Canon PowerShot A2400 IS vs Samsung WB850F: Small Sensor Compact Cameras Put to the Test

In the realm of compact cameras, budgets and expectations vary wildly. Some want a simple point-and-shoot to snap vacation moments, while others seek more control and versatility, packed in a pocketable body. Today I’m diving headfirst into two contenders from 2012 - the Canon PowerShot A2400 IS and the Samsung WB850F. While both fit roughly into the “small sensor compact” category, their feature sets and target users couldn’t be more different.

Having had both in hand, I’ve pushed them through various real-world scenarios - from lazy street shoots and backyard macro experiments to shaky handheld video attempts and the occasional wild animal chase (no lions, just birds). Together, we’ll explore their strengths and compromises across the photography spectrum. Intrigued? Let’s jump in.

First Impressions: Handling, Size, and Ergonomics

If your camera isn’t a pleasure to hold and operate, all the tech wizardry can’t save the experience. The Canon A2400 IS and Samsung WB850F are both compact machines, but their form factors speak to different priorities.

The Canon A2400 IS measures a petite 94 x 54 x 20 mm and weighs a flying-light 126 grams. This makes it eminently pocket-friendly, almost like carrying a candy bar - slip it into your jean pocket or purse without a fuss. However, its slim body pays a cost in grip comfort; I often craved a slightly more substantial handhold for steadier shots. Button layout is minimal, and the all-plastic exterior feels basic but reassuringly solid for a $150 camera.

Compare that to the Samsung WB850F, which bulked up to 109 x 62 x 25 mm and tipped the scales at 250 grams - nearly double the weight. This heft translates into a more substantial grip, excellent for longer shoots or when using the extensive 21x zoom lens. The WB850F feels like it means business, with a more assertive handgrip and a sturdier chassis. Its slightly larger size and weight might keep it out of the pocket and more suited to stashing in a dedicated camera compartment.

These physical differences hint at a more fundamental distinction: the Canon A2400 IS skews toward ultra-light, casual shooting, while the Samsung WB850F positions itself as a more versatile travel companion capable of serious zooming and control.

A Peek from Above: Controls and Interface

As much as I love simplicity, photographers often prize dedicated controls - manual dials, exposure settings - to flex creative muscles.

Canon’s A2400 IS keeps it very basic: no manual exposure modes, no shutter or aperture priority, and minimal button count. Its modes revolve around auto or scene presets, with some custom white balance thrown in. The emphasis is clearly on straightforward point-and-shoot use.

Samsung’s WB850F flexes a bit more with manual exposure modes - shutter priority, aperture priority, full manual control, and exposure compensation. For enthusiasts itching to influence depth of field or motion blur without lugging a DSLR, this is a significant win. Physical buttons, while not lavish, are well placed, letting you tweak settings without diving into cumbersome menus. This hands-on ergonomics approach elevates the WB850F above many compacts of its era.

Neither camera has a viewfinder - electronic or optical - which in bright daylight can be frustrating. You’re stuck squinting at the LCD, which leads us to our next point:

Display Battle: Screens That Show (or Hide) the Story

Shooting without a viewfinder means the LCD becomes your eye, so its quality and usability matter immensely.

Canon’s 2.7-inch screen offers a modest 230k-dot resolution - a degree of fuzziness is often noticeable. It’s fixed (non-articulated) and lacks touch functionality, so creative angles might require some awkward stretching and approximate framing. Low brightness and glare in direct sunlight can be a real complaint for outdoor shoots.

The Samsung WB850F touts a larger and much sharper 3-inch AMOLED display at 614k dots, nearly tripling Canon’s resolution. Colors pop, contrast is excellent, and even midday visibility is solid (although not perfect). This makes reviewing shots and menu navigation easier and more enjoyable. No touchscreen here either, but at least Samsung’s AMOLED tech brings clarity and responsiveness to the table - it’s a pleasure after the Canon’s squinty panel.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Format, Big Differences?

Both cameras employ 1/2.3" sensors, a modest size compared to larger APS-C or full-frame. However, “small sensor” doesn't mean identical performance - the tech underneath matters, as do software and processing tweaks.

The Canon A2400 IS sports a 16MP CCD sensor - once a staple for compact cameras but increasingly outdated today. CCD sensors often yield appealing color rendition but suffer in noise handling and dynamic range. It maxes out at ISO 1600, but expect noise to ramp up quickly beyond ISO 400 in practical use.

Samsung’s WB850F moves to a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor - a back-side illumination design that boosts light gathering efficiency. This translates to better high ISO performance (max ISO 3200), improved dynamic range, and cleaner images in challenging light. While small sensor noise isn’t eradicated, Samsung’s sensor and processing combination has a clear edge over Canon’s older CCD technology.

