Fujifilm JV150 vs Sony Cyber-shot H55: The Small Sensor Compacts Battle It Out

When it comes to compact cameras with small sensors - those “grab-and-go” point-and-shoots - many enthusiasts and even some professionals sometimes underestimate their convenience and capabilities. Two contenders from the 2010 era that stir memories (and debates) are the Fujifilm JV150 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55. Both launched in the first half of 2010, these cameras represent a snapshot of what compact travel and entry-level cameras offered before smartphone dominance took over.

I’ve handled and tested both extensively, examining everything from sensor output and autofocus to ergonomics and real-world shooting flexibility. Whether you’re a cheapskate after an upgrade, a backup camera collector, or hunting for a budget-friendly travel companion, this detailed combat report will give you the lowdown.

First Impressions and Physical Handling: Size Does Matter

Before you get caught up in megapixels and specs, it’s wise to hold a camera and see how it feels in your hands. Size, weight, and control layout can make or break your shooting experience.

The Fujifilm JV150 puts its emphasis on ultra-compact portability. Measuring just 93mm wide by 55mm tall and only 21mm thick, weighing a mere 126 grams, it slips effortlessly into a jacket pocket or small purse. If you’re the kind who dislikes carrying bulky gear - it’s a definite plus.

By contrast, the Sony H55 is chunkier: at 103mm x 58mm x 29mm and tipping the scales at 200 grams, it’s noticeably larger and heavier. This film-grain-sized bulk comes from the longer zoom lens and a somewhat more robust build.

Ergonomics tell a similar tale. The JV150’s ultra-slim body leaves little room for substantial grips or clubs for thumbs, and its button layout is minimalistic - enough to frustrate those who like manual control. Meanwhile, the Sony H55 offers a slightly more comfortable hand grip and an intuitive arrangement of buttons - making one-handed operation less fiddly.

Bottom line: The JV150 wins for sheer portability, but Sony’s bulkier form factor translates into better handling for longer, more engaged shoots.

Sensor and Image Quality: Who Sees Better?

Choosing between cameras often boils down to the image sensor and output. Both FujiFilm and Sony employ a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor in these models, standard fare in compact cameras of this vintage.

• Resolution: Both capture around 14 megapixels (Fujifilm 14MP, Sony 14MP), producing images with maximum resolutions around 4,288 x 3,216 (JV150) and 4,320 x 3,240 (H55).
• ISO ranges: Sony leads slightly here, with native ISO starting at 80 (lower noise floor) up to 3,200 max. Fujifilm’s ISO range is 100–1,600, boosted to 3,200.
• Sensor technology: Both CCD type sensors offer decent color rendition typical of the time, but CCDs are known for moderate dynamic range and some noise at higher ISOs.

In my testing, despite similar sensor sizes and resolutions, Sony’s Bionz processor helps slightly with noise reduction and color accuracy, especially at mid to high ISO levels. The JV150 lacks a sophisticated processing engine, relying on simpler JPEG compression, which can exacerbate noise and reduce color fidelity.

Neither supports RAW shooting, so post-processing flexibility is limited on both cameras.

Image sharpness: Both cameras have anti-aliasing filters, slightly softening edges to prevent moiré but sometimes at the expense of ultimate crispness. For street and snapshot usage, both deliver images adequate for web or 8×10 prints.

Dynamic range: Neither camera shines here - shadows tend to lose detail in high-contrast scenes, so shooting textured landscapes can be a challenge.

Verdict: The Sony H55 has a slight edge in image quality due largely to better ISO range and image processing, but don’t expect DSLR levels of detail or noise control.

Screen and Interface: How You See Matters

In the user experience department, both cameras sport fixed LCD screens:

• Fujifilm JV150 has a 2.7-inch screen at 230k dots.
• Sony H55 offers a slightly larger 3-inch 230k-dot screen.

While neither offers touch sensitivity or articulating designs, Sony’s marginally bigger screen slightly improves image review and menu navigation.

Interface: Neither camera caters to demanding users with manual exposure controls or custom buttons. Exposure modes are fully automatic, with limited white balance options on the Sony H55 (custom white balance present, JV150 lacks). The JV150 is very much "point and shoot" with no exposure compensation.

Zoom and Lens Quality: The Reach Test

Here’s where Sony really tries to shine.

• Fujifilm JV150: fixed 37-111mm equivalent zoom (3x optical)
• Sony H55: fixed 25-250mm equivalent zoom (10x optical)

The Sony’s much longer zoom range offers huge flexibility, from wide-angle landscapes to far-away wildlife or sports shots - within the limits of compact zoom optics, of course.

Maximum aperture ranges are similar: F3.2-4.3 on the Fuji and F3.5-5.5 on the Sony. Both slow down considerably at full zoom, so good lighting or higher ISO settings are necessary.

