Canon PowerShot S95 vs Fujifilm X-T2: A Deep Dive into Two Generations of Photography Craftsmanship

Choosing your next camera is a milestone in your creative journey. It’s about matching your vision with the right tool - one that empowers your artistry without getting in the way. Today, we're putting two very different cameras head-to-head: the compact Canon PowerShot S95 from 2010 and the advanced Fujifilm X-T2 mirrorless from 2016. Though separated by time and class, comparing these cameras side-by-side reveals fascinating insights into how technology, usability, and performance have evolved.

Whether you’re a casual shooter looking for portability or a seasoned pro seeking uncompromising quality, this in-depth analysis will guide you through the practical realities, strengths, and trade-offs of each model.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Usability

Before we dive into specs and image quality, let’s consider the very experience of holding and interacting with these cameras.

The Canon S95 is a classic compact at heart - light (195g), pocketable, and straightforward. Measuring just 100x58x30mm, it fits neatly into a jacket pocket or small bag. Its fixed lens design means no worrying about swapping glass; it’s always ready to shoot.

Contrasting that, the Fujifilm X-T2 is a robust, mirrorless system camera weighing over half a kilogram (507g) and sized like a small DSLR at 133x92x49mm. Its SLR-style design offers superior grip and an all-metal chassis with weather sealing, ideal for rugged outdoor shoots.

Key ergonomic points:

The S95's petite frame makes it an ideal everyday carry companion. The X-T2 caters more to photographers who want comprehensive manual controls and a tactile shooting experience. Don’t underestimate the impact of camera handling on your workflow - comfort and immediate access to settings impact creativity.

Exploring Design and Control Layout

Looking at the top view, the X-T2 proudly displays dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation, and a drive mode dial. This encourages direct, tactile control with instant feedback - a design philosophy Fujifilm has championed, especially suited for photographers who prefer physical manual input over digital menus.

The S95, by contrast, simplifies controls to cater to quick snaps and beginner-friendly operation. You get aperture and shutter priority modes and manual exposure adjustment but no physical dials for ISO or exposure compensation - these settings are tucked into menus or accessed via small buttons.

This layout difference reflects intended users:

• If you prefer learning and experimenting with exposure and want to adjust settings on the fly, the X-T2’s design elevates that process.
• If you want to point and shoot with minimal fuss, the S95 remains straightforward and approachable.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core of any camera’s imaging capability is the sensor. Here lies the first major divide.

The Canon S95’s small 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor was among the best for compacts in its day, delivering pleasing image quality with charge-coupled-device characteristics - slightly different noise pattern and color response compared to CMOS. Its 10MP resolution is modest by today’s standards but allowed detailed prints at moderate sizes.

In contrast, the Fujifilm X-T2 boasts a large APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor with 24MP resolution. This dramatically enhances detail capture, especially beneficial for cropping flexibility and large-format prints. Its lack of an anti-aliasing filter offers crisper images, although careful attention to moiré is necessary.

What does this mean for you?

• The S95 performs admirably in good light and is ideal for casual use or travel snapshots.
• The X-T2’s sensor allows better low-light performance, wider dynamic range for preserving highlights and shadows, and richer color gradation.

LCD Screens and User Interface

Let’s consider how both cameras present information and framing options.

The S95 relies exclusively on its fixed LCD for composing shots. Its resolution and size are modest but serviceable, typical for its generation. For bright outdoor use, the lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) may pose a challenge.

The X-T2 includes a high-resolution EVF plus a tilting rear LCD. The EVF offers vibrant, real-time previews, useful for manual focusing, exposure review, and framing in bright conditions.

For demanding photography - wildlife, sports, or complex lighting - the X-T2’s interface options are far more versatile.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Precision, and Reliability

Autofocus (AF) is a critical area for performance-oriented photographers. Here’s how each handles it:

The S95 has a simple contrast-detection AF system with 9 points and only single-shot AF mode. This means focus speed and tracking are quite limited, making it a better match for static subjects or casual snapshooting.

The X-T2’s hybrid autofocus system with 325 points is state-of-the-art for its era. It combines phase detection pixels embedded on the sensor for rapid acquisition and contrast detection for fine-tuning. This supports continuous autofocus, tracking moving subjects, and face detection - key for portraits, sports, and wildlife photography.

In real-world testing, the X-T2 locked focus quickly on faces and moving animals, with minimal hunting, even in challenging light. The S95 often struggled outside bright, static scenes.

Burst Shooting and Performance Under Pressure

If you shoot action, burst speed and buffer depth matter.

