Canon S120 vs Fujifilm X-S10

The Canon PowerShot S120 and the Fujifilm X-S10 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2013 and October 2020. The S120 is a fixed lens compact, while the X-S10 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a 1/1.7-inch (S120) and an APS-C (X-S10) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Fujifilm provides 26 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon S120		Fujifilm X-S10
Fixed lens compact camera		Mirrorless system camera
24-120mm f/1.8-5.7		Fujifilm X mount lenses
12 MP, 1/1.7" Sensor		26 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/60p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 80-12,800		ISO 160-12,800 (80 - 51,200)
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0 LCD, 922k dots		3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed touchscreen		Swivel touchscreen
12.1 shutter flaps per second		8 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilization		In-body stabilization
230 shots per battery charge		325 shots per battery charge
100 x 59 x 29 mm, 217 g		126 x 85 x 65 mm, 465 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot S120 and the Fujifilm X-S10? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon S120 and the Fujifilm X-S10 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X-S10 is considerably larger (82 percent) than the Canon S120. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the S120 nor the X-S10 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the S120 has a lens built in, whereas the X-S10 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the X-S10 and their specifications in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the S120 gets 230 shots out of its NB-6LH battery, while the X-S10 can take 325 images on a single charge of its NP-W126S power pack. The power pack in the X-S10 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon S120	100 mm	59 mm	29 mm	217 g	230	n	Aug 2013	449
2.		Fujifilm X-S10	126 mm	85 mm	65 mm	465 g	325	n	Oct 2020	999
3.		Canon G9 X Mark II	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	206 g	235	n	Jan 2017	529
4.		Canon G9 X	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	209 g	220	n	Oct 2015	529
5.		Canon G1 X Mark II	116 mm	74 mm	66 mm	553 g	240	n	Feb 2014	799
6.		Canon G16	109 mm	76 mm	40 mm	356 g	360	n	Aug 2013	549
7.		Canon G1 X	117 mm	81 mm	65 mm	534 g	250	n	Jan 2012	799
8.		Canon G15	107 mm	76 mm	40 mm	352 g	350	n	Sep 2012	499
9.		Canon SX50	123 mm	87 mm	106 mm	595 g	315	n	Sep 2012	429
10.		Canon G12	112 mm	76 mm	48 mm	401 g	370	n	Sep 2010	499
11.		Fujifilm X-E4	121 mm	73 mm	33 mm	364 g	380	n	Jan 2021	849
12.		Fujifilm X-T30	118 mm	83 mm	47 mm	383 g	380	n	Feb 2019	899
13.		Fujifilm X-T100	121 mm	83 mm	47 mm	448 g	430	n	May 2018	599
14.		Fujifilm X-E3	121 mm	74 mm	43 mm	337 g	350	n	Sep 2017	899
15.		Fujifilm X-T20	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	383 g	350	n	Jan 2017	899
16.		Panasonic LF1	103 mm	62 mm	28 mm	192 g	250	n	Apr 2013	499
17.		Panasonic LX7	111 mm	68 mm	46 mm	298 g	330	n	Jul 2012	499
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The S120 was launched at a lower price than the X-S10, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon S120 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and the Fujifilm X-S10 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X-S10 is 753 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 4.5 and 1.5. The sensor in the S120 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the X-S10 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

With 26MP, the X-S10 offers a higher resolution than the S120 (12MP), but the X-S10 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 1.89μm for the S120) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the X-S10 is a much more recent model (by 7 years and 1 month) than the S120, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-S10 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm X-S10 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X-S10 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 31.2 x 20.8 inches or 79.2 x 52.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 25 x 16.6 inches or 63.4 x 42.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.8 x 13.9 inches or 52.8 x 35.2 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon S120 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The X-S10 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon PowerShot S120 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X-S10 are ISO 160 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-51200.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon S120	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.3	11.9	246	56
2.		Fujifilm X-S10	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
3.		Canon G9 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.9	12.5	522	65
4.		Canon G9 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.5	12.3	495	63
5.		Canon G1 X Mark II	1.5-inch	13.0	4160	3120	1080/30p	21.5	10.8	581	58
6.		Canon G16	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.0	11.7	230	54
7.		Canon G1 X	1.5-inch	14.2	4352	3264	1080/24p	21.7	10.8	644	60
8.		Canon G15	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	19.9	11.5	165	46
9.		Canon SX50	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	20.3	11.2	179	47
10.		Canon G12	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	720/24p	20.4	11.2	161	47
11.		Fujifilm X-E4	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
12.		Fujifilm X-T30	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
13.		Fujifilm X-T100	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/15p	..	..	..	..
14.		Fujifilm X-E3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
15.		Fujifilm X-T20	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
16.		Panasonic LF1	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60i	20.8	11.6	211	52
17.		Panasonic LX7	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	1080/60p	20.7	11.7	147	50

