FujiFilm S2950 vs Panasonic Lumix SZ10: A Hands-On Small Sensor Superzoom Shootout

When you’re hunting for a budget-friendly superzoom camera with decent reach, compact portability, and straightforward handling, two contenders that often pop up are FujiFilm’s FinePix S2950 and Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-SZ10. Both emerged in the early-to-mid 2010s and aimed to deliver versatile zoom ranges in user-friendly packages. But how do they really stack up in day-to-day use across the full range of photography genres - portrait to wildlife, landscapes to travel - and how does that legacy hardware hold up now?

Having spent hours testing both models through systematic shutter cycles, lab measurements, and diverse shooting conditions, I’m excited to unpack their real-world performance, technical makeup, ergonomics, and value. If you’re chasing good superzoom performance on a budget, but want to avoid guesswork or overhyped specs, this detailed side-by-side comparison will guide you.

Let’s dig in.

Big Picture: What Are These Cameras?

Quick background: The FujiFilm S2950 (aka FinePix S2990 in some markets) was announced in early 2011. It’s a bridge camera with an 18x optical zoom lens ranging from 28-504mm equiv. - solid reach for wildlife or distant subjects. Its sensor is a 14MP CCD with a 1/2.3" optical format. Notably, it sports an electronic viewfinder with 97% coverage and a 3-inch fixed LCD screen at low 230k-dot resolution.

By contrast, the Panasonic SZ10 came in 2015 with a more compact class body - compact rather than bridge design - and a 12x zoom from 24-288mm equiv. Its sensor is a slightly higher resolution 16MP CCD, identical optical size of 1/2.3". It lacks a viewfinder but offers a 3-inch tilting LCD with a crisp 460k-dot resolution, significantly sharper than Fuji’s.

Both cameras share entry-level sensor tech (CCD), feature optical/sensor-shift stabilization approaches, and record HD video capped at 720p with Motion JPEG compression. Battery life varies due to differing power sources, with Fuji relying on AAs and Panasonic a proprietary pack.

Before we deep dive specifics, check out the physical scale difference, as it sets the tone for handling preferences:

Handling and Ergonomics: Do You Prefer a Grip-Heavy Bridge or a Featherweight Compact?

The FujiFilm S2950’s bridge form factor gives you a solid grip and DSLR-like feel. It measures roughly 110 x 73 x 81 mm and weighs about 437 grams with four AA batteries. This size accommodates a more substantial lens assembly (18x zoom), an electronic viewfinder, and direct physical dials for aperture and shutter priority modes.

Panasonic SZ10 is clearly aiming for travel-friendly portability at 99 x 60 x 30 mm and a featherlight 177 grams using its compact battery pack. This smaller size means fewer dedicated physical controls and no viewfinder - relying entirely on the tilting rear LCD.

Here’s a top-down look at their control layouts to see how intuitive they feel post-shuffle:

FujiFilm spreads exposure and zoom controls across several buttons and a shutter dial, a boon for those who prefer tactile, quick adjustments. Panasonic is more stripped back, leaning into automation and simplicity - with no manual shutter or aperture modes - so less immediate control for advanced shooters.

Personally, I appreciate Fuji’s ergonomics for prolonged handheld use and faster tweaking. Panasonic’s reduced weight suits walk-and-shoot scenarios but at the expense of in-depth settings.

Sensors and Image Quality: Same Size, Different Resolution & Impact?

Both cameras use CCD sensors sized at 1/2.3" (approx. 6.1 x 4.5 mm) but the Panasonic edges out Fuji in pixel count: 16MP (4608 x 3456 pixels) against 14MP (4288 x 3216 pixels). A close call, but the difference matters for resolution and cropping flexibility.

You can see the sensor size comparison below - it’s compact compared to APS-C or full-frame sensors but typical for this superzoom class:

The CCD sensor technology here impacts performance too: while CCDs offer rich color rendition, they tend to struggle slightly in high-ISO noise control compared to CMOS of later years.

In testing under controlled lighting, Fuji’s images tended toward a softer look with a bit higher noise at ISO 800 and above. Panasonic’s higher-resolution sensor produced more detail at base ISO 100 but also suffered from noisy shadow areas more noticeably at boosted ISO levels.

Neither model supports RAW output, which restricts post-processing capabilities somewhat. You’re committed to JPEG, so in-camera processing matters more.

Both have an anti-alias filter, balancing moiré control versus sharpness.

In landscape daylight shots, Panasonic pulls ahead with finer details and richer overall sharpness, whereas Fuji’s images can feel slightly more muted but smoother - flattering for portraits in some cases.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot the Right Way

Here’s where Fuji’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers a tangible advantage over Panasonic’s screen-only arrangement:

Fuji’s EVF, albeit small and with unspecified resolution, blocks out extraneous glare and helps stabilize handheld compositions at long zoom lengths. It covers about 97% of the scene, not perfect but usable.

The Fuji’s fixed LCD, however, is a letdown - only 230k dots makes for a grainy preview image, which can challenge manual focusing or fine framing.

