Canon SX170 IS vs Fujifilm FinePix S4500: Small Sensor Superzoom Shootout for Every Enthusiast

Every so often, I find myself drawn to the curious niche of small sensor superzoom cameras - those pocket- or bridge-sized beasts promising everything from sprawling landscapes to distant wildlife captures in a single compact package. Today, we’re diving deep into two contenders from that category launched within a year or so of each other: the Canon PowerShot SX170 IS (2013) and the Fujifilm FinePix S4500 (2012). At first glance, they seem similar - both boasting 1/2.3" CCD sensors, extensive zoom ranges, and affordable price points - but the devil is in the details. Having tested both side-by-side in numerous scenarios, I’m here to unpack which model truly earns your $$$ across various photographic disciplines.

Let’s buckle up and explore everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus prowess to battery stamina, and then parse out who shines for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and more.

Size, Shape, and Handling: First Impressions Matter

When picking a camera, especially a travel or walk-around superzoom, the physical form factor and feel can make or break the experience. I always start here - because if you don’t enjoy holding it, why bother with pixel peeping?

The Canon SX170 IS is decidedly a compact, pocket-friendly machine measuring 108x71x44 mm and weighing just 251 grams. It’s delightfully light, fitting snugly into a jacket pocket without adding bulk. If you’re planning street shoots or want a grab-and-go model, the SX170 whispers “carry me all day.”

The Fujifilm S4500, by contrast, adopts a "bridge" or SLR-style body, larger and chunkier at 118x81x100 mm and 543 grams. It feels heftier - almost twice the weight - and rather blocky in hand, more suited to deliberate handling than casual pocket carry. However, its heft brings a robust grip and better balance for heavy zoom lenses.

Ergonomically, the S4500’s larger body allows for a more substantial, thumb-friendly grip, which helps shoot steady at telephoto extremes. The Canon’s petite size makes operation nimble but sacrifices stability somewhat (especially when fully zoomed-in).

The control layouts on both cameras lean conventional. I found Canon’s top dial and buttons a bit tighter, demanding finger gymnastics at times, whereas Fujifilm’s sprawl offers more spacious button placement - though sometimes feels slightly less intuitive.

Bottom line: For portability and ease of carry, Canon SX170 IS wins hands-down. For in-hand comfort and balance during extended handheld shooting, Fujifilm S4500 takes the crown.

The Sensor Stories: CCDs, Resolution & Image Quality

Both cameras rely on a much-maligned sensor format today: the 1/2.3" CCD sensor. In era terms, CCDs reignited quality in consumer cameras for years before CMOS chips took over as the king of performance and low noise. Neither camera breaks new ground sensor-wise, but I’ve always appreciated the surface-level crispness of CCDs in daylight.

The Canon SX170 IS clocks in with a 16-megapixel sensor delivering 4608x3456 resolution, a bit higher than the Fujifilm’s 14MP (4288x3216). Both cap their native ISO at 1600, but Fujifilm offers boosted ISO modes all the way to 6400 - functional mostly for emergencies when noise overshadows.

In my side-by-side tests, daylight images from the Canon reveal slightly more detail, likely due to the higher pixel count. That said, both cameras struggle in low light beyond ISO 800, showing noticeable noise and softening. The Fujifilm, aided by its slightly wider aperture (F3.1 vs F3.5 at wide end), sometimes manages cleaner edge-to-edge images in tricky lighting.

However, neither camera supports RAW shooting, so your post-processing wiggle room is minimal - JPEG compression artifacts creep in under heavy editing pressure. Don’t expect DSLR-level latitude here; shoot careful exposures and lock in your settings.

Anti-aliasing filters soften fine textures on both to avoid moiré, but this modestly reduces perceived sharpness compared to modern mirrorless sensors.

Overall dynamic range is limited - shadows clip quickly and highlights can blow out on bright skies. Despite this, I found both cameras produce pleasing mid-tones, especially for casual sharing or small prints.

Watching the Screen and Finder: Composing with Confidence

When zoomed-in wildlife stalking or quick snap street shots, framing matters. Both cameras offer 3" fixed LCD screens with 230k-dot resolution - a modest but serviceable display for the time.

The Canon SX170 has a solid TFT color LCD with decent viewing angles, though glare outdoors sometimes hampers previewing. No touchscreen here, so all interaction is via buttons and dials. That’s workable but less flexible.

Fujifilm upgrades the experience with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) covering 97% of the frame and adding much-needed compositional stability under bright sun. EVFs generally drain some battery but pay off by aiding precision composition - especially valuable for telephoto shots where you want to hold steady.

Canon’s omission of any finder means you’re always adjusting for hand shake, and inexperienced users could find the LCD-only approach limiting in harsh lighting.

For video and live view, Canon’s screen supports live preview autofocus, while Fujifilm’s lacks this feature, compelling more reliance on EVF for shooting stills.

So, while both share the same screen specs, the Fujifilm S4500’s addition of an EVF is a practical boon that I found helpful on sunny days or zoomed-in shots.

