Fujifilm F550 EXR vs Panasonic FZ200: A Thorough Hands-On Comparison for Serious Enthusiasts

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, the Fujifilm F550 EXR and the Panasonic FZ200 stand out as noteworthy contenders from the early 2010s era. As someone who has extensively tested compact and bridge cameras across varying genres, I find these two offerings both fascinating and representative of the compromises and innovations that typified their category at that time. Let’s dig deep into how these cameras perform not just on paper, but in the real world, with a special eye for all major photographic genres and practical usability.

Physical size and ergonomics comparison: note the compact Fuji against the larger yet DSLR-styled Panasonic.

First Impressions & Ergonomics: Compact Efficiency vs DSLR Styling

The Fujifilm F550 EXR is a decidedly compact, pocketable superzoom in a compact body. It weighs only 215g with dimensions roughly 104x63x33mm - lightweight, easy to stash in day bags or even a large pocket. The Panasonic FZ200, on the other hand, is larger, clocking in at 588g and adopting an SLR-like bridge camera body measuring 125x87x110mm. This heft and size bring both advantages and compromises.

The FZ200’s robust, DSLR-style body grants it a far better grip and a wealth of dedicated physical controls, ideal for enthusiasts who prefer tactile feedback over menu diving. In contrast, the F550’s compact approach means fewer direct controls and some ergonomic compromises for larger-handed users. For street and travel photographers valuing discretion and portability, the Fuji’s compactness wins; sports and wildlife shooters will appreciate the Panasonic’s physical heft and stability, especially when coupled with long telephoto shooting.

The top control layout magnifies these differences - as you can see in the next image - where the well-spaced dials and buttons on the FZ200 are logically arranged for quick access, whereas the F550 uses a more minimal approach with fewer dedicated controls and a small fixed LCD.

Top view design and control layout comparison - note the Panasonic’s extensive controls.

Sensor & Image Quality: Not Just Megapixels, But What Lies Beneath

Delving under the hood, both cameras employ small 1/2"-class CMOS or EXR CMOS sensors, quite small compared to APS-C or full-frame sensors but typical for their class. The Fujifilm sports a slightly larger 6.4x4.8 mm sensor at 16 megapixels, versus the Panasonic’s 6.17x4.55 mm sensor at 12 megapixels. While the Fuji has higher resolution, sensor size and pixel pitch are crucial.

Sensor specifications highlight the Fuji’s slightly larger sensor area and higher pixel count.

Technically, the Fuji’s EXR CMOS sensor benefits from Fujifilm’s proprietary EXR technology - designed to optimize dynamic range or signal-to-noise ratio by switching pixel modes - a helpful advantage shooting tricky exposures or low light. The Panasonic features the well-regarded Venus Engine VII processor which manages noise reduction and image processing with solid results.

In theoretical lab tests such as DXOMark scores, the Fuji edges slightly ahead with a color depth of 19.2 bits and dynamic range around 10.6 EV, compared to around 19.1 bits and 10.8 EV for the Panasonic. Low light performance favors the Fuji too, with a better high ISO score (158 vs 114). But keep in mind these small sensors are always going to struggle with noise at high ISO compared to larger APS-C or full-frame types.

In real-world terms, what does this mean? Fujifilm’s higher pixel count and EXR tech produce slightly sharper, better textured images, especially in daylight and landscape scenarios, while Panasonic trades some resolution for better noise control in shadowed and indoor shootings.

The View Finder and Screen Experience: Using Your Eye and Fingers

Neither camera includes an optical viewfinder, quite typical for superzooms, but the FZ200 does come equipped with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) - 1312 dots with 100% field coverage. It’s a game-changer for shooting bright daylight or fast-moving subjects as you won’t rely solely on the rear screen and can compose more stably.

The Fuji forgoes any EVF, instead relying on a fixed 3-inch, non-touch TFT LCD with 460k dots. The Panasonic also sports a 3-inch LCD but goes further with fully articulated free-angle articulation, allowing for creative angles and selfies, coupled with identical 460k dot resolution.

An impactful size and articulation difference favors the Panasonic for creative framing.

