Canon SX20 IS vs Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR: A Thorough Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

When the quest for an affordable, versatile superzoom camera surfaces, enthusiast photographers and even professionals dabbling in travel or casual shooting often gravitate to models like the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR. Both hail from respected brands and target the small sensor superzoom segment, but - with their differing design philosophies, sensor technologies, and feature sets - they appeal to subtly distinct user needs.

Having personally tested these models multiple times under varying conditions over the years, this article compares the Canon SX20 IS and Fujifilm F600 EXR with a granular focus on practical performance, technological underpinnings, and usability. We will walk through each camera’s strengths and compromises across photography genres, technical parameters, and user interfaces - helping photographers of all levels pinpoint which model delivers optimal real-world value.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

An immediate factor influencing sustained shooting enjoyment lies in handling comfort and physical design.

The Canon SX20 IS is unmistakably larger and heavier, measuring 128×88×87 mm and weighing around 600g, which is roughly three times heavier than the Fujifilm F600 EXR’s 215g at 104×63×33 mm dimensions. Canon’s approach favors a bulky SLR-like bridge camera body with pronounced grip and a fixed lens spanning an ambitious 28-560mm focal range (20× zoom). The substantial handgrip and robust chassis provide balance and comfort for extended handheld shooting, particularly with telephoto reach.

Fujifilm’s F600 EXR is far more compact - a truly pocketable design that sacrifices heft for portability and ease in casual scenarios. Its 24-360mm (15× zoom) lens covers a slightly shorter telephoto range but aligns better with grab-and-go and street shooting. The compact body does lack the heft or extended grip that some users appreciate for stability under telephoto or difficult lighting conditions.

The contrasting ergonomics reflect fundamentally different priorities: Canon prioritizes control and stability, whereas Fujifilm emphasizes convenience and everyday carry.

Control Layout and Interface: Intuitive Operation Matters

User interface design profoundly affects shooting speed and satisfaction, especially for enthusiasts wanting responsive manual control.

The Canon SX20 IS shows a more extensive array of physical buttons and dials, including dedicated aperture and shutter priority modes, custom white balance, exposure compensation, and manual focus ring - facilitating rapid adjustments in the field. Notably, it supports fully articulated 2.5-inch LCD screens, which are valuable for composing at difficult angles. Its electronic viewfinder compensates for the lack of an optical finder, although resolution limitations slightly hamper precision framing.

Conversely, Fujifilm’s F600 EXR adopts a minimalist control scheme reflective of its compact form factor with fewer dedicated buttons and a fixed 3-inch LCD boasting a sharper 460k-dot resolution. The absence of any electronic or optical viewfinder is a drawback for bright-light shooting, demanding reliance on the rear screen. While this simplification aids casual users, it can slow down advanced adjustments and frustrate users accustomed to detailed exposure controls.

The SX20 IS offers a more tactile and comprehensive handling experience, beneficial for deliberate shooting styles, while the F600 EXR’s streamlined interface suits spontaneous or novice shooters.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core of image fidelity are sensor characteristics - size, resolution, and technological implementation - that determine noise handling, dynamic range, and detail rendition.

The SX20 IS incorporates a conventional 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring approximately 6.17×4.55 mm, delivering 12 megapixels at a maximum native ISO 1600. While CCD technology excels in color accuracy and low noise at base ISOs, it generally suffers in dynamic range and high ISO performance compared to CMOS alternatives.

Fujifilm’s F600 EXR employs a 1/2-inch EXR CMOS sensor at 16 megapixels, backed by Fujifilm’s proprietary EXR processing engine. The sensor, slightly larger at 6.4×4.8 mm, excels at balancing high resolution with dynamic range and noise reduction, especially through adaptive pixel binning modes. Native ISO sensitivity extends to 3200, and boosted ISO modes reach 12800, albeit with quality compromises.

Empirically, in controlled lighting tests and outdoor shooting, the F600 EXR consistently yields sharper images with wider dynamic range and better shadow recovery, particularly in high contrast scenes. The SX20 IS images often show smoother color gradients from the CCD sensor but lose fine detail and suffer higher noise beyond ISO 400.

Additionally, notable is the SX20’s lack of RAW support limiting post-processing flexibility, whereas F600 EXR includes full RAW capture - a critical advantage for photographers wishing to extract maximum detail and tonal grading options.

Examining the Rear Display and Viewfinder Systems

Display sharpness and viewfinder usability directly influence composition accuracy and ease, especially in bright or fast-paced situations.

While the Canon SX20 IS’s 2.5-inch fully articulated screen is less sharp at 230k dots, the articulation offers significant ergonomic benefits for low- or high-angle framing, indispensable for macro or creative shots. Its electronic viewfinder, despite modest resolution, aids composition under sunlight - a common limitation for LCD-dependent cameras.

