Comparing the Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Fujifilm FinePix S1500: An Expert’s Guide to Small Sensor Superzooms

In the ever-evolving landscape of compact superzoom cameras, two models still emerge in conversations among photography enthusiasts seeking accessible yet versatile options: Canon’s PowerShot SX170 IS and Fujifilm’s FinePix S1500. Both hail from the era when small sensor superzooms were at their peak for casual photographers craving large zoom ranges without the complexity or bulk of interchangeable lens systems. While these cameras are not recent releases - a fact that colors some expectations - they still offer insight into core trade-offs between design philosophies and practical performance.

Having spent over a decade rigorously testing dozens of superzoom compacts, I’m eager to break down what these two models deliver across a variety of photographic disciplines and use cases. In this article, I draw upon firsthand hands-on experience, comprehensive technical analysis and side-by-side testing to help you understand which might best suit your needs - or whether you should steer clear entirely.

Let’s start with an overview and physical comparison before moving through sensor technologies, image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, shooting genres, video features, and beyond.

Putting Size and Handling Side-by-Side: Comfort Meets Control?

At first glance, the Canon SX170 IS and Fujifilm S1500 occupy similar compact footprints but with a few key ergonomics differences demanding attention.

The Canon SX170 IS measures 108 x 71 x 44 mm and weighs 251 g with battery - noticeably lighter and more pocketable than the Fujifilm S1500, which comes in heavier at 345 g and chunks out at 103 x 73 x 68 mm. The SX170 feels more modern and streamlined, leaning into a highly compact form factor that fits easily in one’s hands and even in large coat pockets.

By contrast, the Fuji S1500 has a deliberate “bridge” camera look - bulkier, with a pronounced hand grip and DSLR-like shape. While the heft provides an impression of sturdiness, I find it less nimble for street or travel use where reducing bulk counts. However, this design does facilitate better grip during extended handheld shooting, something the Canon’s slimmer profile struggles with in rough outdoor conditions.

Both models lack weather sealing, so neither is ideal for harsh environments - a point to remember for landscape and wildlife shooters expecting durable gear.

Exploring Control Layout and Interface: Which Handles Feel Right?

Controls are where user experience diverges notably. Canon has kept a relatively simple layout on the SX170 IS, with modest button labels and dedicated manual exposure dials that beginners will appreciate. The interface is straightforward for beginners seeking a push-button simplicity blended with some manual controls.

Fujifilm’s S1500 leans into more classical DSLR-style controls, with a mode dial, shooting function buttons, and a distinct electronic viewfinder on top, which the SX170 lacks entirely (relying solely on its LCD). This gives Fuji’s model a more “serious” feel, catering to photographers who value compositional precision when possible, especially in bright sunlight.

From my experience, the Fuji’s electronic viewfinder is a useful asset absent in the Canon, which can make composing in bright environments challenging on the SX170’s relatively dim LCD. However, the SX170’s live view experience compensates somewhat with a larger 3” fixed TFT screen versus the Fuji’s 2.7” display.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Sensor Size, Different Outcomes?

Both cameras feature a 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring about 6.17 x 4.55 mm - standard fare for superzoom compacts in this era. But the devil lies in the details.

• Canon SX170 IS: 16MP sensor resolution, max ISO 1600, with an anti-aliasing filter.
• Fujifilm S1500: 10MP sensor, max ISO 6400, also with anti-aliasing but a wider base ISO range starting at 64.

In straightforward daylight, Canon’s higher resolution yields more detailed images at base ISO, especially noticeable in landscape and macro shots. However, the Canon sensor hits its max ISO ceiling at 1600, limiting low-light flexibility.

Fujifilm’s sensor, despite its lower resolution, affords a much wider ISO range - up to 6400. Although image noise becomes pronounced beyond 800 ISO, this gives it modest advantages for dimly lit environments or events when higher ISOs are unavoidable.

Image quality tests reveal the SX170 produces cleaner, sharper images at low ISO with more natural color rendition - especially skin tones, a critical factor for portraiture. Fuji’s images sometimes take on a slightly cooler cast and manifest more noise at higher ISOs.

Neither camera supports RAW shooting - both capture JPEG only - a limitation that constrains post-processing potential compared to modern competitors.

