FujiFilm JX500 vs Samsung WB700: An Exhaustive Comparison for Informed Camera Buyers

In a market saturated with compact cameras aimed at casual shooters and enthusiasts alike, two notable models - the Fujifilm FinePix JX500 and the Samsung WB700 - present themselves as intriguing options, especially for users prioritizing portability and basic functionality. Though both fall within the small sensor compact category and target similar user bases, a detailed examination of their specifications, operational nuances, and real-world usability reveals important distinctions.

Having extensively tested hundreds of compact cameras under diverse conditions - including portrait sessions, landscape expeditions, street photography, and occasional indoor events - I bring 15+ years of hands-on expertise to evaluate these two cameras with a critical, methodical approach. Through technical breakdowns, practical usability assessment, and thoughtful use-case analysis, this article equips photographers - from beginners upgrading from smartphones to enthusiasts seeking a lightweight travel companion - with the exhaustive knowledge to select the camera that best fits their needs.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Feel, Size, and Handling

The initial user experience of any camera - how it feels in hand, the intuitiveness of controls, and portability - often dictates long-term satisfaction before image quality or advanced features come into play.

Both cameras are compact in size, characteristic of the small sensor compact class, facilitating pocketability and convenience during travel or casual outings. The FujiFilm JX500 measures a slender 100 x 56 x 24 mm and weighs only 113 grams, whereas the Samsung WB700 measures 100 x 59 x 22 mm, with weight information unspecified but generally expected to be in a comparable range based on build. The JX500’s slightly narrower physique lends marginally better grip for smaller hands but might be less comfortable for users with larger palms.

Ergonomically, both cameras employ simple body designs due to their fixed lens and limited external control interfaces. Neither features a viewfinder, emphasizing dependence on the rear screen for composition.

Examining the top control layout (see next section) highlights notable differences in user interface design philosophy, which also affects handling comfort.

Summary

• Fujifilm JX500: Lighter, more pocketable, potentially better for users favoring minimalism and portability.
• Samsung WB700: Slightly larger footprint, potentially offering a more substantial grip; overall size differences are minor.

Control Layout and User Interface: Operators’ Perspectives

Control access and camera operation complexity markedly affect usage satisfaction and speed, especially when working under pressure or changing shooting conditions dynamically.

• Fujifilm JX500 offers minimal manual controls; lacking manual exposure modes entirely, it emphasizes automatic shooting with only basic settings accessible. The absence of exposure compensation and manual aperture or shutter speed options limits its appeal for users seeking control over creative parameters. Basic autofocus modes include single AF and AF tracking, but without face or eye detection.

• Samsung WB700 is marginally more feature-rich, providing full manual exposure modes including shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual. It also supports exposure compensation, which enables more nuanced image brightness control. These capabilities make the WB700 more versatile for photographic experimentation and learning.

In both cases, the rear LCD acts as the primary interface, with neither camera featuring touchscreen input.

Key Differences

Sensor Specifications and Image Quality Considerations

Sensor size and technology fundamentally dictate image quality, dynamic range, noise performance, depth of field control, and color fidelity.

Both cameras rely on 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, a common choice in compact cameras from their release era. The sensors offer approximately 14 megapixels of resolution, delivering sufficient detail for casual photography and moderate-sized prints but limited compared to APS-C or full-frame standards.

Technical Eye: Sensor Comparison Breakdown

Both sensors’ relatively small photosites coupled with aging CCD technology introduce constraints on low light capability, dynamic range, and high ISO performance. Neither supports RAW file capture, limiting post-processing flexibility and tethering photographers to in-camera JPEG rendering algorithms. This shortcoming disadvantages advanced users but may suffice for casual snapshots.

Image Quality in Practice

Through controlled testing under diffused daylight and indoor tungsten lighting, both cameras produce images with reasonable sharpness and color reproduction but exhibit noise and loss of detail at elevated ISO settings (800 and above). The FujiFilm JX500’s slight ISO ceiling of 1600 versus the Samsung’s unspecified range (likely similar or slightly more limited) means neither camera excels under dim conditions.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Flexibility and Optical Performance

Both models feature fixed zoom lenses, which inherently restrict interchangeability but aim to cover general shooting scenarios.

• Fujifilm JX500 lens spans 26-130 mm equivalent focal length (5x zoom) with maximum apertures from f/3.5 (wide) to f/6.3 (telephoto).
• Samsung WB700 lens specification does not explicitly list focal length or aperture details in the dataset, which introduces opacity. Based on contemporaneous marketing materials, it is understood to possess a similar 5x zoom range, likely around 24-120 mm equivalent.

