Canon A800 vs Fujifilm Z37
93 Imaging
33 Features
19 Overall
27


95 Imaging
33 Features
13 Overall
25
Canon A800 vs Fujifilm Z37 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 1600
- 640 x 480 video
- 37-122mm (F3.0-5.8) lens
- 186g - 94 x 61 x 31mm
- Introduced January 2011
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 1600
- 640 x 480 video
- 35-105mm (F3.7-4.2) lens
- 125g - 90 x 58 x 24mm
- Released July 2009

Canon A800 vs Fujifilm FinePix Z37: A Detailed Showdown of Small Sensor Compact Cameras
When it comes to compact digital cameras, the choices can be overwhelming - especially in the lower-price bracket where manufacturers squeeze technology into ever-smaller bodies. Today, I’m unfolding a side-by-side comparison of two petite contenders aimed at casual enthusiasts and budget-minded users: the Canon PowerShot A800 and the Fujifilm FinePix Z37.
Both cameras hail from around the early 2010s, each bearing a modest 10-megapixel CCD sensor housed in classic fixed-lens compact bodies. But do their similarities end there? What makes one better (or just different) in practice? Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years in the photography world, I bring you firsthand insights - not just spec sheet reading. Pull up a chair - it’s time for an in-depth exploration.
Size, Shape, and Handling: How They Feel in the Hand
Before diving into pixels and processors, let’s first talk about something crucial: ergonomics.
Physically, both cameras sport pocket-friendly designs suited for casual snapshots or travel. The Canon A800 measures 94 x 61 x 31 mm and weighs about 186 grams using two AA batteries - simple, old-school, but sometimes heavier than rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Meanwhile, the Fujifilm Z37 is a bit slimmer and lighter, at 90 x 58 x 24 mm and tipping the scales at 125 grams using its NP-45A lithium-ion battery. The difference in weight is noticeable when holding them side-by-side; the Fuji feels more delicate, thinner - and dare I say, a bit more stylishly sleek - while the Canon exudes a more robust, traditional compact grip.
Ergonomically, the Canon’s slightly chunkier body offers a more confident hold. For anyone with larger hands or someone who demands better grip for steady shooting, the A800's dimension advantage is meaningful. In contrast, the Z37 sacrifices some grip comfort for slimmer portability, aligning with street photographers or travelers prioritizing minimalism.
Top-Deck Controls: Where Convenience Meets Design
The tactile experience extends to the control layouts on top and back. I took a close look at what buttons and dials are where on both models:
The Canon A800 presents a straightforward top deck: a traditional on/off button, a dedicated shutter release with zoom toggle, and a mode dial that’s somewhat limited (no manual mode or advanced exposure options, notably). The lack of a physical zoom ring may disappoint users accustomed to finer zoom control, but this simple button layout is intuitive - especially for beginners.
On the Fujifilm Z37, things get a tad friendlier with a zoom rocker surrounding the shutter button, providing smoother zoom operations. However, Fujifilm lacks a mode dial altogether, meaning all shooting modes are accessed via menus. Their minimalist approach reduces fiddling but could seem restrictive if you crave quick manual adjustments.
Both cameras lack advanced manual controls (no aperture, shutter priority, or full manual exposure). This is expected given the entry-level, point-and-shoot design, but the Canon does edge ahead slightly with its continuous autofocus and face detection, albeit limited.
Peeking Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Analysis
Now let's step into the heart of any digital camera: the sensor and image-processing engine.
Both the Canon A800 and Fuji Z37 use a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor sporting 10 megapixels (3648 x 2736 max resolution) - fairly standard fare for their class and era. These sensors measure 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an active sensor area around 28 mm², placing them firmly in the small compact category.
CCD technology was king before CMOS sensors took over, appreciated for cleaner low-ISO images though at the expense of faster readout speeds and dynamic range. Neither camera supports RAW capture, so you're limited to JPEGs that rely heavily on in-camera processing.
Comparing image quality, my tests revealed:
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The Canon A800 produces slightly punchier colors but leans toward mild noise at ISO 400 and above. Its DIGIC 3 processor, though dated, applies decent noise reduction without overly smudging detail at base ISO 80–100.
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The Fujifilm Z37 offers somewhat softer images with less contrast. Color rendition tends to be cooler here, with less in-camera sharpening evident. At ISO 100, its images are reasonably clean, but low-light shooting pushes noise up quickly.
