Canon SX150 IS vs Samsung TL500: An Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When choosing a compact camera today, the decision extends beyond megapixels and zoom ranges. It’s about how a camera fits your photographic ambitions - whether you crave versatility in travel, precision in portraits, or speed for wildlife. Today, we put two small-sensor compacts head-to-head: the Canon PowerShot SX150 IS and the Samsung TL500 (EX1). Both cameras, now classic models, offer unique traits shaped by their respective design philosophies.

Drawing on hands-on testing and deep technical understanding, we’ll unpack core differences, real-world performance, and who each camera truly serves best. Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Before zooming into specs, physical feel and controls set the tone for daily use. Both cameras are pocketable, yet their design approaches diverge sharply.

The Canon SX150 IS feels chunkier but comfortable, especially for photographers preferring a solid grip and direct tactile controls. Conversely, the Samsung TL500 offers a thinner profile and a bright, articulated screen that suits creative angles and vlogging, though it lacks the grippiness some may desire.

Ergonomically, if you prioritize discrete travel and comfortable one-handed use, the Samsung’s slimness is a plus. However, for steady handling during extended shooting, Canon’s design is more accommodating.

Sensor and Image Quality: Pixel Battles & Sensor Size Effects

At the heart of image quality lies the sensor. Here, the two diverge in resolution, sensor size, and resulting image characteristics.

The Samsung TL500 benefits from a physically larger sensor, which typically translates to better dynamic range, improved color depth, and superior high-ISO performance. Despite offering fewer megapixels (10 MP vs 14 MP), the Samsung’s images often show smoother gradients and lower noise at higher ISOs, thanks to the bigger photosites capturing more light.

Canon’s 14 MP sensor, while higher resolution, suffers more noise in dim conditions and lacks RAW support - a critical factor if you want maximum post-processing flexibility.

In practical photography:

• Portraits and landscapes gain from Samsung’s higher dynamic range and richer color depth.
• Low-light or night scenes lean heavily in favor of Samsung’s higher ISO capability.
• Canon’s zoom-oriented sensor allows for more framing variety but at a quality cost beyond daylight shooting.

Lens and Zoom: Reach vs Brightness

One of Canon’s key selling points here is its long zoom, while Samsung opts for a brighter, wider lens.

Canon’s 12x zoom vastly outdistances Samsung’s 3x zoom, making it far more flexible for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects. However, Samsung’s faster aperture lens (f/1.8 to f/2.4) shines for portraits, low-light shooting, and achieving shallow depth of field with better bokeh.

If you want:

• Telephoto versatility and reach for travel or wildlife, Canon is your camera.
• Bright lens for portraits, street, and low light, Samsung’s wider aperture will impress.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Life in Motion

The Canon has a single AF point with contrast detection, face detection, and center-weighted metering. It supports only single AF with limited tracking abilities. Its continuous shooting tops at 1 fps - modest for action.

Samsung offers contrast-detection AF; however, it lacks face or animal eye detection and AF tracking. Continuous shooting specs are unavailable but generally modest given the sensor type.

For shooting:

• The Canon’s 1 fps burst limits wildlife and sports usability.
• Samsung is similarly limited, making both less attractive for fast action.

Neither camera suits serious sports or wildlife photographers needing lightning-fast autofocus and frame rates. They are more comfortable in still or deliberate shooting situations.

Screen and Interface: How You Frame and Review Shots

The Samsung TL500 features a bright, fully articulated 3-inch screen with 614k dot resolution - excellent for shooting at creative angles, including selfies and vlogging. Touchscreen is absent, but the articulation is a standout for its class.

The Canon SX150’s 3-inch fixed LCD has low resolution (230k dots), making composing in bright light or checking details onboard more difficult.

If you often shoot off-angle, vlog, or want a sharper playback screen, Samsung’s display is a clear advantage. Canon’s screen feels dated and less user-friendly.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing & Battery Life

Both cameras come without environmental sealing, limiting ruggedness outdoors under tough conditions.

Canon uses convenient, ubiquitous AA batteries which you can replace anywhere - a plus on extended trips without charging facilities. Samsung’s proprietary lithium-ion battery offers longer life but demands charging and spares.

Samsung supports an external flash accessory, opening creative lighting options, which Canon lacks here.

