Canon SX740 HS vs Fujifilm FinePix S1800: A Deep Dive into Two Small Sensor Superzooms

In the ever-evolving world of compact and bridge cameras, small sensor superzoom models occupy an interesting niche: they promise versatile focal ranges in manageable bodies, targeting enthusiasts who want all-in-one solutions without the bulk or expense of interchangeable-lens systems. Two cameras in this domain that often invite comparison are the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS (released in 2018) and the Fujifilm FinePix S1800 (introduced back in 2010).

While separated by nearly a decade, both share a common category and feature set, albeit with different design philosophies and technological underpinnings. Having personally tested both cameras extensively under controlled laboratory settings and in varied shooting environments, I’ll walk you through an in-depth comparison - covering ergonomics, image quality, autofocus, video capabilities, and more - to help you decide which might suit your photographic ambitions.

Compact Meets Bridge: Handling and Ergonomics

The Canon SX740 HS and the FujiFilm S1800 fall at different points on the physical spectrum within superzoom cameras.

The Canon SX740 HS is distinctly compact. Measuring 110 x 64 x 40 mm and weighing a featherlight 299 grams, it slips effortlessly into jacket pockets or smaller bags - a key advantage for travel and street photographers who prize portability without compromising zoom reach. Canon’s familiar PowerShot styling leans toward simplicity and ease of use. Despite the compact size, the SX740 HS offers a decent grip with sufficient size for those of us who value steadiness in hand. Its 3-inch tilting LCD (more on that shortly) adds compositional flexibility.

On the flip side, the Fujifilm S1800 is a step into the bridge camera world - physically larger at 110 x 73 x 81 mm and weighing 337 grams, it sports an SLR-like design that both commands more presence and affords better manual grip for some users. The body’s bulkiness communicates a more traditional photography tool or “digital bridge” feel. However, the fixed (non-tilting) 3-inch screen is far less flexible, and with lower resolution (only 230k dots), framing or reviewing images feels decidedly dated compared to the Canon.

Ergonomically, I found the Canon SX740 HS to better suit fast, on-the-move shooting - crisp control layout and lighter weight enhance comfort for extended handheld use. The Fujifilm’s bigger size gives some steadiness advantage but at the cost of portability.

Both cameras offer standard physical buttons and dials. Canon’s control scheme is a little cleaner and more refined, featuring the DIGIC 8 processor’s intelligence baked into menu systems and exposure modes. The FujiFilm sticks to a traditional grip-heavy pattern but lacks modern refinements like customizable buttons or touch input.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Big Differences

At the heart of any camera’s imaging capabilities lies the sensor. Both cameras deploy a 1/2.3-inch sensor (approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm), standard fare in compact superzooms. Despite this identical sensor size, the underlying technology and resolution vary significantly.

The Canon SX740 HS boasts a 21-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, a noteworthy advancement in small sensor technology. BSI sensors excel in gathering light more efficiently by reversing the wiring layer, thereby enhancing low-light performance and dynamic range - crucial factors in real-world shooting. This sensor paired with Canon's DIGIC 8 image processor yields detailed images with reasonable noise control up to its maximum native ISO of 3200.

Conversely, the FujiFilm S1800 features an older 12-megapixel CCD sensor. CCDs are known for slightly better color rendition qualities but are less efficient in noise performance and dynamic range compared to CMOS. Further, the S1800’s maximum ISO tops out at 1600 natively, with a boosted mode to 3200, but noise becomes intrusive at those levels. Coupled with an aging processor, this pushes the S1800 into less forgiving territory for low-light or high-contrast scenes.

In practice, the Canon SX740 HS produces cleaner images with better detail retention and color accuracy. This is especially evident in indoor or shadow-rich environments where sensor efficiency counts.

Zoom Reach and Optical Performance: Telephoto vs Versatility

A primary consideration in superzoom cameras is lens focal range and aperture - balancing versatility and image quality.

The Canon SX740 HS shines with an impressive 24-960 mm (40x) equivalent zoom. This extensive range allows you to go from ultra-wide perspectives - ideal for sweeping landscapes or architecture - to extreme telephoto reach that’s useful for distant wildlife or sports candid shots. The lens aperture ranges from f/3.3 at the wide end to f/6.9 at telephoto, typical for long zooms but acceptable given the sensor size.

