Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5: An In-Depth Compact Camera Comparison

Choosing a compact camera that truly fits your photography needs, budget, and lifestyle can be a challenge, especially when models take very different approaches to design and feature sets. Today, I’m putting two intriguing cameras side-by-side: the Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR, a small sensor superzoom champion, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 (FT5), a rugged waterproof traveler. Both released in 2013, these cameras cater to fairly distinct user types. But you may be wondering - which one is “better,” or more importantly, which one fits your shooting style? Having tested hundreds of compact cameras over my 15+ years as a reviewer and photographer, I’m here to break down these two models in practical terms. Expect honest hands-on insights, detailed technical analysis, and real-world usability comparisons.

Let’s dive into the nuts and bolts.

Size, Ergonomics & Handling: The Feel in Your Hands

When it comes to compact cameras, size and handling can significantly affect your shooting experience. Here’s where I started: grabbing both cameras and seeing how they fit my hands, how intuitive the controls felt, and whether I’d want to carry them all day.

The Fujifilm F900EXR measures 105 x 61 x 36 mm and weighs about 232 grams. It’s pocketable but has a distinctly chunky feel - mostly due to its long 25-500 mm zoom lens barrel extending forward. The grip is minimal, and the buttons are quite small, which might be a nuisance for shooters with larger hands or those who like to fiddle with settings quickly.

In contrast, the Panasonic TS5 is a little wider at 110 x 67 x 29 mm and slightly lighter at 214 grams. Its body design leans rugged and practical, with a more prominent grip. The button layout is simple but well spaced, suitable for on-the-go shooters and beginners alike.

Looking at the top views side-by-side, you notice the Fuji packs more dedicated exposure and manual control buttons - including shutter priority and aperture priority modes - which appeals to enthusiasts craving control. The Panasonic, however, prioritizes straightforward operation with fewer dials, reflecting its point-and-shoot ethos.

Practical takeaway: If you appreciate more clubs for your thumbs (controls, that is) and don’t mind a slightly bulkier feel, the Fuji offers richer ergonomics for enthusiast photographers. The Panasonic TS5 wins on portability and ruggedness, ready for beach trips or hikes where your camera may take a beating.

Sensor and Image Quality: Punching Above Their Weight

Both cameras use relatively small sensors typical of compact cameras, but nuances in sensor type, size, and image processing dictate real-world image quality.

At the heart of the Fujifilm F900EXR is a 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor sized 6.4x4.8 mm, delivering 16 megapixels effective resolution (4608 x 3456). Fuji’s proprietary EXR system prioritizes image quality optimization through pixel binning and dynamic range adjustments depending on the shooting mode - a thoughtful touch for varying lighting scenarios.

The Panasonic TS5 uses a slightly smaller 1/2.3" CMOS sensor measuring 6.08x4.56 mm with the same 16 MP output. While the native ISO maxes at 6400 (versus Fuji’s 3200 with boosted ISO up to 12800), Panasonic opts for a more conventional sensor without EXR proprietary enhancements.

Real-world impact:

• Dynamic range: Fuji's EXR sensor tends to pull ahead in challenging light by balancing dynamic range and noise, which helps preserve shadows and highlights better during landscape shoots or high-contrast scenes.

• Noise performance: Both cameras struggle as expected for their sensor sizes above ISO 800, but Fuji’s sensor + processing keeps noise slightly tighter up to ISO 1600. Panasonic can shoot up to ISO 6400, but images become grainy past ISO 1600.

• Resolution and detail: Both produce surprisingly detailed 16MP images at base ISO, but Fuji’s lens and sensor combo tends to resolve a bit more fine texture due to the longer zoom and better sharpness across the frame.

Bottom line? Neither camera can rival a large-sensor mirrorless or DSLR, but for casual use and social media sharing, the image quality from both is respectable. Fuji holds the edge for photographers who need a bit more latitude in tough lighting and desire crisp telephoto capability.

Display and User Interface: Seeing Your Shots Clearly

In daily shooting, the rear LCD panel is your window to the world - its size, resolution, and responsiveness matter.

Both cameras employ fixed 3-inch TFT LCD monitors but differ significantly in resolution:

• Fuji’s screen boasts 920k-dot resolution, making it sharp and vibrant for framing and reviewing images.
• Panasonic’s 460k-dot screen is noticeably less crisp, which can be frustrating in bright light or when trying to check focus precisely.

Neither camera has a touchscreen or an electronic viewfinder, limiting control flexibility and visibility under extreme lighting conditions.

In usability terms, menus on the Fujifilm F900EXR feel more detailed, offering full manual exposure controls, raw format shooting, and various exposure modes. For someone who likes to experiment with settings on the fly, this is a big plus.

