Canon PowerShot S110 vs. Fujifilm FinePix JX550: A Definitive Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing a compact camera in today’s era of smartphones and mirrorless beasts sometimes feels like an uphill battle. Yet, for those who want a dedicated pocket camera that punches above its weight, models like the Canon PowerShot S110 and the Fujifilm FinePix JX550 remain interesting contenders. Both hail from around 2012 and target the small-sensor compact category, but subtle technical differences and real-world performance nuances set them worlds apart in everyday photographic use.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras, including these two, I’ll unpack the key differences you’ll experience - from sensor tech to AF precision, handling, image quality, and usability - allowing you to make an informed choice tailored to your photographic style and budget.

Size and Handling: Pocketability Meets Ergonomics

When hunting for a compact camera, size and feel are paramount - after all, these devices are designed for portability and quick shooting access.

Right out of the gate, the Canon S110 measures 99 x 59 x 27 mm and weighs 198g, making it a solid little package. By contrast, the Fujifilm JX550 is a hair larger in length and width at 100 x 56 x 24 mm but significantly lighter at 113g. On paper, Fujifilm offers a slightly more pocket-friendly and featherweight option.

However, handling is about more than weight. The S110 features a more sculpted, grip-friendly body with tactile buttons and dials - the kind you appreciate when trying to make quick exposure adjustments or switch modes without fumbling through menus. The JX550, on the other hand, has a simpler, more pared-down exterior. Ergonomically it feels basic, almost toy-like, which might deter enthusiast photographers who want precision and control at their fingertips.

In many real-world shoots, the better grip and customizability of the Canon give it a clear edge. For casual snapshots, Fujifilm’s slimmer and lighter design could appeal - especially for travelers who prioritize ultra-light gear.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The sensor is where the magic begins - or falls apart. A camera’s sensor size, type, and image processor collectively dictate image quality, dynamic range, low-light performance, and color fidelity.

The S110 sports a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm with a total sensor area of about 41.52 mm². It offers 12 megapixels, balanced with a Digic 5 processor that was Canon’s state-of-the-art in 2012.

Conversely, the Fujifilm JX550 employs a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, 6.17 x 4.55 mm or roughly 28.07 mm² with 16 megapixels crammed in. It’s got more pixels, sure, but the sensor’s smaller size and older CCD tech limit overall image quality, especially in poorer lighting.

In practical terms, the Canon’s larger sensor and CMOS design delivers richer color depth (20.6 bits vs. untested for Fujifilm), wider dynamic range (11.2 EV), and superior noise handling at higher ISOs (low light rating 168 on DxOMark). The JX550 maxes out at ISO 1600 naturally and boosted to 3200, but noise rapidly degrades image clarity.

The S110 also supports RAW capture - a must-have for photographers who want full control over processing. Fujifilm’s JX550 only outputs JPEG, restricting flexibility.

So, if you care about post-processing potential and image quality - landscapes, portraits, or even low-light scenes - the S110’s sensor and processor tandem beats the JX550 by a clear margin.

Display and Interface: Touchscreen Brilliance vs. Simplicity

A good LCD screen changes shooting flow considerably.

Canon equips the S110 with a 3-inch, 461k-dot touchscreen that supports touch focus and intuitive menu navigation. This flexibility helps you frame shots, switch focus points, and adjust settings on the fly.

Fujifilm’s JX550 offers a smaller 2.7-inch, 230k-dot non-touchscreen LCD with lower resolution - sufficient for casual framing but far behind in detail and interactivity.

Touchscreens on compacts from the early 2010s were a luxury, and Canon’s execution here remains solid. I found the touch responsiveness smooth, making manual focus selection or face detection focus adjustments snappy.

On the other hand, Fuji’s interface leans towards simplicity, with a basic menu that may frustrate users accustomed to granular control or faster tweaks.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Action Ready or Not?

Autofocus can make or break your experience, especially for wildlife, sports, or kids on the move.

Canon PowerShot S110 boasts a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points, face detection, touch AF, and continuous AF tracking modes. This versatility translates to relatively fast and reliable focusing, particularly useful in dynamic scenarios.

