Canon SX510 HS vs Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR: In-Depth Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

Choosing a versatile compact superzoom camera can be a bit of a minefield, especially when models like the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and the Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR both promise handy zoom ranges and easy portability. I’ve spent considerable hands-on time with both cameras, pushing them through various photography genres to see where each shines, and where you may find compromises.

In this detailed comparison, we'll explore not just specs, but how these translate into real-world performance for portrait, landscape, wildlife, macro, video, and more. Whether you’re a cheapskate looking for maximum zoom bang for your buck or an enthusiast seeking practical ergonomic benefits, this guide will help you find your perfect match.

Getting a Feel in the Hand: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

Camera feel is often overlooked online but makes a world of difference when using a camera for hours, or trying to get steady shots on the go. Both the SX510 HS and FinePix F500 EXR are compact small-sensor superzooms, but they differ noticeably in size and ergonomics.

Canon SX510 HS measures approximately 104x70x80mm and weighs about 349g with its NB-6LH battery. The Fuji FinePix F500 EXR is considerably slimmer at 104x63x33mm and lighter at 215g.

The SX510 HS’s thicker body with a more pronounced grip encourages confident handling, especially with longer focal lengths (more on that later). Its chunky design gives your thumb a resting place and buttons that don’t feel cramped. The Fuji’s slimmer profile is attractive for pocket carry but can feel less stable when zoomed out or shooting at slow shutter speeds.

On the control front, the Canon offers more traditional dials and buttons - think ISO, mode dial, direct access to exposure compensation - which makes for faster manual adjustments. The Fuji leans more minimalistic; it lacks some physical control bells and whistles, making it slightly fiddlier when you want quick changes. (More on the top layout follows.)

In sum, Canon’s body suits those prioritizing ergonomic comfort, while Fujifilm scores for compact portability.

Top View Details: Handling and Controls

Here, the Canon SX510 HS reveals traditional photographic muscles: a dedicated mode dial with PASM (Program, Aperture, Shutter, Manual) modes. That’s a big plus if you like to take control beyond the point-and-shoot realm.

Conversely, the Fuji F500 EXR’s mode dial is a bit more casual, leaning heavily on automated modes; while manual exposure and priority modes exist, the navigation can feel less intuitive for the manual shooter.

Interestingly, the Canon’s on/off button and shutter release are larger, prompting less fumbling in action shots. The Fujifilm button layout is more condensed with smaller buttons, which might challenge users with larger hands or gloves.

If you’re an enthusiast who enjoys diving into settings on the fly, the Canon SX510 HS is the more friendly partner. For casual shooters who prize lightweight and don’t mind sacrificing quick manual controls, the Fujifilm is still very functional.

Sensor Size and Image Quality Fundamentals

On paper, both cameras sport similar sensor types and sizes - small CMOS sensors measuring approximately 1/2.3" - but subtle differences impact image quality.

• Canon SX510 HS: 12MP effective resolution, DIGIC 4 processor
• Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR: 16MP, EXR CMOS sensor

While megapixels aren’t everything, Fuji’s higher resolution sensor can potentially produce crisper landscapes and allow cropping without ruining detail. The EXR sensor is unique in Fujifilm’s lineup, designed to balance resolution, dynamic range, and low light performance, though this is a 2011 model and technology has aged.

Both cameras max out at ISO 3200 natively, but the Fuji offers an additional boosted ISO mode up to 12800. From testing, higher ISO on both cameras leads to heavy noise and softness typical of small sensors, but Fuji’s boosted ISO modes are mostly for emergencies or creativity, not for high-fidelity professional results.

Color depth and dynamic range (not DXO marked) tend to favor the Fuji slightly due to EXR’s technology, but in practice, the difference is marginal and often overcome by post-processing.

Users shooting landscapes or travel photos where detail matters might find the Fuji edges out subtly in image detail. Canon’s sensor benefits from the newer DIGIC 4 processor, which delivers slightly better noise control and JPEG processing quality.

Display and Interface: The Window to Your Creativity

Both cameras use 3” fixed TFT color LCDs with similar resolution (Canon ~461k vs Fuji ~460k dots). Neither has a touchscreen or electronic viewfinder.

The Canon’s LCD offers good brightness for outdoor use, with a glossy finish that can sometimes reflect, but overall viewing angles are solid. The Fuji’s screen is slightly less vibrant and more prone to reflect glare, making outdoor composition marginally trickier.

Neither camera supports articulating screens, which might disappoint vloggers or macro seekers who need awkward angles. The lack of EVF at this price point is understandable but noticeable, especially in bright sunlight or for precision framing.

In terms of user interface, Canon’s menu system feels cleaner and more logically organized. Fuji’s menu is comprehensive but occasionally jumps around, requiring more button presses to reach your desired settings.

For users prioritizing quick, comfortable live view framing and easy menu navigation, Canon has the edge here.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Now that we’ve dissected core specs, let’s talk about how these cameras perform in the field - across popular photography categories.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Neither camera boasts large sensors or fast lenses that would deliver creamy bokeh or superb shallow depth of field. Their fixed lenses max out at roughly f/3.4-f/5.8 for Canon, and f/3.5-f/5.3 for Fuji, which is typical for superzoom compacts.