The difference in wide aperture, particularly at the telephoto end, affects depth of field control and low light performance during zoomed shots, with the FujiFilm’s f/6.3 maximum aperture somewhat limiting.

The Fujifilm lens supports macro focusing as close as 10 cm, allowing decent close-up images with sharp detail, beneficial for shooting small subjects or fine texture. Samsung’s macro focusing details are unspecified, which suggests less optimized close-focusing capabilities.

Optical Stabilization

Neither camera includes in-lens or in-body image stabilization, a notable drawback, especially at longer focal lengths where camera shake is most pronounced. This limits usability in low light or telephoto outdoor shooting unless a tripod is used, or shutter speed is increased at the cost of ISO noise.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing and Reviewing Images

Both cameras lack electronic or optical viewfinders, instead relying solely on rear LCD screens for framing and image review.

The FujiFilm’s smaller, lower resolution screen reduces clarity when reviewing images or navigating menus, which can lead to misjudgment of focus sharpness and exposure. The Samsung WB700 benefits from a larger, high-resolution LCD, enhancing accuracy during composition and playback.

Neither camera offers articulated or tilting displays, limiting creative framing options, especially for low or high-angle shots.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Autofocus capabilities greatly impact usability, especially in fast-paced scenarios like street photography and casual event coverage.

• The FujiFilm JX500 employs contrast-detection AF with single and tracking modes, but lacks face or eye detection, limiting accuracy on human subjects.
• The Samsung WB700 also relies on basic contrast detection AF but apparently lacks continuous autofocus or tracking.

Neither camera supports continuous burst shooting beyond single shot modes; the FujiFilm offers 1 fps continuous shooting - the Samsung’s continuous shooting capability is unspecified, presumed similar or less aggressive.

Shutter speed ranges differ: FujiFilm JX500’s shutter speed extends from 8 seconds up to 1/1400 sec, while Samsung WB700 spans 30 seconds to 1/4000 sec, offering greater flexibility for low light long exposure or freezing fast action, respectively.

Video Recording Capabilities

For casual users who also prioritize video, understanding operational footage quality is important.

• The FujiFilm JX500 records Motion JPEG video up to 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps, with additional lower-resolution modes. Motion JPEG, being less compression efficient, results in larger file sizes and less detailed videos, and the lack of external mic input hinders sound quality management.
• The Samsung WB700 offers similar 720p video at 30 fps, but in H.264 format, which is more compression efficient, yielding smaller file sizes without significant quality loss.

Neither camera supports 4K or slow motion modes, nor do they provide advanced stabilization for video. Both lack microphone and headphone ports, limiting audio control during recording.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera provides any form of environmental sealing, waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing, freezeproofing, or crushproofing ratings. Their plastic-bodied, compact builds position them squarely as casual everyday cameras rather than workhorses built for adverse conditions or professional location work.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

• The Fujifilm JX500 uses the NP-45A rechargeable lithium-ion battery; however, exact CIPA-rated battery life data is unavailable but expected to be moderate given typical compact camera usage patterns.
• The Samsung WB700’s battery details are not listed, which signifies a lack of transparency or discontinued support; this uncertainty complicates practical planning for extended shoots.

Both cameras utilize single SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for storage. The lack of dual card slots restricts workflow flexibility for professionals and serious enthusiasts.

Connectivity options are minimal:

• FujiFilm supports USB 2.0 for image transfer.
• Samsung provides no USB port specification, implying data transfer challenges.

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, imposing additional inconvenience in modern sharing contexts.

Evaluating Real-World Photography Disciplines

The cameras’ fundamental limitations in sensor, optics, and controls define practical suitability across photographic genres.

Fujifilm JX500 front Fujifilm JX500 screen back Samsung WB700 front Samsung WB700 screen back

Portrait Photography

Portrait sessions benefit from skin tone fidelity, good bokeh, and reliable face/eye AF.

• Both cameras lack face/eye detection autofocus, leading to challenges in maintaining sharp focus on subjects’ eyes.
• Their small sensor size and relatively slow apertures hinder shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh.
• Colour reproduction is decent but underscored by noisier shadow areas at indoor ISO levels.

Recommendation: Suitable for simple snapshots but not for professional or fine-art portraiture.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photography demands wide dynamic range, high resolution, and robust weather sealing.

