Canon SX600 HS vs Fujifilm HS35EXR: A Deep Dive into Two Small Sensor Superzooms

When your photography goals involve a hefty zoom range without breaking the bank or lugging around heavy gear, the compact "small sensor superzoom" category offers tempting options. Two years ago, I spent considerable time with the Canon PowerShot SX600 HS and the Fujifilm FinePix HS35EXR - both touted as versatile bridge cameras aimed at enthusiasts who crave reach and ease of use. Now that it’s 2024, these models stand as textbook examples of what that segment looked like in the mid-2010s, each with distinct philosophies baked in.

With over 15 years testing cameras in varied shoots - ranging from landscape adventures in windswept deserts to spontaneous street photography in city alleys - this side-by-side comparison aims to cut through specs and marketing buzz. I will draw on hands-on experience to clarify which camera suits your style best, based on real-world performance and usability across all major photography genres.

Let’s unpack what matters beyond the paper specs, in a way that gives you the confidence to choose.

Eyeing the Cameras: Size and Ergonomics Matter More Than You Think

First impressions count - and in photography, physical feel can often make or break your experience.

Handling these two reveals immediately contrasting design philosophies. The Canon SX600 HS is a delightfully pocketable compact: slender at 104x61x26mm, it slips easily into a jacket pocket or small bag. Weighing just 188g, it’s light - the kind of camera you won’t mind grabbing for a stroll to capture unexpected moments.

Meanwhile, the Fujifilm HS35EXR demands a bit more commitment. It sports a larger SLR-like “bridge” body at 131x97x126mm, weighing in at a hearty 687g. It’s no DSLR, but you definitely feel its presence in the hand, with more pronounced grips and buttons that evoke classic controls.

What does this mean practically? The Canon aims at ultra-portability: quick shots, casual snaps, travel ease. The Fuji embraces more of a “shooting tool” vibe, encouraging deliberate framing and longer shoots where weight matters less than control.

So, if your photography thrives on being nimble and spontaneous, Canon’s slim silhouette will likely feel more natural. But if you want a robust grip and tactile buttons for longer sessions, Fujifilm’s bridge form is an asset.

At a Glance: Control Layout and Top-Deck Interface

Ergonomics continue beyond size - how a camera feels in your hands and how intuitively you can change settings deserves close scrutiny.

Looking from above, the Canon SX600 HS keeps controls minimalistic: a mode dial, a zoom rocker surrounding the shutter, and a few buttons. This simplicity suits the casual photographer but can feel limiting when you want granular exposure control.

Contrast that with the Fujifilm HS35EXR’s denser layout featuring a traditional dial with shutter speed markings, dedicated ISO button, and a multi-selector pad. It even includes shutter and aperture priority modes, manual exposure - features absent on the Canon.

This reflects the fundamental difference: Canon targets easy point-and-shoot usage; Fujifilm leans toward photography enthusiasts who want manual creative control without investing in an interchangeable lens system.

From my experience testing, Fujifilm’s interface better supports learning photographers progressing toward more complex workflows. Canon’s approach reduces confusion but at the cost of flexibility. If you want photography as a deeper craft, the HS35EXR interface feels more empowering.

Sensor Size, Resolution, and What It Means for Image Quality

Sensor technology remains the beating heart of image quality, so let’s get technical - yet clear - about the guts inside each camera.

Both cameras use roughly the same sensor size: Canon’s 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS measures 6.17 x 4.55mm with an effective 16MP resolution; Fujifilm’s 1/2” EXRCMOS sensor is very slightly larger at 6.4 x 4.8mm, also offering 16MP.

Though these might look comparable, sensor architecture differences and image processing heavily influence real-world results. Canon utilizes the DIGIC 4+ processor, good for its era but showing its age in noise handling and dynamic range. Fujifilm’s EXR sensor and processor, meanwhile, aim to optimize dynamic range and low-light sensitivity, offering boosted ISOs up to 12800 (Canon caps at 3200 ISO).

