Canon PowerShot N vs Samsung SL102: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

With digital camera options spanning compact travel companions to full-frame giants, choosing the right model can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth. Today, I’m diving deep into a practical comparison between two small-sensor compacts that have intrigued me from different corners of the market: the Canon PowerShot N (2013) and the Samsung SL102 (2009). Both have compact footprints and aim at casual photographers but bring divergent philosophies and features to the table.

Drawing on my experience testing thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, I seek to illuminate the real-world strengths and limitations these two compacts present. Whether you’re a portrait lover, a street shooter, or an occasional travel photographer, this comparison will unpack every detail - from sensor to ergonomics, autofocus to video, and everything in between. Let’s get started.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size and Handling

First impressions often set the tone for how a camera will fit into your photographic life. Ergonomics can make or break long-term satisfaction, especially for compact cameras where small sizes can be either charmingly portable or frustratingly cramped.

When holding the Canon PowerShot N (79x60x29 mm at 195 g) versus the slimmer Samsung SL102 (90x59x22 mm at 116 g), the differences are immediately apparent. The Canon feels denser and sturdier, with a weight that suggests robust build quality despite its compact dimensions. Its squared-off boxy shape with a distinctive top-mounted ring control adds a unique tactile element, though some might find it less comfortable in smaller hands due to the sharp edges.

Conversely, the Samsung SL102 is noticeably lighter and thinner - ideal for slipping into pockets or carrying unobtrusively. Its rounded edges make it comfortable to hold but also give it a more plasticky feel. For extended hands-on use, I personally preferred the Canon’s grip and heft; it provided more confidence during handheld shooting, especially in less stable conditions.

Controls and Layout: Intuitive or Clunky?

With such a small body, every button and dial choice matters. The Canon N’s innovative ring control is a standout - it offers a quick way to adjust settings, a feature not common on compacts of this era. The touchscreen interface adds a modern touch, enabling flexible interaction, especially for composing images or framing creative shots.

In contrast, the Samsung SL102 opts for a more traditional approach with fewer control options. Its smaller fixed 2.5-inch LCD and basic button layout mean fewer distractions but also less versatility in menu navigation or quick adjustments.

The Canon’s top view reveals a denser control layout - more buttons crowd the limited space, but the Android-like touchscreen compensates, streamlining access to features like flash modes and scene selections. The Samsung’s simple shutter button and zoom rocker dominate, making it arguably more beginner-friendly albeit at the cost of convenience for faster shooting conditions.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the heart of any digital camera lies the sensor - a critical determinant of image quality. Both cameras employ a 1/2.3-inch sensor size, typical for compacts, but there are subtle yet meaningful technical differences.

The Canon PowerShot N uses a 12MP CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s Digic 5 processor - technology that still impresses for a compact from 2013. CMOS sensors are generally more efficient and better at noise control, especially in low light, than CCD counterparts. The Canon’s sensor size is approximately 28.07 mm², identical in dimensions but slightly larger than Samsung’s.

The Samsung SL102, on the other hand, pairs a 10MP CCD sensor with a less advanced image processor. Although CCD sensors once offered excellent color resolution, they tend to produce more noise and have slower readout speeds compared to CMOS. The Samsung’s sensor area is marginally smaller at around 27.72 mm².

In practical terms, I found the Canon’s images exhibited better high ISO performance (ISO max 6400 vs 1600 for Samsung), smoother tonal gradations, and more vibrant colors with less noise creeping in as sensitivity increased. The Samsung performed well in bright light but struggled more in dim environments where digital noise became quite apparent.

While neither camera offers RAW file support - a dealbreaker for many professionals - the Canon’s JPEG output was noticeably sharper and cleaner. The absence of optical low-pass filters (both have anti-aliasing filters) means occasional moiré patterns can emerge in finely detailed subjects, but rarely enough to disrupt casual shooting.

Composing and Reviewing Shots: Screen and Interface

Having used both cameras outdoors in various lighting conditions, I can confidently say the Canon N’s 2.8-inch PureColor II G touch tilting screen is a highlight. It offers decent resolution (461k dots) and the flexibility to shoot at weird angles - a boon for street or candid photography where discretion matters.

The Samsung SL102’s 2.5-inch fixed screen with 230k dots can feel restrictive. Its fixed position hampers creative framing opportunities, and visibility in sunlight is mediocre. The lack of touchscreen functionality slows menu navigation, which can be frustrating when you're trying to change settings quickly mid-shoot.

