Canon PowerShot A3500 IS vs Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP: A Practical Compact Camera Showdown

When exploring compact cameras that surfaced in the early 2010s, two fairly approachable options stand out for specific user types - the Canon PowerShot A3500 IS and the Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP. Though both target casual shooters rather than advanced photographers, their different design priorities and feature sets make them surprisingly distinct choices.

Having handled and tested these cameras extensively over the years, I’ll walk you through their core strengths and trade-offs across a variety of photographic situations - from portraits to landscapes, and even challenging environments like underwater or rugged travel. Let’s unpack what you can expect in real-life shooting scenarios, backed by careful hands-on analysis and technical details.

Physical Feel and Ergonomics: When Size and Handling Matter

First impressions often begin with how a camera feels in hand, and here the Canon A3500 IS and Fujifilm Z33WP show a modest size difference worth noting.

The Canon A3500 IS is slightly wider but noticeably thinner, measuring about 98 x 56 x 20 mm and weighing 135 grams with battery. Its slim profile and light weight make it a pocket-friendly, grab-and-go option. The fixed lens design and a modest 5x zoom feel versatile for everyday snapshots.

Conversely, the Fujifilm Z33WP, designed as a waterproof compact, carries subtle bulk at 92 x 60 x 21 mm and around 110 grams. Its ruggedized, sealed body offers peace of mind if you photograph in damp or sandy conditions. You’ll trade some slimness for durability, yet it feels solid and purpose-built.

Ergonomically, both cameras lack traditional grip contours, but the Canon’s large, rear thumb rest and simplified button layout lend to a more intuitive, less fiddly experience when composing shots. The Fujifilm’s buttons are compact, minimal, and non-illuminated, which reduces complexity but can slow quick adjustments.

If you prioritize compactness and one-handed operation, the Canon edges ahead. However, if protective bracing and splash-proof reliability factor into your use case, Fujifilm’s Z33WP wins in ruggedness and peace of mind.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Any Camera

Of course, the sensor and image processing pipeline are paramount for image quality. Both cameras employ small 1/2.3” CCD sensors measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm, but Canon’s packs a 16-megapixel count versus Fujifilm’s 10 megapixels.

Canon’s higher resolution sensor delivers a maximum native resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels, allowing you to crop more aggressively or make larger prints without losing detail. The Canon DIGIC 4 image processor further aids in noise reduction and color accuracy to a reasonable extent for such an entry-level compact.

Fujifilm’s lower resolution stands at 3648 x 2736, reflecting the Z33WP’s slightly older sensor tech. It lacks image stabilization altogether, while the Canon offers optical stabilization, which makes a real difference handheld, especially in lower light.

ISO range is another factor - both top out around ISO 1600, but noise levels become impractical past ISO 400 to 800 on these small sensors. Canon’s sensor tends toward slightly cleaner images thanks to DIGIC processing, but neither rival entry-level mirrorless or smartphones for low-light prowess.

In practical shooting, colors on Fujifilm lean toward their classic saturated, punchy signature striving for lively JPEG output - ideal for casual snapshots you want to share quickly. Canon is more neutral and balanced in color rendering, offering a reliable baseline.

LCD Display and User Interface: Mediating the Experience

When composing and reviewing your shots, the rear LCD often becomes your primary interface on compact cameras lacking viewfinders.

The Canon A3500 IS features a fixed 3-inch touchscreen with 230k-dot resolution. Its touchscreen capabilities enhance menu navigation and focusing - though keep in mind the autofocus system is contrast detection-only, which results in modestly slower AF speeds.

The Fujifilm Z33WP opts for a 2.7-inch, non-touch fixed screen with the same resolution. The smaller screen and lack of touch mean you’ll rely on physical buttons for changing settings and composing images. It’s straightforward but feels more dated and limited.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, so bright daylight viewing requires tilting the screen or shading with your hand. Canon’s larger and touch-capable LCD offers a more tactile and immediate control experience, while Fujifilm’s is functional yet basic.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: Choosing Your Framing

Both cameras utilize fixed zoom lenses, which are common compromises in compacts for simplicity and affordability. The Canon A3500 IS features a 28-140 mm equivalent focal range with an aperture of f/2.8-6.9, providing a good balance between wide-angle shots and moderate telephoto reach.

The Fujifilm Z33WP packs a shorter zoom range of 35-105 mm equivalent with a slightly brighter aperture between f/3.7 and f/4.2. While the wider aperture helps in lower light, the narrower zoom reach limits framing flexibility somewhat.

Neither camera offers manual aperture control or exposure modes beyond basic auto; these are aimed at casual shooters who prioritize simplicity. Canon’s lens advantage here is wider field-of-view at the short end (28mm vs. 35mm), which helps with cramped indoor or landscape shots.

Both cameras support close focusing: Canon can focus as close as 3 cm for macro shots, while Fujifilm’s minimum macro distance is 8 cm. The Canon’s macro capability is more flexible for small subjects, but be aware both lack advanced focus stacking or bracketing.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds: Catching The Moment

Neither camera was designed for fast-paced shooting, but differences matter when you’re photographing active scenes like sports or wildlife.

Canon’s PowerShot A3500 IS employs contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points and limited face detection. It also features continuous AF modes, which help with tracking moderately moving subjects, but responsiveness remains modest.

Fujifilm’s FinePix Z33WP uses a simpler contrast-only AF system without face detection and only single AF mode. This makes acquiring accurate focus slower, and there’s no continuous tracking, which hampers action or wildlife photography.

