Canon SX160 IS vs Samsung WB850F: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Superzoom Cameras

Choosing the right compact superzoom camera can feel overwhelming, especially when two seemingly similar models offer distinct features that influence your shooting experience. Today, we’re putting the Canon PowerShot SX160 IS head-to-head with the Samsung WB850F to uncover their strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance across a broad photography spectrum.

These cameras both belong to the small sensor superzoom category - perfect for enthusiasts wanting versatility without lugging large gear. They promise a generous zoom range paired with portability and reasonable budgets. But how do they truly compare when you bring them into your photography workflow? We’ll analyze their design, technology, image quality, usability, and application suitability, so you can confidently pick the right tool for your creative journey.

Hands-On with the Cameras: Size, Ergonomics, and Design

The first thing you’ll notice when handling these cameras is their compact footprint. But subtle differences can impact comfort during extended shooting sessions.

Canon SX160 IS feels slightly chunkier and heavier, largely due to its thicker profile. This adds some hand stability, especially helpful when shooting at long focal lengths and slower shutter speeds. The rubberized grip extends enough for a confident hold, even for users with larger palms.

The Samsung WB850F, on the other hand, is notably slimmer and lighter, making it more pocketable for travel and street-style photography where minimalism is key. Its smooth contours favor portability, though it may require a tighter grip for steady shots at full zoom or low light.

Both cameras avoid an electronic viewfinder, relying on their LCDs for composition, which we’ll discuss next.

Screen and Control Layout: Navigating Your Creative Interface

The rear LCD and top-panel controls often dictate how smoothly you can interact with your camera’s functions - vital for seizing fleeting moments or making quick adjustments.

Starting with the Canon SX160 IS:

• 3-inch TFT LCD with 230k dots resolution: functional but relatively low-res.
• Fixed screen with no articulation or touch capabilities.
• Physical buttons are spaced for easy reach, including dedicated mode dial and direct exposure compensation control.
• No touchscreen means you rely on buttons and dials - precise but slower for menu-heavy navigation.

Samsung WB850F offers:

• 3-inch AMOLED fixed LCD with 614k dots resolution - visibly sharper and more vibrant than Canon’s.
• No touchscreen, but the higher-res display improves framing and playback clarity.
• Sleek top controls with a mode dial and a cluster of buttons that feel somewhat smaller and more compact.
• Lacks extended physical grips, which might affect command during fast shooting.

For photographers who value display clarity (especially outdoors), Samsung’s AMOLED panel provides a richer viewing experience. However, Canon’s classic button layout will feel familiar and approachable for those used to traditional point-and-shoot ergonomics.

Inside the Glass and Sensor: Technology Behind the Lens

At the heart of every camera is its sensor and lens combo - this duo defines your potential for image quality, focusing performance, and creative flexibility.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Canon SX160 IS employs a CCD sensor - once the mainstay for compact cameras - with decent color rendition and detail capture. CCDs are known for their lower high-ISO noise performance compared to CMOS, but here the SX160 is capped at ISO 1600, limiting usability in dim settings.

Meanwhile, the Samsung WB850F’s BSI-CMOS sensor is more modern and efficient at gathering light, supporting native ISO up to 3200. This theoretically expands shooting flexibility in challenging conditions, and the sensor architecture tends to offer better dynamic range and noise control, benefiting night photography and indoor shots.

Lens and Zoom

Samsung’s lens starts wider at 23mm, great for landscapes and tight interiors, while extending to a slightly longer 483mm focal length, promising better reach for distant subjects. Canon’s 28–448mm zoom covers a solid range but lacks Samsung’s ultra-wide field capability.

Notably, Samsung’s lens has a bright f/2.8 aperture at the wide end, compared to Canon’s f/3.5. This wider aperture not only facilitates low-light shooting but also offers a better background blur - useful for portraits or isolating subjects.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds: Catching the Moment

A camera’s autofocus (AF) and continuous shooting capability are often make-or-break features for wildlife, sports, or fast-moving street photography.

The Canon SX160 IS is noticeably limited in continuous shooting at just 1 frame per second (fps). This sluggishness hampers its suitability for action photography or rapid sequences.

Samsung counters with a significantly faster 10 fps burst mode, enabling you to capture fleeting moments or sports with higher success rates. Its AF also offers selective area focusing to lock precisely on non-centered subjects, supporting more creative control.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF, which is accurate but less speedy compared to phase-detection systems found on advanced cameras. Expect hunting in low light or fast action, but Samsung’s firmware optimizations give it a responsive edge.

Video Capture: Capabilities Beyond Stills

Video is an essential secondary function for many creators. Here, the Samsung WB850F shines with full HD recording and diverse frame rate options.

Samsung’s full HD video recording at 1080p 30 fps delivers sharper, more detailed footage versus Canon’s limited 720p HD output. Additionally, Samsung offers slow-motion modes, a creative boon for capturing dramatic motion sequences.

Neither camera features microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio capture to their onboard mics. For vloggers or serious video practitioners, this impacts professional audio quality but suffices for basic home or travel video.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Usability

Keeping your camera powered through a full day and transferring images easily contributes heavily to user satisfaction on location.

Canon’s use of AA batteries may appeal if you need quick, easy replacements when off the grid or traveling to remote areas without charging options. AA batteries are bulkier, though, adding to overall weight.

Samsung’s proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers a more streamlined profile, though you’ll need to remember to recharge or carry spares. The inclusion of built-in Wi-Fi and GPS in the Samsung gives it a connectivity advantage - great for direct image transfer to smartphones and geotagging your photos.

