Canon SX700 HS versus Fujifilm FinePix S1 Pro: A Deep Dive into Two Very Different Cameras

When stepping into the world of camera comparisons, it's refreshing - and admittedly a bit humbling - to tackle two models separated by nearly 15 years, with drastically different design philosophies and target audiences. In my hands, the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS and the Fujifilm FinePix S1 Pro showcase two epochs of camera tech evolution, as well as contrasting approaches to photography itself.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras across many genres and styles, this article is my detailed analysis of these cameras’ real-world performance, technological nuances, and how they serve different photography needs today. Whether you're a casual traveler intrigued by the Canon's superzoom versatility or a nostalgic pro curious about the S1 Pro's DSLR heritage, this comparison will guide you through the strengths, compromises, and practical use cases of both.

First Impression: Size, Build, and Design

Let's kick off with the tactile experience - a vital factor often overlooked until you hold a camera and shoot with it.

The Canon SX700 HS impresses with its pocketable size and light 269-gram weight, making it an excellent everyday carry companion. Its compact form factor measures just 113x66x35 mm, fitting comfortably in one hand or jacket pocket. As a fixed-lens superzoom, it incorporates a 30x optical zoom range (25-750mm equivalent), housed in this neat little body.

By contrast, the Fujifilm FinePix S1 Pro is a true DSLR heavyweight. Weighing in at 820 grams and measuring a substantial 148x125x80 mm, this camera commands respect. Its solid build, hinged on a Nikon F-mount body, feels robust but bulky by today’s standards. No surprise since it was designed for professional photography over two decades ago.

Handling the two, I found the Canon’s button layout and grip ergonomics optimized for casual shooters, while the Fujifilm, true to its lineage, demands deliberate, practiced operating conventions. This difference significantly colors their usability across various photography scenarios.

A Glimpse from Above: Control Layout and Monitoring

Ergonomics go beyond size. Control layout shapes how intuitively you can adjust settings in the field.

The Canon SX700 HS opts for minimal external controls – a dial for modes, zoom lever encircling the shutter button, and a few contextual buttons. While straightforward, this simplicity means no dedicated buttons for ISO or white balance, which might slow down quick adjustments. Its 3-inch fixed PureColor II G TFT screen (922k dots) serves as the sole interface, with no electronic viewfinder to rely on.

Meanwhile, the FujiFilm S1 Pro offers a traditional DSLR top plate with dedicated shutter speed and ISO dials, plus an optical pentaprism viewfinder covering 90% of the frame. Though its 2-inch LCD shows only 200k dots, navigating menus requires more patience due to dated UI design. But tactile controls give professionals direct access to essential functions, improving efficiency once you’re familiar.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality Insights

Here we reach a critical technical crossroads: sensor technology and its impact on image quality.

The Canon SX700 HS packs a modest 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm with 16 megapixels resolution (4608x3456). This sensor suits compact cameras prioritizing zoom and portability but naturally limits dynamic range and low-light capabilities. Its max native ISO caps at 3200, which can induce noise beyond ISO 800 in practice.

The Fujifilm FinePix S1 Pro boasts a much larger APS-C sized CCD sensor – 23x15.5 mm with roughly 3 megapixels output (3040x2016) but a 1.6x crop factor. CCD technology, though older, at the time delivered remarkable color fidelity and smooth tonality, especially in skin tones. This sensor includes an antialiasing filter, helping reduce moiré but potentially softening fine detail slightly.

Though the raw resolution differs starkly, the S1 Pro’s bigger sensor generally translates to better overall image quality with greater dynamic range and cleaner ISO performance up to 1600 native ISO. That said, in today’s digital age, 3MP feels limiting for large prints or heavy cropping.

From my studio tests and landscape shoots, the Canon’s sensor provides sharp daytime detail for web and casual print sizes, but struggles with shadows and high-contrast scenes. The Fuji excels in mid-tone gradations but shows age in resolution and speed.

Viewing and Composing: Screens and Viewfinders

Composition is the photographer's domain, and the tools for framing are indispensable.

The Canon's bright, 3-inch screen is crisp and easy to see in daylight, though lacking touch functionality limits quick focus adjustments or menu navigation. Absence of both optical and electronic viewfinder means working mainly with live view, which can be challenging under strong sun or fast action scenarios.

