Canon SX70 HS vs Fujifilm S9800: The Ultimate Bridge Camera Showdown

When diving into the world of bridge cameras - those in-betweeners that offer DSLR-style ergonomics with fixed superzoom lenses - it can be a minefield of specs and marketing jargon. Having spent over 15 years testing cameras across all price points and genres, I’ve learned that a balanced, hands-on perspective is the only way to cut through the noise and help you pick the right tool for your creative needs.

Today, we're putting two superzoom siblings head-to-head: the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS (released in 2018) and the Fujifilm S9800 (2015). Both are small sensor superzoom bridge cameras aiming to offer versatility for enthusiasts on a budget, but they differ in many respects, from sensor performance to ergonomics, and from video capabilities to lens reach.

I spent a few weeks shooting with both models across multiple disciplines, testing everything from autofocus reliability in wildlife hunts to image quality in portraits and landscapes, so you get a thorough, no-nonsense comparison. Let’s jump in.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

If you’re after a camera to cram in your bag for travel or street photography, the physical size and feel are critical.

On paper, both are classic slr-like bridge cameras, but there are subtle differences. The Canon SX70 HS weighs about 608 grams, while the Fuji S9800 swings slightly heavier at 670 grams. Dimension-wise, the Canon might be a bit chunkier in depth (117mm vs 116mm) and height (91mm vs 87mm), but the Fuji is a smidge narrower.

The Canon feels a touch more balanced in the hand, thanks to a well-sculpted grip and thoughtfully placed dials and buttons. Its slightly deeper body accommodates a larger grip, which makes long shooting sessions easier on your wrists. The Fujifilm, while manageable, leans toward being compact but feels a bit cramped if you’ve got larger hands (or clubs for thumbs like mine).

Looking at the top plate, the Canon boasts a cleaner, more intuitive layout with dedicated dials for exposure compensation and shooting modes, plus a clickable control dial that enhances quick settings adjustment. The Fuji’s controls are serviceable but feel dated, and you may find yourself fumbling for certain settings.

In short, if ergonomics and quick UI navigation matter to you (and who’s ever said they didn’t?), the Canon SX70 HS gets the edge.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch sensor, which is small compared to APS-C or full-frame sensors but standard in superzoom bridge models. However, the Canon packs a 20 MP sensor while the Fuji settles at 16 MP.

Here’s where familiarity with sensor tech helps: more megapixels don’t always translate to better images, especially on tiny sensors. However, Canon’s BSI-CMOS sensor paired with the Digic 8 processor introduces some real-world improvements in noise control and detail retention compared to older CMOS tech found in the Fuji.

Testing ISO ranges from 100 to their maximum native sensitivity revealed that the Fuji’s max ISO of 12800 is more of a gimmick - images get very noisy past ISO 1600. The Canon’s maximum ISO tops at 3200 natively, but due to its more modern sensor and processor combo, I found it better for low-light scenarios with cleaner shadows and smoother noise pattern.

Dynamic range (the ability to capture details in both shadows and highlights) is limited in both due to sensor size, but the Canon again pulls ahead with subtly richer detail in challenging lighting - perfect for landscapes or urban shoots at dusk.

That said, you should temper your expectations: neither camera rivals larger-sensor mirrorless models, but for their price and zoom class, Canon’s advantage in the sensor department is noticeable in everyday shooting.

Shooting Versatility: Zoom Reach and Aperture

Superzoom lens specs can dazzle and confuse, so I tested the actual shooting experience with the inbuilt lenses, which both cover daunting focal lengths.

The Canon SX70 HS lens goes from 21mm ultra-wide up to a whopping 1365mm equivalent (yes, that’s a 65x optical zoom!). The Fuji S9800 starts a touch narrower at 24mm but reaches up to 1200mm (50x zoom). A critical point for wildlife and sports shooters who want to get close without spooking subjects.

However, raw focal length numbers don’t tell the whole story. The maximum aperture at wide (f/3.4 for Canon vs. f/2.9 for Fuji) favors the Fujifilm in low-light situations at wide angles (though only marginally). Both close down to around f/6.5 at full zoom, so don’t expect stellar background blur or bokeh at long range - their small sensors and narrowed apertures limit that.

I appreciated the Canon’s longer zoom for birding and distant landscapes, where working with that telephoto reach without swapping lenses is a huge convenience. But keep in mind that at extremes, camera shake and diffraction can soften images even with optical stabilization.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Action

Both cameras share similar continuous shooting speeds of around 10 fps, which sounds great on paper. But autofocus (AF) robustness and tracking abilities make or break shooting moving subjects.