By contrast, the FujiFilm S1800 covers 28-504 mm (18x) equivalent focal length. While less ambitious than Canon's 40x, it still serves many everyday shooting situations well. The maximum aperture varies from f/3.1 to f/5.6 - a touch faster at telephoto than the Canon, which can sometimes help in lower-light zoomed shots.

Despite the impressive zoom number, remember image quality often diminishes at extreme zoom lengths on consumer superzooms. Lens sharpness and chromatic aberration control can suffer. In controlled tests, I noticed that the Canon’s lens optics maintain better edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast throughout the zoom range, particularly when stopped down slightly. The Fuji’s optics are acceptable but show softness and flare more prominently at longer focal lengths.

Macro capabilities also differ: Canon enables focusing as close as 1 cm, allowing detailed close-ups of flowers or small objects - a handy feature for macro enthusiasts on the go. Fuji’s minimum macro distance is 2 cm, respectable but less versatile.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Autofocus technology can define whether a camera is practical or frustrating in fast-paced scenarios such as wildlife or sports.

The Canon SX740 HS uses a contrast-detection autofocus system enhanced with face detection and tracking features. It offers autofocus modes including single, continuous, and tracking, supported by a respectable 10 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting speed. These capabilities make it suitable for capturing fleeting moments in dynamic conditions. The eye detection face AF improves portrait work by keeping eyes crisp - a critical factor in professional and enthusiast portraiture.

The FujiFilm S1800 relies on contrast-detection AF only, without face detection or tracking functions, and its continuous shooting caps at a sluggish 1 fps. While this is sufficient for casual snapshots, it is limiting for action photography or wildlife where speed and sustained focus are crucial.

In practical field use, Canon’s autofocus was consistently faster and more reliable, especially in challenging lighting conditions or moving subjects. The broader AF coverage and tracking algorithms superiorly support sports and nature photographers.

Display and Viewfinder: Composition and Review

On-camera displays and viewfinders frame your shooting experience.

Canon equips the SX740 HS with a 3-inch tilting LCD screen at a resolution of 922k dots. This high-definition display is bright and detailed enough for outdoor use, and the ability to tilt helps compose shots from creative or awkward angles (think low to the ground macro or high overhead crowd shots). However, it lacks touchscreen capability, a perk some users may miss.

The Fujifilm S1800 has a 3-inch fixed LCD with only 230k dots resolution, making it noticeably less sharp and less useful under bright sunlight. However, Fuji compensates with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) covering 99% of the frame - a valuable feature missing on the Canon, which relies solely on the rear LCD. The EVF in the S1800 is a godsend in bright conditions where LCD glare hampers composing images and reviewing exposure.

From my tests outdoors in direct sunlight, the Fuji’s EVF and the Canon’s bright, tilting LCD both facilitate composition, but the Canon wins on screen quality and flexibility while Fuji’s EVF offers an alternative for those who prefer eye-level framing.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Formats, and Flexibility

Video has become an integral part of hybrid photographic tools.

Canon’s SX740 HS takes a significant leap forward with 4K UHD recording at 30 fps in MP4/H.264 format, a contemporary video feature that supports sharp, high-quality footage. Videos are smooth, and alongside optical image stabilization, handheld shooting is quite stable for a compact camera. Unfortunately, inputs for external microphones or headphones are lacking - limiting audio customization. Canon’s video options are adequate for casual videographers or vloggers relying on compact gear.

The FujiFilm S1800 records 720p HD video at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, a rather outdated codec producing large file sizes and limited image quality. It lacks 1080p or 4K capability and offers no stabilization dedicated to video. Given the age of the S1800, this is unsurprising but a notable drawback in today's multimedia environment.

Summarizing, Canon delivers superior video performance, while Fujifilm remains constrained to modest video capture.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Hours and Capacity

Durability in shooting sessions hinges on power and storage.

Canon SX740 HS uses a proprietary battery pack, rated for approximately 265 shots per charge according to CIPA standards - a figure in line with similarly sized compacts. For extended outings, carrying spare batteries or an external charger is advisable. The camera uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-I compatibility, ensuring fast write speeds supporting 4K video.

Fujifilm’s S1800 relies on four AA batteries, a double-edged sword. While the convenience of readily available batteries is undeniable, it can also add weight and may incur higher ongoing costs. Battery life specifics are not officially stated but experience suggests fairly modest endurance. It accepts SD and SDHC cards plus an internal memory buffer, but lacks support for newer, higher-speed cards.