For image resolution, both yield a maximum image size of 4608 x 3456 pixels, but the WB850F supports a wider range of aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9) compared to Canon’s limited 4:3 and 16:9 options.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Precision in Action

The autofocus (AF) system is often the unsung hero or villain of point-and-shoot photography. From rapid street snaps to wildlife bursts, AF speed and accuracy can make or break a shot.

The Canon A2400 IS packs a 9-point AF system with contrast detection, including face detection but no eye or animal AF. It offers continuous AF and tracking but at a snail’s pace - just about 1 frame per second continuous shooting means you’re not going to bag rapid action sequences.

Samsung’s WB850F - while not flaunting a dizzying number of AF points - includes center and multi-area AF with face detection and selective AF modes, aiding precision. Its contrast-detect AF is also relatively quick for its class, and the burst shooting maxes at a far more useful 10 fps - a boon for catching fleeting moments.

Neither model offers phase-detect AF, nor do they provide eye-tracking autofocus, features that were rare in compacts back in 2012. Yet, Samsung’s better burst rate and AF flexibility make it better poised for dynamic subjects, like kids or casual sports.

Lens Capabilities: Zoom, Aperture, and Macro Powers

If you base your purchase on focal length, these two diverge dramatically.

• Canon A2400 IS features a 28-140mm (5x zoom) lens with a modest f/2.8-6.9 aperture range.
• Samsung WB850F impresses with a whopping 23-483mm (21x zoom) lens, ranging from f/2.8-5.9.

For everyday shooting and portraits, the Canon’s shorter zoom - particularly starting at a handy 28mm wide angle - works well. The aperture, while somewhat slow at telephoto, is typical for budget compacts.

But that monster zoom on the WB850F lets you reach far beyond most competitors - useful for wildlife, distant subjects, or travel where carrying a long telephoto isn’t feasible. Its appx 5.8x focal length multiplier is identical to Canon’s, so the Samsung’s real optical advantage emerges from its longer reach.

Macro capabilities are close: Canon can focus as near as 3cm, while Samsung’s closest is 5cm - both decent, but don’t expect true macro magnification like dedicated macro lenses.

Building Sturdiness and Durability: Weather Resistance Matters?

Both cameras lack weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing. These are basic consumer compacts, so mind your environment. If you shoot outdoors in rain or dusty conditions, you’ll want a different class of camera.

Video Functionality: Moving Pictures in HD

I’m always curious about video specs on compacts - surprisingly, both cameras do a fair job here.

• Canon A2400 IS captures HD video at 1280 x 720 pixels at 25 fps using H.264 compression. Not bad for simple home videos, but no Full HD or advanced codecs.
• Samsung WB850F steps up with Full HD recording at 1920 x 1080 pixels at 30 fps, plus HD at 720p and slower frame rates for super slow motion effects. File formats H.264 and MPEG-4 give greater compatibility.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone ports, so audio quality can’t be tweaked. Samsung’s inclusion of optical image stabilization helps in video too for smoother footage, while Canon’s stabilization only aids stills.

Connectivity and Extras: The Modern Necessities

Samsung’s WB850F boasts built-in wireless connectivity and GPS - features very rare in 2012 compacts. This means easy transfer to smartphones or social media through companion apps, plus automatic geo-tagging.

Canon’s A2400 IS offers none - no Wi-Fi, no GPS, not even Bluetooth. Transfer is limited to USB 2.0 connection only, and manual storage card handling.

Samsung additionally supports HDMI output, allowing instant viewing on larger screens - a nice touch.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Your Adventures

Canon’s small battery (NB-11L) rated for 190 shots per charge is on the low end. That said - given the camera’s light use scenario and simple features - it might stretch longer if you’re patient.

Samsung’s battery life is unspecified, but heavier use, bigger screen, and wireless functions likely make it less enduring. However, both use standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot.

Pack spares for either camera if you’re heading on extended outings.

Price Considerations: Bang for Your Buck?

When announced, Canon A2400 IS targeted an entry-level budget around $149, while Samsung WB850F landed substantially higher near $599.

That’s a huge gulf, reflecting respective ambitions. Canon is an accessible compact for casual shooters seeking simplicity and affordability. Samsung aims at enthusiasts who want manual controls, extensive zoom, and advanced features in a compact package.

Real-World Use Cases: Which Camera Suits What Photographer?

Putting all this together, here’s how I’d suggest these cameras fit into photographic lives:

Portrait Photography

• Canon A2400 IS: Adequate for casual portraits, but limited by slower AF, fixed lens, and minimal manual control. The CCD sensor renders pleasing colors but struggles with shallow depth of field given small sensor and aperture at telephoto. Face detection works but no eye AF.
• Samsung WB850F: More flexible with manual exposure modes to help control background blur. Better zoom lets you frame portraits from comfortable distances. The sharper AMOLED screen aids composition and review.

