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Fujifilm XQ2 vs Sony WX800

The Fujifilm XQ2 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX800 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2015 and October 2018. Both the XQ2 and the WX800 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a 2/3 (XQ2) and a 1/2.3-inch (WX800) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 18 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Fujifilm XQ2
versus
Sony WX800
Fujifilm XQ2   Sony WX800
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
25-100mm f/1.8-4.9 24-720mm f/3.5-6.4
12 MP – Two Thirds sensor 18 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
1080/60p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-12,800 ISO 80-3,200 (80 - 6,400)
No viewfinder, LCD framing No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
12 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
240 shots per battery charge370 shots per battery charge
100 x 59 x 33 mm, 206 g 102 x 58 x 36 mm, 233 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm XQ2 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX800? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Fujifilm XQ2 and the Sony WX800 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The XQ2 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, white), while the WX800 is available in two color-versions (black, white).

Size Fujifilm XQ2 vs Sony WX800
Compare XQ2 versus WX800 top
Comparison XQ2 or WX800 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm XQ2 and the Sony WX800 are of equal size. However, the WX800 is markedly heavier (13 percent) than the XQ2. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the XQ2 nor the WX800 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the XQ2 gets 240 shots out of its Fujifilm NP-48 battery, while the WX800 can take 370 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-BX1 power pack. The power pack in the WX800 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm XQ2 100 mm 59 mm 33 mm 206 g 240 n Jan 2015 399ebay.com
2.
 
Sony WX800 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 233 g 370 n Oct 2018 399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 206 g 235 n Jan 2017 529ebay.com
4.
 
Canon S120 100 mm 59 mm 29 mm 217 g 230 n Aug 2013 449ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X70 113 mm 64 mm 44 mm 340 g 330 n Jan 2016 799ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 339 g 410 n Aug 2016 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 331 g 410 n Dec 2016 399ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X30 119 mm 72 mm 60 mm 423 g 470 n Aug 2014 599ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm XQ1 100 mm 59 mm 33 mm 206 g 240 n Oct 2013 499ebay.com
10.
 
Sony HX99 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 449ebay.com
11.
 
Sony HX95 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 429ebay.com
12.
 
Sony HX80 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 390 n Mar 2016 349ebay.com
13.
 
Sony HX90V 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 360 n Apr 2015 429ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The two cameras under review were launched at the same price and fall into the same market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm XQ2 features a 2/3 sensor and the Sony WX800 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the WX800 is 52 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 3.9 and 5.6. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Fujifilm XQ2 and Sony WX800 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the WX800 offers a higher resolution of 18 megapixels, compared with 12 MP of the XQ2. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 1.25μm versus 2.20μm for the XQ2). However, it should be noted that the WX800 is much more recent (by 3 years and 9 months) than the XQ2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony WX800 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the WX800 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.5 x 18.4 inches or 62.2 x 46.6 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.6 x 14.7 inches or 49.7 x 37.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.3 x 12.2 inches or 41.5 x 31.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Fujifilm XQ2 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The XQ2 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm XQ2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX800 are ISO 80 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-6400.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. The XQ2 uses Fujifilm's X-Trans layout of photosites, while the WX800 employs the more common Bayer array.

XQ2 versus WX800 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Fujifilm XQ2 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.511.2-27549
2.
 
Sony WX800 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.2107051
3.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.912.552265
4.
 
Canon S120 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.311.924656
5.
 
Fujifilm X70 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.713.0160880
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.1166481
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.913.2169181
8.
 
Fujifilm X30 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.411.2-31249
9.
 
Fujifilm XQ1 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.311.0-39047
10.
 
Sony HX99 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105851
11.
 
Sony HX95 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105751
12.
 
Sony HX80 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.411.882248
13.
 
