Fujifilm Z300 vs Sony WX1: An Expert’s Ultracompact Camera Showdown from 2009

When diving into the world of ultracompact cameras, especially models released over a decade ago with designs still impacting entry-level cameras today, it’s critical to review them not just by specs but by how they perform in real-world scenarios across various photography disciplines. Today, we’re taking a deep, hands-on look at two notable examples from 2009 - the Fujifilm FinePix Z300 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1. Both were designed for users who wanted simple, portable cameras without the need for interchangeable lenses - yet they approach usability and performance differently.

Drawing from our extensive camera testing experience, we’ll examine these two models across their core strengths and limitations, from sensor technology to autofocus capabilities, and how that translates into portraits, landscapes, sports, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding if the Fuji or Sony makes sense for your creative journey or archival interest.

Seeing and Holding: Body Size and Ergonomics

Both the Fuji Z300 and Sony WX1 fall firmly into the ultracompact category - perfect for slipping into a pocket or purse. But ergonomics can mean the difference between comfortable shooting and fumbling frustration.

The Fuji is marginally taller and wider, giving a slightly chunkier feel but with enough presence for steady handling, particularly for those with larger hands. The Sony, meanwhile, is a touch slimmer and lighter, lending itself toward pocket portability at the cost of somewhat less grip confidence. Neither has the benefits of a dedicated electronic viewfinder, which nudges you toward relying solely on their rear displays.

The Sony’s subtly more contoured body encourages longer shooting sessions with less hand fatigue, but the Fuji’s clean, minimalist design appeals if you prefer simplicity. Neither camera’s button layouts include illumination, so using them in dim lighting can be awkward.

Controls and User Interface: Simple but Different Approaches

Controls on ultracompact cameras tend to be minimal, emphasizing ease over customization, but subtle differences can impact your shooting experience.

• Fujifilm Z300: Offers a touchscreen interface - a rare feature at the time - enabling quicker tapping for zoom, menu navigation, and shutter release. This is a handy addition if you prefer intuitive, visual controls over buttons. However, the 230k-dot resolution and fixed 3” display lack brightness in sunlight.

• Sony WX1: Resorts to physical buttons for all functions, with a traditional multi-selector dial to navigate menus and select focus points. While no touchscreen is present, the control layout feels precise and responsive - especially for setting focus areas.

Though the Fuji’s touchscreen is innovative in concept, actual responsiveness and cold-weather usability may suffer. On the other hand, the Sony’s tactile buttons give more confident feedback, important when you can’t rely on a viewfinder.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Understanding sensor specs is critical since image quality hinges on sensor size, design, and processing. Both cameras use approximately 10MP sensors but differ markedly in sensor type and processing engines.

What This Means in Practice

• The Fuji Z300’s CCD sensor was common in compact cameras of the era, producing warmer color tones, often flattering for portraits. CCD sensors, however, generally consume more power and struggle in higher ISO sensitivity - limiting low-light capabilities and resulting in more noise beyond ISO 400-800.

• The Sony WX1’s Back-Illuminated CMOS sensor (BSI-CMOS) represents a significant technological step forward in ultracompacts for 2009. BSI improves light-gathering efficiency, offering cleaner images at higher ISOs (up to 3200 native ISO). Coupled with the Bionz image processing engine, the WX1 can provide better noise control, better dynamic range, and more detailed images in varied lighting.

During our hands-on tests, the Sony produced sharper images with better highlight retention and balanced colors - especially when shooting landscapes or street scenes in tricky light. The Fuji delivered pleasing skin tones but could struggle with shadow noise and highlight clipping.

Display and Interface: Evaluating the Rear Screen

Comfortable framing and reviewing images rely on clear, bright screens.

While the Fuji’s 3” touchscreen offers easier menu navigation and quick touch focus, in practice, the low resolution limits detail, and the screen can be dim or reflective outdoors. The Sony’s lack of touchscreen is offset by a well-laid-out interface and a slightly smaller but similarly detailed 2.7” LCD that’s sturdy and functional.

In bright daylight, neither display excels but both allow reasonable preview to confirm focus and composition for casual shooting.

Autofocus Systems and Performance: Speed Matters

Autofocus (AF) technology makes or breaks action, wildlife, and candid photography. Let’s see how these two stack up.

Sony’s 9-point AF array provides a clear advantage, especially for composing shots off-center. Though neither supports continuous or tracking AF – key features for sports or wildlife – the WX1’s multiple AF points afford faster focus lock and more composition freedom.

In contrast, the Fuji relies on a single or center-point system with touchscreen AF, which helps in static scenes but slows down with moving subjects. Both cameras use contrast-detection AF, typical for compact cameras, which can lag in low-light or fast-action settings.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Getting Closer to Your Subject

Zoom versatility is critical in ultracompacts, which must balance size and focal range.

Sony offers a wider angle of view starting at 24mm - great for landscapes and tight interiors - versus Fuji’s more tele-centric 36mm start. The WX1’s brighter wide aperture (f/2.4 versus f/3.9) allows better low-light capture and shallower depth of field for creativity.

The Fuji’s lens extends to 180mm, beneficial for moderate telephoto reach, while the Sony peaks at 120mm - less reach but effectively sharp throughout range. Macro-wise, Sony focuses closer at 5cm, enabling more detailed close-ups than Fuji’s 9cm minimum.

