Fujifilm T400 vs Panasonic TS25

Fujifilm FinePix T400 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS25: Which Compact Camera Works for You?

When you’re looking for a no-fuss, pocket-friendly camera, two contenders from the early 2010s come to mind: the Fujifilm FinePix T400 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS25. Both compact cameras come with fixed lenses, simple controls, and claim to be versatile everyday shooters. But which one performs best across the wide world of photography? Is one better suited for a casual snap-happy traveler, or does one edge out the other in rugged outdoor conditions?

Having spent years reviewing cameras across all tiers, I’m here to break down how these two stack up - pixel by pixel, feature by feature, and use-case by use-case. I'll dive into the sensors, lenses, autofocus systems, ergonomics, and outdoor-proofing with a practical eye. Whether you’re a beginner starting your photo journey, a seasoned enthusiast needing a lightweight backup, or someone seeking an affordable waterproof companion, this detailed comparison should help clarify which camera fits your needs best.

Let’s start by sizing them up, literally.

Compact Body and Handling: Size and Ergonomics in Focus

Both cameras fall under the small sensor compact category, sharing an approachable, grab-and-go dimension. The Fujifilm T400 measures roughly 104 x 59 x 29 mm and weighs in at 159 grams, while the Panasonic TS25 is slightly slimmer and lighter at 104 x 58 x 20 mm and 144 grams. These subtle differences make the Panasonic feel a bit more pocketable and less bulky during extended outings.

Gone are the days when compact cameras had complex dials; here, you get simple fixed-lens designs with minimal buttons. However, the hand feel and control placement can matter when you want quick access to key functions. For instance, the T400 leans on a somewhat bulkier grip which might benefit steady handheld shooting, while the TS25 favors a slimmer silhouette that’s more comfortable for casual snaps or outdoor adventure.

A glance from above reveals their control layouts.

The Fujifilm T400’s control set is minimalistic - no dedicated manual exposure controls or customizable buttons, which suits beginners who prefer “set it and forget it.” Meanwhile, the Panasonic TS25 offers a similarly straightforward setup but adds a slight edge with a multi-area autofocus selection mode (something we’ll dive into later).

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras sport a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with a resolution of around 16 megapixels, which is standard fare for compacts of their era. The sensor areas are roughly comparable - the Fujifilm at 28.07 mm² and the Panasonic at 27.72 mm² - subtle differences that have a minor impact on image quality.

The use of CCD sensors instead of CMOS influences image rendering - CCDs tend to produce images with fuller tones and less noise at lower ISOs but generally lag in high ISO performance and video processing speed.

In real-world shooting, both deliver respectable daylight images with decent color reproduction and sharpness for casual use. However, neither can rival the dynamic range or noise control of larger-sensor mirrorless cameras. Notably, Fujifilm’s reputation for excellent color science gives the T400 a slight advantage in skin tones and subtle color gradations - beneficial for portrait lovers aiming for pleasing, natural-looking results without post-processing.

On the other hand, Panasonic pushes the maximum native ISO up to 6400 on the TS25 compared to Fujifilm’s 1600, suggesting it can handle low-light situations a bit better, although noise becomes more apparent above ISO 800 on both.

LCD Screens and User Interface: How You See Your World

Live view and image playback happen on a fixed 2.7-inch TFT LCD screen at 230k-dot resolution on both models - comparable in size and clarity but not exactly retina-grade sharp.

Neither camera features a touchscreen or an electronic viewfinder, which means composing your shots relies heavily on the rear screen, potentially challenging in bright outdoor conditions. For practical shooting, I found both screens adequate, but the Panasonic’s TFT LCD seemed slightly brighter and more responsive for framing and menu navigation.

Menus are simple and beginner-friendly, without diving into advanced photography jargon. If you’re accustomed to more modern touch-based interfaces, expect a bit more button mashing here, but for those preferring straightforward physical controls, this will feel familiar.

Autofocus Systems and Performance: Speed and Accuracy Under the Lens

Autofocus can make or break your shooting experience, especially in genres like wildlife, sports, or street photography where moments unfold fast.

The Fujifilm T400 employs a basic contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection enabled but zero support for multiple AF points or touch AF. Its capability extends to single-shot, continuous, and tracking AF modes, but lack of selective AF areas limits compositional flexibility.

Contrastingly, Panasonic’s TS25 boasts 23 contrast-detection AF points with multi-area AF mode and center-weighted options, complemented by continuous autofocus tracking. While neither camera features phase detection or advanced eye/animal detection autofocus, the TS25’s more complex AF array provides a tangible advantage in accuracy and speed, especially in varied lighting conditions.

This difference becomes evident when tracking moving subjects. The TS25 handles small subject movements more confidently; the T400 sometimes hunts for focus, particularly in lower light or complex scenes.

Zoom Lenses and Image Stabilization: Reach and Stability for Every Shot

Let’s talk about lenses - both fixed, non-interchangeable, but different focal ranges and apertures.

• Fujifilm T400: 28-280mm equivalent (10x optical zoom) with an aperture range of f/3.4 (wide) to f/5.6 (telephoto).
• Panasonic TS25: 25-100mm equivalent (4x optical zoom) with apertures spanning f/3.9 to f/5.7.