One frame per second on the S95 means it’s not suited for sports or wildlife bursts. By contrast, the X-T2’s 14 FPS with an impressive buffer allows extended continuous shooting, useful for freezing fast action.

Video Capabilities: From Casual to Cinematic

Neither camera is a recent video powerhouse, but they represent different eras of capability.

The S95 offers 720p HD video with basic stabilization, suitable for casual video blogging or snapshots.

The X-T2 breaks ground with 4K UHD recording and a microphone port, enabling serious video work. Although it lacks in-body stabilization, mirrorless stabilized lenses are an option. Its manual video exposure controls make it favored for hybrid shooters doing both photo and video.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

Choosing a camera is not just about the body - lenses define your creative freedom.

The S95’s fixed lens is sharp and versatile for general purpose, from wide-angle to short telephoto. Its f/2.0 maximum aperture at the wide end is generous for a compact.

The X-T2 unlocks the entire Fujifilm lens lineup, including fast primes and telephotos suitable for portraits, macro, wildlife, and more. This flexibility means your system can grow with your ambitions.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

How long you can shoot and how you store images matter, especially for travel and extended sessions.

Dual card slots on the X-T2 add protection and flexibility for backups or overflow, a feature missing on the S95.

Weather Resistance and Durability

The X-T2 offers weather sealing, making it suitable for shooting in rain, dust, and cold. The S95 lacks any environmental sealing, limiting it to more controlled conditions.

Real-World Use Across Photography Genres

Let's examine how each camera fares in specific photography disciplines.

Canon S95 front Canon S95 screen back Fujifilm X T2 front

Above, you can see sample images captured under similar conditions. The X-T2 demonstrates superior detail, color fidelity, and dynamic range, while the S95 produces pleasant images but with less flexibility in post-processing.

Performance Summary and Scores

Here’s a side-by-side performance evaluation based on our hands-on testing and respected benchmarks.

Detailed Performance by Photography Type

• Portraits: Fujifilm’s face detection and fast lenses give it a clear edge.
• Landscape: X-T2’s sensor and dynamic range make it far superior.
• Wildlife & Sports: Burst rate and AF system make the S95 unsuitable.
• Street: The S95’s size is unbeatable, but X-T2’s responsiveness and EVF offer advantages.
• Macro: X-T2 wins with lens options.
• Night / Astro: X-T2 offers far better ISO range and control.
• Video: X-T2 is professional-friendly; S95 is only casual.
• Travel: S95 excels in portability, but X-T2 is more versatile.
• Professional Work: X-T2 is a solid choice for professional needs; S95 is a secondary or casual tool.

Who Should Choose the Canon PowerShot S95?

If your priorities are:

• Effortless carry-anywhere convenience
• Simple point-and-shoot use with manual overrides
• Good image quality for casual shooting and travel snapshots
• A compact that fits a pocket or purse
• Budget around $500 or less in used / refurbished markets

The Canon S95 is a reliable companion. Its solid build and classic controls remain appealing for beginners and those wanting a no-fuss secondary camera.

Who Should Invest in the Fujifilm X-T2?

If you need:

• Superior image quality with a large APS-C sensor
• Fast, accurate autofocus for moving subjects
• Extensive control over exposure and focus settings
• A vast, high-quality lens ecosystem
• 4K video capability with microphone input
• Weather-resistant body suited for outdoor and professional work
• A camera that grows with your skills and ambitions

Then the Fujifilm X-T2 is a versatile, powerful tool to master your craft. It excels for enthusiasts, semi-professionals, and pros wanting a mirrorless system delivering robust all-around performance.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Choice

These cameras represent two different worlds within photography. The Canon PowerShot S95 is a well-rounded compact that still holds up for simple, portable shooting. The Fujifilm X-T2 is a professional-grade mirrorless camera bringing advanced technology and creative freedom.

Your final decision should revolve around how you shoot, what you shoot, and how much creative control you want to command. We recommend:

• Try the S95 if you want a pocketable companion for everyday moments and travel.
• Opt for the X-T2 if you’re ready to elevate your work with interchangeable lenses, better low light, faster AF, and video features.

Getting Started and Next Steps

If you decide on the Fujifilm X-T2, explore lenses such as the Fujinon 23mm f/1.4 for portraits and street or the 100-400mm for wildlife. Consider investing in extra batteries and high-speed SD cards to maximize shooting sessions.

If the Canon S95 fits your needs, check for replacement batteries and a protective case, and consider getting an Eye-Fi compatible card for effortless image transfer.

Whatever you choose, bringing your vision to life matters more than gear alone. We encourage you to get hands-on, experiment, and keep pushing your limits - your perfect camera is the one that feels like an extension of your artistic self.

Happy shooting!