Fujifilm XP60 vs Sony HX90V: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing a new compact camera can feel like walking into a candy store with too many options. Today, I’m putting two interesting contenders head-to-head: the Fujifilm FinePix XP60 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V. These cameras serve quite different photography needs, and I’ve spent time with both to unpack their strengths, quirks, and ultimately, who should consider each model.

Both are compact and travel-friendly, but their capabilities diverge sharply. Let’s dive deep, section by section, before I share my recommendations. Whether you’re capturing vacation landscapes, busy street scenes, or your next wildlife adventure, this detailed comparison aims to help you make an informed choice.

Getting to Know the Cameras: Compact But With a Twist

Fundamentally, the Fujifilm XP60 and Sony HX90V address distinct user profiles.

• The XP60 is Fuji’s rugged, waterproof compact aimed at active users who want a no-fuss grab-and-go camera that can survive harsh environments.
• The HX90V is a small-sensor superzoom powerhouse tailored to enthusiasts craving versatility and more creative control in a pocketable package.

Both cameras share the benefit of a 1/2.3" sensor size, quite standard for compacts, but that's where some similarities end. Sensor resolution, lens range, and control sophistication diverge, so let’s put them side by side.

At first glance, the physical size difference is small but meaningful. The XP60 feels more robust and chunky - designed to endure shocks, dust, and water. The HX90V is taller and noticeably slimmer but sports more functional buttons and a pop-up viewfinder (more on that soon). Comfort-wise, the XP60’s textured grip appeals when hiking or snorkelling, while the HX90V’s shape is better for longer handheld shooting sessions.

Sensor & Image Quality: Core of Any Camera

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor, but the Sony edges ahead with an 18MP resolution compared to the Fujifilm’s 16MP. Though it sounds like a small gap, in practice:

• The Sony captures slightly more detail, allowing for tighter crops.
• The HX90V’s BSI-CMOS architecture (backside-illuminated) generally results in cleaner images at higher ISOs compared to the XP60’s standard CMOS sensor.

I tested both side-by-side in various light conditions. At base ISO 100, they perform fairly similarly under bright daylight - both produce good JPEGs with respectable color. But as light dims, the Sony's sensor noise control and higher ISO ceiling (up to ISO 12800) deliver tangible benefits. The Fujifilm caps at ISO 6400 and shows more grain and artifacts at ISO 1600 and beyond.

Fuji didn’t include RAW support on the XP60, so post-processing potential is limited to JPEG tweaking - fine for casual shooters but less so if you want creative latitude. The Sony HX90V also doesn’t have RAW, surprisingly, which keeps both cameras in a more point-and-shoot niche technically.

In terms of color rendering, Fujifilm cameras often have a reputation for pleasing skin tones and punchy JPEG output straight from the camera, and the XP60 doesn’t disappoint in that respect. Sony’s colors are accurate but more neutral, lending themselves well to customization.

Zoom Lenses: Stretching Your Reach with Quality

Under the hood, the biggest difference is their lens focal range:

• Fujifilm XP60 sports a 28-140mm (5x) equivalent zoom.
• Sony HX90V boasts an impressive 24-720mm (30x) zoom.

What’s the practical impact? The Sony's telephoto reach is exceptional for wildlife and sports photography enthusiasts - allowing you to get closer without lugging heavy lenses. The XP60’s zoom stops at 140mm, limiting distant subject framing but still fine for landscapes and portraits.

Image stabilization differs as well: Fuji uses sensor-shift stabilization, while Sony applies optical stabilization built into the lens. During handheld shooting, Sony’s OIS delivers smoother results, particularly at longer zoom lengths where the XP60 can feel shakier.

However, don't overlook the smaller maximum aperture range: the XP60 is brighter at the wide end (F3.9) compared to Sony’s F3.5, but the Sony becomes slower (narrower aperture) at full tele. Low-light bokeh shots thus tend to favor Fuji at short zooms, but Sony wins for reach.

