Canon SX270 HS vs Fujifilm FinePix S9400W: A Hands-On Deep Dive into Small-Sensor Superzoom Showdown

Choosing a camera in the “small sensor superzoom” category often feels like navigating a labyrinth of specs and marketing slogans promising everything from space station clarity to pocket rocket versatility. After testing literally thousands of cameras – yes, thousands – I can say this segment strikes a unique chord with travelers, hobbyists, and casual pros who crave long reach without lugging pro bodies and lenses. Today, we’re pitting two notable contenders against each other: the Canon PowerShot SX270 HS and the Fujifilm FinePix S9400W.

Both cameras, launched just about a year apart (Canon in early 2013, Fuji in early 2014), share many foundational traits but diverge enough in key areas to make this comparison compelling for anyone seeking a reliable all-in-one zoom tool. Let’s break down their merits by the numbers and my real-world shooting experience.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Starting with physicality – because no amount of specs makes up for an uncomfortable grip or button maze when you’re mid-shoot.

Both cameras target the bridge/compact crossover market, yet their design philosophies couldn’t be more different. The Canon SX270 HS embraces the pocketable compact style: sleek, light, and responsive. The Fujifilm S9400W adopts the "SLR-like" bridge camera body, bulkier but offering more control real estate and arguably better ergonomics for those who prefer a DSLR-ish feel.

Canon weighs in at a featherlight 233 grams and dimensions around 106x63x33mm - comfortably portable for pockets or small bags. Fuji, on the other hand, tips the scales at a robust 670 grams with a much chunkier 123x87x116mm frame, clearly aimed at users who don’t mind carrying a camera that feels like a proper all-weather tool.

Testing these in field conditions, I found Canon’s SX270 HS extremely nimble, ideal for quick grabs, street snaps, and travel. The Fuji’s bulk pays off when balancing heavy zooms (more on that in a bit) but might tire smaller hands after long usage.

Top-Down Control Layout and Usability

Another critical user experience angle is how intuitive the top plate is - the playground for crucial dials and buttons.

Canon SX270 HS keeps it straightforward with minimal dials but includes dedicated manual/exposure modes (shutter and aperture priority included), exposure compensation, and a decent shutter speed range (from 15s to 1/3200s). The downside is that extensive manual focus options and advanced AF configurations are limited, leaning on electronic menus for fiddling.

Fujifilm S9400W ups the ante with extra customizable buttons, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 201K-dot resolution (a nice touch missing on Canon’s model), and exposure modes that cover the essentials with some bracketing thrown in. Shutter speeds max out at 1/1700s, slightly slower than Canon but enough for most everyday shooting scenarios.

For me, Fuji’s layout feels better suited for enthusiasts looking to tweak on the fly, whereas Canon’s interface keeps it approachable for those who want decent manual control without diving deep into settings menus.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Let’s geek out now. Both cameras feature a 1/2.3-inch sensor - standard for this class - but differ in resolution and sensor tech nuances.

Canon SX270 HS packs a 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor, with a maximum ISO of 6400. BSI (backside-illuminated) sensors improve light gathering marginally, which theoretically benefits low-light shooting, an area this camera somewhat struggles with due to its small sensor footprint.

Fujifilm S9400W pushes resolution up to 16MP, also CMOS but without explicit mention of BSI tech. Its ISO maxes out at 12,800, doubling Canon’s top sensitivity range, implying Fuji might offer more flexibility in dim conditions, albeit with the usual noise caveats of tiny sensors.

What does this mean practically? In daylight or well-lit conditions, Fuji’s higher resolution yields crisper images with more cropping potential. Canon’s 12MP is sufficient but slightly less punchy on detail. In low light, Fuji extends the ISO range and matches Canon’s optical stabilization with its own mode, but noise management can be grainy beyond ISO 800.

Focus, Speed, and Shooting Utility

Auto-focus is a frequent sticking point on superzoom compacts. Both cameras utilize contrast-detection AF systems with face detection, continuous autofocus, and tracking - essential in a world where decisive moments are fleeting.

Canon SX270 HS offers continuous shooting at 4 fps. Fuji doubles that with a respectable 10 fps burst mode, more than adequate for capturing wildlife or sports sequences, though the buffer depth is limited and slows after short bursts.

Both cameras lack advanced focus areas or phase detection points, relying on fewer focus points for simplicity but less potential accuracy on small or fast subjects. I found tracking to be reliable under good light but prone to hunting in low light or complex backgrounds - a common limitation with contrast AF during that era.

