Fujifilm F660EXR vs Olympus SZ-12: Which Compact Superzoom Fits Your Photography Style?

Choosing the right superzoom camera can feel overwhelming - especially when two compact models seemingly share the spotlight. Today, we’re diving deep into the Fujifilm F660EXR and the Olympus SZ-12, both announced in early 2012 and aimed at photographers looking for versatile focal ranges packed into small bodies. With 15x and 24x optical zoom respectively, these cameras promise reach without the bulk.

Having extensively tested both in diverse conditions, from portraits and landscapes to wildlife and night scenes, we’ll guide you through their strengths, quirks, and real-world performance. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast or a seasoned shooter seeking a lightweight travel backup, this detailed comparison highlights which compact zoom suits your photographic goals - and why.

First Impressions: Design, Size & Handling

Let's start with what feels good in your hands, since ergonomics contribute directly to your shooting confidence.

What we found: The Fujifilm is decidedly slimmer and fits better in smaller pockets. For travel photographers prioritizing lightness and discretion, this is a plus. The Olympus feels bulkier but offers a slightly more secure grip for those shooting for extended periods. Neither camera excels in build robustness; they're typical plastic compacts without weather sealing or ruggedization.

Looking at the top view design and control layout, neither camera provides exhaustive manual controls, but the Fujifilm’s streamlined approach appeals to shooters preferring a less cluttered experience. The Olympus opts for simplicity, with most settings relegated to menus.

Bottom line: If compactness and pocketability rank high, the Fujifilm edges ahead. For those wanting a bit more grip space at the cost of size, the Olympus offers that tradeoff.

Sensor and Image Quality: How Much Does Size and Resolution Matter?

Both cameras sport small sensors common for their class but differ in technology and specs:

Sensor Technology

The Fujifilm’s EXR CMOS sensor is notable for combining pixel binning and layer shift tech to enhance dynamic range and noise performance depending on the mode selected - a significant advantage over the more traditional CCD sensor of the Olympus. CCDs generally lag behind CMOS in low-light and high ISO output due to readout noise and power efficiency.

Image Quality in Practice

In moderate light, the Fujifilm produces sharper, more vibrant images with noticeable detail retention at its upper ISO values. The Olympus handled daylight scenes well but struggled and became noisier beyond ISO 400-800, typical of CCD limitations.

Both cameras lack RAW support, reducing post-processing flexibility - one to consider if you like to extensively edit your photos. Image outputs come only in JPG, which is a common compromise in compact cameras.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: More Reach or More Speed?

Fujifilm F660EXR:

• Focal Range: 24-360 mm equivalent (15x zoom)
• Aperture: f/3.5 (wide) - f/5.3 (telephoto)
• Macro Focus: Down to 5 cm
• Image Stabilization: Sensor-shift

Olympus SZ-12:

• Focal Range: 25-600 mm equivalent (24x zoom)
• Aperture: f/3.0 (wide) - f/6.9 (telephoto)
• Macro Focus: Not specified
• Image Stabilization: Sensor-shift

The Olympus offers an exceptionally long zoom, doubling the maximum reach of the Fujifilm’s lens. That 600 mm equivalent will be an asset for wildlife or sports shooters needing to frame distant action.

However, its narrow maximum aperture of f/6.9 at telephoto reduces low-light usability and depth-of-field control. The Fujifilm maintains a wider aperture range enabling slightly improved light gathering, especially at the telephoto end.

Stabilization: Both employ sensor-shift image stabilization, crucial for handholding at long focal lengths. Testing revealed the Fujifilm's IS allowed steadier shots in low light at longer zooms, whereas Olympus required steadier technique or support due to weaker aperture and slightly less effective IS.

Autofocus and Shooting Experience: Speed, Accuracy, and Focus Modes

Autofocus Performance

The Fujifilm really shines in autofocus speed and tracking with its 11 frames per second burst and continuous AF - a surprise in this category. It locks focus quickly in reasonable light and tracks moving subjects reliably. The Olympus, however, caps at 1 fps and has slower AF acquisition especially in low light, making it less suited for action.

Face detection is present in both, but no animal eye AF or sophisticated multi-point tracking is available, which is expected in this entry-level zone.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Composing and Reviewing Your Shots

Both cameras feature a 3-inch TFT LCD with 460k dots, fixed (non-articulated) and non-touchscreen. Image review and menu navigation feel typical for the class.

In daylight, the Fujifilm’s screen was slightly brighter with a warmer color profile, making framing easier outside. Olympus’s screen was more neutral but somewhat reflective.

Menu systems are intuitive but limited: the Fujifilm includes aperture and shutter priority modes along with exposure compensation, giving you more creative control. Olympus lacks manual modes entirely, geared more toward point-and-shoot simplicity.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Battery Life for Real-World Use

Neither camera features weather sealing or ruggedization, so expect caution outdoors in challenging environments.

Fujifilm’s GPS tagging is a great feature for travel shooters keen to keep track of locations without external devices. Olympus misses this, a downside if geotagging matters to you.

Battery life favors Fujifilm by around 35% - we found it comfortably usable for a day of casual shooting, whereas Olympus users may want to carry a spare battery.

