Canon SX20 IS vs. Fujifilm FinePix S1: The Ultimate Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

As someone who has tested hundreds of bridge cameras over the past 15 years, I’m always intrigued by how manufacturers balance zoom range, sensor tech, and ergonomics in this category. The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and the Fujifilm FinePix S1 stand as two notable contenders in the small sensor superzoom realm - the former launched in mid-2010, the latter in early 2014, each aiming to satisfy enthusiasts craving versatility and reach. But beyond specs, what truly separates these two cameras in everyday shooting?

I spent extensive hands-on time with both the Canon SX20 IS and Fujifilm S1, testing them across all key photographic disciplines, from landscapes to wildlife, night skies to sports action, and even video capabilities. This deep dive covers everything from sensor performance and autofocus accuracy to build quality and battery endurance. By the end, you’ll have a clear and trusted perspective on which is more suited to your photographic needs and how they compare in real-world usage.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Before you even turn on the camera, size and handling shape your shooting experience. Both cameras sport an SLR-like bridge form factor - designed to emulate DSLR ergonomics while housing a fixed superzoom lens.

The Canon SX20 IS measures a compact 128 x 88 x 87 mm and weighs about 600 grams with batteries, featuring a solid plastic body that feels well balanced in the hand. Its grip, while not as pronounced as DSLRs, provides enough firmness for extended handheld sessions. The Fujifilm S1 is slightly larger and heavier at 133 x 91 x 110 mm and approximately 680 grams. It has a more robust feel, aided by some weather sealing, an impressive plus for a camera in this class.

Holding both, my hands prefer the Fujifilm’s deeper grip and more tactile control dials, which feel less toy-like and more serious - especially important when juggling long telephoto shots. The Canon feels lighter for travel, though, making it easier to stash for urbanscapes or wandering street photography.

Design Details and Controls at a Glance

Getting familiar with button layout and shooting controls can make or break your workflow.

The Canon SX20 IS opts for a traditional, clutter-free top plate with a mode dial granting quick access to aperture priority, shutter priority, full manual, and auto modes - a rather neat feature for bridge cameras of its generation. However, some buttons feel slightly recessed, which slows operation in fast-paced scenarios.

Fujifilm’s S1, on the other hand, includes a larger status display, a more logically arranged mode dial, and accessible buttons for ISO, exposure compensation, and burst shooting. I especially appreciate the dedicated continuous shooting button, enabling me to switch rapidly into action mode without diving through menus.

Both have fully articulating LCD screens, but the Fujifilm’s is larger (3 inches vs. Canon’s 2.5 inches) and of higher resolution, which brings us to the next crucial element.

Seeing Is Believing: Screen and Viewfinder Comparison

Composition, focus confirmation, and image review rely heavily on screens and viewfinders.

Canon’s 2.5-inch fully articulated LCD, with a resolution of 230k dots, is serviceable but feels a bit cramped and washed out under direct sunlight. The Canon’s electronic viewfinder, unfortunately, lacks resolution specs and is overly basic - resulting in a somewhat blurry preview and dragging down confidence when shooting in bright or tricky light.

The Fujifilm S1 boasts a 3-inch TFT LCD with 920k dots and an articulating mechanism that flips and rotates with ease. Its electronic viewfinder is also 920k dots and offers 97% coverage. During extended outdoor shooting - especially landscapes and street - this makes a genuine difference, allowing me to frame more precisely and access info overlays clearly.

The Heart of the System: Sensor and Image Quality

Looking inside, both cameras employ a small 1/2.3-inch sensor - pretty standard for superzoom bridge cameras - but with some key differences.

The Canon SX20 IS sports a 12MP CCD sensor, paired to Canon's Digic 4 processor. CCD sensors, while historically prized for color depth, generally lag CMOS-based sensors in readout speed and highISO performance. The maximum native ISO tops out at 1600, which, combined with the sensor size, means noise increases rapidly in dim conditions.

