Canon SX150 IS vs Samsung MV800: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera can feel overwhelming. Both the Canon PowerShot SX150 IS and Samsung MV800 are small-sensor, fixed-lens cameras aimed at casual and enthusiast photographers wanting more than a smartphone. Having spent years rigorously testing camera gear - from entry-level compacts to pro bodies - we’ll break down exactly how these two models stack up across all the essential photography disciplines and technical benchmarks. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which fits your creative goals, budget, and shooting style best.

First Impressions and Physical Handling

When you pick up a camera, your first tactile impression matters. It shapes how naturally you interact with the controls and whether you’ll feel confident shooting for extended periods.

Canon SX150 IS

• Size & Weight: The Canon measures 113 x 73 x 46 mm and weighs roughly 306 grams including batteries - on the heavier side for a compact but still very portable.
• Body Type: Classic compact superzoom design with a protruding fixed lens (28-336mm equivalent focal range), giving plenty of versatility.
• Grip & Ergonomics: Offers a decent ergonomic grip for a camera this size, with straightforward button layout.
• Viewfinder: Lacks any electronic or optical viewfinder; relies solely on the fixed 3-inch LCD.
• Battery: Uses two AA batteries, a convenient choice if you want to easily find replacements on the go, though not as efficient as proprietary rechargeable packs.

Samsung MV800

• Size & Weight: Much smaller at 92 x 56 x 10 mm and significantly lighter at 121 grams.
• Body Type: Ultra-compact, pocket-friendly design that fits easily in a pocket or purse.
• Grip & Ergonomics: Very slim profile with minimal physical controls, focusing on touchscreen operation.
• Viewfinder: No electronic or optical viewfinder.
• Battery: Uses a dedicated BP70 rechargeable battery, more typical for compacts.

Summary

If you prioritize size and portability, Samsung MV800 is a clear winner. The Canon SX150 IS offers a more substantial grip and physical controls that many photographers will appreciate when shooting more actively.

Control Layout and User Interface

Ease of use and intuitive controls impact how effortlessly you operate the camera - a crucial factor when wanting to capture fleeting moments.

Canon SX150 IS Controls

• Well-spaced buttons and dials.
• Manual focus, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes available.
• Exposure compensation dial present.
• Physical buttons for key functions like flash, macro, and menu.
• No touchscreen, but live view autofocus with face detection.

Samsung MV800 Controls

• Relies heavily on a responsive 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 460k-dot resolution.
• No manual focus ring or physical exposure controls.
• Basic shooting modes only; no manual exposure options.
• Touch AF and tap-to-shoot functionality make it accessible for beginners.
• No dedicated physical buttons aside from power and shutter release.

Summary

If you like tactile control and want to gradually learn manual exposure adjustments, Canon SX150 IS is preferable. If you favor a clean, touchscreen-driven interface with basic modes, the MV800’s simplicity will appeal to you. The tilting screen also gives the Samsung an edge for creative angles.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Raw Capability

Image quality defines a camera’s core value. Sensor tech, resolution, and processing all influence final photos.

Your real-world image quality depends heavily on sensor size and lens, but here resolution differences and ISO range will matter. Both cameras use relatively small 1/2.3” CCD sensors - typical for their class - limiting low-light and dynamic range performance compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors.

The MV800’s 16MP sensor provides marginally more detail on paper but with smaller pixel pitch, it tends to introduce more noise at higher ISO settings. Thanks to Samsung’s processing, it manages cleaner images than you might expect for its sensor size.

Canon’s 14MP DIGIC 4 processor favors better color accuracy and smoother gradations, yielding pleasing skin tones especially in portraiture, though its ISO maximum of 1600 limits low-light capability.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder

A clear, bright screen is essential for composing and reviewing shots confidently.