Video Capabilities: Can They Double as a Vlogging Camera?

In video mode, the Fujifilm supports full HD 1080p, while Olympus maxes out at 720p. The lack of microphone ports and advanced video options limits usage for serious videographers or vloggers.

Stabilization in video is effective on both but not on par with modern mirrorless hybrid cameras. If casual family videos or travel clips are your priority, the Fujifilm offers a slight edge in quality and resolution.

How Do They Handle Your Favorite Photograph Genres?

Photographers often specialize in genres - let’s see how these compacts hold up across popular disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm: Better at producing natural skin tones thanks to EXR sensor color science; wider aperture provides subtle bokeh at moderate telephoto zoom.
• Olympus: Tends toward flatter color; narrow aperture at long end limits background blur; no RAW reduces editing flexibility.

Landscape Photography

• Fujifilm: Slightly larger sensor and higher resolution provide more detail; wider dynamic range capability; GPS aids location logging.
• Olympus: Longer zoom less useful for landscapes; smaller sensor affects image depth; lower max ISO reduces noise control in dim scenes.

Wildlife Photography

• Fujifilm: Burst rate of 11 fps and reliable AF tracking suit capturing motion; 15x zoom reached moderate distances.
• Olympus: Massive 24x zoom (25-600 mm) appeals to distant wildlife but slower AF and 1 fps burst hamper action capture.

Sports Photography

• Fujifilm: Continuous AF and fast burst make it reasonable for casual sports events.
• Olympus: Limited frame rate and focus modes restrict its use to static moments.

Street Photography

• Fujifilm: Compact size and discreet appearance beneficial; adjustable manual modes allow creative control.
• Olympus: Bulkier, less unobtrusive; simpler point-and-shoot interface appeals to spontaneous shots.

Macro Photography

• Fujifilm: Focuses down to 5 cm, delivering decent close-ups.
• Olympus: Macro range unspecified; likely less versatile.

Night/Astro Photography

• Fujifilm: Higher max ISO (3200), sensor technology handles low-light better.
• Olympus: Max native ISO 1600, noisier images at higher sensitivity.

Video Work

• Fujifilm: 1080p video offers better clarity.
• Olympus: Limited to 720p.

Travel Photography

• Fujifilm: GPS, lighter body, longer battery life ideal for travel.
• Olympus: Extended zoom useful but bulkier and shorter endurance.

Professional Use

At this price point and feature set, neither is a professional shooter’s primary tool, but Fujifilm’s better manual controls and image quality make it a stronger backup or casual shoot option.

Fujifilm F660EXR screen back Olympus SZ 12 front Olympus SZ 12 screen back

Above are example photos taken side-by-side showcasing Fujifilm’s finer details and color vibrancy versus Olympus’s more muted results and tighter zoom framing.

Summarizing Performance With Industry Metrics

While neither camera has exhaustive DxOMark data, our hands-on testing and third-party reviews give a clear sense of relative performance:

• Fujifilm scores higher overall for image quality, AF speed, and user control
• Olympus scores points on zoom capacity but falls short in usability and image fidelity

Genre-specific scoring highlights Fujifilm’s consistency across disciplines, and Olympus’s clear niche for long-range static shots.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Why Choose Fujifilm F660EXR?

• If you want a pocket-friendly, versatile compact with stronger ISO performance
• If you crave manual exposure modes and flexible shooting controls
• If you value GPS geotagging on the go
• If you do a bit of everything: portraits, landscapes, street, and casual wildlife
• Budget-conscious buyers wanting quality and convenience

Why Consider Olympus SZ-12?

• For those prioritizing maximum zoom reach in a compact body
• If your photography heavily features distant subjects with less emphasis on motion or low light
• Simplicity lovers wanting point-and-shoot ease without manual complexity
• Understand battery life and slower AF will require trade-offs

Some Practical Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Compact Superzoom

Regardless of your choice, maximize your shooting success with:

• Using a small travel tripod or monopod with longer zoom to reduce shake
• Familiarize yourself with manual modes if available to enhance creativity
• Experiment with exposure compensation in tricky lighting
• Carry spare batteries and SD cards
• For portraits, try shooting in well-lit conditions to keep noise minimal
• Explore post-processing in JPG editors to fine-tune colors and sharpness

Exploring Further: Accessories and Upgrades

• For Fujifilm users: A lens hood or protective filters can limit flare on bright days.
• For Olympus owners: External USB power banks may help make up for battery constraints.
• Both cameras benefit from high-speed SD cards to handle burst shooting and video smoothly.

In wrapping up, neither the Fujifilm F660EXR nor the Olympus SZ-12 is a professional powerhouse, but each caters well to different photographic values. The Fujifilm offers more balanced performance, control, and image quality - making it a true all-arounder. Olympus, with its staggering zoom range, fits specialized needs where distance matters most.

We recommend getting hands-on with both if possible, as handling preferences vary. Your perfect compact superzoom should feel like a natural extension of your creative vision, empowering you to capture life’s moments with clarity and fun.

Happy shooting!

End of Review