Canon SX730 HS vs FujiFilm HS10: Which Small-Sensor Superzoom Suits Your Photography Journey?

Choosing a compact superzoom camera means balancing versatility with image quality, size with control, and price with features. Today, we’re diving deep into two cameras in this niche: the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS (announced in 2017) and the FujiFilm FinePix HS10 (released in 2010). Both deliver small-sensor superzoom capabilities but differ significantly in design philosophies, tech specs, and intended users.

Having tested hundreds of superzoom models over a decade, we’ll break down their strengths and weaknesses across popular photography disciplines, technical performance, and usability. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which camera fits your style and needs best.

Meet the Contenders: Canon SX730 HS and FujiFilm HS10

Let's start off by putting their physical designs and key dimensions side by side.

The Canon SX730 HS is compact, ultra-light, and designed to slip easily into a pocket or small bag. The FujiFilm HS10 takes a different approach: a hefty, bridge-style camera that mimics DSLR ergonomics, complete with an electronic viewfinder and a solid grip.

The size difference is immediately obvious. The FujiFilm’s more substantial build promises a more stable grip and a richer control layout, important for enthusiasts preferring a tactile shooting experience.

Design, Controls, and User Interface

The design of a camera affects how easily you can access key features and shoot spontaneously. Here’s a quick contrast:

• Canon SX730 HS: Minimalist and pocketable. The 3-inch tilting screen has a 922K-dot resolution but isn't touch-sensitive. There is no electronic viewfinder, so composing shots relies solely on the rear LCD. Controls are streamlined, focusing on auto modes and simple manual options.

• FujiFilm HS10: An SLR-like bridge with a robust body and an electronic viewfinder covering 97% of the frame - useful when shooting in bright conditions where LCD glare is an issue. Its 3-inch tilting LCD has only 230K-dot resolution, which feels dated today but offers flexibility in composition. Physical dials and buttons abound, benefiting users who value direct access.

The FujiFilm's dials and dedicated exposure controls give it an edge for photographers who prefer manual setting adjustments. Canon’s layout favors simplicity and modern minimalism.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras feature a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor but with distinct differences:

The SX730 HS offers double the resolution, promising more detailed images and larger prints. However, more megapixels on a small sensor can sometimes mean higher noise levels at elevated ISOs.

The FujiFilm HS10’s lower megapixel count is balanced by native ISO support up to 6400, which theoretically allows better low-light sensitivity, although actual performance depends heavily on processing algorithms and sensor efficiency.

Neither camera benefits from the latest sensor tech advancements like backside illumination enhancements seen in newer models, but both utilize BSI-CMOS, which generally helps with light gathering.

Practically, expect the Canon to produce sharper daylight images but possibly noisier photos in subdued conditions. The FujiFilm, older but with RAW output, gives more flexibility in post-processing, helpful for tackling noise and dynamic range.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Speed and accuracy here greatly impact your success in capturing action, wildlife, or candid moments.

• Canon SX730 HS: Contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, continuous AF, tracking, and multi-area AF. It shoots at around 5.9 fps in continuous mode, enabling decent burst shooting.

• FujiFilm HS10: Contrast-detection AF without face detection but with center-weighted and multi-area focusing. Notably faster burst shooting at 10 fps, excellent for chasing quick subjects. Phase detection AF isn't present on either.

Both use contrast detection, limiting speed compared to modern phase-detect AF systems.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged build, standard for this class and price point.

• Canon SX730 HS: Lightweight plastic construction, favors portability over durability.

• FujiFilm HS10: More solidly built bridge body, but still no dust or water resistance.

If you plan to shoot in challenging environments, neither is ideal without protective accessories.

Screen and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

While the Canon lacks an electronic viewfinder, it compensates with a bright, tilting 3-inch screen. The FujiFilm’s electronic viewfinder is a boon for bright conditions and provides a more traditional shooting experience.

For street photographers or travelers shooting under harsh sunlight, FujiFilm’s EVF is a distinct advantage.

Zoom Range and Lens Characteristics

Both cameras boast impressive zooms, critical for wildlife or travel:

Canon leads in zoom reach with 40x versus FujiFilm’s 30x. However, FujiFilm offers a brighter maximum aperture at the telephoto end, which can help in low-light conditions and give shallower depth of field for better subject isolation.

The SX730 HS uses optical image stabilization optimized for handling its super-telephoto reach, while FujiFilm’s sensor-shift stabilization classically reduces blur but can be less effective at extreme zoom.

Battery Life and Storage

• Canon SX730 HS: Rated for approximately 250 shots per battery charge, powered by a proprietary rechargeable battery. Uses SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.

• FujiFilm HS10: Uses 4 x AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH rechargeable), which can be convenient when traveling but less efficient and heavier. Storage is via SD/SDHC; internal memory is minimal.

In practical terms, Canon offers more consistent battery performance and lower weight. FujiFilm's AA power option adds bulk but allows spare batteries on the go without special chargers.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity is a vital consideration if you want seamless image transfer or remote camera control.

Canon’s modern connectivity suite is a substantial advantage if you want instant sharing or smartphone control. FujiFilm’s older design lacks wireless features altogether.

Video Capabilities

For casual videographers, here’s what both deliver:

• Canon SX730 HS: Full HD (1080p) video at 60 fps, MPEG-4/H.264 codec, 35 Mbps bit rate. No 4K or advanced video features.