So, the T400’s zoom reach is outstanding for a compact, pushing into telephoto territory suitable for wildlife or distant landscapes - a valuable asset if you want versatility but without carrying multiple lenses.

Fujifilm T400 front Fujifilm T400 screen back Panasonic TS25 front Panasonic TS25 screen back

However, wider zoom ranges often compromise image sharpness and low-light brightness, and here the TS25, with its shorter zoom range, benefits from steadier optics and optical stabilization, whereas the T400 uses sensor-shift stabilization.

Practically, the Panasonic’s optical stabilization combined with a shorter zoom gives it the edge in handheld sharpness, especially at longer focal lengths, while the Fujifilm might require steadier hands or a tripod beyond mid-zoom levels.

Durability and Outdoor Readiness: Which Camera Can Keep Up?

If you envision your camera accompanying you on rugged adventures - beach days, hiking in the rain, snow trips - build and sealing become critical.

Here the Panasonic Lumix TS25 shines, clearly designed with robust outdoor use in mind:

• Waterproof to 7 meters (leans beyond casual splashes)
• Dustproof and shockproof (up to 1.5-meter drops)
• Freezeproof down to -10°C

That toughness makes the TS25 ideal for travelers or active users who want a reliable shooter you don’t sweat over in adverse conditions.

The Fujifilm T400 lacks any environmental sealing, making it susceptible to moisture and dust - better suited for casual indoor/outdoor shooting in stable conditions.

Burst Rates and Video Specifications

Neither camera aims at high-speed action photography - each offers 1 frame per second continuous shooting, insufficient for fast sports or wildlife bursts.

Video capabilities are identical, capped at 720p HD at 30 frames per second, with the T400 offering H.264 and Motion JPEG formats and the TS25 recording in MPEG-4. Both lack microphone or headphone jacks, limiting professional-level audio control.

While not attracting video enthusiasts, quick clips for social media or family moments suffice.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered and Ready

Battery-wise, the Panasonic TS25 supports approximately 250 shots per charge, while the Fujifilm T400 manages about 180, a noteworthy edge for longer outings on the TS25.

Both use proprietary lithium-ion battery packs and accept SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, though the TS25 adds an internal storage option - a handy backup if your SD card fills or fails unexpectedly.

Price-to-Performance and Who Should Buy Which?

Both cameras arrived as budget-friendly compact options, with street prices typically under $200, emphasizing ease of use over professional features.

Here’s where personal priorities clarify the choice.

• Choose the Fujifilm FinePix T400 if:

  • You want a longer 10x zoom range for diverse shooting scenarios
  • You prioritize image color rendition, especially for portraiture
  • You usually shoot in stable, controlled environments and don’t need rugged durability
  • You prefer a slightly chunkier camera with intuitive handling

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS25 if:

  • You require a tough, waterproof camera for outdoor adventures
  • You value faster, more accurate autofocus with multiple AF points
  • You want better battery life for extended travel sessions
  • You prefer a more compact, lightweight body with stable optics

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

• Portraits: Fujifilm edges ahead with smoother skin tones thanks to better color science; Panasonic’s autofocus points help pin sharpness on faces but skin colors may look less natural.
• Landscapes: Fujifilm’s longer zoom spans wide-angle to telephoto better for framing; Panasonic’s weather sealing encourages shooting in challenging outdoor environments.
• Wildlife: T400’s 280mm reach helps get close-up animal shots; TS25’s faster autofocus favors capturing moving subjects but zoom is limited.
• Sports: Neither great for fast action; TS25’s autofocus tracking is modestly better.
• Street: Panasonic’s smaller body and responsiveness favor street photographers prioritizing discreteness and quick focus.
• Macro: Both cameras focus as close as 5 cm, but Panasonic’s optical stabilization and multi-area AF offer steadier macro shooting.
• Night/Astro: Limited by sensor size and noise at high ISO; Panasonic’s higher max ISO gives a small benefit.
• Video: Basic HD, suitable for casual clips only.
• Travel: Panasonic’s durability and longer battery shine on trips; Fujifilm’s versatile zoom covers varied scenes.
• Professional Work: Neither camera fits professional workflow needs due to lack of RAW, limited manual control, and modest image quality.

Final Thoughts: It Comes Down to Lifestyle and Priorities

Having dissected these two cameras from every angle, I see two compact solutions optimized for different users. The Fujifilm T400 is a classic budget zoom compact, best for casual photographers who want reach and nice colors without fuss. The Panasonic TS25, meanwhile, targets adventurers wanting a durable camera that can survive the elements with a better autofocus experience.

Neither is a miracle worker in low light, nor suitable for demanding pro work, but within their niches, both hold value.

If you expect your camera to handle rugged hikes, rainstorms, or poolside fun confidently, Panasonic’s TS25 is an easy call. For photographic exploration where zoom reach and color rendition matter, the Fujifilm T400 delivers a rewarding, straightforward experience.

Whichever you pick, set your expectations accordingly and remember these are compact cameras - their best use is spontaneous photography with minimal setup. But with careful selection guided by this breakdown, you’ll find a small camera that complements your style perfectly.

Happy shooting!