Canon SX710 HS vs. FujiFilm HS10 - A Practical Head-to-Head for Superzoom Enthusiasts

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS and the FujiFilm FinePix HS10 represent two different eras and philosophies in the genre. Having spent countless hours pushing cameras like these through their paces, I find comparing these two especially interesting - not just because they share a roughly 30x zoom and similar sensor size, but because their approach to usability, image quality, and features differs significantly. In this analysis, I’ll dissect how they perform across popular photography genres, dig into their tech specs with a critical eye, and offer guidance on which might be your best fit depending on your style and needs.

First Impressions: The Ergonomics and Build Quality Battle

Right out of the gate, these cameras couldn’t look more different physically. The Canon SX710 HS is a compact, pocketable camera with dimensions of 113x66x35 mm and a featherweight 269g. It feels closer to a traditional compact - a discreet carry-anywhere model designed not to get in your way. By contrast, the Fuji HS10 is a hefty bridge camera, sporting an SLR-like body measuring 131x91x126 mm and packing in at a substantial 666g. It’s not exactly pocket-friendly and demands a dedicated camera bag or strap.

Handling-wise, the Canon prioritizes simplicity and portability with minimal physical controls and a fixed LCD, while the Fuji opts for more traditional DSLR-style ergonomics, including a pronounced hand grip, multiple dials, and an electronic viewfinder (EVF). For photographers who crave direct access to exposure parameters and a viewfinder for precise composition under bright light, the Fuji’s layout is compelling - though the SX710’s touchscreen-free simplicity will appeal to travelers and street shooters looking for stealth and ease.

Build quality in both cameras matches expectations for their class and age. While neither offers weather sealing (a bummer especially for the Fuji’s hefty form factor), the Canon feels solid enough for casual shooting, and the Fuji, with a mostly plastic construction, isn’t rugged but feels sturdy enough for fieldwork. The Fuji’s bulk should be considered a feature - for stability during telephoto shots or video - while the Canon’s diminutive size is its defining asset.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Study in Resolution Versus Sensitivity

Both cameras wield a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, a common size for superzooms, but they diverge in resolution and ISO capabilities. The Canon SX710 HS boasts a 20-megapixel sensor, which at 5184x3888 pixels delivers a high-resolution image, albeit on a small sensor. Conversely, the Fuji HS10 offers only a 10-megapixel sensor at 3648x2736 resolution.

At first glance, the Canon’s higher pixel count suggests finer detail capture, but the smaller pixel pitch generally results in higher noise at elevated ISOs. The Fuji’s larger pixels (by virtue of lower resolution on the same sensor size) offer better ISO sensitivity, with the HS10 capable of ISO 6400 compared to Canon’s max of 3200.

In practical shooting, the Canon’s images tend to be sharper in good light when the lens is at its sweet spot - typically mid-range focal lengths. Detail-rich landscapes and portraits benefit from this extra resolution. However, the tradeoff emerges in low light and high ISO situations, where the Fuji maintains cleaner output with less chroma noise and maintains better highlight retention.

Color reproduction is a matter of taste. Canon leans towards natural, neutral hues ideal for portraits with pleasing skin tones, while Fuji’s colors are punchier with more saturation - a legacy of its film simulation heritage, which can be delightfully vivid for nature or street shots but sometimes prone to oversaturation for skin.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking in the Field

For wildlife, sports, and action photography, autofocus speed, accuracy, and frame rates are mission-critical. The Canon SX710 HS offers a contrast-detect autofocus system with 9 focus points and face detection - a respectable setup for its class. Its continuous shooting rate is a modest 6 fps.

The Fuji HS10’s autofocus system operates similarly with contrast detection but lacks face detection capabilities. Impressively, it fires off continuous burst rates up to 10 fps in certain modes, an edge for capturing moments in motion.

Neither camera employs phase detection, which is standard in DSLRs and higher-end mirrorless, meaning their autofocus can struggle in low contrast or low light scenarios. That said, for casual wildlife and sports enthusiasts, the Canon’s face detection may assist with portrait-based tracking, but both cameras are second-string options if fast autofocus is your primary requirement.

Optical Zoom and Lens Performance: Reach and Aperture

Superzooms are defined by their impressive focal lengths and zoom versatility. The Canon’s lens offers a 25-750mm equivalent range (30x zoom) with a variable aperture from f/3.2 at wide end to f/6.9 at telephoto. The Fuji covers 24-720mm (also 30x zoom) but starts wider at f/2.8 and narrows to f/5.6.

Canon SX710 HS front Canon SX710 HS screen back FujiFilm HS10 front FujiFilm HS10 screen back

The Fuji’s faster maximum aperture at the wide end offers more creative control for shallow depth of field and better low-light performance. When shooting portraits or isolating subjects, this wider aperture can help render more pleasing bokeh, despite the small sensor limitations on background blur.

Both cameras enable macro focusing as close as 1cm, helpful for close-ups with decent magnification, but the Fuji’s sensor-shift image stabilization (IS) tends to outperform Canon’s optical stabilization during telephoto macro work, helping reduce blur from camera shake.

One detail worth noting is the Fuji’s support for an external flash, absent on the Canon, providing more lighting flexibility in challenging scenarios like indoor or night shooting.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

The Canon SX710 HS features a fixed 3-inch LCD screen with 922k-dot resolution. This provides a bright and fairly sharp display that’s straightforward but lacks articulation or touch capability. Fuji’s HS10 has the advantage of a tilting 3-inch LCD screen, albeit with a low-res 230k-dot count, and adds a 97%-coverage EVF.

