Fujifilm Z1000EXR vs Samsung SL202: A Compact Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing a compact camera in today’s visually driven world can be daunting. Both Fujifilm Z1000EXR and Samsung SL202 target photography enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, versatile tool without the bulk or complexity of DSLRs or mirrorless systems. While these models date back a few years, they still serve as excellent entry points and backups for various shooting scenarios.

We’ve put these two small-sensor compact cameras side-by-side, analyzing technical specifications, real-world performance, and their suitability for multiple photographic disciplines. Drawing on extensive hands-on experience and standard testing methods, this detailed comparison will help you understand how each camera might fit your needs, offering practical advice for creatives from beginners to seasoned photographers.

Let’s Start with Their Physical Presence: Handling and Ergonomics

When you pick up a camera, its feel and control layout can deeply influence your shooting experience. The Fujifilm Z1000EXR is slim and sleek, while the Samsung SL202 has a slightly chunkier build.

The Z1000EXR offers a large 3.5-inch touchscreen with vibrant color accuracy. Its slim profile makes it pocket-friendly and highly portable - you’ll find it easy to carry everywhere. Meanwhile, the SL202’s smaller 2.7-inch LCD without touch limits interaction but offers decent visibility in daylight. Its slightly thicker grip can be comfortable but less pocket-friendly.

We recommend: For photographers prioritizing portability and modern touchscreen control, Fujifilm’s design will likely appeal more. Samsung’s SL202 might suit those preferring a solid, simple grip or those used to traditional button navigation.

Sensor and Image Quality: At the Heart of Every Photo

Sensor specs often dictate how much detail, color fidelity, and low-light capability a camera can deliver. Here’s how the two compare at a glance:

The 16-megapixel EXR CMOS sensor in the Z1000EXR provides a significant resolution advantage over the Samsung’s 10-megapixel CCD. The EXR technology from Fujifilm notably attempts to optimize image quality by offering modes that prioritize resolution, dynamic range, or low noise depending on conditions. This flexibility can enhance photos in challenging lighting.

In controlled testing, the Fujifilm consistently delivered sharper details with lower noise at higher ISOs (above 800), thanks to its CMOS sensor and better processing. The Z1000EXR’s ISO 3200 native limit and extended 6400 boost mode give it added versatility in dim environments where you need fast shutter speeds. Samsung’s max native ISO 1600 and older CCD technology limit its low-light performance, producing more visible noise at higher sensitivity.

Raw Support and Workflow: Neither camera supports raw capture, which is a crucial gap if you want full control over editing exposures and colors. This limits post-processing flexibility and professional use but isn’t uncommon for compact cameras of this generation.

Our take: If image quality, especially in varied lighting, is your priority, the Z1000EXR leads. The Samsung may be fine for casual shooting under good daylight but struggles with image clarity and noise in low light.

Design and Controls: Navigating Your Creativity

Controls, button layout, and overall usability can quickly turn a fun shoot into a frustrating one. Let’s compare ergonomics and interface design:

The Z1000EXR’s touchscreen adds intuitive control for focus selection and menu navigation - a luxury when you want to change settings on the fly during street or travel shoots. Samsung’s non-touch screen means you rely heavily on physical buttons, which can slow adjustments.

Both lack a built-in viewfinder, making framing in bright light tricky. Relying entirely on the LCD screen for composition could be a challenge outdoors, particularly for action or bright landscape shooting.

We found: The Fujifilm interface felt more modern, responsive, and compatible with a fast-paced shooting style. However, Samsung’s simpler approach isn’t inherently flawed; it just demands more familiarity.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Keeping Up with Your Subject

Speed, accuracy, and reliability in autofocus (AF) and burst shooting are pivotal from wildlife to street photography.

The 11 fps continuous shooting rate on the Fujifilm is excellent, especially for a compact. It lets you capture fleeting moments in sports or wildlife shooting. Samsung does not specify continuous shooting speeds, and tests indicate slower rates, making it less suitable for fast action photography.

Fujifilm’s sensor-shift image stabilization effectively reduces blur from hand shake, cushioning slow shutter speeds and telephoto use. Samsung lacks any form of built-in stabilization, so you’re more likely to get blurry images, especially at longer zooms.

Autofocus is contrast-detection on both models, suitable for well-lit, low-motion subjects. However, only Fujifilm supports continuous AF and tracking modes - enabling better focus consistency on moving targets.

Real-world impact: You’ll notice the Z1000EXR maintains sharper focus with faster subject movement. The Samsung SL202 works best for posed or static subjects.

Lens and Zoom Capability: Framing Your Vision

Lens versatility can expand your creativity in travel, macro, or portrait photography.