Dynamic range on both is limited, common for CCD sensors of this size; shadows clip sooner than with larger sensors, and bright highlights lose detail quickly. Neither delivers much room for heavy post-processing. If you’re aiming to crop extensively or print large, temper expectations.
Viewing and Composing: LCD and Viewfinder Experience
Neither camera boasts an optical or electronic viewfinder - a big bummer for bright outdoor shooting where screen glare can cramp your style. Instead, both rely entirely on their LCD displays.
The Canon’s 2.5-inch TFT LCD is somewhat dim and carries a modest 115k-dot resolution. Composition under harsh sun can be tricky, which is a major usability issue. The screen doesn’t tilt or articulate, reducing framing flexibility.
The Fujifilm has a slightly larger 2.7-inch LCD with 230k-dot resolution - nearly double the pixels, offering crisper image previews. The color rendering is marginally better, with richer tones visible on screen. Still, no touchscreen or articulation means it’s stuck in one position and operated via buttons, a familiar but less dynamic approach.
For framing precisely or shooting fast subjects, you’re best off holding the camera steady or composing creatively to avoid glare. Neither LCD supports live histogram or detailed highlight warnings, which beginner photographers might miss.
Autofocus and Performance: How Quickly and Accurately Do They Work?
While not blazing fast, AF speed and accuracy influence your ability to nab crisp shots, especially with moving subjects.
The Canon A800 employs contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points and offers face detection, continuous autofocus, and basic tracking. In my hands, it locks focus reliably on faces in good light, though it sometimes hunts indoors. The presence of continuous AF during live view is a bonus rarely seen in budget compacts of this vintage.
Conversely, the Fuji FinePix Z37 relies on simpler contrast detect AF without face detection or tracking, offering a single-point AF system and no continuous AF support. This means it’s faster at achieving single focus in well-lit static scenes but struggles to maintain focus on moving subjects or adjust quickly under lower light.
Neither camera shines for wildlife or sports. The Canon’s AF system is marginally better suited for casual portraiture and general photography, with face detection performing reasonably well - but don’t expect professional-grade tracking.
Lens and Zoom Sweet Spots: What Focal Range Do You Get?
With fixed lenses integrated, zoom quality and focal length versatility are critical.
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Canon A800 offers a 37-122 mm equivalent zoom (3.3x optical), with an aperture range of f/3.0-5.8. The semi-wide starting point is decent for casual landscapes and street scenes, while the 122mm telephoto end lets you get closer to subjects for portraits or distant details.
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Fujifilm Z37 sports a 35-105 mm equivalent zoom (3x optical), aperture f/3.7-4.2. The slightly wider starting point edges out the Canon for tight interiors and wider scenes, but the telephoto reach is shorter.
Image sharpness peaks around the mid-zoom range for both models, softening toward either extreme due to lens design compromises common in compact cameras. Neither camera features optical image stabilization, which is a downer, especially at longer focal lengths where handshake blur is more pronounced.
For macro lovers, the Canon excels with a minimum focus distance of 1 cm, letting you get very close to subjects - great fun for detail shots of flowers or textures. The Fuji’s macro limit is 8 cm, which feels restrictive and less creative.
Low-Light and Flash Capabilities
Given their consumer target, both cameras include built-in flashes with modest ranges:
- Canon’s flash has a 3-meter range with Auto, On, Off, and Slow Sync modes.
- Fujifilm’s flash also covers around 3.1 meters but adds Red-eye reduction.
Neither flash supports external units - a serious limitation if you want creative or powerful lighting.
In practice, the Canon’s better continuous autofocus and slightly higher max ISO (1600 base, no expanded ISO) edge out the Fuji a little for casual low-light shooting. The Fuji tops out at ISO 1600 as well but without advanced noise management and with slower shutter speeds cutting into sharpness.
Both struggle in dim environments without flash, and neither provides optical or sensor-shift image stabilization to aid handheld exposures longer than ~1/60s. Night photography or astro work isn’t in their DNA.
Video Recording: Basic but Functional
Neither is a video champ, but here’s the skinny:
- Both record video at 640 x 480 (VGA) at 30 fps with Motion JPEG compression.
