Canon SX20 IS vs Fujifilm S9900w: The Ultimate Bridge Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts

Picking a new camera can feel overwhelming with so many similarly categorized models boasting overlapping features. Today, we dig deep into two notable small sensor superzoom bridge cameras: the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS, launched in 2010, and the newer, 2015 Fujifilm S9900w. Both cameras target photography enthusiasts who crave flexibility, long zoom ranges, and DSLR-like handling - without the fuss or bulk of interchangeable lenses.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll leverage extensive hands-on testing experience, examine each camera’s technical foundation and real-world performance, and explore how they suit diverse photography styles. Whether you’re into wildlife, travel, macro, or video, this side-by-side analysis will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your creative goals and budget.

Let’s get started.

First Impressions: Looks, Size, and Ergonomics Matter

While specs tell part of the story, the camera’s physical presence - how it feels in your hands and fits in your kit - is crucial when shooting for hours or on the move.

The Canon SX20 IS is slightly chunkier than the Fuji, yet both offer contours and grips reminiscent of DSLR ergonomics, affording comfortable, secure hold - a must for long telephoto work or steady hand-held shooting.

The Fujifilm’s extra depth results mainly from its extended lens barrel, which supports a much longer maximum zoom of 1200mm equivalent compared to Canon’s 560mm max. This adds versatility but a bit more heft. Still, both remain compact enough for travel and street photography without drawing undue attention.

Top Controls and Interface: Speed Meets Workflow

Access to essential controls and intuitive layouts dramatically impact shooting efficiency under changing conditions.

• Canon SX20 IS features conventional control dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation, plus dedicated buttons for quick menu access.
• Fujifilm S9900w improves on this with customizable buttons and a higher resolution electronic viewfinder (920k dots vs. Canon's unspecified), enhancing composition in bright light.

While neither camera sports a touchscreen, Fujifilm’s larger 3-inch, 460k resolution LCD arguably offers a clearer live view than Canon’s smaller, 2.5-inch, 230k screen.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Sensor design profoundly influences image quality - resolution, dynamic range, noise levels, and color fidelity.

Though both cameras share a small 1/2.3” sensor size - common in superzoom models - there are notable differences:

• Fujifilm’s CMOS sensor and higher megapixel count yield more detailed images at base ISO, lending an edge in landscape or portrait shots requiring sharpness.
• The SX20 IS’s CCD sensor traditionally excels at delivering pleasing colors but usually suffers at higher ISO settings.
• Importantly, Fujifilm’s astounding ISO range up to 12,800 extends low-light usability far beyond Canon’s max of 1,600, although noise becomes a factor at these extremes.

In practice, you’ll find the S9900w better suited to diverse lighting conditions, with cleaner high ISO performance and more advanced exposure bracketing (AEB and WB bracketing), enabling you to capture extreme dynamic range scenes effectively.

Autofocus Systems: Tracking Speed and Precision

Autofocus (AF) defines your capacity to not miss fleeting moments, especially in action, wildlife, or sports.

Fujifilm’s superior AF tracking and continuous autofocus during bursts leave Canon far behind, which only supports single-shot AF and a sluggish 1 frame per second continuous rate. This deficit impacts its ability to capture sharp images of moving subjects - wildlife or sports enthusiasts should lean toward Fujifilm here.

Face detection on the S9900w helps ensure crisp portraits by focusing on the subject’s eyes, while Canon SX20 IS lacks this feature entirely.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Reach and Versatility

Both cameras boast significant zooms but differ in their focal length coverage and related aperture tradeoffs.

The Fujifilm delivers an extraordinary 50x zoom reaching up to 1200mm equivalent. This is ideal for wildlife photographers or anyone needing extreme telephoto reach without carrying cumbersome lenses.

Meanwhile, Canon’s 20x zoom covers a more modest range but with a slightly wider starting point (28mm vs 24mm Fuji) and better low-light aperture at tele (f/5.7 vs. f/6.5). The macro focusing starting at 0 cm on Canon means you can capture close-up shots from lens tip, compared to Fuji’s 7 cm minimum.

For landscape or wide-angle lovers, the slight edge on Fujifilm’s wider angle isn't devastated by its smaller aperture.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers official environmental sealing, splash resistance, or ruggedized components common among professional rugged cameras. So be mindful of extreme weather or dusty conditions.

Given their bridge camera status, both provide durable plastic/polycarbonate bodies with metal chassis elements, sufficient for casual outdoor shooting.

LCD Screens and Electronic Viewfinders (EVF)

Your interface with the scene matters greatly when light makes LCDs hard to see.

• Canon’s 2.5-inch fully articulated screen is unique here, enabling flexible framing from odd angles and useful for macro or video vlogging, despite low resolution.
• Fuji has a bigger fixed 3-inch screen with double the pixel density, offering a brighter and sharper preview.
• Both include electronic viewfinders, but Fujifilm’s 920k-dot EVF, despite typical size and coverage, outshines Canon’s lower-res EVF for critical composition in bright outdoor conditions.

Image Stabilization and Flash Options

Good image stabilization is crucial for superzoom cameras, especially when using long telephoto focal lengths handheld.

• Both include optical image stabilization, which effectively reduces blur due to camera shake.
• Canon’s built-in flash covers 6.8m with multiple flash modes including Red-Eye and Slow Sync, and supports external flash units.
• Fujifilm’s flash reaches slightly further (7m) but has more limited modes and no option for external flash.