Both cameras have low burst rates - Canon clocks at roughly 1fps, while Fujifilm matches that roughly too. Neither impress for speed; these are snapshot, casual-use cameras rather than serious wildlife or sports cameras.

Flash and Low-Light Performance: Filling in the Shadows

Both compacts include built-in flash units with similar range: Canon’s effective about 3 meters, Fujifilm slightly longer at 3.9 meters. Flash modes for both include basic auto, on, off, red-eye reduction, and slow-sync options.

Canon’s optical image stabilization is an advantage in low light, allowing for sharper images with slower shutter speeds handheld - something the Fujifilm entirely lacks, so expect more blur indoors or in dim conditions without flash.

Maximum ISO 1600 is available but is noisy on both devices. Canon allows custom white balance, a plus for tricky lighting, whereas Fujifilm lacks this feature.

Video Capabilities: Modest, But Sometimes Handy

Both cameras are limited in video functionality reflecting their compact and budget nature.

Canon shoots HD 720p video at 25 frames per second using the efficient H.264 codec, providing decent quality for casual use. Fujifilm’s video maxes out at VGA 640x480 at 30 fps, saved in Motion JPEG format - less efficient and visibly lower quality.

Neither offers manual exposure during video, external microphone inputs, or advanced stabilization for movie recording. Canon’s better codec and HD resolution make it the preferable choice if video is important for you.

Special Features: FujiFilm's Waterproof Edge vs Canon’s Wireless

Fujifilm’s distinctive advantage lies in rugged, waterproof design - rated to handle underwater photography and adverse weather, making it ideal for adventurous users, swimmers, or beach trips.

Canon lacks weather sealing but adds built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), allowing you to share photos easily from camera to phone or computer, a feature the Fujifilm omits entirely.

Neither offers RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility for professionals, but very much expected at this price and class.

Battery, Storage, and Practical Considerations

Battery life is modest for both - the Canon’s NB-11L battery delivers around 200 shots per charge, while Fujifilm’s NP-45 battery does not have officially stated performance and generally provides fewer shots.

Both record images to SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but Canon supports the newer SDXC standard, beneficial for higher-capacity cards. Fujifilm supports internal memory as well, but it’s minimal and quickly filled.

The Canon charges via USB 2.0, while Fujifilm offers HDMI output but no modern wireless options.

Sample Images and Real-World Comparisons

Let’s take a brief look at image samples from both cameras to see the theories in practice.

Canon A3500 IS front Canon A3500 IS screen back Fujifilm Z33WP front Fujifilm Z33WP screen back

Canon’s shots generally show more detail and cleaner colors, especially in daylight. The image stabilization helps reduce blur. Fujifilm’s photos tend to have more punch in color saturation but reveal noise and softness at similar resolutions, particularly in shadows.

Close-up image detail from Canon also outperforms Fujifilm thanks to closer macro focus and higher resolution.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

Given all the technical and experiential factors, how do these cameras stack up?

Canon’s A3500 IS claims higher marks for image quality, user interface, autofocus performance, and video. Fujifilm’s waterproof design scores strongly for durability but falls short in imaging and speed.

Best Matches for Different Photography Genres

Here is a breakdown of both cameras’ relative strengths when applied to specific genres.

• Portraits: Canon leads with face detection autofocus and better resolution. Fujifilm’s oversaturated colors may please casual users but lack detail.

• Landscapes: Canon’s wider angle and higher resolution offer superior framing and prints. Neither camera is weather sealed enough for harsh conditions, though.

• Wildlife: Neither ideal, but Canon’s continuous AF and image stabilization marginally improve chances.

• Sports: Both too slow; Canon’s AF slightly better, but still frustrating.

• Street: Fujifilm’s waterproof body protects against unexpected elements, but Canon’s lighter weight aids portability.

• Macro: Canon handles closer focusing and delivers more detail.

• Night/Astro: Neither excels; Canon’s stabilization offers minor advantage.

• Video: Canon’s HD video and modern codec are preferable.

• Travel: Fujifilm’s ruggedness beats Canon for adventurous travel; for urban travel, Canon’s size and wireless sway choice.

• Professional Work: Neither meets professional standards due to limited controls, lack of RAW, and small sensors.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you ask me, the Canon PowerShot A3500 IS stands out as the more all-around capable compact camera for casual photographers seeking decent image quality, simple controls, and wireless sharing in a pocket-friendly package. Its higher megapixel count, stabilized lens, and touchscreen LCD provide practical benefits day-to-day.

That said, if you prioritize ruggedness, plan to shoot around water (beaches, pools, light rain), or want a truly worry-free waterproof companion, the Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP is a unique and sensible choice. You’ll sacrifice image quality, zoom range, and touchscreen ease for the peace of mind its sealed body offers.

Dear Canon, I do wish for touchscreens and wireless to become universal across your budget compacts! With straightforward improvements, cameras like the A3500 could edge closer to becoming genuinely versatile tools rather than glorified point-and-shoots.

Both cameras suit beginners or casual shooters on a tight budget, but neither is recommended for enthusiasts or professionals demanding greater creative control, image quality, or speed.

In sum:

• Choose Canon A3500 IS for sharper images, better usability, and wireless convenience.
• Choose Fujifilm Z33WP if waterproofing and durability are non-negotiable priorities.

Whichever you lean toward, I hope this hands-on comparison helps clarify how each performs in the real world, beyond specs and marketing fluff.

Happy shooting!

For more detailed tests and sample image galleries, you can find my full video reviews and technical breakdowns linked above. Feel free to reach out with specific use-case questions.