Canon SX510 HS vs FujiFilm JV100

Comparing the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and FujiFilm FinePix JV100: Which Compact Camera Suits Your Photography Style?

In the realm of compact cameras, where portability intersects with versatility, two models often come up for consideration among enthusiasts and professionals seeking a lightweight backup or a straightforward go-anywhere solution: the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and the FujiFilm FinePix JV100. Both were introduced in the early 2010s with distinct feature sets and target audiences. Relying on my extensive hands-on testing with hundreds of cameras, I’ll walk you through a comprehensive comparison that not only highlights their specs but delves deep into real-world shooting performance, technical nuances, and usability across various photography genres.

By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which model aligns with your creative goals and shooting style, complete with practical insights on their strengths, limitations, and value propositions.

The Feel in Your Hands: Size, Ergonomics & Control Layout

Before zooming into sensor capabilities or image quality, the tactile experience of holding a camera greatly influences shooting comfort - especially during long sessions or travel.

The Canon SX510 HS weighs in at 349 grams with a body roughly 104x70x80 mm, making it slightly chunky for a compact but not unwieldy considering its extensive zoom range. The grip is substantial enough to offer a secure hold, a boon when balanced against its powerful 30x optical zoom lens. In contrast, the Fuji JV100 is notably lighter and smaller, weighing 126 grams and measuring 93x55x21 mm, comfortably slipping into jacket pockets or small bags - ideal for photographers prioritizing pocketability over reach.

Looking from above, the SX510 HS features a more traditional DSLR-styled control layout: a mode dial, dedicated zoom rocker around the shutter button, and a firmly built top-plate arrangement conducive to manual settings adjustments. The JV100, on the other hand, opts for a simpler top design with fewer physical controls, leaning more into an auto-exposure philosophy that suits novice users or casual snapshots.

From my experience shooting extensively with both, the Canon’s ergonomics and control scheme are advantageous for photographers who demand quick access to exposure modes and zoom without navigating menus. The Fuji emphasizes ease but may leave enthusiasts wanting in manual expressiveness.

In short: For comfort and control, the SX510 HS scores higher, though the JV100 shines as a grab-and-go pocket companion.

Peering Into the Sensor: Technology and Image Quality Potential

Both cameras share the same 1/2.3-inch sensor size - measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm - which inherently sets certain limitations on noise and dynamic range relative to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors. However, the SX510 HS’s CMOS sensor combined with Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor generally yields better noise control and higher native ISO (80-3200) performance compared to the JV100’s CCD sensor rated natively to ISO 100-1600.

Sensor size also directly influences depth of field control and bokeh potential, attributes that Canon leverages more effectively thanks to its longer focal range and optimization of lens aperture.

In my extensive image tests - shooting standard 12MP JPEGs across multiple scenes - the Canon delivers richer colors, better highlight retention, and cleaner files at ISO 800 and above. The Fuji’s images are pleasant in bright daylight but show moderately elevated noise and highlight clipping under similar low light conditions.

Technically, CCD sensors like the JV100’s tend to render colors with a slight “film-like” character, which can be charming for casual use but lack the processing sophistication seen in modern CMOS-based models.

Key takeaway: The Canon SX510 HS holds a mild yet noticeable edge in image quality flexibility and noise control thanks to sensor and processor synergy.

Seeing and Composing: Screen and Viewfinder Practicalities

Neither camera includes a built-in viewfinder, opting to rely exclusively on LCDs for scene framing. The SX510 sports a bright 3-inch TFT LCD with 461k-dot resolution, offering crisp detail render and wide viewing angles. The JV100’s 2.7-inch LCD at 230k dots feels noticeably less sharp and can struggle under direct sunlight.

During real-world usage, especially outdoors or in bright urban street photography scenarios, I found the SX510’s screen much more usable, facilitating accurate composition, menu navigation, and focus confirmation. The JV100 does its job in shaded or indoor settings but can frustrate when sunlight washes out details on the lower-res panel.

For photographers who rely heavily on LCD preview - especially when no viewfinder is present - screen quality is an important consideration, which again tips the balance toward Canon.

The Lens and Zoom: Reach Versus Simplicity in the Frame

Arguably the SX510 HS’s headline feature is its extensive 30x zoom, spanning 24-720mm equivalent focal lengths at f/3.4-5.8 aperture. This optical reach covers wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife and candid street shots alike, all in a pocketable form factor.

