Fujifilm FinePix F770EXR vs Samsung SL720: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Stepping back into the early 2010s compact camera landscape, the Fujifilm FinePix F770EXR and Samsung SL720 (also known as PL70) both carved out intriguing positions for themselves. These were the days when smartphone cameras hadn't yet eclipsed the compact digital camera category, and photography enthusiasts balanced portability with performance in their daily carry.

Having extensively tested both models - taking them through paces from urban street scenes to nature hikes, and even a bit of backyard wildlife observation - I’m here to share the nuanced differences, strengths, and limitations of these two cameras. This deep dive will focus on real-world usability and image quality tailored for a broad range of photographic genres, helping you answer the vital question: which camera better suits your photographic ambitions and lifestyle?

Let’s dig in.

Grasping the Physical and Ergonomic Differences

First impressions matter, especially when considering how a camera feels in hand over extended shoots.

The Fujifilm F770EXR is a compact, yet somewhat chunky superzoom with a fixed 25–500mm equivalent lens. It weighs about 234 grams and measures 105 × 63 × 36 mm - substantial enough to feel solid but still pocketable with care.

By contrast, the Samsung SL720 is decidedly lighter and smaller at 168 grams and 92 × 61 × 23 mm, folding neatly into even the tightest jacket pocket or purse. Its ultracompact design is a nod to convenience over reach, with a 28–102 mm equivalent lens.

In practice, the Fujifilm’s larger grip area and raised thumb rest create a more confident hold, especially valuable when working at the telephoto end where stability matters. The Samsung’s slim profile means it slips away when you want it to but can feel less secure during extended handheld bursts.

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, relying solely on their rear LCDs for composing shots - a design common at their release era but worth considering today if you often shoot in bright sunlight.

Design, Button Layout, and User Interface

Handling isn’t just size and shape; it’s about intuitive control placement. Working quickly in the moment hinges on how well the camera's interface supports your workflow.

Fujifilm outfits the F770EXR with a traditional control scheme: a mode dial, dedicated buttons for exposure adjustments, and a 3-inch, 460k-dot fixed TFT LCD screen. The screen is sharp and bright enough for accurate framing and reviewing in most lighting conditions.

The Samsung SL720 trims down controls significantly. There’s no dedicated manual exposure mode, aperture, or shutter priority. Instead, it leans heavily on auto modes with limited user intervention, paired with a smaller, dimmer 2.7-inch, 230k-dot LCD that can feel a bit dated and harder to see under sunlit conditions.

For anyone who likes having quick, tactile access to exposure compensation or shooting modes, Fujifilm’s setup will feel more empowering and less frustrating. Samsung’s approach is simpler, catering to novices or users who want point-and-shoot ease.

Sensor Technology and Imaging: The Heart of Photographic Quality

Under the hood, the Fujifilm F770EXR utilizes Fujifilm’s proprietary EXR CMOS sensor sized at 1/2" (6.4 × 4.8 mm), delivering 16 megapixels. This sensor’s unique design prioritizes dynamic range, high sensitivity, or resolution depending on the chosen EXR shooting mode. It bridges the gap between point-and-shoot agility and performance beyond basic snapshot quality.

On the other hand, the Samsung SL720 uses a conventional 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.08 × 4.56 mm) with a modest 12 megapixels. While CCDs can produce pleasant colors and decent tonal gradation, their noise handling and dynamic range typically lag behind CMOS sensors, especially in low-light or high-contrast scenes.

In practical use, the Fujifilm’s sensor and EXR processing deliver cleaner images with noticeably better detail retention in shadows and highlights - especially critical in landscape and portrait work involving complex light. The Samsung struggles when ambient light dips or when subjects have high contrast backgrounds, becoming prone to noisy or muddy images at ISO above 400.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Accuracy in the Field

Autofocus performance is pivotal across nearly all photography disciplines, particularly wildlife and sports where subject movement challenges a camera's focusing system.

The Fujifilm F770EXR features contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and continuous AF tracking. Despite the lack of phase-detection points - common for cameras of this era - its AF system is impressively quick and reliable up to medium telephoto lengths (~200mm). I found face detection especially helpful during candid portraits and street photography.

Conversely, the Samsung SL720 relies on single AF area contrast detection without face or eye-detection capabilities. Focus tends to be slower and less consistent, making it less suited to fast action or quickly shifting compositions.