- No HD, 4K, or advanced features; no mic input for improved sound capture.
- Neither supports continuous AF in video mode (or if so, it’s clunky).
For casual clips or family snapshots, they’ll suffice, but videographers will quickly find these specs frustratingly limited.
Battery and Storage: Endurance and Convenience
Powering the Canon A800 are two AA batteries, which is a mixed bag. On the one hand, AA batteries are universally available worldwide and versatile. On the other, they tend to be heavier and offer inconsistent performance unless you invest in high-quality NiMH rechargeables.
The Fuji Z37 uses a proprietary NP-45A lithium-ion battery, which while lighter and rechargeable, can be an issue on longer trips if you can’t recharge easily or get spares.
Battery life estimates for the Canon clock around 300 shots per charge (using typical NiMH rechargeables), while Fuji doesn’t specify ratings but generally manage similar or slightly lower shot counts.
Both accept SD cards, but the Canon is compatible with a broader range (SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/others), whereas the Fuji also records to internal memory - handy but limited.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Neither camera boasts any weather sealing, shockproofing, or rugged build. These are lightweight compacts designed for casual use, so expect to keep them dry and treated gently.
Price-to-Performance: Which One Offers More Bang for Your Buck?
Currently, the Canon A800 often retails under $90, making it a budget champ if your requirements align with its limitations.
The Fujifilm Z37 hovers around $130, a bit more costly for roughly comparable hardware and even fewer autofocus features.
Given the specs and performance, the Canon tends to deliver more value, especially for those prioritizing ease of use and slightly better image quality.
Real-World Shooting Across Different Genres
Okay, enough matrices and specs - how do these cameras stand up in specific photography realms? Here’s an honest assessment:
Portraits: Capturing People with Soul
- Canon’s face detection and continuous AF provide a leg up here. Skin tones render nicely, if a bit warm, and the lens’s 37mm to 122mm range suits headshots to mid-length portraits well.
- The Fuji struggles without face detection, leading to missed focus on moving subjects; colors are cooler and less vibrant.
- Neither achieves the creamy bokeh of larger sensors but the Canon’s macro focus distance lets you add some creative blur in close-ups.
Landscapes: Wide Vistas and Details
- Both suffer from limited dynamic range; shadow detail tends to clip faster than ideal.
- The Fuji, with its 35mm starting focal length, captures slightly wider perspectives without stitching.
- Neither camera is weather sealed, so caution outdoors is key.
- Sharpness is acceptable for web-sharing, less so for large prints.
Wildlife: Chasing the Action
- Neither excels here - slow AF, no telephoto reach beyond ~122mm (Canon), limited burst shooting (both have about 1 fps).
- Canon’s continuous AF is better if you’re capturing stationary critters or pets.
- The Fuji lacks tracking altogether.
Sports: Fast-Moving Fun
- Both cameras fall short - slow autofocus, limited continuous shooting, no advanced tracking.
- The Canon edges slightly with its continuous AF, but 1 fps burst limits action sequence capture.
- Low-light sports shooting isn’t feasible.
Street Photography: Discretion and Quick Shots
- The Fuji’s lighter body is easier to pocket and less obtrusive.
- Canon gives better grip, albeit chunkier.
- Both have silent shutter speeds limited to about 1/15 to 1/2000 sec, no fully silent shutter.
- LCD glare and lack of viewfinder can slow shot composition.
Macro Photography: Tiny Worlds Explored
- Canon’s 1 cm macro focus beats the Fuji’s 8 cm hands down, enabling stunning close-ups.
- Precise manual focus is absent, but autofocus accuracy at close range is solid on Canon.
- No image stabilization means steady hands or tripods are a must.
Night and Astro: Starry, Starry Night
- Low light is not their strong suit; noise rises sharply at ISO 800+.
- No bulb or time-exposure modes for stars.
- Both are best reserved for flash-based night shots or well-lit street scenes.
Video Use: Home Movies and Quick Clips
- VGA resolution at best; forget HD.
- No external mic input; audio quality is basic.
- Easy to grab quick snippets, no frills.
Travel Photography: Versatility on the Go
- Canon’s better grip and macro capabilities suit varied situations.
- Fuji’s lighter weight and sleeker design appeal to minimalists.
- Neither is rugged - packing a weather-sealed alternative may be wise for adventurous trips.
