Fujifilm F900EXR vs. Fujifilm XP30: A Hands-On Comparison of Compact Cameras for Enthusiasts and Adventurers

In the crowded field of compact point-and-shoot cameras, Fujifilm’s line offers diverse options tailored to very different shooting styles. The Fujifilm F900EXR and Fujifilm XP30 both occupy unique niches - the former caters to superzoom versatility and advanced features, the latter champions rugged waterproof durability. I spent an extensive amount of time testing both models across real-world scenarios, dissecting their technical merits and limitations to help you pick the right tool for your photographic journey.

In this detailed side-by-side, I’ll unpack everything from sensor technology to handling, autofocus prowess to genre-specific usability. Whether you’re a casual snapper looking for an all-in-one travel companion or a hobbyist wanting to capture challenging subjects, this comparative review will equip you with the knowledge to buy with confidence.

First Impressions: Size and Ergonomics in Everyday Use

Both cameras are compact, but their physical designs reflect very different priorities. The F900EXR is a superzoom bridge-style compact, while the XP30 is designed as a weatherproof rugged shooter.

Measuring 105 x 61 x 36 mm and weighing 232 grams, the Fujifilm F900EXR feels noticeably chunkier than the XP30’s 99 x 68 x 24 mm, 165 grams. The F900EXR’s grip offers a more traditional camera feel with a textured thumb rest, which aids stability when zooming. The XP30’s slim bar-like shape is pocket-friendlier and suited to quick access during active use, though the narrower grip sacrifices some firmness when holding the camera steady.

In my field tests, this ergonomic difference was palpable, especially during long shooting sessions. While the F900EXR can feel a bit heavy in hand, its balance around the lens makes it easier to use for extended superzoom shots. The XP30’s smaller, lighter body excels on hikes or underwater, where minimal bulk is essential.

User Interface and Controls: Finding Your Shooting Groove

Accessing key settings swiftly is vital in both casual and demanding photography. Here the F900EXR offers a distinct advantage due to its more elaborate control layout.

The F900EXR sports dedicated dials and buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, exposure compensation, and ISO, enabling rapid manual adjustments on the fly. Its 3-inch, 920k-dot TFT LCD screen provides a bright, clear view with detailed exposure and focus information.

Conversely, the XP30 maintains a much simpler button layout, focusing on ruggedness over versatility. Its smaller 2.7-inch LCD with just 230k-dot resolution feels dim and chunky in comparison, somewhat constricting precise manual control. No manual exposure modes on the XP30 mean you’re mostly locked into full auto or scene presets.

If you prioritize tactile feedback and hands-on operation - particularly for creative experimentation - the F900EXR wins. The XP30, while eminently straightforward, suits users happy with point-and-shoot simplicity and reliable automation.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Any Camera

A camera’s sensor dictates its ultimate image quality, and here these two models diverge fundamentally.

The Fujifilm F900EXR houses a 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor at 16 megapixels, offering a 4608 x 3456 max resolution. The EXR II processor handles noise reduction and dynamic range optimization impressively well for a sensor this size. Fuji’s patented EXR technology enables toggling between three modes prioritizing resolution, dynamic range, or high sensitivity - useful in varying light.

In contrast, the XP30 relies on a traditional 1/2.3” CCD sensor with 14 megapixels (4320 x 3240 max resolution). CCD’s tend to lag behind CMOS in noise control and high ISO performance, and the XP30 confirms this in darker scenarios. The sensor’s smaller area (28.07 mm² vs 30.72 mm² on the F900EXR) and absence of recent processing make the XP30 more susceptible to image noise from ISO 800 upwards.

From my testing, images from the F900EXR show richer detail, better highlight retention, and less chroma noise at ISO 800 or even 1600. The XP30’s files look softer and noisier beyond ISO 400, limiting low-light versatility.

In sum: The F900EXR offers markedly superior image quality - especially for landscapes, portraits, and any scenario demanding high fidelity or dynamic range.

Autofocus Performance: Locking Sharpness on the Fly

Autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break images in fast-paced photography. Both cameras use fixed lenses with contrast or phase detection hybrid systems.

The Fujifilm F900EXR impresses with its phase-detection AF points and dual AF continuous and tracking modes. Face detection and center-weighted AF help maintain sharp focus on moving subjects or portraits. In my wildlife and sports simulations, the F900EXR locked quickly and confidently, though very fast or erratic action did push its limits.

The XP30 uses contrast-detection AF exclusively. It does an adequate job in good lighting but struggles in low-light or when subjects are moving rapidly. Hit rates were noticeably lower during reconnaissance tests with my energetic dog, and AF hunting more frequent.