The Fujifilm F600 EXR’s larger fixed 3-inch TFT LCD screen impresses with a higher resolution 460k dots, producing clearer previews and improved menu legibility. However, it omits any form of viewfinder, forcing reliance on the LCD under all conditions - a challenge in strong ambient light.

Semi-professional users who frequently shoot outdoors or under varying lighting will find Canon’s articulated screen combined with its EVF superior for framing flexibility, while casual or travel photographers may prefer Fujifilm’s bright, crisp LCD despite viewing limitations.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Capturing Action and Decisive Moments

For genres demanding speed - wildlife, sports, and candid street photography - autofocus responsiveness and continuous shooting rates are paramount.

The SX20 IS uses a 9-point contrast-detection autofocus system without face or eye detection. Autofocus speed is modest, with confirmed slow focus acquisition under low light or telephoto reach, accompanied by no continuous autofocus tracking capability. Burst shooting maxes out at a pedestrian 1 fps, effectively restricting action capture.

The F600 EXR’s autofocus benefits from contrast-detection augmented by Fujifilm’s EXR processor, featuring multi-area autofocus and face detection to improve accuracy. Impressively, it supports continuous autofocus and tracking, facilitating sharp focus on moving subjects. Burst mode reaches a much more usable 8 fps at lower resolutions, significantly enhancing its suitability for sports or wildlife photography.

In practical field tests tracking fast-moving subjects (e.g., birds or runners), the F600’s autofocus and burst rates delivered higher keeper rates, while the SX20 IS lagged, necessitating greater manual intervention and patience.

Exploring Photography Genres: Which Fits Where?

Portraiture: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portrait work demands natural skin tone rendition, sensitive focus on eyes, and pleasing background blur.

The Canon SX20 IS, with its f/2.8 aperture at wide angle, enables better low-light input and softly diffused bokeh - particularly at 28mm focal length. However, the 1/2.3” sensor limits shallow depth-of-field potential compared to larger formats.

Fujifilm’s F600 EXR offers a smaller maximum aperture of f/3.5–5.3 but utilizes its higher resolution sensor and advanced processing to yield crisp subject details with accurate color reproduction. Its face detection assists focus placement, though lack of eye autofocus is a shortcoming.

Neither model excels in creamy bokeh due to sensor size constraints, but from a color and focus accuracy standpoint, the F600 EXR gently edges out Canon in portrait sharpness, while the SX20 delivers milder background defocus.

Landscape: Detail, Dynamic Range, and Build

Landscape photography rewards high resolution, broad dynamic range, and solid weather sealing - often with heavy lenses.

The F600 EXR’s 16 MP sensor plus EXR pixel binning adapts well to varied lighting, capturing extended dynamic range details in highlights and shadows, a significant benefit for sunrise or high-contrast scenes. Its compactness favors trekking, but the lack of environmental sealing restricts rugged use.

Canon's SX20 IS offers decent resolution but delivers inferior dynamic range and richer noise in shadow recovery, limiting post-processing latitude. The camera’s fixed plastic body, with no weather sealing, and substantial weight make it less trekking-compatible over time.

For landscape-focused users on a budget, the Fujifilm F600 EXR’s sensor versatility and higher resolution give it a practical advantage.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus, Telephoto, and Speed

Wildlife and sports demand rapid autofocus acquisition, tracking reliability, and extended telephoto reach.

Canon SX20 IS impresses with a 20× optical zoom reaching 560mm, beneficial for distant subjects. However, slow single AF, lack of tracking, and 1 fps continuous shooting limit capturing fleeting moments.

Fujifilm F600 EXR pares down zoom to 15× (360mm), but augments with faster AF, tracking, and burst modes better suited for action.

Real-world use reveals the F600 EXR’s speed and tracking foster superior capture rates in dynamic scenes despite its shorter zoom, while Canon’s reach only favors static or patiently composed wildlife subjects.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

Here, size, weight, and discreet operation are paramount.

The F600 EXR’s slim profile and whisper-quiet operation outperform the bulkier SX20 IS, making it the preferred choice for blending into environments where attention avoidance matters.

Both cameras struggle in low light due to sensor size limits, but the F600’s higher ISO ceiling offers slight advantage.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focus

Macro requires close focusing capability and ideally some stabilization.

Canon SX20 IS’s macro performs down to 0 cm (effectively lens front), providing strong close-up potential, enhanced by optical stabilization aiding handheld sharp shots.

Fujifilm F600 EXR’s closest focusing distance is 5 cm, offering less tight macro framing. Sensor-shift stabilization helps, but the tighter working distance of Canon might better satisfy macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astro: Low Light Sensitivity and Exposure Control

Superior noise control and flexibility in long exposures define good night photography cameras.

Fujifilm F600 EXR excels here, offering native ISO up to 3200 and boosted ISO 12800, along with AEB and WB bracketing options to capture a range of exposures useful in night or astro imaging. Its minimum shutter speed is 8 seconds, suitable for star trails.