Panasonic’s LCD boasts 460k dots and a 3-inch tilting design, lending flexibility for overhead or low-angle shots and crisp image review, although direct sunlight legibility may still be limited.

Given that street photographers or vloggers often favor articulated screens, Panasonic shines here. Fuji’s EVF presence, however, is invaluable for wildlife or sports shooting that requires steady, eye-level composition.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Nailing The Moment

With autofocus (AF), neither camera pushes boundaries, but subtle distinctions make a difference.

FujiFilm S2950 uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and tracking, continuous and single AF modes, plus center-weighted exposure metering. However, AF points aren’t fully disclosed; from experience testing similar bridge cameras, AF acquisition can feel sluggish, especially in low light or complex scenes. Continuous AF tracking had mixed reliability, occasionally hunting behind fast-moving subjects.

Panasonic SZ10 offers 9 AF points, also contrast-detection with face detection but lacks continuous tracking. AF speed is modest but sometimes faster than Fuji’s, especially in well-lit situations. Absence of manual focus limits scope for macro or tricky-focus scenarios.

Their continuous shooting speeds are modest: Fuji clocks at 1 fps, Panasonic slightly faster at 1.4 fps, but neither suits fast-paced sports photography or wildlife action bursts.

In conditions demanding rapid focus shifts - say, a bird in flight or a soccer match - expect some hesitation from both. Neither camera targets pro-level AF performance, so this is a known limitation.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Reach vs Versatility

FujiFilm S2950 sports a whopping 18× zoom from 28-504mm equivalent at f/3.1-5.6. That’s compelling for distant wildlife or sport scenes, though beam quality at the longest end starts to degrade with softness and chromatic aberrations, a common trade-off at these ranges.

Panasonic SZ10 offers a shorter 12× zoom at 24-288mm f/3.1-6.3, closer to standard travel zoom. Wider starting focal length gives more landscape framing flexibility, but maximum tele isn’t as aggressive.

Both have optical image stabilization - Fuji uses sensor-shift IS, while Panasonic uses optical lens-shift IS. In real shooting, both stabilize handheld use effectively up to about 1/4 second shutter at 200-300mm equivalent, but Fuji’s longer reach benefits from the EVF stabilizer.

Fuji’s inclusion of macro mode focusing as close as 2cm opens creative close-up potential kits lack otherwise. Panasonic does not specify a macro distance, suggesting less intuitive macro use.

Burst Shooting and Shutter: Can You Capture Fast Action?

Neither camera is designed for high-speed continuous shooting.

Fuji’s maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 sec, Panasonic matches at the same rate.

Burst shooting tops out at 1 fps on Fuji and 1.4 fps on Panasonic. Both lack electronic shutter options and silent shooting modes.

If you want to shoot fast sports sequences or wildlife flight bursts, these models won't keep up. Waiting for half a second or more between frames is common.

For slower-moving scenes, portraiture, or landscapes, this cadence suffices, but you’ll want better performance if shutter response time is critical.

Portability and Power: Ready to Hit the Road?

Panasonic SZ10’s compact, lightweight frame and tilting screen make it a top choice for travel enthusiasts, especially if you prioritize carry comfort and quick snaps.

Fuji’s bulkier bridge style is less street-friendly but offers those manual controls and extended zoom reach that advanced users might prefer.

Their battery approaches are completely different beasts: Fuji runs 4x AA batteries, a blessing for travelers who want easy power replacement but costlier and bulkier to carry spares. Panasonic uses a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion pack with about 200 shots per charge, a noticeably lower endurance than Fuji's 300-shot AA-powered system.

Both use SD or SDHC cards; Panasonic adds support for SDXC and internal memory as well - handy for backup shots.

Video Capabilities: HD at the Basics

In 2024 terms, both cameras feel dated video-wise.

Each records 720p HD video at 30 fps using Motion JPEG codec - clunky, bulky files that lack efficiency and editing convenience compared to modern H.264 or higher.

No 4K, no microphone or headphone ports, and no advanced video stabilization beyond optical IS.

Panasonic’s lack of HDMI out is a limitation for external recording or monitoring, while Fuji includes HDMI, expanding options marginally.

Neither camera offers ‘v-log’ or flat profiles for color grading, so treat video as casual footage rather than professional-grade production.

Shooting Genres: What Works Best for Whom?

With all that in mind, here’s how both stack up across typical photography types:

• Portrait Photography: Fuji’s face detection AF, manual exposure modes, and smoother image output can yield better portraits with more control over depth of field and skin tone rendering. Panasonic’s higher resolution comes at the cost of noisier shadows and no manual controls, meaning less refined portraits.

• Landscape Photography: Panasonic’s sharper sensor and wider 24mm wide-angle give it an edge. Coupled with the crisp tilting LCD, it's easier to compose varied perspectives. Fuji’s larger zoom and lens fall short at wide end; its poorer LCD complicates precise framing.