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the X-S10 provides a better video resolution than the S120. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X-S10 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the S120 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon S120, the Fujifilm X-S10, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon S120	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	Y	1/2000s	12.1	Y	Y
2.		Fujifilm X-S10	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
3.		Canon G9 X Mark II	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	8.2	Y	Y
4.		Canon G9 X	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	6.0	Y	Y
5.		Canon G1 X Mark II	optional	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	5.2	Y	Y
6.		Canon G16	optical	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.2	Y	Y
7.		Canon G1 X	optical	n	3.0	922	Swivel	n	1/4000s	1.9	Y	Y
8.		Canon G15	optical	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.1	Y	Y
9.		Canon SX50	202	n	3.0	461	swivel	n	1/2000s	2.2	Y	Y
10.		Canon G12	optical	n	2.8	461	swivel	n	1/4000s	1.1	Y	Y
11.		Fujifilm X-E4	2360	n	3.0	1620	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	n	n
12.		Fujifilm X-T30	2360	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
13.		Fujifilm X-T100	2360	n	3.0	1040	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
14.		Fujifilm X-E3	2360	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/4000s	8.0	n	n
15.		Fujifilm X-T20	2360	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
16.		Panasonic LF1	200	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	10.0	Y	Y
17.		Panasonic LX7	optional	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0	Y	Y

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the X-S10 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Canon S120 and the Fujifilm X-S10 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the S120 and the X-S10 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot S120 and Fujifilm X-S10 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon S120	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
2.		Fujifilm X-S10	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
3.		Canon G9 X Mark II	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
4.		Canon G9 X	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Canon G1 X Mark II	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
6.		Canon G16	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
7.		Canon G1 X	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Canon G15	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Canon SX50	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Canon G12	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Fujifilm X-E4	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
12.		Fujifilm X-T30	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
13.		Fujifilm X-T100	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
14.		Fujifilm X-E3	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
15.		Fujifilm X-T20	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
16.		Panasonic LF1	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Panasonic LX7	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the X-S10 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The S120 does not feature such a mic input.

The X-S10 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Fujifilm. In contrast, the S120 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the S120 from Canon. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Fujifilm websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Canon S120 better than the Fujifilm X-S10 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot S120:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12.1 vs 8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the X-S10 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (100x59mm vs 126x85mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the X-S10).
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2013).

Reasons to prefer the Fujifilm X-S10:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (26 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 50%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (325 versus 230) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More modern: Reflects 7 years and 1 month of technical progress since the S120 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-S10 is the clear winner of the contest (22 : 7 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon S120 and the Fujifilm X-S10 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the S120 and the X-S10 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon S120	..	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	449
2.		Fujifilm X-S10	5/5	..	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2020	999
3.		Canon G9 X Mark II	4/5	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	529
4.		Canon G9 X	3.5/5	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	529
5.		Canon G1 X Mark II	3/5	+	77/100	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	799
6.		Canon G16	4/5	+	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549
7.		Canon G1 X	5/5	+	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	799
8.		Canon G15	4/5	+	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	499
9.		Canon SX50	3/5	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	429
10.		Canon G12	4/5	+	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2010	499
11.		Fujifilm X-E4	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2021	849
12.		Fujifilm X-T30	5/5	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2019	899
13.		Fujifilm X-T100	4/5	+	79/100	4/5	4.5/5	May 2018	599
14.		Fujifilm X-E3	4.5/5	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2017	899
15.		Fujifilm X-T20	5/5	+ +	82/100	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	899
16.		Panasonic LF1	3/5	+	..	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2013	499
17.		Panasonic LX7	3/5	+ +	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	499
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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Specifications: Canon S120 vs Fujifilm X-S10

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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