji with 5 cm focus distance and IS beats Kodak’s 13 cm.
• Night/Astro: Fuji’s better ISO handling is crucial.
• Video: Fujifilm far ahead.
• Travel: Kodak is lighter, but Fuji’s zoom and flexibility are more useful.
• Professional Work: Neither are professional-grade, but Fuji’s sensor and controls make it more serviceable as a backup or casual use camera.

Summary & Recommendations

So, what’s my bottom line after testing these cameras extensively?

• If you want a versatile, more modern compact with excellent image quality, a massive zoom range, video capability, and better low light performance - and you don’t mind carrying a slightly larger camera - the Fujifilm F500 EXR is an excellent choice. It bridges the gap between simple point-and-shoots and more serious compacts with manual controls.

• If your budget is very tight or you want the most lightweight, ultra-simple camera for casual daylight snapshots - and you aren’t concerned with high-res images or zoom range - then the Kodak EasyShare C140 serves as a basic, pocketable option.

Who should buy the Fujifilm F500 EXR?

• Enthusiasts wanting a budget-friendly but flexible camera for diverse photography
• Casual telephoto photographers (wildlife, sports fans)
• Travelers needing reach and decent video
• Portrait photographers longing for better detail and color

Who should buy the Kodak C140?

• Absolute beginners or families wanting an easy camera for snapshots
• Users prioritizing compactness and lightness over quality
• Those unwilling to fuss with manual controls or battery charging

Final Thoughts

Both cameras reflect different design philosophies: the Fujifilm F500 EXR is a committed compact superzoom with sensors and features that stand the test of time better - designed for photography enthusiasts who want control, reach, and image quality. The Kodak EasyShare C140 is more casual, simple, and approachable but limited outside good light and straightforward subjects.

Whether you prioritize lens versatility, image quality, or portability, understanding what you need in your shooting style is key. Hopefully, this hands-on comparison helps you pick the right tool for your creative vision.

Happy shooting!

Note: All observations are based on extensive side-by-side testing with these two specific models, including field shooting, lab-controlled image quality tests, and comprehensive feature evaluations - reflecting 15+ years of camera expertise.

If you want to see these cameras in action and watch my full video review demonstrations, check the resources linked above in the images section!