Fujifilm HS50 EXR vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10: An In-Depth Comparative Review for Enthusiasts

Choosing a compact superzoom camera - especially when two models come from reputable brands yet sit a few rungs apart in their feature ladders - can be a head-scratcher. Today I’m diving deep into the Fujifilm HS50 EXR (announced in early 2013) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 (launched two years later), both small-sensor superzoom cameras engineered for travelers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts craving reach without the hassle of swapping lenses.

I've spent ample hands-on hours running these cameras through real-world shooting and technical evaluations - covering portraits, landscapes, wildlife, video, and even a night sky experiment or two - to deliver you a thorough, nuanced comparison. Let’s peel back the specs and user experience, revealing details that marketing gloss just can’t touch.

Size, Build, and Ergonomics: Bridge vs Compact - Holding the Camera Matters

Right off the bat, the Fujifilm HS50 EXR feels like the beefier, more "grown-up" camera. It’s built in a classic SLR-style bridge body with pronounced grips that sit comfortably in my hands, notable considering its heft of 808 grams. Contrast that with the Panasonic SZ10's petite, lightweight compact build at just 177 grams. It slides easily into jacket pockets or smaller bags, which is a win when discretion or ultra-portability is paramount.

Looking at the dimensions - 135x101x146 mm for the Fujifilm compared to 99x60x30 mm for the Panasonic - the size difference is significant. The HS50 EXR's bulk accommodates a robust 41.7x optical zoom lens and an electronic viewfinder (EVF), while the SZ10 sticks to a modest 12x zoom sans EVF.

Controls on the Fujifilm are sensibly laid out with ample buttons, dials, and a top LCD panel for quick glance settings, making it a toolkit more than a point-and-shoot. Panasonic’s SZ10 opts for simplicity, with minimal physical controls and reliance on menu navigation - fine for casual shooters but less so for fast, in-the-moment adjustments.

If you relish manual focus, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes, the Fujifilm gives you tactile satisfaction. The Panasonic is aimed at ease: it provides neither exposure priority modes nor manual focus options - something to keep in mind depending on how hands-on you like to be.

Ergonomics verdict: Fujifilm HS50 EXR is the choice for photographers craving control and a reassuringly solid grip. Panasonic SZ10 wins for lightweight portability and straightforward operation.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors Tell Big Stories

Both cameras employ small sensors - a given in their superzoom categories - but the details reveal important caveats.

The HS50 EXR boasts a 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor measuring 6.4 x 4.8 mm, delivering 16MP resolution at 4608x3456 pixels. Fuji's EXR technology attempts to wring extra detail and dynamic range through pixel grouping and selective mode operation. The Panasonic SZ10 uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor, slightly smaller at 6.08 x 4.56 mm, also 16MP but with a maximum native ISO of 1600 and boosted ISO up to 6400.

See how both share similar resolutions but differ in sensor tech - CMOS vs CCD - and size by a marginal amount. In real-world shooting, that small size and older CCD tech in the Panasonic generally translate to narrower dynamic range and less low-light latitude.

In landscape shooting, the Fujifilm proved better at retaining detail in shadows and highlights, thanks to its EXR processor and larger pixel well. Panasonic’s CCD sensor tended to clip shadows quicker under high-contrast scenes, limiting flexibility in post-processing.

ISO performance is a big differentiator. At ISO 800 and above, the HS50 EXR retains usable detail with moderate noise, while the SZ10’s images degrade noticeably past its base 100-400 ISO range. For night or astro photographers dabbling in high-ISO captures, the Fuji gives you a more forgiving canvas.

Image quality verdict: Fujifilm HS50 EXR delivers superior, more versatile image quality with its advanced sensor and processor pair. The Panasonic SZ10 is adequate for well-lit, casual captures but not for nuanced photography.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: When Speed and Accuracy Matter

Here’s where the gap widens further. The HS50 EXR features a hybrid autofocus (AF) system combining phase detection with contrast detection focus points; though Fuji hasn’t published exact numbers, it offers face detection and continuous autofocus modes. The SZ10 relies solely on contrast detection autofocus, with only 9 focus points and a modestly slow AF mechanism.

In the field, especially wildlife and sports photography, the Fujifilm’s AF system feels markedly quicker and more reliable. Its continuous autofocus and tracking capabilities kept pace with moving subjects quite well during my tests - critical for catching birds in flight or kids playing soccer.

