Fujifilm HS35EXR vs Panasonic Lumix FZ47: Which Small Sensor Superzoom Reigns Supreme?

When choosing a small sensor superzoom camera, the options can blur together - pun intended - especially if you’re after extensive zoom capability wrapped in a DSLR-like body but without changing lenses. Two popular contenders in this category are the Fujifilm HS35EXR and the Panasonic Lumix FZ47. Both offer compelling features at similar price points, but subtle technical differences influence real-world use dramatically.

Having spent countless hours testing bridge cameras across genres, I wanted to sit down with these two and explore how they stack up from sensor tech to autofocus, ergonomics to imaging output. This isn’t just specs on paper; it’s a deep dive into performance nuances to help you decide which suits your photography needs best.

Let’s get started.

Body Design and Handling: Ergonomics That Influence Shooting

Right out of the gate, physical handling heavily impacts how you interact with a camera daily. Both the HS35EXR and FZ47 feature SLR-like bridge designs, but their dimensions and heft differ noticeably.

• Fujifilm HS35EXR: At approximately 131x97x126mm and 687g, it feels solid - bordering on hefty for a bridge camera. The slightly chunkier grip accommodates robust handling, especially during extended zoom shooting sessions. The rear mounted 3-inch tilting TFT LCD (with Sunny Day mode for bright outdoor use) pivots smoothly, offering flexibility for low or high-angle compositions. The electronic viewfinder covers 100% of the frame, providing dependable eye-level shooting, despite lacking detailed magnification data.

• Panasonic Lumix FZ47: Smaller and lighter at 120x80x92mm and just 498g, the FZ47 is markedly more pocketable - a boon for travel or street photographers who prize discretion and portability. It houses a fixed 3-inch LCD (also 460K dots), lacking articulation but retaining solid clarity. Like the Fuji, it employs a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder.

From my side-by-side testing, the Fuji’s larger size translates to a more secure grip, especially when hovering near its max 720mm equivalent zoom. The smaller Panasonic feels nimble and less tiring to carry all day, but my fingers occasionally struggled to reach its smaller buttons quickly in active shooting.

Control layouts on both cameras are straightforward but different philosophies:

• The HS35EXR puts emphasis on manual exposure controls, with a dedicated mode dial for shutter/aperture priority, plus customizable buttons. This caters well to enthusiasts keen on direct access and faster setup.

• The FZ47 favors simplicity and automation, keying in on full auto modes with accessible manual options tucked in. Its Venus Engine FHD processor supports Panasonic’s reliable operational speed but doesn’t quite offer the same tactile engagement.

Ultimately, if you value a camera that feels like an extension of your hands with solid manual control access, the HS35EXR takes the edge. For convenience and grab-and-go, the FZ47 wins in portability.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Tiny Sensors with Big Variances

Here’s where things get fascinating. Both cameras incorporate small sensor technology but diverge in sensor type, resolution, and key specs that affect image quality dramatically.

The Fujifilm HS35EXR’s EXR CMOS sensor is architected for enhanced dynamic range and low noise thanks to EXR technology’s adaptive pixel grouping modes. This provides flexible control over noise and detail by switching between resolution, DR or sensitivity modes - ideal for tricky lighting or high-contrast landscape scenes.

The Panasonic FZ47’s CCD sensor of fewer pixels and smaller area tends to be more limited in dynamic range and struggles more at high ISO values. CCDs, while historically good for color fidelity, usually lag CMOS sensors in noise handling, especially at boosted ISO.

In practical shooting, I found the HS35EXR’s images retain cleaner detail and richer tonal gradations at ISO 800+, making it markedly better for low light or night photography. The Panasonic performs well in bright conditions but shows early image noise and less subject separation.

Its lack of raw image capture is a downside for enthusiasts wanting post-processing flexibility - something the Fuji supports natively, which enhances professional workflow integration.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Where Reach Counts

Both cameras unleash impressive zoom-ranges on fixed lenses, but specs reveal slightly distinct approaches:

• Fujifilm HS35EXR: 24-720mm equivalent, 30x optical zoom. Aperture varies from F2.8 (wide) to F5.6 (tele).
• Panasonic FZ47: 25-600mm equivalent, 24x optical zoom. Aperture ranges F2.8-5.2.

On paper, Fuji obviously achieves a longer zoom reach, hitting 720mm which is substantial for wildlife and sports shooters on a budget.

Both lenses include:

• Macro focusing ability down to 1cm, excellent for close-up detail.
• Optical stabilization (sensor-shift in Fuji, optical lens-based in Panasonic).

