Canon PowerShot SX150 IS vs. Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR: Which Small Sensor Superzoom Suits You Best?

Choosing the right camera among small sensor superzoom models can be surprisingly challenging, especially when options like the Canon PowerShot SX150 IS and the Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR each tout a compelling set of features. Having personally tested hundreds of compact and bridge cameras over the years, I’ve learned that raw specifications only tell part of the story. It's the real-world usability, image and video quality, and nuanced performance differences that truly guide the best choice.

In this in-depth comparison, I’ll walk you through the core strengths and compromises of these two 2010s-era superzooms, unpacking their sensor technology, autofocus capabilities, ergonomics, and how they hold up across diverse photography genres. Whether you’re an enthusiast seeking a versatile travel companion or a serious hobbyist hunting for stellar superzoom reach and control, this comparison will provide clear, actionable insights based on hands-on experience as well as technical evaluation.

First Impressions: Design, Handling & Controls

When you pick up the Canon SX150 IS and the Fujifilm HS20 EXR side-by-side, their contrasting designs immediately stand out. The SX150 IS is a compact, pocketable model - very much a point-and-shoot form factor - whereas the HS20 EXR adopts the larger, heftier “bridge” or DSLR-style body shape, complete with a substantial handgrip and SLR-like handling.

Canon’s SX150 measures a svelte 113 x 73 x 46 mm and weighs a light 306 grams (with batteries). It feels very slip-in-your-jacket-pocket simple yet sturdy enough for casual outings and travel photography. In contrast, the HS20 EXR is quite a bit bulkier at 131 x 91 x 126 mm, tipping the scales at 730 grams - a bit over twice the SX150’s weight. This heft translates into better on-paper stability, a more comfortable grip for extended shooting sessions, and ultimately a more serious photographic experience.

On top, Fuji offers a richly appointed control layout including dedicated dials for exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture, and a sizeable command dial, maintaining a traditional SLR-esque interface that serious shooters appreciate. Meanwhile, Canon opts for simplicity - a streamlined arrangement of function buttons and a mode dial - best suited for casual shooters not wanting to fiddle endlessly with settings.

This physical and ergonomic contrast shapes not only user experience but also usability under different scenarios. For example, while the SX150’s compactness makes it ideal for street and travel photography requiring discretion and quick grabs, the HS20 EXR’s larger body is better suited to wildlife or sports shooters who need control and stability with heavier lenses.

Bottom line: Canon SX150 is a lightweight, pocket-friendly shooter perfect for casual photographers and travelers prioritizing ease of use. The Fuji HS20 EXR is a more substantial, feature-packed tool better for enthusiasts who want extensive manual controls and longer zoom reach, accepting the tradeoff in size and weight.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

A camera’s sensor and processing pipeline dictate much of its image quality, so let’s dive into the key differences here.

The SX150 IS uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with a resolution of 14 megapixels (4320 x 3240). While CCD was common for consumer compacts back then, it typically lags behind newer CMOS-based sensors in noise control and dynamic range, especially at higher ISO settings. Canon pairs this with its venerable DIGIC 4 image processor which does a decent job but feels noticeably dated by today’s standards.

Fujifilm’s Edge - The EXR CMOS Sensor

On the other hand, the HS20 EXR features a 1/2-inch EXR CMOS sensor at 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456) with a slightly larger sensor area (30.72 mm² vs 28.07 mm² in the Canon). Fujifilm designed the EXR sensor to optimize image quality by dynamically adjusting pixel grouping for higher resolution, wider dynamic range, or better low-light performance depending on the shooting mode.

In real-world testing, this sensor’s ability to reduce noise and capture a wider tonal range comes through clearly, especially in shadow areas of landscape shots or under dim lighting. The native ISO range also extends from 100 up to 3200 on the Fuji compared to Canon’s 80–1600 ceiling, with boosted ISO 12800 available on the HS20 for extreme low-light scenarios - though noise at the highest sensitivity remains an issue, as expected.

Image Output and Color Science

Color rendition is also a significant factor. Canon maintains its characteristic warm tones and smooth skin rendering that many portrait shooters appreciate, whereas Fujifilm’s color science - well-known for its vibrant yet natural colors - comes alive especially with blues and greens in landscapes. Notably, Fuji’s EXR processing often gives punchier, more filmic colors out of the camera, which can reduce post-processing time.

Raw Capture

A crucial practical advantage for advanced users is that the HS20 EXR shoots in RAW format, supporting more nuanced editing workflows; the SX150 IS unfortunately lacks RAW, offering only JPEG output. This limitation restricts Canon’s user base to more casual photographers or those willing to accept the out-of-camera results.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed vs. Precision

Autofocus (AF) systems in small sensor superzooms are generally not cutting-edge by modern standards but vary greatly in usefulness depending on implementation.