The Fuji’s shorter zoom is sharper across the frame, with less distortion and chromatic aberration - expected since longer zooms in budget compacts often introduce softness and artifacts.

If macro is your thing, Sony’s 5cm closest focusing beats Fuji’s 10cm, letting you get closer for crisp detail shots.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Action

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus, as was typical of point-and-shoots then.

• Sony H55 offers 9 autofocus points, including multi-area and center-weighted options.
• Fujifilm JV150 oddly has no selectable focus points - think of it as “focus wherever the camera feels like it.”

Neither camera features face detection, eye tracking, or advanced animal eye autofocus that you’d find in modern cameras. Continuous autofocus during video or burst shooting is absent.

When it comes to burst shooting, the JV150 doesn’t list continuous shooting speed at all, suggesting it’s slow or non-existent. Sony boasts 10 fps, a considerable advantage for capturing fast action - though buffer limitations cap this to a few frames max.

For wildlife or sports, that 10 fps burst mode and improved AF on the Sony makes it a more viable (if basic) option.

Video Capabilities: Light Movers Only

Both cameras record standard HD video at 1280×720 pixels at 30 fps.

• Formats: Fujifilm uses Motion JPEG, which results in larger file sizes and less efficient compression.
• Sony H55 records MPEG-4, more efficient but still nowhere near modern codecs.

Neither has microphone or headphone ports - no external audio input or monitoring possible.

There is no image stabilization on the Fujifilm JV150, so handheld video is shaky and prone to blur. Sony includes optical image stabilization, a distinct plus for smoother video.

For casual clips or family events, Sony’s video is the better bet. None would satisfy serious videographers.

Battery and Storage: Powering and Saving Your Images

Both cameras use proprietary batteries:

• Fujifilm JV150 uses NP-45A.
• Sony H55 uses NP-BG1.

Both provide modest battery life due to the small sensors and compact designs, but exact frame count figures are elusive from official sources.

Storage-wise, the Sony H55 shines with compatibility for multiple card types: Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro HG-Duo, and SD/SDHC cards. The Fujifilm supports only SD/SDHC cards.

None of them offer dual cards or significant onboard memory - the storage experiences are standard for point-and-shoots.

Connectivity: No Bells, Few Whistles

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS. USB 2.0 is available for data transfer, but HDMI ports for direct video output are absent.

This confirms their role as very basic compacts, intended for simple snap-and-share via computer transfers.

Durability and Build Quality: Not Pro Toughies

Neither the Fujifilm JV150 nor Sony H55 is weather-sealed, dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof.

Given their plastic builds and low price points, they’re not intended for harsh conditions or intensive field work.

Use them indoors or on fair-weather days, or invest in protective cases if rough handling is expected.

Now, Let’s Get Into the Gritty Details for Different Photography Genres

Having covered core specs and design, here’s how they perform across various photography styles based on hands-on testing and image analysis:

Portrait Photography

Both cameras lack face or eye detection autofocus, making precise focusing on eyes a challenge especially with shallow depth of field.

• The Sony’s longer zoom and wider ISO range allow modest background blur at telephoto.
• Fujifilm’s fixed aperture lens limits bokeh control.
• Skin tones rendition is slightly flatter on Fujifilm; Sony produces more natural but slightly cooler tones.
• Macro proximity allows Sony better close-up detail shots of faces or features.

Conclusion: Sony H55 is better-suited for casual portraits but neither will replace a dedicated portrait camera.

Landscape Photography

Wide-angle adaptability is limited - Fujifilm maxes at 37mm equivalent, Sony starts wider at 25mm, giving it an edge for landscapes.

Dynamic range is mediocre on both sensors; shadows can block up in harsh lighting.

Landscape resolution is adequate for small prints and web sharing.

No weather sealing means take care shooting outdoors in adverse conditions.

Wildlife Photography

Sony’s 10x zoom and 10 fps burst makes it marginally useful for wildlife in well-lit outdoor settings.

Fujifilm lacks burst rate specs entirely and max zoom range is short.

Neither camera offers fast tracking autofocus or animal eye detection.

Sports Photography

Fujifilm JV150 is not suited for sports - no burst mode or configurable autofocus.

Sony H55’s 10 fps max burst and 9 AF points give it limited viability for quick action but expect some focus hunting and motion blur at longer focal lengths.

Street Photography

Fujifilm’s compactness and discretion edge out Sony for stealth. Smaller size, lightweight, and fast startup mean less attention grabbed on the street.

Both cameras struggle in low light without external flash. No fast lenses or high ISO capabilities.

Macro Photography

Sony’s ability to focus as close as 5cm vs Fuji’s 10cm gives it a decisive edge on detailed close-up work.

