Canon PowerShot N100 vs Fujifilm X30: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera can feel a bit like joining a club for thumbs - you want something comfortable to hold, with controls that just click into place during shooting, and of course, jaw-dropping image quality. I’ve spent hundreds of hours with both the Canon PowerShot N100 and Fujifilm X30, running them through everything from street photography jaunts to low-light astro shoots. While they might both look like small sensor compacts at first glance, their personalities and performance vary quite a bit.

If you’re weighing these two cameras for your next purchase, you’re in the right place. I’ll dive deep into their ergonomics, tech specs, real-world image quality, and shooting versatility across multiple genres. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which one makes the most sense for your photography style and budget.

Holding Them in Your Hands: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Before we discuss pixels and processors, let’s talk about feel. A camera’s physical design is often overlooked, but it can make or break the shooting experience - especially over long sessions.

In hand, the Canon N100 feels compact and sleek with minimal bulk, weighing just 289 grams and measuring 105x68x36mm. The body design is rounded and smooth, almost pocketable for those spontaneous street shooting moments or travel days where every gram counts. The camera sports a tilting touchscreen that’s responsive and intuitive, though the lack of an EVF means you’ll rely heavily on the rear LCD which, more on that shortly, is quite good.

By contrast, the Fuji X30 is a bit bulkier and heavier (423 grams, 119x72x60mm), flaunting a more “retro” SLR-inspired design with physical dials, clubs for thumbs, and some solid grip real estate. It delivers that satisfying tactile feedback on control dials that many enthusiasts crave. While not exactly pocket-friendly, it’s still compact enough to fit in a jacket pocket or small bag.

The ergonomics difference really comes down to shooting style. Canon N100 feels like a grab-and-go, casual camera optimized for minimal fuss, while the X30 is designed with manual control lovers in mind, encouraging you to engage with exposure settings physically.

At a Glance: Control Layout and Interface

A quick peek from the top reveals the contrasting user interfaces - the Canon favors minimalism with fewer external buttons and a seamless design, whereas the Fujifilm puts dials front and center, including dedicated aperture and shutter speed rings. For experienced photographers who constantly tweak settings, these dials make the X30 feel like a small DSLR.

Both cameras feature a 3-inch LCD with roughly 920 pixels resolution, but while the Canon’s is touchscreen and tiltable, the Fuji’s lacks touch but features a higher-resolution EVF (2360 pixels) with 100% coverage and a magnification of 0.65x. This EVF alone can sway many from the Canon’s pure LCD approach, especially in bright daylight where LCDs can be hard to see.

For casual users and vloggers, the Canon’s touchscreen simplifies menus and focusing; for purists and outdoor shooters, Fuji’s extensive manual controls paired with a sharp EVF present a more “serious” photographic tool.

Sensor, Resolution, and Image Quality: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

On paper, both cameras pack 12-megapixel sensors, but the sensor size and technology tell very different stories.

The Canon N100 employs a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor measuring 7.44x5.58mm with a modest 41.52mm² photosensitive area. Its DIGIC 6 processor helps with noise reduction and image processing, but the sensor’s small size limits dynamic range and low-light capability somewhat.

The Fujifilm X30 steps up with a larger 2/3-inch CMOS X-TRANS II sensor, 8.8x6.6mm and 58.08mm² in area. This sensor uses Fuji’s unique color filter array designed to reduce moiré without an optical low-pass filter, theoretically delivering crisper details and improved color fidelity.

While neither sensor competes with modern APS-C or full-frame giants, this difference does bestow Fuji with a tangible edge in image quality, particularly in challenging light and when shooting scenes demanding dynamic range.

Real-World Image Output

Through rigorous side-by-side tests - shooting standardized charts, gradients, and real scenes - the Fuji images show cleaner shadows, better color gradation, and generally less noise at ISO 800 and above. Canon's images are still respectable but tend to smooth out details more aggressively during noise reduction.

Additionally, Fuji offers RAW file support, critical for serious post-processing, while Canon sticks to JPEG only - limiting flexibility. If you’re a hack like me who loves to twist sliders in Lightroom, that Fuji RAW option is worth its weight in gold.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Though fixed-lens compacts usually play in the casual zone here, the differences in AF systems are stark.

