Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR vs Leica V-Lux 2: A Hands-On Showdown of Small Sensor Superzooms

Choosing a camera in the compact superzoom category can feel like navigating a jungle - there are models promising extreme focal length ranges, sensor wizardry, pristine image quality, and portability all in one. But as any seasoned enthusiast will tell you, it’s rarely that simple. Today, I’m diving deep into two distinct entries in the small-sensor superzoom arena: the Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR, launched in early 2012, and the Leica V-Lux 2, introduced two years earlier. Both boast fixed lenses with impressive zoom ranges but come from very different design philosophies and price points.

Having spent countless hours evaluating cameras with sensors in this class, shooting everything from crisp landscapes to unpredictable wildlife, I’m sharing my first-hand insights on how these two stack up in real life, beyond raw specs. Whether you’re an advanced enthusiast seeking a versatile travel companion, a casual shooter who values simplicity, or even a professional scouting a backup, this comparison will give you honest, practical guidance.

Let’s fire up the engines!

Getting to Know Our Contenders: Design and Ergonomics

Even before peering through the viewfinder or snapping a shot, the physical footprint and handling can make or break your shooting experience. The Fujifilm F660EXR wears its compactness like a badge of honor: it’s sleek, pocketable, and lightweight at only 217 grams, measuring 104 x 59 x 33 mm. In contrast, the Leica V-Lux 2 is more like a mini beast - chunkier and heavier (520 grams) with a body size reminiscent of an entry-level DSLR at 124 x 80 x 95 mm.

Handling these cameras is a study in contrasts. The Leica’s SLR-like bridge design, complete with a substantial grip, large zoom ring, and thoughtfully placed buttons, lends it a level of confidence and control that’s harder to find in the Fuji’s slender body. While the Fujifilm is undoubtedly a great travel sidekick for ease of toss-into-your-bag shooting, the Leica invites longer sessions with more physically comfortable handling, especially with bigger hands.

From the top, both cameras prioritize functionality but with different flavors.

The Fuji keeps things minimalistic - a mode dial, a few dedicated buttons, and a zoom rocker perched around the shutter button. The Leica, true to its premium aspirations, boasts a fully customizable mode dial and more dedicated control dials and buttons - aligning closer to what DSLR shooters expect.

This difference in ergonomics inevitably influences shooting style. The Leica encourages deliberate, tactile engagement; the Fujifilm favors spontaneity and casual framing.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Size, Image Quality, and Optics

Superzoom cameras often face an uphill struggle balancing lens reach with sensor size - which directly impacts image quality, especially in low light and with fine detail.

Here’s a peek at their sensor specs:

• Fujifilm F660EXR: 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor with a 16MP resolution, measuring 6.4 x 4.8 mm (sensor area approx. 30.72 mm²). It leverages Fujifilm’s proprietary EXR technology, which optimizes between resolution, dynamic range, and low light based on shooting mode.
• Leica V-Lux 2: Slightly smaller 1/2.3" CMOS sensor with 14MP resolution, measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm (sensor area approx. 27.72 mm²).

Although these measurements might look close on paper, the Fujifilm’s EXR sensor tends to deliver marginally better dynamic range and color depth, thanks to its sensor design that intelligently switches pixel use. In practical terms, this means the Fujifilm images hold onto highlight and shadow detail a bit more gracefully under challenging contrast conditions.

When it comes to lenses - and hence optical performance - the Leica’s 25-600mm equivalent (24x zoom) with faster apertures (F2.8-5.2) unquestionably wins in versatility and aperture range over Fujifilm’s 24-360mm equivalent (15x zoom) with F3.5-5.3 aperture. The Leica’s longer reach paired with a brighter wide-end aperture means better subject isolation and more flexibility in low light.

Interestingly, while the Leica boasts a longer telephoto reach, the Fujifilm’s slightly wider stance at the wide end (24mm vs 25mm equivalent) and a respectable telephoto range make it competent for most everyday shooting situations - though the Leica will better please those who need extensive zoom and faster lenses to freeze action or compress distant scenery.

Shooting From the Back: LCD, Viewfinder, and User Interface

The LCD and viewfinder experience form the backbone of your compositional control and image review gestures.

On the rear, both cameras sport 3-inch LCD panels with the same resolution (460k dots), but their articulations differ.

• Fujifilm F660EXR: Fixed 3-inch TFT LCD, bright but non-articulating.
• Leica V-Lux 2: Fully articulating 3-inch screen, which is a massive advantage for shooting from awkward angles or selfies.

The Leica also includes an electronic viewfinder - a must-have for bright outdoor situations where LCD viewing is compromised. Unfortunately, the Fujifilm omits a viewfinder entirely, forcing you to rely solely on the LCD, which can be challenging in direct sunlight.

The Fuji's simpler back interface makes it friendly for casual users, but its lack of touchscreen (and more limited AF options - more on that shortly) contrasts with the Leica’s more advanced live view options.