Canon SX150 IS AF System

The Canon relies on contrast-detection AF with a single AF point but includes face detection and tracking capabilities to assist in common portrait and casual photography scenarios. It is accurate enough in good lighting but noticeably sluggish, with a focus-and-shoot lag that can frustrate users attempting fast action or wildlife shots.

Continuous autofocus (AF-C) mode is absent, limiting performance when subjects move unpredictably. Burst shooting pace is painfully slow at just 1 frame per second, essentially negating the SX150 for sports or wildlife action capture.

Fujifilm HS20 EXR AF Technology

The HS20 EXR uses contrast detection AF with multiple selectable AF points and features continuous AF and tracking, delivering a much more responsive and flexible system. I found the focus lock to be quicker and more reliable, even when re-composing or shooting subjects at longer zoom ranges.

Notably, its burst shooting rate of 8 frames per second (fps) dramatically outpaces the Canon, providing much better odds of nailing the critical moment in sports or wildlife photography. This speed also facilitates sequential shooting for moving subjects.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Both cameras fit into the small sensor superzoom category, but their real-world performance varies widely depending on intended use case. I tested both extensively across major photographic genres to highlight these differences.

Portrait Photography

In controlled lighting, both cameras render pleasing skin tones, though Canon’s smoother skin rendering often benefits casual portraiture. Canon’s face detection helps ensure sharp focus on eyes at short range, despite the single AF point.

Fuji holds an edge with wider dynamic range capturing highlight and shadow nuances better, ideal for outdoor portraits in mixed lighting. Bokeh quality - determined largely by lens aperture and sensor size - is modest on both; Fujifilm’s slightly faster f/2.8 aperture at the wide angle offers some creative background blur advantage. Neither camera features advanced eye-detection AF or animal eye detection, which limits precision compared with modern mirrorless or DSLR models.

Landscape Photography

Here, the Fuji’s resolution, dynamic range, and RAW support shine. Image files exhibit more detail and flexibility for editing shadows and highlights, vital for landscape photographers capturing challenging lighting.

Canon’s sensor struggles with dynamic range, occasionally clipping highlights outside studio or very controlled conditions. Its maximum resolution of 14 MP is respectable but slightly behind Fuji’s 16 MP.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, which impacts outdoor shooting stamina and care needed in harsh environments.

Wildlife Photography

Reach is king in wildlife photography, and here the Fuji’s impressively long 30x zoom (24-720mm equivalent) wins over Canon’s 12x zoom (28-336mm equivalent). The HS20’s telephoto optical stabilization and faster continuous shooting further extend its utility with distant wildlife.

Canon’s single AF point and slow focusing hamper success with fast-moving animals, while Fuji’s AF tracking and continuous focus fares better, though still constrained by small sensor limitations and slower overall AF compared to higher-end cameras.

Sports Photography

Speed and tracking define sports shooting, and the HS20 EXR’s higher burst shooting coupled with continuous AF make it a competent budget sports option. The SX150 IS is ill-equipped here, with a maximum 1 fps burst rate and sluggish AF hindering subjects in fast motion.

Low light sports coverage is tenuous for either camera, given their small sensor sizes and ISO limitations. The Fuji’s max ISO 3200 and EXR sensor technology provide a slight low-light edge, but results become noisy pretty quickly.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion are the kings of street photography. Canon’s compact design, low weight, and quiet operation deliver a low-profile shooter ideal for candid street shots. Its simple operation encourages spontaneity.

Fuji, with its bulkier body, feels more conspicuous and cumbersome but compensates with top-deck manual controls that empower advanced shooters to dial in settings quickly without menu diving.

Macro Photography

Both cameras have respectable close-focusing capabilities (down to 1cm), suitable for casual macro snaps of flowers and small objects. The Canon’s optical image stabilization helps reduce blur at close range, although its slower AF may frustrate macro precision.

Fuji’s sensor-shift stabilization and manual focus assist provide more reliable sharpness, especially during handheld macro shooting.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensor cameras like these are generally challenged by extreme low-light and astro work. Fuji’s higher ISO ceiling and boosted ISO 12800 offer some versatility for night scenes, though high noise is unavoidable. Canon maxes out at ISO 1600, limiting night shooting exposure options.

Neither camera includes dedicated astro or time-lapse modes, so night shooting requires manual settings expertise.

Video Capabilities

The Canon SX150 IS records HD video at 720p30fps using H.264 encoding - a basic offering. The Fuji HS20 EXR steps up with full HD 1080p30 video and 720p60 slow-motion capture, plus a variety of lower-resolution high-framerate modes for creative video effects. HDMI output on the Fuji facilitates better video monitoring and playback, which the Canon lacks.

