Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS vs Samsung ST80: A Deep Dive into Ultracompact Cameras for 2010

When sifting through the compact camera market - especially in the early 2010s vintage - two contenders from notable brands emerge: the Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS (also known as the IXUS 130 or IXY 400F) and the Samsung ST80. Both cameras target ultracompact enthusiasts eager for pocket-ready devices without sacrificing basic image quality or ease of use.

Having hand-tested both units extensively, this article unpacks the nuances of each model from sensor performance to ergonomics, and from real-world shooting to long-term value. So grab your metaphorical travel bag - because I’m about to pack in a thorough, yet conversational comparison, peppered with technical insight and practical advice for photographers curious about these neat little cameras (or just nostalgic for the simpler days of point-and-shoots).

Setting the Playing Field: Canon SD1400 IS and Samsung ST80 in Context

Before we break down nitty-gritty details, it’s helpful to frame these cameras historically and categorically. Released mere weeks apart in early 2010, both models fall under the ultracompact "pocket camera" segment. Their compact bodies and fixed zoom lenses speak to casual shooters and travelers valuing portability and simplicity over professional-grade flexibility. Yet, despite their surface-level similarities, each has distinct design philosophies and target users.

With a 14MP CCD sensor common to each, similar sensor sizes (1/2.3", in the 28 mm² range), and optical image stabilization, these cameras promise solid image quality in daylight and decent versatility. But the devil’s in the details, as you’ll see.

First Impression: Size and Feel

Canon and Samsung are neck-and-neck in physical dimensions, with the SD1400 IS measuring a slight 92 x 56 x 18 mm and tipping the scales at 133g, while the ST80 is practically identical at 92 x 55 x 19 mm and weighing 118g. Both cameras slip unobtrusively into coat pockets or purses.

Yet verdicts on handling diverge once you pick them up. The Canon’s slightly chunkier profile and rubberized grip favored steadier handheld shooting during my tests - especially under longer exposures or in macro mode. The Samsung, more svelte and lighter, felt a tad toy-like in hand, though its slimmer design encouraged spontaneous snapping and street candidness.

Sensor & Image Quality: Peering Beyond the Pixels

Considering both cameras share a 14MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor with an antialias filter, their theoretical resolution is neck-and-neck at roughly 4320x3240 pixels. That said, the sensor areas differ by a whisper: 28.07 mm² for Canon and 27.72 mm² for Samsung, practically identical fractions of a square millimeter that won’t dramatically sway quality.

Dynamic Range and Low-light Performance

Back in 2010, CCD sensors were still the norm for compacts, and both models maintained that tradition. CCDs tend to deliver pleasing color depth and natural tonality - qualities important for portraits and landscapes alike - but beholden to limitations in dynamic range and noise control, especially beyond ISO 400.

The Canon SD1400 IS maxes out at ISO 1600, whereas Samsung boldly extends ISO sensitivity to 4800 native, boosted to 6400 - on paper, a real boon for low-light shooters. However, in practical hands-on testing, the Samsung’s high ISO shots were markedly noisier and softer, revealing the classic CCD high-ISO pitfalls. The Canon’s ISO 1600 images, while noisier than lower ISOs, balance noise and detail retention better.

Color Science and Tonality

Canon’s Digic 4 processor, inheriting Canon’s long-standing color science tradition, produced warmer, more saturated skin tones and vivid greens - traits that particularly shone in portraits and landscapes. Conversely, Samsung’s color rendition leaned cooler and sometimes a touch flatter, requiring post-processing love to bring out punch.

For casual shooters happy to use JPEGs straight out of camera, the Canon SD1400 IS delivers more visually pleasing images without fiddly tweaks - an important plus.

Physical Control and User Interface: Knowing Your Camera at a Glance

A camera’s responsiveness and control layout often separate effortless shooting from frustrating fiddling. Both models avoid advanced dials in favor of simplified menus and limited buttons - typical of their class - but their control schemes are surprisingly different beasts.

Canon’s No-Frills Ergonomics

Canon’s SD1400 IS opts for a straightforward button layout, sacrificing advanced manual controls for simplicity. No touchscreen means button presses are the only way to navigate menus. The rear LCD, fixed at 2.7 inches, is reasonably bright and clear but limited in resolution at 230k dots.

This conservative design choice reflects Canon’s focus on casual users who prefer auto modes with minimal input. The native exposure compensation, shutter/aperture priority, or manual modes? Absent here - point and shoot it is. That said, Canon does offer multiple flash modes, a custom white balance option, and even “face detection live view,” which - while rudimentary by today’s standard - is a boon for portraits.

Samsung’s Touchscreen and Exposure Freedom

Samsung’s ST80, meanwhile, offers a 3-inch touchscreen (also 230k dots), pioneering touchscreen input in compact cameras of that era. While not super responsive by modern expectations, the touchscreen is handy for menu navigation and focus point selection.

Moreover, Samsung steps into the enthusiast territory with full manual mode, shutter priority, aperture priority, and crucially, exposure compensation - features that experienced photographers crave for creative control. This expanded flexibility makes the ST80 more attractive to those wishing to learn creative shooting techniques on a budget.