Both utilize contrast-detect AF systems with face detection, continuous and single AF modes. Neither boast phase-detect or sophisticated hybrid AF found in mirrorless cameras.

Through sports and wildlife sessions, the Canon’s AF proved more reliable in locking onto subjects, especially in continuous tracking mode. It wasn’t flawless but gave me fewer missed shots. The Fuji’s AF tended to hunt more in low-contrast or low light, occasionally missing focus entirely.

Neither camera has animal eye AF (which is common in newer cameras), limiting efficiency with birds, pets, and wildlife. For enthusiasts wanting serious wildlife or sports credentials, this is a compromise. But for casual use, the Canon’s incremental AF edge is worthwhile.

Display and Electronic Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

The Canon SX70 HS features a 3-inch fully articulated LCD screen with 922k dots resolution, great for composing at odd angles or selfies. The fully articulating design enhances versatility for video and macro shooting.

Contrast that with the Fuji’s 3-inch fixed LCD at 460k dots resolution - in today’s terms, somewhat low-res and inflexible - limiting composition creativity and making reviewing shots less pleasant.

Viewfinder-wise, both have electronic viewfinders (EVFs), but the Canon’s 2.36M dot EVF clearly shows more detail and offers 100% coverage. Meanwhile, the Fuji’s EVF has just 920k dots and 97% coverage, leading to less precision when framing.

My testing confirmed the Canon’s clearer, more responsive viewfinder was especially helpful in bright outdoor conditions where LCD glare is a pain. If you prioritize precise framing or shoot in strong daylight, this counts for a lot.

Video Capabilities: Getting Creative in Motion

While neither camera is a dedicated video powerhouse, it’s worth evaluating video specs for casual filmmakers or YouTubers on a budget.

The Canon SX70 HS supports 4K UHD at 30p (3840x2160) at 120 Mbps using H.264 codec, which is impressive for a bridge camera in this price bracket. It also has a microphone input - a big plus for better audio capture during vlogs or interviews. Slow-motion video is limited.

The Fuji predates the 4K craze, maxing out at Full HD 1080p at 60i/30p with no external microphone input. Video quality here is serviceable but less crisp with more compression artifacts.

For stabilization, both rely on optical image stabilization in lens elements. The Canon’s newer Digic 8 processor helps deliver smoother footage with less rolling shutter. The Fuji’s older tech leads to slightly shakier video, especially at telephoto ranges.

If video is on your radar, the Canon SX70 HS is clearly the better pick.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Your Adventures

Battery life can ruin a day’s shooting if you’re not prepared.

The Canon SX70 HS uses a built-in rechargeable battery rated for around 325 shots per charge. In real-world use, with mixed shooting and some video, you can expect about 3-4 hours of active use before needing a recharge.

The Fujifilm S9800 runs on 4 x AA batteries, which is surprisingly practical if you’re traveling off-grid and want the convenience of replacing alkaline or NiMH cells on the fly. Its rated battery life is around 300 shots.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with the Canon supporting faster UHS-I cards. The Fuji includes internal storage but it’s limited and not a substitute for a proper memory card.

For long shooting days, I preferred Canon’s built-in battery for less bulk and predictable performance; for boondocking or emergencies, Fuji’s AA system offers peace of mind.

Connectivity and Features: Staying in the Loop

The Canon SX70 HS is the clear winner here: it offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing wireless image transfer and remote control via Canon’s app. This wireless connectivity is a critical feature for anyone sharing images on the fly or controlling the camera remotely from a smartphone.

The Fuji S9800 lacks any wireless connection, meaning your workflow requires cables or card readers, which slows things down.

The Canon also features GPS-less location tagging (no built-in GPS), a fully articulated screen, touchpoint AF (no touch screen), and both cameras have built-in flashes with similar ranges.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Outdoor Confidence

Neither model offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedization common in some higher-end bridge and mirrorless cameras. Both require extra care in harsh conditions - you won’t be snorkeling or skiing with these without protective housings.

Build quality-wise, they’re mostly plastic-bodied with some metal components. The Canon feels slightly more robust, while the Fuji complexion is a bit more budget-oriented.

So if you’re hiking or shooting landscapes in tough conditions, consider these limitations carefully.

Real-World Photography Testing: How They Perform Across Genres

I took both cameras out for dedicated sessions focusing on various photography styles - from portraits to astrophotography - to gauge their performance in the field.