Neither camera offers manual focus, focus bracketing, or eye/animal detection AF, which is expected for their classes. But for fast, flexible focusing, the F900EXR comes out ahead - particularly valuable for wildlife and street shooters who need swift response.

Zoom Range and Lens Characteristics: Versatility vs. Portability

Zoom capability differentiates these compacts dramatically.

The F900EXR boasts a massive 25-500 mm equivalent (20x zoom) with an f/3.5-5.3 aperture range. This lens excels for telephoto needs, from distant wildlife to sports action.

The XP30’s smaller lens spans 28-140 mm equivalent (5x zoom) with an f/3.9-4.9 aperture, more modest but still useful for casual shooting and travel snapshots.

This difference in focal range has huge practical implications. The F900EXR enables framing subjects invisible to the XP30’s lens, expanding creative potential. On the other hand, the XP30’s shorter zoom helps keep size and weight down and supports its fully sealed design.

Whether you opt for the reach of the F900EXR or the rugged XP30 lens depends heavily on your shooting priorities.

Camera Durability and Weather Sealing: Shoot Anywhere Comfort

If your photographic adventures take you outdoors - especially to wet or dusty environments - the XP30’s durability is a standout virtue.

Unlike the F900EXR, which lacks any form of sealing, the XP30 is waterproof (up to 10 meters), dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof. Fuji engineered it specifically with rugged conditions in mind - a feature emphasised by the relatively simplistic and robust exterior.

In real-life testing during rainstorms and cold hikes, the XP30 performed flawlessly, while I had to keep the F900EXR guarded under covers. This protection also makes the XP30 ideal for underwater macro experiments and mountain excursions where battery swaps or lens changes aren’t possible.

If you often shoot in challenging weather or want a camera that “just works” despite abuse, the XP30 clearly wins. The F900EXR remains a more delicate instrument, best protected in stable conditions.

High-Speed Shooting and Burst Performance: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Burst mode and shutter responsiveness matter for sports and wildlife photography.

At 11 frames per second (fps), the F900EXR has a surprisingly swift continuous shooting mode for its class, allowing rapid capture of fleeting moments. Buffer depth is modest but sufficient for typical action bursts.

Conversely, the XP30 shoots at a pedestrian 1 fps burst, essentially limiting it to single images per press and discouraging rapid-fire shooting.

For active genres requiring frame rate reliability, the F900EXR is a clear winner. The XP30 remains better suited to evenly paced, deliberate shooting in the field.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Use Considerations

The F900EXR uses the NP-50A battery, delivering roughly 260 shots per charge - solid for a compact with a large zoom and electronic complexity. The XP30 relies on a smaller NP-45A pack rated for 200 shots.

In practice, I found the F900EXR’s extra capacity beneficial during day trips with heavy telephoto use. The XP30’s battery life is still respectable but may necessitate carrying spares in colder or longer outings.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single card slots. The XP30 additionally offers internal storage, which can bail you out if you forget a memory card.

Connectivity-wise, the F900EXR includes built-in Wi-Fi and HDMI output for easy image transfer and display, a significant boon for digital workflow. The XP30 has no wireless options and no HDMI, limiting direct computer or monitor connections to USB.

In-Camera Features and Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Video functionality is basic but serviceable on both models.

The F900EXR can record Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60 fps with H.264 encoding, producing relatively clean video with reasonable stabilization courtesy of sensor-shift IS. No external mic input limits professional audio control, but for casual video, it’s adequate.

The XP30 maxes out at HD 1280 x 720 at 30 fps, and uses Motion JPEG compression, which results in larger files with less efficient quality. Video stabilization is present but less refined.

Neither camera offers 4K or high-frame-rate slow-motion modes, which is understandable given their age and category.

Additional features to note: The F900EXR supports RAW image capture, a considerable plus for post-processing and professional workflows, whereas the XP30 does not, tying it to JPEG-only usage.

Shooter Disciplines: How Each Camera Performs Across Popular Genres

To offer a complete picture, I evaluated both cameras across key photographic genres, using standardized criteria and extensive side-by-side comparisons.

Fujifilm F900EXR front Fujifilm F900EXR screen back Fujifilm XP30 screen back

Portrait Photography

The F900EXR’s superior sensor, effective face detection AF, and 20x zoom allow pleasing subject isolation and well-rendered skin tones. Its bokeh is limited due to small sensor size but still better than the XP30. The XP30 struggles with skin tone accuracy and lacks face detection, producing flatter, less appealing results.

Landscape Photography

Closed down to the widest aperture, the F900EXR's higher resolution and dynamic range optimization yield crisp, detailed landscapes with balanced exposures. The XP30 captures decent shots but with reduced edge sharpness and limited tonal depth, especially in challenging light.