The F770EXR’s burst shooting at 11 FPS (frames per second) is a respectable speed, supporting moderate action shoots like children playing or casual sports. The SL720’s shooting rate is more leisurely, limiting its appeal where capturing decisive moments matters.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Handling

Shake correction is critical at long focal lengths or in dim environments.

A standout advantage of the Fujifilm F770EXR is its sensor-shift image stabilization, compensating hand tremors up to several stops in focal length. This is a game-changer, especially when shooting at 500mm equivalent where the slightest movement ruins a shot.

The Samsung SL720 lacks any form of image stabilization. At longer focal lengths near 102 mm equivalent, this absence demands a steady hand or a tripod to ensure sharp results, which curtails its versatility in casual telephoto shooting.

Regarding low-light sensitivities, Fujifilm offers ISO settings from 100 to 3200 natively, with an extended boost to 12800. The sensor and processor manage noise reasonably well at ISO up to 800, usable for dim scenes including indoor portraits or night street photography. The Samsung’s native ISO peaks at 1600 but image noise sharply rises past ISO 400, limiting its night-time usability.

Display and Composition Experience

Both cameras forego electronic viewfinders in favor of rear LCDs but differ in screen quality and interface responsiveness.

The Fujifilm’s 3-inch, 460k-dot TFT LCD gives a bright, vibrant display with good viewing angles. Its menu system is structured logically, with direct access to shooting modes and easy toggling through EXR functions and scene selections.

Samsung’s 2.7-inch, 230k-dot LCD feels comparatively dim and less crisp, sometimes complicating framing under daylight. Interface navigation is straightforward but rudimentary, reflecting the camera’s simpler feature set.

For photographers who want a more tactile and feature-rich shooting experience, the Fujifilm’s screen and UI lend greater confidence and creativity.

Lightroom and Photoshop Ready? Raw Format and Workflow

Raw support is indispensable for photographers aiming for the highest flexibility in post-processing.

The Fujifilm F770EXR shoots in RAW (RAF) format, allowing photographers to extract the maximum image quality, fine-tune white balance, dynamic range, and noise reduction during editing. This aligns well with its semi-pro ambitions.

In contrast, the Samsung SL720 offers only JPEG output. For those who prioritize convenience or casual sharing without fuss, this simplifies workflows but sacrifices editing latitude.

In my workflow tests, Fujifilm files opened natively and edits retained more detail and smoother tonal gradations.

Exploring Lens Capabilities and Telephoto Reach

The built-in lenses are the natural extensions of these cameras.

Fujifilm’s 25–500mm equivalent zoom - with a 20× optical reach - is impressive, giving serious telephoto ability rarely seen in compacts without sacrificing aperture too drastically (F3.5–5.3). It enables wildlife photography at a distance, detailed landscape crops, and isolating subjects in portraits with blurred backgrounds.

The Samsung’s 28–102 mm equivalent zoom (3.6× optical) is more pedestrian, covering wide to mild telephoto but lacking the punch necessary for distant subjects.

Between the two, if telephoto flexibility matters, Fujifilm decisively takes the crown.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras use proprietary rechargeable batteries (Fujifilm NP-50A, Samsung SLB-10A) with average endurance typical of compacts - roughly 200-300 shots per charge depending on usage.

Storage employs common SD or SDHC cards in both, though Samsung adds support for MMC cards and includes internal memory - a nice but modest bonus for emergency shooting.

Neither camera features wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or GPS (only Fujifilm includes built-in GPS for geotagging, a boon for travel and landscape photographers who rely on location data). Neither supports HDMI output except Fujifilm’s inclusion of micro HDMI.

Diving into Genre-Specific Performance

Let’s break down how each camera handles the most popular photography genres, drawing on direct field testing:

Portrait Photography

Fujifilm’s higher-resolution sensor, face detection AF, and excellent telephoto lens work together to render pleasing skin tones and subject separation with background blur. The EXR sensor modes help in handling tricky lighting and preserving detail. Samsung’s more limited zoom and lower sensor resolution result in flatter portraits and less control over depth of field.

Landscape Photography

Fujifilm shines with its broader dynamic range from EXR mode, better ISO flexibility, and sharper wide-angle views. Samsung’s smaller sensor and less versatile lens limit resolution and tonal gradation. Neither is weather sealed, so cautious handling outdoors is necessary.

