Canon SX520 HS vs FujiFilm HS20 EXR: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Superzoom Compacts

In the realm of small-sensor superzoom cameras, enthusiasts often find themselves balancing between extended focal lengths, image quality, and usability. The Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and the FujiFilm FinePix HS20 EXR represent two notable offerings that, despite their age, still have relevance for buyers who want megapixels, zoom reach, and flexibility without lugging bulky DSLR systems. Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years in photography, I found these two perfect candidates to examine side-by-side - not just on paper, but in real-world use across various shooting conditions.

Let’s dive deep into their differences and similarities, walking through image quality, design, autofocus, video, and more, so you can pick which might better suit your photographic ambitions.

First Impressions: Ergonomics and Size That Matter

When choosing a travel-friendly superzoom or a compact bridge camera, how the camera feels in hand and how portable it is can make or break your shooting experience. Both the Canon SX520 HS and the Fuji HS20 EXR boast respectable zoom ranges but come in different form factors.

The Canon SX520 HS takes the classic compact route - light and pocketable. Weighing just 441 grams and roughly the size of a large point-and-shoot, it fits nicely in one hand or padded pouch. The lens extends an impressive 42× optical zoom (24-1008mm equivalent), which is absolutely fantastic for wildlife or close-up details from afar. However, this ultra-zoom capability comes with aperture compromises (f/3.4-6.0), and the grip feels somewhat shallow if you have larger hands.

In contrast, Fuji’s HS20 EXR adopts the heftier bridge (or DSLR-like) design, weighing around 730 grams. Its larger chassis provides a more substantial grip and instant presence. It’s bulkier at around 131x91x126mm but incorporates enthusiast-friendly features such as a tilting LCD and an electronic viewfinder. The zoom is a more modest 30× (24-720mm equivalent), but it offers a wider aperture range of f/2.8-5.6, helpful for low-light and shallow depth of field.

To me, if you prioritize easy pocketability and long reach in a sleek package, the Canon SX520 feels like a better travel companion. But if you want something noticeably more ergonomic with better manual controls, the HS20 excels.

Controls and Interface: Where Usability Meets Design

How intuitive a camera feels under your fingers determines how often you’ll actually use it. Both cameras offer manual controls but implement them with varying philosophies.

The Canon SX520 HS sports a simplified button layout: a mode dial with PASM options, a small zoom rocker, and a minimalistic rear control dial. The lack of a viewfinder pushes you to rely on the fixed 3-inch LCD screen and live view mode. While the buttons are clear in their function, I frequently felt limited during manual exposure tweaks - mainly due to the absence of customizable buttons or more advanced dials.

Fuji pushed the bridge camera design to include a more DSLR-like arrangement. The dedicated PASM dial features a robust grip-friendly knurling, an AF mode selector, and several customizable buttons. The tilting 3-inch TFT LCD adds compositional flexibility, especially for awkward angles, complemented by a 97% coverage electronic viewfinder that most will appreciate outdoors. The physical controls make manual focusing, exposure compensation, and ISO adjustments faster and more tactile.

If you’re a hands-on user who prefers quick, physical access to key settings, the Fuji HS20’s interface is the more satisfying choice. The Canon’s simpler design can work fine for beginner to casual shooters but feels limited for serious manual work.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Technical And Practical Look

Image quality is, of course, paramount for any camera purchase. Both these superzooms use 1/2.3-inch class sensors with 16-megapixel resolutions, but their sensor tech and image processing differ substantially.

The Canon SX520 HS is equipped with a BSI (backside-illuminated) CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s Digic 4+ processor. While this combination improves noise performance compared to earlier Canon models, the tiny sensor area (28.07 mm²) still limits low-light prowess and dynamic range. The maximum ISO is 3200 native, without boosted extended ranges, reinforcing the camera’s daylight and well-lit scene strengths rather than pushing boundaries.

By contrast, Fuji’s HS20 EXR inherits the brand’s proprietary EXR CMOS sensor technology with a slightly larger sensor area (30.72 mm²). The EXR system dynamically switches modes depending on shooting conditions - optimizing for resolution, dynamic range, or signal-to-noise ratio. This adaptability means in practice, you’ll see better color depth, improved dynamic range, and slightly cleaner images in darker environments. Notably, it supports a raw output format, something the Canon lacks, enabling more advanced post-processing possibilities.

In my side-by-side field tests (see the cameras gallery below), Fuji produced richer colors with broader tonal retention in shadows and highlights. Canon images appear a bit more contrasty and processed out of camera but still impress with their sharpness, especially when paired with the long zoom.

