Canon SX170 IS vs. Fujifilm FinePix F770EXR: A Thorough Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera, especially in the compact superzoom segment, can be a tough call. I’ve put both the Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and the Fujifilm FinePix F770EXR under my lens (literally) to see how they measure up - not just on paper but in real-world shooting scenarios across a variety of photographic genres. Whether you’re a casual snap-happy traveler, an enthusiastic portrait shooter, or even a budding wildlife photographer, this comparison will help you understand which bundle of tech offers better bang for your buck.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

A camera should feel right in your hands. I always consider ergonomics with equal weight to specs because comfort leads to better images - period.

Looking side by side, these two compacts share superzoom ambitions but differ in form factor. The Canon SX170 IS is a slightly chunkier camera with dimensions of 108x71x44 mm and weighs in around 251 grams. Meanwhile, Fuji’s F770EXR weighs a touch less at 234 grams and is a tad more svelte at 105x63x36 mm.

Neither has a viewfinder, so your interaction revolves around their LCDs and physical controls, which leads us to usability.

Canon’s grip feels more substantial, possibly better for those with bigger hands or clumsy digits. The buttons sit firmly and have a pleasant tactile response - no cheap plastic mush here. Fuji’s F770EXR is more pocket-friendly, but the smaller body might pinch some fingers after extended shooting sessions.

Top view control layout shows Canon’s offering easy access to a mode dial, zoom lever, and dedicated buttons for exposure compensation and ISO - clubs for thumbs here. Fuji feels a little more minimalist but retains a dedicated shutter speed dial worth noting for enthusiasts accustomed to manual tweaking.

Verdict: Comfort leans in Canon's direction for prolonged handheld use, but Fuji’s lighter build hints at portability wins for travel-light types.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras feature small sensors common to models targeting casual enthusiasts rather than pro-level work. Canon uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm, while Fuji sports a slightly larger 1/2" CMOS sensor (6.4 x 4.8mm) with EXR technology - a Fuji specialty designed to optimize dynamic range, color, or low-light performance depending on scene conditions.

Both pack 16-megapixels, but Fuji’s sensor supports raw capture - a significant advantage for anyone who wants latitude in post-processing. Canon, however (with that CCD sensor), is limited to JPEGs only.

From my extensive lab tests and field shootouts, Fuji’s EXR CMOS sensor consistently delivers better noise control, especially above ISO 400. Canon’s CCD sensor, tried and true in its heyday, tends to quickly accumulate noise past ISO 400, constraining low-light capability.

Color & Dynamic Range: Fuji’s EXR mode allows greater dynamic range retention in high-contrast situations such as bright skies and shadow-laden landscapes. Canon images at base ISO offer decent color depth but can clip highlights more easily.

Resolution: Both cameras produce 4608 x 3456 pixel images, which is adequate for 8x10 prints or sharing online. Fuji’s EXR sensor structure, however, can prioritize sharpness or dynamic range - Canon’s CCD lacks this flexibility.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Your Window to Creativity

Both cameras rely solely on their LCDs for composition and menu navigation - no electronic or optical viewfinder to rely on.

Canon’s 3" TFT LCD is fixed and runs at a rather modest 230k pixels resolution, which can feel grainy and less detailed especially in bright outdoor conditions.

Fujifilm ups the ante with a similar sized 3" LCD but at a crisp 460k pixels, resulting in a far clearer, sharper preview and live shooting image.

As a photographer who often shoots in bright sunlight, I can attest to Fuji’s screen being much easier on the eyes and enabling faster manual focusing and framing accuracy.

The absence of touchscreens means button and dial navigation is essential. Fuji’s menus are a bit more dated but logically arranged. Canon’s menu system feels stiff but responsive after some acclimatization.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Reach, Sharpness, and Versatility

The superzoom nature means both cameras target versatility with broad focal ranges for everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife.

• Canon SX170 IS offers a 28-448mm (16x zoom) lens with an aperture range of f/3.5-5.9.
• Fujifilm F770EXR pushes reach further with a 25-500mm (20x zoom) lens at f/3.5-5.3.

You get a wider starting angle on the Fuji (25mm vs. 28mm) and a significantly longer zoom stretch, which is a boon for bird photography or detail capture from afar.

Both cameras use optical image stabilization, but Fuji’s sensor-shift stabilization proved noticeably more effective at longer focal lengths in my tests, allowing sharper handheld telephoto shots.

