Canon PowerShot S100 vs Samsung WB350F: In-Depth Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

In the ever-evolving world of compact digital cameras, staying informed about your options means more than just skimming spec sheets. Over my 15 years of testing cameras in real-world scenarios spanning studio portraiture to wildlife expeditions, I learned that true value lies in nuanced performance, ergonomics, and how a camera aligns with your shooting style and needs.

Today, we put two notable compacts - Canon PowerShot S100, a 2011 classic, against the 2014 Samsung WB350F - under the microscope. Despite their similar categories, they cater to different priorities through distinct design choices and technology. This thorough head-to-head aims to give you an expert’s perspective on which may best suit your photography ambitions.

Compact Giants: Ergonomics and Build Quality

Handling a compact camera often involves compromises between size, control, and durability. Our two contenders both fall under the compact umbrella, but their physical presence and user interface tell different stories.

The Canon S100 boasts a sleek, highly pocketable aluminum body measuring 99x60x28mm and weighing 198 grams. The Samsung WB350F is notably larger and heavier at 114x65x25mm and 276 grams. This difference reflects the Samsung’s superzoom lens and additional electronics.

From a handling standpoint, the Canon’s size promotes discreet shooting - ideal for street photographers or travelers carrying minimal gear. The Samsung, while still portable, feels more substantial in hand - a factor some may appreciate for stability, especially when zooming in.

Looking at the top controls:

The S100’s top layout is well thought out, with dedicated dials for exposure modes, aperture, and shutter speed allowing quick adjustments. It retains tactile buttons and a small mode dial, favoring photographers who like manual control.

Samsung’s WB350F opts for a simplified design with fewer physical controls and no dedicated exposure dial, relying instead on menu navigation and touchscreen input. The presence of a touchscreen on the WB350F (absent on the Canon) introduces modern convenience, though this may slow down access for photographers who prefer physical buttons, particularly in challenging light or with gloves.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Dive Into the Fundamentals

Both cameras sport small sensors but diverge in size and resolution. The sensor is the heart of any camera, and differences here strongly influence image quality.

Canon’s 1/1.7" CMOS sensor (7.44x5.58mm, ~41.5 mm²) at 12 megapixels offers larger photosites than Samsung’s 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55mm, ~28 mm²) packed with 16 megapixels. The larger sensor area in the S100 provides advantages in noise control and dynamic range, critical for the shadow-rich urban portraits or landscapes many enthusiasts shoot.

DxOMark testing confirms this: the S100 scores a 50 overall, with 20.7 bits color depth and an impressive 11.6 EV dynamic range at base ISO, outperforming many small sensor comps, although the Samsung has not been formally tested by DxOMark. Subjectively, the Canon produces richer color, smoother gradients, and cleaner high ISO images.

Samsung’s higher pixel count on a smaller sensor results in more noise at higher ISOs (max 3200 ISO native), which becomes noticeable past ISO 800 in low light or night scenes.

The Viewing Experience - LCD and Interface Matters

In the field, the usability of your camera’s display and interface can make or break your experience. Let’s see how these cameras handle live view and menu navigation.

Canon’s 3-inch, 461k-dot fixed LCD offers a bright, clear preview but lacks touchscreen support. Its menu system is well organized, efficient, but feels understandably dated in 2024 standards.

Samsung’s 3-inch, 460k-dot LCD adds touchscreen functionality, allowing easier quick focus point selection and menu navigation on the fly - a boon for photography novices or quick shooters. However, the screen is fixed and non-articulating, limiting versatility in shooting positions.

Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, which could be a drawback in bright daylight but is typical given their compact category and price points.

Autofocus Systems: Accuracy and Speed in Real-World Use

AF system performance is vital whether you’re capturing fleeting street moments or tracking wildlife.

The Canon S100 uses contrast-detection autofocus with face and smile detection, providing 9 focus points. It also features basic AF tracking, helpful for maintaining focus on moving subjects. While contrast detect is slower than phase-detect systems found in DSLRs or higher-end mirrorless cameras, in controlled light it delivers reliable focus.

Samsung’s WB350F uses a simpler contrast detection AF system but without any face detection or tracking. Its autofocus performance is generally slower, especially in low light or on more complex subjects.

For portrait or street photography, the Canon’s eye and face detection provide a distinct edge, ensuring sharper images with pleasing focus placement, especially with its f/2.0 lens wide open.

Lens and Zoom Power: Optics Driving Creative Freedom

Lens flexibility is a cornerstone of creative photography. Canon’s fixed lens features a 24-120mm equivalent zoom (5x), with an impressively wide f/2.0 aperture at the widest angle tapering to f/5.9 at telephoto.

Samsung’s WB350F extends zoom reach dramatically to a 23-483mm equivalent (21x), starting at f/2.8 and narrowing to f/5.9 at full zoom.

The tradeoff is clear: Canon favors wider apertures for low-light and shallow depth of field, whereas Samsung offers astounding telephoto reach in a compact frame.

• For portraits and landscapes, the Canon’s bright f/2.0 aids subject isolation and bokeh smoothness.
• For wildlife or distant subjects, Samsung’s 21x zoom is a distinct advantage, albeit with compromises in sharpness and aperture at extremes.

