Fujifilm F750EXR vs Olympus Stylus SH-3: An Expert Comparison of Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

In the realm of compact superzoom cameras, both Fujifilm and Olympus have presented compelling options targeted at enthusiasts and semi-professionals seeking flexibility, portability, and decent image quality. The Fujifilm FinePix F750EXR, announced in early 2012, and the Olympus Stylus SH-3, launched in 2016, represent different points in the technological progress of this camera category. This head-to-head comparison draws on extensive hands-on testing and technical analysis to provide a rigorous assessment.

Throughout this article, I will analyze these cameras across all major photographic disciplines and technical facets - leveraging real-world usage scenarios to identify their strengths, limitations, and ideal user profiles.

Physical Design and Handling: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

Both cameras are compact superzooms designed for convenience, yet their physical dimensions and ergonomic design reflect subtly different philosophies. The Fujifilm F750EXR measures 105x63x36mm and weighs 234g, while the Olympus SH-3 is slightly larger and heavier at 109x63x42mm and 271g. This difference is perceptible but marginal in everyday carry.

Ergonomics: The Fujifilm's slightly lower profile and thinner body offers more pocketability, which benefits street photographers and travelers who prioritize discreetness and light weight. In contrast, the Olympus’s extra depth improves grip comfort, particularly with extended telephoto use, relieving fatigue during longer shooting sessions.

Control Layout: Examining the top plate and control interfaces (see next section) is crucial for operational efficiency. Both cameras employ compact designs with limited external dials, relying more on menu systems and function buttons.

The Fujifilm offers dedicated shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation dials - an uncommon feature for cameras in this category - which enable tactile, quick adjustments appealing to experienced users who prefer manual control. Conversely, the Olympus opts for a more minimalist, touchscreen-enabled interface (3” touchscreen vs. non-touch on Fujifilm), streamlining access to settings but potentially slowing manual operation due to menu navigation.

In practical testing, the Fujifilm’s tactile dials facilitate faster exposure tweaking for users comfortable with manual modes, while the Olympus’s touchscreen aids beginners or those who prefer intuitive navigation.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technical Foundations and Practical Output

Both cameras feature 16MP sensors with small sensor sizes typical of advanced compact superzooms: Fujifilm’s 1/2” EXR CMOS sensor (6.4x4.8 mm, 30.72 mm² area) versus Olympus’s slightly smaller 1/2.3” BSI CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²). Differences in sensor technology and size impact dynamic range, noise handling, and resolution fidelity.

Fujifilm EXR Sensor Technology:
The F750EXR uses Fuji's signature EXR sensor mode, designed to sacrifice resolution for improved dynamic range or low-light performance selectively. While this mode can offer technical advantages in controlled conditions, it complicates image processing and imposes restrictions on output resolution - often unattractive for photographers desiring maximum megapixel usage. Additionally, the lack of RAW support limits post-processing flexibility.

Olympus BSI CMOS Sensor:
The SH-3 employs a backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, which enhances light gathering efficiency - a boon for low-light and night photography. It also supports RAW capture, broadening creative latitude and rendition control for enthusiasts and professionals.

Image Quality in Practice:

• Fujifilm’s sensor demonstrates respectable detail performance in good lighting but shows a faster signal-to-noise ratio degradation at ISO settings above 800. Without RAW output, shadow recovery is limited, rendering high-ISO images noisier and less malleable.
• Olympus benefits from BSI sensor design with cleaner files at mid to high ISOs, especially up to ISO 1600 or 3200. The availability of RAW allows more aggressive noise reduction and highlight recovery in post.

For landscape or portrait shooters seeking nuanced tonal gradation and optimal dynamic range, the Olympus SH-3’s sensor offers an important edge.

LCD Screen and Interface: Usability and Feedback

A 3-inch screen with 460k dots resolution is standard on both models, but surface and touch capabilities differ significantly.

• Fujifilm F750EXR uses a fixed TFT LCD without touch, limiting interactivity to buttons and dials. The screen surface reflects under bright daylight and has average brightness, affecting outdoor framing accuracy.
• Olympus SH-3 incorporates a fixed 3" touchscreen, improving menu navigation speed and touch autofocus point selection. The screen offers slightly higher brightness and better anti-reflective coating.

In action, the Olympus screen enhances quick operation especially in dynamic shooting scenarios such as wildlife or sports where fast focusing adjustments are necessary. The Fujifilm’s screen, while adequate for casual use, may frustrate users who rely heavily on on-screen controls.

Lens Specifications and Optical Performance

Superzoom cameras’ appeal often hinges on lens versatility. The specifics here can clarify which camera suits telephoto-heavy or macro-centric shoots.

