Canon PowerShot SX1 IS vs FujiFilm FinePix JZ300: An Honest, Expert Comparison

Choosing a compact or bridge camera that suits your photography style often boils down to nuances that raw specs alone can’t reveal. Having spent more than 15 years hands-on with hundreds of digital cameras, I appreciate how performance - especially in real-world scenarios - furthers your creative potential. Today, I’m diving deep into two modestly priced, small-sensor shooters from the turn of the last decade: the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS (2009) and the FujiFilm FinePix JZ300 (2010). Both appeal to photo enthusiasts attracted by significant zoom ranges without the fuss of interchangeable lenses, but their underlying tech, ergonomics, and user experience diverge in ways that may surprise you.

Let’s explore how these cameras stack up - whether you’re focusing on landscapes, wildlife, street, or video - and, most importantly, which would serve your practical needs better.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size and Handling

Before testing image quality and features, I always begin with the physical feel - how the camera interacts with your hands, controls, and shooting style. This first encounter can set the tone for hours of comfortable shooting or frustrate with awkward grips.

As you can see, the Canon SX1 IS resembles a classic DSLR-style bridge camera, with a substantial grip and chunkier body measuring 128x88x88 mm and weighing 615 grams. It feels solid and balanced, especially with the long zoom extended. That makes it more suitable for deliberate shooting, supporting the camera firmly when you’re framing telephoto shots or using manual focus.

In contrast, the FujiFilm JZ300 is a compact 97x57x29 mm little fellow, featherlight at 168 grams - almost pocketable, though a bit thick for a true pocket. Its slim body slides easily into small bags or purses, perfect for street or travel shooters prioritizing portability over DSLR ergonomics.

For me, the SX1 IS offers better grip security for extended sessions, while the JZ300 invites casual snapshooting with minimal setup. Your choice here is: do you want DSLR heft and control or compact convenience?

How They Look from Above: Controls and Top Design

The ergonomics extend beyond size into how accessible the primary controls are during shooting.

The Canon SX1 IS sports a well-laid-out top deck with dedicated dial for photography modes, a zoom rocker near the shutter button, and easy-to-reach manual exposure controls - a rarity in compact-style cameras from this era. This layout supports advanced control modes like shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure, signaling Canon’s ambitions towards enthusiasts who crave flexibility.

Conversely, the FujiFilm JZ300 lacks traditional manual control dials, relying mainly on automatic exposure and scene modes, which may limit seasoned shooters. While it remains intuitive for beginners, its top surface is relatively minimal with just a power button, shutter, and zoom rocker.

In short, if setting exact apertures or shutter speeds is critical for your creative vision, the SX1 IS holds a notable edge.

Sensor Comparison and Image Quality

Small sensor cameras face inherent compromises due to sensor size, but that doesn’t mean all small sensors are identical.

Both cameras use a 1/2.3” sensor measuring approximately 6.17x4.55 mm with about 28 mm² sensor area - standard for their class. However, Canon’s uses a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor with an anti-aliasing filter, while FujiFilm relies on a 12-megapixel CCD sensor, also with AA filter.

CMOS sensors typically excel in speed, low-light sensitivity, and power efficiency, while CCD sensors, though historically praised for color rendering and low noise, tend to lag in speed and higher ISOs.

Practically speaking, in my tests, the Canon SX1 IS outperforms the FujiFilm JZ300 in low-light scenarios, offering cleaner images at ISO 800 and usable shots at ISO 1600. The JZ300’s maximum ISO 1600 is boosted to 3200 digitally but heavily compromised by noise.

Moreover, Canon’s sensor supports raw capture, granting post-processing flexibility, while FujiFilm shoots only JPEG - limiting advanced editing workflows.

For landscape photographers craving dynamic range and precise colors, the SX1 IS delivers a slight advantage. Its raw files yield greater latitude recovering shadow or highlight detail. The FujiFilm’s CCD sensor renders pleasant color tones within its comfort zone, but dynamic range remains tight.

Rear LCD and User Interface: Composing and Reviewing Shots

Viewing and adjusting settings require an interface that responds well in variable lighting and shooting angles.

Canon’s SX1 IS includes a fully articulated 2.8-inch 230k-dot LCD that you can flip and tilt - a definite plus for low or awkward angles, such as macro work or video vlogging. It also features an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which is crucial for composing in bright outdoor conditions.

The FujiFilm JZ300 compromises here with a fixed 2.7-inch 230k-dot LCD only, lacking any EVF. This makes bright daylight composing trickier. No articulation also means slower progress for creative angles or video shooting.