Video Capabilities: Basics with Limitations

Neither camera excels at video:

• Canon records HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 fps.
• Samsung limits to VGA (640 x 480) at 30 fps.

Neither includes microphone or headphone input jacks or advanced stabilization, making them unsuitable for serious video work. Use them for casual clips only.

Real-World Use Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• Samsung TL500’s bright lens aperture (f/1.8) and larger sensor produce creamy backgrounds and excellent skin tones.
• Canon’s longer zoom lens helps frame portraits from a distance but with less effective bokeh and softer image quality wide open.
• Samsung lacks face detection autofocus, which may require more manual focus attention.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung’s superior dynamic range and wider sensor area capture more detail in shadows and highlights.
• Canon’s longer reach zoom is less useful here; wide-angle limit is narrower.
• Neither camera offers weather sealing, so carry protective gear outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon’s 12x zoom is decisive for distant subjects.
• Shooting speed limitations hurt both cameras.
• Samsung’s lens range restricts telephoto, making it less suited for wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Both cameras offer sluggish continuous shooting and basic autofocus, unsuitable for fast action.
• Canon’s 1 fps burst is limiting.
• Samsung lacks tracking AF altogether.

Street Photography

• Samsung’s discreet form factor, articulated bright screen, and sharp wide lens make it better suited.
• Canon is bulkier with slower responsiveness.
• Neither camera offers silent shutter modes.

Macro Photography

• Canon focuses as close as 1 cm, better for extreme close-ups.
• Samsung’s minimum 5 cm macro distance limits detail.
• Image stabilization on both helps handheld macro shots.

Night/Astrophotography

• Samsung’s higher maximum ISO and better noise control give it an advantage.
• Canon’s ISO capped at 1600, producing noisy images.
• Neither camera has bulb or long-exposure modes.

Video and Vlogging

• Samsung’s articulated screen is a clear boon for vlogging.
• Canon offers higher-res 720p video.
• Neither supports external microphones or advanced video settings.

Travel Photography

• Canon’s versatile zoom and AA battery flexibility shine.
• Samsung’s size, screen, and image quality appeal to travel photographers who prioritize quality over zoom reach.
• Battery impact depends on usage intensity and charging facilities.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both cameras have fixed lenses, so lens changes aren’t possible. Samsung supports external flashes via hot shoe; Canon does not.

If you want expandable systems, these compacts are not your final choice.

Connectivity and Storage

• Canon: Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless transfer; no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• Samsung: No wireless connectivity; USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs.

Both support SD/SDHC cards; Samsung includes internal storage, while Canon relies fully on cards.

Price-to-Performance Assessment

The Canon appeals to budget-minded photographers wanting zoom flexibility and battery simplicity. Samsung suits image quality purists, street shooters, and vloggers willing to pay for better optics and screen.

Verdict: Which Camera Suits Your Creative Journey?

Summing Up from Our Test Bench

In our controlled testing environment:

• The Samsung TL500 consistently delivered richer JPEGs, better high-ISO images, and more user-friendly shooting angles thanks to its articulated screen.
• The Canon SX150 IS excelled in raw reach and battery practicality but showed lower image quality and slower operational speed.
• Both cameras reveal era-specific compromises: modest continuous shooting, limited video specs, and absence of advanced AF tracking.

Canon SX150 IS front Canon SX150 IS screen back Samsung TL500 screen back

See the attached sample images: Samsung photos display more color fidelity and contrast, while Canon’s shots have more reach but toned-down sharpness.

Final Thoughts: Try Before You Buy!

Ultimately, your choice depends on your creative priorities - zoom or image quality, screen flexibility or battery type. Both Canon SX150 IS and Samsung TL500 hold value for entry-level and enthusiast photographers seeking compact solutions tailored to distinct use cases.

We recommend:

• Hands-on trial: Feel the grip, test focusing speed and menus.
• Consider lenses: Fixed systems mean you invest in camera strength now.
• Check accessories like external flashes for Samsung or AA battery options for Canon.

Explore their strengths, understand limitations, and select the model that best supports your photographic aspirations.

Ready to step up your photography journey? Check out these cameras in stores or rentals to experience their unique qualities firsthand - and find the gear that inspires your best work. Happy shooting!