In contrast, Fujifilm’s S1 features a newer 16MP CMOS sensor with a higher max ISO of 12800 (though noise becomes intrusive past ISO 1600 in my tests). The CMOS architecture generally affords better low light sensitivity and faster image capture, as apparent in both stills and burst modes.

When shooting at base ISO (80-100 range on both cameras), image detail is respectable but unsurprisingly limited by the sensor size and antialiasing filters. Landscape shots show decent sharpness but mild diffraction softening at smaller apertures. Color reproduction on the Fujifilm S1 strikes a more natural tone with slightly greater vibrancy, whereas the Canon tends to render colors a tad muted and cooler.

Real-World Shooting Across Photography Genres

Let’s drill down on how each camera fares in common photography use cases, integrating autofocus and image quality notes.

• Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Although neither camera has large sensors ideal for creamy bokeh, the fixed lens designs and focal lengths support reasonable background separation at the telephoto end.

The Canon SX20 IS’s max aperture ranges from f/2.8 at wide-angle to f/5.7 telephoto - adequate but results in deeper depth of field than professionals might desire. Without face/eye detection AF, focusing requires care, and focus locks can sometimes hunt, especially in lower light.

The Fujifilm S1 partially remedies this with face detection autofocus and continuous tracking capabilities (though animal eye-AF is absent). Skin tones reproduced by the Fujifilm in JPEGs edge slightly warmer and more pleasing, which is a tick for portrait shooters aiming for natural warmth without indulging post-processing.

• Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Resistance

Landscape photographers demand resolution, dynamic range, and dependable weather sealing.

Neither camera’s sensor size allows for DSLR-level dynamic range, but the Fujifilm S1’s CMOS sensor delivers improved shadow detail retention, noticeably superior in high-contrast conditions (sunlight and shade mix). The Canon’s CCD sensor struggles in dynamic lighting, producing flatter images with faster clipped highlights.

Critically, Fujifilm’s weather sealing gives it an advantage in challenging outdoor environments - a feature Canon lacks here. If you’re shooting rugged terrain or misty mornings, the S1’s sealed body instills confidence.

• Wildlife Photography: Autofocus and Telephoto Reach

Superzoom cameras shine when capturing distant subjects like wildlife.

The Canon SX20 IS offers a 20x zoom (28-560mm equivalent), while Fujifilm’s S1 ups the ante with an astounding 50x zoom (24-1200mm). The difference is substantial, giving Fujifilm a massive edge for distant wildlife or birding without needing extra lenses.

Autofocus on the Canon is contrast-detection only, single AF mode, with 9 focus points. It’s slow and prone to hunting in complex scenes - a drawback when capturing rapid animal movement.

The Fujifilm S1 improves autofocus with continuous and tracking modes, including face detection. Burst rate is also 10 fps vs. Canon’s 1 fps, paramount when shooting dynamic wildlife action.

• Sports Photography: Tracking and Speed

For sports, action, and moving subjects, frame rates and AF accuracy are paramount.

Canon’s SX20 IS’s 1 fps continuous shooting makes it ill-suited to rapid action, while its autofocus does not support tracking, meaning missed shots when subjects move erratically.

The Fujifilm S1’s 10 fps burst speed and AF tracking are a leap forward. While it won’t replace professional DSLRs, it is significantly more capable for amateur and enthusiast sports photography.

• Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

Street photography favors quick, inconspicuous operation.

Canon SX20 IS is less bulky and lighter, so it could be less intimidating for candid shots.

Fujifilm S1, despite better weather sealing and controls, is larger and more noticeable. Neither camera excels in silence or stealth mode, limiting candid opportunities somewhat.

• Macro Photography: Close Focus and Precision

Close-up shooting is enhanced by short minimum focusing distances and stable operation.

The Canon’s lens macro focus range starts effectively at zero centimeters (close), but manual focusing can be finicky due to lack of focus aids.

Fujifilm S1 offers a minimum focus distance of 1 cm for detailed closeups. Its sensor-shift image stabilization helps here, enabling sharper handheld macro shots.

• Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Small sensor superzooms are never ideal for astrophotography, but some still attempt it.

Canon’s max shutter speed is 1/3200 sec with a minimum of 15 seconds.

Fujifilm goes up to 1/2000 sec shutter max and drops to 30 seconds min exposure, plus it supports timelapse photography - useful for starscapes.

Fujifilm’s superior high ISO range and raw support (absent in Canon) allow more freedom to process long-exposure or low-light images after capture.

• Video Capabilities: Resolution and Stabilization

Video from both cameras remains basic but serviceable.

Canon SX20 IS records up to 720p at 30fps using H.264 codec, lacking any microphone input or advanced stabilization.

Fujifilm S1 steps up with 1080p full HD recording at smoother 60fps, internal sensor-shift stabilization, and slow-sync flash for video, although it still lacks microphone and headphone jacks.

Overall, Fujifilm offers a more versatile video experience for casual users needing better motion capture.

• Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Travel shooting demands balance between zoom reach, weight, battery, and reliability.

Although Canon is lighter and smaller, Fujifilm’s longer zoom (50x vs. 20x) and weather sealing offer crucial versatility.

Fujifilm also uses a proprietary NP-85 battery promising about 350 shots per charge, considerably better than Canon’s 4x AA battery system, which generally drains faster in extended use.

The Fujifilm S1 includes internal storage alongside SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, allowing buffer when memory cards fill - a thoughtful travel feature.

• Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow

Neither camera targets professional studios or top-end workflow, but they each support essential manual controls like aperture, shutter priority, exposure compensation, and custom white balance.

Notably, Fujifilm’s raw file support enables integration into advanced post-processing pipelines - a big advantage for pros and enthusiasts serious about image quality.

Canon SX20 IS is strictly JPEG-only, limiting editing flexibility.

Autofocus System and Speed: Hands-On Insights

Neither camera employs phase-detection AF, relying instead on contrast-detection, which is naturally slower. However, their implementations differ markedly.

I found Canon’s autofocus sluggish and prone to hunting, particularly at long zoom settings and low light - a common issue with CCD-based designs and older Digic processors.

Fujifilm’s S1 autofocus, benefitting from CMOS sensor readout speed and better algorithms, is noticeably faster, more accurate, and capable of face tracking - crucial for portraits and moving subjects.

The Canon’s lack of continuous autofocus or tracking seriously limits performance in dynamic shooting scenarios.

Image Stabilization: How Effectively Do They Compensate?

Both cameras offer optical or sensor-shift image stabilization to combat camera shake, especially vital at long focal lengths.

Canon SX20 uses optical stabilization integrated in the lens, performing adequately but less effective at extreme telephoto lengths (>400mm), where hand tremors magnify.

Fujifilm FinePix S1 employs sensor-shift stabilization, which I found more versatile across the full zoom range and for macro work, ensuring sharper images without requiring tripods.

Lens and Zoom Range: Which Gives You More Reach and Flexibility?

The difference in zoom ranges is stark: Canon’s 20x zoom, equivalent to 28-560mm, is versatile for general use, landscapes, and moderate telephoto needs.

The Fujifilm S1 boasts an incredible 50x zoom reaching 24-1200mm equivalent, covering ultra-wide to super-telephoto. It's a distinct advantage for birders, wildlife photographers, and sports fans on tight budgets or who demand long reach without portable lenses.

Both have maximum apertures starting around f/2.8 wide and narrowing to mid-fives telephoto, meaning low light capabilities decrease at longer focal lengths.

Battery Life and Storage: What Keeps You Shooting Longer?

Canon’s power from 4 AA batteries is convenient (easy to replace worldwide) but has lower longevity compared to modern lithium-ion packs - expect intermittent battery changes over a shooting day.

Fujifilm’s proprietary NP-85 lithium-ion battery delivering roughly 350 exposures makes it more suitable for prolonged shoots.

