Canon SX520 HS vs Fujifilm HS35EXR: A Hands-On, Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right superzoom camera can be a little like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Both the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and the Fujifilm FinePix HS35EXR promise versatile zoom ranges and DSLR-like control in compact packages, but their differences run deeper than specs sheets. Having extensively tested both models across various photography disciplines, let’s dive into an in-depth comparison - examining everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, real-world autofocus, video, and more - so you can pick the right camera to fuel your creative journey.

First Impressions: Size, Shape & Handling

When considering any camera, the physical feel and design are foundational. After all, you want a model that feels natural in your hands, facilitates quick access to controls, and balances portability with robustness.

• Canon SX520 HS: Compact and pocketable, this model sports a modest 120x82x92mm frame weighing just 441g. It’s easy to carry around on travel shoots and street photography walks. The grip is reserved but ergonomic enough for casual use.
• Fujifilm HS35EXR: With a bulkier 131x97x126mm dimension and 687g weight, this bridge-style camera mimics the heft and grip of mid-range DSLRs, lending a more substantial, confident feel in hand. Its SLR-like body means you'll have dedicated dials and buttons closer at hand, appealing to those who prioritize control over compactness.

Ergonomically, the HS35EXR feels more like a tool designed for deliberate shooting sessions, while the SX520 HS leans toward grab-and-go convenience.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive Operation Matters

How you interact with a camera shapes your creative flow. We spent time assessing the control placements and their usability in diverse shooting scenarios.

• The Fujifilm HS35EXR features a more traditional layout with a dedicated mode dial, two control dials, and more physical buttons. This translates into quicker exposure adjustments without diving into menus, a boon for enthusiast photographers and those who like manual control.
• The Canon SX520 HS has a simpler top plate dominated by a mode dial with fewer dedicated dials, relying more on menus for setting finer parameters. This design fits beginners but might feel limiting for professionals who need rapid setting tweaks.

If you value tactile control and shooting efficiency, the HS35EXR excels. The SX520 HS is designed with accessibility in mind.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

At the core of every camera is the sensor, dictating much about image quality - resolution, dynamic range, low-light ability, and color rendition.

Key insight: The Fujifilm’s EXR CMOS sensor is slightly larger and includes advanced tech that can boost ISO sensitivity to 12800, albeit at some noise trade-offs. It also supports RAW capture, a critical feature for professionals who want full control over post-processing. The Canon SX520 HS, in contrast, does not support RAW, limiting post-shoot flexibility.

In daily use, the Fujifilm tends to deliver slightly cleaner images in low light due to its boosted ISO capability and sensor design. Both cameras capture richly detailed 16MP images adequate for prints up to 11x14 inches. The Canon’s lack of RAW could frustrate advanced shooters, though JPEG output is respectable for beginners and casual photographers.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Seeing Your Shot

Playback and composition are greatly influenced by screen quality and viewfinder presence - and here the cameras differ distinctly.

• The Canon SX520 HS has a fixed 3-inch LCD with 461k-dot resolution. It doesn’t offer touchscreen or articulation, which limits composing at odd angles.
• The Fujifilm HS35EXR sports a 3-inch tilting TFT LCD (460k-dot) with ‘Sunny Day mode’ brightness boost. Its 100% coverage electronic viewfinder, absent on the Canon, is a major plus for precision framing especially under bright sunlight.

The electronic viewfinder on the HS35EXR will appeal to photographers shooting in harsh conditions or those accustomed to DSLR-style framing. The Canon’s fixed LCD is simpler but diminishes compositional flexibility in certain scenarios.

Lens and Zoom: Flexibility at Distance

Superzoom cameras are prized for their ability to cover vast focal ranges without swapping lenses. Let’s compare the optical zoom and aperture ranges:

The Canon SX520 HS’s 42x zoom is exceptional, reaching beyond 1000mm equivalent focal length, making it well suited for extreme telephoto needs in birding or distant sports events. However, this comes with a slower aperture at telephoto (f/6.0), meaning less light-gathering ability.

The Fujifilm HS35EXR offers a slightly shorter maximum reach at 720mm but pairs this with a faster f/2.8 aperture at wide angle. The wider aperture helps in low light and allows for more background separation and a shallower depth of field in wide-angle shots.

The built-in optical image stabilization on both cameras is crucial, especially at the long end of the zoom range to minimize blur.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Never Miss the Moment

Modern photography demands quick and accurate autofocus and burst capabilities, especially for wildlife and sports.

The Fujifilm’s 11 frames-per-second burst shooting speed surpasses the Canon’s modest 2fps by a wide margin. This makes the HS35EXR far better suited to capturing fast action and fleeting moments.