That said, image sharpness across the zoom range is variable for both. At wide-angle extremes, they are both acceptably sharp for casual use, but stopped down slightly in aperture (around f/5.6-8) yields the best image quality.

Canon’s lens shows marginal softness at full zoom telephoto, while Fuji’s longer reach offers good detail retention but suffers from more chromatic aberration and flare in challenging light.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness: Speed Matters

When chasing moments, autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break a shot, especially in wildlife and sports.

Canon’s autofocus system is a contrast detection type with face detection. Unfortunately, continuous autofocus and tracking are weak - the specified continuous shooting rate is a mere 1 fps, which is pedestrian by any standard.

Fuji’s autofocus also employs contrast detection but with more advanced algorithms. It supports continuous AF and achieves burst rates up to 11 fps, making it notably more capable for action and wildlife shooting.

Neither camera has phase detection AF, and both struggle in low-light AF speed, but Fuji’s faster buffer clearance and continuous AF make it the stronger choice for capturing moving subjects.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portrait photographers prioritize accurate skin tones, natural rendering of highlights and shadows, and pleasing background blur.

Using both cameras for people shots, the Canon SX170 IS produces slightly warmer skin tones with a soft, gentle look. Its 16x zoom’s max aperture at telephoto is a bit slow (f/5.9), so background separation relies heavily on distance rather than shallow depth of field, resulting in minimal bokeh.

The Fujifilm F770EXR’s sensor and lens combo delivers more natural and neutral skin tones, and while the aperture range is similar, its ability to shoot at 25mm wide angle allows more compositional creativity indoors or in tight spaces.

Neither camera excels at smooth creamy bokeh due to small sensors and slow apertures, but Fuji’s overall color rendition is slightly more pleasing for portraits, especially when combined with RAW post-processing flexibility.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape shooters want detail, strong dynamic range, and the ability to withstand challenging conditions.

Fuji’s EXR sensor has a clear advantage here due to its dynamic range optimization - retrieving detail in shadows and highlights more successfully. Canon’s CCD sensor tends to clip skies faster under harsh sunlight.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so shooting in inclement weather requires caution.

Both cameras’ maximum image resolutions are equal, but Fuji’s RAW output allows much more latitude in pulling exposure and color data from images captured in tricky lighting.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus, Frame Rates, and Speed

Given the limited continuous shooting capabilities of the Canon SX170 IS (just 1 fps), it falls short for sports or wildlife fast-action photography. Its autofocus is slow and can miss fleeting moments.

Conversely, Fuji’s implementation is clearly geared toward speed and tracking with an 11 fps burst mode and continuous AF. This punch makes a real-world difference when tracking birds in flight or kids playing soccer.

Neither camera offers sophisticated AF point arrays or cross-type points (lacking from specifications), so you can’t expect professional-grade tracking, but Fuji’s shooting responsiveness is surprisingly capable.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Portability

For street shooters, size, speed, and spontaneous shooting matter.

Between the two, Fuji’s smaller, lighter body and faster burst capabilities make it the better street shooter’s tool. Canon’s bulkier grip and slower operation may hamper discrete shooting.

Travelers will appreciate Fuji’s better reach (20x zoom) and lower weight, combined with the HDMI output for on-the-go viewing.

Battery life favors Canon at approximately 300 shots per charge, while Fuji’s official battery life specs are less detailed but likely fall short of Canon’s endurance in practical use.

Macro and Close-up Work: Focusing Distance and Sharpness

Canon wins the macro race with a remarkable 1 cm minimum focus distance, ideal for capturing fine close-up details and textures - think flowers or insect portraits.

Fuji’s macro minimum is 5 cm, which is serviceable but less flexible.

Both cameras lack manual focus bracketing or stacking features, so creative macro shots require patience and steady hands.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO and Exposure

For nighttime or astrophotography hikers, sensor noise, high ISO performance, and exposure control are vital.

Fuji’s sensor with CMOS architecture and EXR tech handles ISO better, pushing usable ISO up to 3200 and even offering a boosted ISO up to 12800, albeit with heavy noise.

Canon caps at ISO 1600 and adds little noise reduction capabilities due to its CCD sensor.

Neither camera offers manual bulb mode or long exposures ideal for star trails, but Fuji’s RAW format grants more post-shoot flexibility.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Features

Both cameras provide HD video but differ significantly in capability.

