Fujifilm F500 EXR vs Panasonic Lumix FH7: A Hands-On Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing the right compact camera can be a balancing act between features, performance, and budget. Today, I’m diving deep into two small sensor compacts from 2011 that might still intrigue photography enthusiasts hunting for affordable superzoom versatility or pocket-friendly everyday shooters: the Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7. Though released in the same era, these cameras serve distinct roles and offer unique strengths and compromises.

I will walk you through all vital aspects - including sensors, lenses, ergonomics, autofocus systems, and use across photography genres - to help you make an informed choice grounded in practical experience. Having personally tested thousands of cameras, I know what details matter beyond spec sheets, so let’s get to it.

At a Glance: Size, Handling, and Design

Right off the bat, physical size and ergonomics impact what you’re likely to carry and how comfortable shooting will feel. The Fujifilm F500 EXR weighs 215g and measures 104 x 63 x 33 mm, while the Panasonic FH7 is more diminutive at 126g and 95 x 56 x 19 mm.

• Fujifilm F500 EXR: Bulkier but with a more substantial grip area, this lends itself better to longer superzoom sessions where steadiness counts. The extra heft here is beneficial, providing a more reassuring feel during extended shooting.
• Panasonic FH7: Compact and slim, it excels in pocketability and stealth, ideal for street photography or travel scenarios where minimalism matters. The smaller size may feel cramped for larger hands, and control placement trades off some tactile feedback.

The size disparity stems largely from their zoom capabilities and lens construction. The Fujifilm sports a 15x optical zoom, while the Panasonic caps at 4x zoom - this alone justifies the Fujifilm’s larger dimensions.

Looking at the control layouts on top, the Fujifilm offers classic manual exposure modes (PASM), alongside dedicated dial controls - something nearly absent on the Panasonic FH7, which focuses on straightforward point-and-shoot ease. If you value quick dial access to aperture or shutter priority, the F500 EXR edges ahead here.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both cameras use small sensors, but with notable differences:

• Fujifilm F500 EXR: Features a 1/2” EXR CMOS sensor (6.4 x 4.8 mm), 16 MP resolution, with an EXR processor designed to optimize dynamic range and noise performance. Native ISO varies from 100 to 3200, with boosted ISO up to 12800. It includes sensor-shift (in-body) image stabilization.
• Panasonic FH7: Equipped with a 1/2.3” CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm), also 16 MP but capped at ISO 6400 max. Image stabilization here is optical and lens-based.

Real-World Image Comparison

Fujifilm F500 EXR screen back Panasonic FH7 front Panasonic FH7 screen back

In my side-by-side testing, the Fujifilm’s CMOS sensor with EXR processing delivers images with:

• More dynamic range, helpful in challenging high-contrast scenes such as landscapes with bright skies and shaded foregrounds.
• Cleaner images at ISO 800–1600, with less luminance noise compared to the Panasonic’s CCD.
• Better color reproduction, particularly in skin tones, where the EXR’s color science and processing yield more natural hues.

The Panasonic FH7, while competent in good light, struggles more in low-light or high ISO scenarios, producing noticeable noise and softer details. Its CCD sensor still provides punchy color under controlled conditions, but the reduced dynamic range can limit creative flexibility.

For those prioritizing print or crop-worthy resolution, both cameras’ 16MP sensors suffice for moderate enlargement, but the Fujifilm’s edge in noise control makes it a stronger performer for detailed landscape and portrait work.

Zoom Range and Lens Versatility: Extending Your Reach

• Fujifilm F500 EXR: 24-360 mm equivalent (15x zoom), max aperture f/3.5-5.3
• Panasonic FH7: 28-112 mm equivalent (4x zoom), max aperture f/3.1-6.5

Here lies one of the biggest practical differences. The Fujifilm’s superzoom extends well into telephoto territory, excellent for wildlife and sports snapshots from a distance. The Panasonic’s shorter zoom better suits casual shooting and street photography where extreme reach is less critical.

