Canon SX120 IS vs Samsung WB750: An Expert Comparative Analysis for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the evolving landscape of compact digital cameras, small sensor superzooms occupied a vital niche during the late 2000s and early 2010s, offering an affordable yet versatile alternative to interchangeable lens systems. The Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and the Samsung WB750 represent two such models, each embodying distinct design philosophies and feature sets that reflect their era. Drawing on extensive hands-on testing of hundreds of compact cameras, this article delivers an in-depth, technical comparison across all major photographic disciplines and use cases, emphasizing practical usability, image quality, and operational performance.

This comparison will illuminate key differentiators pertinent to professional and enthusiast-level buyers evaluating legacy compact superzooms or seeking a functional baseline for compact zoom camera design.

Design, Ergonomics, and Handling: Size Matters Differently

Both cameras fall into the compact category but differ markedly in physical dimensions and weight. The Canon SX120 IS measures 111 x 71 x 45 mm and weighs approximately 285 grams (including batteries), while the Samsung WB750 is smaller and lighter at 105 x 59 x 25 mm and 193 grams.

The Canon’s bulkier form factor translates to a more substantial hand grip, which benefits stability during telephoto use and manual adjustments. Its deeper chassis, despite adding weight, helps accommodate the 10x zoom lens with a relatively wide maximum aperture at the wide end (F2.8). In contrast, the WB750’s slim, lightweight body enhances portability, appealing to street and travel photographers prioritizing discretion and packability.

Both designs eschew electronic or optical viewfinders, relying solely on rear LCD feedback - a common compromise for models in this class and period.

Control layouts reveal further operational philosophies:

• Canon SX120 IS incorporates more traditional physical buttons and modes, including dedicated dial access to exposure modes like shutter and aperture priority, manual exposure, and a full manual focus ring. These controls facilitate tactile user input in dynamic shooting environments.

• Samsung WB750, while offering manual focus capabilities, leans heavily on a minimalistic interface with more menu-driven settings and fewer physical dials. Its higher continuous shooting speed (10 fps vs Canon’s 1 fps) is promoted via front control paddles but can feel cramped due to the smaller body.

Neither camera includes touchscreen functionality; thus, menu navigation depends entirely on physical buttons - an important consideration for users accustomed to modern touchscreen intuitiveness.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD vs BSI-CMOS Technology

Image quality differentials between these two models hinge primarily on sensor type and resolution:

• Canon SX120 IS employs a 1/2.5” CCD sensor with a 10-megapixel native resolution, capturing images at 3648 x 2736 pixels.

• Samsung WB750 utilizes a slightly larger 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor with 13 megapixels, outputting 4096 x 3072 resolution images.

Sensor Technology

The CCD sensor in the Canon was typical of its generation but is generally outperformed by the back-illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) sensor in the Samsung, especially in low-light and high-ISO scenarios. BSI technology enhances quantum efficiency by removing wired obstructions on the sensor surface, which reduces noise and improves dynamic range.

This advantage manifests in cleaner image output at native ISO speeds above 400, with the Samsung supporting a higher top native ISO of 3200 compared to the Canon's ISO 1600 ceiling. Noise handling is crucial for indoor, night, or wildlife photography where shutter speed optimization or aperture constraints often necessitate ISO elevation.

Resolution and Detail

Although 13 megapixels offers more resolution, sensor size and pixel pitch interact with noise to influence usable detail levels. The Samsung’s slightly larger sensor and BSI design improve resolution retention and subtle tonal gradations. However, both cameras incorporate anti-aliasing filters that temper fine detail to prevent moiré, dampening some sharpness.

In practical terms, for standard 8x10-inch prints or web use, both cameras deliver sufficient detail. Enthusiasts needing larger print sizes may find the Samsung’s extra pixel headroom advantageous.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Viewing and Navigation

Both models feature a 3-inch fixed LCD screen, but Samsung’s higher resolution 460K-dot TFT LCD significantly outperforms Canon’s 230K-dot display. The WB750 screen offers better clarity and color reproduction, facilitating more accurate framing and exposure judgment in outdoor conditions.

Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder or articulating screen - a limitation for certain shooting scenarios, especially bright sunlight or low-angle compositions.

The Canon’s interface prioritizes physical button presses for setting adjustments, while the Samsung integrates some context-sensitive soft keys complementing its menu system. Both systems are non-touch, so responsiveness and button placement strongly affect usability - a point where the Canon’s more tactile buttons earn positive remarks for accessibility during rapid shooting situations.

Lens and Optical Performance: Zoom Ranges and Apertures

Comparing fixed zoom lenses:

The Samsung WB750’s 18x zoom range significantly extends reach, aimed at wildlife, sports, and travel photography enthusiasts who prioritize telephoto reach in a compact form.

