Canon PowerShot S200 vs Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR: A Detailed Hands-On Comparison

Choosing the right compact camera often feels like navigating a maze: balancing sensor quality, zoom flexibility, ergonomics, and features - all within a shoe-string or moderate budget. Today, I’ll help you dissect two intriguing contenders from the more accessible compact sector: the Canon PowerShot S200 and the Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR. Both hail from renowned brands, yet serve subtly different user needs and priorities. After spending extensive time handling and evaluating each, I want to guide you through their nuanced performance, design, and value in everyday photographic scenarios.

A Closer Look at Body Design and Handling

When it comes to portability and comfort, these cameras share a compact silhouette, but with slightly divergent ergonomic choices tailored to their specific target users.

The Canon S200 is an impressively pocketable compact, measuring 100 x 59 x 26 mm and weighing just 181 grams. Its slim profile and textured grip offer a surprisingly secure hold for such a small body - something I appreciated during prolonged street shooting sessions. The Canon sports a clean, straightforward control scheme, prioritizing ease of use - a boon for travelers who want intuitive handling without wrestling through submenus.

In contrast, the Fujifilm F600 EXR tips the scales a bit heavier at 215 grams with dimensions 104 x 63 x 33 mm. The added heft owes largely to its extensive zoom lens and sturdier build. I found the Fuji's slightly bulkier frame better suited to longer zoom photography - it feels more balanced with telephoto framing in hand. Though thicker, the grip is similarly textured and comfortable, with buttons that offer solid tactile feedback even when wearing gloves.

Looking at the top view, the Canon maintains a minimalistic layout, while the Fuji packs more dedicated buttons and a zoom ring offering tactile control over its extensive focal range.

For those valuing agile, pocket-friendly shooting, the Canon’s compact body is a clear advantage. Meanwhile, the Fujifilm favors deliberate control and stability for heavy zoom usage.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The core determinant of image quality often comes down to sensor size, resolution, and processing technology. Let’s break down what these cameras offer on paper and how that translates to real-world output.

The Canon S200 leverages a 1/1.7" CCD sensor, providing 10 megapixels across a 41.52 mm² area. While by no means large by modern standards, this sensor size is a respectable balance for compact cameras of its era, allowing higher quality image capture, especially in good light. The DIGIC 5 processor aids noise reduction and color fidelity but lacks the raw processing intricacy of newer models.

On the other hand, the Fujifilm F600 EXR features a smaller 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels (30.72 mm²), offering higher resolution at a cost of decreased sensor surface area. Fuji’s EXR technology aims to optimize dynamic range, reduce noise, and enhance color rendition through pixel binning and mode switching - tech coveted in superzoom cameras to mitigate inherent sensor limitations.

Practical Image Performance

• Noise levels and ISO handling: The Canon S200’s maximal ISO of 6400 is usable sparingly but starts showing noise artifacts past ISO 800 in my tests. The CCD sensor, while capable of pleasing colors, tends to struggle in low-light shots compared to CMOS designs.

• The Fujifilm reached a max regular ISO of 3200 (extendable to 12800), benefiting from CMOS sensor noise-readiness and EXR noise suppression modes. Still, above ISO 800, grain becomes more apparent on the Fuji as well.

• Color accuracy and dynamic range: Fuji’s EXR sensor shines through its improved dynamic range (~10.8 EV as per lab scores), tackling highlights and shadows better than the Canon's average expected dynamic range. Colors out of the Fuji feel more vibrant yet balanced - particularly useful for landscapes or scenes with challenging lighting.

• Resolution and detail: More megapixels in the Fujifilm mean finer detail capture at base ISO, which benefits large prints and cropping. However, the 1/1.7" Canon sensor edges the Fuji by sensor size, aiding low noise and better detail in moderate to low ISOs.

I find the sensor performance difference significant but context-dependent - the big sensor of Canon wins under moderate lighting, while Fuji’s higher resolution and EXR processing pull ahead with landscapes and well-lit detail shots.

Viewing and Interface: How Do You Compose?

Neither camera includes a viewfinder - a downside for bright-day outdoor shooters - but both provide 3" fixed LCD screens near-identical in size and resolution.

The Canon S200’s screen provides 461k dots with a non-touch, fixed design. It’s sharp enough to judge focus and exposure, but I missed a tilting mechanism for tricky angles and self-portraits.