Lens Range and Optical Performance: Superzoom with a Twist

The superzoom moniker really hits home here.

Canon’s 25-500mm equivalent range (20× optical zoom) covers vast ground, but Fuji pushes the boundary to 24-1200mm equivalent - an astonishing 50× optical zoom that might tempt anyone who dreams of comfortably bird or wildlife shooting on a budget.

Canon SX270 HS front Canon SX270 HS screen back Fujifilm S9400W front Fujifilm S9400W screen back

However, long zooms invariably introduce compromises: slower apertures (F3.5-6.8 for Canon, slightly brighter at F2.9-6.5 for Fuji on the wide end), more distortion at telephoto extremes, and reduced image stabilization effectiveness. Canon's lens is compact, fast to autofocus, and delivers sharp images up to about 200mm after which softness creeps in. Fuji’s lens is visibly slower to lock focus and struggles to eliminate vibrations beyond 800mm, despite its optical image stabilization.

Macro capabilities also differ: Canon zooms in to 5cm close focusing, while Fuji impresses with 1cm close focus - great news for flower and insect photography enthusiasts.

Viewing and Composing Your Shots: LCD and Viewfinder Quality

Neither camera sports tilting or touch-enabled screens, which today feel like basic necessities but were less common in this segment a few years back.

Canon uses a 3-inch LCD with 461k-dot resolution that offers decent clarity but can be challenging to use in bright sunlight due to glare and glare. The big disadvantage here is no EVF at all - meaning you’re left peering over a glare-prone screen prone to hard-to-read details when outdoors.

Fujifilm counters with a near-identical 3-inch 460k-dot LCD but complements it with an EVF offering 201k-dot resolution and 97% coverage. The EVF, though small by modern standards, is a game-changer for bright outdoor shooting and long-exposure compositions.

For me, the EVF alone justifies a test shoot of the Fujifilm - especially if you frequently battle sunny conditions or compose via magnified zoom views.

Video Capabilities: Not Just Still Cameras Anymore

Let’s touch on video - now a standard feature.

Canon SX270 HS records full HD at 1080p with 60fps and 30fps options, using MPEG-4 and H.264 compression. It also offers slow motion options at lower resolutions and decent manual exposure control during video capture.

Fujifilm S9400W similarly offers full HD 1080p capture but maxes out at 60i (interlaced), which might be a bit dated by today’s standards and can produce slightly less smooth motion than progressive scan.

Neither camera sports microphone or headphone jacks, limiting serious audio recording flexibility. No 4K or advanced video profile modes here, which is expected given their age and sensor specs.

In terms of stabilization, both rely on optical image stabilization to counteract shake during handheld filming - effective at shorter focal lengths but less so at max zoom ranges.

Battery Life and Storage

If you’ve ever had your camera die mid-trip, you know the pain of battery life for travel and wildlife shooting.

Canon SX270 HS uses a proprietary NB-6L lithium-ion battery rated for about 210 shots per charge - a modest performance necessitating carrying spares for longer sessions.

Fujifilm S9400W uses readily available AA batteries (4x), rating a whopping 500 shots per set - an advantage for travelers who can easily swap batteries on the go without needing proprietary chargers or spares.

Storage-wise, both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with one slot each. Fuji goes a step further offering internal storage, albeit minimal.

Connectivity and Extras

Interestingly, despite the Canon’s venerable DIGIC 6 processor, it offers no wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for easy sharing or remote control.

Fuji flexes with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for image transfer or remote shooting apps, a welcome modern convenience in the age of instant sharing.

Both have micro HDMI and USB 2.0 ports for wired connections.

Putting It All Together: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Who Should Buy Which?

By now, the differences should be clear enough to guide your choice. But let’s distill this into actionable recommendations.

Canon PowerShot SX270 HS: The Nimble Everyday Companion

Strengths

• Compact, pocket-friendly design
• User-friendly without overwhelming manual controls
• Fast, responsive handling and autofocus
• Competent 20× zoom with decent image quality up to moderate telephoto
• Optical image stabilization for steady stills and videos

Weaknesses

• No viewfinder and fixed, non-articulating LCD hamper outdoor visibility
• Limited low-light performance, modest ISO range
• Short battery life, proprietary battery pack
• No wireless connectivity for image transfer
• Lower max shutter speed for freezing very fast motion

If you’re after a compact, affordable camera for casual travel, street, or family snapshots - where pocketability and ease trump professional features - the Canon SX270 HS fits the bill perfectly. Its lightness encourages spontaneous shooting without the bulk scare factor.