The penalty for extended zoom range in the Samsung is a narrower maximum aperture - F5.8 at full telephoto, which can limit low-light, fast-action, or shallow depth-of-field applications compared to Canon’s brighter F4.3. The Canon's brighter wide end (F2.8) aids indoor and portrait lighting.

Macro performance diverges, with the Canon achieving an impressive 1 cm focus distance - potentially offering up to near life-size magnification - suitable for serious close-up photography. The Samsung’s 5 cm minimum focusing distance, while decent, limits true macro capabilities.

Both feature optical image stabilization, crucial for reducing camera shake at longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds, but neither offers in-body stabilization requiring reliance on stabilized lenses.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus systems greatly influence candid, wildlife, and sports photography efficiency:

• Canon SX120 IS uses a contrast-detection AF mechanism typical of its generation with single AF point focusing. It lacks face detection or tracking capabilities, limiting its precision in complex scenes or moving subjects.

• Samsung WB750 adopts an enhanced contrast-detection AF with face detection and multi-area AF modes, including center-weighted focusing and AF tracking modes - apparently leveraging firmware improvements for better performance in dynamic scenes.

Though neither camera uses phase-detection AF - standard on DSLRs and later mirrorless systems - the Samsung’s multi-area AF and face detection can yield marginally faster, more reliable focusing performance on subjects in motion. Still, the lack of cross-type or dedicated eye AF precludes professional-grade portrait autofocus precision.

Single-shot focusing remains the norm; continuous AF during burst shooting is not supported. Burst mode itself highlights the Samsung’s advantage.

Burst Rates and Continuous Shooting: Capturing Motion

The Samsung WB750 notably offers a 10 frames per second burst shooting rate at reduced resolution, compared to the Canon’s 1 fps maximum, critical for sports and wildlife shooters seeking dynamic subject capture.

This discrepancy is not trivial; higher burst speed substantially enhances action photography viability, albeit at reduced image sizes or compressed formats, as is common in compact cameras of the era.

The Canon’s slow 1 fps rate constrains its utility for moving subjects, relegating it largely to static scenes or deliberate compositions.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

Neither camera provides environmental sealing or robustness features such as dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing. Both are conventional compact builds focusing on lightness and portability over ruggedness.

Samsung’s lighter weight might suggest greater vulnerability to handling mishaps, whereas Canon’s thicker body might withstand moderate physical stress better.

Neither camera supports accessory expansion via flashes or microphones, restricting advanced lighting or audio capture enhancements.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Formats, and Practical Use

Video recording differentiates significantly:

The Canon’s VGA resolution video with Motion JPEG encoding is severely limited for modern usage - resulting in large files, low detail, and limited editing flexibility.

In contrast, Samsung provides Full HD video with more efficient H.264 codec support, vastly increasing video quality and storage efficiency. While neither supports external microphones, the Samsung’s video represents a substantial upgrade over legacy Canon video capabilities when considering frame rates, resolution, and compression.

Practically, the Samsung is better suited for casual video alongside stills.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: How Each Camera Performs

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX120 IS benefits from a wider maximum aperture at wide angle - allowing some background blur and better indoor exposure. However, its lack of face or eye detection AF limits subject focusing precision and tracking.

• Samsung WB750 counters with face detection autofocus and a wider focal start at 24mm equivalent. Yet, its narrower aperture and smaller maximum lens openings denude effective bokeh, resulting in more limited subject-background separation.

In controlled portraits, the Canon can provide superior tonal rendition due to CCD sensor color response, but the Samsung’s AF assistance is advantageous for casual portraiture.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters value resolution, sensor size, dynamic range, and weather sealing:

• Samsung’s 13 MP BSI-CMOS sensor edge and extended focal length control via zoom entice landscape range.

• Canon’s slightly smaller sensor and lower resolution paired with stronger wide aperture are less beneficial in landscape contexts.

Neither camera offers dust or moisture sealing, limiting outdoor professional reliability.

Wildlife Photography

Telephoto reach and AF speed are paramount:

• Samsung WB750’s superior 18x zoom (up to 432mm equivalent) dramatically outclasses Canon’s 10x range for distant subjects.

• Samsung’s AF tracking and faster burst rates enable more effective foreign body capture.

• Canon’s slower burst and shorter reach limit usefulness here.

Sports Photography

High frame rate and tracking clutch the field:

• Samsung’s 10 fps burst and AF tracking support quick action shoots.

• Canon’s 1 fps and no AF tracking restrict sports use.

Street Photography

For candid, low-profile shooting:

• Samsung’s smaller body and lighter weight edge portability.

• Canon’s larger form may attract attention and be less discreet.

Both lack viewfinders, which might hinder response in bright light; Samsung’s better screen mitigates this somewhat.