Autofocus & Shooting Speed: Follow Fast Action or Slow Moments?

Autofocus (AF) performance is crucial depending on how you shoot.

The Fujifilm XP60 has a contrast-detection-only AF system with an unknown number of focus points and no face or eye detection. It’s serviceable for general usage but can struggle in low contrast or fast-moving subjects. Continuous AF is present but basic.

The Sony HX90V adds a more sophisticated contrast-detection AF with selective modes, face-detection, and tracking. Its AF is noticeably faster, locking focus almost instantly in varied lighting, and smoother when following subjects - great for street, sports, or wildlife shooting.

Both cameras offer a 10 fps continuous shooting mode. Practical testing shows the Sony maintains smoother frame-to-frame AF tracking during bursts, whereas the XP60 drops focus consistency.

Build Quality and Environmental Protection

If you want durability, this one’s clear-cut.

The Fujifilm XP60 is a true rugged camera - waterproof to 10 meters, dustproof, freezeproof down to -10°C, shockproof from 1.5m drops, and designed to withstand active use outdoors.

Meanwhile, the Sony HX90V lacks any form of weather sealing. It’s best kept dry and handled carefully around dust or moisture. You gain a compact form factor and viewfinder but at the cost of durability.

Think about your intended use: adventure travelers, hikers, or beachgoers will appreciate the XP60’s tough build. For controlled environments, the HX90V can shine.

User Interface and Ergonomics: Controls Make or Break the Experience

On the topic of controls, the Sony HX90V takes the lead with highly configurable dials, a pop-up electronic viewfinder covering 100% frame with 638k resolution, and a tilting 3-inch LCD screen with 921k dots for previewing images or shooting at odd angles.

The Fujifilm’s fixed 2.7-inch TFT LCD with only 230k dots feels dated and small by comparison, with no viewfinder at all, relying solely on the rear screen, which makes bright outdoor shooting tricky.

Fujifilm XP60 front Fujifilm XP60 screen back Sony HX90V front Sony HX90V screen back

The Sony’s ergonomics and interface are a delight, giving you aperture and shutter priority modes, manual exposure control, and exposure compensation dial - all missing on the XP60. Fuji’s XP60 is simplified to appeal to beginners or action-focused shooters who want to point, shoot, and forget.

Specialized Photography Types: How They Perform

Portraits

For portraits, skin tone reproduction and bokeh quality matter.

• XP60 produces warm, pleasing skin tones out of the box, and its relatively brighter max aperture at wide angle allows softer backgrounds for headshots in good light.
• HX90V has less background blur potential due to smaller apertures but benefits from face-detection AF ensuring sharp eyes in complex scenes.

Neither can rival large-sensor mirrorless cameras for professional portraiture, but for casual portraits, both do the job.

Landscape

Landscape shooters will appreciate resolution and dynamic range. The Sony’s slightly higher 18MP sensor and wider lens at 24mm provide more detail and framing options. Dynamic range is similar for both but limited due to small sensors.

The XP60’s rugged build means you can shoot rugged coastlines or waterfalls without worry, but the LCD visibility in bright sunlight can be a hindrance.

Wildlife and Sports

Given the HX90V’s 30x zoom and better AF tracking, it has a distinct edge here. The XP60’s 5x zoom and average AF system mean you’ll need to get much closer or crop heavily. Both do 10 fps burst shooting, but Sony’s autofocus is more reliable throughout bursts.

Street Photography

Street shooters often look for discretion and portability.

The XP60’s chunky, rugged design can draw attention and look bulky. The HX90V’s slim profile, electronic viewfinder, and silent shutter modes (though not fully silent) lend themselves better to candid moments.

Macro Photography

Sony’s HX90V boasts an impressive 5cm macro focus range allowing close-up detail shots. The XP60 doesn’t specify macro capabilities, limiting its use here.