Video Features: For Vlogging and Storytelling

Video functionality is often overlooked but is an important criterion for many creatives today.

The Fujifilm S9900w substantially outperforms Canon in video, offering:

• Full HD 1080p recording at up to 60 frames per second, ideal for smooth motion capture.
• Time-lapse recording - a versatile feature for creative filmmakers.

Canon’s SX20 IS tops out at 720p HD, limiting professional video output quality. Additionally, neither supports external microphones or headphones, so audio quality is fixed to the internal mic’s performance.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras rely on 4 AA batteries, a boon for easy replacement on the go without specialized chargers or proprietary packs.

Fujifilm’s official figure is ~300 shots per charge - typical for compact bridge cameras - while Canon’s figure is unclear but presumably similar.

Fuji adds the bonus of internal storage, handy to squeeze off extra shots if cards fill, unlike the Canon.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Canon SX20 IS front Canon SX20 IS screen back Fujifilm S9900w front Fujifilm S9900w screen back

To fully appreciate each model’s strengths and weaknesses, we shot test scenes covering many photography types.

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX20 IS creates softer bokeh thanks to its slightly wider aperture, producing fairly pleasing skin tones but limited face detection can make focusing slower.
• Fujifilm S9900w’s face detection plus higher resolution yields sharper portrait details, especially in good light.

Landscape Photography

• Higher resolution on Fujifilm empowers large prints and cropping.
• Canon's slightly wider starting focal length is useful, but Fuji’s expanded dynamic range bracketing helps better handle contrasting scenes.

Wildlife Photography

• The 50x zoom on Fujifilm is transformative for distant wildlife.
• Its rapid 10 fps burst with continuous AF markedly outperforms Canon’s one-shot focus and 1 fps burst, critical for moving animals.

Sports Photography

• Fuji’s continuous autofocus and fast burst capability make it the clear winner.
• Canon struggles with tracking fast action reliably.

Street Photography

• Both cameras are moderately portable but less discreet than compacts.
• Canon’s fully articulated LCD and less aggressive zoom may fit better for candid shots in close quarters.

Macro Photography

• Canon allows extremely close focusing down to lens front.
• Fuji’s macro minimum focus at 7 cm is decent but less flexible.

Night / Astro Photography

• Fuji’s higher ISO ceiling and noise suppression provide better low light capability.
• Neither supports RAW, limiting post-processing headroom.

Video

• Fuji’s 1080p 60fps recording and timelapse heavily outweigh Canon’s 720p 30fps.
• Neither supports external audio, a drawback for serious filmmakers.

Travel Photography

• Cannon’s smaller size/weight help with portability.
• Fuji’s versatility compensates with comprehensive features.

Professional Work

• Neither camera supports RAW or weather sealing, limiting professional use.
• Fuji’s advanced AF, bracketing, and video versatility offer more options for serious enthusiasts.

Performance Ratings and Final Scores

Genre-Specific Analysis: Who Should Buy Which?

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

• Strengths: Affordable, solid build, articulated screen, macro capability, lightweight.
• Best for: Casual photographers who prioritize ease of use, macro, and a comfortable form factor.
• Limitations: Slow autofocus and burst rates, modest zoom reach, no RAW or advanced video, limited ISO range.
• Suggestion: Great entry-level superzoom for family, travel, and beginner photography where extreme reach or fast action isn’t critical.

Fujifilm S9900w

• Strengths: Impressive 50x zoom, fast continuous autofocus and shooting, HD video at 60fps, bracketing options, superior LCD and EVF.
• Best for: Enthusiasts focused on wildlife, sports, travel, and hybrid photo/video creation.
• Limitations: Slightly heavier, fixed rear LCD, limited macro compared to Canon, no RAW support.
• Suggestion: An excellent all-round travel and wildlife bridge camera, suited for users ready to push superzoom and video capabilities.

Final Word: Which Camera Is Right for Your Creative Journey?

Your choice between the Canon SX20 IS and Fujifilm S9900w hinges on your priorities:

• If budget and compactness with flexible handling matter most, and you’re primarily a casual shooter or beginner, Canon SX20 IS will serve well.
• If you seek greater zoom flexibility, faster autofocus, better video specs, and are willing to invest a bit more, Fujifilm S9900w stands out as the more versatile bridge camera.

Both cameras manifest the spirit of bridge cameras by blending DSLR-style ergonomics and optical zoom power with compact convenience. By weighing these insights alongside your shooting style, you can confidently find the right superzoom companion to unlock your creativity.

Before You Buy: Practical Tips for Testing

• Try hands-on first: Ergonomics and controls vary; confirm comfortable grip and menu navigation.
• Test autofocus in your typical conditions: Fast action, low light, or portraits require different AF performance.
• Sample image comparison: Take sample shots and assess color, detail, and dynamic range.
• Consider lens accessories: Filters and lens hoods can enhance image quality.
• Check battery convenience: AA cells are universal, but consider carrying spares or investing in rechargeable sets.

Thanks for joining me on this in-depth comparison! Keep exploring, shooting, and capturing moments that matter. Happy photography!

Explore options, get hands-on where possible, and find the bridge camera that best supports your creative vision.