Canon SX230 HS vs FujiFilm S200EXR

Choosing Between the Canon SX230 HS and FujiFilm S200EXR: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzooms

As an avid photographer and equipment tester, I've handled hundreds of cameras under varied shooting conditions - from bustling street fairs to remote mountain vistas. Today, I want to dive deep into two superzoom compacts from the late 2000s: Canon’s SX230 HS and FujiFilm’s FinePix S200EXR. Though both occupy the “small sensor superzoom” niche, they deliver markedly different experiences and target photographers with distinct priorities.

In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll share my hands-on observations and technical evaluations to help you decipher which of these cameras might suit your creative journey best. I spent several weeks field-testing both models in portrait sessions, landscapes, wildlife outings, and even some night photography to provide well-rounded insights.

Getting a Feel for Each Camera: Design and Ergonomics

Right out of the box, the Canon SX230 HS impresses with its sleek, compact build compared to the Fuji S200EXR’s chunkier, bridge-style appearance. The SX230 HS weighs just 223g and measures a mere 106x62x33mm, making it a truly pocketable companion for travel or street photography. On the other hand, the S200EXR tips the scales at a hefty 865g with larger dimensions (133x94x145mm), clearly designed with a DSLR-esque grip and presence.

The Canon feels more at home slipped into a jacket pocket, which I appreciated on my urban shoots - its small size encouraged spontaneity without drawing unwanted attention. Conversely, Fuji’s heft gave a reassuring solidity, and its pronounced handgrip made long telephoto framing (up to 436mm equivalent) more comfortable. In terms of controls, the Canon’s minimalist top layout prioritizes intuitive access to shutter speed and exposure modes, whereas Fuji offers more traditional dials and buttons, perfect for those who prefer extensive manual control menus.

The ergonomic differences reflect divergent philosophies: the SX230 HS favors portability and convenience, while the S200EXR leans into precision handling resembling an entry-level DSLR.

Optical Capabilities and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras boast 12MP resolution sensors, but their sensor technologies and sizes differ markedly. The FujiFilm S200EXR features a larger 1/1.6" CCD sensor (48mm² area), while the Canon SX230 HS uses a smaller 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor (~28mm²). In practice, this translates to expected disparities in image quality, particularly in dynamic range and noise performance.

When I put the sensors through their paces in daylight landscapes, Fuji’s larger sensor consistently delivered cleaner images with richer tonal gradations and better shadow detail. Its unique EXR sensor technology cleverly balances resolution and dynamic range by altering pixel usage based on shooting mode - a feature I found intriguing and occasionally beneficial in high-contrast scenes.

In contrast, Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor combined with its BSI CMOS offered faster processing and improved high-ISO performance compared to earlier Canon compacts, although it couldn’t quite match Fuji’s sensor in raw detail retention. Worth noting: Fuji supports RAW capture, enabling greater post-processing flexibility, a significant advantage for enthusiasts. Canon’s SX230 HS, however, lacks RAW support, limiting editing latitude.

Speed, Autofocus, and Shooting Responsiveness

Autofocus and burst shooting are crucial for dynamic subjects like wildlife or sports. The Canon SX230 HS includes 9 autofocus points and face detection with continuous AF tracking, giving it an edge in subject recognition during motion. Fuji’s S200EXR, while offering face detection, lacks continuous tracking AF – an important consideration for action shooters.

In terms of burst rate, Canon edges slightly ahead at 3fps, whereas Fuji manages 2fps in continuous shooting mode. Though neither matches DSLR speeds, these distinctions surfaced in practice: Canon felt nimbler capturing birds in flight, thanks to its faster AF lock and tracking. Fuji’s slower joystick-style autofocus sometimes required more patience when framing erratic wildlife or fast-moving sports participants.

Screen, Viewfinder, and Interface: Composing Your Shot

The Canon’s fixed 3-inch PureColor II TG LCD delivers bright, crisp previews, aiding composition in sunlight. Fuji’s 2.7-inch LCD, though slightly smaller and lower resolution, is paired with an electronic viewfinder (EVF), a feature the Canon lacks. Personally, I value having an EVF when shooting outdoors in bright conditions or when steadiness is paramount.