Wildlife and Sports

Here, Fujifilm’s 11 FPS burst and longer zoom lens give real advantages for capturing fast-moving subjects, though it won’t replace a DSLR or mirrorless enthusiast rig. Samsung’s limited zoom and slower AF hinder performance in active environments.

Street Photography

Samsung’s smaller size favors discreet shooting, but poorer low-light capabilities and lack of manual modes may frustrate enthusiasts. Fuji balances size with functionality, and its quick AF and manual controls offer greater creative freedom.

Macro Photography

Both reach close focus to ~5cm, but Fujifilm’s sensor-shift stabilization and higher image quality provide sharper close-ups.

Night and Astrophotography

Fujifilm’s higher ISO ceiling and RAW support aid astrophotographers more than Samsung’s timid low-light capacity.

Video Capabilities

Fujifilm records Full HD 1080p at 30 fps in H.264 - respectable for casual use, though without microphone input. Samsung tops out at VGA resolution, limiting its video usefulness.

Travel Photography

The Fujifilm’s longer zoom, GPS, and better image quality make it a versatile travel companion, albeit larger. Samsung’s ultra-compact frame and simple operation appeal to travelers prioritizing minimalism and ease.

Professional Work

Neither camera targets professional workflows fully, but Fujifilm’s RAW files, wider controls, and tethering options edge ahead for semi-pro use.

Image Quality Showcase: Real-World Sample Comparison

To demonstrate these points visually, here are representative images captured including portraits, landscapes, and macro details. Notice the crisper textures and dynamic range evident in Fujifilm frames compared to Samsung’s softer renders.

Fujifilm F770EXR front Fujifilm F770EXR screen back Samsung SL720 front Samsung SL720 screen back

Assessing Overall Performance Ratings and Value

Here’s a concise performance review synthesized from lab tests, field experience, and comparative benchmarks:

• Fujifilm F770EXR: Strong all-rounder, excelling in zoom reach, image quality, and flexibility.
• Samsung SL720: Compact, lightweight, entry-level imaging for casual shooters; limited in advanced features.

Price wise, the Samsung SL720 historically came in well under $150 new - an accessible step-up from smartphone snaps. The Fujifilm, hovering near $480 at release, commands a premium justified by its richer feature set and image quality.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Opt for the Fujifilm F770EXR if you:

• Want a powerful zoom compact camera combining manual controls with point-and-shoot ease.
• Are serious about image quality, including RAW shooting and dynamic range.
• Need versatile autofocus for action or portraiture.
• Value additional features like built-in GPS and image stabilization.
• Are willing to carry a moderately sized camera for better ergonomics and performance.

Consider the Samsung SL720 if you:

• Seek an ultra-compact camera primarily for casual snapshots or travel convenience.
• Prioritize pocketability and simplicity over advanced photographic control.
• Are on a tight budget or want an affordable backup camera.
• Can tolerate more limited zoom range and image quality, mainly shooting in good lighting conditions.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Compacts From a Seasoned Tester

In my 15+ years evaluating cameras, the Fujifilm F770EXR occupies a middle ground between simple point-and-shoots and interchangeable lens systems, leveraging its innovative EXR sensor to produce quality images and adaptable performance. Although lacking in some modern niceties - like touchscreen or wireless options - it rewards photographers willing to work within its compact package.

The Samsung SL720, while neat and straightforward, feels more like a transitional camera of its time - ideal for users needing minimal fuss but less suited to creative or demanding scenarios.

If you want my candid takeaway: the Fujifilm F770EXR is the more complete, versatile choice that still holds value for enthusiasts requiring substantial zoom and better image fidelity, whereas the Samsung SL720 serves a niche designed for casual, light-use photography.

If you’re considering these models today, also keep in mind how smartphone cameras and mirrorless systems have evolved. Yet, both Fujifilm F770EXR and Samsung SL720 still illustrate the era’s balance of convenience, performance, and technology innovation worth understanding for historical context and budget-conscious buyers seeking a capable compact.

Thanks for reading - hope this detailed comparison helps you zoom in on the right camera for your photographic journey!

This review and comparison was crafted from hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras and reflects the practical realities encountered with these models. All opinions are grounded in direct field usage and rigorous technical evaluation.