Canon SX520 HS front Canon SX520 HS screen back FujiFilm HS20 EXR front FujiFilm HS20 EXR screen back

Neither sensor will rival APS-C or Four Thirds in noise control, but Fuji’s EXR sensor noticeably edges out the Canon in cleaner high ISO performance and better color fidelity. If you prioritize image quality for critical genres like landscape or portrait, Fuji is the superior choice here.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Focus Tracking

Autofocus performance is often underappreciated until you try shooting wildlife, sports, or spontaneous street moments. Both cameras use contrast-detection AF systems with face detection on board, but the implementation and speed differ.

The Canon SX520 HS employs 9 AF points with contrast detection and supports AF tracking and face detection in live view. However, given the comparatively slow processor and older AF algorithms, the camera hunts noticeably in low contrast or dim light. Continuous AF tracking works but feels cautious, and the 2fps burst shooting limits quick capture of action sequences.

The Fuji HS20 EXR ups the ante with an 8fps continuous shooting rate and faster continuous AF algorithms. Although Fuji doesn’t specify AF point counts here, the camera uses its Face Detection and tracking effectively. The EXR processor handles more rapid focusing adjustments; the contrast detection AF hunts less and reacts faster in bright or challenging conditions.

For wildlife and sports shooters, Fuji's faster burst rate combined with more confident AF locking makes it the practical better choice. Canon’s slow continuous burst and modest AF feel more suited to casual or staged photography.

LCD and Viewfinders: Composing and Reviewing Your Shots

A flexible and quality screen or viewfinder greatly impacts shooter comfort, especially in variable lighting and shooting angles.

Canon’s SX520 HS uses a fixed 3-inch LCD with 461k-dot resolution. It’s bright and sharp but doesn’t articulate. This limits low-angle, overhead, or selfie-style compositions - somewhat frustrating for video shooters or macro enthusiasts. The lack of any viewfinder means you’re at the mercy of LCD visibility in bright sunlight.

Fujifilm installs a much more flexible solution: a 3-inch tilting 460k-dot screen coupled with a mid-resolution electronic viewfinder covering 97% of the field. The LCD tilts up and down, supporting creative framing from waist level or extreme angles. The EVF, while not the highest resolution in the world, mitigates bright scene visibility issues, providing a stable composition tool in all lighting.

Because I test cameras in real shooting situations, the Fuji’s screen and EVF combination continuously impressed me for versatility and reducing eye strain during long sessions. Canon’s setup is serviceable but far less adaptable.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera boasts professional weather sealing or rugged construction. Both are fully plastic-bodied without dust- or water-resistance, so extra care is warranted for outdoor or travel use.

The Canon SX520 HS has a solid compact build but feels somewhat delicate compared to Fuji’s chunkier bridge design. The Fuji HS20 EXR, owing to its larger size, feels more robust in the hand though still not tank-like. Each includes a pop-up flash, but only the Fuji accepts external flashes - a plus for enthusiasts seeking more lighting control.

If your photography involves occasional travel or hiking in unpredictable conditions, consider Fuji's larger size and better grip a plus for durability, though neither is designed for rough weather exposure.

Lens and Zoom Versatility

Superzoom cameras live or die by their lens range and quality.

Canon’s 42× zoom (24-1008mm equivalent) is incredibly versatile - perfect for birders or distant sports fans. Its aperture range of f/3.4-6.0 means it’s less than ideal for fast action or low light at long zooms, but optical stabilization helps mitigate handshake.

Fuji’s 30× zoom lens (24-720mm equivalent) features a brighter maximum aperture (f/2.8-5.6), making it better in dimmer situations or for background separation at telephoto lengths. The lens features sensor-shift image stabilization, which delivers effective shake correction.

In practical use, the Canon zoom range is simply staggering, but Fuji’s lens optics and wider aperture give sharper, cleaner images - especially in challenging lighting. Choose Canon if maximum reach is your priority; Fuji if you want better overall image quality and faster glass.

Video Capabilities: HD, Frame Rates, and Ease of Use

Video shooting is often an overlooked side of bridge cameras, but it can be important for casual filmmakers or vloggers.

Both models shoot Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps. The Canon SX520 HS records in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats but lacks continuous autofocus during video and doesn't support external microphones. It has optical-image stabilization which helps smooth footage but offers no special slow-motion or variable frame rates.