Regarding storage, both support common SD card formats, but Fujifilm adds internal storage, a useful backup feature. Canon relies solely on external SD/SDHC cards.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

In 2010, Canon SX20 IS had no wireless connectivity - understandable for its generation. This means importing images requires physical cables and cards.

Fujifilm S1, as a 2014 model, includes built-in wireless (though limited compared to modern Wi-Fi standards), enabling remote image transfer and camera control via apps.

Neither offers Bluetooth, NFC, or advanced GPS integration out of the box, though the Fujifilm supports optional GPS attachments.

Durability and Weather Resistance

One notable advantage Fujifilm holds is environmental sealing, a rarity in bridge cameras at this price.

The Fujifilm S1’s weather sealing protects against dust and moisture, expanding shooting possibilities outdoors.

Canon SX20 IS lacks any environmental protection or ruggedized features, advising care in inclement weather.

Price-to-Performance: Which Delivers More Value?

Canon SX20 IS was originally priced at around $499, while Fujifilm S1 launched closer to $399.

From a current value perspective - considering depreciation and availability - the Fujifilm S1 offers much better bang for your buck, packing longer zoom, better sensor tech, higher resolution, raw support, and significant autofocus improvements.

Wrapping Up the Numbers: Overall Performance Scores

Our combined lab tests and field trials reveal that Fujifilm S1 outperforms the Canon SX20 IS in nearly every major category, from autofocus speed and burst rates to image quality and versatility.

Performance by Photography Genre: Detailed Comparison

• Portrait: Fujifilm leads with better AF and color science.
• Landscape: Advantage Fujifilm due to dynamic range and weather sealing.
• Wildlife & Sports: Strong Fujifilm superiority for zoom range and burst.
• Street: Canon’s compactness aids in discretion but loses on image quality.
• Macro & Night: Fujifilm wins on stabilization and ISO performance.
• Video: Fujifilm’s full HD 60fps is preferable.
• Travel & Professional work: Fujifilm’s reliability, battery, and raw files give it the edge.

Sample Images From Both Cameras

Looking at the real photos side-by-side illustrates the gap. Fujifilm’s shots carry more detail, better color vibrance, and cleaner shadows, whereas Canon images feel flatter and softer especially in challenging lighting.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS if:

• You want a lighter, more compact superzoom bridge camera for casual travel.
• Your budget is very tight and you prioritize simplicity over features.
• You prefer AA batteries for easy replacement on the road.
• Your shooting is mostly bright daylight and snapshots rather than critical image quality.

Choose the Fujifilm FinePix S1 if:

• You demand an extraordinary zoom range (up to 1200mm equivalent) for wildlife or distant subjects.
• You want a camera capable of better autofocus and continuous shooting for action.
• You shoot in varied conditions and require weather sealing.
• You value raw image capture for post-processing.
• You need superior video specs and image stabilization.
• You want longer battery life and wireless connectivity.

Conclusion: Which Small Sensor Superzoom Stands Out?

Both Canon SX20 IS and Fujifilm FinePix S1 represent solid, budget-friendly bridge cameras with ample zoom. Yet, my hands-on testing clearly elevates the Fujifilm S1 as the superior all-around performer in almost every essential aspect after four years of development improvements.

Small sensor superzooms will always have inherent limits in image quality compared to larger-sensor mirrorless and DSLR counterparts. However, the Fujifilm S1 maximizes this niche with modern sensor tech, advanced autofocus, and extensive zoom reach - making it a remarkably versatile camera for enthusiasts across diverse photographic scenarios.

Canon SX20 IS holds nostalgic appeal and respectable performance for its time but ultimately feels dated given the rapid pace of camera tech evolution, especially when stacked against the Fujifilm S1’s more comprehensive feature set and ergonomic refinements.

In your search for a bridge camera that offers value, reach, and practical capability, I wholeheartedly recommend the Fujifilm FinePix S1 as the smarter investment for quality, versatility, and longevity.

By combining detailed specifications, real-world testing, and expert analysis, this thorough comparison should empower you to make an informed decision aligned with your photographic passions and budget.

Happy shooting!