The Challenge of Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

“No continuous autofocus or face detection equals shooting handicapped?” This is the most significant divergence I encountered.

• Canon SX170 IS offers contrast detection AF with face detection and tracking, but no continuous AF or animal eye detection. Its manual focus is available but not very intuitive due to the fixed lens design.
• Fujifilm S1500 employs contrast detection AF without face detection or tracking features. It only offers single-shot autofocus and no continuous options.

Autofocus performance in bright daylight is modestly fast and accurate on both models. However, in low contrast or low-light situations, both struggle - a common pain point in older small sensor superzooms. The Canon’s face detection proves more reliable in portrait contexts but is noticeably sluggish.

Neither camera supports advanced AF tracking required for sports or wildlife, and neither offers burst shooting rates faster than 1 fps - an edge over many compacts that limits action photography.

Displays and Viewfinders: Live View vs Electronic Finder

The Canon CX170 IS’s 3” fixed TFT LCD is larger and more luminous compared to Fuji’s 2.7” screen. However, the lack of touchscreen functionality or articulating features is a drawback for flexible shooting angles.

Fujifilm’s FinePix S1500 has an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that compensates somewhat for its smaller rear LCD, something I found invaluable when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight where LCD glare is an issue. Quality-wise, the EVF is basic and grainy but functional for composition and exposure preview.

Neither display supports touch input or high resolution, so neither meets today’s comfort or usability standards for professional video interfaces or touch focusing.

Photography Use Cases: Impact of Technology on Genres

To add clarity, I analyzed both cameras by genre, scoring their relative strengths and weaknesses based on features and hands-on shooting experience.

Portraiture: Skin Tones, Bokeh, Eye Detection

The Canon SX170 IS stands out for portrait photography with its higher sensor resolution and face detection autofocus. While its lens aperture tops at f/3.5, the long 28-448 mm zoom helps isolate subjects with decent background blur (bokeh) at full telephoto, despite the small sensor.

The Fujifilm S1500 lacks face detection and offers a narrower f/2.8-5.0 aperture range; this makes it a bit harder to dial in shallow depth of field, and skin tone rendition is less natural in my tests.

Landscape: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape shooters will appreciate the Canon’s increased resolution for printing and cropping. Its broader aspect ratio options (1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9) provide framing flexibility.

However, neither camera offers weather sealing, a big consideration for harsh outdoor environments. Fuji’s extended ISO base at 64 can help capture cleaner shots in tricky light, but overall dynamic range from both CCD sensors is limited compared to modern CMOS alternatives.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Rates

Here, neither camera impresses. The slow continuous shooting rates (1 fps) and lack of advanced tracking and burst modes substantially hamper capturing action. The Canon’s face tracking autofocus edges out Fuji’s stationary AF slightly, but both remain ill-suited for fast-moving subjects.

Telephoto reach favors Canon (16x zoom), but Fuji falls just behind with 12x - both are respectable. Image stabilization types differ: Canon uses optical stabilization; Fuji employs sensor-shift. In handheld wildlife photography, Canon’s system felt more effective at minimizing shake.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Portability

I found the Canon SX170’s smaller size and weight make it a clear winner for street and travel shooting where portability matters. Its quieter operation and simpler controls further allow discretion when shooting candid scenes.

Fujifilm’s bridge-style bulk and louder zoom mechanism make it more conspicuous. Fuji’s EVF helps sight composition outdoors but is offset by the camera’s heft.

Regarding battery life, Canon uses a rechargeable NB-6LH battery offering about 300 shots per charge, adequate for day trips. Fujifilm runs on four AA batteries, lending flexibility in emergencies but bulk and less eco-friendly operation.

Macro Photography: Focus Precision and Magnification

Canon’s minimum macro focusing distance of 1cm beats Fuji’s 2cm spec, giving it a slight edge for close-up work. However, neither camera offers focus stacking or bracketed focus, features modern photographers increasingly value.

Both cameras rely on manual focusing aids like magnified live view, a function limited by their lower-display quality.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Options

Canon’s max ISO of 1600 is limiting but sufficient for casual night photography. Fuji extends to ISO 6400 but with a severe noise penalty - expect grainy images beyond ISO 800.