For travel and prolonged shooting days, Canon’s battery life and card support edge out the Fuji, providing a more modern, streamlined workflow.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Sharing in a Connected World

The Canon SX740 HS features built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, enabling easy pairing with smartphones and tablets. This facilitates rapid image transfer and remote camera control - features increasingly demanded by travel photographers and social media enthusiasts.

In stark contrast, the FujiFilm S1800 lacks any form of wireless connectivity, rooted in a pre-smartphone era when tethering cameras to phones was uncommon.

For photographers valuing immediate sharing or remote operation, the Canon’s connectivity suite is a compelling advantage.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ruggedness Tested

Both cameras operate in the absence of environmental sealing or rugged features. Neither is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof. These cameras are best treated as casual-use superzooms rather than professional-grade outdoor tools.

The Canon SX740 HS’s build feels solid for a compact, though clearly plastic in construction, suitable for daily carry but not abuse.

Fujifilm S1800’s larger body lends a perception of durability, but the lack of weather sealing and older construction mean one shouldn't assume extra toughness.

Performance Summary: Weighing the Scores

After extensive use and analysis, how do these two cameras stack up?

Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back FujiFilm S1800 front FujiFilm S1800 screen back

Side-by-side image comparisons reveal Canon’s superior image noise handling, sharper details at equivalent apertures, and more color fidelity accuracy. The extensive zoom range effectively extends creative possibilities versus Fujifilm’s more modest reach.

Autofocus speed and tracking - the Canon shines, critical for action and wildlife.

Video quality and resolution lean heavily toward the Canon’s 4K capability versus Fuji’s basic HD.

Ergonomics favor the Canon for portability; Fuji for a more traditional, handled feel with an EVF.

Connectivity is only in Canon’s court.

Genre-Specific Performance Insights

• Portrait: Canon's eye detection and finer AF control excel. Fuji lacks face-detection.
• Landscape: Both limited by sensor size but Canon’s higher resolution and dynamic range prevail.
• Wildlife: Canon’s longer zoom and faster shooting make it more effective.
• Sports: Canon's 10fps vs Fuji’s 1fps is a stark difference.
• Street: Canon’s compact size and silent operation offer more discretion.
• Macro: Canon’s 1 cm minimum focus distance beats Fuji’s 2 cm.
• Night/Astro: Neither camera excels here due to sensor limitations, but Canon’s ISO performance is better.
• Video: Canon dominates with 4K; Fuji lags at 720p.
• Travel: Canon’s lighter weight, battery, and wireless ease suit travel photographers better.
• Professional use: Neither replaces interchangeable-lens systems, but Canon’s enhanced options are more flexible for casual pro work.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

For photographers prioritizing compactness, image quality, fast autofocus, and modern video features, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is the clear choice. It embodies a decade’s worth of technological progress, making it an ideal all-rounder for travel, street, wildlife, and casual professional use. Its modest price (~$400 at launch) further enhances its value proposition.

On the other hand, the FujiFilm FinePix S1800 offers a budget-friendly, bridge-style form and an electronic viewfinder - a still-valued feature for some - but sacrifices image quality, speed, video, and connectivity due to dated design. It may appeal to beginners or those seeking basic zoom functionality and a more substantial grip form factor without breaking the bank lightly used, but its relevance diminishes against current models.

Wrapping Up: The Tale of Two Superzooms

Our hands-on experience with these cameras resonates with the narrative of camera evolution over time. The Canon SX740 HS, crafted in a world where compact power and connectivity speech, outperforms the decade-old Fujifilm S1800 by a healthy margin in nearly every measurable category. Yet, the Fujifilm’s bridge styling and EVF still hold nostalgic and practical appeal to certain users.

The choice largely boils down to your prioritization: If portability, zoom reach, autofocus speed, and 4K video matter, Canon stands tall. If budget constraints and preference for a bridge form with a viewfinder trump cutting-edge tech, consider the Fuji as a secondary option - though I’d encourage exploring more recent alternatives if possible.

In the landscape of small sensor superzooms, one camera advances the narrative; the other quietly reminds us of past digital imaging charm.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you make an informed choice tailored to your photographic style and needs. Happy shooting!