Canon SX160 IS vs Samsung SL720

Comparing the Canon PowerShot SX160 IS and Samsung SL720: A Detailed Expert Analysis for Photography Enthusiasts

In the diverse world of compact digital cameras, choices abound. When deciding between models such as the Canon PowerShot SX160 IS and the Samsung SL720, discerning photographers must evaluate numerous factors beyond mere specifications. Both cameras hail from the small-sensor compact category but cater to subtly different user needs and skill levels. Drawing upon extensive hands-on testing experience accrued over 15 years, this article thoroughly examines each model’s technical underpinnings, operational characteristics, and real-world photography performance to empower an informed purchase decision. We analyze their strengths and limitations across key photography genres, workflow compatibility, and value proposition for varied budgets.

Design, Ergonomics, and Handling

Canon SX160 IS: Compact Versatility with Traditional Handling

Canon’s SX160 IS presents a moderately sized compact body measuring 111 x 73 x 44mm and weighing 291 grams with batteries - a middle ground between pocket-friendliness and comfortable grip. It employs a body type typical for small superzoom compacts, accommodating a 16x optical zoom lens system. The ergonomics reflect a slightly protruding handgrip, facilitating steadier shooting, especially with the longer telephoto reach.

Dual AA batteries power the camera, enabling readily available replacements in field conditions without dependency on proprietary lithium batteries. The control interface focuses on traditional tactile buttons and a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD screen at 230k-dot resolution. There is no touchscreen functionality, prioritizing physical control over touch input. The camera does not feature any form of a viewfinder.

Samsung SL720: Ultraportable Compactness with Minimalist Handling

In contrast, the Samsung SL720 is a distinctly smaller ultracompact camera at 92 x 61 x 23mm with a featherweight of 168 grams including battery. Its diminutive profile caters primarily to casual photographers prioritizing utmost portability and discreteness.

The SL720 opts for a fixed lens with a modest 3.6x optical zoom and a bright maximum aperture starting at f/2.8. Battery power is supplied by a proprietary SLB-10A rechargeable battery, more compact but less field-replaceable than the Canon’s AA approach.

Controls are minimalistic, devoid of manual focus or exposure modes, reflecting its design as an automatic point-and-shoot. It also features a 2.7-inch fixed LCD screen (230k dots) without touch functionality or any sort of viewfinder.

Real-world Use and Intuition

The SX160 IS’s larger size and more dedicated control layout provide a more comfortable and precise shooting experience, especially for enthusiasts favoring manual exposure adjustments and zoom versatility. The SL720’s slim design excels for casual carry and ease of use but may frustrate advanced users due to control limitations and smaller grip.

Sensor and Image Quality: Single 1/2.3” CCD Contenders

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring approximately 6.1 x 4.5 mm, which is standard for compact models of their generation. Canon SX160 IS offers higher nominal sensor resolution at 16 megapixels, whereas Samsung SL720 provides 12 megapixels.

The Technical Realities of CCD Sensors in Compact Cameras

CCD sensors of this size typically exhibit similar characteristics: moderate noise at ISO levels up to 400, limited dynamic range, and restricted high-ISO usability. Their image quality is generally constrained by sensor size and pixel density, affecting detail resolution and low-light performance.

Image Processing Pipelines and Noise Handling

The Canon camera utilizes the DIGIC 4 processor, which, while dated, delivers decent image rendering and noise reduction especially at base ISO 100. Samsung’s processing pipeline details are not specified but must be presumed less capable given the camera’s age and target market.

Resolution and Detail

The SX160 IS’s 4608x3456 pixel output offers marginally higher resolution benefit, theoretically translating to increased detail especially when cropping or printing large-format images.

Samsung’s 4000x3000 resolution suffices for typical snapshots and standard prints but limits creative cropping latitude.

Lens Performance and Optical Versatility

Canon SX160 IS: Extensive Telephoto Reach with Moderate Aperture Range

The SX160 IS lens spans a 28-448mm equivalent focal length, delivering a substantial 16x optical zoom range. Aperture varies from f/3.5 at wide-angle to f/5.9 at telephoto.

This wide zoom coverage enables great versatility across genres - from landscapes and group portraits to wildlife and distant subjects - though the smaller aperture at tele is typical, limiting low-light capability.

Minimum focusing distance of 1cm for macro mode is impressive, facilitating close-up photography despite the camera’s small sensor.

Image stabilization is optical, critical for handheld use with long zooms to reduce blur.

Samsung SL720: Bright but Limited Zoom Range

The SL720’s lens offers a significantly shorter zoom range of 28-102mm equivalent (3.6x zoom) but benefits from a relatively bright aperture starting at f/2.8 wide down to f/5.7 tele.