• The Canon SX150 sports a fixed 3" LCD with 230k pixels, which looks somewhat dim and coarse by today’s standards.
• Samsung MV800 shines with its 3" 460k-dot touchscreen panel that tilts nearly 90 degrees upward, helpful for selfies, overhead shots, or low angles.
• Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, which limits usage in bright sunlight where an LCD can be hard to see.

Summary

Samsung’s MV800 offers a noticeably better, more versatile LCD experience. If display quality and flexible angle viewing matter to you, this is a key consideration.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Image sharpness depends largely on autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy. Burst rates and shutter lag shape action capture capabilities.

Canon’s SX150 IS emphasizes control, offering aperture and shutter priority modes and manual focus. Its AF relies on a single contrast-detection sensor point, which is accurate but slow, especially under dim conditions. The 1 fps burst rate limits sports or wildlife shooting.

Samsung MV800 uses a touch-based AF system - tap where you want the focus - and includes face detection. AF is snappier in well-lit environments, but continuous focus and burst modes are minimal.

Summary

Neither camera is optimized for fast action. Canon’s manual focus and slower burst rates make it less suited for sports or wildlife but better for deliberate shooting. Samsung’s faster AF responsiveness and touchscreen targeting aid street and casual snapshots.

Lens Versatility and Zoom Range

Zoom capability dictates framing flexibility and suitability for various subjects.

Canon’s 12x zoom (28-336mm equivalent) covers wide-angle to long telephoto, offering far more compositional options. You can comfortably shoot landscapes, portraits with background compression and moderate wildlife telephoto, all in a single lens.

Samsung’s 5x zoom tops out near 130mm equivalent, good for portraits and some casual telephoto but falls short for distant wildlife or sports.

For macro photography, Canon’s 1cm close focusing capability is excellent for crisp detail shots of flowers or insects, while Samsung lacks specific macro mention.

Flash, Stabilization, and Exposure Controls

Reliable flash and image stabilization (IS) improve handheld shooting and low-light usability.

Canon gives you more nuanced exposure control with aperture priority and compensation options, letting you creatively adjust brightness. Samsung’s simplicity limits exposure adjustments, leaning toward automatic mode.

Both cameras include optical stabilization, which is important for shaking reduction at longer zooms or slower shutter speeds.

Video Recording and Multimedia Features

Both models offer basic HD video capability but it’s important to understand limitations.

Neither camera targets the videographer, lacking external mic jacks or advanced video modes. That said, the Samsung’s ability to record at 15 fps option is unusual but not particularly useful for smooth clips.

Battery Life and Storage

A camera that dies mid-shoot can spoil your creative flow.

• Canon SX150 IS: Runs on two AA batteries - an advantage for casual users who can easily swap cells without searching for chargers. Rated roughly 130 shots per charge, which is modest.
• Samsung MV800: Uses slim BP70 rechargeable battery, typical for compacts. Unfortunately, Samsung does not publish official battery life estimates, so actual usage varies.

Both support single SD card slots - Canon supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Samsung uses Micro SD.

Price and Value for Money

At the time of review:

• Canon SX150 IS typically priced around $249 USD.
• Samsung MV800 commands about $499 USD, nearly double the price for a smaller sensor camera with fewer manual controls.

This price disparity reflects Samsung’s premium compact styling, tilting touchscreen, and marginally higher megapixels vs Canon’s more traditional, versatile superzoom offering.

Canon SX150 IS front Canon SX150 IS screen back Samsung MV800 screen back

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX150 IS: Excels with pleasing skin tones, natural colors, and smooth bokeh on longer focal lengths. Face detection keeps eyes sharp. Manual aperture lets you control background blur for flattering portraits.
• Samsung MV800: Skin tones good but can appear slightly saturated. The shorter zoom limits tighter portrait framing and less creamy bokeh. Touch AF makes focusing on eyes easier.