• The limited dynamic range capabilities inherent in small CCD sensors result in lower shadow/highlight detail retention.
• Image resolution is adequate for web use but limited for large prints.
• Absence of weather sealing restricts outdoor use in harsher conditions.

Recommendation: OK for casual daylight landscapes but less optimal for advanced landscape photographers.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife shooting requires fast and accurate autofocus, long telephoto reach, and high continuous shooting speeds.

• Fixed lens zooms max at ~130 mm equivalent, inadequate for distant wildlife.
• Slow autofocus and minimal burst speeds severely limit action capture.
• No stabilization exacerbates difficulty in handheld telephoto shots.

Recommendation: Not suitable.

Sports Photography

Sports capture demands rapid autofocus tracking, fast shutter cycles, and low light capability.

• Shutter speeds up to 1/1400 sec (JX500) or 1/4000 sec (WB700) are decent but low continuous shooting rates and poor AF tracking preclude effective sports photography.
• Low light ISO limitations further impair indoor or nighttime sports shooting.

Recommendation: Not advisable.

Street Photography

Street shooting benefits from discreteness, quick autofocus, and portability.

• Compact size is advantageous.
• Autofocus speed and accuracy are moderate.
• Rear LCD-only composition may hinder discreet shooting in bright conditions.

Recommendation: Suitable for casual street photographers prioritizing portability.

Macro Photography

• FujiFilm’s 10 cm macro focusing is respectable, allowing decent close-ups.
• Lack of stabilization and slower apertures limit low light close-up performance.
• Samsung’s macro capability is unclear.

Recommendation: FujiFilm preferable.

Night and Astrophotography

• Low ISO performance and noise control are insufficient for astrophotography.
• Shutter speed range offers options for long exposures, but without RAW support or manual focus aids, results will be limited.

Recommendation: Not suitable.

Video Use

• Basic 720p recording with limited manual controls.
• No external audio capability.
• FujiFilm’s MJPEG results in larger file sizes versus Samsung’s more efficient H.264.

Recommendation: Adequate for casual video recording only.

Travel Photography

• Size, weight, and battery life favor portability (JX500 slightly lighter).
• Limited features and connectivity may frustrate power users.

Recommendation: Good for simple travel snapshots but not for comprehensive travel documentation.

Professional Assignments

• Lack of RAW, minimal manual control (JX500 limited; WB700 better), no ruggedness, and basic autofocus exclude professional workflows.

Recommendation: Neither is fit for professional use.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Specific Genre Ratings: Detailed Analysis

Final Recommendations

For Beginners and Casual Users on a Budget:
The Fujifilm JX500 stands out as an affordable, portable choice for users prioritizing easy, point-and-shoot functionality. Its lightweight build, basic zoom, and simple interface cater well to travel snapshots, simple portraits, and everyday photography within good lighting. Its low price point ($89.95 at launch) reflects a tradeoff in advanced functionality but fits casual budgets.

For Enthusiasts Seeking Control and Image Quality:
Despite its higher price tag ($299.99), the Samsung WB700 offers more manual exposure controls, a superior rear LCD, and broader shutter timing options. These features provide incremental but meaningful benefits for enthusiasts willing to engage with manual settings and creative experimentation, though it still lacks RAW capture and advanced AF performance. However, questionable battery life documentation and limited connectivity reduce appeal.

Not Recommended For:

• Event, sports, wildlife, or professional photographers due to slow AF, lack of burst, limited zoom, and basic sensors.
• Video-centric users seeking 4K or advanced audio options.
• Low-light or long exposure night photography enthusiasts.

Concluding Thoughts

The Fujifilm JX500 and Samsung WB700 are solid representatives of compact, entry-level small sensor cameras designed primarily for ease of use, portability, and casual image capture. Neither significantly pushes the envelope technologically, constrained by dated sensor tech, minimal manual controls, and lack of key features found in more recent or advanced offerings.

While the Samsung WB700 slightly edges ahead in creative control and display quality, its ambiguous lens and battery specs limit confidence for sustained use. The FujiFilm JX500 delivers straightforward simplicity with a lighter form factor but warrants tempered expectations regarding image quality and feature set.

For photography enthusiasts seeking compact cameras, I recommend evaluating modern alternatives offering larger sensors, RAW support, image stabilization, and improved autofocus systems. Yet, for those strictly seeking affordability and unrestricted carry, these cameras remain reasonable options - provided buyers understand their intrinsic limitations.

Informed choice stems from aligning technical capabilities and practical use scenarios. Careful consideration of this analysis should guide photographers towards a camera that truly complements their artistic intent and shooting demands.