The Panasonic TS5 menu is simpler, reflecting its water-ready, adventure-ready focus. It opts for ease of use over complexity, good for casual shooters or travelers wanting a dependable “point and shoot” style experience.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Capturing the Action

When it comes to speed, tracking, and responsiveness, autofocus systems make or break your ability to capture fleeting moments.

The Fuji features a hybrid autofocus system combining phase-detection and contrast-detection, which is quite unusual and appealing for a compact camera from 2013. It offers face detection and continuous autofocus modes, which perform well in controlled light.

Panasonic’s TS5 relies purely on contrast-detection AF with 23 focus points, a respectable but more conventional system. It includes AF tracking but lacks face or eye detection.

In burst shooting mode:

• Fuji pushes up to 11fps at full resolution, an impressive burst rate for its category.
• Panasonic trails slightly at 10fps, also decent but with potentially slower buffer clearing due to no raw support.

In practical terms, Fuji’s AF and burst combo offers better opportunities for action and sports enthusiast shooters, provided the lighting and focusing contrast cooperate. Panasonic’s AF is more suited for casual snapshots and travel photography where rapid-fire sequences are less critical.

Build Quality and Durability: Ready for Adventure?

One of the most important deciding factors for many outdoor shooters is how rugged a camera is out of the gate.

Panasonic Lumix TS5 stands out here with extensive environmental sealing:

• Waterproof down to 13 meters (43 feet)
• Dustproof and shockproof
• Freezeproof (operates in temperatures as low as -10°C)
• Crushproof up to 100 kgf pressure

This makes it an ideal companion for hiking, snorkeling, beaches, winter sports, or simply a camera tough enough to survive the usual travel bumps.

The Fujifilm F900EXR, in contrast, has no weather sealing or shock resistance. It’s best treated with care, ideally in relatively gentle conditions.

So, if durability under harsh conditions is a must, the Panasonic TS5 is the clear winner here.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Versatility vs. Reach

Both cameras feature fixed (non-interchangeable) lenses but with very different zoom capabilities.

The Fujifilm F900EXR rocks an extraordinary 25-500 mm equivalent zoom (20x zoom), a huge range spanning wide-angle to full telephoto. While the maximum aperture narrows to f/5.3 at the telephoto end, this reach is great for wildlife, sports spectators, or travel scenarios where changing lenses isn’t an option.

On the other hand, the Panasonic TS5 sports a shorter 28-128 mm (4.6x zoom) lens, trading reach for a wider aperture starting at f/3.3. This translates to slightly better low-light performance at wide angles but limiting zoom for distant subjects.

Image stabilization tech also differs:

• Fuji uses sensor-shift stabilization, effective and consistent across zoom ranges.
• Panasonic deploys optical image stabilization (lens-shift), great for the shorter zoom length.

For macro work, both can focus as close as 5 cm, providing decent close-up shooting experiences, although neither reaches the magnification of dedicated macro cameras or lenses.

Verdict: Fuji’s impressive 20x reach gives it the edge for telephoto shots, while Panasonic benefits from a wide aperture at the short end for general snapshots.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips or Serious Footage?

Both cameras can shoot full HD 1080p video at 60fps, but codecs and features vary.

• Fujifilm F900EXR records MPEG-4 or H.264 files, maxing at 1080p/60fps, with no microphone input or headphone output. No 4K or advanced video features, but stabilization helps keep footage steady.

• Panasonic TS5 supports AVCHD as well as MPEG-4, also at 1080p/60fps. It lacks external mic jacks but includes timelapse recording - a nice bonus for creative enthusiasts.

Neither camera excels as a video powerhouse, but for casual video capturing during travels or family events, both produce respectable footage. The Panasonic’s timelapse feature pushes it slightly ahead for creative video uses.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life: Staying Powered and Connected

Both models offer built-in wireless connectivity, albeit limited:

• Panasonic notably adds NFC for quick pairing, plus built-in GPS for geotagging - very helpful for travel photographers logging locations.
• Fuji has no NFC or GPS, only basic Wi-Fi for image transfer.

Memory-wise, both use a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, standard fare.

Battery endurance is another important factor:

• Panasonic’s TS5 has the edge with roughly 370 shots per charge.
• Fuji reaches a respectable 260 shots.

Though neither can match DSLRs or mirrorless in battery life, Panasonic takes the prize for longer day trips.

Style and Use Case: Who Needs Which?

I’ve now covered the technical and design elements at length, but the real question remains: who should choose which camera? Here’s an honest breakdown.

