Canon S110 vs Fujifilm X20

Exploring the Compact Champions: Canon PowerShot S110 vs. Fujifilm X20

When it comes to choosing a small-sensor compact camera that balances portability with creative controls, two stalwarts from the early 2010s often surface: Canon’s PowerShot S110 and Fujifilm’s X20. Having extensively tested both over diverse photographic scenarios, I can confidently guide you through their respective strengths and limitations - not just from spec sheets but from real-world usage that matters to photographers.

Size and Handling: Pocketable vs. Substantial Presence

First impressions always start with how a camera feels in your hand and how it fits into your everyday carry. The Canon S110 impresses with a notably slim profile - measuring just 99 x 59 x 27 mm and weighing a mere 198 grams. It easily squeezes into jacket pockets without bulk, ideal for street photographers and travelers who prioritize discretion.

In contrast, the Fujifilm X20 is larger and notably heavier at 117 x 70 x 57 mm and 353 grams. This heft translates into a more confident grip and increased stability for handheld shooting, especially when using the manual focus ring or zoom controls. The more robust body houses a classic retro design with tactile dials and buttons that vintage enthusiasts will appreciate.

The top-down view comparison also reveals distinct control philosophies:

The S110 opts for a minimalistic approach with fewer dedicated dials, leveraging its touchscreen to compensate, while the X20 relies on physical dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation - which I found more satisfying and faster in active shooting scenarios, especially when rapid adjustments are key.

Sensor and Image Quality: Pushing Small Sensors to Limits

Under the hood, the sensor technologies set these cameras apart and fundamentally influence image quality.

The Canon S110 sports a 1/1.7-inch 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, measuring 7.44x5.58mm, processed by Canon’s DIGIC 5 engine. It offers respectable dynamic range, with DxO Mark scores around 48 overall, color depth of 20.6 bits, and dynamic range near 11.2 EV at base ISO - solid for compact cameras of its generation.

The Fujifilm X20 ups the ante with a slightly larger 2/3-inch 12-megapixel X-Trans II CMOS sensor sized at 8.8x6.6mm. Although DxO Mark hasn’t directly tested this model, the X-Trans sensor array is known for its unique color filter pattern that reduces moiré and enhances detail without an optical low-pass filter, giving the X20 an edge in sharpness and color fidelity within the small sensor class.

In practical terms, portrait shots captured on the X20 reveal more micro-contrast and depth. Skin tones appear richer and more natural, likely due to the sensor’s superior color handling, and the images exhibit less chromatic aberration around high contrast edges. The Canon S110, however, holds its own with smooth, pleasing bokeh generated by its f/2.0 lens at the wide end, yet falls slightly behind when capturing extremely fine details.

Screen and Viewfinder: Interaction and Framing Differences

Touchscreens in compacts are often a double-edged sword: intuitive yet sometimes limiting in bright outdoor conditions.

The Canon S110 features a 3-inch, 461k-dot TFT PureColor II G touchscreen. I appreciated this responsive interface for quick focusing and menu navigation - it’s a boon for beginners or anyone wanting to frame shots swiftly without fumbling buttons.

Conversely, the Fujifilm X20 incorporates a smaller 2.8-inch 460k-dot TFT color LCD but lacks touch capabilities. Instead, it compensates with an optical tunnel viewfinder with about 85% coverage. This viewfinder proved handy under bright sunlight when LCD screens washed out, improving composition confidence, a feature sorely missed on the S110.

If you’re someone like me who occasionally prefers eye-level shooting with a viewfinder, the X20 brings substantial advantages here, although the S110’s larger and brighter LCD makes reviewing images comfortable.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Staying Sharp in Action

Speed and accuracy of autofocus combined with burst rates determine how well a camera captures fleeting moments, critical for sports and wildlife photographers.

Both cameras offer continuous AF, face detection (only on the Canon), and manual focus options, but their AF architectures differ materially. The S110 relies purely on contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points, effective but prone to hunting in low contrast or low light. The X20 introduces hybrid AF with phase-detection pixels embedded in its sensor, allowing quicker and more precise focus locking, especially beneficial for tracking fast subjects.

Continuous shooting speeds further differentiate them - Canon clocks 10 fps, while Fujifilm edges ahead with 12 fps. In my experience photographing fast-moving children and street performers, the X20’s autofocus and burst combo consistently yielded a higher keeper rate, noticeably reducing missed moments.

Lens Quality and Macro Capabilities: Flexibility Close and Far

The fixed lenses on compact cameras demand scrutiny, as they are fundamental in defining versatility and optical quality.

The Canon S110’s 24-120mm equivalent lens offers a 5x zoom with a fast f/2.0 aperture wide open, narrowing to f/5.9 at telephoto. Close-focusing is impressive, with a macro range down to 3 cm, enabling detailed captures of flowers and textures. Optical image stabilization combined with its bright aperture assists in handheld macro and low light, making it a solid choice for casual closeups.

The Fujifilm X20’s 28-112mm equivalent lens is slightly less wide-angle but compensates with a consistently bright aperture of f/2.0-2.8 across its zoom range. Its macro focus distance reaches just 1 cm, allowing extreme close-ups that reveal intricate details. Pairing that with optical stabilization, the X20 excels for dedicated macro enthusiasts or those who appreciate sharpness and creamy bokeh.

For outdoors and nature photography where macro might be occasional, the Canon suffices. But if botanical or insect photography is a priority, the X20’s lens offers more creative latitude.

