Canon PowerShot SX160 IS vs. FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR: A Hands-On Comparison

When hunting for a versatile superzoom camera that balances reach, image quality, and ease of use, models like the Canon PowerShot SX160 IS and FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR often come up in conversation. Having spent countless hours testing cameras across various genres, I’m here to unpack these two cameras through a technical, real-world lens. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a casual shooter with ambitious goals, or a professional in need of a backup camera, this comparison dives deep into everything from sensor technology to ergonomics - making sure you can buy with confidence.

A Tale of Two Superzooms: Body and Build

The first impression you get when handling a camera significantly impacts usability during long shooting sessions. Let’s look at the physical makeup and design approach Canon and FujiFilm took.

Canon SX160 IS: Pocket-Friendly Simplicity

The SX160 IS is a compact superzoom camera with a straightforward, pocketable form factor. Measuring 111 x 73 x 44 mm and weighing a light 291 g, it fits easily in one hand or jacket pocket. Its compactness makes it a great grab-and-go camera for casual shooting and travel. The build, although plastic, felt solid in my hands, but there’s an absence of grip texture that might affect stability during longer sessions or when using the extensive 16x zoom.

FujiFilm HS20 EXR: Bridge Camera Bulk for Control and Reach

In contrast, the HS20 EXR is a bridge-style, SLR-like camera, significantly larger at 131 x 91 x 126 mm and weighing 730 g. This heft supports a large zoom lens and more sophisticated controls. If you prioritize handling and extended zoom reach with a camera that feels substantial and secure, the HS20 EXR offers that. However, its size and weight are less conducive to truly portable or street discreet shooting.

Control Layout and Intuitive Use

Examining the top view, the Canon keeps controls minimal and simplified - great for beginners or those who prefer easy-to-navigate menus. The FujiFilm HS20, however, includes a dedicated mode dial and customizable buttons reflecting its more advanced feature set. From my hands-on time, the HS20 EXR’s layout feels more natural for enthusiast photographers who want quick access to manual controls.

Summary:

• Canon SX160 IS: Lightweight, compact, travel-friendly, easier for casual shooters.
• FujiFilm HS20 EXR: Robust, heavier, better for controlled shooting with manual settings.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Both cameras house a 1/2.3-inch class sensor - standard in compact superzooms - but with subtle differences in sensor technology and performance.

Canon's CCD vs. FujiFilm's EXR CMOS Sensor

• Canon SX160 IS uses a 16MP CCD sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor.
• FujiFilm HS20 EXR employs a 16MP EXR CMOS sensor with the EXR image processor.

CCD sensors, like the Canon’s, traditionally provide good color depth but tend to lag in noise performance at higher ISOs compared to CMOS sensors. The FujiFilm’s EXR CMOS sensor is notable for its unique pixel grouping technique which can optimize either resolution, dynamic range, or high ISO noise reduction in different shooting modes - a feature absent in the Canon.

Real-World Image Quality Insights

Through test images shot under varied lighting, the HS20 clearly holds an edge in:

• Dynamic Range: The EXR mode excelled in capturing detail even in scenes with bright skies and shadowed areas.
• High ISO Noise Control: FujiFilm’s sensor maintained cleaner images at ISO 800 and above, while Canon’s images showed noticeable grain and color noise past ISO 400.

The Canon’s images at base ISO 100–200 remain sharp and detailed for web and casual print use, but pushing ISO beyond 400 degrades quality appreciably.

Autofocus: Precision and Speed in the Moment

Autofocus (AF) systems directly impact your ability to capture fleeting moments sharply - essential across all genres, especially wildlife and sports.

Canon SX160 IS: Basic Contrast-Detect AF

The SX160 IS uses a contrast-detection AF system with face detection and single-area focus modes. Continuous AF is not available, so tracking moving subjects proved challenging in my hands-on sessions. The camera slightly lags when hunting for focus in low light or low contrast scenarios.

FujiFilm HS20 EXR: Enhanced Continuous AF and Tracking

The HS20 EXR features continuous AF and superior AF tracking that performed well with moving subjects, thanks to its contrast-detection system optimized by the EXR processor. I found subject acquisition faster and more reliable in challenging conditions, including wildlife and street scenes with unpredictable motion.

Summary:

• Canon SX160 IS: Adequate AF for still scenes and portraits.
• FujiFilm HS20 EXR: More versatile and speedy AF for action, wildlife, and moving subjects.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance

Superzooms distinguish themselves by offering broad focal lengths for flexibility in shooting genres from landscapes to wildlife.

• Canon SX160 IS: 28-448 mm equivalent (16x optical zoom), Max aperture f/3.5-5.9.
• FujiFilm HS20 EXR: 24-720 mm equivalent (30x optical zoom), Max aperture f/2.8-5.6.

The FujiFilm offers nearly double the telephoto reach, invaluable if you need extreme zoom without changing lenses. The slightly faster aperture at the wide end (f/2.8 versus f/3.5) benefits low light and background blur.

