Canon ELPH 510 HS vs FujiFilm FinePix HS10: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzooms

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, the market offers a tempting spectrum of choices that cater to travelers, casual shooters, and even budget-conscious enthusiasts who want more zoom reach than a smartphone but without jumping straight into interchangeable lens systems. Today I’m digging into two such contenders: the Canon ELPH 510 HS (also known as the IXUS 1100 HS) and the FujiFilm FinePix HS10 (a.k.a. FinePix HS11). They both promise serious zoom chops, but diverge sharply in design philosophy, customization options, and price points.

Having tested hundreds of compact superzoom cameras personally, I'm here to walk you through their strengths, quirks, and which type of user each serves best. Let’s peel back the specs and real-world experience, keeping in mind that beyond the cliff notes, the devil is in the details - ergonomics, autofocus, image quality, and more.

First Impressions and Physical Presence: Compactness vs DSLR Style

At first glance, the Canon ELPH 510 HS is all about unobtrusive portability. Weighing just 206g with dimensions under 10 cm wide and 2.2 cm thick, this camera slides into a pocket with ease. It’s the perfect candidate for cheapskate travelers or anyone who hates lugging extra gear - a small companion that’s as much an everyday snatcher as a vacation workhorse.

Meanwhile, the FujiFilm HS10 is a beast compared to the Canon, tipping the scales at 666g and resembling a mini DSLR with its SLR-like bridge body. It’s chunkier and demands a dedicated carrying case. For some, this size and weight might be a dealbreaker; for others, it offers an immediate sense of grip and control that small compacts struggle to deliver.

Here's a deeper look at the handling side, including control layout and top-panel ergonomics.

Control Layout and Usability: Clubs for Thumbs or Streamlined Minimalism?

The Fuji’s SLR-style design offers an array of physical dials and buttons that I appreciate when quick adjustments are critical - sports photographers and wildlife shooters, take note. You get aperture and shutter priority modes, manual exposure, and direct access to exposure compensation, making it feel like a real camera to work with.

The Canon, on the other hand, is a much more simplified compact - no manual exposure modes, no dedicated dials, just point and shoot with some exposure fine-tuning through custom white balance. Its touchscreen interface does compensate somewhat, but I found it slower and less intuitive for making rapid changes in the field.

So, if you’re coming from an SLR or mirrorless background or want to push your settings, the FujiHS10 wins hands down for physical controls. Canon ELPH 510 HS is more of a quick-capture marvel for those who prefer the “set it and forget it” approach.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: But What About the Pixels?

Both cameras sport the same modest 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, with the Canon at 12MP and the FujiFilm at 10MP resolution. On paper, these sensors are identical in size (around 28 mm²), which means neither can match APS-C or full-frame sensors in image quality or depth of field control. But sensor interface design and image processing engines can make a world of difference.

The Canon ELPH 510 HS has a slightly higher resolution but lacks RAW output and only offers JPEG files. FujiFilm HS10, however, includes RAW support which gives you more latitude in post-processing - an important detail for enthusiasts who like to wrestle highlight and shadow details.

Dynamic range and noise are typical for this class - expect decent daylight images with some softness and chroma noise creeping in above ISO 400. FujiFilm’s sensor offers a broader ISO range (up to 6400 native), while Canon caps at ISO 3200. However, in practical low-light shooting, you’d benefit from Fuji’s ability to push ISO for stills despite some grain increase.

If you’re after ultimate file flexibility, FujiFilm’s RAW support paired with a forgiving ISO ceiling makes it preferable; Canon is more for simpler workflows and smaller social sharing files.

Shooting Experience: Autofocus, Burst Rate, and Handling Speed

Speed and accuracy in autofocus and continuous shooting often separate fun cameras from frustrating ones.

Canon’s 510 HS offers a respectable 3 fps burst with face detection and AF tracking, fairly standard for a compact in 2012. It relies on contrast-detection autofocus only, which can occasionally hunt in low contrast or low light scenarios. That 12x optical zoom covers a solid range from 28mm wide-angle to 336mm telephoto equivalent but with F3.4–5.9 max aperture, so image stabilization is crucial.

The Fuji HS10 ups the ante with a 10 fps continuous shooting mode - impressive for its era and size. It also uses contrast detection AF, but its caveat is that the AF sometimes struggles at the extreme telephoto end (720mm equivalent) due to the tight depth of field and less light at aperture F5.6.

Image stabilization types differ too: Canon uses optical IS (lens-based), while Fuji features sensor-shift stabilization. Sensor-shift tends to be more versatile across focal lengths and shot types, especially hand-held tele shots and video.