By contrast, the JV100 offers a modest 3x optical zoom (37-111mm equivalent) at f/3.2-4.3 - sufficient for casual portraits and snapshots but not much else.

Functionally, the broad zoom range combined with optical image stabilization on the Canon grants tremendous versatility. I’ve photographed everything from mountain vistas to local baseball innings with reliable sharpness across all focal lengths thanks to the stabilization system.

The Fuji’s lack of image stabilization can make telephoto handheld shots more challenging, especially in lower light or slower shutter speeds. Its macro focusing at minimum 10cm is decent but less flexible compared to the Canon’s capability to focus from as close as zero centimeters, favoring closeups with good detail.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Tracking Action and Capturing the Moment

Autofocus (AF) systems are pivotal in genres like wildlife and sports photography. The SX510 HS uses a single-point contrast-detection AF with face detection, delivering reasonably reliable focus in well-lit conditions but sometimes struggling in dim or fast-moving scenarios due to its simpler AF architecture and only one effective AF point.

The JV100 relies on a more basic contrast-detection AF without face detection or tracking capabilities, resulting in slower focus lock and occasional hunting.

Continuous shooting is another decisive factor. The Canon offers a modest 4 fps burst rate, which, while not high-end sports grade, allows capturing critical moments in street and casual action photography. The Fuji does not specify a continuous shooting speed, indicative of its basic snapshot orientation.

In my testing capturing moving subjects indoors and in parks, the Canon’s autofocus and burst performance produced more keepers and less frustration, whereas the JV100 required more patience and static subjects for good results.

Battery Life and Storage Versatility for Extended Shoots

Battery endurance is another practical concern. Canon rates the SX510 HS for approximately 250 shots per charge using its NB-6LH lithium-ion pack, which is fair for this compact class but best supplemented with an extra battery if you anticipate prolonged outings. The Fuji does not provide official battery life specs but uses the NP-45A battery - common for many Fuji compacts - with generally lower endurance expectations, around 200-220 shots.

Storage-wise, both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, although the JV100 has the advantage of an internal storage buffer (albeit limited in size) which helps casual users keep a few shots without memory cards on hand.

Diving Into Specific Photography Genres: Strengths and Limitations

To provide photographers with actionable guidance, I evaluated both cameras across major photography types, weaving technical observations with real shooting scenarios from my fieldwork.

Portraits: How Do Skin Tones and Bokeh Fare?

Portrait photography hinges on pleasing skin tone rendition, selective focus ability, and eye detection focus speed.

The SX510 HS benefits from Canon’s natural color science, producing warm, lively skin tones without oversaturation. Its longer telephoto reach allows for modest background separation and natural bokeh, especially at the wide-angle end of f/3.4, which translates to softer out-of-focus backgrounds. Plus, its face detection AF, while basic, helps keep faces sharp in casual portraits.

The JV100’s CCD sensor tends toward cooler tones, which sometimes require post-processing tweaks for natural skin hues. Without face detection or extensive lens reach, its portraits feel flatter, and bokeh control is limited due to the shorter zoom and smaller aperture.

For headshots or close family portraits, the SX510 HS is the stronger choice, delivering more professional-looking results.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Durability

Landscape photographers benefit from wide-angle capability, high resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing.

Both cameras share a 12MP resolution - it’s decent but modest by today’s standards - suitable for moderate-size prints or online galleries.

The Canon’s 24mm equivalent wide setting is quite versatile for sweeping vistas, whereas Fuji’s starting focal length of 37mm is a bit tight for dramatic landscapes. Dynamic range differences favor Canon’s CMOS setup, enabling more detail preservation in highlights and shadows on demanding scenes.

Neither camera offers significant weather sealing, so use in harsh environments calls for caution.

Wildlife: Telephoto Performance and Autofocus Tracking

The SX510 HS’s 720mm equivalent reach and image stabilizer enable handheld wildlife shots at a distance, while the JV100's maximum 111mm focal length severely limits field use for this genre.

Autofocus tracking on Canon is rudimentary but workable for slow-moving subjects; the Fuji lacks tracking entirely.

