Canon PowerShot N vs Samsung WB850F: An Expert Hands-On Comparison for Photographers in 2024

Choosing your next compact camera can be overwhelming, especially when models like the Canon PowerShot N and Samsung WB850F offer distinct feature sets, performance levels, and shooting experiences. Having tested thousands of digital cameras over the years, we will walk you through a thorough comparison - emphasizing real-world use, technical detail, and suitability across photography styles.

Whether you’re a casual snapshooter, a street photographer, or an enthusiast stepping up your game, this guide will help you decide which camera aligns with your creative goals and budget.

First Impressions: Design, Handling, and Ergonomics

Right out of the box, the Canon N and Samsung WB850F differ markedly in size and control philosophy. The Canon N embodies a quirky, cube-like compact form factor, measuring a very petite 79x60x29 mm and weighing just 195 grams. Its unique build encourages a fresh approach to handling - ideal if you want to experiment with novel shooting angles or selfie shots (thanks to its tilting PureColor II G touchscreen).

In contrast, the Samsung WB850F slots in as a more traditional compact superzoom, with larger dimensions at 109x62x25 mm and weighing 250 grams. Its elongated body fits a powerful 21x zoom lens, lending versatility at the expense of pocketability.

On the control front, the Canon N's minimalist interface omits manual exposure controls - relying heavily on touchscreen navigation and automatic modes - making it approachable but limiting for enthusiasts craving greater creative input.

The Samsung steps up with dedicated dials and buttons for shutter, aperture priority, manual exposure, and customizable white balance settings, aiming to satisfy users who like to shape their image parameters on the fly.

Key Takeaways:

• Canon N is ultra-compact, selfie-friendly, and simple to operate.
• Samsung WB850F feels more conventional and manual-friendly, with longer zoom reach.
• Ergonomics favor Samsung for control, Canon N for fun and casual shooting.

As you can see from the size comparison and control layout, your choice depends heavily on portability versus creative control.

Sensor and Image Quality: Crunching the Numbers and Real-World Impact

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" sensor, which is common in compact cameras but relatively small by modern standards - limiting their high ISO and dynamic range capabilities. Yet, subtle differences make a big impact on image quality and shooting versatility.

What this means:
Samsung’s use of a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor gives it an edge in color depth and arguably better noise control at lower ISOs, thanks to the backside illumination technology improving light gathering. Canon’s sensor, while lower in megapixels, maxes out at ISO 6400 but tends to introduce noticeable noise beyond ISO 800 in practice.

In practical testing, both cameras perform reasonably well under good lighting, but Samsung’s sensor yields sharper details and slightly richer color reproduction, especially in daylight landscapes and portraits.

However, neither camera supports RAW capture, locking you into JPEGs with in-camera processing limitations - which can be a critical consideration if you want maximum post-processing flexibility.

Exploring Their Photography Genres: Strengths and Weaknesses

Let’s break down the real-world suitability of these two compacts across popular photography genres.

Portrait Photography: Rendering Skin Tones and Bokeh

• Canon N: Its fixed lens focal range (28-224mm equivalent) covers short telephoto portrait framing well. The maximum aperture of f/3.0-5.9 is average, but the optical image stabilization helps with handheld shots. Unfortunately, there is no face or eye detection autofocus, limiting sharpness control on moving subjects.
• Samsung WB850F: While its exceptionally long zoom (23-483mm equivalent) might seem overkill for portraits, it shines at short telephoto focal lengths (~85-100mm equivalent). Critically, Samsung’s camera includes face detection AF, improving accuracy in focusing on people. The brighter f/2.8 aperture at the wide end facilitates shallow depth of field and attractive bokeh, but it becomes slower in dimmer light at longer zooms.

Neither camera will produce silky smooth background blur to DSLR levels - both have small sensors restricting bokeh quality, but Samsung’s wider aperture gives you some creative leeway.

Landscape Photography: Detail and Range

Landscape photographers look for sharpness, resolution, and dynamic range. Samsung’s higher resolution demands attention here, providing images suitable for larger prints. Canon’s sensor performs well but with slightly less fine detail.

Both cameras lack environmental sealing, so you’ll want to keep them dry and clean when venturing outdoors. The Canon N’s 8x zoom is sufficient for wide to mild telephoto framing, but if you want ultra-long reach for distant scenery, Samsung’s 21x zoom is unmatched in this class.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus Speed and Burst Rates

• Canon N: It offers only 2 fps continuous shooting and contrast-detection AF without tracking or face detection. This is slow and unreliable for capturing fast-moving wildlife or sports moments.
• Samsung WB850F: Faster burst at 10 fps, plus AF tracking and face detection, markedly improves success rate on moving subjects. The enormous 21x zoom lens helps you get closer to wildlife from a distance.

The Samsung’s autofocus system and burst rates better align with wildlife and sports needs.

Street and Travel Photography: Size, Discretion, and Versatility

Street photographers prize discreet handling, fast operation, and compactness.

