Canon SX510 HS vs. Fujifilm FinePix A150: The Insider's Take on Two Compact Companions

Choosing a compact camera these days means navigating a sea of options, from high-zoom travel zooms to no-frills point-and-shoots. In my years of hands-on experience with hundreds of compact cameras, the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and Fujifilm FinePix A150 occupy distinct niches despite their shared compact form factor. Today we'll dive deep into their specs, performance, and real-world usefulness - so you can decide which suits your photographic journey best.

On the Outside: Size, Feel, and Ergonomics

First impressions matter, and in compact cameras, size and handling can make or break the experience. The Canon SX510 HS and Fujifilm A150 present two very different physical profiles.

The SX510 HS feels like a heftier, more substantial take on the compact concept - dimensions of 104x70x80 mm and a weight near 350 g give it a reassuring grip with its moderately pronounced handgrip. This makes longer shoots and more deliberate framing less fatiguing. In contrast, the Fuji A150 is noticeably smaller and lighter (92x61x22 mm and 130 g), making it extremely pocketable but also less comfortable for extended use, especially if you have larger hands.

Looking at control layout and top-panel design reveals more about each camera’s target user.

Canon’s top view includes dedicated zoom and shutter buttons, a mode dial, and a straightforward exposure compensation dial - quite ambitious for a camera in this price and size class. The Fuji opts for simplicity, with more limited control options and fewer manual overrides.

In practice, I found the SX510 HS’s body ergonomics and control layout more suited for photographers who want to be involved in the creative process. The Fujifilm A150, while intuitive for beginners, felt too minimalistic once I wanted more control or precision in exposure settings.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras feature 1/2.3” sensors with similar physical dimensions (6.17 x 4.55 mm), yet their sensor technologies differ significantly.

Canon’s SX510 HS uses a CMOS sensor with a 12-megapixel resolution, while the Fujifilm A150 employs a 10-megapixel CCD sensor. The difference in sensor type is more than just marketing lingo - CMOS sensors tend to offer better noise performance, faster readout speeds, and more efficient power use, while CCDs historically excel in color rendition but lag in low light.

In my testing, the SX510 HS delivered noticeably sharper images with better dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The 30x optical zoom (24-720 mm equivalent) is a standout feature for travel and wildlife photography, providing versatile framing without switching lenses. The A150’s modest 3x zoom (36-107 mm equivalent) limits creative framing options and reach, feeling restrictive even for casual snapshooting.

Color reproduction on the Fuji retained that classic CCD warmth but sometimes rendered images with slightly muted contrast. Canon’s Digic 4 processor enhanced color vibrancy and clarity but occasionally produced mild oversaturation - easily fixable in post. Both cameras employ anti-alias filters to reduce moiré but at the cost of ultimate sharpness.

For landscape enthusiasts seeking fine detail and rich tonal gradations, the SX510 HS’s higher resolution and sensor tech are clear advantages. I observed more shadow detail retention and cleaner highlights during sunset shoots with the Canon.

Screens and Viewfinding: Composing Your Shots

Neither camera sports an optical or electronic viewfinder, instead relying on rear LCDs for framing and live view.

Both models feature 3-inch fixed TFT LCD screens, but the Canon boasts a sharper 461k-dot resolution compared to the Fujifilm’s 230k-dot display. The difference is palpable: the SX510 HS screen is brighter, more responsive, and easier to compose with in daylight.

Fujifilm’s screen feels dated, with less accurate color rendition and limited viewing angles, which I found frustrating on sunny outings. Canon’s interface benefits from a more modern processor-driven menu system, and its live view autofocus with face detection operates faster and more reliably in daily use.

Neither camera offers touchscreen control or articulating displays, which limits flexibility in awkward angles or street photography scenarios.

Autofocus, Shooting Speed, and Performance Under Pressure

In fast-paced photographic scenarios such as sports or wildlife, autofocus speed and continuous shooting are vital.

The Canon SX510 HS features contrast-detection AF with one focus point but includes face detection and AF tracking - tools that boost AF accuracy and subject retention. The camera supports 4 fps continuous shooting, suitable for stationary subjects but insufficient for capturing rapid bursts in decisive moments.

The Fuji A150’s AF system is contrast-detection only with no tracking or face detection, and continuous shooting is not specified nor available, making it unsuitable for anything beyond casual snapshots.

In practice, the SX510 HS gained the edge in wildlife shooting conditions, efficiently locking focus on birds in trees and runners on the track under ample light. However, in lower light, focusing lag was evident in both cameras, with Fuji faltering earlier due to the lack of stabilization and lower ISO sensitivity.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Shooting

Image stabilization can dramatically improve handheld photography at slower shutter speeds, especially when using superzoom lenses.

Canon includes optical image stabilization in the SX510 HS, which I found effective up to roughly 1/15 second shutter speeds at telephoto focal lengths. This makes handheld shooting much more practical without tripod support. The Fujifilm A150 lacks any form of image stabilization, increasing the risk of blur at lower shutter speeds, especially at maximum zoom.

Regarding ISO sensitivity, Canon's maximum of ISO 3200 (native) versus Fujifilm’s ISO 1600 ceiling offers Canon valuable flexibility in low-light scenarios. In daylight, both provide ample room for clean images, but when the sun dips or you’re indoors, Canon’s sensor and processing system retain image integrity far better.

Macro Photography and Close-Up Work

Macro capabilities depend on minimum focusing distances and magnification power. Canon’s SX510 HS offers a near-zero macro focus range (0 cm, essentially letting you focus very close to the lens), while the Fuji A150 has a minimum macro focusing distance of 5 cm.