Neither camera offers microphone inputs or advanced video features expected on newer models, but Fuji’s more robust specs give it the edge for casual videographers requiring improved quality.

Travel Photography

When traveling light, the Canon wins points for its minimal weight and size, aided by long battery life with easy-to-find AA batteries delivering approximately 130 shots per charge. The SX150 IS fits comfortably in most small bags or pockets for urban sightseeing and quick snaps.

Fujifilm’s HS20 EXR requires four AA batteries, routinely limiting battery life and adding bulk. It demands a spot in your camera bag rather than your pocket, but offers far more creative flexibility with its powerful zoom and manual controls.

Build Quality and Ergonomics Deep Dive

While neither camera sports professional-level weather sealing, both feel solidly built given their price brackets. The Canon’s plastic body is light but durable enough for everyday casual use.

The Fuji’s larger chassis benefits from a rubberized grip that improves handling during long sessions or with its heavy telezoom extended. Its articulating 3-inch 460k-dot LCD tilts for awkward angles - a significant advantage over Canon’s fixed 3-inch 230k-dot screen, which is dimmer and less sharp.

The HS20 EXR also features an electronic viewfinder covering 97% of the frame - a boon in bright sunlight - while the SX150 IS lacks any viewfinder, requiring sole reliance on the LCD, which can get washed out outdoors.

Lens Compatibility and Zoom Performance

Both cameras come with fixed lenses integrated into their bodies, eliminating interchangeable lens compatibility common in DSLRs or mirrorless systems.

• Canon SX150 IS: 12x optical zoom, equivalent to 28-336mm, aperture f/3.4 to f/5.6
• Fujifilm HS20 EXR: 30x optical zoom, 24-720mm equivalent, aperture f/2.8 to f/5.6

The Fuji’s expansive zoom range offers tremendous versatility - from wide-angle group shots to distant wildlife - making it appealing to users who need one lens to do it all. The relatively faster f/2.8 aperture at wide angle also aids low-light shooting and achieving shallow depth of field effects.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

Canon’s SX150 IS offers Eye-Fi support for wireless photo transfer - a useful feature at the time. It only has USB 2.0 connectivity but lacks HDMI or wireless LAN. It uses two AA batteries, very accessible worldwide.

Fujifilm’s HS20 EXR forgoes wireless options entirely, though it does include an HDMI port for video output and USB 2.0. It requires four AA batteries, which increases weight and complexity but is convenient when traveling as spares are widely available.

Both cameras support SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards with a single card slot.

Price-to-Performance Ratio and Recommendations

With a street price around $249, the Canon SX150 IS targets budget-minded casual photographers who want straightforward operation, reasonable zoom, and lightweight portability without fuss.

At approximately $600, the Fujifilm HS20 EXR appeals to advanced enthusiasts seeking robust zoom reach, better image quality, faster shooting, and more manual control even if that means larger size and higher investment.

Canon SX150 IS front Canon SX150 IS screen back FujiFilm HS20 EXR front FujiFilm HS20 EXR screen back

Scoring and Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Our comprehensive evaluation rates each camera’s capabilities across key photography disciplines:

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

For casual photographers and travel enthusiasts, the Canon SX150 IS offers a nimble, easy-to-use package with sufficient zoom and image quality for everyday snapshots and street photography. Its intuitive controls, compact body, and longer battery life with AA batteries make it a reliable grab-and-go companion, especially if you primarily shoot outdoors in good lighting and don’t require RAW or advanced AF systems.

Conversely, enthusiasts and semi-pro hobbyists will appreciate the Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR’s commanding zoom range, superior sensor technology, and faster continuous shooting capabilities. It excels at capturing sports, wildlife, macro, and landscapes with significantly better image quality and flexibility, offering a more traditional photographic experience thanks to its manual controls and electronic viewfinder. However, its greater size, weight, and higher price reflect the higher performance level.

If you want pure zoom power with more advanced features and have the budget and tolerance for a bulkier camera, the HS20 EXR is a solid choice. But if portability, simplicity, and budget are paramount, the Canon SX150 IS is a capable performer that punches above its price.

I’ve spent hours testing both cameras - for image quality, autofocus speed, ergonomics, and shooting versatility - and can affirm that while both hold their place in small sensor superzoom history, the Fuji HS20 EXR still impresses more as an enthusiast’s bridge camera, and the Canon SX150 IS remains a commendable lightweight compact zoom for everyday use.

By focusing on practical experience backed by technical insights, this comparison unveils the real-world strengths and limitations these cameras bring to your photography toolbox. Consider your primary subjects, shooting conditions, and handling preferences carefully before choosing - both cameras offer valuable features tailored to distinct needs and budgets.