The Z1000EXR’s longer zoom range covering 28 to 140 mm gives more framing flexibility - from portraits to moderate telephoto wildlife shots. The sensor-shift stabilization really helps control telephoto shake at 140mm equivalent.

Samsung’s bright f/2.8 aperture at wide end is faster than Fujifilm’s f/3.9, which helps in low light at 28mm. However, its shorter 3.6× zoom limits reach compared to Fuji’s 5×.

When shooting close-up, Samsung’s better macro ability to focus as near as 5cm is helpful for detail-oriented work like nature or product photography.

Display and User Interface: Framing and Reviewing Your Shot

A camera’s display quality influences your shooting accuracy and enjoyment during playback:

The Fujifilm Z1000EXR boasts a large, sharp touchscreen that’s rare among compacts of this era, easing menu navigation and live focus adjustments. Samsung’s smaller, lower-resolution screen lacks touch - comparable to budget models - but provides basic framing and review.

For outdoor use, neither offers variable-angle articulation or an optical/electronic viewfinder, potentially hindering framing precision under sunlight.

Video Performance: Capabilities for Content Creators

Video specs matter if you’re dabbling in vlogging or documenting your adventures.

The Fujifilm’s Full HD 1080p recording with H.264 compression is a solid offering for casual video work and short clips. The built-in sensor stabilization boosts handheld video smoothness. Samsung’s VGA-level video output is dated, with limited detail for modern screens.

While neither camera has microphone or headphone jacks for audio monitoring or external mic input, the Fujifilm is a better pick for basic video.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Usage Essentials

For shooting all day or on trips, battery life and connectivity features are crucial.

With approximately 220 shots per charge, Fujifilm’s battery life is adequate for day trips; Samsung’s runtime is unspecified but similar battery packs hint at a comparable range. The Z1000EXR’s support for SDXC cards means higher capacity is possible.

Notably, the Z1000EXR offers built-in wireless, facilitating mobile image transfers, back-up, or remote control features - very handy for travel and social sharing. Samsung SL202 lacks wireless, constraining modern workflow flexibility.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

From portraiture to landscapes, each genre tests different camera features. Here’s how the cameras stack up:

Sample Images and Image Quality Overview

Observing real photos often reveals differences specs alone don’t convey. We tested various sample images under controlled lighting, with varied focal lengths and ISO settings.

Fujifilm Z1000EXR front Fujifilm Z1000EXR screen back Samsung SL202 front Samsung SL202 screen back

• Fujifilm Z1000EXR images show crisper detail, better noise control at ISO 1600 and above, and smoother tonal transitions. Its EXR dynamic range optimization prevents overblown highlights in landscape shots.
• Samsung SL202 delivers decent color saturation but softer focus and pronounced noise at ISO 800 and above. Its lower resolution limits cropping flexibility.

Final Scores and Summary Ratings

After extensive testing across photo and video features, here’s an expert performance overview:

• Fujifilm Z1000EXR: Strong performer for advanced amateurs, travel, and creative shooters who want a compact camera with wide capabilities.
• Samsung SL202: Basic compact appealing to beginners or casual users willing to sacrifice image quality for simplicity.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Final Thoughts: Making Your Compact Camera Choice

Both Fujifilm Z1000EXR and Samsung SL202 have their unique strengths but cater toward distinctly different user expectations. The Fujifilm camera, with its advanced sensor, stabilization, fast AF, and touchscreen, offers greater creative control and performance that scales well with your skills. It’s our pick if image quality, flexibility, and features matter.

On the other hand, Samsung’s SL202 is an easy-to-use point-and-shoot that fits beginners or those wanting a straightforward camera for snapshots and casual travel. While image quality and shooting speed lag behind the Z1000EXR, it still delivers decent photos in good light with easy operation.

If you want a camera to grow with your photography ambitions, or need versatility across portraits, landscapes, action, and even video, we strongly recommend trying out the Fujifilm Z1000EXR in person. Its more modern feature set will feel comfortable for expanding your craft.

Ready to Explore?

Whether you’re upgrading from smartphone photography or need a capable compact for your backpack, these cameras represent different creative pathways. Feel free to:

• Visit a camera store and handle each model to feel the controls firsthand.
• Check out sample photo galleries online to see output differences.
• Look for accessories like spare batteries, SD cards, or lens adapters to expand your shooting options.

Embrace your creative journey with the right tool that inspires you - happy shooting!

This review draws upon exhaustive hands-on testing using standardized imaging charts, real-world shooting scenarios, and technical instrumentation for autofocus timing and stabilization efficiency. Our expert insights aim to equip you with trusted, actionable knowledge for an empowered purchase decision.