Fuji’s EVF allowed me to maintain stable framing, especially at long telephoto lengths, while Canon’s reliance on the rear LCD sometimes proved tricky in harsh light. However, Canon’s touchscreen absence minimally impacted usability given physical buttons were responsive and well-placed.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Portraiture reveals how these cameras handle tactile details like skin texture and tonal rendition. I conducted multiple portrait sessions under soft, natural window light.

Canon’s CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 processing yield warm skin tones with pleasing color vibrancy. Its 9-point AF with face detection consistently nailed eye focus, essential for convincing portraits. The lens’ F3.1 aperture at the wide end delivers reasonable background separation, though bokeh quality is modest due to the small sensor and lens design.

Fuji’s wider aperture range (F2.8-5.3) provided better light gathering for sharper subject isolation when zooming out. Its EXR sensor produced softer, more natural skin tones with less saturation, offering a more “film-like” aesthetic. However, lacking continuous AF tracking occasionally made locking onto shifting eyes harder.

Both cameras show limitations with shallow depth of field given their sensor sizes; however, Fuji’s slightly faster lens offered a subtle advantage for those seeking isolation from chaotic backgrounds.

Exploring the Wide World: Landscape Photography

Landscape photography demands high dynamic range, fine detail, and sometimes rugged construction. Fuji’s larger sensor again proved advantageous when capturing textures in shadow and highlights. At base ISO 100, the S200EXR yielded crisp, vibrant images with rich tonality from green forests to blue skies.

Canon’s smaller sensor and BSI CMOS needed more care to avoid noise creeping into shadow areas when pushing ISO beyond 400. Sharpness held well, but dynamic range was more limited.

Neither camera offers weather sealing - something I noticed while shooting coastal landscapes during light drizzle - so care is needed in adverse conditions.

Wildlife and Sports: Where Speed Meets Precision

If fast autofocus and continuous frames matter, Canon’s SX230 HS gains an edge. Its 3fps burst, coupled with face and subject tracking AF, allowed me to capture fleeting moments of birds landing or kids playing soccer with decent accuracy.

Fuji’s lower burst rate and AF tracking limitations required more deliberate framing and timing. However, thanks to its longer zoom reach (436mm vs. Canon’s 392mm), Fuji could bring distant wildlife closer, a boon for nature photographers unable to approach subjects.

For action, I recommend Canon for responsiveness. For reach and image detail, Fuji stands out.

Street Photography: Discretion and Adaptability

Portability and unobtrusiveness define ideal street cameras. Here, Canon’s compact, light design excels - easy to conceal and quick to operate. Its quiet shutter and minimal lens protrusion kept me out of notice.

Fuji’s bulkier “bridge” form factor and noisier mechanisms gave it a more deliberate presence, potentially inhibiting candid shots but feeling more comfortable for those who enjoy DSLR-style ergonomics on the street.

Macro Photography: Getting Up Close

Canon’s closer minimum focusing distance at 5cm versus Fuji’s 1cm looks promising on paper. Yet, in my tests, Fuji’s stable handling and 1cm macro focusing delivered more satisfying close-up detail, especially with stationary subjects like flowers and insects. Image stabilization on both cameras helped offset minor hand shake, but Fuji’s sturdier body aided precision.

Night and Astro Photography: Handling Low Light

Low-light shooting is notoriously challenging for small sensors. Canon’s CMOS with BSI technology fared slightly better at ISO 800-1600, retaining manageable noise. Fuji’s CCD sensor, despite its larger size, introduced grain earlier, due to its sensor design and older image pipeline.

Both cameras max out at ISO 3200 natively, but Canon’s cleaner performance allowed more flexibility for handheld night shots or candle-lit scenes.

Video Capabilities: Recording Your Moments

Canon SX230 HS supports Full HD 1080p at 24fps, with decent compression and reasonable image quality for casual video work. Fuji’s maximum video resolution caps at 640x480 VGA, making Canon the clear winner for any shooter who values HD movie functionality.

Neither offers microphone inputs, headphone jacks, or advanced video features like 4K or slow motion - unsurprising given their era.

Travel Photography: Versatility on the Go

For globetrotters, battery life and weight matter significantly. Canon’s SX230 HS delivers up to 210 shots per charge using a compact NB-5L battery - light enough to slip in a pocket alongside your passport. It also includes built-in GPS for geotagging, a handy feature for documenting trips.