The Fujifilm F600 EXR uses a 460k dot TFT color LCD. The viewing angle and contrast are decent but again, no touchscreen means menu navigation relies on physical buttons - a bit less convenient but familiar for traditionalists.

While both lack the live, detailed feedback of electronic viewfinders, the Fuji’s screen felt slightly brighter and better suited for sunny conditions in my outdoor sessions. Its display seems tuned for clarity despite the chunky body design. However, neither offers particularly innovative interface features, which is common at this tier.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: The Optics Debate

Here is where our two challengers diverge sharpest in intended use and strength.

The Canon PowerShot S200 offers a 24-120 mm equivalent focal range (5x zoom) with a bright max aperture of f/2.0 at wide-angle - excellent for low light and shallow depth-of-field effects. The relatively short zoom emphasizes image quality over reach, appealing primarily to everyday photographers, portrait lovers, and street shooters who prize speed and clarity over expansive zoom.

Contrast that with the Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR’s formidable 24-360 mm (15x zoom) span. This extended reach delivers extreme framing flexibility - ideal for wildlife, travel, and sports enthusiasts focused on distant subjects. The aperture range is narrower, f/3.5–5.3, which means less light intake at the telephoto end, but the intended shooting style posits trade-offs.

Both cameras integrate Optical Image Stabilization. Canon uses lens-shift OIS, while Fuji’s sensor-shift stabilization is clever at counteracting handshake but sometimes less effective at longest zoom or panning shots, based on my experience.

The Canon’s brighter aperture paired with shorter zoom lends itself naturally to portraiture and low-light scenarios - capturing pleasing bokeh and crisp skin tones. The Fuji’s extended reach makes it a natural for wildlife and sports, though limited aperture challenges shooting in dimmer environments.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speed

Autofocus - especially in compact cameras - can make or break candid and action photography.

The Canon S200 relies on a 9-point contrast detection AF system, including face detection and tracking modes. While not blazing fast by DSLR standards, I found focusing accurate and reliable in well-lit conditions. Unfortunately, low light slows down AF response more visibly. Continuous AF and tracking perform reasonably well but at a modest 2 fps burst rate, making it less suited for rapid action.

The Fujifilm F600 EXR employs a contrast detection AF with unknown focus points, lacking face detection. Its continuous shooting mode hits 8 fps, quadruple the Canon, a strong advantage for capturing sports or fleeting wildlife movements. However, the autofocus can hunt more aggressively, sometimes yielding missed or soft shots in challenging light.

For street photography, Canon’s quieter and more precise AF is a better match. For sports or wildlife photography requiring speed and burst shooting, Fuji’s faster frame rate and longer reach are persuasive - even if AF acquisition is less refined.

Assessing Video Capabilities

The Canon S200 records HD video at 1280x720 pixels and 24fps. It offers basic H.264 compression but no microphone input or advanced video features. Video image stabilization helps reduce jitter, though audio quality is naturally limited.

The Fujifilm F600 EXR steps up with full HD 1080p recording at 30fps and HD 720p at 60fps, alongside slow-motion mode options up to 320fps. Despite enhanced video specs, it lacks external mic input, limiting audio upgrade possibilities. The Fujifilm uses AVI MPEG4 format, which some may find less user-friendly than more common MP4 containers.

If video recording is a significant consideration, Fujifilm’s superior resolution, frame rates, and slow-motion capacity give it an edge, especially for casual high-speed capture.

Battery Life and Connectivity Considerations

Battery performance on both compacts is average at best, with Canon quoting 200 shots per charge and Fujifilm’s official rating not specified but generally similar based on battery type (Canon’s NB-6LH and Fujifilm’s NP-50).

Neither camera boasts advanced wireless features. The Canon does include built-in Wi-Fi - a commendable inclusion for 2014 - allowing effortless image transfer and remote control via compatible apps. Fujifilm F600 EXR has no wireless connectivity but does have built-in GPS for automatic geotagging, an appealing bonus for travel shooters.

While I value wireless connectivity for immediate sharing, Fujifilm’s GPS integration adds organizational value for landscape and travel photographers.

Tested Performance in Photography Genres

Let’s synthesize these findings into practical recommendations by photographic discipline.

