Like the other cameras in Fujifilm's EXR line, the 12-megapixel Z800EXR features Fujifilm's EXR Super CCD sensor, which allows the shooter a bit more manual control over a shot without having full manual controls. The three dedicated EXR modes can be set to optimize the sensor for high-resolution shots, high sensitivity in low-light situations, and wide dynamic range. Also, an EXR-driven Auto mode automatically selects between those three EXR-based modes.

While that's cool enough, the real draw with the Z800EXR is its incredibly quick autofocus, coupled with very good image stabilization. Fujifilm touts it as the world's fastest autofocus lens, and I'm inclined to believe them, as this thing is quick. A gyro sensor purports to give you blur-free photos, and it does a pretty good job--while the Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 features some better anti-motion shooting modes (including modes that combine a number of shots to get you one perfect photo), the Z800EXR's dual image-stabilization mode is very effective.

The Manual shooting mode allows you to adjust a number of settings, including the white balance, ISO, dynamic range, exposure, and autofocus. The automatic modes (including EXR Auto, Auto, Touch & Shoot, Natural Light, and Scene modes), on the other hand, give you control over ISO but not white balance, exposure, or dynamic range. You also get 15 different Scene modes, including "dog" and "cat" modes that detect up to 10 dogs or cats in a photo and optimize exposure settings accordingly.

Shooting modes include EXR Auto, Automatic, Touch & Shoot, Scene, Motion Panorama, Natural Light, Manual, and Movie. The Touch & Shoot mode is similar to the Lumix DMC-FX75's touch-and-focus option: You can touch anywhere on the screen to focus on that spot in the photo and immediately snap a picture. The Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 also has the touch-to-focus feature, but you can only focus and not shoot when you touch the screen. The Movie mode features HD recording, but only at 720p and 24 frames per second--not 1080i, like the Cyber-shot DSC-TX9.