Wildlife Photography

Thanks to its telephoto reach, fast AF, and burst mode, the F900EXR comfortably outperforms the XP30 in tracking wildlife. The XP30’s short lens and slow AF make it unsuitable for capturing moving animals.

Sports Photography

Again, the F900EXR shines due to continuous shooting speed and more agile AF tracking. The XP30’s sluggish focus and minimal burst rate rule it out as a sports camera.

Street Photography

The XP30’s discreet size and silence help it blend in street scenarios, but image quality is lower than the F900EXR’s sharp, detailed output. The latter is bulkier, which could attract attention but offers manual controls for creative street shots.

Macro Photography

F900EXR’s closest focusing distance (~5cm) and sensor resolution outperform the XP30’s 9cm macro ability. The F900EXR provides more sharpness and bokeh control for creative close-ups.

Night/Astrophotography

F900EXR’s better high-ISO performance and EXR dynamic range modes produce cleaner night shots. The XP30’s noisy CCD sensor limits low-light usability drastically.

Video Capabilities

As discussed, the F900EXR handles smoother Full HD video with acceptable stabilization. XP30 falls behind with lower resolution and dated codecs.

Travel Photography

Balancing size, weight, zoom, and durability, these cameras diverge in travel suitability. The XP30’s ruggedness and modest zoom appeal to outdoor travelers needing splash- and shock-resistance. The F900EXR suits photographers who want zoom versatility with better image quality but must guard the camera carefully.

Professional Workflows

None is truly professional-grade, but the F900EXR’s RAW support and manual controls offer some semi-pro appeal. The XP30 remains purely consumer to casual users.

Build Quality and Reliability

Both cameras use predominantly plastic construction, but their build caters to different priorities. The F900EXR feels rock-solid for a compact, with a well-assembled body and responsive controls. The XP30 focuses more on rugged, sealed design, sacrificing some finesse in button feel for durability.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing beyond the XP30’s waterproof/dustproof shell; the F900EXR should be protected from harsh conditions.

Price and Value Analysis

At an approximate street price of $380 for the F900EXR and $240 for the XP30, their value propositions diverge considerably.

If image quality, versatility, and control are paramount to you, the F900EXR delivers outstanding performance for its class - offering features that justify the premium.

If you prioritize durability and underwater use on a budget, the XP30’s ruggedness and waterproofing make it a compelling buy despite its image quality compromises.

Summarizing Performance Scores at a Glance

The F900EXR ranks noticeably higher in overall imaging, autofocus, and feature richness. The XP30’s strengths concentrate in durability and portability.

Mapping cameras to genres reveals the F900EXR leading in portraiture, wildlife, sports, and landscape, while the XP30 modestly outperforms only where ruggedness and convenience beat image quality.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Fujifilm F900EXR if you:

• Want a flexible superzoom capable of serious telephoto reach
• Crave manual exposure control and RAW shooting for creative expression
• Need fast, responsive autofocus for action and wildlife scenes
• Prefer superior image quality with dynamic range and low noise
• Don’t mind carrying a slightly larger camera for enhanced features
• Require built-in connectivity and HD video recording

Opt for the Fujifilm XP30 if you:

• Shoot outdoors in challenging weather - rain, snow, dust, or underwater
• Value a lightweight, pocketable design with immediate power-on
• Are a casual or beginner shooter satisfied with JPEGs and fully automatic modes
• Need a camera that endures shock and freezing temperatures
• Have a limited budget and prioritize reliability over advanced controls

Closing Thoughts

Having spent many hours testing and comparing the F900EXR and XP30 under controlled and real-world conditions, the choice between these two distinct Fujifilm compacts ultimately boils down to intended use.

The F900EXR impresses as a versatile, mid-range superzoom with solid photographic chops. Its sensor, controls, and features place it above typical compacts, rewarding those willing to invest time mastering its capabilities. It’s a camera for enthusiasts who want more control and creative flexibility in a compact form.

On the flip side, the XP30 embraces toughness and simplicity, thriving in environments where a conventional camera might fail. If your shooting involves water, dirt, extreme cold, or frequent rough handling, XP30’s resilience delivers peace of mind. Its compromises in image quality and speed are understandable trade-offs related to its protective design.

At the end of the day, these Fujifilm offerings cater to distinct photographers. Armed with this granular and experience-driven comparison, you can decide which model aligns best with your photographic ambitions and lifestyle.

I encourage serious buyers to try handling these cameras personally, considering ergonomics and workflow alongside specs, since the tactile factor is key - especially in compact cameras that are extensions of your creative vision in any situation.

Happy shooting!