Canon SX740 HS vs FujiFilm FinePix S2500HD: A Detailed Hands-on Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzooms

In the world of small sensor superzoom cameras, choices abound for photo enthusiasts on a budget or users seeking versatile all-in-one point-and-shoot solutions. Today, I’m diving deep into two such models that at face value serve similar purposes but hail from very different photographic eras - the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, released in 2018, and the FujiFilm FinePix S2500HD, launched all the way back in 2010.

These cameras aren’t exactly head-to-head competitors, given their 8-year gap in technology, but comparing them can highlight how much tech has progressed and help those shopping either for an entry-level travel companion or a casual shooter’s backup cam to make an informed choice without breaking the bank. Having cradled both extensively through weeks of mixed-field tests, including nature walks, street shooting, and indoor portraits, I bring you a hands-on, no-nonsense look at how these two superzoom compacts perform practically across popular photography types.

Let’s dig in.

Size, Ergonomics & Handling: Compact Portability or SLR-Style Presence?

At first glance, the Canon SX740 HS proudly embraces the sleek compact form factor, measuring a trim 110x64x40 mm and tipping the scale at just 299 grams. It roughly fits in a jacket pocket or a small bag, making it an easy grab-and-go travel companion. The FujiFilm S2500HD, with its bridge-camera design, brings out a bulkier, more DSLR-ish stance - larger (110x73x81 mm) and heavier at 337 grams. It feels chunkier in the hand, with clubs for thumbs on the grip and a pronounced lens barrel that helps with manual stability.

Handling wise, the Canon’s slim profile and lighter weight win when portability is paramount - think city shooting, vacation snaps, or casual everyday carry. FujiFilm’s heft combined with its generous grip can inspire confidence if you prefer a more stable hold during zoomed shots or longer handheld exposures but at the cost of added bulk.

Control Layout & User Interface: Modern Minimalism vs Classic Bridge Design

Peering down from above reveals the Canon’s modern aesthetic: minimalistic but thoughtfully laid out controls designed for fast access. The mode dial isn’t crowded, and the top dials and buttons have satisfactory tactile resistance - important if you shoot in varied lighting or on the move. The SX740 HS lacks an electronic viewfinder (EVF), so all framing is via the bright 3-inch rear LCD - more on that shortly.

In contrast, the FujiFilm S2500HD sports a classic bridge-camera control arsenal: a proper, physical zoom rocker around the shutter button, a dedicated on/off switch, and a series of buttons around the rear screen. It also includes an EVF with 99% coverage, allowing for more precise framing in bright outdoor conditions. While the extra buttons may appeal to those who like direct physical controls, I found the layout a little dated and prone to clutter for new users.

Sensor and Image Quality: Generational Leap in Imaging Power

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3-inch sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (~28.07 mm²), which is standard for superzooms in this class. However, here the difference in image quality is marked due to sensor technology and resolution.

The Canon SX740 HS packs a 21-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, a huge generational leap from the FujiFilm S2500HD’s 12-megapixel CCD sensor. Backside illumination (BSI) greatly improves light-gathering ability, resulting in cleaner images with less noise at higher ISOs.

Real-world testing showed the SX740 handles low-light and mid-ISO setting performance far better, delivering sharper images with more vibrant colors and punchier contrast. The FujiFilm’s CCD sensor, now somewhat of a relic, renders colors flatter and struggles with noise creep starting as low as ISO 400.

That said, if you’re shooting in good daylight conditions and favor wider scenes or snapshots, the Fuji’s 12MP resolution is still adequate for casual use or social media sharing. But for prints or cropping flexibility, Canon’s sensor resolution brings definite advantages.

Viewing and Composition: Screens, Viewfinders, and Live View Experience

The Canon SX740 HS comes equipped with a 3-inch tilting LCD boasting 922k-dot resolution. The tilting mechanism allows for flexible shooting angles - low to the ground macro shots or overhead crowd scenes are easier to compose. However, it’s not a touchscreen, so navigating menus feels somewhat mouse-like rather than direct, but it remains snappy and responsive.

The FujiFilm S2500HD’s fixed 3-inch LCD is functional but underwhelming at only 230k dots. Color reproduction and brightness lag badly compared to the Canon. On the other hand, the inclusion of the electronic viewfinder offers an alternative in bright light where LCD visibility is compromised. However, EVF resolution details aren’t specified, and I found its small size and lower refresh rate somewhat limiting compared to modern EVFs.

