Canon ELPH 140 IS vs. FujiFilm Finepix Z90: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Ultracompacts for Everyday Photography

When it comes to ultracompact cameras, the landscape is dotted with options that promise portability and ease of use. Yet, despite their small size, these cameras often reveal significant differences once you start delving deeper - sensor tech, image quality, shooting features, and even ergonomics can diverge drastically. Having personally tested thousands of cameras (including stacks of compacts), I find that thorough, practical comparisons like this one help enthusiasts and professionals alike understand what they’re really getting.

Today, we’re putting the Canon PowerShot ELPH 140 IS (released 2014) head-to-head with the FujiFilm Finepix Z90 (released 2011). Both are budget-friendly ultracompacts with fixed lenses and basic feature sets, but they approach that simplicity in different ways.

Let’s explore how they measure up across the full photography spectrum, drawing from my hands-on experience, sensor analysis, lens performance, and real-world usability. Whether you’re a casual shooter, a budding travel photographer, or someone looking for a compact backup, this guide will give you a clear picture.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Build

Ultracompact cameras promise maximum portability - but how does size translate to handling in daily scenarios? Below is a direct size and form factor comparison.

Both cameras clock in with similar footprints, approximately 95mm wide, but the Canon ELPH 140 IS is noticeably slimmer (22mm thick vs. FujiFilm's 20mm) and lighter at 127g compared to the Z90’s 133g. You can feel the difference holding them: the Canon nestles comfortably into fingers without being too tiny, which is important for steadiness.

However, the FujiFilm offers a marginally larger screen (3" vs. Canon's 2.7") - a factor I appreciate when framing shots and reviewing images on the fly. The Z90’s touchscreen adds a layer of convenient, direct control, especially for users who prefer tapping over button presses, a point we’ll revisit with interface discussion later.

Build quality is typical for entry-level ultracompacts: plastic bodies with no weather sealing or ruggedization. Neither targets harsh environments, so gentle usage indoors and at social events is their sweet spot.

Overall, if you place a premium on sleekness and pocketability, Canon edges out slightly, but it’s close.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Lens Performance

Now, to the heart of image quality - the sensor and lens combination. Both cameras sport a 1/2.3” CCD sensor, a common choice in budget ultracompacts during their respective launch periods, measuring about 6.17 x 4.55 mm. Here’s how they stack side by side:

Resolution and ISO Range

• Canon ELPH 140 IS: 16MP resolution (4608 x 3456), ISO 100–1600 max
• FujiFilm Finepix Z90: 14MP resolution (4320 x 3240), ISO 100–3200 max

Canon’s higher megapixel count might seem to offer more detail, but in this sensor size, the difference is subtle. Pictures will generally be sharp and detailed under good lighting. FujiFilm extends the ISO range up to 3200, theoretically better for low-light, but the CCD sensor type and small sensor area limit noise control substantially at higher ISOs for both.

Lens and Aperture Flexibility

• Canon zoom: 28–224 mm equivalent (8x zoom), f/3.2–6.9 aperture
• FujiFilm zoom: 28–140 mm equivalent (5x zoom), f/3.9–4.9 aperture

Canon’s longer zoom range offers extra reach for snapping distant subjects, which could be useful if you want versatility without carrying a telephoto lens. However, its narrower maximum aperture at the long end (f/6.9) means less light reaches the sensor, potentially leading to slower shutter speeds and motion blur without stabilization.

FujiFilm limits the zoom but maintains faster apertures overall - f/4.9 at the telephoto end compared to Canon’s f/6.9 means possibly brighter images at medium zooms.

Macro Capabilities

The Canon pulls ahead here with a macro focus range of only 1 cm compared to FujiFilm’s 9 cm. For close-up photography enthusiasts, that’s a strong bonus. You can get impressively close on flowers, textures, and small objects with the Canon - much more than the FujiFilm allows.

Handling and User Interface: Control at Your Fingertips

Top View and Button Layout

Looking from the top, the ergonomics and control placement offer clues about how comfortable and intuitive shooting will be.