Autofocus Performance: Snapping Sharp Shots When It Counts

Autofocus is the unsung hero in a camera’s usability, and here the two keep pace with each other in some respects but stumble in others.

Canon: Reliable Contrast Detection

Both cameras rely solely on contrast-detection AF, typical for compact cameras of this period, with no phase-detection or hybrid systems. Canon’s autofocus is simple single-point and face detection isn’t implemented. Focus lock and live view AF work smoothly in daylight but can noticeably hunt in low-light or macro scenarios.

Samsung: Touch-AF and Multi-Area Awareness

Samsung’s ST80 offers multiple AF target areas with an AF center point and touch AF on the screen, allowing faster targeting of subjects and potentially quicker focus lock. Sadly, both cameras lack continuous AF or subject tracking, so moving subjects like kids, pets, or street photography scenes require patience and a steady finger.

From my experience testing wildlife and sports scenarios, neither camera qualifies as a enthusiast-grade shooter in AF speed or accuracy. But in their territory - casual everyday shooting - the ST80’s touch AF offers a slight edge in user engagement.

Zoom Lenses Compared: Reach and Aperture Differences

Time to talk glass: both cameras sport fixed zoom lenses, but their zoom ranges and aperture ranges differ enough to influence their usability.

• Canon SD1400 IS: 28-112 mm equiv., 4x zoom, f/2.8-5.9 maximum aperture
• Samsung ST80: 35-105 mm equiv., 3x zoom, f/3.3-5.5 maximum aperture

The Canon’s wider starting focal length (28mm) makes it friendlier for landscapes and group portraits, a classic wide-angle sweet spot. Samsung’s narrower wide end (35mm) is adequate but less flexible for cramped interiors or sprawling vistas without moving.

In terms of maximum aperture, both lenses narrow to f/5.5 or smaller at telephoto ends, which limits low-light and depth-of-field control - but Canon edges slightly brighter at wide with f/2.8.

On the macro front, Canon allows focus as close as 3cm, while Samsung’s minimum focus is 5cm, giving the Canon a slight advantage for close-ups and fine detail capture.

Handling the Screen and Viewfinder - or Not: Composing Your Shot

Neither camera includes a traditional viewfinder, electronic or optical - a sacrifice to their pocketable designs.

The Canon sports a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with a resolution of 230k dots - adequate but not dazzling. Samsung’s 3-inch screen, the same resolution but touchscreen enabled, gives it a mild leg-up for intuitive touchscreen focusing but can struggle in direct sunlight due to reflections.

Neither screen offers tilt or swivel, so awkward angles mean you'll have to bend or crouch more often.

Video Capabilities: Can They Shoot Moving Pictures?

If you peeked into the specifications, you’d see both cameras max out at 720p HD video at 30fps, which was a reasonable compromise for 2010 ultracompacts.

• The Canon SD1400 IS records video in the efficient H.264 codec.
• The Samsung ST80 uses Motion JPEG, which tends to produce larger files with slightly lower compression efficiency.

Neither camera has external microphone inputs or advanced video settings like frame rate control beyond the defaults. So, while acceptable for occasional clips or family moments, neither model will replace a dedicated camcorder or hybrid mirrorless for serious videography.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras utilize proprietary batteries - Canon’s NB-4L and Samsung’s BP70A - yielding respectable everyday usage as per their era’s standards, but no miracles for long term outings. Neither camera boasts wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, unsurprising for 2010.

An interesting divergence is the storage format:

• Canon supports SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC cards.
• Samsung uniquely also accepts MicroSD and MicroSDHC cards, as well as having some internal storage.

The latter could appeal to users without a memory card on hand or for immediate image playback convenience.

Shooting Diverse Subjects: Who’s Better at What?

It's one thing to consider specs on paper, another to apply cameras to specific genres. After field testing, here’s my take on how these pocket rockets fare across varied photo scenarios.

Portrait Photography

Canon’s warmer color rendering, wider lens at 28mm start, and solid optical image stabilization help capture pleasing skin tones and gently blurred backgrounds at telephoto. Canon lacks face detection AF, which is a pity but its contrast-detection autofocus reliably locks focus in good light.

Samsung’s touchscreen AF and manual controls allow more deliberate settings selection, which macro-focused portrait enthusiasts might appreciate, but skin tones can skew cooler.

Landscape Photography

Canon’s wider lens and warmer colors produce more engaging, atmospheric landscapes straight out of camera. Both cameras are, unsurprisingly, unsealed and ill-prepared for adverse weather, limiting outdoor ruggedness.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is ideal for fast action, given slow single-shot continuous shooting (Canon maxes at 1 fps, Samsung unspecified but slow) and no AF tracking. For casual snapshots - say, a squirrel or kid in motion - the Samsung’s multiple AF points offer a slight advantage, but in practice focus speed is modest on both.