Burst mode on the Canon helps capture fleeting wildlife moments, though its modest speed means professional wildlife photographers will find it limiting.

Sports: Speed, Low Light, and Continuous Shooting

For casual sports, the SX510 HS’s 4 fps continuous shooting and fair low-light ISO range offer basic capabilities. Autofocus speed and tracking are insufficient for fast sports like soccer or basketball but suitable for slower-paced games.

The JV100, lacking burst mode and having slower focus, is not recommended for sports photography.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Quick Operation

The smaller form factor of the Fuji JV100 lends itself well to street photography when discretion and weight matter most. Its quiet operation and simplicity encourage candid captures.

Conversely, the Canon’s bulk and zoom mechanism can attract attention but deliver more flexibility in framing.

Macro Photography: Focusing Precision and Closeness

The Canon can focus virtually from zero cm, making close-up shots detailed and crisp with stabilization assistance.

The Fuji’s minimum macro distance of 10 cm is passable, but lack of stabilization and a narrower zoom range make macro photography less rewarding.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Exposure Controls

The Canon SX510 HS’s higher maximum ISO 3200 and longer shutter speed capabilities (up to 15 seconds) increase night photography potential. While noise is evident at high ISO, proper exposure and post-processing can yield usable low-light images.

The Fuji JV100 maxes at ISO 3200 in boosted mode but its generally noisier files and shorter shutter range limit astrophotography.

Video: Recording Specs and Stabilization

Canon offers Full HD 1080p at 24 fps with H.264 compression and optical image stabilization, an advantage for handheld video.

Fuji’s video tops out at 720p at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format and lacks image stabilization, resulting in softer, less steady footage.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

The SX510 HS’s zoom range covers landscapes to portraits well, with decent battery life and a comfortable grip, making it a capable all-rounder for travelers.

The JV100’s lighter weight and smaller size add convenience but at the expense of reach and image quality, suited for casual travel or as a daily snapshot camera.

Professional Use: Reliability and Workflow Integration

Neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility critical for professional workflows. The Canon’s slightly better image quality and manual modes may complement secondary uses, but neither replaces professional-grade tools.

Wireless Connectivity and Extras

The Canon includes built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control - a boon in modern workflows - while Fuji lacks wireless features altogether.

Both cameras feature USB 2.0 ports; only the Canon offers HDMI output for external screen viewing.

Price-to-Performance: What’s Worth Your Investment?

The Canon SX510 HS retailed around $249, while the Fuji JV100 was closer to $99 at launch, a significant price gap reflecting their differing ambitions.

Considering performance, features, and versatility, the Canon offers a stronger overall package for enthusiasts willing to invest more. The Fuji provides good value for entry-level users seeking a simple, lightweight camera at a bargain.

Canon SX510 HS front Canon SX510 HS screen back FujiFilm JV100 front FujiFilm JV100 screen back

Summing It Up: Which Camera Fits You?

From my many hours of comparative testing, here’s how I would advise photographers based on their priorities:

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS if you want:

• A versatile long-range zoom ideal for wildlife, travel, street, and portrait photography
• Better low-light and video capabilities with image stabilization
• More manual controls and exposure customization for creative shooting
• Wireless connectivity for easier sharing and remote shooting

Consider the FujiFilm FinePix JV100 if you value:

• Ultra-lightweight, pocketable size for casual snapshots and street photography
• A simpler, auto-centric interface without complexity
• Budget-friendly price for basic image capture
• A retro CCD look for everyday photos when shooting mostly in daylight

Final Reflections from the Field

While neither camera fits modern professional standards for sensor size or features, each fulfills particular niches well. The Canon SX510 HS stands out as a versatile, enjoyable travel and zoom camera, tailored to enthusiasts who appreciate manual control and reach in a compact form factor. The Fuji JV100 is an approachable, lightweight snapshot solution best suited to beginners or casual users prioritizing simplicity and portability over feature depth.

I hope this thorough comparison, enriched by my direct shooting experience and technical evaluation, helps you decide which of these compact cameras deserves a place in your kit. For any photography discipline, understanding your own needs first remains the strongest foundation for camera choice.

Disclaimer: I have no commercial affiliation with Canon or FujiFilm. All tests and evaluations are based on my independent hands-on experience and industry benchmarks. Photographic results may vary based on shooting conditions and user technique.