However:

• Canon’s longer 30x zoom lens reaching 720mm equivalent gives you closer, tighter portrait compression at a distance, which can sometimes enhance subject separation.

• Fuji’s lens tops out at 360mm equivalent, less reach but slightly faster aperture at wide end.

Both cameras offer face detection autofocus; Canon includes facial AF and eye detection, which I found lock-on reasonably quickly in decent light. Fuji lacks eye detection but does well with contrast detect AF.

Skin tones on Canon lean toward warm, slightly saturated hues, flattering most skin types out of camera. Fuji’s EXR sensor delivers more neutral, sometimes cooler skin tones - great for those who prefer accuracy and plan to tweak colors later.

Neither camera offers RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility - a definite con for portrait pros.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Landscape shots benefit from resolution, dynamic range, and sharp optics.

Fuji’s 16MP output and EXR sensor offer slightly better detail retention and slightly improved dynamic range in practice, especially in well-lit conditions, giving it a slight edge here.

However, Canon’s 30x zoom lens stretches when fully zoomed but performs well at wide focal lengths. Fuji’s lens covers an excellent 24-360mm range, enough for landscapes but not as tight for distant detail.

Neither camera has weather sealing, so cautious shooting in adverse conditions is necessary.

If you want maximized landscape quality in this segment, the Fuji FinePix F500 EXR is marginally the better pick.

Wildlife Photography: Zoom, Autofocus, and Burst Rate

Wildlife demands quick autofocus, long telephoto reach, and fast shooting speeds.

In this race, Canon SX510 HS is the clear winner with its 30x zoom (24-720mm) - double the zoom range of Fuji. That extra reach is invaluable for capturing skittish wildlife from afar.

Autofocus on the Canon uses contrast detect with face detection, and while not blazing fast, it focuses reliably in daylight. Fuji also employs contrast detect but lacks Canon’s face and eye AF, sometimes struggling in variable lighting.

Continuous shooting favors the Canon’s 4 fps over Fuji’s 3 fps, modest difference but helps when capturing action bursts.

Both cameras lack advanced phase detection or animal eye-tracking autofocus, limiting serious wildlife photo opportunities, but for casual shooters, Canon’s zoom and quicker frame rate will provide more satisfying shots.

Sports Photography: Tracking Accuracy and Low Light

Neither camera is designed for serious sports photography, but if you want to capture kids playing or local games:

• Canon’s 4fps shooting speed and decent autofocus tracking make it more capable, although both will fall short compared to dedicated DSLRs or mirrorless.

• Fuji’s slower 3fps and slightly less intuitive controls hamper spontaneous shooting.

For low light, both max out at ISO 3200 natively with relatively soft results due to small sensor sizes.

If sports are a priority for an occasional shooter, Canon is the modestly better choice.

Street Photography: Portability and Discreteness

For street shooting, a smaller, lighter, and discreet camera wins.

Fuji FinePix F500 EXR’s slim 215g body and relatively trim design makes it less conspicuous - a key advantage for candid shots in urban environments.

Canon’s SX510 HS, with bulkier size and pronounced zoom lens, is more visible and might attract unwanted attention.

While Fuji excels in portability, its smaller lens max aperture and slightly slower AF might frustrate some fast-paced street photographers.

Macro Photography: Close Focusing and Image Stabilization

Canon notes a 0 cm macro focusing range, suggesting it can focus extremely close to the lens at the wide end. In real life, it lets you get quite near subjects for flowers or small objects. The optical image stabilization here helps with the shallow DOF challenges of macro by reducing camera shake.

Fujifilm’s macro minimum focus distance is about 5 cm, decent but not as close as Canon.

Both lack specialized macro modes or focus stacking, so while useful for casual macro, neither will replace a dedicated macro lens system.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO and Exposure Capabilities

Small sensor cameras have inherent limits in low light performance. No surprises here:

• Canon SX510 HS capped at ISO 3200 native, max 15-second shutter speed.

• Fujifilm F500 EXR offers boosted ISO 12800 for emergencies but image noise is heavy past 3200 native ISO.

Neither camera has bulb mode, limiting astrophotography potential.

I tested them under streetlight conditions: Canon produced marginally less noisy images, probably due to slightly newer DIGIC processor. Long exposure noise suppression worked similarly on both.

Neither offers RAW, so post-processing options to salvage low light images are limited.

Video Capabilities: Practical Usage and Quality

Both cameras offer Full HD (1920 x 1080) video, but Fuji shoots at 30 fps, Canon at 24 fps.

Fuji’s video codec is standard MPEG-4, Canon with H.264 allows slightly better compression efficiency.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control. Both have built-in optical (Canon) or sensor-shift (Fujifilm) stabilizations that improve handheld recording.

In real use, footage is sharp and smooth up to 1080p, but neither supports 4K recording or advanced video features like log profiles or zebras.

If video is a secondary usage, both suffice for YouTube or family videos but can’t satisfy semi-pro videographers.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Battery life favors Canon’s declared 250 shots per charge (CANON NB-6LH), while Fuji’s NP-50 battery life is unspecified but generally rated slightly lower by users.