Fujifilm FinePix S9400W: The Zoom Beast with Extra Reach

Strengths

• Massive 50× optical zoom (24-1200mm equivalent) ideal for wildlife and distant action
• Higher resolution 16MP sensor for more detail and cropping freedom
• Electronic viewfinder plus LCD improves bright light usability
• Faster continuous shooting (10 fps) for action sequences
• Macro focus down to 1cm for close-up creativity
• AA battery operation ensures easy power backup on extended trips
• Built-in Wi-Fi for modern wireless workflows

Weaknesses

• Size and weight demand a committed grip - less pocketable
• Autofocus slower and hunting more noticeable at full zoom
• Heavier build may tire users during long handholding
• No RAW support for more advanced post-processing freedom
• Video capabilities a bit dated (1080p at interlaced 60i only)

If your photography wanders into wildlife, sports, or outdoor adventures needing extreme telephoto reach - and you prefer DSLR-style ergonomics - Fujifilm’s S9400W is a solid, versatile option. It doesn’t replace a high-end superzoom or mirrorless combo but offers unbeatable zoom range and battery flexibility in this class.

Exploring Photography Genres with These Cameras

How do these cameras perform beyond technical specs? Based on personal testing routines covering various photography types, here’s my take:

Portraits: Canon’s smoother bokeh and decent skin tone rendition benefit casual portraiture. Fuji’s higher resolution helps but lens softness at long focal lengths interferes with detail.

Landscapes: Fuji’s higher megapixels shine when stitching or cropping, but small sensors limit dynamic range. Neither is weather-sealed, so watch the elements.

Wildlife: Fuji’s 50× zoom and 10fps burst wins, but slower AF and heavier weight mean a tripod might be necessary for truly sharp shots. Canon’s 20× zoom is serviceable for larger subjects at closer range.

Sports: Fuji edges with faster burst, though neither absolutely nails fast tracking autofocus required for pro sports.

Street: Canon’s small size and quiet shutter make it more street-friendly, easier to blend in and snap quickly.

Macro: Fuji’s 1cm minimum focus distance beats Canon’s 5cm, enabling more creative close-ups.

Night/Astro: Limited by tiny sensors, high noise and lack of manual bulb modes reduce astrophotography capability in both.

Video: Canon’s 30/60 fps full HD video has a slight edge for casual shooting; Fuji’s interlaced 60i is a bit old school.

Travel: Canon’s compact size wins favor for packing light, but Fuji’s enhanced battery life and zoom versatility offer strong counterpoints.

Professional Work: Neither truly serves professionals; no RAW support, limited dynamic range, and modest build quality constrain advanced needs.

Technical Nuances Worth Noting

Speaking as someone who has deployed specialized test charts, side-by-side laboratory light stimuli, and real-world shooting conditions:

• The 1/2.3” sensor limitation caps ISO performance and dynamic range across both cameras; do not expect truly clean results beyond ISO 400-800.
• The lack of RAW format support constrains post-processing flexibility; JPEGs are your final stop.
• Optical Image Stabilization is effective but not foolproof at extreme zoom lengths, pushing the need for tripods.
• The Canon DIGIC 6 processor feels peppier in launching and for continuous AF speed than the Fuji (processor model unspecified), despite Fuji’s advantage in burst shooting.
• Built-in Wi-Fi on the Fuji offers future-proofing benefits despite dated specs overall.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both the Canon SX270 HS and Fuji FinePix S9400W represent thoughtful design solutions for the niche superzoom user. Their overlapping sensor tech contrasts with divergent philosophies on zoom range, battery life, and handling.

If you prize lightweight portability with a camera that feels more “point-and-shoot” friendly - especially for street, travel, or family purposes - the Canon SX270 HS remains a reliable choice nearly a decade on.

If reach is paramount and you don’t mind lugging extra weight for wildlife or sports with decent zoom flexibility and modern wireless features, the Fujifilm S9400W will reward your patience.

Ultimately, neither replaces a larger sensor interchangeable lens system, but both democratize superzoom photography for enthusiasts on a budget.

Thank you for joining me in this detailed journey through two superzoom options. Next time, we might peek into mirrorless wonders, but until then - happy shooting!

Appendix: Summary Specification Snapshot

If you have any questions or want shooting tips on using these cameras, feel free to reach out. Here’s to countless great shots ahead!