Autofocus & Zoom Capabilities: Hunting Your Subject with Speed & Precision

The heart of any superzoom lies in its zoom reach and autofocus capability. It’s no surprise these two try to cover similar narrative territory - yet their approaches reveal divergent focuses.

Starting with raw zoom factor, the Canon SX170 IS sports a 16x zoom equivalent to 28–448mm in 35mm terms, versus the Fujifilm’s powerhouse 30x zoom from 24–720mm. That kind of reach on the Fujifilm borders on wildlife hunting territory.

But zoom isn’t everything without focus to back it up. Canon relies on contrast-detection AF with some face detection and basic tracking, but lacks continuous AF during live view video and has a single continuous shooting speed of just 1 fps, which is a bit of a downer if you’re trying to catch fleeting moments.

Fujifilm expands on this with contrast-detection and continuous AF, including decent tracking abilities in stills mode. It also supports 1 fps burst, similar to Canon.

Both cameras use center-weighted and spot metering but lack sophisticated multi-point autofocus arrays or phase detection autofocus - so don’t expect lightning-fast lock-on performance like from modern mirrorless or DSLRs.

Macro focusing is respectable on both, with Canon getting down to 1 cm and Fujifilm to 2 cm. I spent a morning snapping some cheap dandelion details on both, and neither disappoints given sensor limits.

Image Stabilization is present everywhere - Canon’s system is optical, while Fujifilm goes sensor-shift. Both deliver solid shake compensation up to medium telephoto range, but at max zoom their effectiveness diminishes. When zoomed all the way on Fuji, handheld shots start needing a tripod or high ISO.

To sum up autofocus and zoom:

• Fujifilm S4500 wins in zoom reach and continuous AF smoothness.
• Canon SX170 IS edges slightly in macro reach and has a simpler but workable AF system for casual shooters.

Creative Controls, Exposure, and Manual Shooting Fun

I appreciate cameras that invite you to tinker beyond full auto - and thankfully, both offer decent manual exposure modes.

Both the Canon and Fujifilm provide:

• Shutter Priority (Tv/S)
• Aperture Priority (Av/A)
• Manual Exposure (M)
• Exposure Compensation (+/-)
• Custom White Balance

However, the Canon SX170’s ability to set focus manually adds a slight creative nudge for those who love doing manual focus foreground/background separation shots. Fujifilm omits manual focus, presuming autofocused results suffice.

Shutter speed range favors Canon with a max of 1/3200s versus Fujifilm’s 1/2000s - marginal, yet valuable if you want to freeze extreme fast action in daylight.

The Canon’s slower continuous burst rate and more primitive AF somewhat limit action shooting though.

Video Experience: HD Hurdles on Both Sides

My video checklist is practical: resolution, frame rate, stabilization, and audio.

Each camera records video at 1280x720 (HD) max at 30fps, plus 640x480 VGA mode, with Canon’s output in MPEG-4 and H.264 and Fujifilm offering H.264 and Motion JPEG options.

No 1080p here - modest by today’s standards, but acceptable for casual video logs or family moments.

Image stabilization works in video mode on both, helping reduce handset shake. Neither camera sports microphone or headphone jacks, leaving no real external audio improvement options.

Fujifilm’s lack of touchscreen and live view autofocus limit quick focus pull transitions while shooting video, making Canon marginally more user-friendly here.

Neither supports 4K photo modes or slow-motion capture.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: The Daily Grind Matters

Both cameras have their power quirks worth knowing.

The Canon SX170 uses a proprietary NB-6LH rechargeable battery rated ~300 shots. That’s solid considering its light optical and processor demands. You’ll likely get a full day of shooting before charging.

Fujifilm S4500 ironically relies on 4 AA batteries - not rechargeable natively - yielding a similar shot count (~300) but demanding spares if you want long outings. That heft adds to weight but gives you flexibility to swap batteries anywhere.

Storage-wise, both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot. Simple and standard.

Connectivity is minimal; Canon supports Eye-Fi wireless cards for transfer (a nice touch in 2013), while Fujifilm lacks built-in wireless altogether. No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi anywhere.

Fujifilm includes HDMI output for direct screen mirroring, useful for quick client or group reviews.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Rough & Ready?

Neither camera offers weather sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing. Build quality feels “budget tough” for both - plastic constructions but with solid, no-frills mechanics.

The Fujifilm’s larger, heavier body intuitively feels more robust, giving a psychological edge for rugged use, while the Canon feels a little more delicate but perfectly fine for light travel and casual snaps.

Real-World Focus: How Do Each Perform in Photography Genres?

Let’s get down to brass tacks - what do these cameras really deliver in the field?

Canon SX170 IS front Canon SX170 IS screen back Fujifilm S4500 front Fujifilm S4500 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX170 IS: The higher resolution sensor and manual focus option help craft images with slightly better control over skin tone and background blur (though aperture is limited). Face detection works reliably indoors.

• Fujifilm S4500: Wider aperture at the wide end helps in lower light, but poorer resolution means portraits are softer.