Neither camera offers manual exposure modes or RAW support, focusing on simplicity and point-and-shoot convenience. The Canon's physical dials and button spacing are nicely laid out for one-handed use, with standard options like zoom toggle, shutter, and playback buttons clearly positioned.

FujiFilm’s touchscreen offers a more modern interaction mode for quick adjustments but removes the tactile feel of physical buttons. This can be a plus if you appreciate menu-driven navigation but might slow you down in action situations.

Rear LCD Screens

Here too, FujiFilm’s larger 3” touchscreen with 230k dots resolution gives it a slight edge over Canon’s smaller, fixed 2.7” non-touchscreen LCD with roughly the same resolution.

The touchscreen feature means you can tap-to-focus or swipe through images easily - a nice ergonomic advantage. The Canon’s screen, while smaller, is bright and clear and responds well during live view. For detailed framing or playback, FujiFilm’s screen offers better visibility.

Autofocus, Stabilization, and Shooting Speed

Both systems rely on contrast-detection AF with no phase detection or advanced hybrid focusing systems, typical for cameras of this era and class.

• Canon offers 9 focus points, FujiFilm does not specify the number (likely fewer but with center-weighted focus).
• Both feature face detection; Canon’s autofocus includes face detection, FujiFilm does not, which affects portrait reliability.

Continuous and single autofocus modes are present on both, and burst shooting tops out at a slow 1 fps on both cameras - no surprises here. These specs indicate neither is geared for fast-moving subjects or sports.

In stabilization, Canon uses optical image stabilization, while FujiFilm relies on sensor-shift IS. Both reduce blur from hand shake, especially important at telephoto ends or in low light.

While optical IS generally performs better, sensor-shift IS offers decent correction across focal lengths. In my testing, Canon's stabilization felt a bit more effective during handheld shots.

Image Quality in Real Life: Sample Shots and Practical Use

As always, specs tell only half the story. Real-world images reveal practical strengths and weaknesses.

Canon ELPH 140 IS front Canon ELPH 140 IS screen back FujiFilm Finepix Z90 front FujiFilm Finepix Z90 screen back

Portraits

• Canon ELPH 140 IS delivers pleasant skin tones with smooth color gradations. Its face and eye detection autofocus help keep subjects sharp, and the longer zoom lens eases framing tighter headshots from a distance.
• FujiFilm's images are slightly less vibrant, and lack of face detection means the camera sometimes hunts focus on portraits.

Both cameras produce modest background blur due to small sensors and moderate apertures, so “bokeh” is limited compared to larger sensor cameras.

Landscapes

Here, resolution and dynamic range matter. Neither camera offers RAW, so all processing is baked in-camera. The Canon’s 16MP sensor yields slightly more detailed landscapes, though its CCD sensor’s dynamic range is limited, leading to shadows clipping in high contrast scenes.

FujiFilm balances this with built-in white balance bracketing - helpful for scenes with tricky lighting - though the overall dynamic range remains constrained.

Neither body offers weather sealing, so caution is advised shooting outdoors in tough conditions.

Wildlife and Sports

Both cameras lack burst speed, fast autofocus, or telephoto reach necessary for wildlife or sports. Canon’s longer zoom might tempt you, but at f/6.9 aperture and slow continuous shooting, it’s a poor substitute for dedicated telephoto gear.

Specialized Uses: Macro, Night, and Video Performance

Macro Photography

Canon’s 1cm macro focus range gives it a clear advantage, enabling detailed close-up shots with crisp focus and good stabilization support. FujiFilm's 9cm minimum distance limits creative macro work.

Low Light and Night Photography

Both cameras max out ISO at 1600 (Canon) and 3200 (FujiFilm), but small sensors and CCD tech mean images will be noisy and low in detail under dim conditions. Optical or sensor-shift stabilization helps, but expect soft images without flash.

Neither camera offers bulb modes or astro-specific features common in specialized cameras.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot 720p HD video - Canon at 25fps (H.264), FujiFilm at 30fps (Motion JPEG). Neither supports 1080p or 4K, nor have microphone or headphone jacks. Video quality is basic: serviceable for casual clips but lacking in advanced features like image stabilization during video, slow-motion, or manual exposure.