In practice, Fujifilm HS35EXR delivers better noise control at higher ISOs and richer colors, with Fujifilm’s renowned color science helping skin tones and landscapes pop more naturally. The SX600 HS struggles more as ISO climbs, losing detail and producing more chroma noise.

A note on raw support: Fuji’s camera provides raw capture - a boon for post-processing flexibility - while Canon limits to JPEG only. For photographers who want to push edits later, this is a crucial advantage.

For high-detail work, neither sensor competes with APS-C or full-frame, but for their bridge segment, Fujifilm’s sensor and processing edge out Canon in both technical quality and creative latitude.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: How You Frame Your Shots

A camera is only as good as your ability to compose and review your shots comfortably. Let’s compare their screens and viewfinder tech.

Canon relies on a fixed 3” screen with 461k dots, using a simple PureColor II G (TFT) panel. It’s bright enough in shade but struggles in direct sunlight, and lacks tilt or touch capability. There’s no viewfinder to speak of, so you’ll be composing with the screen only.

Fujifilm HS35EXR smartly includes a tilting 3” TFT screen (460k dots) plus a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF is a game-changer in bright outdoor conditions and helps stabilize framing by bringing the camera close to your eye - a feature many overlook but fans swear by.

From testing, Fuji's EVF is punchier and more precise, perfect for faster action or detailed landscape framing. The tilting screen offers good flexibility for low or high-angle shooting, whereas the Canon’s fixed screen locked me into awkward contortions more often than I like.

If you value flexibility and compositional confidence - especially outdoors - the Fujifilm setup feels markedly superior.

Zoom Range and Lens Attributes: Reach, Brightness, and Close Focus

What superzoom cameras are known for is well… zoom! Let’s talk lenses.

Canon SX600 HS sports an 18x optical zoom covering 25-450mm equivalent with a slow aperture of f/3.8-6.9. It focuses relatively close at about 5 cm macro distance at wide angle. The lens is small and compact but loses brightness significantly at longer focal lengths.

Meanwhile, the Fuji HS35EXR boasts a longer 30x zoom from 24-720mm (equivalent) and noticeably faster aperture range from f/2.8 to f/5.6 - meaning better low-light reach and shallower depth of field. Macro focusing is aggressive at just 1 cm, useful for shoots of tiny subjects.

From experience, Fuji’s longer zoom offers more creative reach, especially in wildlife and sports where you can isolate distant subjects better. Its wider maximum aperture at shorter focal lengths lends a pleasing background blur for portraits - a rarity in superzooms.

Canon’s more modest zoom suits casual travel shots and everyday scenes but can feel underpowered if you rely on telephoto reach or bokeh for portraits.

Autofocus Systems in Real Life: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus can make or break your shooting rhythm, especially on fast-moving subjects.

Canon’s SX600 HS uses contrast detection with only 9 AF points and lacks continuous autofocus or tracking modes. Face detection is included but limited. From my tests, it hunts noticeably in low light and struggles to lock focus on moving animals or kids in action. This results in missed shots or soft images during fast-paced moments.

The Fujifilm HS35EXR, though still contrast-based, improves with continuous AF, face detection, and tracking support. It shows marked improvement keeping up with birds in flight or kids running in play, delivering a higher keeper rate in burst mode at 11fps.

While you won’t mistake either for pro-level autofocus, Fuji’s system edges out Canon for wildlife, sports, and general action photography - a direct benefit of more AF points and continuous tracking capabilities.

Continuous Shooting and Shutter Speed Ranges: Catching the Decisive Moment

Burst mode and shutter speed range impact how you freeze dynamic moments.

Canon SX600 HS offers 4 fps continuous shooting up to an unspecified number of frames with shutter speeds from 15 to 1/2000 sec. This limited upper speed and buffer capacity means it’s less suited to fast action sports.

Fujifilm HS35EXR pushes continuous shooting to 11 fps, excellent for wildlife or sports. Its shutter speed extends from 30 sec to 1/4000 sec, allowing more creative control especially in long exposure or bright conditions.

In practice, Fuji is the better choice for photographers focusing on sports, wildlife, or any scenario demanding quick frames and shutter precision.

