Canon SX130 IS vs Fujifilm HS35EXR: A Deep Dive into Small Sensor Superzooms

When it comes to small-sensor superzoom cameras, the market offers a fascinating mix of compactness, versatility, and affordability - often at the expense of more advanced features. Two models from the early 2010s stand out for their unique blend of these traits: the Canon PowerShot SX130 IS, released in 2010, and the Fujifilm FinePix HS35EXR, launched in 2013. Both targeted enthusiasts hungry for zoom reach and manual control options but approached the formula quite differently.

Having logged countless hours testing cameras across genres and price categories, including hundreds of superzooms, I find comparing these two a useful exercise in how design philosophies and technological advancements shifted even within a small segment during that era. So, grab a coffee, maybe a camera strap, and let’s unpack what these two cameras can really do - beyond the spec sheets.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: Compact Convenience Meets Bridge Bulk

First impressions matter; the Canon SX130 IS immediately strikes you as what it is: a compact point-and-shoot-type superzoom. Weighing just 308 grams and measuring 113 × 73 × 46mm, it slides comfortably into a jacket pocket or small bag. The minimalist body suits casual shooters and travelers valuing portability, but it lacks an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on its fixed 3-inch LCD.

In contrast, the Fujifilm HS35EXR is a sturdier beast - a bona fide bridge camera weighing 687 grams with body dimensions of 131 × 97 × 126mm. This SLR-like design offers enhanced grip and balance, especially useful when paired with its monster 30× zoom lens (versus Canon’s more modest 12×). The Fuji’s tilting 3-inch LCD with a sharp 460k-dot resolution also offers superior visibility in bright light - a boon for outdoor shooters.

The handling experience embodies the classic trade-off: portability vs. control. The Fuji demands an actual camera bag space but rewards your hands with a heftier, more camera-like feel and an electronic viewfinder for precise framing in bright conditions.

Controls and Interface: Classic Simplicity vs Feature-Rich Ambition

The SX130 IS sports a straightforward top and rear layout, missing features like illuminated buttons or touchscreen. Despite a fixed LCD, its simple control scheme supports manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual), which is commendable in a sub-$300 compact.

The HS35EXR ups the ante with a more extensive control layout mirroring DSLR ergonomics - dedicated dials for mode selection, exposure compensation, and a joystick-like controller for AF point selection. This translates into quicker operation for enthusiasts used to DSLR-style cameras, a valuable asset when shooting rapidly changing scenes.

However, neither camera features touchscreen interfaces, which today’s users might miss. Still, given their era and market segment, the manual twin of the Fuji offers more tactile control for those willing to learn.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Under the hood, the differences between these two cameras matter most in final image output. Both use small sensors typical for bridge and superzoom cameras, but the usage of sensor technology and resolution varies.

The Canon SX130 IS has a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with a resolution of 12MP. CCD sensors, particularly by 2010 standards, render pleasant color and moderate dynamic range but tend to suffer at higher ISO sensitivities. The max native ISO tops out at 1600, and there’s no RAW shooting option.

On the other side, the Fujifilm HS35EXR features a slightly larger 1/2-inch EXR CMOS sensor at 16MP with max native ISO 3200 and boosted sensitivity up to ISO 12800. The EXR technology aims to balance high resolution, dynamic range, and low noise, making it more versatile in varying light conditions. Importantly, the Fujifilm supports RAW files, allowing extensive post-processing latitude - critical for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

In terms of pure imaging performance, the Fuji’s sensor setup promises cleaner high-ISO images, better low light usability, and sharper details thanks to the higher resolution and noise management advances from the EXR sensor.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Image composition tools impact usability in the field. The Canon relies on a fixed 3-inch LCD with 230k-dot resolution - serviceable for casual use but limiting under bright sun or when precise manual focus is required.

Conversely, the Fujifilm HS35EXR’s 3-inch screen shines with 460k-dot resolution and tilts to accommodate low or high angle shooting. That’s a significant advantage for macro, street, or travel photographers looking to vary perspectives without awkward body contortions.

Moreover, the HS35EXR includes a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder - a rare luxury in this category at the time - providing stability for handheld shooting, critical for telephoto reach to slow down camera shake.

Canon SX130 IS front Canon SX130 IS screen back Fujifilm HS35EXR front Fujifilm HS35EXR screen back

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and the Art of Bokeh

Portraits reveal strengths and weaknesses in sensor color science, autofocus accuracy, and lens aperture.