Canon’s versatile 30x zoom lens covers most scenarios on trips, from wide architecture shots to distant landmarks or wildlife, meaning fewer lens swaps and less gear.

Fuji’s lighter build is a bonus when trekking or flying light, but its shorter zooms might prompt carrying additional lenses or accessories.

Both cameras accept SD cards and offer USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged construction. Neither is splash proof or freeze resistant.

This is standard for budget compacts but a caveat if you shoot in harsh environments.

If weather resistance is paramount, you’ll have to look elsewhere or invest in protective housing.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

• Canon SX510 HS: NB-6LH battery rated ~250 shots; SD/SDHC/SDXC memory compatible; built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer; mini-HDMI; USB 2.0 connection.

• Fujifilm F500 EXR: NP-50 battery with unknown exact capacity but generally less; also uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; lacks wireless connectivity; mini HDMI and USB 2.0.

From my testing, Canon’s Wi-Fi connectivity provides straightforward image transfer to phones and computers, a real convenience for social media sharers and travelers.

Fuji's lack of wireless means direct cable connection is necessary - an inconvenience in today’s wireless world.

Price-to-Performance: Value Judgement

• Canon SX510 HS: Approx $249 street price
• Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR: Around $430 new or moderately used

It’s clear Canon SX510 HS offers more bang for the buck if wild zoom range and wireless convenience matter most. Fujifilm demands a significant premium, justified by higher sensor resolution, slightly better image quality, and lighter form factor.

For the budget-conscious or those prioritizing zoom reach without breaking the bank, Canon makes perfect sense.

If image quality trumps zoom and your budget allows, Fuji's EXR tech and compact design are compelling.

Quick Summary: Where Each Camera Shines

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS

Pros:

• Extensive 30x zoom (24–720mm)
• Better ergonomics and handling for longer shoots
• Good manual control dials and buttons
• Face and eye detection autofocus
• Built-in Wi-Fi for easy image sharing
• Longer battery life and rugged physical grip

Cons:

• Lower sensor resolution (12MP)
• Heavier and bulkier body
• No RAW support
• Limited video features and no microphone input

Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR

Pros:

• Higher resolution 16MP EXR sensor
• Lighter, slimmer, more pocketable
• Slightly better image quality and dynamic range
• Boosted ISO modes for low light emergencies
• Decent optical performance at wide to medium zoom (24–360mm)

Cons:

• Shorter 15x zoom range
• No wireless connectivity
• Lacks eye detection autofocus
• Less ergonomic control layout
• No RAW, limited video specs

How These Cameras Stack Up in Different Photography Types

Both cameras sit firmly in the amateur superzoom compact class, but their relative strengths cater to different users:

• Portraits: Canon preferred for AF eye-detection and zoom flexibility
• Landscapes: Fuji edges out due to higher resolution and sensor tech
• Wildlife: Canon’s 30x zoom outclasses Fuji’s shorter reach
• Sports: Canon slightly better with faster continuous shooting
• Street: Fuji favored for portability and stealth
• Macro: Canon’s closer focusing and OIS is advantageous
• Night/Astro: Both limited, Fuji’s boosted ISO interesting but noisy
• Video: Roughly equal, minor differences in FPS and codec
• Travel: Fuji easy to carry; Canon covers more versatility
• Professional Use: Neither for pros; limited by no RAW & small sensors

Sample Images from Each Camera

In side-by-side comparisons under varied lighting, the Fuji produces a bit more detail in textures and landscape shots, especially in daylight. The Canon excels with longer telephoto shots and warmer color rendition in portraits.

Noise at high ISO and dynamic range are roughly on par, with neither camera designed for demanding professional quality.

Overall Performance Ratings

The Canon SX510 HS scores higher in zoom capability, ergonomics, autofocus, battery life, and wireless. Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR scores best on resolution, image detail, and portability.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Pick?

If you’re a photography enthusiast or a semi-serious content creator on a modest budget seeking flexibility and comfortable handling with strong zoom reach, the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS is your pal. Its intuitive control layout, wireless transfer, and good telephoto performance make it a practical all-round travel and everyday camera.

On the other hand, if image quality and compactness top your priority list and you don’t mind spending a bit more and sacrificing zoom range and wireless, the Fuji FinePix F500 EXR edge gives you richer detail and a lighter companion for city streets or nature hikes.

My Personal Take

Having walked countless trails and packed cameras into unexpected situations, I personally prefer the Canon SX510 HS for travel and wildlife due to zoom and controls. However, if I were focused on crisp landscapes and informal street shooting in good light, the Fuji’s compactness and resolution appeal.

Whichever you pick, remember these are cameras designed to trade advanced features for all-in-one simplicity - perfect if you want easy grab-and-go versatility without swapping lenses or complex menus.

Choose based on which strengths best fit your typical shooting habits and forget about chasing specs alone. That’s when a compact camera becomes your reliable creative partner.

Safe shooting out there!

If you've enjoyed this detailed side-by-side, let me know which camera you prefer or if you want a follow-up on lenses or accessories compatibility for these models.