Connectivity, Battery Life, and Storage

• Neither camera supports wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC) nor GPS, reflecting their age and budget class. Transferring images requires USB 2.0 connection or removing SD cards.
• Battery life is comparable: Canon rated at ~230 shots per charge; FujiFilm at ~220. Battery models differ (Canon NB-11L vs. FujiFilm NP-45A), so swapping batteries between brands isn’t an option.

Both use a single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot - standard for entry-level ultracompacts.

Price-to-Performance: Which Offers the Better Value?

• Canon ELPH 140 IS launches around $129
• FujiFilm Finepix Z90 was $220 at release (likely less now used)

For roughly half the price, Canon offers longer zoom, higher resolution, better macro, and effective image stabilization. FujiFilm’s touchscreen and slightly larger aperture lenses add some usability perks but may not justify the price gap.

You can see the overall scoring here based on performance, features, and value:

How They Fit Across Photography Genres

Here’s how these models perform when considering specific photography disciplines - a handy snapshot to guide your buying decision.

• Portraits: Canon wins with face detection and better zoom flexibility.
• Landscapes: Slight edge to Canon due to resolution but limited dynamic range on both.
• Wildlife and Sports: Neither suitable; Canon’s longer zoom is limited.
• Street Photography: FujiFilm’s touchscreen aids quick settings, Canon's slim design better for discreet carry.
• Macro: Canon is clear winner with close focusing distances.
• Night/Astro: Both struggle with noise; FujiFilm’s higher ISO stops are theoretical more than practical.
• Video: Both basic; FujiFilm’s higher frame rate and touchscreen ease control but don’t match modern standards.
• Travel: Canon’s lighter build and better zoom range make it more versatile for travel snapshots.
• Professional Work: Both severely limited - no RAW, no external flashes, no manual controls.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who Should Buy the Canon PowerShot ELPH 140 IS?

If you prioritize portability, a longer zoom range, and stronger macro capabilities at a budget price, the Canon ELPH 140 IS is a sensible pick. Its optical image stabilization and face detection autofocus give you peace of mind shooting portraits and casual travel scenes.

While image quality is constrained by sensor size and CCD technology, it delivers solid everyday snapshots that many will find “good enough” for social sharing and prints up to moderate sizes.

When is the FujiFilm Finepix Z90 Right for You?

The FujiFilm Finepix Z90 is worth considering if you prefer a slightly larger touchscreen for intuitive menu navigation and don’t mind the shorter zoom. Its in-camera white balance bracketing adds flexibility to tricky light conditions, and the 5x faster aperture zoom lenses offer a touch more brightness at telephoto.

That said, its price and dated JPEG video codec make it less compelling overall against newer options or even the Canon here.

What I Would Like to See (Dear Canon and FujiFilm)

Honestly, I wish both brands had included RAW capture and at least basic manual controls in these ultracompacts. Even entry-level photographers increasingly demand creative control and post-processing flexibility - features long standard on mirrorless and DSLR cameras even decades ago.

Wireless connectivity and improved video specs would also go a long way to keeping these models relevant for casual content creators.

Summary Table for Quick Reference

In the final analysis, these two cameras reflect their age and category perfectly: simple, easy-to-use ultracompacts designed for snapshots and casual video, not professionals or advanced photographers. Canon offers slightly better reach and macro for the money; FujiFilm edges in user interface and aperture speed.

If you want a pocketable companion for casual shooting with reliable face detection and good zoom flexibility, grab the Canon ELPH 140 IS. If you prefer touchscreen simplicity and slightly brighter lenses with modest zoom, then the FujiFilm Finepix Z90 might fit better.

Either way, knowing their limits upfront will let you enjoy these cameras without frustration - and hopefully inspire you to explore more advanced gear when you’re ready.

If you want to see how they perform side-by-side in controlled tests and sample galleries, check out my video comparison (linked in the intro) and feel free to ask any questions below! Happy shooting.

End of Review