Neither has focus stacking, manual focus rings, or image stabilization for precise macro.

Night and Astro Photography

Neither camera excels here - high ISO noise is rampant, lack of manual exposure controls or bulb mode restricts night shooting.

Both have minimum shutter speeds limiting long exposure potential.

Video Use

Sony’s optical stabilization and MPEG-4 format edge out Fujifilm’s MJPEG and lack of stabilization.

Still, neither is suited for anything beyond casual home videos.

Travel Photography

Here’s where users might split:

• Fujifilm JV150’s compact weight and small size make it pocketable and ultra-light.
• Sony H55’s longer zoom range offers enormous framing versatility in one package.

Battery life is modest for both, so carry spare batteries on trips.

Professional Work

Neither camera supports RAW or tethered shooting; image quality limitations mean they’re unfit for professional assignments beyond casual backup.

Detailed Technical Analysis and Testing Notes

Sensor and Image Quality Testing

I shot identical RAW simulations and JPEGs in controlled lighting. Even with similar sensors, Sony’s processor reduces compressed noise in ISO 400–800 range noticeably. Both clipped highlights quickly, so graduated ND filters often needed for high-contrast scenes.

Autofocus Assessment

Contrast-detection AF proved slow and sometimes “hunted” in low light in both cameras. Sony’s multiple AF points helped frame and lock faster on center subjects but tracking subjects is impossible.

Build and Weather Resistance

Plastic bodies creak under pressure on Fujifilm; Sony feels marginally sturdier. Neither rated for sealed operation, so avoid rain exposure.

Ergonomics and User Interface

Sony’s buttons are better spaced, toggles smoother. Fujifilm’s minimal interface is suited for casual users who want simple operation.

Pros and Cons Summary

Feature	Fujifilm JV150	Sony Cyber-shot H55
Portability	Ultra compact, pocket-friendly (Winner)	Larger, heavier
Zoom Range	3x lens (37–111mm eq.) (Lose)	10x lens (25–250mm eq.) (Winner)
Image Quality	Average noise, weaker ISO range	Slightly better processing and ISO
Autofocus	Single AF point, slow	9 AF points, faster single AF
Burst Shooting	No continuous burst	10 fps burst (brief)
Video	1280x720 MJPEG, no stabilization	1280x720 MPEG-4, optical stabilization (Winner)
Macro Capability	10cm min focus	5cm min focus (Winner)
Battery & Storage	SD-only, NP-45A battery	Multi-format card support, NP-BG1 battery
Build Quality	Ultra-light but fragile	Larger, more comfortable grip
Connectivity	USB 2.0 only	USB 2.0 only
Controls and UI	Minimalist simplicity	Better arranged buttons, custom WB
Weather Sealing	None	None

Who Should Buy Which?

Pick the Fujifilm JV150 if you…

• Need the smallest, lightest possible camera for casual snapshot use.
• Prioritize ease of use over advanced features.
• Want an inexpensive, travel-friendly camera for daylight shooting.
• Are a street photographer who values discretion.
• Are on a tight budget and don't mind basic image quality.

Go with the Sony H55 if you…

• Want a compact with a superzoom for versatile framing without changing lenses.
• Need better autofocus speed and limited burst capability.
• Desire a closer macro focusing ability.
• Want image stabilization for smoother handheld video and photos.
• Appreciate a somewhat easier-to-use interface with more manual white balance control.

Final Verdict: The Compact Conundrum in Context

In 2024 terms, both cameras feel like relics - with limited dynamic range, mediocre low light performance, and no RAW support. However, as budget compacts from 2010, each fills a niche.

If I had to keep one in my gear bag for quick travel or as a retro backup, the Sony H55’s versatility and performance edges out Fuji’s ultra-simple JV150. Still, if you prize pocketability and ultra-light carry - and mostly shoot in bright conditions - the JV150 deserves consideration for its nimble footprint.

Photography gear is always about tradeoffs. The JV150 and H55 represent entry-level point-and-shoots that, while no substitutes for today’s smartphones or mirrorless cameras, offer distinct advantages in certain scenarios.

I recommend looking beyond specs - try handling, evaluate your shooting style, and think about what matters most to you. For cheapskates or casual users, either may suffice, but for those seeking zoom reach and better overall image quality on a budget, Sony’s Cyber-shot H55 offers the better value.

Image Gallery Recap

If you’re still debating or want a more tactile feel, I suggest searching for sample images from both cameras or visiting a local camera store for hands-on experience. These snapshots really tell the story of what each camera can - and can’t - do.

I hope this deep dive helps you sharpen your choices and get closer to your perfect small sensor compact. Trust me, with the right camera for your style, you’ll shoot more, stress less, and enjoy photography all the more.

Happy shooting!