Fujifilm F600 EXR vs SL240: In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiast Photographers

Choosing between two capable small-sensor superzoom cameras can be challenging. In this detailed comparison, we'll explore how the Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR and Fujifilm FinePix SL240 stack up across multiple photography disciplines, technical specifications, and real-world usage. Whether you’re looking to capture portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or embark on video projects, we’ll help you understand all the meaningful differences so you can confidently decide which camera fits your creative journey best.

Getting a Grip: Size, Handling, and Physical Design

In hands-on testing, build quality and ergonomics often dictate how comfortable your shooting sessions will be - especially for long days outdoors or fast-paced shooting.

The Fujifilm F600 EXR is notably compact, lightweight, and pocketable, making it ideal for travel and street photography where portability is king. Its slim body and minimal bulk allow for discreet shooting and ease of use during longer walks.

On the other hand, the SL240 embraces an SLR-style design with a larger grip area, substantial weight, and an electronic viewfinder. This body style lends itself well to more deliberate shooting, offering increased stability - important for telephoto zoom shots and when holding the camera at eye level for extended periods.

In terms of control layout, the F600 EXR lacks an EVF which might be a downside if you prefer shooting through a viewfinder instead of relying solely on the rear screen. The SL240’s EVF provides a more traditional and immersive shooting experience, crucial in bright conditions where LCD glare becomes distracting.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Sensor technology and image processing determine the foundational image quality, dynamic range, noise behavior, and overall color fidelity.

The F600 EXR utilizes Fujifilm’s EXR CMOS sensor, a technology designed to optimize for dynamic range, low light, or resolution depending on the mode chosen. With a 16MP resolution, it offers an edge over the SL240’s 14MP CCD sensor for image detail and crop flexibility.

The EXR sensor's structure allows it to capture impressive dynamic range, verified by a DxOmark score of 40 - respectable for compact cameras. It also excels in low-light conditions thanks to higher maximum native and boosted ISO settings, which you notice when shooting indoors or at dusk.

Contrastingly, the SL240’s CCD sensor delivers decent image quality suited for casual photography but falls behind the F600 EXR in noise control and dynamic range. Its maximum native ISO is limited to 1600, meaning images taken in dark environments tend to show more grain and less color fidelity.

If image quality is your priority for prints or professional use, the F600 EXR clearly has the advantage.

Zoom Range and Lens Versatility: How Far Can You Reach?

One of the superzoom cameras' strong suits is tackling a broad range of focal lengths - from wide landscapes to distant wildlife - all without the hassle of swapping lenses.

The SL240 offers a significantly longer zoom reach with an impressive 24x optical zoom lens compared to the F600 EXR’s 15x. This makes the SL240 more suitable for wildlife and sports photographers who need to get closer to fast-moving or distant subjects without compromising image quality with digital zoom.

Additionally, the SL240's macro focusing capability extends closer (2 cm vs. 5 cm), allowing detailed shots of small objects, insects, or textures that enthusiasts of macro photography will appreciate.

Both cameras have sensor-shift image stabilization, but given the SL240’s longer lens, stabilization becomes even more critical to counteract camera shake at extended focal lengths.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Can It Keep Up?

Autofocus speed, tracking capabilities, and burst shooting rates directly impact how effectively a camera handles action and fleeting moments.

The F600 EXR benefits from faster continuous shooting at 8 frames per second, reliably maintaining focus through contrast detection. This makes it the better choice for capturing moving subjects such as pets or kids playing outdoors.

Interestingly, while the SL240 includes face detection autofocus–a useful aid for portraits–its 1 fps burst rate is quite limiting for action photography. The lack of live view autofocus means focus acquisition could feel slower and less responsive compared to the F600 EXR.

For wildlife or sports photography demanding quick reaction times, the F600 EXR excels in locking focus and shooting fast sequences.

User Interface and Camera Controls: How Intuitive Is the Experience?

An efficient user interface reduces the learning curve and helps keep your attention on creative composition, not fiddling with menus.

Both cameras share the same size and resolution for rear LCDs, which are reasonably bright and sharp for framing and image review. However, the SL240’s electronic viewfinder is a strong selling point for shooting in bright conditions or for those who prefer a traditional eye-to-camera workflow.

In terms of controls, the SL240 features a more SLR-like button arrangement with dedicated dials and a bigger grip for easier handling. The F600 EXR opts for a streamlined design with fewer physical buttons, simplifying operation for travel or casual use. Neither has a touchscreen interface, which aligns with their vintage-era release.

The F600 EXR’s support for live view autofocus provides faster focus acquisition on the screen, useful when framing without a viewfinder. The SL240’s lack of this feature can occasionally cause focus lock delays.

Shooting Versatility Across Genres: Which Camera Suits Your Style?

Let’s examine how these cameras perform in key photography genres based on our experience combining specs and field tests.

Portrait Photography

• F600 EXR: The lack of face detection and eye autofocus makes focusing on portraits less automated. However, its EXR sensor handles skin tones well with warm color reproduction, and the bokeh at telephoto range 360mm f/5.3 is moderate but pleasant.
• SL240: Face detection supports easier portrait focusing. The longer zoom can produce tighter headshots, but smaller CCD sensor and lower max ISO limit background separation and low light performance.