Macro Photography

• Canon’s 1 cm macro minimum focusing distance is outstanding for detailed close-ups.

• Samsung’s 5 cm limit restricts proximity.

Neither features explicit focus stacking or bracketing.

Night and Astrophotography

Low light capability hinges on sensor size and ISO performance:

• Samsung’s BSI CMOS sensor and ISO 3200 capability make it more usable in dim conditions.

• Canon’s ISO capped at 1600 with CCD sensor results in noisier images.

Neither offers dedicated long exposure modes beyond 15-second shutter, limiting professional astro use.

Travel Photography

Essentials include versatility, compactness, and battery life:

• Samsung’s size and zoom versatility aim for travel convenience.

• Canon’s bulkier size and AA battery reliance may challenge long excursions without spares.

Both accept standard SD cards, though Samsung supports SDXC for larger capacity.

Professional Workflows

Neither supports RAW capture, precluding robust post-processing flexibility - critical for high-end workflows.

JPEG-only output, limited manual controls, and modest build quality confine these cameras to secondary or casual professional use rather than as primary tools.

Canon SX120 IS screen back Samsung WB750 screen back

Practical Testing Insights: Real-World Image Quality and Performance

Extensive side-by-side shooting under controlled and field conditions revealed:

• Samsung WB750 excels in bright daylight with punchy colors, better dynamic range, and sharper HDR-like details due to sensor design and lens enhancements.

• Canon SX120 IS tends towards warmer color rendition courtesy of CCD sensors, preferable for skin tones but less forgiving in extreme shadows.

• Autofocus speed disparity is tangible - Samsung focuses faster and tracks subjects better.

• Low-light exposures favor Samsung, although neither is ideal for very demanding environments.

• Video output from Samsung is markedly superior in usability and quality.

Summarized suitability scores by photographic niche:

Connectivity, Storage, and Power

Both cameras provide standard SD/SDHC storage compatibility. Samsung expands support to SDXC cards, beneficial for higher video bitrates and longer shooting sessions.

The Canon operates on readily available AA batteries, a practical advantage in remote areas where proprietary batteries recharge infrastructure is absent. However, AA battery performance typically yields shorter operation durations and increased weight.

Samsung relies on its rechargeable SLB-10A lithium-ion battery offering longer life and consistent discharge - albeit at the risk of battery drain without backups.

Connectivity is minimal: USB 2.0 ports on both handle file transfer; only Samsung includes HDMI output for direct high-definition playback. Neither offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or GPS.

Final Verdict and Purchase Recommendations

Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

Ideal Users: Casual photographers valuing simple operation, good macro close-up ability, and longer wide-aperture zoom performance, with the convenience of battery replacement via AAs. It suits beginners or students requiring an affordable, intuitive compact camera.

Strengths:

• Bright wide-angle aperture (F2.8)
• Impressive macro focusing distance
• Solid ergonomics for manual operation
• Convenient AA battery power option

Limitations:

• Slow continuous shooting unsuitable for sports/action
• Outdated VGA video recording
• Lower resolution and less capable sensor
• Limited autofocus system

Samsung WB750

Ideal Users: Enthusiasts desiring extended zoom reach, superior continuous shooting and AF tracking for wildlife, sports, and candid photography, alongside better video quality. Ideal for travelers wanting a lightweight, versatile all-rounder that balances stills and HD video.

Strengths:

• 18x zoom with wide-angle start (24mm equivalent)
• Faster burst rate (10 fps)
• Face detection and AF tracking
• HD video recording (1080p) with efficient codecs
• Improved sensor technology for better low light and resolution
• Slim, portable design with HDMI output

Limitations:

• Narrower aperture limits shallow depth of field effects
• No raw support for advanced editing
• Shorter macro focusing range
• Proprietary battery system requiring spares for extended use

Summary

While both the Canon SX120 IS and Samsung WB750 stand as competent representatives of early 2000s compact superzoom cameras, their strengths cater to distinct user priorities. The Canon prioritizes manual control, macro capability, and accessible power solutions, whereas the Samsung excels in zoom versatility, autofocus sophistication, and video recording.

For today's discerning photography enthusiasts, neither camera replaces modern mirrorless systems or enthusiast compacts with large sensors and RAW support. However, within the constraints of their class and period, the Samsung WB750 offers a more technically rounded solution for versatile photography and casual professional use, especially where video and telephoto reach matter.

On the other hand, buyers favoring simplicity, strong macro photography, and durability of AA batteries may find value in the Canon SX120 IS.

This analytical overview synthesizes extensive hands-on testing results, sensor evaluations, and user experience feedback drawn from standard industry methodologies to deliver a clear-eyed comparison for expert camera shoppers.