The Canon N100 uses a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points that include face detection. It does the job for still subjects and daylight scenes, but it can hunt a bit under dim lighting or with fast-moving subjects since it lacks phase detection.

In contrast, the X30 combines contrast and phase detection AF for 49 focus points with face and eye detection, continuous AF modes, and subject tracking. This translated into noticeably faster focus lock and better performance during continuous shooting bursts - shooting up to 12 fps on the Fuji compared to no continuous mode on the Canon.

For wildlife and sports shooters, this makes the Fujifilm a more capable tool despite its compact size.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Durability Factor

Neither the Canon N100 nor the Fuji X30 offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedized bodies, so both should be treated as value-focused compacts rather than heavy-duty outdoor cameras.

Build-wise, Fuji feels more solid, with metal top and bottom plates and firm, tactile dials delivering confidence during handling. Canon is more plastic and lightweight, aiming for ease-of-carry rather than rock-solid durability.

If your photography routinely involves rough environments or rain, you may want to look elsewhere or consider weather protection accessories.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Composing Your Shots

Back screens are often a photographer’s interface with their camera - the longer you interact, the more important this becomes.

The Canon N100’s 3-inch 922k-dot Tilting Touchscreen shines for creative angles and easy focus point selection. The touchscreen is responsive and perfect for users who want quick menu navigation or touch-to-focus capabilities.

Fuji’s 3-inch screen tilts as well, with similar resolution but no touch support. Instead, Fuji relies on the electronic viewfinder (EVF) which is sharp, detailed, and offers a fantastic alternative in bright conditions where LCDs fade.

For me, the choice depends on style: if you prefer framing shots away from your face or with one hand, Canon’s touch LCD is ideal. If you relish composing through a high-quality viewfinder, Fuji offers a superior experience.

What They Capture: Comparing Sample Images

Enough talk - numbers mean zilch if the final image disappoints. I shot plenty of scenes with both cameras at different focal lengths and lighting conditions: candids, landscapes, macro details, and low-light urban shots.

Canon excels in daylight street scenes (where its wide-angle 24mm-equivalent comes in handy), delivering punchy colors and reasonable bokeh thanks to its bright f/1.8 aperture at the wide end. However, it struggles a bit with highlight retention and shadow detail.

The Fuji shows richer color depth (especially reds and blues), smoother tonal graduations, and sharper macro shots thanks to its close 1cm focusing option. Its telephoto end at 112mm is a bit slower aperture-wise at f/2.8 but still holds up well.

Neither is astoundingly good on high ISO, but Fuji’s advantage becomes especially clear in low-light handheld shots.

Canon N100 screen back Fujifilm X30 front Fujifilm X30 screen back

Shooting Across Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Here’s the breakdown for practical use cases based on my shooting tests:

Portrait Photography

Canon N100’s bright f/1.8 at the wide end gives nice subject separation and creamy bokeh, especially indoors or on dim days. Face and eye detection AF help keep focus on your model. Fuji’s more extensive focus points and RAW support enable fine detail capture and better color accuracy, great for skin tones that do not appear “overprocessed.”

Winner: For casual portraits, Canon holds its ground; for enthusiasts wanting control and nuanced colors, Fuji.

Landscape Photography

Fuji’s larger sensor and superior dynamic range offer more detail, better highlight roll-off, and excellent sharpness. Canon’s wider field of view can capture more expansive scenes but sacrifices some detail and depth, plus no RAW files hinders heavy editing.

Winner: Fujifilm X30 comfortably leads.

Wildlife Photography

Autofocus speed and burst shooting are critical here. Fuji’s 12fps continuous mode and advanced AF give it a clear edge. Canon’s slower AF and no continuous mode limit action capture.

Winner: Fujifilm X30.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, Fuji wins with faster AF and continuous shooting. Canon’s DSLR-like ergonomics missing here hurts its usability for fast shots.

Winner: Fujifilm X30.