ISO Performance and Low-Light Shooting: Night Owls’ Perspective

Small sensors traditionally struggle in low light, making higher ISO performance critical for night, astro, and indoor photography.

While the Canon S110 supports ISO up to 12,800, its practical low-light limit without excessive noise hovers near ISO 800-1,600. Surprisingly, Canon’s DIGIC 5 processor handles noise reduction gracefully, preserving skin tone accuracy in portraits shot at dusk.

The Fujifilm X20 boasts the same maximum ISO 12800 but benefits from the X-Trans II sensor’s better pixel design and processing. Despite the absence of official DxO data, my side-by-side tests showed the X20 maintaining usable detail to ISO 3200, with less chroma noise and more retained texture.

Neither camera is meant to replace full-frame low-light powerhouses, but for compact options, the X20’s edge here opens opportunities to shoot indoors and at night with more confidence.

Video Features and Usability: Can These Compacts Hold Their Own?

Both cameras provide Full HD video, but with nuanced differences in frame rates and extra features.

Canon’s S110 records 1080p at 24 fps, suiting cinematic enthusiasts who prefer natural rendering. It also supports 720p/30 fps for smoother action clips. Notably missing is external mic support and touch focus during video, limiting audio quality and focus control.

Fujifilm’s X20 shoots 1080p at up to 60 fps, allowing options for slow-motion or very smooth footage. Built-in audio is limited, and like the Canon, it lacks microphone inputs. The absence of touchscreen focus and stabilization during video means handheld footage can be shakier than modern mirrorless cameras equipped with in-body image stabilization.

For casual filmmakers or hybrid shooters wanting respectable HD clips, the X20’s frame rate versatility is attractive, but overall neither excels as dedicated video tools.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Considerations

Battery stamina often makes or breaks usability during extended shoots.

Canon S110’s NB-5L battery provided about 200 shots per charge based on CIPA standards - adequate for short outings but requiring spares for full-day use. The Fujifilm X20’s NP-50 battery, rated at approximately 270 shots, gives extra breathing room. Both cameras support standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have a single slot.

In connectivity, the Canon S110 features built-in wireless for easy image transfer, a handy tool for sharing images on the go, especially for travel photographers. The X20, however, lacks wireless options, relying solely on USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs.

Durability, Weather Sealing, and Build Quality

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedized protection - a common compromise at this price point and form factor. Both are designed for careful daily use rather than harsh conditions.

The Fujifilm’s heavier, all-metal body feels more robust and trustworthy in my hands, while the Canon’s lighter plastic composite construction supports portability but feels less durable over long term or rough use.

Real-World Versatility: How They Hold Up Across Photography Genres

I’ve put both cameras through their paces in various disciplines, and here’s what I found:

• Portraits: Fujifilm X20 outperforms with richer skin tones and sharper detail. Canon’s smoother bokeh is pleasant but slightly less striking.
• Landscapes: X20’s larger sensor and dynamic range deliver more vibrant colors and finer textures. The wider lens of the S110 offers an edge for street and architecture landscapes.
• Wildlife: Neither is ideal given sensor size and zoom, but X20’s faster AF and burst rate made capturing urban birds easier.
• Sports: Burst speed and AF favor the X20, but limitations in buffering and small sensor resolution constrain action photographers.
• Street: S110’s compactness and touchscreen simplify candid shooting, while X20’s sturdier body and viewfinder aid framing.
• Macro: X20 wins with closer focusing and sharper lenses.
• Night/Astro: X20’s better high-ISO handling makes it more reliable for astro glimpses.
• Video: Neither replaces dedicated video cameras; for HD casual footage, X20 offers more frame rates.
• Travel: S110 is a standout for packing light and wireless sharing; X20 excels in image quality and shooting flexibility.
• Professional: Neither camera replaces mirrorless or DSLR systems in workflow integration or file quality but can serve as competent secondary cameras.

Canon S110 front Canon S110 screen back Fujifilm X20 front Fujifilm X20 screen back

Performance Scores Summarized

While objective metrics tell part of the story, I tested actual shooting scenarios extensively to calibrate these scores:

Canon S110 scores well for portability, user-friendliness, and image stabilization, while Fujifilm X20 earns points for image quality, autofocus speed, and control ergonomics.

Looking at the genre-based breakdown, it’s clear that the X20 consistently leads across critical metrics but at the expense of size and price.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Having evaluated these cameras closely, here’s my candid advice:

• Choose Canon PowerShot S110 if portability, ease of use, and wireless sharing are your priorities. It’s ideal for travel enthusiasts, casual street shooters, and those stepping up from smartphones craving manual controls with a lightweight companion. Its touchscreen interface and respectable optical zoom lend versatility without complexity.

• Opt for Fujifilm X20 if image quality, manual handling, and decisive autofocus performance are critical. Demand better control over creative parameters and don’t mind carrying a slightly heftier, pricier device. The X20 will satisfy enthusiasts or professionals needing a high-quality compact backup for portraits, macros, or low-light work.

Both cameras are excellent representatives of their era’s craftsmanship with particular strengths and compromises. Your personal shooting style, budget constraints, and lens preferences should drive final decisions. As always, testing these cameras yourself - if given the chance - trumps purely theoretical considerations.

I hope this deep dive clarifies how these compelling compacts stack up - not just on paper but through the lenses of lived photographic experiences. Happy shooting and may your next camera spark enduring joy in creating memorable images.