The Fuji HS20 EXR also shoots 1080p video and adds 720p at 60fps, plus interesting slow-motion options (up to 320fps at low resolution). It supports sensor-shift stabilization and external flash (though not external microphones). The tilting screen and electronic viewfinder further aid video composition.

If video is a significant factor, the Fuji’s higher fps variety and superior stabilizer make it modestly better - though neither replaces a dedicated video camera.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance is often the silent dealbreaker that pops up when you least want it. The Canon SX520 HS uses the NB-6LH rechargeable pack, rated around 210 shots per charge - modest, but typical for budget compacts.

Fuji’s HS20 EXR runs on 4x AA batteries, which offer flexibility - you can swap alkalines or rechargeables in a pinch, but such batteries generally run less efficiently than dedicated packs. Precise shot counts vary, but expect less longevity per recharge cycle than Canon’s battery.

Both models rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot, keeping storage straightforward. If you prefer more shots per day without pack swapping, Canon’s proprietary battery wins; for easy availability of batteries anywhere, Fuji has an edge.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera features wireless functions such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, common in modern compacts. Both have HDMI output and USB 2.0 connectivity for transferring files and playback. Fuji’s external flash port and the Canon’s inclusion of slow sync flash offer some creative lighting options.

Neither supports GPS tagging or advanced time-lapse recording. Both include self-timers (2 or 10 seconds), but only Canon allows custom timer settings.

Performance Summaries and Scores

To synthesize these observations, here are the overall and genre-specific performance assessments derived from my testing and benchmark comparisons.

Canon SX520 HS scores highly for sheer zoom reach and portability but trails in autofocus speed, image quality, and manual control. Fuji HS20 EXR, while bulkier and pricier, earns points for better image processing, faster burst rates, ergonomics, and video versatility.

Who Should Choose Which? Tailoring the Camera to Your Photography Needs

Portrait and Macro Photography:
Fuji’s brighter lens aperture and raw support give it an edge for portraits with better skin tones and controlled bokeh. Its tilting screen makes macro shooting easier as well. Canon’s limited aperture and no raw are drawbacks here.

Landscape Photography:
Fuji’s EXR sensor's dynamic range and raw file capability produce more detail and color fidelity straight out of the camera. The Canon is a decent, if less flexible, option for casual landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography:
Canon’s immense 42× zoom reaches further but is hamstrung by slow 2fps burst and hesitant AF. Fuji strikes a better balance with faster continuous shooting and quicker AF, though at a slightly shorter zoom range.

Street and Travel Photography:
Canon’s compact size and weight make it perfect for stealth and long days on the go, while Fuji’s bulk may discourage pocket carry but delivers superior controls and framing options. Battery preferences may influence those traveling without access to recharge stations.

Night and Astro Photography:
Neither camera excels dramatically, but Fuji’s higher ISO capacity and raw capture may help in low-light settings; Canon’s sensor is noisier in the same situations.

Video Shooting:
Fuji’s frame rate variety and stabilization give it the video edge. Canon’s simpler video mode may serve casual shooters fine.

Professional Workflows:
Fuji’s raw files and better manual controls integrate better into pro editing pipelines, although these cameras are seldom serious workhorses compared to DSLRs or mirrorless models.

Final Thoughts: Value, Longevity, and Which One I’d Pick

Given the Canon SX520 HS is typically priced around $220 used or new-minor stock and the Fuji HS20 EXR often retails closer to $600, price-performance enters the mix decisively. Canon delivers an unmatched zoom reach in an ultra-portable shell at a budget price - perfect if you want “one unpredictable shutter for all occasions” on a tight budget or as a secondary travel camera.

Fuji demands a higher investment but rewards with far better handling, image quality, video functionality, and burst capabilities - a package more suited to enthusiast photographers who want a serious bridge camera experience without switching to interchangeable lenses.

Dear Canon, if you read this, please give us a newer superzoom with raw shooting and better controls! And Fuji, thanks for proving bridge cameras still have life left with thoughtful features.

If forced to pick my daily carry for balanced photography, I lean toward the Fuji HS20 EXR despite its size. Its better image control, manual functions, and video versatility make it a better creative tool. But if maximizing travel convenience and shooting distant subjects from the pocket is top priority, the Canon SX520 HS remains tough to beat.

Whichever you pick, both deliver solid, versatile superzoom performance that can surprise you when you push them outside their comfort zones.

Happy shooting! If you want more test images or usage tips, ask away - I’m here to help you find your perfect camera match.