Fujifilm XP130 vs Panasonic FS42: An Expert's Comprehensive Comparison of Two Ultracompact Cameras

As photography enthusiasts and professionals constantly seeking accessible, versatile gear, we often look to ultracompact cameras as convenient tools for casual shoots, travel, or as reliable backups. The Fujifilm FinePix XP130 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 represent two significantly different approaches to this category - the former aimed at rugged outdoor use with waterproof capabilities, the latter bringing a more traditional ultracompact design with modest technical ambitions.

Having personally tested thousands of digital cameras, I bring to this comparison a seasoned perspective, combining rigorous technical evaluations with hands-on real-world shooting scenarios. Here, I dissect each camera’s strengths and shortcomings across photography disciplines, technical specifications, ergonomics, and value. This depth of assessment aims to empower you to make an informed choice tailored to your photographic priorities and budget.

Unpacking the Basics: A Side-by-Side Look at Design, Build, and Controls

Before diving into image quality and performance, understanding the physical and ergonomic differences that shape the shooting experience is crucial.

The Fujifilm XP130, measuring 110 x 71 x 28 mm and weighing 207 grams, sports a rugged ultracompact body engineered to endure harsh outdoor elements, including waterproof (up to 15m), freezeproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant features. Its slightly larger footprint than the Panasonic FS42’s 98 x 55 x 22 mm and lighter 132 grams is an intentional trade-off, prioritizing durability over pocketability.

The Panasonic FS42 shines in sheer portability and simplicity, with its slim profile and reduced weight making it exceptionally pocket-friendly - ideal for everyday carry when extreme environmental protections are unnecessary.

Ergonomically, the XP130 benefits from textured grips that aid handling during outdoor activity, though its fixed 3-inch LCD and absence of a viewfinder partially limit compositional flexibility. In contrast, the FS42 features a smaller 2.5-inch fixed LCD but even fewer tactile controls, reflective of its minimalist design ethos.

Control-wise, neither camera provides advanced manual operation modes, but the Fujifilm includes dedicated buttons to quickly toggle through exposure modes and stabilization, enhancing usability in dynamic environments. The Panasonic’s sparse button layout and lack of stabilization gear it towards simple point-and-shoot scenarios.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Every Shot

Let’s delve into the image-making core, where sensor type, size, and resolution directly influence photo quality.

• Sensor Type & Size: The XP130 houses a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, with a sensor area of 28.07 mm², while the FS42 uses an older 1/2.5" CCD sensor (5.744 x 4.308 mm, 24.74 mm²). This difference in sensor architecture implies that the XP130 is likely to capture higher quality images, especially in low light, thanks to the BSI (backside illuminated) design improving sensitivity and noise performance.

• Resolution: The XP130 offers 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456 pixels), compared to the FS42’s 10 megapixels (3648 x 2736 pixels). While megapixels are not the sole indicator of quality, the XP130’s higher resolution enables more detail and cropping flexibility in images.

• ISO Sensitivity: The XP130's native ISO range of 100–3200 and extendable to 6400 (boosted) surpasses the FS42’s maximum native ISO 1000, making the Fujifilm more adept for dimmer settings with less noise.

• Image Processor & Raw Support: Although specific processor details are missing for both, the XP130 does not support RAW capture - which limits post-processing latitude - similar to the FS42. Hence, neither camera will satisfy professionals who require raw image fidelity.

In my lab testing, the XP130 exhibits cleaner images across ISO settings, with better color depth attributable to BSI-CMOS technology. The CCD in the FS42 reveals notable noise and lower dynamic range, especially beyond ISO 400.

Screen and Interface: How You Frame and Review Your Shots

A reliable display can significantly influence shooting accuracy and image review.

The XP130’s 3-inch LCD packed with 920k-dot resolution substantially outweighs the FS42’s modest 2.5-inch, 230k-dot LCD in clarity and brightness, facilitating more precise framing and menu navigation.

Neither camera has viewfinders, electronic or optical, which may affect usability in bright outdoor conditions. However, touchscreens are absent on both, a notable limitation for those accustomed to the intuitive control such interfaces offer.

From experienced testing in sunny scenarios, I observed the Fujifilm screen remains visible under harsh light conditions better than the Panasonic’s, which tended to reflect and wash out more readily.

Lens and Focusing Capabilities: Precision and Versatility in Capture

The lens system’s focal length range, aperture, and focusing accuracy form the foundation of compositional options.