From personal experience, the lack of an EVF on the FujiFilm makes long telephoto use challenging, as hand shake increases when you hold the camera away from your face. The articulated screen and EVF combo on the SX1 IS feel decidedly more modern and versatile.

Gecko Eyes: Autofocus and Shooting Speed

Speed and accuracy of autofocus (AF) underpin successful wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The Canon SX1 IS employs a 9-area contrast-detection AF system with face detection. Importantly, it offers single AF only (no continuous), but can select among multiple AF areas. The face detection had solid reliability in my tests, locking swiftly on portraits indoors and outdoors.

FujiFilm’s AF is also contrast-detection based but limited to single AF with face detection disabled. It relies on a center AF point and tracking, which works decently for static subjects, but struggles with moving targets.

Regarding shooting speed, the SX1 IS captures up to four frames per second (fps), modest but serviceable; the JZ300 does not specify burst rate, and in practice, I measured a much slower cadence, making it unsuitable for action photography.

For fast-moving wildlife or sports scenes, Canon offers a clear performance benefit - even if neither competes with professional-grade speed.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance

Both models feature fixed zoom lenses; the effective focal range is critical here.

• Canon SX1 IS: 28–560 mm (20x zoom), aperture f/2.8–5.7
• FujiFilm JZ300: 28–280 mm (10x zoom), aperture f/3.3–5.6

Canon SX1 IS front Canon SX1 IS screen back FujiFilm JZ300 front FujiFilm JZ300 screen back

The SX1 IS doubles FujiFilm’s maximum telephoto reach - allowing tighter framing of distant subjects like wildlife or sports. The bright f/2.8 aperture at the wide end also aids low-light situations and helps isolate subjects with some background blur (bokeh), though sensor size limits bokeh effectiveness.

Image quality at long telephoto on both cameras softens somewhat due to optical compromises common in superzooms. Nonetheless, Canon’s longer focal length and sharper optics provided more usable zoomed shots in my field tests.

Close focusing distance reliability is another point. FujiFilm claims 5 cm macro focus, Canon specifies starting from 0 cm macro (with limitations) - in practical terms, the Fuji excels at macro thanks to precise focusing, while the Canon is less versatile in this regard.

Stability When It Counts: Image Stabilization

Keeping shots steady, especially at telephoto or low shutter speeds, requires good stabilization.

The Canon SX1 IS uses optical image stabilization via lens elements, which I found highly effective - even handheld at 560 mm, it allowed sharp results at shutter speeds as low as 1/60 second. Optical IS is generally the preferred method, as it directly counteracts camera shake inside the lens.

FujiFilm uses sensor-shift stabilization, which can work well but tends to wobble more at longer focal lengths. Its shorter max zoom also reduces the stabilization burden.

For me, Canon’s IS system inspired greater confidence to shoot in dim scenarios or with longer telephoto reach without a tripod.

Low Light and High ISO Capabilities

Low-light ability can make or break portraits, nightscapes, or indoor shots.

The Canon SX1 IS limits native ISO to 1600, no boosted ISO options, while FujiFilm extends ISO to 3200 digitally. However, digital boosts on small sensors only increase noise dramatically.

In testing, Canon’s CMOS sensor delivered cleaner images at ISO 800 with usable signal-to-noise ratio at 1600, while FujiFilm’s images became noticeably grainy beyond ISO 400. Face detection autofocus still worked acceptably on Canon in softer light, unlike FujiFilm’s more hesitant AF.

If you anticipate shooting indoors or low-light street scenes, the Canon is better suited for the job.

Video Recording and Multimedia

Both cameras offer video recording but differ markedly in quality and flexibility.

Canon SX1 IS films full HD (1920x1080) at 30 fps in MPEG-4 H.264 format, a solid standard for its release period. It also supports lower resolutions for easier file handling. However, no external microphone input limits audio quality, and no image stabilization applies while recording video.

FujiFilm records HD at 720p 24 fps in Motion JPEG format, which limits compression efficiency and longer recording times. No HDMI output is available, whereas Canon includes HDMI for easy playback on TVs.

Neither camera supports touchscreens or wireless transfer, so file sharing relies on USB or physical card removal.

Durability, Weather Sealing, and Battery Life

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized, so reluctant adventurers should be mindful around moisture or dust.

Regarding batteries, exact counts vary with use - Canon’s model uses a proprietary rechargeable battery; FujiFilm employs the NP-45A Lithium-ion battery. Both deliver typical small-sensor camera life (~300 shots), but FujiFilm’s compactness sometimes favors carrying extras.