• Fujifilm F750EXR: 25–500mm (20x optical zoom), aperture f/3.5–5.3
• Olympus SH-3: 25–600mm (24x optical zoom), aperture f/3.0–6.9

The Olympus SH-3 provides a longer maximum focal length by 100mm, benefiting wildlife and sports photographers who need reach to capture distant subjects. The trade-off is a narrower maximum aperture at telephoto, potentially impacting exposure and autofocus speed in low light.

In the macro domain, Olympus’s minimum focusing distance of 3cm vs Fujifilm’s 5cm theoretically allows closer subject proximity and greater life-size reproduction, enhancing fine-detail capture.

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization of the sensor-shift type, crucial for combating handshake at extended zooms and slower shutter speeds. Real-world use confirms that Olympus’s stabilization performs marginally better, attributed to refined TruePic VII processor algorithms and sensor-shift implementation, delivering steadier handheld telephoto shots.

Autofocus Systems and Precision

Accurate and fast autofocus is essential across multiple photography genres, from dynamic sports to delicate macro.

Autofocus speed is closely comparable, with both cameras offering around 0.3–0.5 second acquisition under favorable lighting. However, Olympus’s inclusion of touch AF allows for quicker subjective framing, especially in tracking moving subjects or complex scenes.

Neither model employs phase detection, limiting low-light and moving subject AF precision compared to modern mirrorless cameras. Tracking performance is adequate for casual wildlife and sports but not suitable for professional-level fast action.

Continuous Shooting and Buffering

Burst shooting enables users to capture fast sequences critical to sports and wildlife:

• Fujifilm F750EXR: 11 fps continuous shooting
• Olympus SH-3: 11.5 fps continuous shooting

Both cameras provide high burst rates for their class, but real-world buffer depth and autofocus tracking hold the greater effect on practical performance. Olympus’s SH-3 shines slightly by integrating continuous AF during bursts more consistently than Fujifilm.

Flash and Low-Light Performance

Onboard flash illuminance affects control over fill-light and night scenes:

• Fujifilm F750EXR: Effective flash range up to 3.7 meters at wide angle, reduced to 2.4m at telephoto end.
• Olympus SH-3: More powerful flash effective up to 8.3 meters (at ISO 3200), granting greater exposure flexibility in darker environments.

Low-light shooting benefits further from Olympus’s higher native ISO ceiling (6400 vs 3200) and RAW capture, allowing for cleaner images and effective noise management.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Features

Modern hybrid photography/videography demands strong video functionality.

Olympus edges ahead with 4K video support (albeit only at 15 fps, limiting smooth motion use) and higher frame rate Full HD recording up to 60 fps, offering more flexibility in slow-motion capture. Touch-based autofocus during video recording enhances subject tracking responsiveness on the Olympus SH-3.

Neither model supports external microphones or headphone monitoring, so videographers must rely on the built-in mono microphones and internal audio levels.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Reliable power and data management are critical for workflow efficiency:

Olympus SH-3 clearly leads with built-in Wi-Fi, enabling remote control, image transfer, and enhanced connectivity features now essential for social sharing and rapid workflow integration. The Fujifilm F750EXR’s lack of wireless features relegates connectivity options to physical cable use only.

Battery endurance is adequate on both models, but Olympus’s specified 380 shot capacity provides greater shooting duration, particularly useful in travel or event situations where charging access may be limited.

Durability and Environmental Considerations

Neither camera claims environmental sealing or ruggedized construction, restricting their suitability for adverse weather or harsh conditions. Both require the usual care to prevent dust, moisture intrusion, and physical damage on location.

Practical Performance across Photography Genres

A decisive purchase hinges upon the particular use cases a photographer prioritizes. The following sections summarize findings from genre-specific testing scenarios.

Portrait Photography

Critical factors include skin tone rendering, bokeh quality, and eye detection autofocus.

• Fujifilm F750EXR: With a maximum aperture of f/3.5 wide open, background blur is moderate. Its EXR sensor delivers pleasant color reproduction, though the absence of RAW and moderate high ISO noise limit post-processing flexibility. Face detection autofocus is reliable but lacks eye-detection precision.
• Olympus SH-3: With f/3.0 wide aperture and RAW support, the Olympus better preserves highlight detail and color gradation in portraits. Touch AF and face tracking improve focus accuracy on eyes and faces, enhancing sharpness where it matters most.

Landscape Photography

Key criteria: dynamic range, resolution, and weather sealing.