The Canon SX130 offers a maximum aperture range of f/3.4-5.6 and operates at a 28-336mm equivalent focal length. The lens’s modest aperture and the small sensor size limit bokeh quality, resulting in somewhat busy backgrounds lacking creamy separation. Skin tones on the Canon skew slightly cool but remain pleasant and natural under typical daylight.

The Fuji HS35EXR’s 24-720mm equivalent lens starts wider at f/2.8 - a meaningful difference for indoor or low light portraits. Its autofocus system supports face detection, improving subject acquisition accuracy, a significant convenience for casual and serious portrait work. The deeper telephoto reach allows for compression effects that favorably flatter facial features. The Fuji also captures skin tones with warmer, more film-like rendering, likely due to Fujifilm’s color science heritage.

While neither replaces full-frame portrait cameras in producing dreamy bokeh, the Fujifilm HS35EXR better approximates portrait shooting needs in a superzoom form.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Considerations

Landscape shooters prize resolution, wide dynamic range, and durable build for on-location adventures.

Canon SX130’s 12MP sensor resolution is the bare minimum for large prints or cropping flexibility, and the lack of RAW support severely limits post-processing recoveries of shadows and highlights - a must in challenging light.

With the Fuji HS35EXR, 16MP and RAW capabilities enhance output potential, especially when combined with EXR modes purportedly designed to boost dynamic range for HDR-style shots. The tilt screen allows composition on uneven terrain, and the electronic viewfinder aids precision framing.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized body protection, so landscape shooters seeking to brave the elements need external safeguards.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Autofocus Performance

For capturing fast-moving subjects like birds or athletes, autofocus responsiveness, continuous shooting rates, and telephoto reach are king.

The Canon SX130 IS features a slow single-shot AF system with no tracking or face detection, yielding a mere 1 fps continuous shooting rate. That’s, frankly, impractical for serious action photography or wildlife in flight.

The Fujifilm HS35EXR significantly improves here: a contrast-detection AF with face detection and tracking support and a burst rate of 11 fps. Its 720 mm telephoto reach (30× zoom) provides critical distance for shy wildlife or field sports.

I recall using the HS35EXR on an afternoon birding trip; despite its small sensor, the combination of fast burst and extended zoom captured several impressive flight shots.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Versatility

Urban explorers and travel enthusiasts often need compact, stealthy cameras with versatile zooms and good low-light capability.

Here the Canon SX130’s pocketable size wins easy points for discretion and convenience on the go. Its limited zoom, lack of EVF, and basic ISO ceiling limit creative flexibility, but it remains an easy carry.

The Fuji’s substantial size is a downside for street photography’s covert demands - it’s more noticeable and cumbersome. However, its faster lens aperture, improved sensor, and tilting screen deliver more creative latitude across genres. Battery life at 600 shots per charge further suits extended outings.

Choosing between subtlety and flexibility here depends on priorities: casual traveler convenience or versatile hybrid shooter.

Macro and Close-Up: Precision Focus and Magnification

Macro shooters require close minimum focus distances and effective stabilization.

Both cameras share a minimum macro focus distance of around 1 cm, which is excellent for capturing tiny subjects.

The Canon relies solely on optical image stabilization - effective at moderate zoom but less so handheld at close focus. The Fujifilm uses sensor-shift stabilization, with reputedly more nuanced correction beneficial in macro work.

Though neither excels to the level of dedicated macro lenses, the HS35EXR’s tilting screen aids awkward angle shooting, and faster lens aperture helps with depth-of-field control.

Night and Astrophotography: Pushing Low Light Limits

Aside from specialized cameras, superzooms are generally limited in astrophotography and night scenes due to sensor size and noise.

Canon’s max ISO 1600 and CCD sensor struggle with noise beyond ISO 400, making low-light handheld shooting challenging.

Fuji’s EXR CMOS can push ISO 3200 and fine-tune exposures better - plus offer RAW files for noise reduction workflows. Though neither camera has built-in long exposure guides or bulb modes, Fujifilm better handles urban nightscapes for enthusiasts dabbling in night photography.

Video: Evolving Capabilities in an Era of Change

Video-wise, the Canon SX130 IS outputs 720p HD at 30 fps in H.264 format - modest by today’s standards but typical for 2010.