This configuration suits general-purpose photography but restricts the ability to capture distant subjects effectively.

Macro focusing starts at 5cm, adequate but less versatile than Canon’s offering.

Notably, image stabilization is absent, making handheld telephoto shots more challenging.

Autofocus Systems and Operational Performance

Accurate and responsive autofocus (AF) systems are vital for successful image capture across disciplines.

Canon SX160 IS: Contrast-detection AF with Face Detection

Canon equips the SX160 IS with a contrast-detection-only AF system complemented by face detection capabilities. While contrast AF lacks the speed of phase detection, it functions adequately in good light and with static subjects.

The AF system offers single-shot AF with tracking functionality, center-weighted AF area, and live view-based focusing options, supporting manual focus for creative control.

With no multiple selectable AF points specified, compositional flexibility relies on camera re-framing rather than focus point selection.

Samsung SL720: Basic Single-point Contrast-detection AF

Samsung’s SL720 features a straightforward contrast-detection AF without face or eye detection. Autofocus speed and accuracy are modest, suitable for still subjects in good lighting conditions but not optimized for dynamic or low-light situations.

Manual focus is not available, limiting user intervention.

Exposure Controls and Shooting Modes

Canon SX160 IS: Full Manual and Priority Modes for Enthusiasts

The SX160 IS includes manual exposure, shutter priority, and aperture priority modes, granting creative control over depth of field, motion blur, and overall exposure.

Exposure compensation and custom white balance further support fine-tuning of results.

Built-in flash modes include auto, on, off, red-eye reduction, and slow sync, allowing diverse lighting scenarios.

Samsung SL720: Automated Operation for Casual Use

By contrast, the SL720 offers no manual exposure controls or priority modes, relying on automated exposure decisions.

Exposure compensation and bracketing are not available, constraining creative input.

The flash system is versatile for an ultracompact, including fill-in and slow sync modes but less customizable overall.

LCD Display and Interface

Both cameras utilize fixed LCD screens at 230k-dot resolution, but with differences in size and screen technology.

Canon SX160 IS: 3.0-inch TFT LCD

The SX160 IS’s larger screen facilitates better image review and framing. Although modest in resolution, the display is sufficiently informative and readable under controlled lighting.

Lacking touchscreen capability means operation depends on physical buttons and dials, which can delay rapid menu navigation but improve durability.

Samsung SL720: 2.7-inch LCD with Limited Information

Smaller screen size condenses image preview and menu text, potentially hampering usability.

No touchscreen features or electronic viewfinder exist, limiting framing options for bright outdoor conditions.

Video Recording Capabilities

Video demands have evolved, but both these cameras target hybrid casual and photographic use.

Canon SX160 IS: 720p HD Video up to 30fps

The camera delivers 1280x720 HD video at 25 or 30fps in H.264 compression, a reasonable offering for casual video capture in 2013 standards.

Microphone and headphone ports are not present, restricting audio capture quality and monitoring.

Video stabilization utilizes optical IS, improving handheld video smoothness.

Samsung SL720: Standard Definition Video Only

The SL720 records at maximum 640x480 resolution (VGA) at varying frame rates, using Motion JPEG compression - significantly outdated and limiting video utility.

No audio input/output connectivity.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Canon SX160 IS: AA Batteries and Single SD Slot

Powering the camera with two AA cells provides field flexibility but somewhat heavier overall system weight.

Battery life of about 380 shots per CIPA standards is moderate, though variable with battery quality.

Single storage slot supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, aligning with market standards.

Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility allows for Wi-Fi options if used with special SD cards but lacks built-in connectivity.

Samsung SL720: Proprietary Battery and Limited Storage

SL720 uses a rechargeable proprietary battery (model SLB-10A), offering lighter weight but less availability for instant replacement.

No official battery life data provided, but ultracompacts generally offer fewer shots per charge.

Storage options include SD/MMC/SDHC and internal memory, providing some flexibility but limited internal capacity.

No wireless connectivity options exist.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers any environmental sealing, waterproofing, or ruggedness features, constraining their application in harsh long-term outdoor use.

Both are intended primarily for casual to enthusiast use in controlled or mild conditions.

Comprehensive Genre and Use-case Evaluations

For photographers considering these cameras, it is paramount to analyze genre-specific suitability and operational intentions.

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX160 IS: The 16MP resolution and face detection AF support accurate skin tone rendering and eye-level focus. The 16x zoom facilitates flattering subject isolation via mild telephoto framing. Optical IS assists handheld sharpness in indoor or low-light portraits.