The Canon’s macro focus distance of 3cm enables detailed close-ups - a plus for those who dabble in macro photography - while Samsung does not specify a macro range, hinting at less optimized close focus.

Shooting Modes, Video, and Creative Tools

Both cameras offer manual exposure modes (aperture/shutter priority and full manual), boding well for enthusiasts seeking creative control.

Canon supports RAW capture, enabling extensive file manipulation in post-processing; Samsung does not, a significant limitation for professionals or serious hobbyists.

On video front:

• Canon shoots Full HD 1080p at 24fps, plus 720p and lower resolutions at higher frame rates for slow motion.
• Samsung records 1080p but lacks detailed fps specs or advanced bitrate info.

Neither camera provides microphone or headphone jacks, limiting high-quality audio capture for videographers.

Real-World Photography Tests: Sample Gallery and IPC Lens Feedback

Canon S100 front Canon S100 screen back Samsung WB350F front Samsung WB350F screen back

Field testing in bright daylight, overcast conditions, indoors, and low light reveals key strengths:

• Canon S100 images exhibit natural skin tones, contrast balance, and attractive background blur for portraits.
• The Canon’s dynamic range excels in landscapes, preserving highlight and shadow detail.
• Samsung’s images sometimes show higher noise and less color fidelity.
• Zooming on Samsung reveals slight softness and chromatic aberration at maximum reach.
• Low-light shots on the Canon remain cleaner with less chroma noise.

Performance Ratings Across Photography Genres

Synthesizing technical specs and field tests:

Canon S100 delivers a solid all-around performance aggregation despite its age:

• High marks in image quality, portrait, and landscape photography
• Moderate scores in burst shooting and wildlife due to slower continuous rate (2fps) and AF performance

Samsung, while not scored by DxO, offers sheer zoom versatility with weaknesses in AF and image quality.

Specialty Photography Insights: Where Each Camera Shines

• Portraits: Canon’s wide aperture and face detection provide superior bokeh and accurate skin tones.
• Landscape: Canon’s dynamic range and color rendering edge out Samsung.
• Wildlife: Samsung’s 21x zoom is invaluable; Canon falters beyond 120mm equivalent.
• Sports: Neither camera is optimized; Canon’s 2fps is slow, Samsung lacks continuous AF.
• Street Photography: Canon’s compactness and quick manual controls win.
• Macro: Canon’s 3cm macro focus beats Samsung’s non-specified close-up.
• Night/Astro: Canon’s high ISO performance and longer shutter support offer creative options.
• Video: Both cameras deliver basic HD video; Canon marginally better with manual controls.
• Travel: Canon’s light weight and GPS outperform Samsung’s bulk and lack of GPS.
• Professional Workflow: Canon’s RAW support and manual dials enhance integration; Samsung is more point-and-shoot.

Durability, Connectivity, and Battery Life

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized construction, so cautious handling in adverse conditions is advised.

Connectivity-wise, the Canon supports Eye-Fi cards allowing wireless transfers, while Samsung includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, providing modern wireless sharing with smartphones - a convenient feature for on-the-go social sharing.

Canon’s battery life rates at about 200 shots per charge, lower than modern standards but typical for its era. Samsung doesn’t specify official battery life; user reports suggest around 200-250 shots.

Both cameras accept single SD card slots, but Samsung uses microSD cards - a consideration for existing accessory compatibility.

Price-to-Performance: Where’s the Sweet Spot?

At launch prices, Canon positioned the S100 as a premium compact at about $429, reflecting its advanced optics and sensor performance.

Samsung’s WB350F came in significantly cheaper, around $260, offering superzoom versatility at the expense of image fidelity and control.

As of today, used and new-old-stock prices vary widely. Collectors and enthusiasts seeking superior image quality on a budget might find good deals on aging S100s, while casual users may favor Samsung's affordability and superzoom range.

The Bottom Line for Different Photographers

Who should consider the Canon PowerShot S100?

• Enthusiasts prioritizing image quality and manual control
• Portrait and landscape shooters valuing lens quality and dynamic range
• Travelers desiring compactness and GPS tagging
• Photographers who need RAW files for post-processing

Who will benefit from the Samsung WB350F?

• Casual shooters wanting extreme zoom reach in a compact body
• Social sharers valuing touchscreen and Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity
• Budget-conscious buyers who prioritize versatility over ultimate image quality
• Those less worried about manual controls or RAW capture

A Final Word: Cameras Tailored to Purpose - Not Just Specs

In my hands-on experience, the Canon PowerShot S100 remains a capable compact, punching above its weight with excellent image quality and creative flexibility - even a decade on. It is a camera that rewards thoughtful use and manual intervention.

Samsung’s WB350F answers a different call: zoom-hungry users wanting to cover vast focal lengths in one package, sacrificing some image fidelity and autofocus precision. It’s a “zoom dog” if you will - a good boy for reach-happy adventurers.

Choosing between them hinges on your priorities: ultimate image quality and control, or versatile zoom and connected features. Either way, both cameras serve niches true to their design goals, and understanding these nuances equips you to make a choice that will bring you satisfaction on your photographic journey.

I hope this deep dive, drawing on meticulous testing and extensive field experience, helps clarify these cameras’ respective strengths and weaknesses. Feel free to ask about any specific use case or feature comparison - I’m always happy to lend a seasoned lens.