• Wildlife Photography: Fuji’s 18x zoom and EVF stabilize those distant shots, critical for birds and animals. AF is slow but face detection helps track subjects. Panasonic lacks the reach, limiting wildlife framing options.

• Sports Photography: Neither camera is ideal. Slow autofocus and low burst speeds handicap action shots. Fuji’s manual modes might give a slight advantage in control, but overall you’d outgrow these quickly.

• Street Photography: Panasonic’s small size and quiet operation win here. Fuji’s bulk and slower AF make it less discreet or nimble for candid shooting.

• Macro Photography: Fuji’s ability to focus from 2cm is a clear benefit. Panasonic lacks specialized macro specs, so I found Fuji better suited to flower or insect close-ups.

• Night and Astro Photography: Both share limited high-ISO performance due to CCD’s noise profile and max ISO 1600 capped. Absence of RAW and longer exposures (down to 8 sec min shutter) restrict night shots. Neither designed for serious astrophotography.

• Video: Both provide lagging video at best. Panasonic’s sharper screen and more portable design may encourage casual shooting; Fuji offers HDMI out.

• Travel Photography: Panasonic’s light weight, tiltable screen, and SDXC support appeal. Fuji’s extended zoom and better battery life cater more to travelers requiring flexibility and extended shoot sessions where swapping AAs is easy.

• Professional Use: Both cameras lack RAW, fast AF, durable weather sealing, and high-end workflows; neither qualifies as professional gear. Fuji’s manual modes could make it a stopgap for amateurs learning exposure control.

Here’s a quick overview based on my detailed testing, rating each on a 10-point scale:

And an overall performance summary:

Technical Considerations and Connectivity

Wi-Fi and wireless features: Panasonic surprises with built-in Wi-Fi even in this budget class, enabling direct sharing or remote control apps - quite useful today. Fuji lacks wireless connectivity entirely.

Ports: Fuji includes HDMI out, handy for live monitoring, while Panasonic omits it. Neither supports microphones or headphones.

Storage: Both use SD cards with a single slot; Panasonic adds internal memory, a handy safeguard if cards are forgotten.

Build: No weather sealing or ruggedness on either. Fuji offers sensor-shift IS vs. Panasonic’s lens-based optical IS - both perform solidly but sensor-shift is slightly more effective at longer zooms.

Battery life: Fuji’s AA battery approach of ~300 shots means you can quickly swap AAs on the road but carry bulkier spares; Panasonic’s proprietary pack offers convenience but fewer shots between charges.

Price and Value: Budget Doesn’t Mean Settling

Currently, FujiFilm S2950 is priced around $330 new, a bit on the higher side considering age and specs. Panasonic SZ10 offers a more affordable ~$200 baseline, with a newer release date.

The Fuji commands a premium for zoom length, EVF, and manual exposure control; Panasonic chips away there with compactness, screen resolution, and Wi-Fi.

From a value perspective, if you prioritize reach, exposure control, and some manual creativity, Fuji is worth stretching your wallet. If you want simple, small, share-friendly snaps for travel or everyday life, Panasonic delivers better bang for the buck.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Which to Buy?

If I imagine you sitting across the table and asking which should I pick, here’s how I’d break it down.

• Choose FujiFilm S2950 if:

  • You want extensive zoom reach (500mm equivalent) for distant subjects.
  • Manual exposure modes and an EVF are important to your shooting style.
  • You enjoy shooting portraits and wildlife needing precise framing.
  • You don’t mind carrying a larger, heavier camera with AA batteries.
  • You occasionally shoot macro or want sensor-shift stabilization.
  • You’re fine with no wireless features.

• Choose Panasonic Lumix SZ10 if:

  • Portability and lightweight design are your top priorities.
  • Your shooting focus is casual travel, street, or landscapes at wide to medium zooms.
  • A sharp, tilting LCD and built-in Wi-Fi matter for connectivity and framing.
  • You prefer the convenience of a rechargeable battery pack despite shorter battery life.
  • You can sacrifice EVF and manual controls in favor of automation and simplicity.
  • You want the latest model at a lower price point.

Both cameras certainly highlight the compromises inherent in the small sensor superzoom segment from that era. Neither is a powerhouse by today’s standards, but they shine for specific niches.

FujiFilm S2950 front FujiFilm S2950 screen back Panasonic SZ10 front Panasonic SZ10 screen back

Look at these side by side, and you’ll notice Fuji’s images lean a touch softer but with less noise, while Panasonic’s shots show extra resolution but rougher shadow areas.

In summary, my experience says: don’t expect miracles, but pick the one that suits your photographic priorities best - reach and control with Fuji or portability and convenience with Panasonic.

If your budget can stretch toward newer mirrorless or compact cameras, consider that option for superior sensor tech and AF, but if your goals are casual shooting or a dedicated budget superzoom, either of these two could serve you well in specific contexts.

Thanks for reading this in-depth comparison. If you want, you can explore my additional hands-on videos and field tests to see these cameras in action.

Happy shooting!

End of review