• Samsung SL720: Lower resolution and absence of face detection limit subject tracking. Bright f/2.8 aperture at the wide angle helps indoor shots, but shorter zoom range and lack of AF sophistication reduces portrait framing versatility and bokeh control.

Landscape Photography

• Canon SX160 IS: The extensive zoom range starting at 28mm allows wide landscape framing. The 16MP sensor provides sufficient detail for 8x10 prints or moderate cropping. However, limited dynamic range and small sensor size affect highlight and shadow rendering relative to larger-sensor alternatives.

• Samsung SL720: Fixed lens wide angle at 28mm suffices, but lower resolution and older processing limit detail and tonal gradation. The compact body is convenient for travel landscapes but sacrifices creative flexibility.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Canon SX160 IS: The 448mm telephoto reach supports distant subject capture, but a maximum aperture of f/5.9 at tele inevitably limits performance in natural light. Slow contrast AF and 1.0fps continuous shooting severely restrict burst efficiency, making it unsuitable for fast subjects.

• Samsung SL720: Insufficient zoom (102mm max) and no tracking AF, combined with absence of stabilization, render it unreliable for these disciplines.

Street and Travel Photography

• Canon SX160 IS: While larger than typical street cameras, the body remains manageable for travel. Manual exposure modes aid shooting in mixed lighting conditions. Moderate battery life and AA batteries provide robustness on extended trips.

• Samsung SL720: Ultraportability shines as the primary asset, ideal for casual tourism and candid shots. However, limited control and minimal zoom restrict creative scope.

Macro Photography

• Canon SX160 IS: The 1 cm macro focusing distance enables close-up details of flowers, insects, or textures. Combined with optical IS, this improves handheld macro usability.

• Samsung SL720: Macro focusing starts at 5 cm, less versatile, and lack of image stabilization reduces handheld macro sharpness.

Night and Astrophotography

• Canon SX160 IS: Max native ISO 1600 and optical IS support low-light attempts, but small sensor and noisy CCD limit star detail capture. No bulb mode or long exposure composites reduce astrophotography viability.

• Samsung SL720: Limited ISO options and lack of stabilization severely curtail night photography performance.

Video Use

• Canon SX160 IS: HD video with optical IS is adequate for casual videos but lacks professional codec options or external audio support, limiting serious video work.

• Samsung SL720: Standard definition and outdated codec place it behind modern expectations.

Workflow, File Management, and Professional Integration

Neither camera supports RAW image capture, an essential feature for professionals prioritizing post-processing flexibility. File output is limited to JPEG, constraining highlight recovery and color grading latitude.

This renders both models more appropriate for casual shooters or secondary backup cameras rather than primary professional tools.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

At launch, the Canon SX160 IS retailed near $199, and the Samsung SL720 around $119. These price points situate them in entry-level compact segments, with the Canon offering greater versatility with its extended zoom and manual modes, justifying the higher value proposition for enthusiasts.

Samsung’s SL720 caters primarily to budget-conscious buyers prioritizing portability and ease of use over creative control and performance.

Canon SX160 IS front Canon SX160 IS screen back Samsung SL720 front Samsung SL720 screen back

Summary Recommendations

• For Enthusiasts Seeking a Flexible, Affordable Compact Camera: The Canon PowerShot SX160 IS is the more capable choice thanks to its extended zoom range, manual controls, optical image stabilization, and higher sensor resolution. It offers satisfactory results for portraits, landscapes, and casual wildlife, though not competitive for advanced sports or professional applications.

• For Casual Users Prioritizing Pocketability and Simplicity: The Samsung SL720 represents a lightweight and ultra-compact camera primarily for snapshot photography in daylight and travel contexts. Its limitations in zoom, control, and image stabilization must be acknowledged openly.

• Not Recommended for: Professionals or advanced enthusiasts requiring RAW formats, high-speed autofocus, or superior low-light and video performance. Both cameras lack features requisite for dedicated professional work or demanding creative endeavors.

Final Thoughts

This comparison underscores the trade-offs between extended capabilities and pocketable convenience inherent to small-sensor compacts of this era. The Canon SX160 IS offers broader photographic latitude, with nuanced control and zoom flexibility, but at the cost of larger size and heavier batteries. Samsung’s SL720 excels in portability and entry-level simplicity but compromises on most advanced performance metrics.

Prospective buyers should align camera strengths with specific photographic needs, weighing ergonomic preferences, image quality expectations, and shooting disciplines to maximize satisfaction. This analysis illustrates the criticality of matching tool features to artistic intent - a principle that transcends evolving camera models.

Through this detailed breakdown grounded in technical analysis and practical shooting experience, photographers can confidently assess which camera better addresses their unique requirements within a constrained budget.