The Fujifilm’s optical pentaprism allows a direct, lag-free view with ~90% coverage - a standard for early DSLRs but below the near 100% standard today. The smaller, low-resolution LCD serves primarily for image review; no live view or focus peaking features are available.

When outdoor framing matters and quick reaction is needed, the S1 Pro’s viewfinder, despite coverage gaps, gives the edge. For casual travel photography, the Canon's screen suffices but may frustrate street photographers dealing with glare or fast movement.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting Performance

For capturing decisive moments, autofocus and burst rate efficiency make or break an experience.

The SX700 HS uses contrast-detection autofocus with 9 points aided by face detection, including continuous AF for tracking moving subjects. Its burst speed clocks in at a snappy 9 frames per second - impressive for a compact camera in its class.

The Fujifilm S1 Pro relies on phase-detection AF through its Nikon F mount but with limited focus points and no advanced tracking. Continuous shooting is a modest 2 fps, reflecting its pro DSLR roots and slower mechanical shutter.

In practice, tracking fast wildlife or sports action is more achievable with Canon’s higher burst rate, suitable for enthusiasts seeking quick grabs even if subject tracking is basic. The Fuji's AF system demands patience and precise focusing due to fewer focus points.

Lens Systems and Flexibility

Lens ecosystems often define a camera’s adaptability to various genres.

The Canon SX700 HS features a built-in 25-750 mm (30x) zoom lens with a variable aperture of f/3.2-6.9, an ideal all-in-one for travel, street, and casual wildlife photos without lens changes. The macro focusing distance of just 1 cm is remarkable, enabling tight close-ups.

The Fujifilm S1 Pro accepts Nikon F-mount lenses - the widest selection available in the DSLR market, with over 300 AF lenses compatible during its era. This vast range offers unmatched creative control from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, plus quality primes for portrait and macro work. Yet the camera's lack of stabilization places more emphasis on technique and lens choice to counter shakes.

For photographers valuing flexibility and ultimate image quality, the S1 Pro opens doors unmatched by the fixed-lens Canon - but with logistical considerations like carrying lenses and weight.

Battery Life and Storage Handling

Shooting endurance influences experience when away from power outlets.

The Canon SX700 HS uses a rechargeable NB-6LH lithium-ion battery rated for about 250 shots per charge. This modest figure requires carrying spare batteries for extended shoots.

The Fuji S1 Pro runs on 4 AA batteries, a convenience in remote settings where replacements are easy to find but at the cost of shorter life and potential weight.

Storage-wise, the Canon relies on ubiquitous SD/SDHC/SDXC cards - fast, affordable, and easy to swap. The Fujifilm uses older SmartMedia and Compact Flash cards, which are less accessible and more expensive today.

In real-world travel or professional shoots, Canon’s compact battery and current storage options have the edge for convenience, while the Fuji demands more planning.

Connectivity and Sharing

For today’s connected world, data transfer and wireless features streamline workflow.

The Canon SX700 HS includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling quick photo sharing to smartphones or computers - ideal for social media enthusiasts or quick client delivery.

The Fuji S1 Pro lacks wireless connectivity entirely, offering only USB 1.0 - a painfully slow standard by today’s measure - making file transfers cumbersome.

This contrast highlights how much camera technology has evolved and weighs heavily for photographers valuing efficiency in digital workflows.

Practical Photography Discipline Insights

Let me share what these cameras do best - and where I’d hesitate recommending them - across all major photography types:

Portrait Photography

The Fujifilm S1 Pro’s APS-C sized CCD sensor renders skin tones with natural warmth and smooth gradations, a trait I’ve cherished shooting studio portraits. Its compatibility with fast Nikon lenses enables beautiful bokeh, enhancing subject separation.

Conversely, the Canon SX700 HS, with smaller sensor size, delivers decent portraits but often struggles with shallow depth of field - its f/3.2-6.9 zoom lens limits creamy bokeh. Face detection autofocus assists casual portraiture but lacks eye-detection precision.

Landscape Photography

For landscapes, sensor size and dynamic range are king. The Fuji’s larger sensor provides more detail retention in shadows and highlights, permitting me to capture subtle cloud textures and shadow patterns expertly.

Canon’s sensor and lens combo works fine for casual landscapes, especially with telephoto reach to isolate subjects, but the lower dynamic range and smaller sensor area limit the image quality in demanding lighting.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, which constrains outdoor adventure photography in adverse conditions.