Both cameras feature image stabilization, but the Sony relies on optical stabilization, generally more effective than Fuji’s sensor-shift system, particularly at longer focal lengths.

Whether you prioritize wide-angle versatility or telephoto reach, choosing the lens range impacts the types of photography you pursue most.

Performance in Photography Disciplines

Let’s break down practical uses across major genres, helping you decide which camera plays to your strengths.

Portrait Photography

• Skin tones: Fuji’s CCD and warmer color science produce more flattering, natural skin tones without additional tweaking.
• Bokeh: Limited by small sensor and lens apertures; Sony’s f/2.4 wide end creates slightly softer backgrounds.
• AF Eye Detection: None on either camera.

Winner: Fujifilm Z300 for skin tones; Sony WX1 for aperture flexibility.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic Range: Sony’s BSI-CMOS and Bionz processor better capture highlight and shadow details.
• Resolution: Both offer 10MP - adequate for prints up to 8x10 inches.
• Weather Sealing: Neither camera provides environmental protection.
• Wide-angle: Sony’s 24mm equivalent is highly advantageous.

Winner: Sony WX1 for sensor and lens versatility.

Wildlife Photography

• AF Speed: Neither excels; Fuji lags behind with limited AF areas.
• Telephoto Reach: Fuji’s 180mm extends closer to distant subjects.
• Burst Rate: Sony’s 10 fps vs Fuji’s 1 fps dramatically favors Sony for capturing wildlife action.

Winner: Sony WX1 for AF and burst rate; Fuji for focal reach.

Sports Photography

• Both cameras lack manual controls and continuous AF - not optimal.
• Sony’s 10 fps burst is solid for casual sports.
• Fuji’s slow 1 fps burst limits action capture.

Winner: Sony WX1.

Street Photography

• Both cameras are discrete and pocket-sized.
• Sony’s wider angle and faster lens make low-light street shooting easier.
• Fuji’s touchscreen may slow quick candid setups.

Winner: Sony WX1.

Macro Photography

• Sony focuses closer (5cm) and has steadier stabilization.
• Fuji’s 9cm minimum limits close-up detail.

Winner: Sony WX1.

Night/Astro Photography

• ISO max of 3200 on Sony beats Fuji’s 1600, allowing cleaner high ISO shooting.
• Neither camera has manual exposure modes or long exposure times suitable for astrophotography.

Winner: Sony WX1.

Video Capabilities

Sony WX1 delivers HD video, albeit simple and with no external mic input or advanced video features. Fuji’s video is limited to VGA resolution. Both cameras suit casual home videos but fall short for serious video creators.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Sony’s inclusion of HDMI output is a bonus if you want to playback on TVs; Fuji lacks this. Storage media differ by proprietary formats - keep that in mind for card compatibility and cost. Both offer internal memory in tight situations.

Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. Both are everyday “take care” devices, suitable for casual to moderate use but not rugged photography.

Value and Pricing

The cameras debuted at different price points:

Considering their age and discontinued status, secondary market pricing varies. Sony WX1 commands a slight premium due to better specs.

Real-World Image Samples

We tested both cameras side-by-side in diverse light and environments. Refer to the gallery below to see the compressed JPEG outputs for typical daylight, low light, and close-up subjects.

Fujifilm Z300 front Fujifilm Z300 screen back Sony WX1 front Sony WX1 screen back

• Note the Sony WX1’s superior detail retention and vibrant, balanced colors.
• Fuji Z300 renders warmer skin tones but shows more noise in shadows.
• Lens distortion is minimal on both, with Fuji’s telephoto reach evident in cropping.

Specialty Use Case Scores: How They Rank in Different Photography Genres

• Landscape and Street: Sony WX1 leads.
• Portrait and Travel: Close, with Fuji’s warmth favoring portraits.
• Sports and Wildlife: Sony’s faster burst and AF edges ahead.
• Macro: Sony is noticeably better.
• Video: Sony delivers HD; Fuji limited to VGA.

Final Recommendations: Which Ultracompact is Right for You?

Both cameras reflect the state of compact camera technology circa 2009, embodying trade-offs between simplicity and capability.

Conclusion: Know Your Priorities and Get Shooting

If you want a simple, friendly ultracompact that delivers pleasing images with minimal fuss - especially portraits - the Fujifilm FinePix Z300’s touchscreen and color science may charm you. However, if your goal is a versatile, better-performing camera with faster autofocus, video capabilities, and superior image quality in diverse conditions, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 remains more capable.

Remember, neither camera fits modern professional demands, especially lacking RAW, manual controls, and advanced autofocus. Yet, exploring these models can enhance your appreciation of how far camera tech has come, and possibly suit collectors or those mastering fundamentals.

Dive in, explore both if possible, and pair them with good lighting and lenses or accessories to get the most satisfaction. Whether capturing family moments, street scenes, or macro wonders, understanding these tool’s strengths sets you on the right path to strong photographic storytelling.

Happy shooting, and keep evolving your gear thoughtfully!

Note: All test data and findings are based on hands-on experience and industry-standard evaluation techniques employed over multiple shooting sessions controlling for lighting and subject consistency.