• Canon SX170 IS maxes out at 1280 x 720 (720p) at 30 fps, using MPEG-4/H.264 codecs.
• Fujifilm F770EXR supports Full HD 1920 x 1080 (1080p) at 30 fps, also with MPEG-4/H.264.

Neither camera includes a microphone or headphone jack, limiting audio control, and neither supports 4K.

Image stabilization helps smooth handheld video in both, but Fuji’s sensor-shift stabilization is noticeably superior for video stability.

Fuji’s inclusion of HDMI output allows for external monitoring during video recording - a plus for content creators.

Build Quality and Connectivity

Both cameras employ compact polycarbonate bodies without weather sealing. Neither claims ruggedness against dust or moisture.

Connectivity-wise, Canon's SX170 IS supports Eye-Fi wireless cards for Wi-Fi, a feature useful for quick image transfers, albeit limited by Eye-Fi’s aging ecosystem.

Fujifilm does not offer wireless connectivity but includes built-in GPS, a handy feature for geotagging travel or wildlife shots - a nice touch for many enthusiasts.

USB 2.0 ports on both cameras facilitate image transfer, with Fuji also supporting HDMI output.

Price and Value: Which Camera Gives More for Your Money?

At launch, both models targeted the budget-conscious consumer.

Today, the Fujifilm F770EXR commands a higher price (around $480 new) due to its superior features like Full HD video, faster burst rates, EXR sensor technology, and raw support.

The Canon SX170 IS, often found at lower price points on the used market or clearance sales, remains an entry-level superzoom option - great for casual shooters who don’t crave advanced features.

Canon SX170 IS front Canon SX170 IS screen back Fujifilm F770EXR front Fujifilm F770EXR screen back

From my real-world image comparisons, Fuji’s photos exhibit better dynamic range, sharper telephoto details, and cleaner low-light shots. Canon’s images still have charm but show their age in harsh conditions or demanding use.

How Do They Stack Up Across Photography Types?

To help you make sense of the above, here’s a quick performance overview distilled into photographic use cases:

• Portraits: Fuji slightly better due to color accuracy and raw format.
• Landscapes: Fuji wins with better dynamic range and wider zoom.
• Wildlife & Sports: Fuji’s autofocus and burst rates are far superior.
• Street: Fuji’s smaller size and faster shooting edge out Canon.
• Macro: Canon excels with its minimum focus distance.
• Night/ Astro: Fuji handles noise better and ISO range goes higher.
• Video: Fuji’s Full HD and stabilization take the cake.
• Travel: Fuji is lighter with GPS, better zoom, and HD video.
• Professional: Neither fully suits pro workflows but Fuji’s raw support helps advanced editing.

Final Performance Ratings: Putting a Numbers Touch on Real Use

Here are aggregate ratings based on my hands-on tests covering image quality, autofocus, video, ergonomics, and more.

Fuji’s standing is noticeably higher, reflecting a more versatile and future-proof package.

Wrapping It Up: Which Camera Should You Pick?

If you ask me, the Fujifilm FinePix F770EXR comes out ahead as a more well-rounded, capable, and flexible compact superzoom. Its EXR CMOS sensor, better burst rate, Full HD video, and RAW shooting give it an edge for enthusiasts looking to grow their skills or travel light without compromising on image quality.

The Canon PowerShot SX170 IS still holds value for cheapskates on a budget or those who want a forgiving, straightforward superzoom shooter primarily for casual snapshots. Its forgiving ergonomics and simplicity might win nods from beginners overwhelmed by complex menus.

Quick Recommendations by User Type

The Bottom Line

While neither the Canon SX170 IS nor Fujifilm F770EXR qualifies as a professional camera by contemporary standards, for their time and market segment these compacts offer commendable versatility.

For enthusiasts aiming for more control, longer shooting sessions, and stronger image quality, Fuji’s F770EXR is a wiser investment - especially if you value RAW files and video abilities.

Canon’s SX170 IS is best if you want comfortable handling and a trusty zoom for casual, no-fuss shooting.

What matters most is understanding your priorities - be it budget, shooting style, or intended subject matter - and picking the model whose strengths align with those needs.

I hope this thorough, hands-on breakdown helps you make an informed choice for your next pocketable photographic companion.

Happy shooting!