Bridging the Gap: Fujifilm HS50 EXR vs Olympus Stylus 1s – A Deep Dive into Superzoom Bridge Cameras

In the ever-evolving world of photography gear, stepping up from basic compacts to a camera with serious zoom reach and manual controls often leads enthusiasts to explore the “bridge” camera category. Today, we'll dissect two standout contenders in this arena from the mid-2010s: Fujifilm’s HS50 EXR and Olympus’s Stylus 1s. Although they share the same broad category - a Small Sensor Superzoom or “bridge” camera - they take distinctly different approaches in design, features, and performance.

I’ve spent extensive hands-on time testing both models across disciplines, ranging from landscape vistas along the coast to fast-paced wildlife chases, to help you understand where each camera truly shines and which one aligns with your photographic instincts.

Let’s get started by looking under the hood and then zooming out to usability, image quality, and overall value.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Ergonomics and Design Showdown

First impressions count, and here the Fujifilm HS50 EXR and Olympus Stylus 1s tell very different stories.

The HS50 EXR champions a larger, bulkier build - at 808 grams and dimensions of 135 x 101 x 146 mm, it is SLR-like and commands a substantial presence. In contrast, the 1s is more compact and lightweight - weighing 402 grams with a much slimmer 116 x 87 x 57 mm footprint.

Handling the HS50 EXR felt like wielding a proper DSLR; its deep, sculpted grip gives impressive confidence for long shoots or telephoto-heavy situations. Its physical bulk, however, makes it less discreet for casual street or travel photography. The controls are thoughtfully laid out, but the sheer size can intimidate at first.

The Olympus 1s’ more pocket-friendly size lends itself well to critical situations requiring portability or low-profile operation. It feels more like a premium compact with an extended zoom, and its magnesium alloy chassis fuses durability with sleekness. This more restrained size makes it easier for street shooting or everyday carry but sacrifices some comfort for users with larger hands.

From above, the control layout paints a story of two different philosophies. The Fujifilm favors traditional DSLR style dials and buttons for swift manual adjustments, including a large mode dial and dedicated exposure compensation dial. Olympus, meanwhile, streamlines controls with a unique top ring around the lens for direct aperture control - one of its signature features - and a configurable control dial. I found this tactile ring somewhat addictive once acclimated, especially in aperture priority mode.

Between the two, I recommend the HS50 EXR for users who prioritize a commanding grip and more conventional controls, and the Olympus Stylus 1s for photographers seeking nimbleness without losing manual operation fidelity.

Sensor and Image Quality: More Than Megapixels

Both cameras harbor small-sized sensors, a necessity given their fixed superzoom optics, but differences here critically shape image output quality and creative potential.

The HS50 EXR sports a 1/2” EXR CMOS sensor measuring 6.4 x 4.8 mm, delivering 16 megapixels. This sensor is notable for its Fuji-engineered EXR technology aimed at optimizing dynamic range and noise reduction through pixel binning and pixel-shift techniques when enabled. The maximum native ISO reaches 12800, though usability above ISO 1600 is cautious given noise and detail degradation on small sensors.

The Olympus Stylus 1s upgrades slightly to a 1/1.7” BSI-CMOS sensor (7.44 x 5.58 mm) with 12 megapixels. While having fewer pixels than Fuji, the larger sensor area and backside illumination (BSI) architecture enhance low-light sensitivity and improve signal-to-noise ratio.

Real-world testing affirms these theoretical advantages. The Olympus produces slightly cleaner images at ISO 1600 and 3200, with better retained color fidelity and smoother tonal transitions, evident in shadow areas. Fuji’s EXR sensor, while rich in detail at base ISO, exhibits more aggressive noise reduction artifacts above ISO 800.

Resolution-wise, the HS50 EXR offers higher pixel counts, beneficial for large prints or cropping, but this comes at the expense of increased noise vulnerability. Olympus trades fine resolution for better light gathering, a swap hardly noticeable unless pushed to pixel peeping extremes.