Street Photography

Canon’s compact size and lighter weight make it more inconspicuous for candid street shots. Its wide 24mm equivalent lens is beneficial. However, Fuji’s EVF and manual controls appeal to enthusiasts who want more creative input.

Winner: Tie, depending on whether you value stealth (Canon) or creative control (Fuji).

Macro Photography

Only Fuji supports macro as close as 1cm. Fuji’s sharp X-TRANS sensor helps resolve tiny details better.

Winner: Fujifilm X30.

Night and Astro Photography

Fuji’s higher max ISO (12,800 vs 6,400) and larger sensor help capture cleaner images with less noise. Canon struggles here.

Winner: Fujifilm X30.

Video Capabilities

Canon maxes out at 1280x720 (720p) at 30fps, while Fuji offers full HD 1080p up to 60fps. Both have built-in optical stabilization and microphone jacks but no headphone ports.

Winner: Fujifilm X30.

Travel Photography

Canon’s lighter weight and pocketability make it travel-friendly for days when you want lightweight gear. Fuji offers more versatility with manual control and better image quality but is bulkier.

Winner: Depends on priorities - if travel light, Canon; if image quality/versatility top priority, Fuji.

Professional Use

Fuji’s RAW support, manual exposure modes (shutter/aperture priority), exposure compensation, and sturdy build render it better for occasional pro work or advanced enthusiasts.

Canon’s simplified interface and JPEG-only output limit professional workflow integration.

Winner: Fujifilm X30.

Power and Connectivity: Batteries, Memory, and Wireless

Battery life is another crucial factor. Fuji’s NP-95 battery delivers about 470 shots per charge versus Canon’s 330, giving you more time to shoot between charges.

Both cameras support SD cards (SD/SDHC/SDXC) in a single slot and USB 2.0 connections with HDMI outputs. Canon impresses a bit with NFC connectivity for swift pairing with mobile devices, although Fuji lacks this.

Neither supports Bluetooth, which is a bit dated for 2014-era cameras.

Price and Value: Cheapskate Verdicts and Recommendations

Retail prices hover around $349 for the Canon and $499 for Fuji. While the Fuji commands a premium, its features justify the extra cost for users who demand more control, image quality, and versatility.

For casual users or those prioritizing portability and ease-of-use, the Canon PowerShot N100 offers excellent bang for your buck. However, if RAW files, manual controls, burst shooting, and EVF matter, the X30’s $150 premium pays off quickly in terms of creative opportunity.

Wrapping It Up: Canon N100 or Fujifilm X30?

Both the Canon N100 and Fujifilm X30 carved significant niches upon release as top compact cameras, but they’re designed for very different photographers:

• Choose the Canon PowerShot N100 if:

  • You want a lightweight, portable compact for travel or street photography.
  • Simplicity and touchscreen usability are important.
  • You prefer a wider angle (24mm equivalent) and quick point-and-shoot style.
  • You’re budget-conscious and fine with JPEG-only workflow.

• Choose the Fujifilm X30 if:

  • You desire more manual control, live in aperture/shutter priority modes, or shoot RAW.
  • You want improved image quality, especially in low light.
  • An EVF and continuous autofocus/burst shooting matter to your style.
  • Video quality up to 1080p60 is a priority.
  • You’re willing to carry a slightly heavier camera for tangible feature benefits.

If you ask me (and you did), the Fuji X30 strikes that rare balance between compact portability and enthusiast-level control. It’s not perfect - no weather sealing and no Bluetooth hurt - but it delivers solid image quality and flexibility you’ll appreciate as you learn and grow.

Canon’s PowerShot N100 is a thoughtful choice for beginners, casual photographers, or cheapskates who want a charmingly simple, pocketable snapper with a friendly touchscreen interface.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera be the perfect companion on your photographic adventures!

If you want to dive deeper into specs, controls, and image samples, check the photos and charts I included along the way for a closer look at where each camera shines. And if you have questions about specific genres or features, I’m happy to elaborate. Just remember, no camera is perfect - knowing their quirks is the first step to capturing your best shots.

Cheers to great photos!

Canon N100 screen back Fujifilm X30 front Fujifilm X30 screen back