For photographers who value composing with precision, the Canon’s screen technology stands out. However, neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, relying instead on LCD preview - something to consider for those shooting in bright outdoor scenarios.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Practical Impact on Real-world Photography

Autofocus speed and accuracy are vital, especially when shooting dynamic subjects like wildlife or sports. Both cameras, being entry-level compacts, have relatively basic AF systems but differ in approach.

The Canon PowerShot N utilizes contrast-detection autofocus with a focus ring and touch-to-focus option on the LCD. While it lacks face or eye detection, it maintains respectable focus speeds in good light. The continuous shooting speed hovers around 2fps - a modest pace but sufficient for casual capture.

In comparison, the Samsung SL102 also relies on contrast-detection AF but has face detection integrated, which is helpful in portrait and group scenarios. However, it feels slower in lock-on speed and lacks burst shooting capabilities, an inconvenience in fast-paced environments.

Neither camera supports advanced autofocus features like tracking or animal eye-detection, which limits their usefulness for wildlife or sports photographers. That said, I found the Canon was marginally better at locking focus quickly in well-lit conditions.

Zoom Lens and Optical Performance

Zoom versatility is an important consideration for compacts. The Canon PowerShot N’s fixed lens covers a broad 28–224mm equivalent focal length, equating to an 8x zoom with maximum apertures ranging from f/3.0 to f/5.9. This range lends itself well to versatility - from environmental portraits to modest telephoto landscapes or street candid shots.

By contrast, the Samsung SL102’s more modest 35–105mm equivalent (3x zoom) range, while suitable for everyday snapshots, falls short in telephoto reach. This limits creative framing options, particularly when subjects are distant.

Image sharpness and chromatic aberration correction are decent on the Canon at all zoom ranges, thanks to its newer optics and processor. The Samsung lens shows softness and some color fringing at the long end, which presented itself as a constraint during my tests.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Focus

As someone who frequently shoots portraits, I scrutinized how each camera handled skin tone rendition and background separation.

The Canon N’s CMOS sensor coupled with Digic 5 processor delivered pleasing and natural skin tones with accurate color reproduction. Its wider maximum aperture at the short end (f/3.0) allowed for modest depth-of-field control, creating gentle subject isolation especially at 28mm. The lack of dedicated portrait modes or eye AF means you must be deliberate in focusing, but once locked, subject sharpness was reliable.

Samsung’s SL102, while offering reasonably natural skin tones, tended to render colors slightly muted in my hands-on experience. The smaller maximum aperture and shorter zoom range meant the bokeh effect was minimal, and the resulting images felt flat when background separation was desired.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Durability

Landscape photography demands high resolution, strong dynamic range, and ideally, weather sealing.

Neither camera is weather-sealed or boasts rugged construction, so outdoor enthusiasts should exercise caution during adverse conditions.

The Canon delivers a slight advantage via its higher resolution (12MP vs 10MP) and effective noise reduction, producing images with less shadow noise and more balanced highlights. While the dynamic range is limited due to sensor size, clever exposure compensation and RAW support absence can be creatively managed in post.

The Samsung’s sensor captured decent exposure but displayed more pronounced highlight clipping and darker shadow areas with elevated noise when recovering shadows in post-processing. Resolution was slightly lower, impacting print enlargement.

For my landscape shoots, the wider zoom range on the Canon permitted more framing options, especially for wide vistas and tighter details.

Wildlife and Sports Photography Potential

Neither camera aims at pro-level wildlife or sports photography, but evaluation is worthwhile to provide nuanced insight.

Autofocus speed and burst rates, critical for moving subjects, are limited on both. Canon’s 2fps continuous shooting is modest but usable for slow action; Samsung lacks meaningful burst mode altogether.

The Canon’s longer zoom and optical stabilization gave it an edge for casual wildlife snapshots. Meanwhile, the Samsung’s shorter zoom makes distant subjects a no-go.

I wouldn’t recommend either for serious wildlife or sports shooters seeking fast tracking and minimal lag. However, for casual family or vacation captures, Canon PowerShot N performed slightly better in action contexts.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Portability

Portability is king when roaming city streets or traveling light.

The Samsung SL102 scores high thanks to its razor-thin profile and low weight (116g). Its quiet operation and simplistic controls contribute to a discreet shooting experience. Color reproduction can feel subdued, but honest snapshots and candid shots are its forte.

The Canon N, though larger and heavier, offers more creative tools such as touchscreen control and wider zoom, which prove useful while traveling. Its boxy shape may draw attention but still fits comfortably in coat pockets or smaller bags.

Battery life is another travel consideration: Canon claims 200 shots per charge with the NB-9L battery; Samsung doesn’t specify but is generally lower, requiring carry spares for extended use.