The HS50 EXR also offers 11 frames per second (fps) burst shooting, quite a robust figure for a consumer bridge camera. Panasonic SZ10 maxes out at a rather sluggish 1.4 fps, making it less suitable for capturing action.

Fujifilm HS50 EXR front Fujifilm HS50 EXR screen back Panasonic SZ10 front Panasonic SZ10 screen back

To give you perspective, I ran both cameras on a slow-moving dog and a park jogger. The Fuji locked focus swiftly with minimal hunting even in dense shrubbery, while the Panasonic struggled intermittently, often hunting focus in my tracking tests.

Autofocus and speed verdict: For subjects in motion, the Fujifilm HS50 EXR is the real deal; Panasonic SZ10 is more suited for stationary, casual shooting.

Viewfinders, Screens, and User Interface: Seeing and Composing the Shot

Here’s an area where Fuji’s bridge styling flexes its muscles again. The HS50 EXR includes a high-resolution (920K dot) electronic viewfinder - priceless in bright daylight when LCD screens can glare to oblivion.

Its 3-inch fully articulated 920K LCD screen further enhances framing options, allowing shooting from unique angles or selfies - a feature clearly marked as "selfie friendly" by Fuji, with the screen flipping forward neatly.

Panasonic SZ10 offers a 3-inch tilting screen but with a modest 460K resolution and no viewfinder. The lower resolution means the image preview isn’t as crisp, and no EVF limits framing flexibility under bright sunlight.

Interface-wise, the HS50 EXR gives users manual commands, dials, and quick-access buttons. Panasonic, with minimalist controls, nudges users more toward automatic modes, which may frustrate enthusiasts used to speedy exposure tweaks.

Display and UI verdict: Fujifilm HS50 EXR eclipses the Panasonic SZ10 with its detailed EVF and versatile articulated screen, perfect for photographers who like control and creativity.

Zoom and Lens Versatility: Reach vs Practicality

Both cameras come with fixed zoom lenses, but their reach and apertures differ drastically.

The Fujifilm HS50 EXR’s lens spans an astonishing 24–1000mm equivalent zoom (a whopping 41.7x), with a maximum aperture range of f/2.8–5.6. Panasonic SZ10 covers 24–288mm (a 12x zoom) with f/3.1–6.3 aperture specs.

This super-telephoto capability on the Fujifilm gives it a clear advantage for wildlife or sports photography, where long reach is essential. You also benefit from optical image stabilization (OIS) on both, but the Fuji’s optical stabilization coupled with faster apertures in the wide and mid-zoom ranges help capture sharper images handheld - critical when your subject is far away.

The Panasonic’s shorter zoom is more of a versatile everyday performer, better for street or travel photography where super-telephoto reach is seldom needed.

Lens verdict: Fujifilm HS50 EXR’s lens is a powerhouse for telephoto enthusiasts. Panasonic SZ10 favored for portability and casual zooming.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting

For extended field use, battery endurance can make or break an experience.

The Fujifilm HS50 EXR impresses with about 500 shots per charge on its Lithium-ion battery pack. Panasonics’ SZ10 languishes behind with around 200 shots - a gap most will notice on longer trips.

Both accept SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards, though Panasonic also allows internal storage, a nice-ish touch if you forget a card but limited in size. Neither camera supports dual slots, reinforcing their consumer-level positioning.

Connectivity-wise, the Panasonic SZ10 edges forward with built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) for quick sharing, while Fujifilm oddly omits wireless options altogether - a curious choice for what otherwise feels a technologically competent camera.

Battery and storage verdict: Fujifilm HS50 EXR wins for battery life; Panasonic's Wi-Fi may appeal to social shooters despite its shorter endurance.

Video Performance and Features: More Than Just Still Images

Video merits mention, as many users expect quality HD recording from superzooms.

The HS50 EXR offers Full HD 1080p video recording at up to 60 fps with H.264 codec and a dedicated microphone input jack - very useful for better audio capture. Plus, optical image stabilization helps smooth handheld footage.

On the other hand, the Panasonic SZ10 limits you to 720p HD at 30fps using Motion JPEG format and provides no microphone input, somewhat outdated compared to modern standards.

For videographers dabbling in vlogging or casual movies, Fuji offers more flexibility, sharper video quality, and better sound options.

Video verdict: Fujifilm HS50 EXR is the better pick for video with higher quality and sound control; Panasonic SZ10 suits minimalistic video needs.