Personally, I find a quality EVF indispensable for wildlife, sports, and street shooters, especially outdoors. The Fuji’s reliance on the fixed LCD limits its utility in those shooting styles but keeps size and power consumption low.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus performance often separates usable cameras from frustrating ones. Both models use contrast-detection autofocus rather than hybrid phase detection. The Panasonic FZ200’s system employs 23 AF points with face detection - a key plus for portraits and street photography - while the Fuji’s AF points are unspecified with no face detection support.

Continuous autofocus and tracking are supported on both, with the Fuji at 8fps burst rate and Panasonic packing a punchier 12fps. In my hands-on testing, the Panasonic’s 23-point AF grid and face detection conferred noticeably better success with tracking moving subjects, especially in sports and wildlife scenarios - faster subject lock and fewer dropping focus instances.

Conversely, the Fuji’s system can occasionally struggle to keep up with fast action or moving wildlife, though its burst mode is commendably quick for a compact lens zoom.

Lens Capabilities: The Versatile Superzoom Tug-of-War

Zoom range and aperture are often critical deciding factors with superzooms. The Fuji F550 EXR offers a 24-360mm equivalent lens (15x zoom) with a variable aperture of f/3.5-5.3. The Panasonic FZ200 doubles the zoom reach to 25-600mm equivalent (24x zoom) but, crucially, maintains a fast constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range.

Fujifilm F550 EXR front Fujifilm F550 EXR screen back Panasonic FZ200 front Panasonic FZ200 screen back

This constant f/2.8 aperture on the FZ200 is an outstanding feature for such a telezoom, enabling much better low light performance, depth of field control, and autofocus accuracy in dim environments - hugely beneficial for wildlife, sports, and portrait shooters who need bokeh.

The F550’s lens, while beginning wide at 24mm and less reach, becomes quite slow at the tele end (f/5.3), limiting usability for low light and distant subjects. Both include macro modes, with Panasonic allowing close focus down to 1cm for extraordinary details - handy for macro shooting compared to the Fuji’s 5cm minimum.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability in the Field

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized; they lack dust, water, shock, or freeze-proofing. However, the Panasonic’s larger body with rubberized grips and more robust lens barrel feels more durable and travel-ready, while the Fuji’s compact thin plastic shell is less reassuring with heavy handling.

If you are a professional who travels or shoots outdoors often, I’d recommend the Panasonic as a more reliable everyday tool that can take rougher treatment.

Video Performance: Beyond Stills into Motion

Both cameras offer Full HD 1080p video capabilities, yet the FZ200’s video specs are more versatile:

• Up to 60fps at 1080p for smooth motion
• AVCHD and MPEG-4 recording options
• Built-in microphone port for external mics (a rarity at the time)
• Higher frame rate slow motion options (240fps at 640x480)

The Fuji records 1080p only at 30fps, with simpler AVI MPEG4 format, no microphone port, and high-speed modes maxing out at 320fps but at very low resolution.

This distinction is notable if video is important; the Panasonic serves enthusiast videographers better with greater frame rate flexibility and audio control, whereas the Fuji remains a stills-centric tool with bonus video.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery life is a clear win for the Panasonic, rated around 540 shots per charge versus the Fuji’s unspecified but generally more limited runtime due to smaller battery packs.

Storage options are similar – both use standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, and the Panasonic includes some internal storage as an extra convenience.

Neither model offers wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - not surprising for their era. Both include HDMI and USB 2.0 ports, yet the lack of wireless restricts remote control and instant sharing potential.

In-Depth Genre Analysis: Who Does What Best?

It’s time to put theory aside and see how these two cameras fare across popular genres. I’ve scoped their scores in each field based on technical specs and shooting tests, illustrated below.

Portrait Photography

Skin tones rendered by both cameras are decent, but the Fuji’s EXR sensor captures richer tonality and better detail at 16MP resolution. However, the Panasonic’s faster constant f/2.8 aperture and face detection autofocus give it an edge in subject isolation and focusing accuracy on eyes.