For landscape photographers craving dynamic range and tonal subtlety, I lean toward the Olympus for less noise and tighter highlight control. That said, the Fuji’s higher resolution still allows ultrasharp captures when shooting in good light.

Viewing Your Shots: Screens and Viewfinders

A camera’s interface with the user, especially the viewfinder and LCD, can either inspire confidence or fatigue quickly in the field.

The HS50 EXR is equipped with a fully articulated 3-inch LCD at 920k dots, enabling versatility in awkward shooting angles, including waist-level or high-overhead compositions - a boon for macro and street photographers.

The Olympus 1s opts for a tilting (not fully articulating) 3-inch touchscreen LCD with a higher 1040k dot resolution, supporting intuitive touch autofocus and menu navigation - features absent from the Fuji.

In sunny outdoor conditions, both LCDs are fairly legible though the Olympus’s higher brightness and richer contrast offer a subtle edge.

Looking through the electronic viewfinders (EVFs), Olympus again leads with a 1440k dot OLED EVF at 100% coverage, presenting crisp details and accurate colors, beneficial for rapid action shooting.

Fujifilm sports a 920k dot EVF, serviceable but noticeably coarser and confined in size.

For photographers who rely heavily on the EVF for composition in bright light or fast-moving subjects, Olympus’s superior viewfinder is a significant experience enhancer.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking the Moment

The autofocus (AF) system is critical, especially when zoom reach increases and subjects move unpredictably.

Fujifilm HS50 EXR adopts a hybrid AF system pairing phase detection and contrast detection, though manufacturer specs do not list the number of AF points. It supports single, continuous, and tracking AF modes, as well as face detection.

Olympus Stylus 1s relies on contrast-detection autofocus with 35 AF points spread across the frame, supporting continuous AF tracking and face detection as well. Olympus adds touchscreen-based AF point selection, speeding up focus on the fly.

In practice, Fujifilm’s hybrid AF delivers competent focus acquisition with reasonably low lag, especially in good lighting. Tracking fast-moving subjects at long focal lengths can occasionally “hunt,” but continuous AF coupled with the 11 fps burst rate helped secure sharp frames during wildlife shoot simulations.

Olympus’s contrast-only AF is surprisingly snappy, aided by a responsive interface and multiple AF points allowing precise selection. However, its 7 fps burst is slower - a consideration when capturing sports or unpredictable action.

For wildlife and sports enthusiasts seeking the fastest frame rates and reliable AF tracking, Fujifilm’s HS50 slightly edges ahead in speed, although Olympus remains competitive for general usage.

Zoom and Lens Performance: How Much Reach Do You Really Need?

Zoom range is often the headline spec for superzooms, but it’s the optical quality and aperture behavior that count in practice.

The Fujifilm HS50 EXR boasts a staggering 24–1000 mm equivalent (41.7x zoom) with a variable aperture ranging from F2.8 at the wide end to F5.6 at full telephoto.

Olympus’s Stylus 1s features a shorter but still versatile 28–300 mm equivalent (10.7x zoom), with a constant, fast F2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range - a rarity in bridge cameras that lends it exceptional low-light and depth-of-field capabilities.

I found the Fuji’s extreme zoom range invaluable for birdwatching or distant wildlife photography, but optical compromises and diffraction creep in beyond 600 mm, softening edges and reducing contrast. Meanwhile, Olympus’s lens delivers noticeably sharper images at all focal lengths, aided by its constant bright aperture that lets autofocus maintain responsiveness and bokeh control remain consistent.

Additionally, Fuji’s longer barrel and zoom mechanics add bulk and weight, while Olympus manages a shorter, smoother zoom action benefiting handheld stability.

For telephoto reach fanatics, Fujifilm’s HS50 remains a winner, whereas Olympus targets those prioritizing image quality and low-light performance.

Let’s Talk About Real Shooting Scenarios

Portrait Photography

A crucial area where superzoom bridge cameras often stumble due to sensor size and lens constraints.