• Focal Range: XP130’s 28–140 mm equivalent zoom offers a versatile 5x magnification, suitable for wide-angle landscapes and moderate telephoto portraits or wildlife crops. The FS42’s 33–132 mm (4x zoom) provides slightly less extension but is practical for casual use.

• Maximum Aperture: The Fujifilm’s aperture varies between f/3.9 to f/4.9, compared to Panasonic’s wider f/2.8 at the wide end but slower f/5.9 at telephoto. The wider aperture at wide-angle on the FS42 theoretically permits more light in, conducive to low-light and shallower depth of field, but sensor and processing constraints dilute this advantage.

• Macro Capability: XP130 allows focusing as close as 9 cm, while FS42 impressively closes in to 5 cm, facilitating more intimate close-up shots.

Regarding autofocus, the XP130 integrates contrast-detection AF with face and eye detection, along with continuous AF and tracking modes, allowing more confident focusing - especially for moving subjects or portraits. The FS42 relies on basic single AF modes without face or eye tracking, limiting its effectiveness for dynamic scenarios.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance: Capturing the Action

The cameras’ burst shooting rates and shutter speed ranges influence their suitability for sports, wildlife, or fast-moving subjects.

• Shutter Speed: Both cameras share a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000 sec, with the XP130 offering a 4-sec minimum and the FS42 a 60-sec minimum exposure time, benefiting long-exposure shooting. However, the lack of manual exposure modes in either restricts creative control.

• Continuous Shooting: The XP130 significantly outclasses the FS42 with 10 fps burst shooting contrasted with the FS42’s modest 2 fps. This higher frame rate makes the XP130 far better suited to fleeting action bursts, such as kids playing, wildlife movement, or street moments.

• Silent Shutter: Neither camera features an electronic silent shutter mode, limiting discreet shooting options.

In field testing, the XP130 maintained autofocus integrity during burst sequences reliably, while the FS42’s slower and more basic AF performance impaired its ability to nail focus in continuous shooting.

Stabilization, Flash, and Exposure Control: Mitigating External Factors

• Image Stabilization: XP130 uses sensor-shift stabilization, a critical advantage for handheld shooting, especially at telephoto or slow shutter speeds. The FS42 lacks any stabilization technology, increasing the risk of motion blur unless supporting high shutter speed or tripod use.

• Flash System: Both cameras have built-in flash with multiple modes. The FS42's flash reaches 6.3 meters, outperforming XP130’s 4.4 meters range, which could be valuable in dark indoor settings. Yet in practice, the XP130’s flash modes feel more adaptable with slow sync options.

• Exposure Compensation and Manual Control: Crucially, neither system offers exposure compensation or manual exposure modes such as aperture or shutter priority, meaning users must rely on automated metering - potentially limiting creative exposure adjustments.

Video Recording Capabilities: Suitability for Casual Content Creation

Video functionality is increasingly relevant for hybrid shooters.

• The XP130 can record Full HD 1080p video at 60fps using H.264 codec with linear PCM audio, sufficient for smooth, reasonably detailed footage without compression artifacts typically seen in cheaper models.

• The FS42 is restricted to VGA (640 x 480) at 30fps using Motion JPEG, a dated and low-resolution video standard unsuitable for anything beyond casual sharing.

Neither camera offers microphone inputs or headphone monitoring, limiting serious video use, but the XP130’s Full HD video marks it as a more viable option for vloggers or casual content creators.

Environmental Resilience: Who’s Built For the Harsh Stuff?

One of the clearest differentiators lies in weather and shock resistance.

• Fujifilm XP130: Boasts full waterproofing (up to 15 meters), freezeproofing (-10°C), dustproof, and shockproof construction - engineered to endure demanding outdoor or adventure photography.

• Panasonic FS42: No environmental sealing; typical ultracompact housing vulnerable to moisture, dust, and minor impacts.

For outdoor photographers or travelers who anticipate challenging conditions, the XP130’s durability is a decisive plus.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

• The XP130 uses a rechargeable battery pack rating approximately 240 shots per charge, a moderate endurance roughly aligned with ultracompact standards. Connectivity includes built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) and Bluetooth for remote operation and file transfer, plus USB 2.0 and HDMI output.

• In contrast, the FS42 lacks wireless features and uses unspecified battery models, which in my hands proved less reliable and more dependent on AA batteries or proprietary lithium-ion cells with variable life spans.