Here, Olympus’s slightly newer BSI CMOS sensor captures higher dynamic range, enabling better highlight and shadow detail recovery, while RAW files maximize editing flexibility. Neither camera has weather sealing, which is a notable limitation for outdoor landscape use in challenging climates.

Wildlife Photography

Focus speed, telephoto reach, and burst capability matter most:

• Olympus’s 600mm reach and 11.5 fps burst rate advantage provide a compelling package for casual wildlife enthusiasts.
• Fujifilm’s 500mm zoom and slightly lower burst limit are still capable but less flexible in scenario variation.

Continuous autofocus during burst shooting on the Olympus is more consistent, translating to higher keeper rates in action sequences.

Sports Photography

Tracking fast subjects and low-light responsiveness are paramount:

Neither superzoom truly matches performance levels offered by dedicated mirrorless or DSLR cameras, but Olympus’s continuous AF with touch control and superior bursts make it more effective for casual sports shooting. The Fujifilm’s manual exposure dials provide an edge for experienced users who can anticipate and manually control exposure settings quickly.

Street Photography

Subtlety, portability, and discreetness define this realm:

The Fujifilm F750EXR’s smaller size, lighter weight, and manual dials make it less intrusive and faster in manual exposure adjustment - a benefit for candid street captures. Olympus’s touchscreen can slow operation if the user is accustomed to physical controls, and its larger size is marginally less pocketable.

Macro Photography

The Olympus SH-3 allows closer minimum focusing distance (3cm vs 5cm), improving magnification and detail capture. Its superior sensor sensitivity also assists in macro illumination under limited natural light.

Night and Astrophotography

ISO performance and exposure modes dominate:

Olympus’s BSI sensor and ISO 6400 ceiling pair well with RAW files, expanding post-processing latitude. Its stabilized sensor aids in handheld night shots, though long-exposure astrophotography is constrained by the limited shutter speed max of 30s (Fujifilm 8s minimum shutter speed could be restrictive).

Video Performance

Olympus’s 4K capability (albeit at a low frame rate) and 60p Full HD video provide enhanced flexibility for multimedia shooters. Fujifilm’s max 1080p/30fps video is serviceable but lags behind in frame rate options and connectivity.

Travel Photography

Overall portability, battery life, and lens zoom govern camera suitability:

The Fujifilm’s smaller footprint and lighter weight benefit travelers with space constraints. However, Olympus’s longer zoom range, better battery life, and wireless features compensate, offering more versatility.

Professional Workflow Integration

Neither camera is designed primarily for professional-grade production due to small sensors, lack of RAW in Fujifilm, and limited lens interchangeability. However, Olympus’s RAW support and Wi-Fi integration facilitate smoother workflows for semi-pro use.

Fujifilm F750EXR front Fujifilm F750EXR screen back Olympus SH 3 front Olympus SH 3 screen back

Overall Performance Scores and Value Assessment

To synthesize evaluations, considering technical performance, practicality, and cost:

• Fujifilm F750EXR: Strong points in size, manual control via dials, and decent zoom. Downsides include lack of RAW, weaker sensor tech, no wireless connectivity, and no touchscreen. Priced around $445, it represents a budget-conscious choice for enthusiasts favoring tactile controls and portability.

• Olympus SH-3: Excels in sensor performance, zoom reach, video capabilities, wireless integration, and touchscreen user interface. Its higher price (~$580) reflects these advantages. Ideal for users valuing versatility and enhanced multimedia features.

Recommendations Tailored to User Needs

Conclusion

The Fujifilm F750EXR and Olympus Stylus SH-3 cater effectively to distinct niches within the small sensor superzoom segment. The F750EXR stands out with its compact form and manual exposure dials, targeting hobbyists who appreciate tactile interaction over touchscreen convenience. However, technological advancements embodied by the Olympus SH-3 - especially a more sensitive sensor, longer zoom range, touchscreen control, wireless connectivity, and enhanced video modes - make it the more versatile, future-proof choice for a broad spectrum of enthusiasts.

Despite the Olympus’s marginally larger size and higher price, its functional gains align well with current user expectations for a compact superzoom camera that serves both still photography and multimedia demands competently. Users whose priorities emphasize portability and straightforward operation may still find value in the Fujifilm F750EXR’s design ethos.

Selecting between these two requires weighing ergonomic preferences, technical requirements, and budget. This comparison aims to provide the exhaustive, expert-level insight necessary for making an informed, confident camera acquisition decision.

All evaluations reflect comprehensive field testing, sensor analysis, and practical shooting experience accrued over thousands of camera hours across genres. For photographers seeking deeper dives or sample image audits, please refer to linked galleries and technical data sources.