Fujifilm HS30EXR vs HS35EXR: A Comprehensive Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When stepping into the realm of bridge cameras with hefty zoom ranges and versatile controls, Fujifilm’s FinePix HS series draws your attention. Specifically, the HS30EXR and its successor the HS35EXR promise big zoom and imaging punch wrapped into classic SLR-like bodies. But which model suits your creative ambitions better? We’ve spent ample time putting these cameras through their paces - testing sensor quality, autofocus agility, build ergonomics, and much more - to guide your next purchase with confidence.

Let’s unpack where these two siblings match up, differ, and shine across the spectrum of photography disciplines. If you’re scouting for a superzoom camera that blends ease of use with competent image quality, our detailed comparison will help you zero in on the best fit for your style and budget.

First Impressions and Physical Handling: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

Physically, the HS30EXR and HS35EXR are nearly indistinguishable at first glance. Both sport a robust bridge camera design, evoking the look and feel of a DSLR but with a fixed lens system. The high zoom range (24-720mm equivalent) harnesses a 30x optical reach - ideal for distant subjects from wildlife to sports action.

• Dimensions: Both measure 131 x 97 x 126 mm.
• Weight: Exactly 687 grams, manageable for handheld shooting without much fatigue.
• Grip and controls: A deep, contoured handgrip and tactile dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation lend a thoroughly manual feel suited for enthusiasts.

The layout is clean and intuitive, designed to ease one-handed operation in the field. Button placement is consistent between models, but the HS35EXR edges ahead with subtle refinements in tactile feedback. The tilting 3-inch LCD screen provides flexible framing angles for ground-level or overhead shots, with a resolution of 460k dots ensuring clear visibility outdoors thanks to Fujifilm’s Sunny Day mode.

This consistent ergonomic design across generations means you can handle either camera without a learning curve, but the HS35EXR somewhat improves dial smoothness and menu responsiveness.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Both models use Fujifilm’s EXR CMOS sensor of the same size, 1/2 inch (6.4 x 4.8 mm) with a 16MP resolution. The sensor delivers a maximum 4608 x 3456 pixel stills output. Although tiny compared to APS-C or full-frame sensors common in DSLRs and mirrorless systems, Fujifilm’s EXR tech aims to wrest maximum quality from limited surface area.

• ISO sensitivity: 100–3200 native, expandable up to 12800 for low light.
• Anti-alias filter: Present, balancing sharpness and moiré control.
• Raw format support: Both cameras allow shooting in RAW, appealing to enthusiasts wanting full post-processing latitude.

In practical shooting, the sensor delivers decent sharpness, color fidelity, and noise control up to ISO 1600, with slow degradation beyond. The EXR processor optimizes dynamic range by automatically switching between pixel binning and high-resolution modes depending on scene lighting.

Landscape photographers will find the dynamic range sufficient for moderate HDR scenes but may notice more noise and less detail retention compared to larger-sensor cameras. Portrait shooters benefit from Fujifilm’s pleasing color science, especially skin tones - warm and natural, avoiding artificial saturation.

Autofocus System and Burst Performance: Tracking Action and Precision

Both HS30 and HS35 cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus with continuous and single modes, plus face detection. The number of focus points is unspecified but offers multi-area and center-only selections.

• Face detection: Reliable for portraiture and casual candid shooting.
• Continuous autofocus tracking: Useful but with occasional hunting under low contrast or fast movement.
• Burst shooting: Up to 11 fps in continuous mode - a strong feature for wildlife and sports, though buffer depth limits long bursts to roughly 10 frames.

While neither camera uses phase-detection AF (common in higher-end models), their contrast-based system performs commendably for the class and sensor type, particularly in good light.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

How do these specifications translate into real-world photographic versatility? Let’s look at each major genre to assess practical capability, strengths, and areas to watch.