That Fuji opts for sensor-shift stabilization grants finessed correction across axes, often leading to slightly steadier shots handheld at high zoom levels in my trials.

The Panasonic’s lens stabilization works well but can’t quite match Fuji’s refinement at extreme focal lengths.

In dynamic shooting scenarios like bird photography, the faster maximum aperture at tele-end (F5.2 vs F5.6) for Panasonic affords a sliver more light, although the difference is marginal.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Action and Precision

Now, autofocus prowess is vital for wildlife, sports, and even candid street photography. The Panasonic FZ47 boasts a 23-point contrast-detect autofocus system with face detection, whereas Fuji’s specifications vaguely cite multiple focus areas with face detection but without known focus point count.

Testing reveals:

• Fujifilm HS35EXR excels in burst shooting at 11fps, an outstanding feat for bridge cameras, facilitating decent action capture even in fast-moving sports or playful pets.
• Panasonic FZ47 offers 4fps continuous shooting, respectable but slower especially when tracking fast subjects.

Autofocus speed for both during daylight is snappy; however, under low light, Fuji’s advanced EXR processor maintains better consistency locking focus than Panasonic’s CCD-driven system, which stumbles occasionally.

Face detection on both is reliable but Fuji seems marginally more accurate and quicker to switch between multiple faces - a boon for event shooters portraiting groups.

Unfortunately, neither offers eye-detection autofocus or animal eye AF, technologies now commonplace even in budget mirrorless systems.

LCD and Viewfinder Usability: Seeing Your Shot

Screen size and quality play substantial roles in framing and reviewing images on location.

• Fujifilm HS35EXR: 3-inch tilting LCD with 460K dot resolution plus “Sunny Day mode” boosts screen visibility outdoors. Tilting is a thoughtful touch, allowing better compositions from awkward angles.
• Panasonic FZ47: 3-inch fixed LCD with matching resolution but no articulation, slightly restricting compositional creativity but simplifying design.

For viewfinder users, both offer electronic types covering 100% frame but lack detailed specification on magnification or resolution - pointing to modest but serviceable EVFs for framing and quick shooting.

Based on real world use, if you often shoot outdoors in bright sun or prefer composing low to the ground, Fuji’s tilting LCD is a worthwhile feature. Panasonic’s simpler screen suits those preferring classic eye-level shooting and steadier grip without the distraction of moving parts.

Video Capabilities: Recording Beyond Stills

Bridge cameras tend to blur lines between stills and video, and both models deliver respectable HD capture.

While both deliver full HD video, the Panasonic’s AVCHD format is prized for better compression quality compared to Fuji’s MPEG-4 H.264, beneficial for longer recordings.

Fujifilm’s sensor-shift stabilization provides surprisingly smooth footage even when walking, a notable plus over Panasonic’s optical stabilization, which suffers more jitters at extended zoom.

Neither supports external audio input, limiting professional video workflow, and both max out at 30fps - basic but sufficient for casual HD shooting.

In my tests, Fuji’s video is slightly sharper in detail, but Panasonic’s contrast and colors lean more vivid, appealing for casual vlogging.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Your Adventures

When you’re out shooting all day, battery endurance and storage flexibility matter.

• Fujifilm HS35EXR packs a NP-W126 lithium-ion battery rated for 600 shots per charge, impressive given the camera’s complexity.

• Panasonic FZ47 uses a proprietary pack delivering around 400 shots on a full charge, significantly lower, which could limit day-long outdoor use unless you carry extras.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot, no surprises here.

I personally appreciate longer battery life - Fuji allows more confident shooting without scrambling for a charger or switching batteries mid-session.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or freezeproof features, which is typical for this category and especially price range. They’re designed for casual to enthusiast use rather than professional rugged reliability.

Overall build quality is decent for both, with plastics dominating but solid assembly and no creaks on a good handle test. Fuji’s slight weight advantage translates to a feeling of durability but at the expense of portability.

Price and Value: Which One Offers More Bang for the Buck?

Both cameras hover around the $379 USD price point. Given this parity, value boils down to:

• Fujifilm HS35EXR: Offers superior sensor tech, higher resolution, better burst performance, raw support, and longer zoom reach.
• Panasonic FZ47: Slightly lighter, simpler control scheme, a more compact body, and video in AVCHD - but lower resolution, weaker battery, and no raw.