Street Photography

Here, Samsung’s discreet size, touchscreen AF, and lighter weight combined with silent shutter modes (albeit slower shutter speeds) make it a slightly better street candid companion. Canon’s chunkier body and louder shutter can draw more attention.

Macro Photography

Canon’s 3cm minimum focus distance outperforms Samsung’s 5cm, enabling closer shots with more fine detail. That said, neither camera offers focus bracketing or stacking, so do expect some limitations in depth-of-field control.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras’ CCD sensors struggle at high ISOs and long exposures. Maximum shutter speeds (Canon up to 15 seconds, Samsung up to ~8 s) allow basic nightscapes but amplified noise and limited dynamic range can frustrate astrophotographers seeking star detail.

Canon’s slightly longer maximum shutter speed provides minor breathing room but investing in a dedicated mirrorless or DSLR is the better astro move.

Video

With 720p video capped at 30fps (and 15fps slower modes on Samsung), both cameras suit casual video clips only. The Canon’s better codec (H.264) provides more efficient compression, resulting in smaller files at similar quality levels.

Canon SD1400 IS screen back Samsung ST80 front Samsung ST80 screen back

Build Quality and Durability

Both models exhibit solid plastic chassis typical of ultracompacts without environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing. Neither camera is designed for extreme environments, so treat them as fair-weather companions.

Lenses and Accessories: Ecosystem Constraints

Fixed lenses mean no lens swaps for creative control or specialty optics. Both cameras come with standard wrist straps and battery chargers proprietary to their models. As such, if your photography cravings grow, these cameras eventually become limiting rather than liberating.

Practical Usability: Ergonomics and Interface Reflections

Besides the touchscreen versus traditional button debate, both cameras err on the side of simplicity, yet the Samsung’s touchscreen grants speedier menu navigation for enthusiasts willing to engage.

The Canon’s non-touch interface is more straightforward but less nimble for setting manual exposure.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: What Are You Getting for Your Money?

While pricing data from release era varies, Samsung’s ST80 historically sat around $249, positioning it as a modestly premium compact for the price with manual modes and touchscreen. The Canon tended toward slightly more accessible pricing, reinforcing its appeal as a casual travel and family camera.

For users prioritizing ease of use and quality imagery, Canon offers better bang for your buck. Samsung’s extended ISO, manual modes, and touchscreen justify its premium for enthusiasts hungry for more creative input on a budget.

Specialized Scores: How Does Each Camera Handle Different Photography Types?

• Portraits: Canon takes the cake with better color science and macro proximity.
• Landscapes: Both competent, Canon’s wider lens has a slight edge.
• Wildlife: Neither ideal; Samsung’s AF points offer marginal advantage.
• Sports: Neither recommended due to slow burst and AF.
• Street: Samsung’s discreet size and touch AF better suited.
• Macro: Canon wins with closer focus.
• Night/Astro: Both limited; Canon slightly better for long exposures.
• Video: Canon favored for codec efficiency.
• Travel: Both compact; Canon’s sturdiness tips balance.
• Professional: Neither designed for pros but Samsung’s manual modes serve as learning tools.

My Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Having wielded the Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS and Samsung ST80 in various real-world shooting scenarios, here’s my bottom line based on practical experience and measured performance:

• Choose the Canon SD1400 IS if:

  • You seek a reliable pocket camera with ease and pleasing color output
  • You want better macro capabilities and wider-angle versatility
  • You prioritize image quality for travel, portraits, and landscapes without fuss
  • You dislike touchscreen interfaces and manual controls, preferring simplicity
  • You need a slightly sturdier grip and usability in varied lighting

• Choose the Samsung ST80 if:

  • You want to experiment with manual exposure modes and seize creative control
  • You appreciate touchscreen functionality for quick focus selection
  • You favor a lighter, sleeker camera for street, casual travel, or everyday carry
  • You plan to shoot frequently in challenging exposures or want exposure compensation flexibility
  • You do not mind noisier high ISO images in low light

Both cameras give us a peek into early-2010s compact technology - before smartphones gobbled the market - balancing portability with fundamental photographic competence. While neither camera dazzles demanding pros or delivers modern speed and connectivity, their individual strengths cater to distinct user types and photography approaches.

Technical Summary Table for Reference

Canon SD1400 IS screen back Samsung ST80 front Samsung ST80 screen back

In closing, these cameras provide a nostalgic look at the digital compact camera era - each with strengths tailored either toward casual “point-and-shoot” simplicity or beginner-friendly creative exploration. Neither will replace a mirrorless or DSLR, but both can still serve well for enthusiasts appreciating pocket-friendly cameras offering a taste of controlled photography.

If you’re after a pocket camera today, I’d generally recommend looking beyond these models to modern compacts or smartphone cameras with vastly improved sensors and features. However, as a practical, inexpensive choice for simple documentation, family snapshots, or as backup gear, the Canon SD1400 IS and Samsung ST80 remain noble options.

Hope this analysis helps you navigate their quirks and strengths. After all, knowing what you want and how a camera feels in hand can be just as valuable as megapixels on paper.

• Happy shooting!