• FujiFilm HS10: Full HD 1080p at 30 fps plus multiple frame rate options for slow motion down to 224 x 64 at 1000 fps. No 4K. Uses H.264 codec.

Neither camera is ideal for serious videography but both offer good quality Full HD suitable for casual use.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Types

Evaluating cameras by practical shooting scenarios helps choose the right tool for your creative pursuits.

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX730 HS benefits from its higher resolution sensor to capture fine skin textures when lighting is good.
• Face detection autofocus ensures better focus on eyes, although lacking advanced eye tracking.
• Background blur is limited due to small sensor size and narrow aperture, but telephoto reach helps isolate subjects.
• FujiFilm HS10, with its brighter aperture at long focal lengths, can deliver a smoother bokeh effect, but lower resolution limits cropping.
• Both cameras have predictable skin tone rendering suitable for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography

• Canon’s 20MP sensor yields more detailed landscape shots, a boon in good light.
• Both share similar sensor size and lens limitations on wide-angle sharpness.
• Neither features weather sealing important for outdoor conditions.
• FujiFilm’s EVF assists composition in bright sun.
• Both struggle with dynamic range compared to APS-C or full-frame cameras.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon’s longer zoom range (960 mm) offers extended reach, key for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Burst rate at 5.9 fps is adequate for moderate action, but autofocus can lag with fast-moving subjects.
• FujiFilm’s faster 10 fps burst and more responsive AF make it better suited for active wildlife, though at shorter reach (720 mm).
• Image stabilization on Canon at high zoom is a plus, but FujiFilm’s sensor-shift works better for handheld macros and closer subjects.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera matches the tracking prowess or speed of enthusiast or professional APS-C/Full-frame models.
• FujiFilm’s 10 fps shooting is attractive for freeze-frame sports moments, but limited AF capabilities hamper accuracy.
• Canon’s slightly slower burst and face detection AF help for portraits during sports events, but overall limited.
• Both can struggle under dim indoor lighting.

Street Photography

• Canon’s small size and light weight make it inconspicuous for candid street shots.
• Lack of EVF is compensated by a sharp, tilting rear screen.
• FujiFilm’s bulk and weight are drawbacks on the street, but EVF facilitates discreet eye-level shooting.
• Both perform reasonably in daylight, less so at night given sensor size.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras focus down to 1 cm, enabling strong close-ups.
• FujiFilm’s sensor-shift stabilization and brighter aperture are helpful for handholding macro shots.
• Canon’s higher resolution yields finely detailed close-ups.
• Neither offers focus stacking or bracketing.

Night / Astro Photography

• Small sensor size limits ISO performance.
• Canon’s max ISO 3200 and Fuji’s max 6400 are insufficient for clean astro shots without noise.
• Neither camera supports long exposure modes beyond 15 or 30 seconds max shutter speeds.
• Best results come from tripod use, long exposures, and post-processing, but both underperform in this niche.

Video Use

• Canon’s Full HD at 60 fps captures smooth motion, good for casual scenes and travel videos.
• FujiFilm’s photogenic slow-motion options add creative possibilities.
• Neither has external mic ports or advanced video features.
• Lack of 4K limits future-proofing.

Travel Photography

• Canon’s pocketable size and wireless convenience make it a solid travel companion.
• Light weight aids extended walks and sightseeing.
• Decent battery life, although 250 shots require carrying a spare battery.
• FujiFilm’s superzoom and EVF offer shooting flexibility but at double the weight.
• AA batteries offer replaceable convenience on long treks without charging.

Canon SX730 HS front Canon SX730 HS screen back FujiFilm HS10 front FujiFilm HS10 screen back

Value and Price-to-Performance Ratio

At the original launch and in today’s used marketplace, Canon delivers better value for general users, especially with modern wireless integration and portability.

FujiFilm’s HS10 shines for photographers who want richer manual control and shooting experience, despite dated sensor tech and bulk.

Comprehensive Ratings Overview

Below is a synthesized rating based on image quality, features, handling, and target usage.

Genre-Specific Scores

A deeper look into strengths per photography style helps tailor your choice to your passion.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choosing the best camera between Canon SX730 HS and FujiFilm HS10 depends heavily on what you shoot most:

• If portability, convenience, wireless sharing, and high-resolution stills are your priority, the Canon SX730 HS is the practical choice. It excels at travel, street, and casual everyday photography where ease of use and light packing matter. Its extensive zoom and responsive AF provide versatility in most scenarios.

• If you prefer manual controls, longer battery life on replaceable AAs, an electronic viewfinder, and raw image files for post-processing, the older but more robust FujiFilm HS10 deserves a second look. It’s well suited for enthusiasts focusing on controlled shooting and subjects like wildlife at moderate zoom distances or sports where faster burst rates help.

Both cameras show limitations common to small-sensor superzooms - dynamic range and low-light noise affect image quality, and neither is geared for advanced video or professional work. Yet each fills its niche with unique merits.

What’s Next?

Try hands-on testing of both models if possible. The feel in your hands and real-world shooting experience often sways your choice more than specs.

Explore accessories like extra batteries for the Canon or AA rechargeables for FujiFilm. Look into compact tripods and external flashes (FujiFilm supports external flashes, adding creative lighting options).

Above all, keep your photographic goals front and center. Whether capturing fleeting street scenes or distant wildlife, the right tool should empower your vision - and these two cameras have their own distinct paths to that.

Happy shooting!

This analysis reflects over a decade of hands-on testing and real-world use across varied photography styles. For more expert camera reviews and gear advice, stay connected.