Overall, Canon’s bright, high-resolution tilting screen helps a lot for creative angles and live view sharpness, enhancing ease of use, whereas Fuji’s EVF & screen combo is a mixed bag with limited appeal beyond traditional bridge shooters.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Tracking, Speed, and Versatility

In hands-on shooting of both cameras, autofocus (AF) performance was a defining difference. The Canon SX740 HS uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and tracking, plus continuous AF during bursts, enabling it to reliably and quickly lock on to subjects. This feature is especially handy for portraiture and street photography where moments are fleeting.

FujiFilm’s FinePix S2500HD implements a basic contrast autofocus system without face detection or tracking abilities. It’s slower to lock focus than Canon’s and misses moving subjects more often, making it less attractive for fast shooting situations.

Continuous shooting speed is a strong point in Canon’s favor, with up to 10 frames per second (fps) for burst shots, compared to the Fuji’s modest 1 fps maximum. This makes the SX740 a far superior pick for capturing action in sports or wildlife where timing is critical.

Lens and Zoom Range: Reach and Aperture Advantages

The cameras both have fixed superzoom lenses but differ considerably:

• Canon SX740 HS: 24-960mm equivalent (40x optical zoom), aperture F3.3–6.9
• FujiFilm S2500HD: 28-504mm equivalent (18x optical zoom), aperture F3.1–5.6

Almost double the zoom reach of Fuji, Canon’s lens allows serious telephoto shooting - great for distant wildlife, tight sports action, or architectural details. While it loses some speed in aperture at the tele end (F6.9), the extensive zoom range opens many doors without lens swaps.

FujiFilm’s lens starts faster at the wide end (F3.1 vs F3.3) and maintains a moderately brighter aperture at the telephoto end (F5.6) but cuts off at 504mm equivalent, limiting long-range reach.

Both lenses incorporate optical image stabilization, though Canon’s system is the traditional optical type while Fuji uses sensor-shift stabilization. Canon’s proves more effective in practice for handholding extreme zoom shots without shake.

Image Stabilization and Low Light Capabilities

Speaking of stabilization, Canon’s dedicated optical image stabilization on the SX740 HS is not just advertising fluff - it delivers meaningful shake reduction during handheld telephoto shots up to 960mm equivalent. Fuji’s sensor-shift mechanism helps, but at extreme zoom or lower shutter speeds, you notice more blur creeping in under similar conditions.

Low-light performance is where Canon shines clearly. The BSI CMOS sensor combined with DIGIC 8 processor enables better noise handling up to ISO 3200 native (no extended ISO on Fuji beyond 1600/3200 boosted). In comparison, Fuji’s CCD sensor results in mushier details and poor color fidelity as ISO increases beyond 800.

If you frequently shoot indoors, at dusk, or night scenes without a tripod, Canon’s low-light capabilities will be far less frustrating for you.

Video Capture: 4K vs VGA, Practical Use and Workflow

Video remains an increasingly important feature for many buyers, and here the two cameras are worlds apart.

The Canon SX740 HS supports crisp 4K UHD video recording at 30fps with H.264 compression, suitable for high-quality YouTube content, family videos, or even casual vlogging without audio inputs. It also supports slow-motion 1080p footage and time-lapse recording - great for creative projects.

On the other hand, FujiFilm’s S2500HD maxes out at low-resolution 1280x720 HD at 30fps or VGA quality, using Motion JPEG codec - somewhat outdated and resulting in large file sizes with limited editing flexibility. No 4K or 1080p options here, so if video versatility matters, Canon’s clearly better.

Portraits and Bokeh: Subject Isolation and Color Rendering

In portraits, Canon’s 21MP sensor combined with its DIGIC 8 processor and contrast AF with face detection creates well-exposed, detailed images with pleasing skin tones and smooth background blur given the telephoto reach.

While neither camera will deliver the buttery bokeh of a larger-sensor DSLR with a wide aperture prime, Canon’s longer zoom and responsive AF consistently capture sharp eyes and natural colors, even in dimmer conditions.

FujiFilm’s S2500HD struggles here due to resolution and sensor tech limitation; images appear flatter, less detailed, and focusing on faces effectively was a bit hit-or-miss in my shooting tests. Not ideal if portraits are a regular priority.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution Considerations

Landscape shooters often crave high resolution and dynamic range (DR) to capture subtle sky nuances and foreground details. Canon SX740’s modern sensor delivers improved DR relative to the FujiFilm, with better highlight retention - try capturing a sunset and you’ll notice smoother color gradations and less clipping.