Built Quality and Weather Resistance: Shooting Beyond Ideal Conditions

Neither camera offers environmental sealing against dust or water, so cautious treatment is required outdoors. However, Fuji’s more robust, SLR-like body feels better sealed and durable in hand. Canon’s lightweight, plasticky body is less confidence-inspiring in harsh conditions.

If you shoot often in challenging elements, bringing Fuji’s build and indepth controls affords better ruggedness despite no official weather sealing.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much?

Battery endurance heavily impacts travel and outdoor photography.

Canon SX600 HS uses the NB-6LH battery, rated at 290 shots per charge. The Fuji HS35EXR earns points for its NP-W126 battery, rated up to 600 shots - more than double. In field usage, I found Fuji’s battery life remarkably dependable through long days.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, standard and readily available.

Long outings with limited charging? Fuji clearly wins here.

Video Performance: Convenience at Hand

The Canon records video in 1920×1280 at 30 fps using H.264. The Fuji pushes Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with MPEG-4 and H.264. Neither offers 4K, external mic jacks, or advanced video features.

Optical stabilization on both helps handheld shooting, but neither camera stands out for video-focused creators.

If video is secondary, both suffice; if you want advanced video work, newer models outside this pair deserve exploration.

Putting It All Together: Scores and Genre-Specific Strengths

To visualize these points, here is my overall performance rating.

And a breakdown by photography type:

Notice Fujifilm leads convincingly in wildlife, sports, and portraits. Canon’s compactness benefits street and casual travel use.

Real-World Image Gallery: Who Wins on Look and Feel?

Sometimes pictures speak louder than specs.

Canon SX600 HS front Canon SX600 HS screen back Fujifilm HS35EXR front Fujifilm HS35EXR screen back

The Fuji images demonstrate richer color depth and detail in shadows, especially in outdoor shots. Canon looks decent on regular scenes but shows early noise and less pop on challenging lighting.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Pick?

Both cameras serve specific niches within the small sensor superzoom class, but their target audiences diverge.

Choose Canon SX600 HS if:

• Ultra-lightweight and pocketable size matters above all.
• You want simple point-and-shoot operation without fuss.
• Your photography is casual, everyday snapshots, or travel with minimal gear.
• Budget constraints are tight (Canon launches around $249, significantly less than the Fuji).

Choose Fujifilm HS35EXR if:

• You want more manual control and more creative shooting styles (aperture/shutter priority + manual).
• Long zoom reach (30x) and better low-light performance appeal to you.
• You shoot wildlife, sports, or portraits demanding better autofocus and burst modes.
• Battery life and rugged build matter in outdoor shooting.
• You plan to process your images in raw.
• Your budget stretches to around $380 and you value features over compactness.

In Summary: Reflections from Experience

These isn’t just a matchup of specs; it’s a clash of philosophies.

Canon SX600 HS embraces carefree portability with simplicity, almost like a high-powered point-and-shoot forged for quick moments. Meanwhile, Fujifilm HS35EXR channels a mini-SLR spirit: heavier, more versatile, and geared for shooters eager to grow skills within a single, fixed-lens package.

After extensively putting both through their paces on real shoots - from macro flower details to tracking wildlife and capturing lively street moments - I can confidently say: For anyone serious about image quality, manual control, and creative zoom power, the Fujifilm HS35EXR outperforms.

That said, owning a Canon SX600 HS means always having a compact companion ready for spontaneous capture with minimal fuss - which in itself is a special kind of photographic joy.

Hopefully, this comparison has illuminated the strengths and trade-offs these two superzooms offer. Choosing a camera is ultimately deeply personal, shaped by your style and priorities. But with a clear understanding of these two models’ real-world capabilities, I trust you’re one step closer to your perfect photographic partner.

Happy shooting!

Appendices: Technical and Practical Snapshot Summary

In short: the Fujifilm HS35EXR offers a more robust, versatile toolkit for enthusiasts, while the Canon SX600 HS keeps things compact and simple for casual shooters.

If you're still wondering which fits your photographic soul best, feel free to reach out. After years on the road with both in my kit, I’m happy to help clarify even further!