Sony HX90V 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.211.673847
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the WX800 provides a better video resolution than the XQ2. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Fujifilm is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The XQ2 and the WX800 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Fujifilm XQ2 and Sony WX800 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Fujifilm XQ2none n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Sony WX800none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G9 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 8.2/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon S120none n3.0 / 922 fixed Y 1/2000s 12.1/s Y Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X70optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A3none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Fujifilm X302360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Fujifilm XQ1none n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Sony HX99638 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Sony HX95638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Sony HX80638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Sony HX90V638 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The WX800 has a touchscreen, while the XQ2 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The WX800 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the XQ2 does not have a selfie-screen.

Both the XQ2 and the WX800 have zoom lenses built in. The XQ2 has a 25-100mm f/1.8-4.9 optic and the WX800 offers a 24-720mm f/3.5-6.4 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Sony provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Fujifilm. The XQ2 offers the faster maximum aperture.

The XQ2 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the WX800 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The XQ2 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the WX800 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm XQ2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX800 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Fujifilm XQ2-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
2.
 
Sony WX800-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon S120-stereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
5.
 
Fujifilm X70Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A3Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A10-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Fujifilm X30Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Fujifilm XQ1-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Sony HX99-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
11.
 
Sony HX95-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
12.
 
Sony HX80-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
13.
 
Sony HX90V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
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Both the XQ2 and the WX800 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. Neither of the two has a direct successor, so they represent the end of the respective camera lines from Fujifilm and Sony. Further information on the features and operation of the XQ2 and WX800 can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm XQ2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony WX800 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Fujifilm XQ2 better than the Sony WX800 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Fujifilm XQ2:

  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.8 vs f/3.5).
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 27g or 12 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2015).

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Advantages of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX800:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (18 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 22%.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
  • More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (370 versus 240) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More modern: Reflects 3 years and 9 months of technical progress since the XQ2 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the WX800 is the clear winner of the contest (11 : 7 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

XQ2 07:11 WX800

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm XQ2 and the Sony WX800 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the XQ2 and the WX800 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm XQ2........4/54/5 Jan 2015 399ebay.com
2.
 
Sony WX800............ Oct 2018 399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II4/5..4/575/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 529ebay.com
4.
 
Canon S120..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 449ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X704.5/5....76/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 799ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A3......74/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2016 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A10........4/54/5 Dec 2016 399ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X304/5....76/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2014 599ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm XQ1........4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 499ebay.com
10.
 
Sony HX99........4/54.5/5 Aug 2018 449ebay.com
11.
 
Sony HX95............ Aug 2018 429ebay.com
12.
 
Sony HX80............ Mar 2016 349ebay.com
13.
 
Sony HX90V4/5+ +....4/54.5/5 Apr 2015 429ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Fujifilm XQ2 vs Sony WX800

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Fujifilm XQ2 Sony WX800
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 25-100mm f/1.8-4.9 24-720mm f/3.5-6.4
    Launch Date January 2015 October 2018
    Launch Price USD 399 USD 399
    Sensor Specs Fujifilm XQ2 Sony WX800
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Two Thirds Sensor 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 8.8 x 6.6 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 58.08 mm2 28.0735 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 11 mm 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 3.9x 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 pixels 4896 x 3672 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.20 μm 1.25 μm
    Pixel Density 20.66 MP/cm2 64.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 80 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 80 - 6,400 ISO
    Screen Specs Fujifilm XQ2 Sony WX800
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder no viewfinder
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Fujifilm XQ2 Sony WX800
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 12 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I no
    Connectivity Specs Fujifilm XQ2 Sony WX800
    External Flash no Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Fujifilm XQ2 Sony WX800
    Battery Type Fujifilm NP-48 Sony NP-BX1
    Battery Life (CIPA)240 shots per charge370 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 100 x 59 x 33 mm
    (3.9 x 2.3 x 1.3 in)
    102 x 58 x 36 mm
    (4.0 x 2.3 x 1.4 in)
    Camera Weight 206 g (7.3 oz) 233 g (8.2 oz)
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