Winner: Samsung WB850F has the edge for enthusiasts wanting more portrait control; Canon remains a simple snapshot tool.

Landscape Photography

• Canon’s modest zoom is fine for wide views, but its lower resolution screen and weaker noise control at higher ISOs may disappoint in low light.
• Samsung’s sharper screen and broader zoom range (great for distant subjects in landscapes), paired with better dynamic range from the CMOS sensor, make it a better choice.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ultra-high resolution for detail-critical landscape work - serious landscape photographers should look elsewhere.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Canon’s slow continuous shooting speed (1fps) and limited zoom hamper fast or distant subject capture.

Samsung’s 21x zoom and 10fps burst shooting plus quicker AF improve chances of nabbing fleeting moments, though autofocus remains contrast-based and somewhat limited in tracking fast action reliably.

For casual wildlife or street sports shots, Samsung is better; for intense action photography, both fall short compared to interchangeable-lens cameras.

Street Photography and Travel

The Canon’s ultra-light form and small size make it ideal for discreet street shooting and travel where you want minimal fuss and weight. Its slow AF and limited manual control might frustrate some, but it blends easily into daily carry.

Samsung’s bigger size demands a bag or strap but rewards with superior zoom and creative options for travel versatility (and GPS geotagging).

Macro and Close-Up

Canon’s 3cm minimum focus edge is slightly better, but neither camera excels at macro. You’ll get decent close-ups but not detailed macro shots.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors limit low-light and long-exposure prowess for both.

Samsung’s higher ISO ceiling and BSI CMOS sensor grant better low-light shots; Canon’s CCD sensor noise builds up faster.

Neither supports advanced astro modes or long exposures typical in dedicated models.

Video Shooting

Samsung’s Full HD 1080p with image stabilization and slow-motion options offers a better video toolkit compared to Canon’s 720p capture.

Without mic inputs though, serious videographers will remain unsatisfied.

Professional Use and Workflow

Neither camera supports RAW shooting or advanced color profiles. This limits post-processing flexibility for serious professionals.

Build quality and lack of weather sealing also prevent them from being reliable fieldwork cameras.

Let’s See the Results: Sample Images and Scores

Time for some evidence-based observations. I shot similar scenes with both cameras in comparable lighting.

Canon A2400 IS front Canon A2400 IS screen back Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back

Samsung’s WB850F produces images with punchier colors and better dynamic range, especially in shadows and highlights. Canon’s photos feel softer, less contrasty, and noisier at equivalently elevated ISOs.

For sports, the Samsung’s faster burst captures more usable frames.

When scoring on image quality, handling, features, and value, Samsung’s WB850F ranks above the Canon A2400 IS consistently - especially in versatility and image quality.

Samsung leads in landscape, wildlife, sports, and video. Canon holds some points for portability and ease of use.

Wrapping Up: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Drawing from years of camera testing, here are your ammo for making a well-informed choice:

• Pick the Canon PowerShot A2400 IS if:

  • You want a simple, ultra-affordable, ultra-light compact for snapshots and casual travel.
  • You prioritize pocketability and ease of use over zoom reach or manual control.
  • You’re okay with snapshot image quality and minimal tech bells and whistles.
  • Budget is tight and you want straightforward operation.

• Pick the Samsung WB850F if:

  • You want more creative control with manual exposure modes.
  • You value a super telephoto zoom in a compact package.
  • You shoot video seriously enough to want Full HD and stabilization.
  • You want built-in GPS and Wi-Fi for geo-tagging and sharing.
  • Size and price are less of a concern than capability and image quality.

Final Thoughts: Small Sensor, Big Decisions

It’s fascinating to revisit these 2012 compacts today, seeing how camera tech and consumer expectations have evolved. Neither Canon A2400 IS nor Samsung WB850F compete with modern mirrorless or even smartphone cameras in most respects - yet both serve as reminders that “compact” means wildly different things depending on goals.

For the photography enthusiast who values pocket-size simplicity, Canon’s A2400 IS remains a modest but reliable companion. For those who want more zoom, manual control, and richer imagery, Samsung’s WB850F was ahead of its time.

Both deserve consideration not just as relics but as case studies in what features make a real difference in everyday photography.

I hope this detailed, hands-on comparison shines light on these two compacts and helps you weigh their real-world merits beyond the spec sheets and marketing buzz. When shopping, always hold your camera - feel how it fits your hand and workflow - and don’t overlook how you want to shoot, not just the numbers on paper.

Happy shooting!