Note: The Fujifilm’s aperture is slightly slower at full zoom (f/5.3 vs. 6.5 on Panasonic), but both cameras will require higher ISO or slower shutter speeds at telephoto ends, a limitation intrinsic to compact superzooms.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy Matters

In autofocus, contrast detection is the fundamental system for both cameras; however, their implementation differs:

• Fujifilm F500 EXR: Offers single, continuous, and tracking AF modes but lacks face or eye detection. Number of focus points is unspecified, but continuous AF is reasonably responsive.
• Panasonic FH7: Provides touch-to-focus with 11 AF points and face detection - a boon for quick portraits. Continuous AF is limited and less reliable for moving subjects.

In testing moving subjects (wildlife or busy scenes), the Fujifilm’s continuous AF with tracking held focus better despite no face detection. The Panasonic’s face detection aids casual snapshots but isn’t optimized for action.

For sports or wildlife photographers needing to reliably track subjects, the Fujifilm’s AF versatility presents a clear advantage, especially paired with its longer zoom.

LCD Screen and User Interface: What You See is What You Get

Both cameras sport a 3-inch fixed LCD:

• Fujifilm: 460k-dot TFT screen, bright and sharp, though without touch support.
• Panasonic: 230k-dot LCD but with touchscreen capability.

While the Panasonic’s touchscreen allows easy focus point selection and menu navigation, its lower resolution impacts critical focus checking. The Fujifilm’s higher-res screen better supports composition and review, crucial when manual or semi-manual exposure controls come into play.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, making shooting in bright sunlight challenging. This is common in compacts but a limiting factor for precision framing under direct sun.

Shooting Modes and Exposure Control: Creative Flexibility

The Fujifilm F500 EXR stands out with a comprehensive exposure control suite including PASM modes and manual exposure. This enables photographers who desire creative input to craft their shots precisely.

Conversely, the Panasonic FH7 has a simplified interface with no manual exposure or shutter priority. While beginner-friendly, advanced users will quickly encounter limits here.

Both cameras support white balance customization and exposure bracketing (Fujifilm supports auto, Panasonic limited) but the F500 EXR’s inclusion of exposure compensation is essential for fine-tuning exposure in tricky lighting.

Burst Speed and Continuous Shooting

• Fujifilm F500 EXR: 3fps continuous shooting with tracking autofocus.
• Panasonic FH7: 4fps continuous, but only single autofocus per shot.

The Panasonic edges out in raw burst speed, but the lack of continuous autofocus per frame reduces hit rate for fast action. The Fujifilm’s AF tracking during bursts enhances its usefulness for capturing dynamic scenes like sports or wildlife.

Video Recording Capabilities

• Fujifilm F500 EXR: Full HD 1920x1080 at 30fps, MPEG-4 format, external HDMI output.
• Panasonic FH7: HD 1280x720 at 30fps, Motion JPEG format, no HDMI output.

Video enthusiasts will prefer the Fujifilm’s higher resolution and cleaner compression. Both cameras lack microphone or headphone jacks; video is basic, aimed at casual use.

Stabilization: Sensor-Shift vs. Optical

The Fujifilm utilizes sensor-shift stabilization, moving the sensor to compensate for camera shake. This often results in effective stabilization across all focal lengths.

The Panasonic relies on optical image stabilization within the lens elements. Both systems improve handholdability but sensor-shift tends to be more versatile, especially at longer focal ranges like Fujifilm’s 360mm telephoto.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

• Fujifilm F500 EXR: Uses NP-50 lithium-ion battery; battery life unspecified but average for compacts. Storage limited to SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
• Panasonic FH7: Battery life rated at ~260 shots, uses rechargeable battery pack. Supports SD cards plus internal memory for storage.

Neither camera excels in battery longevity, typical for compacts, so carrying spares is wise for extended outings.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weather sealing, shockproofing, or freeze-proofing. The Fujifilm, being heftier, feels more robust in hand, while Panasonic’s thin body feels more delicate. For outdoor or rough conditions, neither caters to professional durability standards.