At 21MP, Canon also affords more cropping freedom and printing options. FujiFilm’s 12MP and older CCD sensor limit DR and detail resolution - fine for web display but less for serious prints or panorama stitching.

Neither camera incorporates weather sealing; for extended outdoor use, consider protective cases.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Burst Rates and Autofocus Tracking

As mentioned, Canon’s 10 fps burst rate and face-detect AF tracking make it an acceptable choice for casual wildlife or sports photography where you don’t want to lug heavy gear. Its 40x zoom also helps isolate distant subjects.

The FujiFilm falls short here with 1 fps shooting and sluggish AF, making missed shots common in fast-action scenarios. It’s more suited to static subjects.

While neither camera can compete with dedicated DSLR or mirrorless systems for professional sports, Canon compromises well for enthusiasts needing a lightweight, rich zoom option.

Street and Travel Shooting: Discretion and Battery Life

The Canon SX740 HS’s compact size and quiet shooting modes lend themselves to discreet street photography and travel snapshots. Its battery life rating of 265 shots per charge is modest but manageable with spare batteries.

FujiFilm S2500HD, with its bulkier body and AA batteries (which can be a convenience in some locales), lacks wireless connectivity, limiting remote image transfer or smartphone pairing - a downside for travelers wanting quick sharing.

Macro and Close-Up Photography: Focusing Distance and Precision

Canon’s 1cm macro focus distance is impressive for a superzoom compact, letting you capture fine details of flowers or insects with excellent sharpness and background separation.

FujiFilm’s minimum macro focusing range is 2cm, which works but doesn’t get quite as close-up, reducing creative options slightly.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

While neither camera is optimized for astrophotography, Canon’s superior low-light handling, ISO 3200 ceiling, and manual exposure modes make it a better candidate for night shots and star trails with a tripod.

FujiFilm’s ISO limit of 1600 and noisier images limit its usability in extreme low-light scenarios.

Build Quality, Durability, and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is weather sealed, shockproof, or freeze resistant. Both are plastics-heavy constructions but the Canon feels better finished with a more solid grip, which inspired more confidence on longer shoots.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Needs and Convenience

Canon’s built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC make image sharing and remote shooting straightforward - huge plus for social sharpshooters and travelers on the go.

FujiFilm lacks any wireless connectivity, relying on USB 2.0 for file transfers and SD card slots for storage. It also supports internal memory but it’s quite limited.

Price, Value and Final Recommendations

For ~$400 new, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS offers modern sensor tech, 4K video, excellent zoom range, solid AF, and connectivity - all packed into a compact frame. It’s a great all-rounder for beginners, travel lovers, and casual photographers seeking strong performance without the bulk or cost of interchangeable lenses.

The FujiFilm FinePix S2500HD, available used for $100-$200, can still serve cheapskate beginners or hobbyists needing an affordable bridge camera with a large grip and optical viewfinder. However, you sacrifice resolution, AF speed, video quality, and connectivity.

Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Breakdowns

These charts put the Canon far ahead overall, especially excelling in video, zoom range, autofocus, and image quality figures. FujiFilm still holds some value in macro and certain beginner use cases but trails in every other critical aspect.

Sample Images From Both Cameras

Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back FujiFilm S2500HD front FujiFilm S2500HD screen back

Side-by-side images confirm the Canon’s superior color fidelity, detail, and low-light performance. FujiFilm photos look softer and duller, especially at higher ISO or deeper zoom levels.

The Final Verdict: Which Camera Wins Your Money?

For travelers, vloggers, and general photography enthusiasts, the Canon SX740 HS is the clear winner. It offers significant technological improvements, better image quality, impressive zoom, and usable video features that modern users expect. Its compactness and connectivity options make it a versatile choice.

For budget buyers or casual users who want a bulky bridge style camera for daylight snaps, the FujiFilm S2500HD might be a "second camera" or introduction to manual modes without much commitment - but be prepared for compromises on speed, quality, and features.

So, if you want my honest two cents from over 15 years of camera testing, unless you have a very tight budget or particular nostalgia for Fuji’s styling, the Canon SX740 HS will serve you better in nearly every photography discipline, both analog and digital.

Happy shooting!
– Your friendly neighborhood camera gear nerd

Summary of Pros and Cons

I hope this detailed comparison helps you make a wise choice fulfilling your personal photography needs! If you have specific questions about either camera, feel free to reach out, and happy snapping!