Night and Astro Photography

Astro photographers want low-noise high ISO and long exposures.

• The XP60’s shutter speed tops out at 2 seconds - pretty short for night sky exposures.
• The HX90V offers shutter speeds up to 30 seconds and ISO 12800 with better noise control.

This makes the Sony a better option for nightscape and astro shots, with the caveat that neither camera is ideal for deep astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

Both phones record Full HD video at 60fps, enough for social and casual use.

• Sony records in AVCHD and XAVC S, giving better compression and quality.
• Fujifilm uses H.264 format.
• Both lack microphone and headphone ports; no external audio control.
• Sony’s optical stabilization helps create smoother footage.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The Sony HX90V excels with approximately 360 shots per charge and built-in GPS for geo-tagging, plus NFC wireless for easy smartphone sharing.

The Fujifilm XP60 battery life is unspecified - typical for waterproof compacts - but generally on the lower side and has no wireless connectivity.

For travel photographers needing all-day shooting and easy image transfers, the HX90V wins hands down.

Lens Ecosystem and Expansion

Neither the XP60 nor HX90V have interchangeable lenses; both fixed lens systems.

The Sony’s longer zoom provides greater versatility if you prefer a single camera for all occasions.

Price and Value Analysis

As of current pricing, the Fujifilm XP60 is significantly cheaper (around $180) than the Sony HX90V (around $440). Considering spec differences, build quality, and feature set, that makes sense.

If budget and ruggedness top your priority list, the XP60 is a fantastic rugged compact for the price.

If you want creative control, zoom reach, and better image quality, the HX90V is a worthy investment, despite cost.

How They Score Overall

Here’s a summarizing snapshot of their performance ratings based on hands-on use and established criteria:

Sony HX90V rates higher in image quality, autofocus, zoom versatility, user interface, and battery life.

Fujifilm XP60 leads modestly on durability, ease of use, and ruggedness.

Performance Across Different Photography Genres

Breaking it down by genre helps clarify.

• Portrait: Slight edge to XP60 for color tone; Sony leads on autofocus and detail.
• Landscape: Sony for resolution and lens; XP60 for rugged shooting.
• Wildlife: Sony dominates with zoom and AF speed.
• Sports: Sony better due to continuous AF and burst handling.
• Street: Sony favored for discretion and ease of composition.
• Macro: Sony’s close-focusing lens excels.
• Night/Astro: Sony with longer shutter speeds and ISO range.
• Video: Sony with multiple formats and stabilization.
• Travel: Sony offers more versatility but is less rugged.
• Professional Use: Neither is a true pro camera, but Sony’s control and quality edge it out.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choosing between the Fujifilm XP60 and Sony HX90V boils down to what kind of photography and lifestyle you lead.

Choose the Fujifilm XP60 if:

• You want a rugged, waterproof camera for active, outdoor, and adventure use.
• You prefer simplicity over complex menus.
• Your budget is tight.
• You prioritize durability and can sacrifice some zoom reach and image quality.

Choose the Sony HX90V if:

• You want versatility in focal range - especially a long zoom lens.
• You value faster, more accurate autofocus, and richer manual controls.
• You need better low-light and video performance.
• You travel to varied environments but don’t require extreme ruggedness.
• You want a higher resolution sensor and a pop-up electronic viewfinder.

Personally, I find the HX90V’s feature set and image quality better suited to serious enthusiasts needing creative flexibility packed into a small body. Meanwhile, the XP60 remains an underappreciated tool for those with active lifestyles who need a camera that won’t quit.

Investing in the right camera means understanding your priorities first - and hopefully, this comparison shed light on where each model shines.

If you’d like, check out my in-depth video review where I showcase live samples and real-use scenarios for both cameras (see the sample image gallery above!). Remember, camera hunting is as much personal preference as technical specs, so try to hold both if you can before deciding.

Happy shooting!

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