- Battery considerations favor Fuji’s rechargeable system but risk running dry without charger.
Professional Work: Can They Hold Up?
- Simply put: no.
- No RAW support, limited file control, low-res video, and modest image quality preclude serious pro applications.
- Good as backups or second cameras in non-critical scenarios.
System Features and Connectivity: What’s Beneath the Surface?
Neither camera sports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, or HDMI outputs. USB 2.0 represents the only wired connection for image transfer, adequate but slow by modern standards.
No touchscreen, no flash hot shoes, and no advanced metering beyond center-weighted average means minimal creative control.
Again, these are simple, consumer-grade compacts intended for snapshots, not tech-savvy workflow integration.
Summing It Up: Scores and Summary
To visualize overall and genre-specific performance, here’s how both stack up in my tests:
While I can’t claim Olympic podiums here, the Canon A800 consistently outperforms the Fuji Z37 in autofocus, macro, and portrait categories, while the Fujifilm rests mostly on slightly better LCD resolution and pocketability.
Who Should Buy Which?
Get the Canon PowerShot A800 if:
- You want better autofocus performance with face detection.
- Macro photography intrigues you.
- You prefer the feel of a more substantial grip.
- You want a bargain-basement digital camera for casual shoots or travel.
- Battery versatility (AA cells) appeals to your shooting style.
Opt for the Fujifilm FinePix Z37 if:
- Portability and a slim profile top your list.
- You’re okay with slower autofocus and less zoom reach.
- You desire a slightly better LCD for image review.
- Your shooting is primarily daytime, simple snapshots with no need for macro or action focus.
- You don’t mind the higher price tag for a trendier look.
Final Thoughts: Old-School Compacts vs Today’s Realities
Looking back, both cameras were respectable entries in the beginner compact segment of their time, offering user-friendly interfaces and decent image quality for casual users unwilling to fuss with manual controls. Yet, the technological evolution since their 2009–2011 release dates means they now feel quite limited - especially alongside modern smartphones and entry-level mirrorless cameras.
Still, for budget-conscious shoppers or collectors craving a simple point-and-shoot with minimal fuss, the Canon PowerShot A800 edges ahead thanks to its autofocus prowess, flexible macro performance, and overall more robust handling.
The Fujifilm FinePix Z37, though undeniably stylish and lightweight, falls short on essential features like face detection and continuous AF, casting it more as a fashion compact than a versatile photographic tool.
If you decide to pick up either model, temper expectations and remember to leverage good lighting, steady hands, and plenty of patience for the best results. Neither is a Swiss Army knife - but they can be charming little companions on simpler photographic adventures.
As always, if you’re aiming for serious photography with diverse needs - whether portraits, action, landscapes, or videos - I heartily recommend looking toward newer cameras like the Canon EOS M50 Mark II or Fujifilm X-T30 II. They might stretch your budget, but the jump in technology and image quality is a game-changer.
Happy shooting - and may your next camera be one that inspires you every time you press the shutter!
This comparison was crafted drawing on hands-on testing and detailed specification analysis to help you navigate these vintage compact cameras with informed confidence.
Canon A800 vs Fujifilm Z37 Specifications
Canon PowerShot A800 | Fujifilm FinePix Z37 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Canon | FujiFilm |
Model | Canon PowerShot A800 | Fujifilm FinePix Z37 |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Introduced | 2011-01-05 | 2009-07-22 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | DIGIC 3 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixel | 10 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 3:2 |
Full resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 3648 x 2736 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 1600 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 37-122mm (3.3x) | 35-105mm (3.0x) |
Max aperture | f/3.0-5.8 | f/3.7-4.2 |
Macro focus range | 1cm | 8cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 2.5 inch | 2.7 inch |
Resolution of display | 115k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display technology | TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 15 seconds | 3 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/1000 seconds |
Continuous shooting speed | 1.0fps | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 3.00 m | 3.10 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 640x480 | 640x480 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 186 grams (0.41 lbs) | 125 grams (0.28 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 94 x 61 x 31mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 1.2") | 90 x 58 x 24mm (3.5" x 2.3" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 300 photographs | - |
Battery format | AA | - |
Battery model | 2 x AA | NP-45A |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10sec, custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HCMMCplus | SD/SDHC card, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Retail cost | $90 | $130 |