Price-to-Performance: What’s Your Best Value?

At launch, the Fujifilm F500 EXR retailed around $430, positioning it as a premium superzoom compact capable of flexible manual control and better image quality.

The Panasonic FH7 was roughly $149, appealing to entry-level users seeking simplicity and pocket-friendliness.

Considering used market prices today, the Fujifilm often commands a premium justified by its superior zoom, sensor tech, and exposure control. The Panasonic’s great value lies in casual photography, easy operation, and compactness.

Breaking It Down by Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm: Wins with better skin tone rendition, manual focus assistance, and bokeh from longer lens reach. No face or eye detection makes focusing on eyes less effortless.
• Panasonic: Face detection helps casual portraits but struggles in low light and with shutter lag. Limited zoom restricts framing versatility.

Landscape Photography

• Fujifilm: Superior dynamic range helps preserve detail in shadows and highlights. 16 MP resolution and sensor quality give more freedom in editing.
• Panasonic: Weaker dynamic range and lower screen resolution hinder evaluating exposure on the spot.

Wildlife/Sports

• Fujifilm: Longer 360mm zoom and continuous AF tracking excel for distant or moving subjects. Moderate burst speed backs this up.
• Panasonic: Limited reach and autofocus modes restrict action photography. Better suited for static nature shots or casual captures.

Street Photography

• Panasonic: Compact size and lightweight body win for discretion and ease of carry.
• Fujifilm: Larger, more noticeable. Still portable but less suited for rapid, inconspicuous shooting.

Macro Photography

Both cameras emphasize close focusing at ~5 cm, acceptable for casual macro. Neither offers focus stacking or bracketing.

Night / Astro Photography

• Fujifilm: Better high ISO noise control lends to improved night shots.
• Panasonic: High ISO noise and limited exposure controls reduce usability for low-light creative work.

Video Recording

The Fujifilm’s full HD capability and HDMI output provide more flexibility for casual videographers.

Travel Photography

• Panasonic: Lightweight and compact, perfect for rapid deployment in varied travel situations.
• Fujifilm: Higher versatility with zoom and controls but at the cost of bulk.

Professional Work

Neither camera is suited for robust professional workflows due to lack of RAW support, limited connectivity, and build durability.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Suits You?

Why You Might Choose the Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR

• You want a superzoom with manual control for creative photography.
• You shoot landscapes or wildlife demanding better dynamic range and zoom reach.
• You need sensor-shift stabilization and longer exposure flexibility.
• You value sharper LCD and higher resolution video.
• Budget allows for slightly higher expenditure.

Why the Panasonic Lumix FH7 Could Be Your Pick

• You prioritize portability, simplicity, and ease of use.
• You’re looking for an affordable, lightweight point-and-shoot for travel or everyday shots.
• You prefer touchscreen operation and face detection for casual portraits.
• You don’t require extended zoom or advanced exposure modes.

The Bottom Line

Both cameras reflect thoughtful engineering for their targeted users but occupy very different niches in the compact camera landscape circa 2011. The Fujifilm F500 EXR is better suited for enthusiasts craving manual control and telephoto reach in a not-too-bulky body, while the Panasonic FH7 favors consumers wanting a simple, portable snapshot tool.

From my extensive testing experience, small sensor cameras will always have inherent limitations in noise and dynamic range compared to modern mirrorless or DSLR systems. Yet, within their class and price point, the Fujifilm demonstrates clear advantages in image quality, zoom versatility, and exposure control that justify consideration if budget and size allow.

If absolute pocket portability and ease of use top your list, the Panasonic FH7 still performs admirably for casual photographers. Either way, be sure you’re buying with realistic expectations for sensor performance and lens quality.

I hope this detailed comparison empowers you to find the best fit for your photography style and budget. For further questions on compact cameras or next steps, feel free to reach out!

Happy shooting!