Mastering Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus performance is absolutely vital in superzoom cameras, especially when you’re chasing fleeting wildlife, sports action, or trying to nail candid street photos.

Both cameras use contrast-detection systems exclusively; phase-detection is absent in this segment and era. Here’s how they fare:

• Fujifilm F660EXR: Features face detection and eye detection, plus continuous AF and AF tracking modes. Its EXR processor aids in better focusing speed despite the small sensor and slow contrast contrast system.
• Leica V-Lux 2: Offers basic contrast-detection AF with single AF and live view focusing, but no face or eye detection, and no continuous AF tracking.

In practice, this makes the Fuji’s focusing noticeably more responsive and reliable when shooting moving subjects - be it a neighborhood cat or kids dashing across the park. I found that tracking held up decently well given the limitations, whereas the Leica shows its age with slower, less confident focusing that is more suited for static subjects or deliberate framing.

If fast focusing and tracking are important (wildlife and sports shooters in particular), the Fujifilm pulls ahead here - a testament to thoughtful AF algorithms in an otherwise budget-friendly body.

Image Stabilization and Shooting Flexibility

Zoom lenses magnify your subjects, but they also magnify your natural hand shake, making image stabilization essential.

• Fujifilm F660EXR employs sensor-shift (in-body) image stabilization.
• Leica V-Lux 2 relies on optical image stabilization integrated into the lens.

Both systems effectively reduce blur at extended focal lengths, but the Leica’s optical system provides a slight edge in steadiness, with less image quality compromise - especially noticeable at the 600mm telephoto end.

Furthermore, the macro capabilities deserve a mention:

• Fujifilm macro focus down to 5 cm.
• Leica impresses with a 1 cm macro minimum focus distance, easily capturing intricate details like flower petals or insect eyes.

Versatility in Photography Genres: How They Perform Across the Board

Moving beyond specs, let’s examine how these cameras behave across common photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand pleasing skin tones, good bokeh, and the ability to lock focus on eyes.

• Fujifilm F660EXR offers eye detection AF, which is rare in small superzooms and very useful for nailing sharp portraits. Its 24-360mm lens allows for natural framing and compression at longer focal lengths.
• Leica V-Lux 2 lacks face/eye AF but its slightly faster aperture and longer zoom can produce shallower depth-of-field - though the small sensor ultimately limits creamy background blur.

Overall, the Fujifilm delivers easier and more consistent portrait results, especially in casual or fast-paced environments.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range, resolution, and durability are front and center here.

Both cameras have limitations in sensor size and dynamic range compared to larger-sensor models. That said, the Fujifilm’s EXR sensor once again flexes its ability to extract more detail from shadows and highlights across challenging scenes.

Neither offers environmental sealing - so weather will be a consideration.

Resolution-wise, the Fuji’s 16MP bests Leica’s 14MP slightly, though real-world differentiation is minimal.

Wildlife Photography

When chasing birds or critters, autofocus speed, burst frame rate, and lens reach dominate.

Both cameras max out at 11 fps burst, which is impressive on paper - but buffer size, AF tracking, and image processing speed also come into play.

Given the Fuji’s faster AF tracking and aggressive burst handling (albeit at lower resolution frames under burst to maintain speed), it more reliably captures the decisive moment.

The Leica’s reach extends further to 600mm equivalence, which benefits very distant subjects, but AF sluggishness and lack of tracking hold it back from being a serious wildlife contender.

Sports Photography

Fast-moving athletes and unpredictable scenes demand precise, continuous AF, high frame rates, and low-light ability.

Neither camera is a sports specialist, but if you must pick:

• The Fujifilm’s 11 fps continuous shooting coupled with continuous AF gives it an edge for casual sports.
• The Leica’s only single AF mode and less responsive autofocus make it a difficult choice here.

Street Photography

Discretion, portability, and low-light performance matter most.

Here, the Fujifilm’s small form and light weight win hands down for unobtrusive shooting.

Its silent shutter mode (not electronic, but fast mechanical) and eye detection assist in candid framing.

Leica’s bridge design and larger size make it more obtrusive.

Low-light noise performance favors the Fuji too; its ISO ceiling is higher at native 3200 and boosted to 12800 (though noise is obviously heavy at boosted ISOs). Leica tops out at ISO 6400 but tends to be noisier by comparison.

Macro Photography

Thanks to its close focus distance of 1 cm, the Leica can capture impressively detailed close-ups, especially paired with its longer zoom for framing.

Fujifilm’s 5 cm is respectable but less practical for serious macro work.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors make night and astro work challenging due to noise and limited dynamic range.

The Fujifilm F660EXR’s EXR sensor grants it a small advantage thanks to pixel binning modes that improve noise suppression. That said, neither camera replaces a full-frame or APS-C mirrorless here.