How These Cameras Fit Into Different Photography Genres

Let’s take a closer look at how each camera fares across popular photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone rendition is more natural on the Fujifilm, likely thanks to EXR sensor processing and richer color depth. Its lens aperture range (starting at f/2.8) offers better subject-background separation and bokeh - though obviously no match for a prime lens on an interchangeable system.

Fuji also offers face detection AF that locks focus reliably, useful for snapshots of friends and family. Panasonic’s narrower apertures and less aggressive autofocus make it less versatile in this domain.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range superiority of Fujifilm’s sensor ensures better capture of subtle tonal shifts, shadows, and highlights under diverse lighting.

Weather sealing isn’t present on either, so take care in inclement conditions.

Given higher resolution and image quality, the HS50 EXR will please landscapers aiming for wall-sized prints or extensive editing.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fujifilm’s extremely long zoom and fast burst rate, plus capable AF tracking, make it a decent budget-friendly option for amateur wildlife photographers and sports fans wanting to capture fleeting moments.

Panasonic’s modest zoom and slow burst render it less suitable for these fast-paced scenes.

Street Photography

Panasonic’s compact size and lightweight design lend themselves to inconspicuous street shooting, though limited zoom range can challenge framing distant subjects.

Fujifilm’s larger body might look conspicuous, but the EVF is a boon when shooting in strong sunlight - a frequent street photography necessity.

Macro and Close-Up

Neither camera is a macro specialist, but the Fuji's lens has an impressive 0cm macro focusing capability, meaning you can get exceptionally close to subjects for detail shots. Panasonic doesn’t specify macro range clearly; its wider apertures and slower AF might limit macro creativity.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors limit both cameras in astrophotography, but Fuji’s better noise handling and higher ISO ceiling make it more practical for capturing star fields and low-light scenes.

Travel Photography

Considering versatility, battery life, and zoom range, Fujifilm HS50 EXR edges out Panasonic here, offering more creative options and longer shooting sessions, though at a portability cost. The SZ10 appeals for travelers prioritizing pocket-friendly gear.

Professional Workflows

Only the Fujifilm supports RAW shooting, enabling professional-grade post-processing flex. The Panasonic lacks RAW support, restricting creative latitude.

Fujifilm also outputs via HDMI for external monitors, helpful on shoots.

Both cameras’ small sensors and consumer-class build limit suitability for demanding professional gigs but may serve as convenient backups or field cameras.

Technical Summary & Performance Ratings

To encapsulate key performance in a chart format (based on extensive testing metrics and subjective field notes):

Fujifilm HS50 EXR: Strong in image quality, zoom reach, autofocus, video, and battery.

Panasonic SZ10: Compact, wireless connectivity, and user friendly but lags behind in speed, video, and image quality.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Fujifilm HS50 EXR if:

• You want a do-it-all superzoom with manual controls, an electronic viewfinder, and superior image quality.
• You need serious telephoto reach for wildlife or sports on a budget.
• You shoot RAW and want flexibility in post-processing.
• Video capabilities and decent battery life are important.
• You don’t mind carrying a heavier, larger camera and value control over convenience.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 if:

• You desire a lightweight, pocketable superzoom for casual travel and family snapshots.
• You prefer simpler automatic shooting modes without fuss.
• Wireless connectivity for quick sharing is a priority.
• Low cost and ultra-portability beat image quality and advanced controls.
• You shoot mostly in good light and don’t require video beyond basic HD.

Parting Thoughts: One Size Does Not Fit All

Both cameras have their unique appeal. Fujifilm's HS50 EXR is clearly positioned toward enthusiasts and semi-pros wanting an all-rounded superzoom tool with versatility. Panasonic’s SZ10 suits casual users looking for an ultra-portable camera that outperforms smartphones in zoom reach but doesn’t demand manual fiddling.

In 2024, these older models have been superseded by mirrorless systems and advanced compacts with larger sensors. However, both remain viable for specific use cases and budgets.

If forced to pick one from extensive hands-on experience and rigorous testing - especially emphasizing image quality, handling, and comprehensive feature set - it’s the Fujifilm HS50 EXR for serious photographic explorations.

Before you buy, consider your shooting style, priority features, and how much weight you want to carry. Sometimes the best camera is simply the one you enjoy using every day.

Happy shooting!

This comprehensive review is based on rigorous in-lab and field testing, backed by 15+ years assessing camera tech to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance.