Fujifilm FinePix JX550 vs. SL300: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When FujiFilm released the FinePix JX550 and SL300 back in early 2012, they targeted very different segments of the market - one was a pocket-friendly compact aimed at casual shooters, and the other a beefier superzoom bridge camera designed to put a lot of zoom flexibility in the hands of enthusiasts on a budget.
Having tested both extensively, I want to help you cut through the specs and marketing jargon to find which fits your photography style, needs, and wallet.

In this detailed comparison, rooted in hands-on experience and technical know-how, I’ll cover everything from ergonomics to performance across photography genres and real-world scenarios. Plus, I’ll include FujiFilm’s strengths and shortcomings and offer practical buying advice.

Size, Feel, and Handling: Compact Charm Meets Bridge Bulk

First impressions matter, and that includes how a camera feels in your hands. The Fujifilm JX550 is a classic pocketable compact, while the SL300 is a chunkier bridge-style camera - a club for your thumbs, some might say, but one packed with controls and heft.

• Fujifilm JX550 measures a tiny 100mm x 56mm x 24mm and weighs just 113g. It slips easily into jeans or a small purse.
• Fujifilm SL300 is significantly larger and heavier at 122mm x 93mm x 100mm and 510g, closer in size to a DSLR-style camera, though with a plastic body.

The compactness of the JX550 makes it perfect for street and travel photography where you want to stay discreet and unencumbered. The SL300’s bulk enables a more substantial grip, better suited for telephoto shots or when you want extra control via buttons and dials.

Layout and Controls: Simple vs. Feature-Rich Interface

Let’s peek at the top view, where you see the design language and control philosophy.

• The JX550 goes for minimalist controls - no manual focus, no exposure modes, no dials. It’s a point-and-shoot at its soul.
• The SL300, meanwhile, embraces manual exposure, shutter priority, and aperture priority modes. It includes a mode dial, zoom lever, and dedicated buttons - ideal for photographers who cherish quick adjustments.

For me, the SL300’s layout is a breath of fresh air for those who want an upgrade path from basic point-and-shoots but aren’t ready for a full mirrorless or DSLR system.

Sensor and Image Quality: Both CCD, But Different Resolutions and Capabilities

Although neither uses the newer CMOS sensors we see today, both cameras share a 1/2.3" CCD sensor type with nearly identical physical dimensions (~28 mm²). However, they differ in resolution and internal processing.

• JX550 packs a 16MP sensor, the highest megapixel count here, with images up to 4608 x 3216 pixels.
• SL300 offers 14MP but benefits from advanced image stabilization and a lower minimum native ISO of 64, promising slightly better noise control at lower ISOs.

In real-world shooting, the difference is subtle but notable. The JX550’s higher resolution means you get a bit more detail in ideal lighting, but its lack of image stabilization makes handheld shots on the longer end softer.

In dimmer conditions, the SL300 with its sensor-shift stabilization and wider maximum aperture at the short end (f/3.1 vs. f/3.5) generally delivers sharper shots with less blur. Neither camera handles ISO above 1600 well, with visible noise creeping in.

LCD and Viewfinder: Your Window to the World

The JX550’s 2.7-inch fixed LCD screen with 230k-dot resolution feels dated and a bit cramped. The SL300 ups the ante with a crisp 3-inch screen at 460k dots and an electronic viewfinder covering 97% of the frame - great for daylight composing.

If you tend to shoot outdoors or in bright conditions, the SL300’s EVF alone is a game-changer, offering better stability and precision framing. The JX550’s lack of a viewfinder means you’re always relying on the screen, which can be tricky in sunlight.

Zoom, Focus, and Autofocus Capabilities: How Far Can You Go?

If zoom range is king in your book, the SL300 wins hands down with a 30x optical zoom covering 24-720mm equivalent field of view. The JX550 has a modest 5x zoom at 26-130mm, which is fine for casual shooting but limited for wildlife or sports enthusiasts craving reach.

Both cameras use contrast-detect autofocus systems, but the SL300 offers more versatility:

• Continuous autofocus (AF-C), single autofocus (AF-S), and face detection make it more adept at tracking moving subjects.
• The JX550 only has single AF with no face detection or advanced tracking.

In my tests, the SL300 locked focus faster and more reliably, especially on moving objects or in low light, thanks to its enhanced AF algorithms.

Performance Across Photography Genres: Where These Cameras Shine and Falter

Portrait Photography

Skin tone rendition and bokeh ability hinge on sensor quality, lens aperture, and autofocus. The SL300’s wider aperture at the short end (f/3.1) allows for more background blur compared to the JX550 (f/3.5). Plus, face detection autofocus helps nail sharp portraits.

The JX550’s tiny sensor and slow lens limit depth of field control; portraits are flatter, and background separation is weak. However, it produces decent skin tones in daylight.

Winner: SL300 for more portrait flexibility and better eye/face detection.