Canon SX70 HS front Canon SX70 HS screen back Fujifilm S9800 front Fujifilm S9800 screen back

Portrait Photography

Skin tone accuracy and eye detection are important here. Both have face-detection AF, but lack animal eye AF or advanced face/eye tracking found in higher-tier cameras.

Canon’s better sensor and processor combo rendered portraits with more pleasing color and smoother skin tones, though shallow depth-of-field is limited by sensor size and lens aperture. Fuji’s portraits are decent but a bit flat and noisy in low light.

Landscape Photography

Canon’s higher resolution and wider dynamic range allow for punchier detail in landscapes. The fully articulated screen aids creative shooting angles, and articulated EVF helps in bright sunlight.

Fuji’s lower resolution and dynamic range are noticeable in complex scenes with highlight clipping and shadow crushing.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so handle with care on trails.

Wildlife Photography

Canon’s longer reach (65x zoom) combined with marginally faster tracking AF gave better results for distant birds and animals.

Fuji’s 50x zoom is good, but hunting autofocus in low light hurt keeper rates.

Sports Photography

Burst rates are equal (10 fps), but Canon’s autofocus tracking was more dependable on moving players.

Street Photography

Weight and size are manageable for both. Canon’s silent shutter speeds are limited, and neither are perfect for discreet candid shooting.

Macro Photography

Canon extends to 0cm macro focusing - literally right up to the front glass - which is impressive.

Fuji’s minimum macro distance is 7cm, limiting close detail work.

Both have optical stabilization to aid close-ups.

Astrophotography and Night

Canon’s cleaner high ISO and longer shutter speeds (up to 15s) allow more exposure flexibility.

Video Usage

Canon wins for 4K video and mic input.

Travel Photography

Canon’s articulated screen, better Wi-Fi, and longer reach make it ideal for travel shooting.

Professional Use

Neither replaces pro-grade interchangeable lens systems, but Canon’s raw format support and image quality offer more post-processing flexibility.

Price and Value: Stretching Your Dollars

At the time of review, Canon SX70 HS priced around $550, while the Fujifilm S9800 can be found near $300.

If your budget is tight and you want basic superzoom functionality without bells and whistles, Fuji delivers decent value.

For photography enthusiasts needing versatility, better image quality, and future-proof video, Canon justifies the extra spending.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Verdict: Which Bridge Camera Should You Buy?

If you’re like me - a photography enthusiast who demands versatility, handling comfort, respectable image quality, and video capability - the Canon SX70 HS is the clear winner between these two. Its long zoom reach, articulated screen, superior autofocus, and 4K video option offer tremendous practical benefits for a modest premium.

That said, the Fujifilm S9800 remains an attractive choice for absolute cheapskates or beginners who want an affordable entry into the superzoom world. It delivers competent performance for snapshots, casual wildlife, and landscape photography but will frustrate advanced users with its dated tech and limited features.

Who Should Buy the Canon SX70 HS?

• Travel photographers looking for all-in-one versatility without investing in a mirrorless system
• Videographers wanting decent 4K video with sound input
• Wildlife enthusiasts requiring extreme telephoto reach and better autofocus
• Enthusiasts wanting a comfortable grip and articulate screen for creative shooting

Who Should Buy the Fujifilm S9800?

• Budget-conscious buyers needing a solid bridge camera below $300
• Casual photographers desiring lots of zoom without fuss over technical detail
• Those valuing removable AA batteries for long trips without power sources

My Hands-On Methodology Recap

Over 15 years, I’ve refined a testing protocol that ensures real-world performance insights, not just specs regurgitation. For this comparison, I:

• Shot in controlled environments to test sensor ISO and dynamic range
• Went on outdoor excursions including birding and street photography for autofocus evaluation
• Tested video in natural light and handheld panning scenarios
• Compared ergonomics in studio and field shooting sessions
• Analyzed workflow integration with tethering, wireless transfer, and post-production raw processing
• Monitored battery longevity in mixed usage patterns

Through this approach, the Canon SX70 HS’s modern design and performance clearly stood out, confirming my conclusion.

In summary, both cameras have their place in the crowded bridge camera market, but only one really delivers the balance of features, quality, and usability to meet the expectations of today’s photo enthusiast. For that reason, I wholeheartedly recommend the Canon SX70 HS for most buyers looking for a superzoom bridge camera in this segment.

If you’ve got questions about any specific feature we didn’t cover or want deeper advice on superzoom use cases, drop me a line. Happy shooting!