The HDMI port on Samsung allows for easy playback on TVs, a convenience not found on Canon’s model.

In the Field: Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how each camera fares in key photography scenarios, informed by hands-on shooting and practical tests.

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX160 IS: The lens’ narrower max aperture and CCD sensor mean portraits have fair skin tone rendering but limited background separation due to less pronounced bokeh. Eye detection AF is enabled but basic.
• Samsung WB850F: Brighter f/2.8 aperture aids in subject isolation; face and eye detection AF provide sharper focus on eyes. Overall, more pleasing skin tones with subtle background blur.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras have 16 MP resolution, but Samsung’s modern BSI sensor typically yields better dynamic range and ISO latitude.
• Canon’s 28mm wide end is decent, but Samsung’s 23mm lens captures broader vistas.
• Neither offers weather sealing; carry care outdoors.
• Overall, Samsung delivers superior image quality for vibrant, detailed landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports

• Canon’s 1 fps burst rate and slower AF make it less suitable for action.
• Samsung’s 10 fps burst and selective AF area give you greater chances to capture movement and wildlife behaviors.
• Telephoto reach is similar but Samsung’s lens is slightly longer, favoring distant subjects.

Street Photography

• Samsung’s compact, slim design and silent shooting modes favor candid capture (though silent shutter is absent on both).
• Canon’s bulkier body and slower operation may hinder fast-paced street work.
• Samsung’s AMOLED screen aids composing quickly in variable lighting.

Macro Photography

• Canon reaches a closer macro focusing distance (1 cm vs 5 cm for Samsung), allowing extreme close-up shots.
• Both cameras offer optical stabilization to reduce blur in tight shots.
• Canon edges macro with its tighter minimum focus distance.

Night and Astrophotography

• Samsung’s higher ISO reach (3200) and better sensor technology yield cleaner night shots.
• Canon caps at ISO 1600 with higher noise levels.
• Neither camera offers advanced long exposure modes but both support manual shutter adjustments.
• Samsung is the preferable choice for low-light enthusiasts.

Video and Vlogging

• Samsung records Full HD video with slow-motion options and HDMI out.
• Canon maxes at HD 720p with more basic video specs.
• Both lack mic inputs.
• Samsung is stronger overall for casual video creation.

Travel and Everyday Use

• Canon’s AA battery support offers flexibility without depending on charging infrastructure.
• Samsung’s slimmer design and built-in Wi-Fi/GPS better suit travel documentation and social sharing.
• Consider Samsung if you want modern conveniences; Canon if you prioritize battery simplicity.

Professional Workflows

• Neither supports RAW image capture - a limitation for post-processing control.
• File formats remain compressed JPEGs.
• Samsung’s Wi-Fi connectivity eases image transfer to workflow apps.
• Canon’s simplicity matches basic shooting needs but may not align with advanced professional requirements.

Canon SX160 IS front Canon SX160 IS screen back Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back

These sample galleries illustrate subtle color fidelity and sharpness differences. Note the richer detail and better highlight retention in Samsung shots, attributable to sensor technology and lens aperture.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings and Value

After extensive in-field use and side-by-side comparisons, we synthesized scores for overall and genre-specific performance.

The Samsung WB850F outperforms the Canon SX160 IS in key areas such as autofocus responsiveness, continuous shooting, video recording quality, and sensor performance. Canon’s strengths lie in battery flexibility and simpler, sturdy handling.

When to Choose Each Camera

Pick the Canon SX160 IS if:

• You want a budget-friendly superzoom with simple AA battery power.
• Your photography is casual, focusing on travel snapshots and macro close-ups.
• Portability is important, but you prefer a slightly more robust grip for telephoto work.
• You are okay with basic video quality and slower burst rates.

Opt for the Samsung WB850F if:

• You desire a more versatile zoom range starting wider and extending further telephoto.
• Video quality and advanced shooting flexibility are priorities.
• You often shoot in varying lighting conditions needing higher ISO performance.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS are useful for your workflow and travel documentation.
• Burst shooting and selective autofocus are important for action-oriented photography.

Final Thoughts: Which Superzoom Fits Your Creative Life?

In our 15+ years testing cameras across genres, we've recognized that small sensor superzooms like these balance convenience with a generous zoom range - ideal for many enthusiasts. The Canon SX160 IS channels simplicity, straightforward controls, and classic shooting modes for those new to photography or seeking a reliable everyday point-and-shoot.

Conversely, the Samsung WB850F brings a stronger specification mix, pushing its compact size toward higher versatility and modern connectivity. It plays well for hybrid photographers who want decent stills, better videos, and smart features in a pocketable form.

Your choice depends on your shooting style and priorities:

• Do you prioritize proven simplicity, simplicity in power, and macro close-ups? Canon is a solid pick.
• Need sharper video, faster AF bursts, wider lens, and GPS/Wi-Fi? Samsung takes the lead.

If possible, we recommend visiting a camera store to physically handle both and test their interfaces. The tactile feel, menu systems, and shooting performance often reveal more than specs can convey on paper.

Whichever you choose, both cameras can open doors to creativity without intimidating you with complexity or cost. Start your photographic exploration today by pairing your camera with the right accessories - a sturdy tripod for landscapes, extended memory cards, or a protective case, and you’re ready to capture your world.

We hope this comprehensive comparison serves your decision-making process well. For any questions on usage or advanced application tips, feel free to reach out to our community of photographers. Happy shooting!