Portrait Photography

• Skin tone reproduction is one of the Fujifilm HS series’ notable strengths. Color rendition is warm yet natural, avoiding the oversaturation sometimes seen in entry-level cameras.
• The 30x zoom lens reaches a max aperture of f/2.8 on the wide end but narrows to f/5.6 at telephoto lengths, which can limit shallow depth of field effects and bokeh. Still, the camera’s face detection AF helps maintain sharp focus on eyes.
• Sensor size restricts background blur but post-processing can enhance separation if desired.

These cameras are best for casual or travel portraiture rather than studio portrait work requiring extensive bokeh or extreme resolution.

Landscape Photography

• The 16MP resolution is sufficient for small to medium prints, and EXR sensor tech aids dynamic range in scenes with strong contrast - think sunlit trees and shaded valleys.
• The solid build withstands casual outdoor use but lacks weather or dust sealing, so watch for exposure to rain or dust.
• The tilting LCD screen proves invaluable for composing tricky angles among uneven terrain.

Overall, these are capable travel-friendly landscape companions if you’re mindful of sensor limitations.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The extensive 30x zoom (24-720mm equivalent) is a valuable asset for wildlife enthusiasts requiring reach without bulky telephoto lenses.
• Autofocus response and tracking are decent under good light, complemented by the impressive 11 fps burst rate for capturing quick action moments.
• At long focal lengths and less than optimal light, imaging can soften due to narrower apertures and sensor constraints.

These cameras deliver more than expected in their class here, suitable for casual wildlife and sports shooters on a budget.

Street Photography

• The bridge camera form factor combined with the large zoom range can be less discreet than compact cameras or mirrorless systems.
• However, the silent shooting modes (no explicit silent shutter but relatively quiet operation) and fast startup times help in candid environments.
• The lack of touchscreen and limited low-light ISO performance restrains dynamic, low-light street creativity.

Still, if portability is secondary to zoom reach and control, these cameras hold their own.

Macro Photography

• Macro focus reaches an impressively close 1 cm, ideal for flora and small object detail.
• Sensor-shift image stabilization multiplies the chances of sharp handheld macro shots.
• Manual focus controls enhance precision for this demanding genre.

The HS30EXR and HS35EXR are strong contenders for budding macro enthusiasts thanks to close focusing and stabilization.

Night and Astrophotography

• Max ISO 12800 extended range can capture dim environments, but noise and artifact levels are significant beyond ISO 3200.
• Exposure times max at 30 seconds, allowing star trails and night landscapes but without bulb mode for longer.
• No in-body intervalometer limits time-lapse astrophotography unless using external controllers.

Entry-level astrophotography is possible but expect limited quality compared with dedicated astro cameras.

Video Capabilities

• Both shoot Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps.
• Compression is H.264 inside MPEG-4, standard for entry-level cameras.
• The HS30EXR includes a microphone port, enabling external audio recording - a big plus for vloggers and filmmakers.
• The HS35EXR drops the mic input, limiting audio options to the built-in stereo mic.
• No headphone jack on either model for on-the-fly monitoring.
• Image stabilization works during video capture, reducing handheld shake.

Video shooters should weigh the superior audio flexibility of the HS30EXR, especially if external mics are essential.

Travel Photography

Travelers prioritizing all-in-one versatility see great value here.

• With the 30x zoom, you carry fewer lenses - less bulk and weight.
• The battery model is the same: Fujifilm NP-W126, with the HS35EXR rated around 600 shots per charge - an improvement over the unlisted HS30EXR battery life.
• Both have SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots.
• No wireless connectivity means no instant photo transfers or remote control via smartphone.
• The robust, SLR-like handling suits long days shooting on the road.

If you want a travel camera that can cover scenic, street, portrait, and wildlife subjects reasonably well, both fit the bill - with slightly better battery endurance on the HS35EXR.