FujiFilm FinePix F900EXR

Strengths:

• Massive 20x zoom range for telephoto versatility
• Hybrid AF system with phase detection for improved focus speed and accuracy
• Higher resolution 920k-dot rear LCD
• Manual exposure modes, raw shooting, and more advanced controls for enthusiasts
• Better dynamic range and noise control at higher ISOs for landscapes or portraits

Weaknesses:

• No weather sealing or ruggedization - treat with care
• Bulkier design and less ergonomic grip
• Shorter battery life (~260 shots)
• No GPS or NFC features

Best for:

• Hobbyists and enthusiasts seeking a versatile zoom compact with manual controls
• Photographers wanting a “bridge” camera for wildlife, sports spectators, or travel where lens changes aren’t practical
• Those willing to handle camera with care for better image quality

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5

Strengths:

• Rugged, waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof body ready for rough environments
• Built-in GPS and NFC adding convenience for travel logging and quick sharing
• Longer battery life (~370 shots), suitable for extended trips
• Simpler menus and straightforward operation for beginners or casual shooters
• Timelapse recording option in video mode

Weaknesses:

• Limited 4.6x zoom range - less reach for wildlife or sports
• Lower-resolution LCD, less detailed image playback
• No raw format support and more traditional contrast-detect AF system limits advanced focusing needs
• Limited manual exposure features (no aperture or shutter priority)

Best for:

• Adventure travelers, beachgoers, and outdoor enthusiasts requiring a rugged waterproof camera
• Beginners or casual users wanting a simple, reliable point-and-shoot
• Anyone prioritizing durability and connectivity over ultimate image quality or zoom reach

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

To synthesize how these cameras stack up by genre, I ran them through standard field tests, evaluating focusing, image quality, and handling specific to each discipline.

Fujifilm F900EXR front Fujifilm F900EXR screen back Panasonic TS5 front Panasonic TS5 screen back

Portraits:

• Fujifilm’s EXR sensor and face detection gave better skin tone reproduction and smoother bokeh (albeit limited by small sensor).
• Panasonic struggled with skin tones and lacks face detection autofocus.

Landscape:

• Fuji’s better dynamic range and higher resolution shows more detail in shadow/highlight areas.
• Panasonic usable but less nuance in complex lighting.

Wildlife:

• Fuji’s 20x zoom and faster hybrid AF offered better reach and quicker focus on moving subjects.
• Panasonic’s 4.6x zoom and slower contrast AF are limiting.

Sports:

• Fuji’s continuous AF and 11fps burst speed edged ahead on capturing fast action.
• Panasonic adequate for casual sports but falls behind prosumers.

Street:

• Panasonic’s rugged design and compactness are handy for casual street photography.
• Fuji bulkier, but better image quality if shooting in controlled conditions.

Macro:

• Both offer 5cm close focus; equal footing but limited by sensor size.

Night / Astro:

• Fuji’s EXR sensor supports higher boosted ISO; Panasonic’s noise is more aggressive at high ISO.

Video:

• Panasonic’s timelapse + AVCHD format provide creative edge.
• Fuji’s manual controls benefit simple video capture.

Travel:

• Panasonic’s waterproofing and GPS make it the top choice.
• Fuji packs more zoom and flexibility but requires extra care.

Professional Work:

• Neither camera is designed for professional use but Fuji’s raw support and manual controls offer marginally more integration potential.

Overall Performance and Ratings Summary

Let’s look at the overall scored comparison based on the formulas I use in my benchmark testing - combining image quality, autofocus, build, and usability.

• Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR: Strong overall, excelling in image quality and autofocus; weaker in durability and battery
• Panasonic Lumix TS5: More balanced for rugged use; sacrifices some image quality and control for durability and travel features

Price and Value Consideration: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

At near-identical price points - roughly $350–380 as of 2013 release dates - the question of value is key.

If you’re on a budget and want versatility and image quality, go Fuji. You’re paying a slight premium for zoom reach and manual control but getting more creative freedom.

If your focus is durability, ease, and travel-ready features, Panasonic offers exceptional value without breaking the bank or forcing you to baby your camera.

Final Verdict: Which Compact Fits You?

In closing, these two cameras serve quite different crowds despite their similar compact forms.

Choose the Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR if:

• You crave manual control and the longest zoom range at this budget
• You’re an enthusiast who enjoys tweaking settings and desire raw file options
• Shooting portraits, wildlife, landscapes with slightly better image quality matters

Choose the Panasonic Lumix TS5 if:

• You’re an adventure traveler, underwater explorer, or outdoor enthusiast needing a tough, waterproof body
• You want simplicity and convenience with added GPS and NFC for travel tagging and sharing
• You shoot casual stills/videos and value longer battery life

If I had to pack a travel/day hike camera with a robust zoom for wildlife and landscapes, I’d bring the Fujifilm F900EXR - with careful handling. But for beach days, rugged hikes, or pool parties, the TS5 is the faithful practical companion.

Remember, as much as specs matter, hands-on comfort and how the camera fits your shooting style will ultimately guide your best choice.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you make a more informed decision for your next compact camera! Feel free to ask for lens or accessory recommendations tied to your choice down the road. Happy shooting!