For bright daylight shooting, however, the Fuji’s EVF is a major asset, allowing composition without eye-strain or glare - a boon for nature and sports photographers. The Canon’s lack of EVF is less problematic for casual, on-the-go shooters or street photographers who prefer to compose via the LCD.

Meanwhile, the Fuji’s tilting screen offers more shooting flexibility at odd angles, such as low-level macro or overhead shots.

Battery Life and Portability: Staying Power Matters

In terms of endurance, the Canon is powered by the NB-6LH rechargeable battery, rated to deliver about 230 shots per charge. It’s modest by today’s standards but reasonable for a compact superzoom. The Fuji HS10’s battery life is less documented but uses 4 x AA batteries, a double-edged sword - you can swap batteries anywhere but at the cost of bulk and weight.

When travelling light and battery access is irregular, the Canon’s smaller, dedicated battery is more convenient, while the Fuji’s AA batteries may be a lifesaver on long trips where chargers or power banks aren’t an option.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills

Both cameras offer Full HD video recording at 1080p, though the Canon can shoot 60 frames per second, resulting in smoother footage compared to Fuji’s capped 30 fps rate. Both record video in common codecs (H.264 or MPEG-4).

Neither camera supports 4K video or microphone/headphone jacks, limiting professional video work. The Fuji does provide some interesting super slow motion modes (up to 1000fps at reduced resolution), which can be fun for experimental shooting but not really practical for general video.

Neither camera offers in-body image stabilization modes optimized for video, relying instead on optical or sensor-shift stabilization primarily tuned for stills.

What Each Camera Excels at Across Popular Photography Styles

• Portrait Photography: The Canon’s higher resolution and face detection tip the balance towards better skin tone rendition and eye-focused autofocus. However, neither camera offers advanced eye autofocus or RAW support, limiting post-processing flexibility.

• Landscape Photography: Canon’s higher resolution sensor favors detailed landscapes, but lack of weather sealing and a small sensor constrain dynamic range. Fuji’s sensor-shift stabilization may help handheld shots.

• Wildlife and Sports: Fuji’s faster burst rate and EVF make it preferable for action. Canon’s face detection helps with portraits and animal faces but isn’t a game-changer for wildlife action.

• Street Photography: Canon’s small size and portability win hands down. Fuji’s bulk and slower autofocus can be a liability for candid shots.

• Macro Photography: Both equal on minimum focus distance, but Fuji’s sensor-shift stabilization aids handheld macro shots.

• Night/Astro Photography: Neither excels. Fuji’s higher ISO ceiling helps, but noise control and long exposure features are limited.

• Video: Canon edges out with 60p 1080p and better codec options. Fuji’s slow-motion is interesting but niche.

• Travel Photography: Canon’s compactness, wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi/NFC), and lighter weight make it the better grab-and-go camera.

• Professional Work: Neither camera targets pros. Lack of RAW on Canon and lack of advanced controls on both limit professional use.

Connectivity and Usability Features

The Canon SX710 HS includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for effortless image transfer - a massive convenience for social media sharing or quick backups while traveling. The Fuji HS10 lacks any wireless features, a clear disadvantage in today’s connected world.

Interfaces on both cameras include HDMI and USB 2.0 ports, but neither steps beyond the basics - no USB-C or fast data transfer here.

The Canon’s user interface is simplified but sometimes feels too sparse, with no touchscreen or illuminated buttons, meaning menu navigation can be a bit clunky in low light. Fuji’s retro-style control layout, with dedicated dials and buttons, gives greater control and faster access to shooting parameters, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer more tactile interaction.

Which Camera Should You Pick?

Choose the Canon SX710 HS if:

• You want a compact, lightweight superzoom for travel and street shooting.
• Wireless connectivity and easy sharing are important.
• Portraits and high-resolution images in good light are your priority.
• You’re on a tighter budget and want a straightforward, easy-to-use camera.
• You value long zoom reach with a smaller aperture tradeoff.

Choose the FujiFilm HS10 if:

• You prefer a camera with DSLR-like handling and an EVF.
• Higher ISO performance and faster burst shooting are essential.
• You want better control over exposure with dedicated dials.
• You shoot more sports, wildlife, or action subjects.
• You appreciate versatile video options including slow-motion.
• Battery flexibility (AA swapping) is a must.

Final Reflections: A Clash of Compact Convenience Versus Bridge Camera Versatility

The Canon SX710 HS and FujiFilm HS10 fill similar superzoom niches from distinct angles. The Canon’s compact size, wireless features, and higher resolution sensor make it an attractive all-round compact for casual enthusiasts and travelers. Meanwhile, the Fuji offers more robust controls, faster shooting speeds, and better low-light capability but at the cost of bulk and connectivity.

Neither camera is a modern powerhouse - with the Canon dating from 2015 and the Fuji from 2010, their specs naturally lag today’s mirrorless standards. Still, in their day, both offered solid performance for their class, and they maintain value for hobbyists who appreciate superzoom versatility without stepping up to bulky interchangeable-lens systems.

In our testing across varied conditions, we found the Canon to be the better companion for spontaneity and portability. The Fuji earned praise for deliberate shooting and more control, especially in action or low-light scenarios, but never quite shook off feeling a bit unwieldy.

If forced to pick one as a crossover compact superzoom tool, Canon’s SX710 HS edges out with a blend of simplicity, image quality, and modern usability - but Fuji’s HS10 remains a compelling choice for the enthusiast willing to accommodate its size for extra speed and control.

This review is based on direct hands-on testing, side-by-side shooting, and a thorough dive into specifications and real-world performance metrics to empower your next camera decision.

Happy shooting!