Winner: The F600 EXR for better image quality and color fidelity despite less AI assistance.

Landscape Photography

• F600 EXR: Excellent dynamic range (10.8 Ev) and 16MP resolution provide detailed, high-contrast shots rich in shadow detail.
• SL240: Lower resolution and sensor capability make landscapes less sharp with narrower dynamic range.

Weather sealing is absent on both models, so careful handling is required outdoors.

Winner: F600 EXR for image quality and flexibility in RAW shooting.

Wildlife and Sports

• F600 EXR: Burst shooting at 8fps and improved AF tracking help capture fast animal and sports action.
• SL240: Longer zoom allows greater reach but is handicapped by 1fps burst rate and slower AF.

Winner: The choice depends on your priority - reach favors SL240, but speed favors F600 EXR.

Street and Travel Photography

• F600 EXR: Compact size and light weight favor portability and discretion.
• SL240: Bulkier, heavier design may be cumbersome during long strolls.

Battery life data is incomplete for F600 EXR, but SL240’s rated 300 shots per charge is modest.

Winner: F600 EXR for travel ease.

Macro Photography

• SL240: Closer minimum focus at 2cm, enabling more detailed close-ups.
• F600 EXR: Minimum of 5cm, less ideal but still capable for casual macro.

Both have sensor-shift stabilization, aiding handheld macro.

Winner: SL240 for closer focusing.

Night and Astrophotography

• F600 EXR: Better high ISO performance with a max of 12800 (boosted) along with RAW support allows better noise management.
• SL240: Max ISO of 1600 and no RAW support limit results.

Winner: F600 EXR, clearly stronger in low-light scenarios.

Video Recording

The F600 EXR extends video capabilities with full HD and high frame rate slow-motion capture, enhancing creativity for content creators and vloggers. The SL240's 720p video is more basic, limiting post-production flexibility.

Winner: F600 EXR for superior video features.

Technical Details That Matter: Processing, Storage, and Connectivity

Image Processor

• The F600 EXR features Fujifilm’s EXR image processor optimized to leverage its EXR CMOS sensor capabilities for noise reduction and real-time processing.
• The SL240 does not specify its processor but likely utilizes older generation technology consistent with CCD sensors.

Storage and Battery

The SL240’s battery is heavier and offers moderate longevity, while the F600 EXR’s lightweight battery supports extended portability but lacks published durability metrics.

Connectivity

Both cameras come with USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs. Neither supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC for wireless transfer. The F600 EXR has built-in GPS - a solid advantage for travel photographers tracking locations.

Price and Value: What You Pay vs. What You Get

The F600 EXR offers better overall image quality, faster continuous shooting, higher ISO capabilities, and enhanced video features at a slightly lower price point.

The SL240, while more expensive, delivers the longest zoom range, an electronic viewfinder, and closer macro focusing.

Summarizing Results with Ratings and Genre Scores

For a quick yet comprehensive overview of strengths per category:

Fujifilm F600 EXR front Fujifilm F600 EXR screen back Fujifilm SL240 front Fujifilm SL240 screen back

You can see realistic image samples demonstrating the F600 EXR’s sharper details and low-light prowess versus the SL240's extended zoom reach in wildlife shots.

• F600 EXR: Scores well on speed, resolution, low-light, and video.
• SL240: Excels in zoom reach and viewfinder usability.

• Portrait, Landscape, Night: F600 EXR dominates.
• Wildlife, Macro: SL240 holds advantages.
• Street, Travel: F600 EXR leads due to portability.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Choose the Fujifilm F600 EXR if:

• High image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance are top priorities.
• You want faster burst shooting and better video capabilities.
• You need a compact, lightweight camera ideal for street, travel, and casual use.
• Shooting RAW files and geotagging with GPS are important.

Choose the Fujifilm SL240 if:

• You prioritize super-telephoto reach up to 576mm and closer macro focusing.
• You prefer shooting with an electronic viewfinder and an SLR-like grip.
• Your subjects are often distant wildlife or nature, requiring extra zoom.
• Extended battery life and a more substantial camera body are preferred.

Expert Tips to Grow With Either Camera

• Invest in a sturdy tripod and remote shutter release for landscapes and night photography, especially to overcome sensor size limitations.
• For wildlife or sports, practice pre-focusing and anticipate action to maximize the burst capabilities of the F600 EXR.
• Explore Fujifilm's software tools for RAW processing with the F600 EXR to unlock full creative control.
• Carry a protective case for the SL240, given its size and weight, to keep it safe during travel.

Both the Fujifilm F600 EXR and SL240 deliver unique strengths optimized for different shooting styles. Understanding your priorities, whether that’s compactness and image quality or extended zoom and ergonomics, will guide you to a camera that supports your vision.

Dive deeper by getting hands-on time with these models through local camera stores or rentals - experience is the best way to find the camera that truly fits your creative rhythm.

Happy shooting!