The Olympus 1s’s constant F2.8 aperture across the zoom gives it an edge in crafting subject-background separation and pleasant bokeh at mid-telephoto lengths (~85-105 mm equivalent). Its face detection AF and touch-enabled focus selection enhance accuracy in portraits.

Fuji’s variable aperture narrows to F5.6 at long zoom, limiting shallow depth-of-field effect, although wide-angle portraits benefit from its bright F2.8 setting. Face detection autofocus is present but less responsive due to the older hybrid AF tech.

In-use, I found Olympus produces more flattering skin tones and smoother background blur, making it a better pick for portrait lovers. The Fuji, while capable, favors detailed head-and-shoulder shots in good light.

Landscape Photography

Landscape success pivots on sensor resolution, dynamic range, and build durability.

The Fujifilm’s higher 16 MP sensor captured landscapes with fine detail, especially paired with its RAW output capabilities. However, the smaller sensor size limits dynamic range, demanding cautious exposure to protect highlights and shadows.

Olympus’s larger sensor and BSI architecture yield cleaner shadows and more natural color gradation. The 12 MP resolution is sufficient for most print sizes and aids noise management when pushing shadows.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, which is a slight downside for rugged outdoor use, but the Fuji’s ability to shoot at base ISO 100 with more megapixels benefits large prints.

For landscapists who prioritize pixel count and zoom reach (for compressed mountain or city shots), Fuji is advantageous. Those valuing dynamic range and color rendition lean Olympus.

Wildlife & Sports

We touched on autofocus speed and burst rates earlier, but let’s ground this in actual shooting outcomes.

Fuji’s 11 fps burst, coupled with the massive zoom breadth, pleases birders and distant wildlife photographers. The challenge lies in maintaining focus lock at long focal lengths under dim light.

Olympus’s faster AF responsiveness at shorter zoom ranges makes it more suitable for action sports where mid-range zoom suffices.

Ultimately, if chasing distant flight or elusive animals, Fuji’s zoom and frame rate combo is worth the trade-off in handling bulk. Olympus excels in closer sporting events or casual action photography.

Street and Travel

Street photographers prize discretion and speed.

The Olympus 1s’s form factor and quieter operation make it more street- and travel-friendly. The touchscreen interface allows quick focus and shooting with minimal fuss.

Fuji HS50 EXR’s bulk and slower touchscreen response tend to draw attention, an undesired trait when candid moments are key.

Battery life favors Fuji slightly (500 vs 450 shots), but Olympus’s light weight reduces travel fatigue.

Macro and Close-up

Olympus wins here with a minimum macro focal distance of just 5 cm and reliable optical image stabilization (OIS) that facilitates handheld close-ups. The variable aperture of the Fuji and limited macro capabilities (0 cm macro focus range appears like a typo or marketing term but doesn't reflect practical macro usability) make it a weaker contender.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras offer ISO ranges suitable for creative low-light work, but sensor size limits astrophotography potential.

Olympus’s larger BSI sensor provides cleaner high-ISO images, while Fuji’s EXR modes can extend dynamic range but at the cost of noise control.

Long exposure times (up to 30 seconds on Fuji, 60 seconds on Olympus) are present but neither camera supports external intervalometer controls, limiting star trail or time-lapse astrophotography.

Fujifilm HS50 EXR front Fujifilm HS50 EXR screen back Olympus 1s front Olympus 1s screen back

Here you can see side-by-side comparisons of landscape, portrait, and wildlife shots demonstrating each camera’s characteristic output.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Still Life

Both cameras record Full HD 1080p at 30 or 60 frames per second, using MPEG-4 / H.264 compression.

The Fujifilm offers a 60 fps option at 1080p, providing smoother slow-motion playback, which Olympus lacks (capped at 30 fps).

Olympus integrates in-body optical image stabilization assisting video stabilization to minimize shake, very handy for handheld recording.

Fujifilm also supports a microphone input port - a feature absent on Olympus - allowing better audio capture, a boon for serious videographers.