• Canon N: As an ultra-compact with a uniquely shaped body and touchscreen, it's excellent for snaps on the go and self-portraits. However, the slower AF and limited manual controls hinder spontaneous creative adjustments.
• Samsung WB850F: More traditional in design, slightly larger and heavier, but offers greater zoom versatility and manual modes - making it a better all-around travel companion, especially if you want to photograph varied scenes without lens changes.

Battery life data is limited, but smaller form factor and simpler processing favor Canon for longer handheld sessions. Samsung’s built-in GPS also aids travel photographers tagging locations.

Macro and Close-up Photography

Canon’s super close 1cm focus distance enables extremely detailed macros, whereas Samsung can get reasonably close at 5cm. This makes Canon the better choice if you want to explore insect or detail photography with extreme proximity.

Video Capabilities: Shooting Beyond Stills

Both cameras shoot Full HD video with mild frame rate options:

Samsung’s 30 fps Full HD output is slightly smoother, and its higher slow-motion frame rates offer better options for creative video effects - even if the resolutions are low for slow mo.

However, neither camera has mic input jacks - a limitation for serious videographers. Optical image stabilization helps deliver steady handheld clips on both models.

Build Quality and User Interface

Neither camera features environmental sealing, dustproofing, or weather resistance. Their plastic construction leans towards casual use, so be mindful in challenging conditions.

The Canon N relies heavily on its 2.8-inch tilting PureColor II G touchscreen with 461k-dot resolution, supporting intuitive tap and swipe commands - which is key given the minimal physical buttons.

The Samsung WB850F differs, sporting a 3.0-inch AMOLED fixed screen with 614k-dot resolution, offering excellent contrast and color accuracy but no touchscreen functionality. Instead, manual controls dominate.

Your preference depends on whether you favor touchscreen interfaces or dedicated manual dials.

Autofocus Systems and Accuracy in Practice

Through practical tests, the Samsung’s face detection and tracking autofocus made it simpler to capture sharp portraits and moving subjects in varied lighting. Canon’s AF felt slower and less reliable, especially with complex scenes or low light.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Samsung’s built-in GPS is a boon for travel photographers wanting geotagged images. Canon’s optional GPS accessory is somewhat inconvenient.

The Canon provides a respectable 200 shots per battery, adequate for day trips, while Samsung arguably lasts longer but without official numbers.

Lens Ecosystem and Zoom Performance

Both cameras have fixed lenses - no interchangeable options.

• Canon N: 28-224mm equivalent zoom with moderate 8x range; aperture f/3.0-5.9 limits depth of field and low light capabilities.
• Samsung WB850F: Expansive 23-483mm equivalent, 21x zoom f/2.8-5.9; superior for telephoto shots and low-light wide-angle.

Samsung’s zoom versatility makes it a prime choice for those needing the flexibility to shoot everything from landscapes to distant wildlife without carrying multiple lenses.

Real-World Samples and Image Quality Showcase

Canon N front Canon N screen back Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back

From our field tests, the Samsung WB850F produced images with more resolvable detail, better color rendition, and improved sharpness - especially notable in landscape and portrait shots.

The Canon PowerShot N offered creative framing options thanks to its unique form factor and touchscreen. Images were softer and more muted in color but still respectable for web or casual prints.

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

Our comprehensive performance analysis highlights:

• Samsung WB850F leads in autofocus performance, zoom versatility, manual control, and video quality.
• Canon PowerShot N shines in portability, touchscreen user interface, macro close-ups, and selfie-friendliness.

Who Should Choose Which? Tailored Recommendations for You

Consider the Canon PowerShot N if:

• You want an ultra-compact, fun-to-use camera for casual shooting and selfies.
• Portability and ease-of-use matter more than manual controls or zoom reach.
• You enjoy touch interfaces and creative framing without complexity.
• Macro photography is a priority - its 1cm close focus is outstanding.
• Your budget is limited (typically around $299).

Choose the Samsung WB850F if:

• You seek a powerful superzoom for travel, wildlife, or street photography.
• Manual exposure modes and fast autofocus are important.
• You want higher resolution images with better color and detail.
• Geotagging and versatility in framing without lens changes appeal to you.
• You can accommodate a slightly larger camera and price point (~$599).

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Camera Fits Your Creative Journey?

Neither the Canon PowerShot N nor Samsung WB850F offers top-tier professional specs, but each fills a unique niche in the compact camera spectrum.

The Canon N invites you to explore unconventional shooting with a tiny, touchscreen-driven design that’s especially appealing for casual photographers and selfie enthusiasts.

The Samsung WB850F serves as a more solid “all-rounder” compact, with zoom reach and control options that align well with travel and enthusiast photography.

Whichever you lean towards, be sure to test them in-store if possible - handle, shoot sample images, and see which interface suits your style. Pairing either body with quality SD cards and extra batteries will ensure you’re ready to create wherever your photography takes you.

Happy shooting!

Specifications at a Glance

Explore both cameras further and get started with your perfect compact companion - your creative journey is waiting.