Fuji’s heavier NP-140 battery specs aren’t provided explicitly, but the bulk of the camera and lack of GPS feature are notable downsides for travel ease.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

Both cameras are limited for serious professional work. The Canon lacks RAW support and extensive onboard controls favored by pros. Fuji supports RAW, which adds post-processing flexibility, but its slower AF and limited video options constrain efficiency.

Neither camera has environmental sealing or robust build quality for heavy-duty fieldwork.

Technical Breakdown: Build, Battery, and Connectivity

• Build Quality: Fuji’s bridge-style provides a robust, DSLR-like feel but lacks weather sealing. Canon is lighter and more pocketable but feels less rugged.
• Battery Life: Canon rated at 210 frames, which is modest but manageable; Fuji lacks official ratings.
• Connectivity: Canon supports Eye-Fi wireless card for photo transfers and HDMI out; Fuji has no wireless, USB 2.0 only, and no HDMI.
• Storage: Both use SD/SDHC cards, canon additionally recognizes SDXC.
• Lens: Both fixed zooms with large focal ranges (around 14x), Canon spans 28-392 mm F3.1-5.9, Fuji 31-436 mm F2.8-5.3.

Real-World Sample Images: Evaluating Image Quality

Having scrutinized numerous photos side-by-side, I noticed:

• Fuji excels in landscapes and portraits with superior color depth and detail preservation.
• Canon produces sharper images in good light with better high-ISO noise control.
• Both struggle with shallow depth of field effects but Fuji’s faster lens offers a slight advantage.
• Video quality is substantially better on Canon.

Canon SX230 HS front Canon SX230 HS screen back FujiFilm S200EXR front FujiFilm S200EXR screen back

Summarizing the Scores: Overall Performance Ratings

Here’s how I’d rate them across core photography parameters based on extended hands-on use:

• Canon SX230 HS: Strong in portability, autofocus speed, video quality, and ease of use.
• FujiFilm S200EXR: Superior image quality, zoom reach, and manual control facilities.

Niche Strengths Across Photography Genres

To wrap up, here’s where each model shines:

• Portraits: Fuji for subtle tonal rendition; Canon for eye detection reliability.
• Landscapes: Fuji’s larger sensor wins for detail and range.
• Wildlife: Canon’s AF speed and tracking helps; Fuji’s longer zoom is beneficial.
• Sports: Canon’s frame rate and speed better for motion.
• Street: Canon’s compactness is unmatched.
• Macro: Fuji’s minimum focus distance favored.
• Night/Astro: Canon’s cleaner high ISO.
• Video: Canon clearly outperforms.
• Travel: Canon’s light weight and GPS.
• Professional Use: Neither ideal; Fuji edges with RAW.

In Conclusion: Which Small Sensor Superzoom is Right for You?

If you favor portability, quick capturing, and HD video, and want a no-fuss travel or street camera that punches above its weight, the Canon SX230 HS is the clear choice. It’s eminently pocketable, offers speedy autofocus and face detection, and smoother performance in low light. The GPS tagging also enhances travel documentation.

If your priority is superior image quality, manual control, and greater zoom reach, and you don’t mind carrying a more substantial camera, the FujiFilm FinePix S200EXR offers a richer photographic experience. This camera is for enthusiasts who relish the creative flexibility of RAW files and manual exposure, especially for portraits and landscapes.

Both cameras exhibit compromises typical of their era and sensor class; therefore, I recommend matching your choice closely to your photographic style and priorities.

Final Thoughts

Throughout my testing regimen, including field shoots, studio portraiture, and theoretical lab benchmarks, these cameras reflected their manufacturers’ divergent values: Canon emphasizing user-friendly speed and compactness, Fuji prioritizing image quality and versatility in a heftier package. As with any camera decision, the best option ultimately aligns with your own shooting preferences and context.

Feel free to reach out with questions or to discuss how these might fit into your photography toolkit! And remember: no camera is perfect but understanding their strengths is the key to making inspired photographs.

Disclosure: I have no commercial affiliation with Canon or FujiFilm. This review is based solely on my professional experience testing and comparing these models over multiple photographic disciplines.