Fujifilm F770EXR vs. Fujifilm XP80: In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing a compact camera that truly fits your photography needs these days is no small feat. Even within a single manufacturer’s lineup - like Fujifilm's - models can differ wildly in their design philosophies and capabilities. Today, I’m putting two very distinct Fujifilm compacts head-to-head: the Fujifilm FinePix F770EXR released in early 2012 and the Fujifilm XP80, a ruggedized waterproof model introduced in 2015.

Over many hours of hands-on testing, including technical evaluations and real-world shooting scenarios, I compared these two cameras across all main photography domains - from portraits to wildlife to travel - and in video, build, and usability terms. The result is a highly detailed side-by-side look at what each delivers, where compromises were made, and ultimately which users should prioritize which model.

Before diving in, let's get a physical and ergonomic sense of these cameras so you understand their handling footprint.

Size, Ergonomics, and Physical Handling: Compactness vs. Durability

The F770EXR and XP80 look similar at a glance, both falling under the compact umbrella, but their physical builds serve very different priorities.

• F770EXR: At 105x63x36 mm and 234g, it has a modest presence, with a comfortable grip that feels stable for extended use despite its compact size. Its slightly chunkier profile accommodates the extensive 20x zoom lens with optical image stabilization.
• XP80: Much leaner at 104x67x26 mm and 179g, this camera trades zoom reach for sleeker portability. The XP80’s trim profile complements its rugged, weather-proof construction.

This comparison image shows you right away: the XP80 is designed for active users who want a camera they can toss in a backpack or pocket without worry, while the F770EXR is bulkier but offers more reach and manual control options.

Design Language and Control Layout: What’s at Your Fingertips?

The top control layouts emphasize intended use cases.

• F770EXR features more dedicated dials and buttons, including access to aperture priority and manual exposure modes - rare for compact superzooms. I appreciated the physical zoom toggle ring and separate shutter-release button, which make shooting more tactile and intuitive.
• XP80 opts for simplicity, with very few external controls. The reliance on automatic modes and lack of exposure compensation or shutter priority reflects a “point-and-shoot” design philosophy focused on ease of use rather than granular control.

If you crave manual photography experience and the ability to fine-tune exposure on the fly, the F770EXR clearly leads here. The XP80’s minimalism is ideal when you want to shoot fast and focus on framing rather than fiddling with settings.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolution, Noise & Dynamic Range

Both cameras pack a 16MP sensor, but understanding sensor technology and size is crucial to assessing image quality:

• F770EXR utilizes Fujifilm's innovative EXR-CMOS sensor at 1/2" format (approx. 6.4x4.8 mm) with EXR technology that switches between resolution priority, dynamic range priority, and high sensitivity modes. That means it can adapt its pixel-binning and readout strategies depending on scene demands - an early but effective computational imaging aid. This flexibility pays off in improved dynamic range (useful for tricky landscape lighting) and more detail retention in low light.
• XP80 houses a traditional 1/2.3" CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55 mm), slightly smaller in area and lacking EXR specialized modes. While it still resolves 16MP, it falls short in shadow detail and noise levels at higher ISOs compared to the F770EXR.

In practice, the F770EXR delivers sharper images with better color fidelity and cleaner high ISO performance up to ISO 3200 (boosted to 12800 possible). The XP80 limits itself to ISO 6400 max native, but the noise becomes increasingly visible beyond ISO 800.

Display and User Interface: Checking Your Frame and Making Adjustments

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCDs with 460k-dot resolutions, but their interfaces tailor to different photographers:

• F770EXR offers a brighter display with clear, crisp menus supporting custom white balance, exposure compensation, and bracketing options. The fixed TFT color LCD is non-touch but highly responsive in live view shooting.
• XP80’s screen is slightly smaller and optimized for underwater and outdoor visibility. The menu system is straightforward, focusing on quick scene mode access and waterproof shooting features, albeit with fewer customization options.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, which means composing outdoors can be challenging in bright sunlight, but the EXR’s live view performs admirably, especially when paired with the flexible zoom lens.

Autofocus, Shooting Speeds, and Burst Performance

The autofocus systems in both cameras use contrast-detection AF, which remains reliable for still subjects but has known limitations with tracking fast-moving subjects.