When tracking moving subjects such as wildlife or sports, Fuji’s faster burst rate and exposure adjustment options will serve you better, but keep in mind it’s still a contrast-based AF system with inherent limits on speed and accuracy.

Display and Viewfinder: Can You See What You’re Shooting?

Here’s one of the more palpable differences in user experience: the Canon uses a fixed 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD with 461k-dot resolution, which is generous for the class and facilitates menu navigation, focusing, and image review. However, its fixed nature means no tilting to reduce glare or aid shooting at awkward angles.

FujiFilm’s HS10 sports a slightly smaller 3-inch tilt-angle LCD with 230k-dot resolution and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) covering about 97% of the frame. The EVF is a dealbreaker for some - it’s far superior for bright daylight shooting compared to LCDs because it lets your eye block ambient light and see exposures and framing clearly. The screen’s lower resolution is a downside, but the tilt compensates for comfortable low or high angle shots.

If you rely on composing in bright outdoor light often, Fujifilm’s EVF and tilt screen combo will be a major boon. Canon’s superior LCD tends to excel indoors or shaded environments.

Lens Range and Optical Performance: Zoom Tigers in Different Matchups

One metric that often draws people to superzooms is versatility in focal length.

Canon’s 12x zoom covers 28-336mm equivalent. It’s a sensible compromise between wide-angle landscapes and moderate telephoto reach.

Fuji’s stunning 30x zoom from 24-720mm equivalent pushes far beyond that. The extra length is revolutionary for wildlife spotters or sports spectators who can’t get physically closer.

However, that zoom advantage comes with optical tradeoffs. Fuji’s lens max aperture narrows to F5.6 at maximum zoom, which means shutter speeds must get longer or IS must kick in more aggressively. Sharpness and contrast tend to fall off a bit at full telephoto. Canon’s shorter zoom length gains a nudge in edge-to-edge sharpness and faster apertures at the wide end (F3.4).

So, Fuji is an obvious choice if you crave extra reach and have steady hands or a tripod. Canon caters better to everyday shooting and travel landscapes where wide angles matter more.

Image Stabilization and Low Light Performance: Keeping It Sharp When Hands Shake

Both cameras use image stabilization to compensate for camera shake inherent in handheld shooting, which is especially critical when zoomed in.

Canon employs optical IS, stabilizing the lens elements directly. This is quite effective, especially for stills and casual video. Fuji relies on sensor-shift IS, moving the sensor to compensate - an approach advantageous across zoom lengths but sometimes less effective against subject movement versus optical IS.

In terms of low light, both cameras start to struggle beyond ISO 800 with visible noise and softness, but Canon caps ISO at 3200 whereas Fuji goes to 6400 (native). Fuji’s ability to shoot at higher ISOs gives you more flexibility at night but at image quality costs.

If your night photography includes casual party shoots or holiday scenes in dim light, Fuji has the edge here. But neither camera is ideal for seriously dim astro or nightscape work.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: How Long Can You Shoot?

Neither camera shines in battery endurance, yet both settle into expected treats of their class.

Canon’s NB-9L rechargeable battery is compact but tends to require frequent charging - no published CIPA figures here, but expect around 250 shots on a full charge. Fuji uses four AA batteries, which can be seen either as a convenience (easy to swap in stores) or annoyance (bulkier, heavier). Battery life is highly variable depending on LCD or EVF use.

Storage-wise, both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in single slots.

Wireless features diverge dramatically: the Canon supports Eye-Fi cards, enabling wireless photo transfer (a rare feature for a camera of its generation), while Fuji includes no wireless options, meaning you’ll need to pull out the card manually to transfer images.

Video: Basic, But With Interesting Frame Rate Options

Both cameras record Full HD 1080p video, though Canon caps at 24 fps and Fuji at 30 fps for HD. Fuji pumps up the slow-motion stakes with quirky options allowing up to 1000 fps recording at very low resolutions - fun for experimental videographers but little use for professional projects.

Neither camera offers external microphone inputs or advanced video features like 4K capture, so both are strictly casual video shooters.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s run down common photography scenarios to see which camera flexes best where.

Canon ELPH 510 HS front Canon ELPH 510 HS screen back FujiFilm HS10 front FujiFilm HS10 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Canon ELPH 510 HS: Auto face detection and eye detection work smoothly, aiding pleasing skin tones and exposure in controlled lighting. The F3.4 aperture isn’t great for razor-thin background blur but acceptable for casual portraits.
• FujiFilm HS10: Without face/eye detection, manual focus and settings offer more creative control but demand skill. Its RAW support and manual modes are a bonus for post-processing skin tone retouching.