Autofocus on both cameras uses contrast detection, with face detection active, but neither has sophisticated phase detection or animal eye AF. The result is decent performance in well-lit, deliberate shots, but a struggle with fast-moving subjects or low-contrast environments.

For wildlife or sports enthusiasts, the Fujifilm’s faster burst rate means more keepers when action unfolds unpredictably.

Low Light and High ISO Performance

Low light performance can make or break your shooting experience indoors or at night.

• Canon SX520 HS maxes out at ISO 3200 but lacks boosted ISO or RAW support, limiting flexibility in noisy situations.
• Fujifilm HS35EXR has an ISO range of 100-3200, expandable to 12800 with software boost, and crucially supports RAW capture for noise reduction in post.

Your results will generally be better on the Fujifilm in dim conditions, thanks to that extended ISO and RAW file flexibility - but noise will still increase significantly beyond ISO 3200, so it’s wise to use a tripod or external lighting when possible.

Video Capabilities: Capture Your World in Motion

Both cameras offer Full HD video at 1080p/30fps, but what about extras?

• Neither camera supports 4K or slow motion.
• Both use H.264 compression with MPEG-4.
• Neither includes external mic or headphone jacks, limiting audio quality control.
• Image stabilization is active during video shooting on both.

While video on these cameras is serviceable for casual use or social media clips, serious videographers will feel the limitations quickly. The Fujifilm offers a tilting screen helpful for vlogging or creative angles, giving it a slight edge.

Battery Life and Storage

Practical shooting means considering how long you can shoot and how you store your photos.

The Fujifilm’s battery life nearly triples that of the Canon, making it far more suitable for long shoots, events, or travel where charging access is limited.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged construction features. Both are best used in fair weather or with protective gear outdoors.

Special Features and Creative Modes

• The Fujifilm HS35EXR supports auto shutter release modes optimized for pets, which photographers with dogs or cats might find handy.
• It also offers bracketing for exposure and white balance, supporting creative HDR photography.
• The Canon SX520 HS offers a simpler user experience without bracketing options or pet-specific modes.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Let’s map each camera’s strengths and weaknesses to popular photography types.

Real-World Sample Images

Seeing is believing. We snapped a variety of scenes with both cameras under controlled conditions.

Canon SX520 HS front Canon SX520 HS screen back Fujifilm HS35EXR front Fujifilm HS35EXR screen back

Notice the richer shadow detail and more flexibility for color grading in the Fujifilm’s RAW workflow, compared to Canon’s JPEGs straight from the camera. The Canon's longer zoom captures distant subjects in landscape and wildlife with noticeable reach but slightly softer edges at max zoom.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings

We evaluated both for key performance metrics vital to enthusiasts and pros.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS if:

• You want a compact, lightweight pocket superzoom with extraordinary 42× zoom for reach.
• You primarily shoot in good light, and post-processing flexibility is less critical.
• You prefer a simpler camera that’s easy to carry and use casually.
• Budget constraints favor a lower price point (~$220 street price).
• You want to capture travel moments without bulk.

Opt for the Fujifilm FinePix HS35EXR if:

• You need faster continuous shooting for action, sports, or wildlife.
• RAW file support and extended ISO ranges are important for image quality and editing.
• You want DSLR-style ergonomics and more manual control at your fingertips.
• Longer battery life fits your shooting style.
• You utilize macro or pet portrait modes, and bracketing for creative flexibility.
• You don’t mind added size and weight for enhanced capability.

Final Thoughts: Aligning Gear with Your Creative Vision

Neither camera is a full professional-level interchangeable lens system, but both offer superzoom convenience with varying priorities.

• The Canon SX520 HS is a pocketable travel and casual superzoom, ideal for photographers prioritizing reach and ease.
• The Fujifilm HS35EXR delivers more advanced controls, image quality enhancement, and faster shooting, appealing to more serious enthusiasts and beginners ready to grow their skills.

I recommend you handle both cameras if possible. Feel their ergonomics, try out zoom and focus speeds, and imagine your photography style. Your tools should empower your vision without compromise.

Pro Tips for Getting the Most from Either Camera

• Use a monopod or tripod at full zoom for sharper shots.
• Learn manual modes to unlock creative exposure control.
• Explore different aspect ratios and scene settings.
• Invest in a high-speed SD card to maximize burst shooting responsiveness.
• For the Fujifilm, experiment with RAW editing software to reduce noise and enhance details.
• Recognize limitations in low light and consider external lighting or flash where needed.

Ready to explore these cameras further? Check out detailed user manuals, online sample galleries, and retailer hands-on demos. Both models are accessible entry points to superzoom photography, each with strengths that can broaden your creative possibilities.

This side-by-side comparison equips you with technical insights, real-world assessments, and practical advice from extensive hands-on testing - ensuring your next camera choice fits your artistic ambitions perfectly. Happy shooting!