Both cameras offer manual exposure modes, with shutter speeds maxing out at 2000 (1/2000 sec) on the fast end, and a minimum of around 8 seconds on the Fuji and only 60 seconds on the Leica (this discrepancy merits further clarification - early specs suggest Leica offers longer exposures, which is favorable).

Neither supports RAW long exposure stacking or focus stacking, making astro photography a niche challenge.

Video Capabilities: More Than a Snapshot

Video is nearly mandatory these days, even in this class.

• Fujifilm F660EXR shoots Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, with MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. No microphone input or headphone jack limits professional audio recording, but video quality is stable and respectable for casual use.
• Leica V-Lux 2 tops out at HD 720p at 60 fps in AVCHD Lite format, with no external audio options.

What’s clear here is Fujifilm edges out with better resolution, codec flexibility, and frame rate options. Both cameras lack advanced video stabilization beyond their optical/IBIS synergy, limiting their value for video-heavy shooters.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Connectivity

The perfect travel camera balances size, power, and flexibility.

• The Fujifilm F660EXR, at only 217g and compact dimensions, shines in portability and impressive zoom range.
• Battery life is rated moderately at 300 shots (NP-50A battery), which is acceptable but not outstanding.
• GPS is built-in for geotagging - a nice touch for explorers.

Meanwhile, the Leica V-Lux 2 is weightier and less pocketable but offers a 24x zoom and articulated screen - useful for creative angles.

Battery specifications remain unclear, a frustrating omission since practical usage shows moderate endurance but generally shorter than today’s mirrorless batteries.

Neither camera supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - disappointing in an age where connectivity is king.

Reliability, Workflow, and Professional Considerations

Neither camera is a professional workhorse per se, but each approaches this from different angles:

• Fujifilm F660EXR produces JPEG-only images (no RAW support), which limits post-processing latitude and makes it less suitable for professional workflows demanding maximum image fidelity.

• Leica V-Lux 2 supports RAW shooting, a significant bonus for enthusiasts or pros who need editing flexibility.

Build quality is decent but lacks weather sealing on both - keep these indoors or in good weather.

Memory storage is SD/SDHC/SDXC for both, with single slots; internal storage in Leica is a small bonus.

Putting It All Together: Scores and Genre-Specific Strengths

After rigourous side-by-side testing, here’s a consolidated look at overall performance:

And for fine-tuning your choice based on genre preferences:

In the Field: Sample Gallery Comparison

No comparison would be complete without a visual walkthrough.

Fujifilm F660EXR screen back Leica V Lux 2 front Leica V Lux 2 screen back

Notice how the Fujifilm images show slight advantage in color accuracy and detail retention, particularly in mixed lighting. Leica shots impress with zoom reach and pleasing lens rendering but occasionally show softness at extremes of the zoom range.

Who Should Buy the Fujifilm F660EXR?

• Photography enthusiasts on a budget who want a compact, lightweight camera with solid zoom capabilities.
• Those valuing better autofocus performance, face and eye detection.
• Travelers seeking a grab-and-go point-and-shoot with respectable image quality.
• Casual portrait and street photographers who appreciate quick responsiveness.
• Users not requiring RAW files or the longest zoom reach.

Who Should Choose the Leica V-Lux 2?

• Advanced enthusiasts desiring longer zoom range (600mm equivalent) and faster apertures.
• Photographers who appreciate the versatility of a bridge-style camera with viewfinder and articulated screen.
• Those wanting RAW support for extensive editing.
• Macro enthusiasts seeking extremely close focusing capabilities.
• Users who prioritize manual controls and build quality over autofocus speed.

Price and Value Reflections

At launch, the Leica V-Lux 2 retailed for roughly $999.95, clearly pegging it as a premium product, whereas the Fujifilm F660EXR came in at a much more accessible $229.95.

Given this stark price gap, comparing them directly isn’t entirely fair. The Fujifilm offers remarkable value for novices and casual shooters, while the Leica aims for a niche of enthusiasts willing to pay for more zoom, build, and RAW files.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Numbers

From the myriad cameras I’ve tested, both these models have their merits - and quirks. The Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR impresses with autofocus sophistication and compact prowess. It's a friendly companion for everyday shooters who aren’t fussed about RAW or extended zoom reach. The Leica V-Lux 2 - bulkier and pricier - delivers solid optics and manual controls with a nod toward serious zoom and manual photography lovers, provided you accept its slower AF and lower video resolution.

If forced to pick one for a versatile, everyday superzoom, Fujifilm’s F660EXR offers better all-around practical performance. But if your budget allows and you crave extensive reach and RAW, the Leica V-Lux 2 remains a worthy contender - just make sure you’re comfortable with its heft and dated AF system.

Happy shooting, and remember: The best camera is one you carry and enjoy using, every day.

Disclosure: All opinions expressed are based on my hands-on testing and experience with these cameras. Equipment evolves fast; always consider your specific needs and shooting style before investing.

Summary Table of Key Specs