Verdict: Canon wins ease-of-use, Fuji wins creative control.

Landscape Photography

• Canon: Wide-angle 28mm is handy, and excellent LCD helps with framing.
• Fuji: Extra-wide 24mm and manual exposure modes allow bracketing for HDR workflows. Tilt screen and EVF assist in tricky lighting.

Verdict: Fuji edges out due to flexibility and longer exposures.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon: Zoom falls short for distant subjects.
• Fuji: 720mm telephoto and fast burst frame rates let you catch birds or animals, though autofocus can lag.

Verdict: Fuji all day if you can manage its size.

Sports Photography

• Fuji’s 10 fps burst and manual controls make it a natural, but autofocus speed may lag.
• Canon limited in burst and controls, less suitable.

Verdict: Fuji better for active shooting.

Street Photography

• Canon is stealthy, quiet, and pocketable.
• Fuji is bulky and attention-grabbing.

Verdict: Canon wins for urban candid snaps.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras offer focusing down to 1 cm, but Fuji’s manual focus preference allows tinkering.
• Canon’s autofocus may struggle with unpredictable macro focus points.

Verdict: Slight edge to Fuji for precision.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither excels; Fuji’s ISO 6400 and manual modes give a slight edge for experimentation.
• Canon’s simpler controls limit night photography creativity.

Verdict: Fuji slightly better for hobbyist night shooters.

Video

• Canon features touchscreen aided video focusing; Fuji offers more framerate options and slow motion clips but no audio inputs.

Verdict: Both basic; Fuji appeals to toy-like slow-motion fans.

Travel Photography

• Canon is lightweight and inconspicuous.
• Fuji offers reach and shooting control but drags weight.

Verdict: Canon preferred for travel ease.

Professional Work

• Fuji supports RAW, manual modes, external flash, and memory card flexibility.
• Canon is too limited for pro workflows.

Verdict: Fuji far superior for pros on a budget.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Don’t Take Either Sailing

Neither camera offers weather sealing, splash proofing, or rugged skeletons - a reminder that these are consumer-class superzooms not designed for harsh environments.

Canon’s plastic compact feels solid enough but fragile in rugged use; Fuji’s larger body offers a sturdier grip but isn’t weatherproof.

Price-to-Performance: What Does Your Buck Buy?

• Canon ELPH 510 HS: At around $200, this camera delivers significant bang for budget, ideal for casual shooters seeking zoom without complexity.
• FujiFilm HS10: On the higher end at about $900, it demands serious commitment to justify extra size, manual control, and zoom reach.

Summary Table: Quick Comparative Snapshot

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Having spent quality time behind the controls and through the lens of both cameras, here’s my practical takeaway for you:

Buy the Canon ELPH 510 HS if:

• You want a small, lightweight camera for travel or casual everyday shooting.
• You prefer simple point-and-shoot operation without fussing over settings.
• Your budget demands value above all and you appreciate touchscreen convenience.
• Your subjects are mostly portraits, street scenes, vacations with moderate zoom needs.
• You want wireless image transfer support (via Eye-Fi cards).

Buy the FujiFilm FinePix HS10 if:

• You want a versatile all-in-one camera with manual controls, RAW format, and extensive zoom reach.
• You’re into wildlife, sports, or any subject requiring fast burst modes and telephoto power.
• You favor an EVF and tilting screen for more creative viewing and shooting comfort.
• You’re okay with bulkier form factor and a higher price tag.
• You want to experiment with creative video options including slow-motion.

Wrapping It Up

Both the Canon ELPH 510 HS and FujiFilm FinePix HS10 have appeal but cater to very different users. Canon offers a straightforward, pocketable, and affordable compact with a respectable zoom range ready to capture life’s moments on the fly. Fuji’s HS10 commands a premium but delivers a level of manual control, zoom, and shooting speed that surpasses entry-level compacts by a wide margin, appealing to enthusiasts who want to explore photography beyond auto modes.

Neither is without limitations - tiny sensors, limited low-light prowess, and lack of professional ruggedness - but within their niches, they shine in their own ways.

If you want my personal recommendation for the widest audience of photography enthusiasts on a tight budget, the Canon ELPH 510 HS is the reliable grab-and-go gadget that won’t bust your wallet. For those ready to step up, embrace more control, and prioritize zoom range over size, the FujiFilm FinePix HS10 remains a compelling bridge camera choice.

No matter your pick, keep in mind what matters most for your style and invest time learning your camera well - that’s where real photographic magic starts.

Feel free to reach out with questions, or if you want me to test modern successors for you! Happy shooting.