Landscape Photography

Resolution and dynamic range are critical here. While neither camera boasts exceptional dynamic range (CCD sensors generally lag behind CMOS in this area), the 16MP JX550 delivers slightly more detail.

Unfortunately, neither camera is weather-sealed, so challenging outdoor conditions require caution. Their limited ISO ranges also mean you must shoot landscapes under good light.

Winner: JX550 for resolution; but realistically, both serve casual landscape shooters better than serious pros.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

This is where the SL300 flexes its superzoom muscles and faster, more intelligent autofocus.

• 30x zoom vs 5x zoom means you can fill the frame with distant wildlife.
• Continuous autofocus and tracking elevate action capture.
• However, burst shooting is limited to 1fps on both cameras - not ideal for fast action but typical for their categories.

If you want to photograph birds or soccer games without investing in a pricey DSLR setup, the SL300 is a reasonable budget choice.

Street Photography

Here, size and discretion matter. The JX550’s compact size and subtle design keep you unintrusive, a boon for candid street shots.

The SL300’s size and SLR-like silhouette make it bulkier and more conspicuous, and its loud zoom mechanism might draw unwelcome attention.

Winner: JX550 for street photography ease and discretion.

Macro Photography

The SL300 edges ahead with a macro focus range down to 2cm (vs 10cm on JX550) and image stabilization that helps handheld close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

Neither camera is built for astro shots, with small sensors and limited ISO performance. ISO boosts beyond 1600 introduce heavy noise, and long shutter speeds max out at 8 seconds on both. No raw shooting support limits post-processing flexibility.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot HD 720p video at 30fps. The SL300 offers H.264 codec (more efficient) compared to JX550’s Motion JPEG (bulky files). The SL300 also includes HDMI output for easy playback.

No microphone ports on either, limiting audio quality, and no 4K or slow-motion options.

Travel Photography

The JX550 wins on portability but is hampered by a narrow zoom range and limited controls. The SL300, with longer zoom range, better ergonomics, and image stabilization, offers versatility but at a weight penalty.

Battery life also favors the SL300 - with approximately 300 shots per charge compared to unlisted but likely shorter endurance on the JX550.

Professional Use and Workflow

Neither camera supports raw formats, limiting post-processing latitude - a big downside for professionals. Both deliver JPEGs only.

Build quality is modest for both, with no weather resistance, so you wouldn’t lean on them for professional rugged work.

Technical Breakdown: Digging Into What Powers These Cameras

Sample Images: Real-World Output Comparison

Seeing is believing, so I gathered sample shots from both cameras across various conditions to showcase what you get in practice.

Fujifilm JX550 front Fujifilm JX550 screen back Fujifilm SL300 front Fujifilm SL300 screen back

Looking at landscapes and portraits side-by-side, both cameras have respectable color rendition. SL300 images tend to be sharper and cleaner at mid-zoom with its stabilization. JX550 struggles a bit at higher zoom and lower light.

Scoring Their Overall Performance

Based on my testing - considering technical capabilities, ergonomics, and image quality - here are the overall and genre-specific performance ratings out of 100:

• SL300 leads comfortably overall thanks to zoom, autofocus, and controls
• JX550 holds up well in portability and street photo scores

Who Should Buy Which? Clear Recommendations

Choose the Fujifilm JX550 if…

• You want a no-fuss, highly portable compact camera for casual shooting
• Your budget is tight (under $200 used or discounted)
• Street photography and travel with light packing are priorities
• You don’t care much about manual controls or long zooms

Choose the Fujifilm SL300 if…

• You want more zoom reach for wildlife, sports, or travel versatility
• You appreciate having manual exposure modes and image stabilization
• You shoot portraits and need face detection autofocus
• You don’t mind carrying more weight and a bulkier camera
• Your budget stretches toward $280 and want better overall value

Final Thoughts: Practical Wisdom From My Experience

In the landscape of budget compact cameras from the 2012 era, the JX550 and SL300 offer two distinct value propositions.

The JX550 is a lightweight, easy-to-use pocket buddy with adequate image quality for snapshots and daylight shooting. It’s a sensible choice for someone upgrading from a smartphone who prioritizes size and simplicity.

The SL300, on the other hand, punches above its class with extensive zoom, stabilization, and exposure versatility - giving you a taste of advanced photography features without breaking the bank or your back.

Neither camera matches current-generation mirrorless or DSLRs, but if you’re dabbling or need a grab-and-go secondary camera with more creative control, the SL300 wins easily.

Remember, these cameras are now stepping into bargain basement territory, so consider one as a starter or backup camera. For serious work - especially professional workflows and low-light performance - you’ll want to look elsewhere. But as inexpensive entry points, they both hold value.

If you have any more questions on whether these cameras fit your style or want suggestions for today's alternatives, feel free to ask - I’ve been in your shoes many times over!

Thanks for reading my deep dive on the Fujifilm JX550 vs SL300. Happy shooting out there!