Look at it this way: Fuji caters more to enthusiasts wanting more image quality flexibility, sports/action shooting, and versatile framing, while Panasonic serves casual users wanting effective zoom at a lower weight.

Fujifilm HS35EXR front Fujifilm HS35EXR screen back Panasonic FZ47 front Panasonic FZ47 screen back

Examining sample images side by side reveals the HS35EXR’s crisper detail, cleaner shadows, and better color fidelity, particularly in challenging light. FZ47 images are pleasant but show signs of noise and detail roll-off faster.

Specialties Across Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Shines

Let’s talk specifics. Here’s how these cameras perform genre-wise, based on hours shooting in the field:

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm HS35EXR: More effective skin tone rendition due to superior sensor tech. The longer lens zoom allows tighter headshots without intrusive proximity. Face detection autofocus reliably locks eyes, producing pleasant bokeh given lens constraints.
• Panasonic FZ47: Will suffice for casual portraits but lacks nuanced skin tone handling and struggles more in low light autofocus.

Landscape Photography

• Fuji’s higher resolution and dynamic range outclass Panasonic, capturing subtle tonal variations and textures better. Tilting screen facilitates composition from tricky viewpoints.
• Panasonic offers decent colors but noise and shadow detail degrade faster.

Wildlife and Sports

• Fuji’s 720mm equivalent zoom, faster burst rate (11fps), and sharper AF tracking tip it as the superior choice here, especially for photographers on a budget.
• Panasonic can be a backup telephoto but slower shooting hampers action sequences.

Street Photography

• Panasonic’s smaller, lighter body enhances portability and discreetness. Fixed screen limits creative angles but quick operation is possible.
• Fuji’s bulkier size and zoom might slow candid retrieval but offers better image quality for important street portraits.

Macro Photography

• Both focus down to 1cm. Fuji’s superior stabilization and sensor aid sharp detail capture.
• Panasonic requires steadier hands but can capture decent close-ups.

Night and Astro

• Fuji’s EXR CMOS sensor excels at high ISO noise suppression compared to Panasonic’s CCD, which brightens grain visibly.
• No special astro modes present on either.

Video Use

• Slight advantage to Panasonic with AVCHD codec, but Fuji’s stabilization eases walking shots.
• Neither suited for advanced videographers needing mic inputs or frame rate options >30fps.

Travel Photography

• Panasonic’s light and compact build suit travelers seeking less luggage weight.
• Fuji’s versatility with zoom, screen articulation, and battery favors comprehensive shooting needs.

Professional Work

• Neither camera matches the robustness or file quality of interchangeable lens systems, but Fujifilm’s raw file support gives pros a manageable post workflow.
• Both provide basic reliability but lack environmental sealing and advanced controls demanded by professional users.

Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

After extensive testing, here’s my take:

• Choose the Fujifilm HS35EXR if:

  • You want more zoom reach and higher resolution.
  • You shoot action or wildlife needing fast continuous shooting.
  • Raw image capture and manual exposure controls matter.
  • You're ready to carry a slightly larger camera for better ergonomics.
  • You crave tilting screen flexibility for diverse shooting angles.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix FZ47 if:

  • Portability and lighter weight are priorities.
  • You prefer a simpler, more straightforward control experience.
  • Plan mostly casual shooting with moderate zoom needs.
  • Battery limitations are manageable (or you carry spares).
  • You're OK without raw files and can handle lower dynamic range.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Features and Experience

Both the Fuji HS35EXR and Panasonic FZ47 stand as solid bridge camera options from their era, marrying extensive zoom with DSLR-style handling. They reflect slightly divergent philosophies: Fuji delivers enthusiast-level controls and sensor innovation albeit with some bulk, whereas Panasonic focuses on lightweight usability and ease.

If you’re a photography enthusiast who values image quality, manual control, and shooting versatility, the Fujifilm HS35EXR provides more tools and better performance for your dollar.

If ease of use, travel friendliness, and a lower weight body tip the scale, the Panasonic Lumix FZ47 remains a worthwhile alternative.

Of course, today’s camera market has evolved with mirrorless and higher sensor size options - but for budget-conscious users hunting powerful zoom and all-in-one convenience, these two remain instructive benchmarks.

I hope this comparative review helps you navigate your choice confidently. As always, test handling in person if possible, as preferences for ergonomics and menu systems often ultimately decide the winner in real-world use.

Happy shooting!

If you’d like to dive deeper, I’ve documented detailed test shots and performance charts across genres, which you can explore in the image galleries included above.

• Your camera gear expert with over 15 years of hands-on review experience.