The Fujifilm JX550, however, features only center-weighted contrast-detect AF with no face detection or multi-area autofocus, and only single AF mode. The lack of continuous AF or selective AF areas means it can often miss critical moments or take longer to lock focus.

Regarding burst rates - Canon’s S110 can shoot up to 10 frames per second, quite impressive for a compact at the time. The JX550 manages only a sluggish 1 fps continuous shooting, highlighting its unsuitability for any action where speed counts.

For subjects in motion or spontaneous street photography shots, the Canon clearly is the better tool.

Lens Quality and Flexibility: Zoom Range and Brightness Matter

Both cameras have fixed lenses, typical for compacts, but their specs impact what you can shoot.

• Canon S110: 24-120mm equivalent, f/2.0-5.9
• FujiFilm JX550: 26-130mm equivalent, f/3.5-6.3

Canon’s wider aperture at the short end (f/2.0) permits more light in - crucial for low-light clarity and bokeh quality. The 24mm wide-angle is also more useful for landscape and travel shots than Fuji’s 26mm.

Fujifilm’s lens extends slightly longer (130mm vs. 120mm) but at slower apertures, limiting telephoto usefulness and low light performance.

Macro capabilities differ too: Canon’s lens can focus as close as 3 cm, allowing for detailed macro shots, whereas Fujifilm’s closest focusing distance is 10 cm - less precise, less intimate.

If you prioritize portraits with creamy bokeh or close-up macro work, Canon’s lens is the clear winner.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Check

Neither camera is weather-sealed, shockproof, or freezeproof - no surprises in this segment.

The Canon feels sturdier with better button feedback and a more robust build overall. The Fuji is lighter, with a plastic-feeling shell that feels less durable in my hands.

For rough outdoor or travel shoots, the Canon’s construction inspires more confidence.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery life on pocket cameras can sometimes be a letting factor.

The Canon S110’s dedicated NB-5L battery reportedly yields around 200 shots per charge - modest but typical for compacts with smaller batteries.

Fujifilm JX550’s NP-45A battery life isn’t clearly stated, but from hands-on use, it felt shorter, likely under 200 shots. Fuji also lacks any wireless options for quicker transfer or remote control; Canon includes built-in Wi-Fi - a handy feature for modern workflows.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with one card slot.

Video Capabilities: Is Video a Deal Maker?

Video shooters take note.

Canon S110 can capture 1080p Full HD video at 24 fps, coded in efficient H.264 format, with optical image stabilization contributing to steady handheld footage.

The Fujifilm JX550 maxes out at 720p HD at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, an older codec resulting in larger files and less efficient compression.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control - but overall, the Canon delivers noticeably better video quality and stabilization.

Real-World Photography Use Cases: Where Each Shines

Let's examine how these specs and features translate into specific photography genres and needs.

Portraits - Skin Tone and Bokeh Quality

Canon’s faster f/2.0 aperture at wide end and 9-point AF with face detection allows for softly blurred backgrounds and reliably sharp eyes, enhancing portrait quality. The S110’s RAW support also permits detailed retouching.

Fuji’s slower lens and no face detection mean flatter portraits, with less separation of subject from background. The sensor’s limited dynamic range can cause washed-out skin highlights.

Landscapes - Dynamic Range and Resolution

The Canon’s superior dynamic range and cleaner shadows render landscapes with richer detail. The 12 MP output balances resolution and noise well.

Fuji’s higher 16 MP count gives more megapixels on paper, but smaller sensor area and high noise at low light reduce DR and fine detail in shadows.

Wildlife and Sports - Autofocus and Speed

Canon’s continuous AF tracking and 10 fps burst shine here, capturing decisive moments in motion.

Fujifilm is simply too slow and archaic for any serious wildlife or sports imagery.

Street Photography - Discretion and Portability

Fujifilm’s lighter weight and simpler profile suit street shooters seeking minimalism. However, lack of touch AF and slower focus still can be frustrating.

Canon’s better AF and image quality beat it overall but at a slight size and weight tradeoff.

Macro - Focusing Precision and Magnification

Canon’s impressive 3 cm macro focusing combined with detailed sensor and RAW makes it far better for close-up work.

Fujifilm’s 10 cm minimum focus range restricts macro creativity.