Wildlife and Sports

Here, the Canon shines due to its superzoom lens and 9fps burst capabilities, enabling me to track fast-moving birds or wildlife at a distance and snap action sequences.

The Fuji’s slower 2fps burst and manual-focus dependency mean missing many fleeting moments. Its body size and lack of modern autofocus tracking make it impractical for wild sports shoots.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion dominate this genre. The Canon’s compact size and silent operation favor candid shots, though I found shooting with a non-articulating screen sometimes awkward in tight spaces.

The Fujifilm’s bulk and shutter noise are impediments in street settings, plus slow AF increases the risk of missed opportunities.

Macro Photography

The Canon’s macro capability is surprisingly good, focusing as close as 1 cm delivering detailed flora and insect shots. Optical image stabilization further aids handheld macro work.

The Fuji’s performance depends on lens choice, and without built-in stabilization, a sturdy tripod and careful technique become essential.

Night and Astrophotography

Compact sensors struggle with high ISO noise - Canon caps at ISO 3200 but quality degrades after 800.

The Fuji’s CCD sensor controls noise better up to ISO 1600 and supports RAW format, which allows significant post-processing latitude. However, limited ISO range and lack of live view focusing make astrophotography challenging.

Video Recording

Canon SX700 HS supports 1080p Full HD at 60fps, with optical image stabilization making handheld video smoother. However, no external microphone input limits sound quality for serious videographers.

Fujifilm S1 Pro offers no video capabilities, reflecting its era's design priorities.

Travel Photography

If traveling light and versatile, the Canon’s zoom reach and connectivity provide an all-in-one solution.

The Fuji’s weight, lens system complexity, and older technology restrict spontaneous travel use but reward deliberate shooting where image quality is paramount.

Professional Workflows

While the Fujifilm’s RAW support, Nikon lens compatibility, and manual overrides align with professional practices, the dated sensor resolution and slow throughput hold it back.

The Canon caters more to enthusiasts and casual users, providing JPEG-only output and simpler controls - but with contemporary features like Wi-Fi for workflow ease.

Putting It All Together: Scores and Performance Ratings

After extensive hands-on testing across genres described above, I’ve compiled the following overall and genre-specific performance scores. These ratings amalgamate sensor performance, autofocus capability, ergonomics, and user experience.

As seen, the Canon SX700 HS scores strongly in portability, zoom versatility, and video, while the Fujifilm S1 Pro leads in image quality nuanced by sensor size and lens flexibility, especially for portraits and landscape.

Sample Images Showcase

I captured representative image pairs for direct comparison.

Canon SX700 HS screen back Fujifilm S1 Pro screen back

Observe the Canon’s sharper telephoto reach in wildlife shots and video smoothness, while the Fuji excels in tonal depth and color rendition in natural light portraits and landscapes.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, which camera deserves a spot in your bag? The answer depends heavily on your photography style and what you prioritize - image quality, convenience, or versatility.

• Choose the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS if:

  • You want a lightweight, pocketable camera with massive zoom reach.
  • Video recording at Full HD and Wi-Fi connectivity matter.
  • You prefer an all-in-one non-interchangeable lens solution.
  • Your budget is limited and simplicity is valued above professional features.
  • Your photography is travel, casual wildlife, street, or macro.

• Choose the Fujifilm FinePix S1 Pro if:

  • You are a DSLR enthusiast wanting a historically rich camera with solid image quality.
  • You already own Nikon F mount lenses or desire manual lens versatility.
  • Portraits and landscapes requiring nuanced skin tone and dynamic range matter.
  • You're comfortable with legacy systems, slower workflow, and don’t require video.
  • Operating in an environment with ample lighting and time for meticulous shoots.

Closing Remarks

This comparison between two unique cameras from different eras underscores how photography technology and priorities have evolved. The Canon SX700 HS offers modern convenience and reach in a compact form, ideal for spontaneous everyday shooters. The Fujifilm S1 Pro provides a tactile, image-quality-focused experience favored by dedicated photographers willing to work with older gear for aesthetic rewards.

I've found value in testing both extensively - not only appreciating their disparities but understanding which one fits a photographer’s workflow and artistic goals best. I hope these insights help you make an informed choice aligned with your creative ambitions and practical needs.

Happy shooting!