• F770EXR supports continuous AF with face detection and multi-area AF modes. I tested its ability to focus in low light and found it moderately quick but showed hunting behavior under very dim conditions. Burst shooting clocks in at 11 fps at reduced resolution, impressive for the class, enabling sports or wildlife photographers to capture fast sequences.
• XP80 offers face detection and continuous AF as well, with live view support, but the maximum burst rate is a notch lower at 10 fps. Autofocus speed is comparable to the F770EXR, though one finds it struggles more with focusing accuracy in mixed lighting or through water (as expected given its splashproof design).

Neither is a sports or wildlife specialist, but for casual burst shooting, they perform competently.

Lens Reach and Optical Performance: Zoom Advantage vs. All-Terrain Versatility

The most striking difference lies in their fixed lenses:

The F770EXR’s 20x superzoom is remarkable for a compact of its era. It extends into truly telephoto reach (500mm equiv.) that spells opportunity for wildlife and some sports shots where distance matters, albeit at a somewhat narrow aperture. Meanwhile, the XP80’s 5x zoom offers a classic travel zoom range perfect for day-to-day snapshots, landscapes, and casual portraits but lacks the telephoto extension for distant subjects.

The macro capabilities favor the F770EXR as well - with a minimum focusing distance of just 5 cm, it lets you get closer to subjects for detailed close-ups compared to the XP80’s 9 cm. Both benefit from sensor-based image stabilization, effective at minimizing shake, especially important when hand-holding at maximum zoom or in macro mode.

Durability and Environmental Resistance: Waterproofing for Adventure

The XP80’s key selling point is its ruggedness:

• XP80 provides waterproofing up to 15 meters, dustproof, shockproof (drops up to 1.8 meters), and freezeproof down to -10°C. This gives immense freedom for outdoor use, including poolside, hiking in wet conditions, or winter sports. Its compact form factor and lightweight body further enhance portability and risk-free handling.
• F770EXR offers no environmental sealing and should be treated as a delicate device. It’s best used as a travel or everyday superzoom in properly sheltered environments.

If your photography involves frequent exposure to water, dust, or rough terrain, the XP80’s build is a non-negotiable advantage. I stress-tested it in rain, shallow water, and cold - performance remained consistent with no malfunctions.

Video Recording Capabilities: Not Quite the Vlog Star but Solid for Home Movies

Both cameras offer Full HD 1080p video recording, but there are some key differences:

• F770EXR records 1080p at 30 fps in H.264 format, with additional 720p and VGA options. It lacks manual audio input and in-camera mic controls, a limitation common for compacts of its generation.
• XP80 upgrades to 1080p at 60 fps, useful for smoother motion capture, helpful for casual videographers wanting slow-motion effects. It features similar codec and audio limitations but benefits from its waterproof body for underwater filming.

Neither camera includes external microphone jacks or headphone outputs, which limits professional video use. Also, neither supports 4K or advanced video features like log profiles or autofocus tracking in video mode.

Battery Life and Connectivity: What Keeps You Shooting?

The XP80’s Wi-Fi is a much-appreciated addition allowing quick image transfers to smartphones, something missing on the F770EXR. While battery life is comparable, precise endurance depends on shooting conditions - especially zoom usage and LCD brightness settings.

Practical Photography Disciplines: Who is Each Camera For?

Portraits

• F770EXR shines with face detection autofocus and manual exposure modes, allowing skin tones to render naturally. Its larger zoom range enables tighter framing from a distance, useful in candid or event portraits. Bokeh control is limited due to sensor size and maximum aperture, but background compression helps at telephoto lengths.
• XP80 offers decent face detection but leans heavily on automatic modes. Low-light skin tone rendition is adequate but less nuanced.

Landscapes

• F770EXR produces more detailed images with higher dynamic range thanks to its EXR sensor modes, capturing shadow and highlight detail more gracefully. The 20x zoom allows framing distant elements precisely.
• XP80 tends to produce flatter images with less latitude for post-processing. However, the rugged build makes it suitable for landscape shots in harsh conditions where the F770EXR might risk damage.

Wildlife and Sports

• The F770EXR’s telephoto reach and faster burst rate (11 fps) give it an edge for shooting distant wildlife and moderate action sequences. Do not expect DSLR-grade AF speed or tracking, but for casual use, it’s sufficient.
• The XP80, restricted by 140mm max zoom and somewhat slower focus acquisition, serves better for closer-range wildlife or less demanding sports.

Street Photography

• XP80’s compactness, low weight, and ruggedness edge it out for street use - quick, durable, and discreet. The ability to handle unpredictable outdoor environments is a bonus.
• F770EXR’s bulk and longer lens make it less discreet, but manual modes appeal to those wanting creative control.