Night and Astro - High ISO and Exposure Modes

Canon’s superior ISO performance (up to ISO 12800 native) and manual exposure modes enable more creative night and astro shots.

Fuji’s limited ISO cap and absence of manual exposure modes restrict low-light exploration.

Video - Recording Specs and Stabilization

Canon offers superior 1080p recording with optical IS, enabling handheld smoothness.

Fuji is limited to 720p and no stabilization, leading to jittery footage.

Travel and Everyday Use - Versatility and Battery

Canon balances portability with advanced features (Wi-Fi, RAW, versatile lens) ideal for travel enthusiasts who want flexibility.

Fujifilm trades versatility for simplicity and lightness, useful for point-and-shoot users on a budget.

Professional Work - Reliability and Workflow Integration

Canon’s RAW files, Wi-Fi transfer, and manual controls fit professional workflows better.

Fuji is mainly consumer-grade, lacking Pro-centric integrations.

Technical Analysis Summary: Where Theory Meets Practice

Let me share briefly how my testing methodology brought these points to light.

Image quality was benchmarked using DxOMark data for the Canon S110, testing color depth, dynamic range, and low light ISO noise - parameters key to assessing sensor and processor performance. My personal side-by-side shooting in natural and controlled lighting confirmed the Canon’s cleaner images, better shadow detail, and superior color accuracy.

Autofocus was evaluated in various lighting and subject movement scenarios - indoor portraits, street hustle, and wildlife simulations. Canon’s eye detection and continuous focus were responsive; Fuji’s slower, simpler AF missed focus more often.

The physical controls, touchscreen responsiveness, and customization menus were explored during on-location shoots and studio work, further reinforcing Canon’s advantage for enthusiast photographers who might want some manual input.

Battery life and wireless features were tracked in travel tests, highlighting the S110’s integrated Wi-Fi ecosystem versus Fujifilm’s none.

Overall Performance and Genre-Specific Scores: Putting It All Into Numbers

To give you a concise picture, here are overall and genre-specific performance ratings based on my hands-on tests and data synthesis.

The Canon S110 leads in every major category - from image quality to autofocus and video - with the Fujifilm JX550 best suited mainly for budget-conscious entry users or casual snapshots.

Sample Images to Compare: See the Difference Yourself

Sometimes images speak louder than words:

Canon S110 front Canon S110 screen back Fujifilm JX550 front Fujifilm JX550 screen back

Notice the better sharpness, true-to-life colors, and shadow detail from the Canon compared to the Fuji’s noisier, less nuanced files.

Control Layout: Top View Design and Usability

Just a quick note on physical controls - the Canon’s dedicated dials and programmable buttons lend it a more intuitive workflow. Fuji keeps it limited.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Choose the Canon PowerShot S110 if:

  • You value image quality with RAW support and manual controls.
  • Low-light performance and fast, accurate autofocus matter.
  • You shoot portraits, macro, or occasionally video.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity and better screen usability enhance your workflow.
  • You want a compact camera for travel with serious features.

• Choose the Fujifilm FinePix JX550 if:

  • You want a super simple, light compact for casual everyday snapshots.
  • You prioritize budget and basic functionality over advanced features.
  • You don’t need RAW files, fast autofocus, or sophisticated exposure modes.
  • You want a very lightweight, entry-level point-and-shoot with basic zoom.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Photographic Philosophies

Reflecting on these cameras brings home how even within similar technical classes, design choices mold the photographic experience.

The Canon PowerShot S110 feels like a thoughtfully engineered enthusiast’s compact - packed with tools useful to the discerning user. I found it enjoyable to shoot in a multitude of situations, confident it would deliver respectable images every time.

The Fujifilm FinePix JX550, by contrast, is clearly aimed at the beginner, the casual user who just wants a camera to grab easy images in good light with minimal fuss. While that approach has merit, it limits creative flexibility and image quality potential.

If I were personally choosing between these two today, the Canon S110 wins hands-down for serious photography. But if lightness and wallet-friendliness are your top priority, the JX550 deserves a look.

Choosing a compact camera is all about matching the gear to how you shoot. Hopefully, this deep dive into the Canon PowerShot S110 versus Fujifilm FinePix JX550 helps you find your perfect pocket companion.

Happy shooting!