Both cameras produce average bokeh (background blur) due to sensor size constraints, so if dreamy portraits are your goal, a larger sensor model is preferable.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras’ limited dynamic range means skies and shadows can be challenging without bracketing (which Fujifilm offers). Higher megapixels on Canon give a tiny edge for printing large landscapes.

• Lack of weather sealing negates outdoor challenges.

• Fujifilm’s longer zoom is useless here, given tight apertures.

Wildlife Photography

• The Fujifilm shines with its 30x zoom reaching 720mm equivalent - perfect for distant birds or shy critters.

• Canon’s shorter 16x zoom limits reach, but is lighter for spontaneous outings.

• Neither camera sports rapid autofocus or high burst rates, so both struggle with fast-moving wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera is ideal - limited burst speed (1 fps), contrast-detect AF, and low max shutter speeds restrict action capture.

• Canon’s faster max shutter speed (1/3200) can help freeze moments better under bright light.

Street Photography

• Canon’s small size and absence of a viewfinder favor discreet candid captures.

• Fujifilm’s EVF helps framing but its bulky size makes it more conspicuous.

• Both handle low light with difficulty.

Macro Photography

• Canon’s focus down to 1 cm is impressive, useful for flower, insect close-ups.

• Fujifilm respectable at 2 cm.

• Both stabilized adequately for hand-held macro in daylight.

Night and Astro Photography

• Limited ISO range and lack of RAW mode restrict long exposure astrophotography.

• Neither camera possesses bulb mode or dedicated astro features.

• Expect noisy images beyond ISO 800.

Video Capabilities

• Basic 720p capture with stabilization.

• Canon’s live view AF is friendlier for video shooters.

• No external mics - restrict audio quality potential.

Travel Photography

• Canon’s light weight, compact dimensions, and battery outperform Fujifilm for all-day roaming.

• Fujifilm’s extended zoom attracts those wanting versatility but with a bulk penalty.

Professional Use

• Neither camera supports RAW or tethering, limiting workflow integration for serious pros.

• Both suited more for casual or backup use.

Value and Pricing: What Does Your Money Get?

The Canon SX170 IS often surfaces in the used market for dirt-cheap prices due to its age and low tier, making it tempting for beginners on a budget.

The Fujifilm S4500, priced originally around $230, still offers notable zoom performance and the advantage of an EVF, often commanding a bit more.

If zoom reach and finder are your priorities, Fujifilm is good value; for lightweight ease and a touch more megapixels, Canon edges ahead.

Overall Performance Ratings - Judged by Expertise and Practical Results

To help summarize, here are the balanced scores reflecting strengths and weaknesses I observed across the board:

Canon SX170 IS

• Image Quality: 6/10
• Zoom Range: 6/10
• Autofocus: 5/10
• Ergonomics: 8/10
• Battery Life: 7/10
• Video: 5/10
• Portability: 9/10
• Value: 8/10

Fujifilm FinePix S4500

• Image Quality: 5/10
• Zoom Range: 8/10
• Autofocus: 6/10
• Ergonomics: 7/10
• Battery Life: 5/10
• Video: 5/10
• Portability: 5/10
• Value: 7/10

Specialty Genre Performance: Which Camera Excels Where?

Final Thoughts & Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

If it feels like both cameras are compromises, that’s because small sensor superzooms naturally trade off image quality for versatility and convenience. Still, they have their place.

• Choose the Canon SX170 IS if you prioritize lightweight portability, ease of use, and want a modestly higher resolution sensor with manual focus for creative freedom. It’s ideal for travelers, street photographers, and casual shooters who prize simplicity and pocketability.

• Go for the Fujifilm FinePix S4500 if your prime concern is an extensive zoom range (30x!) and an electronic viewfinder for more precise composition, especially useful for wildlife and telephoto shooting. Its bulk and AA batteries are a tradeoff, but for reach and framing, it makes sense.

Neither camera is a modern-day powerhouse - don’t expect DSLR-like image quality or high-speed AF - but both serve specific enthusiast needs and budgets well.

Parting Wisdom from the Field

In my years of testing thousands of cameras across categories, I’ve learned that while specs matter, the joy and outcome of photography stem as much from how the camera fits your style and approach. These two modest superzooms won’t replace your mirrorless system or DSLR, but they do fill a comfortable niche where zoom versatility meets casual ease.

I fondly recall shooting golden hour hummingbirds with the Fujifilm, handholding at 720mm, trying not to shake too much, and then the delight of street candid moments with the Canon tucked in a jacket pocket. Both inspired a certain playful creativity despite their limits.

If you’re chasing superzoom convenience on a budget, either could serve you - just pick the one that suits your shooting rhythm and priorities best.

Thanks for reading this deep dive! If you want further lens or flash accessory discussions for these models or have shooting scenarios in mind, drop me a line. Meanwhile, happy shooting whether you zoom with Canon or Fuji!

Disclaimer: Cameras in this review represent mid-range consumer tech from early 2010s - modern alternatives should be considered if budget permits.