For portraits emphasizing creamy bokeh and background separation, the FZ200 is superior, especially at longer focal lengths. The Fuji tends to deliver more modest background blur due to smaller maximum aperture at telephoto.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are key here. The Fuji’s slightly larger sensor area and higher pixel count mean landscapes look sharper with more detailed shadows and highlights retention.

However, neither camera rivals larger sensor compacts or mirrorless models for image quality. Also, lack of weather sealing limits rugged landscape photography.

Wildlife Photography

Panasonic’s longer zoom (600mm) and fast aperture make it the clear winner for wildlife enthusiasts. Its 12fps burst, more autofocus points, and face detection also help capture fast-moving animals.

Fujifilm’s 360mm zoom restricts reach, and slower aperture reduces autofocus reliability at distance.

Sports Photography

Similar story as wildlife - Panasonic’s better tracking AF system and higher frame rate give you higher keeper rates in unpredictable situations.

Fujifilm can do burst, but tracking fast subjects is more challenging.

Street Photography

Fujifilm’s compact style and lighter weight make it more maneuverable and discreet for street shooting. The lack of an EVF is a downside, but the camera’s size means less conspicuous shooting.

Panasonic’s large, DSLR-like body demands more attention and space, which may not be ideal for candid street work.

Macro Photography

Panasonic’s 1cm macro minimum focusing distance and f/2.8 aperture enable very sharp details with natural background separation.

Fujifilm’s 5cm minimum limits extreme close-ups, though it’s still capable for basic macro.

Night and Astrophotography

Both struggle somewhat due to sensor size, but Fuji’s higher ISO ceiling (up to 12800 boosted) and EXR sensor modes yield slightly better images in low light. Panasonic’s constant f/2.8 helps collect more light.

Neither replaces dedicated astro-capable cameras, but Fuji’s broader ISO range gives it a small edge.

Video Capabilities

Panasonic is the clear pick with versatile frame rates, better codec options, microphone input, and articulating screen - crucial for vloggers and video shooters.

Fujifilm remains basic video-wise, suited to casual shooting.

Travel Photography

The Fujifilm wins on portability and weather durability isn’t priority indoors or gentle climates. Battery life and control layout favor Panasonic for longer shoots or professional travel.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera competes on professional file flexibility or ruggedness, but both support RAW capture. Panasonic’s richer control set and USB/HDMI options make it a better choice for semi-pros needing flexibility.

Image Quality & Sample Photos

Let’s look at some sample images side by side. Notably, Panasonic’s 12MP files are cleaner at base ISO but less detailed, whereas Fuji’s 16MP are sharper but show more high ISO noise.

Fujifilm F550 EXR front Fujifilm F550 EXR screen back Panasonic FZ200 front Panasonic FZ200 screen back

Overall Performance & Value: Scores Breakdown

Based on comprehensive testing, here is the overall performance scoring comparison:

The Fujifilm F550 EXR scores 39, slightly ahead of the Panasonic FZ200’s 37, largely on image quality advantages. However, the Panasonic scores higher on autofocus, burst, aperture, and video features.

Summing It Up: Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the Fujifilm F550 EXR if:

• You prefer a very compact, pocketable camera for casual travel and street photography
• You value image resolution, color depth, and dynamic range over zoom reach
• You want simple, quick operation and EXR sensor advantages in stills
• Video is a low priority

Choose the Panasonic FZ200 if:

• You prioritize zoom range (600mm) and constant f/2.8 aperture for wildlife and sports
• You need fast burst shooting and reliable autofocus tracking
• Video capabilities (1080p/60fps, mic input) matter to you
• You want an EVF and versatile articulated screen for creative shooting angles
• You are willing to carry a somewhat larger, DSLR-style body

Both cameras were excellent contenders in the compact superzoom niche of their generation - each with clear strengths tailored to different photographic needs. My personal preference leans towards the Panasonic FZ200 for enthusiast users seeking versatility and performance, especially if video and telephoto reach play big roles. However, the Fuji F550 EXR remains an underrated gem for casual shooters wanting a streamlined package prioritizing image quality and portability.

I hope this breakdown gives you a clearer picture based on real-world performance, technical insights, and genre-specific analysis, helping you pick the right camera for your photography journey.

Happy shooting!