I tested both on small objects - Canon’s ability to focus extremely close resulted in sharper and more detailed shots of flowers and insects, with noticeable bokeh rendering due to its lens aperture design. Fuji struggled with autofocus hunts at close distances, and images appeared softer due to sensor and lens design constraints.

Optical stabilization in the Canon also helped avoid blur in handheld macro shots, a boon for casual nature photographers or hobbyists.

Video Quality and Features

If video recording intrigues you, the SX510 HS shoots Full HD 1080p at 24 fps with H.264 compression. It includes HDMI output for clean playback but lacks microphone and headphone ports, limiting professional audio capture.

Fujifilm’s A150 maxes out at VGA (640 x 480) at 30 fps with Motion JPEG format, rendering it more of a novelty feature than something serious videographers would consider.

In the field, Canon’s video footage was noticeably sharper and less noisy, with smoother autofocus during recording, despite having no external mic option. Fuji's video felt grainy and soft by comparison, only adequate for casual recording.

Battery Life, Connectivity, and Storage

Battery longevity can influence shooting day success, and here again, these two diverge.

Canon powers the SX510 HS with a proprietary NB-6LH battery pack rated for 250 shots per charge under CIPA standards. This is average but sufficient for a short day's use, especially if you carry a backup battery.

The Fujifilm A150’s battery specifics weren’t published, but from my experience, the lighter camera relies on internal rechargeable batteries likely designed for casual, low-frequency shooting.

Connectivity-wise, Canon includes built-in wireless connectivity and an HDMI port for image transfer and external display. Fujifilm provides only USB 2.0 with no wireless options, implying manual cable connections for image downloading.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (Canon) or SD/SDHC cards and internal memory (Fujifilm), offering typical storage flexibility.

Weather Resistance and Build Quality

Neither camera is environmental-sealed or ruggedized. The SX510 HS has a plastic and metal build with moderate durability but no dust or water resistance. The A150’s extremely compact form carries minimal weather protection, limiting use in harsh conditions.

If you shoot outdoors frequently, this means carrying protective gear or umbrellas to safeguard the cameras.

Real-World Use and Image Samples

I took both cameras out on a mixed day hike, urban stroll, and backyard wildlife session to see how they perform in typical use cases.

Canon SX510 HS front Canon SX510 HS screen back Fujifilm A150 front Fujifilm A150 screen back

The SX510 HS impressed with its long reach and image sharpness far from any tripod. Portraits benefited from decent skin tone rendition and face detection AF, although bokeh quality was modest given the small sensor and lens aperture. Street shots were easy to compose with the brighter rear LCD.

In contrast, the Fuji A150 served as a lightweight and instant 'grab-and-go' tool but showed softness in detail, limited reach, and slower AF - perfectly fine for casual family snaps but frustrating for anything more ambitious.

Specialized Photography Performance at a Glance

To sum up their strengths and weaknesses across photography disciplines, I scored the cameras based on standard evaluation criteria:

Further dissecting genre-specific capabilities:

• Portrait: Canon's face detection, higher resolution, and stabilization edge out Fuji’s more basic setup.
• Landscape: The SX510 HS’s superior dynamic range and resolution better capture wide tonal scopes.
• Wildlife: Canon’s 30x zoom and AF tracking notably outperform Fujifilm’s 3x zoom and static AF.
• Sports: Neither camera is ideally suited, but Canon’s 4 fps burst gives it a slight advantage.
• Street: Fujifilm’s small size wins portability; Canon trades some compactness for better control.
• Macro: Canon pulls ahead with close focusing and stabilization.
• Night/Astro: Canon’s improved ISO range and sensor technology handle low light better.
• Video: Canon’s Full HD capability vastly surpasses Fuji’s VGA.
• Travel: Canon offers more versatility but at the cost of size and weight.
• Professional Use: Neither is fully professional grade, but Canon's feature set better supports semi-pro workflows.

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

If you prioritize reach, image quality, manual controls, and video capabilities, the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS is clearly the superior choice. It strikes a nice balance between portability and creative freedom for travel, wildlife, and diverse photographic uses. Its optical image stabilization and extensive zoom unlock possibilities that tiny compacts rarely offer.

By contrast, the Fujifilm FinePix A150 caters to ultra-light travelers and casual photographers who want a no-hassle device for snapshots and quick sharing without fuss. Its simple interface and tiny footprint make it ideal for beginner shooters or as a secondary pocket camera.

Practical advice:

• If you often find yourself wishing for more zoom or sharper images, invest in the Canon SX510 HS.
• If pocketability and lightweight simplicity outweigh everything else, and your budget is tight, the Fuji A150 remains a decent compact.
• Neither camera supports RAW, so heavy post-processing options are limited.
• For sports or wildlife enthusiasts seeking professional-level performance at fast action or low light, these are entry-level options at best.

Closing Thoughts: Balancing Expectations and Experience

Throughout my testing arsenal, these two cameras reflect different eras and user philosophies. The Canon SX510 HS, announced in 2013, came at a time when superzoom compacts were pushing the limits of versatility in small bodies. The Fujifilm A150, dating back to 2009, embodies a simpler, budget-friendly approach to compact photography.

Both have their charm and place in a photographer’s toolkit - I always say the best camera is the one you enjoy using regularly. Knowing what each does well and where it compromises empowers you to make that choice wisely.

I encourage readers to consider your personal shooting style, subjects, and portability needs before deciding. Hands-on time is invaluable, so if possible, testing these models in-store or renting can provide staggering clarity on which camera aligns with your photographic vision.

If you want to dive deeper into specialized workflows or more advanced compact cameras, feel free to reach out for tailored advice. Meanwhile, happy shooting!