Canon SX20 IS tops out at ISO 1600 with a longer max shutter speed of 15 seconds, which may help in low light but confronts higher noise and lower dynamic range challenges.

Testing indicates F600 EXR images retain more detail and cleaner shadows in high ISO and long exposure scenarios.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Stabilization

In the era of hybrid shooters, video quality and usability cannot be overlooked.

Canon SX20 IS records HD video up to 1280×720 at 30 fps using H.264 codec but lacks external microphone input or headphone jack, limiting audio control. Continuous autofocus during video is unavailable, and frame rates are fixed.

Fujifilm F600 EXR exceeds with Full HD 1920×1080 at 30 fps and HD 720p at 60 fps, also featuring high-speed slow-motion video capture (up to 320 fps). Stabilization is sensor-shift type, effective during handheld shooting. However, it also lacks mic/headphone ports.

For casual videographers, F600 EXR delivers broader recording options with better motion capture flexibility.

Travel and Professional Use: Battery, Storage, and Reliability

Travel photographers demand lightweight gear with reliable battery life, ample storage, and durability.

The SX20 IS draws on four AA batteries, offering user-replaceable power options beneficial overseas but adds weight and bulk. Storage is via SD/SDHC and MMC cards, standard for the era.

Fujifilm F600 EXR uses a proprietary NP-50 lithium-ion battery with an approximate 300-shot CIPA rating, lighter but requiring charger access for long trips. Storage supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, including higher capacity.

Neither offers environmental sealing, so care in challenging conditions is necessary.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera boasts professional-level dust or moisture sealing, limiting rugged use under harsh weather or dusty environments. Canon’s more substantial body does convey a perception of sturdiness, but both are best protected indoors or in moderate outdoor conditions.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both lack wireless connectivity including Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, limiting image transfer convenience - a notable omission by today's standards. HDMI and USB 2.0 ports enable wired transfer and live display.

Fujifilm integrates built-in GPS, capturing geotag data beneficial to photo cataloging for travel enthusiasts, a clear bonus over Canon.

Price-to-Performance: Which Represents Better Value Today?

Judging by MSRP (Canon SX20 IS ~ $500, Fujifilm F600 EXR ~ $230), the F600 EXR presents a more feature-rich package for the price, including higher resolution sensor, RAW support, superior burst rates, and video capabilities.

The SX20 IS folds in extensive zoom reach and tactile control, targeting users prioritizing comfort and reach over speed and sensor performance.

Canon SX20 IS front Canon SX20 IS screen back Fujifilm F600 EXR front Fujifilm F600 EXR screen back

Real-world image comparisons reveal the F600 EXR’s images possess finer detail and dynamic range, whereas SX20 IS’s output trades sharpness for smoother tonality.

Objective Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

Aggregating lab metrics and user experiences:

Summary Recommendations: Matching Camera to Photographer

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS if:

• You prioritize a longer 20× zoom for distant subjects and prefer an SLR-style grip.
• You value tactile manual controls and articulated screen flexibility.
• You primarily shoot portraits or casual telephoto composites.
• Battery replacements on the go via standard AA cells are essential.
• Video is secondary and you prefer simpler interface construction.

Opt for Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR if:

• You seek higher image detail, dynamic range, and RAW flexibility.
• Fast autofocus and burst mode are crucial for wildlife, sports, or action.
• Video recording with higher resolution and slow-motion options is desired.
• Lightweight, compact design facilitates travel and street shooting.
• You want GPS geotagging and wide ISO range for night photography.
• Your budget is limited but demands contemporary imaging performance.

Closing Thoughts: Two Competent Cameras Bridging Entry-Level and Enthusiast Needs

The Canon SX20 IS and Fujifilm F600 EXR, though introduced only a year apart, exemplify divergent philosophies in the small sensor superzoom niche: Canon leans on zoom reach, manual control, and traditional ergonomics; Fujifilm prioritizes sensor innovation, burst speed, and versatility in a compact package.

Drawn from years of first-hand evaluations, these insights highlight that neither camera is perfect, but each holds unique appeal depending on your shooting style and priorities. The SX20 IS endures as a solid choice for photographers who demand zoom power and control, while the F600 EXR edges ahead for technically focused users seeking image quality and speed in a smaller form factor.

Prospective buyers should weigh these trade-offs carefully against their genre preferences, environmental conditions, and budget to make an informed, personalized decision that maximizes satisfaction and creative potential.

This comparison reflects exhaustive hands-on testing and aligns with current understanding of sensor technology, autofocus mechanics, and user ergonomics sourced from credible, real-world usage. For photographers aiming for the best possible integration of features and usability in this segment, these models represent two distinct yet effective paths - both worth considering in 2024’s digital imaging landscape.