Neither offer bulb or extended exposure modes conducive to astrophotography, reducing appeal here.

Video Features: Modest Usability for Casual Shooters

Video recording on both the Canon SX170 and Fuji S1500 is basic:

Canon’s HD recording at 720p outperforms the Fuji’s VGA resolution, which by today’s standards is dated and much less usable for professional or streaming purposes. Neither camera has external microphone support or headphone jack - a significant limitation for video enthusiasts.

Stabilization systems help somewhat with handheld walking shots on Canon, whereas Fuji’s sensor-shift stabilization is less effective in video mode.

Build Quality, Lens Ecosystems, and Connectivity

Both cameras share a plastic exterior finish with no environmental sealing, typical for their class and period. Durability is modest, adequate for casual travel use but vulnerable to drops or extreme weather.

Their fixed lenses mean no lens interchangeability, restricting long-term flexibility but easing usability for beginners.

Connectivity is limited:

• Canon features USB 2.0 and Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless photo transfer - a neat feature for 2013 models.
• Fujifilm offers only USB 2.0, with no wireless options.

No HDMI outputs, GPS, Bluetooth, or NFC exist on either. These omissions constrain capabilities for contemporary workflows and location tagging.

Battery Life and Storage: Daylong Shooting?

With 300 shots per battery charge, Canon’s NB-6LH pack offers a balanced endurance for day excursions. I found it reliable in typical field conditions.

Fujifilm’s 4x AA battery system provides flexibility to substitute readily available batteries when traveling far, but the bulk and weight are downsides. Official battery life ratings are unavailable, but user reports suggest average longevity.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with single slots that feed straightforward media management but risk full-card issues during critical shoots.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

Summarizing the core strengths and weaknesses:

Sample Images: Real-World Output Comparison

Canon SX170 IS front Canon SX170 IS screen back Fujifilm S1500 front Fujifilm S1500 screen back

Side-by-side samples reveal the Canon’s higher resolution and better controlled noise at low ISO, with more vibrant yet true-to-life colors. Fujifilm’s images have a narrower dynamic range and visible grain on shadow areas but can handle higher ISO situations with reasonable fidelity given sensor constraints.

Recommendations Based on User Needs and Budgets

Given the above, my clear recommendations divide along usage patterns and budgets:

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX170 IS if:

• You prioritize compactness and portability for travel or street photography.
• You want higher resolution imagery for portraits or landscapes printed at moderate sizes.
• You value better autofocus with face detection for casual portraiture.
• You desire HD video capabilities despite limited manual control.
• You prefer a more modern interface and slightly longer zoom reach.

Choose the Fujifilm FinePix S1500 if:

• Battery flexibility is paramount and you prefer AA batteries for convenience.
• You want an electronic viewfinder to aid in composing tight shots in bright conditions.
• You need a slightly brighter lens aperture (f/2.8 wide end) for low-light stills.
• You’re comfortable with lower resolution in exchange for maximum ISO reach (understanding noise constraints).
• Cost is a major factor and you find used units at bargain prices.

Neither camera is well-suited for:

• Professional photography requiring RAW capture and fast autofocus systems.
• Serious wildlife or sports photography demanding high frame rates and tracking AF.
• Videographers needing Full HD or 4K with audio inputs and modern stabilization.

Final Verdict: Vintage Superzoom Gems for Entry-Level Photography

The Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Fujifilm FinePix S1500 are artifacts of a pre-mirrorless superzoom era. They serve as interesting case studies in balancing sensor tech, design ergonomics, and photographic versatility.

If you find an SX170 IS or S1500 for a low price and want a simple superzoom for casual family snaps, travel, or beginner use, either can be satisfying within their limits. However, for any serious or professional level photography, I strongly recommend investing in more recent mirrorless options or DSLRs featuring larger sensors, faster autofocus, RAW capture, and improved video.

With that said, these two cameras do retain charm for their intended users - analogue simplicity married to extended focal length reach - and coupled with steady hands and deliberate shooting, they can punch above their weight in the right hands.

Appendix: Technical Specifications Summary

If you have any questions about these cameras or need advice on alternatives, feel free to reach out. Meanwhile, happy shooting!