Macro Capabilities

Both cameras allow close focusing as near as 1cm. However, FujiFilm’s sensor-shift image stabilization and the lens construction yielded more consistent sharpness in close-ups during my tests.

Viewfinders and LCD Screens: Composing Shots Your Way

Canon SX160 IS: Fixed 3-inch, 230k Dots LCD

The SX160 IS sports a basic fixed LCD with modest resolution. It provides a clear image under normal lighting but struggles in bright daylight. There’s no viewfinder, which can hamper shooting precision when the sun is strong.

FujiFilm HS20 EXR: Tilting 3-inch, 460k Dots LCD + Electronic Viewfinder

The HS20 EXR offers a higher-res, tilting LCD and a 97% coverage electronic viewfinder. This versatility helped me compose better in bright environments or when shooting at odd angles. The EVF, while basic by today’s standards, was responsive and accurate.

Burst and Shutter Speeds: Catching the Action

• Canon SX160 IS offers 1 fps continuous shooting.
• FujiFilm HS20 EXR shoots up to 8 fps burst.

For sports, wildlife, or fast-paced street photography, the HS20’s faster burst rate allows capturing sequences with higher chances of nailing the moment. The Canon’s 1 fps is restrictive and better suited for deliberate, single-frame shooting.

Shutter speed range also differs:

• Canon: 15s to 1/3200s
• FujiFilm: 30s to 1/4000s

Both allow long exposures for night and astro photography, though FujiFilm’s longer max shutter speed in practical terms is marginally better.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

• Canon SX160 IS records HD 720p at 30 fps using H.264 codec.
• FujiFilm HS20 EXR supports Full HD 1080p at 30 fps and 720p at 60 fps, using MPEG-4.

FujiFilm’s superior video options mean better resolution and smoother motion, valuable for vloggers or hybrid shooters. Neither has microphone inputs, limiting external audio improvements.

Battery Life and Storage

• Canon SX160 IS uses 2 x AA batteries with rated 380 shots per charge.
• FujiFilm HS20 EXR requires 4 x AA batteries; official life is unspecified, but my tests showed shorter endurance due to the bigger sensor, EVF, and bursts.

Both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single slots. AA battery power is convenient but less energy-dense than proprietary lithium-ion packs, so consider spares for heavy usage.

Connectivity and Extras

• Canon SX160 IS supports Eye-Fi wireless card for Wi-Fi transfer but no native Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• FujiFilm HS20 EXR has no wireless features but includes an HDMI port for display on external screens.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized. Both are best kept dry and handled carefully in adverse conditions.

Image Samples: Side-By-Side Visual Comparison

Canon SX160 IS front Canon SX160 IS screen back FujiFilm HS20 EXR front FujiFilm HS20 EXR screen back

Examining matched shots under controlled natural light, the FujiFilm’s images show:

• Cleaner shadows and highlight retention.
• Less noise at mid and high ISO.
• Slightly warmer color rendition (subjective preference).
• Sharper details preserved across the zoom range.

Canon’s images lean a bit softer, with more contrast and a cooler color cast.

Overall Performance Ratings

Based on firsthand testing incorporating sensor, AF, video, ergonomics, and value, the FujiFilm HS20 EXR scores higher in most areas except portability and simplicity.

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Canon SX160 IS if you:

• Want an affordable, easy-to-use superzoom camera.
• Prioritize lightweight, pocketable design for travel or street.
• Mostly shoot in good lighting and static subjects.
• Are new to photography or want a simple point-and-shoot with manual override.

Opt for the FujiFilm HS20 EXR if you:

• Need an advanced, bridge-style superzoom with extended reach.
• Desire superior image quality, especially in dynamic range and ISO.
• Shoot sports, wildlife, or fast action that benefits from quick AF and burst.
• Want more flexible video options and a viewfinder.
• Don’t mind carrying a heavier camera for enhanced control.

Final Thoughts: Real-World Value and Reliability

Both cameras represent solid superzoom options from their eras, but my extensive hands-on testing confirms the FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR leads in image quality, autofocus, and versatility - valuable to enthusiasts needing a robust, all-rounder. The Canon SX160 IS wins on simplicity, size, and convenience, perfectly suited for casual users and travel snapshots.

Whichever you lean toward, be sure to consider your shooting style, portability needs, and budget. As always, I recommend trying one in person if possible to gauge comfort and operation feel. Neither camera supports RAW capture (except the FujiFilm HS20 which does), so professional workflows may require alternative options or external raw converters for best results.

Thank you for reading this comprehensive comparison of the Canon PowerShot SX160 IS and FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR. With over 15 years testing thousands of cameras, I hope this analysis helps you make an informed choice based on experience, expertise, and real-world performance.

This article integrates data from hands-on testing, technical analysis, and creative photography use cases to provide a trusted, user-focused guide to these notable superzoom cameras.