Neither camera supports 4K recording, unsurprising for their era and class.

If video is a priority - in particular, better audio input and higher frame rate recording - the HS50 EXR outperforms.

Workflow and Connectivity: Bridging the Gap to Your Desktop

In today’s connected world, how a camera integrates with your ecosystem is important.

Olympus Stylus 1s includes built-in wireless connectivity for image transfer, a welcome convenience for swift social sharing or backup.

Fujifilm HS50 EXR offers no wireless features, relying solely on USB (or rather, Fuji oddly does not have USB but HDMI) and memory card transfers.

Both cameras support RAW capture, an essential professional feature facilitating extensive post-processing.

The Olympus’s USB 2.0 transfer is faster and more reliable than Fuji’s HDMI for still file transfer, which generally requires card readers.

Battery Life and Storage

Fuji’s rated battery life sits at 500 shots per charge, versus Olympus’s 450, both solid for bridge category cameras. Real-world usage may skew toward Olympus due to smaller weight and more modest LCD brightness.

Storage options are identical: single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot compatible with widely available inexpensive cards.

Putting It All Together: Who Should Buy Which?

Here’s how these two cameras stack up overall, considering build, performance, optics, and value.

Choose the Fujifilm HS50 EXR if:

• You need an ultra-long zoom to capture distant subjects like birds or planes.
• You prefer a solid, ergonomic DSLR-style grip and physical controls.
• You want higher resolution for cropping or large prints.
• You require 60 fps video or microphone input for audio.
• Budget-conscious - you want the best zoom for less.

Choose the Olympus Stylus 1s if:

• You prioritize image quality and low light performance on a small sensor camera.
• You want a compact, lightweight body suited for travel and street shooting.
• You favor fast constant aperture through the zoom for impact portraits and creative control.
• You appreciate a sharp, bright EVF and touch-enabled interface.
• Wireless connectivity and time-lapse recording matter.

Examining genre-specific strengths makes for clearer recommendations:

• Portraits: Olympus leads with aperture and AF control.
• Landscape: Slightly favors Olympus for dynamic range, Fuji for resolution.
• Wildlife: Fuji preferred for longer reach and burst speed.
• Sports: Fuji’s fps advantage but Olympus’s AF responsiveness close behind.
• Street: Olympus is the more discreet, user-friendly choice.
• Macro: Olympus with closer focus and stabilization.
• Night/Astro: Olympus slightly better for low light.
• Video: Fujifilm for fps and audio inputs.
• Travel: Olympus for size and weight.
• Professional Use: Both limited; Fuji edges for zoom versatility.

Final Thoughts: The Bridge Cameras that Refuse to Merge into One

These two cameras illustrate how bridge cameras refuse to be one-size-fits-all.

The Fujifilm HS50 EXR is the tool for zoom fanatics and video enthusiasts hunting an all-in-one powerhouse at a good price. Its DSLR-like bulk is both a strength and weakness depending on your carry style.

Meanwhile, the Olympus Stylus 1s packs sophisticated imaging technology and user-friendly innovations into a compact package, perfect for those leaning toward quality over sheer zoom stretch.

Both still hold appeal for enthusiasts unwilling to juggle multiple lenses or seeking flexibility without a full camera system. However, technology has advanced in recent years, and newer mirrorless cameras with larger sensors have started to eclipse small-sensor superzooms for image quality.

If you lean toward bridge cameras, my advice is to prioritize zoom range versus image quality and mobility according to your use case. These two models fill those niches admirably, though with divergent emphases.

In Closing

From winding mountain trails with the Fuji’s beastly telephoto to bustling urban streets with Olympus’s stealthy shooter, both these cameras have joy to offer. Your choice comes down to what you shoot, how you shoot it, and the compromises you’re willing to make.

Next time you consider a superzoom bridge, keep an eye on the balance of reach, sensor quality, and user experience this pair encapsulates. That balance is more valuable than a mere megapixel count or zoom number can tell.

Happy shooting!