Macro Photography

• The F770EXR’s close focus distance and higher resolution sensor offer an advantage for macro enthusiasts capturing fine detail.
• The XP80 also supports macro but sacrifices sharpness and minimum focus distance.

Night and Astro

• Both cameras struggle compared to larger sensor models in high ISO settings, but the F770EXR’s boosted ISO capability to 12800 and dynamic range optimization modes give it the theoretical edge.
• Neither supports long-exposure custom modes like bulb or tracking mount compatibility.

Video Use

• The XP80’s 60p Full HD video is the better choice for casual videographers or adventurous vloggers.
• The F770EXR is limited to 30 fps HD video, which is sufficient for basic needs.

Travel and Everyday Use

• XP80 is optimized for travelers who prioritize durability and easy operation.
• F770EXR suits travelers needing zoom versatility and manual controls, acceptable in dry climates.

Professional Workflows

• Neither camera targets professional workflows directly; no built-in raw processing, tethering, or pro-grade codecs.
• However, the F770EXR’s RAW support provides a slight advantage for enthusiasts wanting post-processing flexibility.

Image Samples: Real-Life Output Comparison

Fujifilm F770EXR front Fujifilm F770EXR screen back Fujifilm XP80 front Fujifilm XP80 screen back

In controlled testing, images reveal:

• The F770EXR delivers richer colors, more depth, and clean details, particularly in outdoor daylight and zoomed-in shots.
• XP80 images tend to be softer with slightly muted colors, though perfectly adequate for casual sharing and adventure snapshots.

Ratings Summary: Objective Quantitative Comparison

Based on sensor performance, autofocus, ergonomics, video, durability, and price, expert reviewers assigned:

Niche-Focused Performance: How Each Scores Across Genres

• Portraits: F770EXR’s manual controls and higher image quality give it an edge
• Wildlife & Sports: The F770EXR’s zoom and burst rate make it preferable, albeit for casual use
• Street: XP80’s compact, rugged design wins
• Landscape: Slight dynamic range advantage to F770EXR, but XP80 works in tough conditions
• Macro: F770EXR’s close focusing distance and sharpness excel
• Night & Astro: Neither is a winner, but F770EXR tolerates low light better
• Video: XP80’s 60p frame rate gives it more smoothness
• Travel: XP80 for rugged trips, F770EXR for zoom versatility
• Professional: Neither is a professional tool, but F770EXR’s raw support helps enthusiasts

Verdict: Which Camera Should You Buy?

Here’s my summary of who each camera is best suited for after extensive hands-on experience:

• Choose the Fujifilm F770EXR if:

  • You want a compact with unrivaled zoom reach for its size and excellent image quality for casual telephoto, portraits, and landscapes.
  • Manual control modes (aperture/shutter priority, manual exposure) are critical to your photography style.
  • You shoot in mostly protected environments where weather sealing is less important.
  • You want raw image capture and flexible dynamic range options.

• Choose the Fujifilm XP80 if:

  • Your biggest priority is a rugged, waterproof camera for adventure, travel, and outdoor exploration.
  • Portability, impact resistance, and splash-proof reliability matter most.
  • You prefer simple operation over manual controls, using mostly automatic or scene modes.
  • Video recording at 60p Full HD is a requirement for your casual filmmaking.
  • You’re on a budget (XP80 is significantly more affordable at ~$149 vs. ~$480 for the F770EXR).

Final Thoughts on Fujifilm’s Compact Duo

Both cameras fill unique niches that are not fully overlapping. The F770EXR leans toward enthusiasts seeking a superzoom with advanced controls, while the XP80 is about worry-free use in active and harsh conditions.

In many ways, these two reflect the diversity within Fujifilm’s compact lineup: balancing creativity and convenience, zoom power and durability. Experienced shooters who value image quality and zoom range will prefer the F770EXR despite its age, while casual shooters and outdoor enthusiasts gain peace of mind with the XP80’s ruggedness and simplicity.

After my in-depth testing - shooting hundreds of frames, reviewing RAW files, and field trials under harsh weather - the final choice boils down to your shooting environment and priorities. Both remain worthy companions depending on your photographic journey.

I hope this in-depth comparison clarifies where these two Fujifilm compacts excel and fall short. Should you have any questions about specialized shooting scenarios or want lens recommendations to complement their fixed optics, just ask.

Happy shooting!