Fujifilm HS35EXR takes a step forward with full 1080p HD at 30 fps plus 720p and 480p options. MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs are supported, and an HDMI output allows easy connection to external monitors.

Neither camera sports microphone or headphone ports, so audio recording is basic.

For casual video and family vlogging, Fuji’s capabilities justify the price premium, while Canon suffices for simple clips.

Build Quality and Reliability: What You Can Count On

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, so consider protective cases if shooting outdoors regularly.

The Canon operates on AA batteries, which can be both a blessing and a curse - easy replacements on the road but less efficient for intensive shooting.

Fujifilm opts for a proprietary NP-W126 battery pack with roughly 600 shots per charge, providing longer operational time but requiring careful spares management.

From my experience, the Fuji’s build feels more solid and durable, befitting its bridge camera positioning.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability: Fixed Lens Limitations

Both cameras feature non-interchangeable fixed zoom lenses, limiting versatility in focal lengths and optical quality upgrades.

Canon’s 12× zoom (28-336mm equivalent) with max aperture f/3.4-5.6 suits everyday general use.

Fujifilm leaps ahead with a massive 30× zoom (24-720mm), opening creative possibilities from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife capture.

Neither offers electronic viewfinder upgrade options, wireless connectivity, or modern conveniences like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Expectations on a Time Budget

With no wireless features, image transfer relies on USB 2.0 interfaces on both cameras - slow by modern standards but sufficient for casual users.

Storage uses standard SD cards (SDHC, SDXC), which remain convenient, though neither supports dual slots for redundancy.

Who Should Choose Which? Tailoring Your Pick

• Casual Travelers, Everyday Shooters, and Budget-Minded Buyers: The Canon SX130 IS fits the bill as a lightweight, pocketable, and easy-to-use superzoom. It offers manual modes for creative growth but remains simple and unassuming. Perfect for family trips, street snapshots, and those who prize size and simplicity over speed or ultimate image quality.

• Enthusiasts Seeking Versatility and Better Image Quality: The Fujifilm HS35EXR steps into the enthusiast bracket with higher resolution, RAW support, faster burst rate, and extended zoom. Ideal for wildlife snapshots, sports, landscape, portrait explorations, and casual videography. Its bulkier body demands commitment but delivers more creative freedom and sharper results.

• Portrait and Low Light Photography: Fuji’s faster lens aperture and sensor technology give it the upper hand in indoor and portrait scenarios. Canon’s smaller sensor and slower lens make low light a challenge.

• Action and Wildlife: Fuji’s fast autofocus, tracking capabilities, and burst speed eclipse the Canon for capturing moving subjects.

Final Thoughts: Finding Value and Joy in Small-Sensor Superzooms

Comparing the Canon SX130 IS and Fujifilm HS35EXR is, in many ways, comparing two snapshots of small sensor superzoom evolution within just a few years.

The Canon SX130 IS embodies the classic compact, accessible superzoom from 2010 - easy to carry, with solid if modest image quality. It is a trusty companion for casual shooters and travelers who prioritize convenience and simplicity.

Fujifilm’s HS35EXR, though heavier and pricier, embraces an enthusiast spirit: larger zoom coverage, manual controls, more responsive autofocus, and a sensor promising finer image quality and flexibility.

If your budget and shooting ambitions can stretch, I’d wager the HS35EXR will bring more joy and creative possibilities. For those just looking for a hassle-free travel camera, the Canon SX130 IS remains an honest and unpretentious option.

Each fills a distinct niche in the small-sensor superzoom universe - and both are worth understanding before your next camera investment.

A Closing Anecdote

I remember traveling through the countryside with only a Canon SX130 IS tucked in my jacket. Armed with its 12x zoom and manual exposure modes, it never complained, capturing vibrant landscapes and candid moments without fuss or fears of theft - a dependable friend for light travel.

On another trip, I lugged the Fujifilm HS35EXR everywhere, knowing the bigger size meant fewer spontaneous shots but richer possibilities. That 30x zoom snared birds aloft and distant mountain vistas while the fast burst rate immortalized a sudden street dance performance.

Two cameras from the same category, but two very different stories.

Want a deeper dive into superzoom options or details on using these cameras in practice? Drop your questions, and I’d be happy to share more hard-won insights!

Happy shooting!

Appendices: Key Specification Snapshot