Landscape Photography

• Canon SX150 IS: 12x zoom covers wide-angle starting at 28mm, great for expansive scenes. Moderate dynamic range, typical of small sensor CCD. Lacks weather sealing, so careful in harsh conditions.
• Samsung MV800: Wider starting point at 26mm but shorter zoom range restricts distant landscape framing. Brilliant screen aids composition. Slightly higher resolution aids cropping flexibility.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon SX150 IS: Telephoto reach is better for casual wildlife at 336mm. AF is slow but accurate. Burst rate limiting for action shots.
• Samsung MV800: 130mm max focal length is tight for wildlife. AF faster but less precise tracking.

Sports Photography

Neither model is ideal for sports due to slow AF and low frame rates; however, Canon’s manual control might give you better timing.

Street Photography

• Samsung MV800: Slim, lightweight, and near silent operation makes this a stealthier candid shooter. Touchscreen lets quick manual point focusing.
• Canon SX150 IS: Bulkier and louder shutter might draw more attention; manual modes suit deliberate creative shots.

Macro Photography

Canon’s 1 cm minimum focusing distance is life-changing for close-up enthusiasts, offering crisp details you won’t get on the MV800.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras struggle beyond ISO 1600 due to sensor size. Canon’s aperture controls and longer exposures give more creative control; Samsung’s ISO 3200 is theoretical but with limited low-light noise control.

Video Capabilities

Basic HD video on both; however, neither will satisfy serious vloggers or video shooters due to lack of external audio, 4K, or image stabilization during video.

Travel Photography

• Samsung MV800: Ultra-compact and light, ideal for travelers valuing portability.
• Canon SX150 IS: More zoom versatility and manual controls support varied shooting scenarios but at a weight penalty.

Professional Use

Neither is meant for professional studio or high-end work. No RAW support, limited dynamic range, and low burst speed restrict usability beyond casual or hobbyist contexts.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Connectivity

Neither camera offers weather sealing or robust environmental protection - so avoid harsh or rainy conditions to prevent damage.

Connectivity:

• Canon SX150 IS includes Eye-Fi wireless card support for easy photo transfer.
• Samsung MV800 lacks any wireless features but has HDMI out for easy viewing on TVs.

Overall Performance Scores and Genre Ratings

The Canon scores higher in versatility and zoom range, especially for portraits, macro, and landscape. Samsung leads slightly in user interface and portability, favored in street and travel categories.

Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Final Thoughts

Between these two cameras, you’re essentially choosing between versatility and control (Canon SX150 IS) vs compactness and touchscreen ease (Samsung MV800).

The Canon PowerShot SX150 IS remains a solid choice for beginners and enthusiasts eager for a powerful zoom range, valuable manual exposure options, and decent image quality for its class. Its handling and macro shooting make it versatile for many disciplines.

The Samsung MV800 aims to attract users who value portability, a bright tilting touchscreen, and a slightly more megapixels, offering an easy-to-use interface suited to casual shooters and street photographers who prefer a minimal learning curve.

Neither model will satisfy professionals or serious hobbyists seeking RAW support, fast burst shooting, or advanced AF. They also lag behind modern compacts in sensor technology and video capabilities. However, for specific niches - travelers wanting an ultra-small camera or beginners desiring control at a budget - each offers compelling advantages.

We encourage you to try both cameras hands-on if possible. Test the ergonomics, zoom feel, and interface first. Check sample image galleries and see which colors and tones appeal to you. Make sure battery type suits your shooting style. Remember, a confident comfortable fit is half the battle to creating your best shots.

Ready to take the next step?

• If superzoom versatility and manual control excite you, grab the Canon SX150 IS and explore creative landscapes, portraits, and macros.
• For pocket-perfect portability and intuitive touchscreen simplicity, the Samsung MV800 awaits your street photography and travel adventures.

Find the right accessories like extra batteries or SD cards and get started capturing your world your way!

This comparison is based on extensive hands-on experience and objective technical analysis, aiming to guide you in selecting the camera fitting your unique journey into photography.