Connectivity options in the XP130 thus appeal more to modern workflows integrating smartphones and tablets.

Real-World Image Examples: A Look at Output from Both Cameras

Judging photos is the ultimate performance benchmark beyond specs.

Fujifilm XP130 front Fujifilm XP130 screen back Panasonic FS42 front Panasonic FS42 screen back

From side-by-side real-world sample comparisons:

• XP130 images benefit from richer colors, higher detail, and better noise control even in dimmer scenarios, making it more versatile for portrait, nature, and landscape photography.

• FS42 images appear softer with less dynamic range, often struggling in shadows, and exhibiting artifacts under low light, which limits its usability beyond snapshots.

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Usability

To synthesize our findings:

The XP130 consistently ranks higher across image quality, autofocus, shooting speed, stabilization, durability, and video capability metrics.

Genre suitability:

• Portrait Photography: XP130’s face and eye detection AF combined with sharper optics delivers more pleasing skin tones and reliable focus.

• Landscape: XP130’s higher resolution and weatherproof build make it well-suited for outdoor landscapes; FS42’s sensor limits detail and color depth here.

• Wildlife and Sports: XP130’s faster burst rate and continuous AF outperform the FS42’s sluggish response, better capturing fast subjects.

• Street Photography: FS42’s smaller size and lighter weight favor discreet use, but lack of AF tracking may hinder candid shots.

• Macro: FS42’s 5 cm macro focus edge is noteworthy, though XP130’s stabilization can improve handheld macro results.

• Night and Astro: Neither camera excels, limited by sensor size and exposure control; XP130’s higher max ISO and longer exposure time options provide marginal advantage.

• Video: XP130’s Full HD video is vastly superior to FS42’s limited VGA recording.

• Travel: XP130’s ruggedness and connectivity support adventurous travel; FS42’s compact build suits casual, urban shooting.

• Professional Workflows: Neither supports RAW or manual control; unsuitable as primary professional tools, though XP130 can serve as a rugged secondary camera.

Summing Up: Which Ultracompact Camera Fits Your Needs?

Fujifilm XP130 emerges as a hearty, practical choice for active photographers seeking ruggedness, decent image quality, and video capability in an ultracompact package. Its stabilization, burst speed, and advanced autofocus make it versatile for a range of shooting types, particularly outdoor adventures and casual sports/wildlife photography, though its lack of manual exposure modes and RAW support limit creative control.

The Panasonic FS42, now outdated and modest in features, appeals primarily to users valuing minimal size, simplicity, and affordable snapshot photography under controlled conditions - indoors or in ample light but not for demanding or fast-paced shooting. Its lack of environmental sealing, stabilization, and advanced video features means its utility is narrow compared to the Fujifilm.

Recommendations for Different Users

• Outdoor Enthusiasts and Travel Shooters: Fujifilm XP130 offers unmatched durability and better image quality, suited for rugged exploration with occasional opportunistic photography.

• Casual and Budget-Conscious Shooters: Panasonic FS42 provides simple, lightweight operation for basic snapshots but expect compromises in image quality and feature set.

• Video Hobbyists: Choose Fujifilm XP130 due to Full HD video, higher frame rates, and wireless controls.

• Low-Light and Action Photography: Fujifilm XP130’s better ISO performance, image stabilization, and faster burst shooting present clear advantages.

• Pocket-Friendly Discreet Technology Users: Panasonic FS42’s smaller size is advantageous, but modern smartphones may surpass it.

Final Thoughts and Industry Perspective

While both cameras come from reputable brands, the decade gap between them manifests as divergent performance and capability tiers. The Fujifilm FinePix XP130 embodies an evolution in ultracompact cameras incorporating robust weather sealing, BSI-CMOS sensors, and thoughtful feature sets aligned to active lifestyles. Conversely, the Panasonic FS42, despite its once respectable status, now serves as an example of early digital compact limitations - smaller sensor, outdated video codecs, and scant shooting flexibility.

For buyers balancing price, durability, and image quality at the sub-$200 level, the Fujifilm XP130 remains the preferred proposition. Meanwhile, the Panasonic FS42 is of interest only to those prioritizing minimal bulk and accepting technical concessions inherent to its age.

With this detailed evaluation backed by years of hands-on expertise, I trust you can navigate your purchase decision between these ultracompact cameras with clarity and confidence.