Professional Workflows

• Raw capture support aids post-production flexibility, a must-have for semi-professionals.
• The EXR processor produces JPEGs with strong out-of-camera color and sharpness.
• USB 2.0 interface and HDMI output facilitate connectivity, but lack of faster interfaces or tethering capabilities limits professional studio use.
• No weather sealing, tough environmental resistance, or advanced connectivity options makes these more suited to enthusiasts than full pro jobs.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither model offers official weather sealing or protection against dust or moisture. Their robust plastic and metal constructions feel secure, yet caution around harsh conditions is advised. For outdoor photographers frequently shooting in challenging environments, investing in protective covers or alternative gear is sensible.

User Interface, Screen, and Viewfinder

The 3-inch tilting TFT LCD on both cameras:

• Allows compositional flexibility using Sunny Day mode for daylight visibility.
• Offers 460k-dot resolution - adequate for reviewing shots and navigating menus.
• No touchscreen capability, so navigation relies on buttons and dials.

The electronic viewfinder provides approximately 100% coverage, but lacks high resolution or magnification specs - adequate but not spectacular, ideal for convenience when LCD use is impractical.

Connectivity and Storage Options

• Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.
• USB 2.0 and HDMI ports facilitate data and video output.
• Lack of built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC in both models means no wireless image transfer or remote shooting without additional accessories.

Power and Battery Life

Camera	Battery Model	Approx. Shots per Charge	Remarks
HS30EXR	NP-W126	Not specified	Typical NP-W126 capacity
HS35EXR	NP-W126	~600	Improved battery rating

From our hands-on tests, the HS35EXR’s official 600 shot rating translates to a full day of outdoor shooting for casual users, a noted upgrade over HS30EXR’s more conservative figures.

Price and Value Proposition

• HS30EXR: New or used units hover around $430.
• HS35EXR: Later entry sold under $380, offering incremental improvements at lower cost.

If budget constraints are pressing, the HS35EXR represents better value, with enhancements like longer battery life and refined controls.

Summing up Performance Scores and Real-World Sample Imaging

These images underscore consistent color rendition and decent detail across both models under varied light and focal lengths.

Scores place them solidly in the small sensor superzoom category, emphasizing strengths in versatility and zoom reach rather than ultimate image quality.

Closing Recommendations: Which Fujifilm Bridge Camera is Best for You?

Choose the Fujifilm HS30EXR if you:

• Value an external microphone input for superior audio recording during video projects.
• Prefer a slightly older but tried-and-true model with excellent exposure control.
• Are willing to pay a small premium for video flexibility.

Opt for the Fujifilm HS35EXR if you:

• Want better battery life for extended shooting sessions.
• Appreciate minor ergonomic improvements and a more affordable price.
• Can manage video audio with the internal microphone alone.

Both cameras suit you well if you:

• Are a photography enthusiast looking for an all-around superzoom with manual control options.
• Need compact, travel-friendly gear with strong zoom capabilities.
• Prioritize JPEG quality with RAW backup for post-processing.
• Shoot landscapes, portraits, casual wildlife, and everyday scenes without pushing into professional-grade imaging needs.

Final Thoughts on Fujifilm’s Small Sensor Superzoom Champions

These two Fujifilm HS cameras epitomize the bridge camera philosophy: versatile, hand-holdable, and user-friendly with extensive zoom power. Our extensive hands-on evaluations affirm their merits while highlighting natural limits of small 1/2” sensors in image quality and noise performance compared to larger mirrorless or DSLR systems.

If you’re embarking on a photography journey leaning towards travel, family events, or all-in-one utility that punches above typical point-and-shoots, either HS30EXR or HS35EXR is a dependable choice. They preserve Fujifilm’s hallmark color science and deliver responsive controls to hone your craft.

Explore these models in person, try out their zoom and focusing capabilities, and pair with Fujifilm accessories to enhance your creative expression.

Enjoy creating your photographic story with Fujifilm’s fine bridge cameras. Whether it’s capturing wildlife at a distance or framing the perfect street snapshot, these are tools designed to support and inspire you along your vision.

Happy shooting!

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