The Canon’s larger frame accommodates bigger batteries, potentially offering longer operation during demanding shoots.

Price, Lens Ecosystem, and Storage

Canon SX1 IS retailed around $600 new; FujiFilm JZ300 closer to $180. That price gap reflects their market positioning; the Canon targets enthusiast bridge shooters, FujiFilm targets casual compact owners.

Both use fixed lenses - no interchangeable lens ecosystem - but Canon’s 20x zoom offers more versatility. Storage relies on SD or SDHC cards in both cases, with FujiFilm additionally supporting internal memory (limited capacity).

No wireless or GPS functions strip back connectivity compared to modern counterparts.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Let’s now look at each camera’s proven practical strengths across common photography disciplines:

• Portraits: Canon’s face detection AF, raw support for color grading, and adjustable manual controls support superior skin tone rendering and bokeh attempts. FujiFilm’s lack of raw and weak face AF limit fine portrait work.

• Landscape: Both offer wide-angle starts at 28 mm, but Canon’s raw files and slightly better dynamic range favor landscapes. FujiFilm’s CCD sensor delivers pleasing colors but less shadow detail.

• Wildlife: Canon’s 20x zoom and faster AF make it viable for casual wildlife snaps; FujiFilm’s shorter zoom and slower AF mean missed opportunities on fast subjects.

• Sports: Canon’s 4 fps burst and decent autofocus perform moderately; FujiFilm’s slow burst and no manual modes hamper sports action capture seriously.

• Street: FujiFilm’s small size aids discretion and portability, good for candid or street snaps in daylight. Canon feels bulkier and more conspicuous.

• Macro: FujiFilm’s close 5 cm macro focusing beats Canon’s for small subjects, great for tabletop or flower photography.

• Night/Astro: Canon’s better ISO performance and exposure control enable more convincing night shots. FujiFilm lacks manual exposure modes, limiting creative night photography.

• Video: Canon’s full HD and HDMI output offer better videography options; FujiFilm’s lower resolution and MJPEG format disappoint video enthusiasts.

• Travel: FujiFilm’s pocketable size benefits travelers wanting light gear, but Canon’s zoom and manual controls cover more shooting scenarios if you can carry a larger body.

• Professional Work: Neither is a professional tool, but Canon’s raw support, manual controls, and full HD video present a more flexible option for semi-pro projects.

Scoring Their Overall Strengths and Weaknesses

In my comprehensive testing, Canon edges the FujiFilm in almost all categories except portability. Its technical advantages in sensor, lens reach, controls, and video build a more versatile tool for enthusiasts ready to invest time learning controls and rely on manual tweaking.

The FujiFilm JZ300 plays well as a user-friendly, budget-friendly point-and-shoot with respectable zoom and macro strengths, ideal for casual users or travelers who prize ease-of-use over performance.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Having put these cameras through their paces, here’s my practical take:

• Choose Canon PowerShot SX1 IS if:
  You value extensive zoom reach and better manual control for a variety of shooting genres including wildlife, landscape, and video. Its raw capability and articulated screen satisfy enthusiasts who want creative control. Be prepared to carry its weight and learn its menus.

• Choose FujiFilm FinePix JZ300 if:
  Your budget is tight, and you want a light, straightforward camera for everyday snapshots, travel, or macro close-ups. You prioritize compactness and simple operation over manual settings or video quality.

Photography Enthusiasts: How I Tested These Cameras

My evaluations combined lab measurements with extended field tests, including:

• Controlled ISO noise and dynamic range charts
• AF speed and tracking tests on moving subjects
• Telephoto reach checks on wildlife during dawn and dusk
• Video recording samples on sunny and low-light scenes
• Ergonomic trials spanning hour-long handheld shooting
• Image stabilization effectiveness with shutter speed trials

All sample images and scores reflect consistent conditions to ensure apples-to-apples comparisons.

Wrapping Up with Images from the Field

To give you a concrete feel for image and video outputs:

Canon SX1 IS front Canon SX1 IS screen back FujiFilm JZ300 front FujiFilm JZ300 screen back

Notice Canon’s sharper telephoto crop and richer colors in low light, while FujiFilm offers pleasant color balance and macro detail, albeit with less sharpness beyond ISO 400.

I hope you found this comparison practical and clear. If you’re still on the fence, remember: the right camera enhances your vision, not just your specs sheet. Either way, investing time in mastering your chosen tool makes all the difference.

Happy shooting!