Macro and Close-up: Precision and Magnification

Close focusing capabilities can add creative flair.

Canon’s lens allows focusing down to 1cm, offering impressive magnification for a compact, allowing striking macro shots of flowers or small details with excellent sharpness.

The Samsung’s macro focusing minimum of 10cm limits extreme close-ups. Precision focusing is slower and less forgiving, resulting in missed opportunities for crisp macro work.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Both cameras are limited by sensor size and ISO ceiling for night scenes.

Canon’s ISO extends to 6400, but noise is significant beyond ISO 800-1600. Long exposure control is restricted (max shutter ~1/15 to 1/2000 with no bulb support), and no manual exposure modes limit creative night shooting.

Samsung caps at ISO 1600 with greater noise at higher settings and shutter speeds maxing at 1/8 to 1/1500, offering shorter exposure windows unsuitable for astrophotography.

Neither device offers built-in exposure bracketing or modes designed for night photography, so astro shooters should look elsewhere.

Video Capture: Specs and Usability

Video is secondary in both cameras but serves casual user needs.

The Canon PowerShot N stands out with Full HD 1080p at 24fps video capture using H.264 codec, plus HD 720p at 30fps and slow motion up to 240fps at smaller resolutions. Its optical stabilization aids handheld video smoothness. However, there are no external mic or headphone ports, limiting audio quality.

The Samsung SL102 maxes out at 640x480 resolution (VGA) video, which is dated and lacks detail. The older Motion JPEG format produces large files less efficient for editing. There is no stabilization or advanced control.

For brief family video and casual clips, Canon’s video features are more useful, but amateurs seeking more control should look to dedicated camcorders or newer hybrids.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

Neither camera targets professional photographers demanding RAW outputs, tethering, or high-end durability.

Canon’s lack of RAW support and limited manual controls curtail post-processing latitude. Samsung fares similarly. Both save JPEGs to microSD cards compatible with basic SDHC standards.

Connectivity-wise, Canon impresses with built-in wireless for image transfer, although limited by the era’s tech. Samsung offers no wireless.

For professional workflows, file format limitations and lack of advanced connectivity make these cameras auxiliary tools at best.

Price-to-Performance Analysis: What’s the Best Value?

At launch, Canon PowerShot N retailed around $299 while Samsung SL102 was closer to $130. The Canon’s newer technology, more versatile zoom, touchscreen, and superior sensor push its value beyond the Samsung when judged on capability alone.

For budget-conscious users seeking a simple point-and-shoot for casual snapshots, Samsung is a tempting buy, especially secondhand.

However, from a practical standpoint, the Canon PowerShot N’s upgraded features, better image quality, and flexible control options make it a more worthwhile investment for enthusiasts willing to spend moderately.

Final Scorecards

Wrapping Up: Which Compact Suits Your Style?

After extensive in-the-field testing, here are my personalized takeaways:

• Choose the Canon PowerShot N if you:

  • Want a compact with an 8x zoom covering wide to telephoto.
  • Value touchscreen operation and creative framing options.
  • Prioritize image quality, especially in low light.
  • Occasionally shoot video in HD.
  • Seek advanced macro abilities.
  • Are willing to trade some pocket portability for robust handling.

• Consider the Samsung SL102 if you:

  • Want the smallest, lightest camera for carry-anywhere ease.
  • Shoot mainly in bright daylight or indoors with controlled lighting.
  • Prefer a simple, user-friendly interface without extras.
  • Are limited by a tight budget and want a straightforward point-and-shoot.
  • Prioritize discretion while roaming or street photography.

Neither camera will replace enthusiast mirrorless or DSLR models, but each holds a niche for casual power users or collectors. I always recommend handling both before buying and factoring in your typical shooting scenarios. Small sensor compacts have steep limits, but careful choice can maximize your photographic joy.

To conclude, these two compact cameras from Canon and Samsung reflect their respective design eras and target audiences. I hope this detailed, experience-rich comparison helps you see beyond specs and makes your next camera choice a confident, well-informed one. Happy shooting!

Canon N front Canon N screen back Samsung SL102 front Samsung SL102 screen back

In this gallery, you’ll notice the Canon’s sharper detail retention, richer tones, and cleaner noise profile in shadows and highlights, especially in low-light environments. The Samsung images, bright in sunlight, lose detail rapidly in shadows and display more color desaturation.

If you have questions or want to discuss more advanced use cases like manual timelapse or advanced video editing, feel free to reach out - I love a good camera conversation!

• • Your friendly neighborhood camera tester and photographer*