Canon S200 front Fujifilm F600 EXR front Fujifilm F600 EXR screen back

Portraits

• Canon S200 excels with its bright f/2.0 aperture creating attractive background blur and pleasant skin tone rendering thanks to Canon’s color science.
• Fujifilm’s narrower max aperture and smaller sensor surface yield less subject separation and occasionally harsher rendering of facial colors.

Landscape

• Fujifilm F600 EXR captures landscapes with greater resolution and dynamic range, exploiting its EXR sensor modes to preserve shadows and highlights effectively.
• Canon struggles somewhat in harsh lighting and smaller resolution but benefits from better lens sharpness and contrast in moderate lighting.

Wildlife

• Fujifilm’s massive 15x zoom range and 8 fps burst make it better suited to capture animals at distance and fast movements.
• Canon’s limited zoom and slow burst make wildlife photography impractical.

Sports

• Fuji’s faster frame rate, longer zoom, and steady optical stabilization provide a more capable sports shooting experience.
• Canon’s slower AF and burst frame hinder action capture, but finer control aids casual snapping.

Street Photography

• Canon’s compact size, quick autofocus, and quiet operation align well with street shooting needs.
• Fujifilm feels too bulky and slow for highly mobile street scenarios.

Macro Photography

• Canon S200’s 3 cm macro range and bright aperture encourages close-up artistry.
• Fujifilm’s minimum macro distance of 5 cm and smaller aperture is less flexible in tight framing.

Night and Astro

• Canon’s larger sensor size delivers cleaner images at elevated ISOs, though noise management is still limited.
• Fujifilm’s noise reduction algorithms help, but its smaller sensor and fixed lens aperture limit true astrophotography.

Video

• Fujifilm’s full HD recording and slow-motion capabilities outmatch Canon’s basic HD video.
• Sony’s lack of mic ports hurts professional video flexibility.

Travel

• Canon’s size, light weight, and Wi-Fi add convenience.
• Fuji’s GPS and zoom versatility improve location tagging and framing options.

Professional Use

• Neither camera offers raw shooting (Canon) or extensive manual controls, limiting professional workflows.
• Fujifilm’s raw support is a plus but is hindered by less refined control and ergonomics.

Durability and Build Quality

Pretty much on par for entry-level compacts - both lack weather sealing or rugged features. Neither supports external flash units, nor do they present any special durability beyond standard use. If you expect heavy-duty or adverse weather shooting, prepare to look elsewhere.

Which One Scores Higher Overall?

Our expert reviewers have run these models through standardized lab testing and field evaluations.

The Canon S200 earns points for image quality and usability, whereas the Fujifilm F600 EXR scores better in versatility and feature breadth.

Breaking things down by photographic genre:

Summing Up the Pros and Cons

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Canon PowerShot S200 if:

  • Portability and ease of use top your priorities.
  • You prefer portrait or street photography with a focus on image quality in good light.
  • You want built-in Wi-Fi for quick sharing.
  • Video is a minor consideration.
  • You seek a compact companion for travel without needing super zoom.

• Choose the Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR if:

  • You need a versatile superzoom for wildlife, sports, or distant subjects.
  • Video quality and slow-motion recording matter.
  • You want higher resolution images with a focus on landscapes or detail-rich shots.
  • GPS geotagging is useful for your workflow.
  • Bulkier size and slower AF are acceptable trade-offs.

Final Thoughts from the Field

Having lived with both cameras for extensive hands-on testing - including day trips, portraits, and some impromptu wildlife hunts - I consider the Canon S200 an elegant tool for photographers who want a straightforward compact for everyday use and decent low-light handling. Its quick, accurate AF and pleasing color profile produce consistently satisfying results, though the limited zoom may frustrate some.

The Fujifilm F600 EXR is more of a specialist, catering to those needing reach and video functionality in a compact package. Its main weaknesses are slower autofocus and lower sensor area, but the creative flexibility from zoom and sensor modes can reward patient shooters.

Neither camera is groundbreaking by today’s standards, but both boast strengths for users prioritizing portability and flexibility at a budget level. As always, I recommend testing both in hand if possible, and prioritizing your core photography needs before deciding.

I hope this detailed comparison clarifies these cameras’ capabilities and helps you make an informed choice aligned with your photographic ambitions and style. If you have any questions or want specific sample image links, feel free to ask!