Canon SX20 IS vs Samsung WB750: An In-Depth Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzooms

When stepping into the world of small sensor superzoom cameras, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by model numbers and specification sheets. Two noteworthy contenders in this category are the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and the Samsung WB750. Released around the early 2010s, both cameras promised versatile zoom ranges and an accessible, hybrid photography experience. But which of these two cameras stands out in practical use? After extensive hands-on testing and side-by-side evaluation, here is a detailed comparison through the lens of a seasoned photography equipment reviewer - aimed to help enthusiasts and professionals make informed purchase decisions.

Form and Function: Handling, Size, and Build

Looking at the first impression - both physically and in hand - the Canon SX20 IS and Samsung WB750 cater to very different ergonomics and design philosophies.

The Canon SX20 IS sports an SLR-like bridge style with a substantial grip and a more robust chassis (128x88x87mm, 600 grams). This thoughtful bulk provides stability and confidence, especially when using longer focal lengths. Its textured finish and SLR-style layout appeal to those who prefer a DSLR-esque handling experience but want the convenience of a fixed lens bridge camera. The articulated 2.5-inch LCD screen offers flexibility for creative shooting angles, though its 230k-dot resolution feels dated even for its era.

Contrast this with the Samsung WB750, a compact superzoom with a slim, pocketable design (105x59x25mm, 193 grams) - far more travel-friendly and discreet for on-the-go shooting scenarios. The WB750’s 3-inch fixed-type TFT LCD screen features an impressive 460k-dot resolution, a noticeable advantage for reviewing images and navigating menus outdoors. However, the lack of an electronic viewfinder on the WB750 can make high bright light shooting a challenge - something the Canon compensates for slightly with its electronic viewfinder.

Ergonomically, I found the Canon’s control layout more button-rich, leveraging the SLR-style design for quick access and manual overrides. Meanwhile, Samsung takes a simpler, minimalist approach, which is welcoming for point-and-shoot users but feels somewhat restrictive for experienced shooters who demand more tactile control.

Controls and User Interface: Intuitive or Overwhelming?

The Sony Digic 4 processor powering the Canon SX20 IS delivers a user interface that is conservative yet informative. Physical dials and dedicated buttons for aperture/shutter priority modes, exposure compensation, and manual focus rings make the camera feel like a serious photographic tool. The articulated display is useful but limited by its low pixel density and somewhat sluggish refresh when zooming in or reviewing images.

Samsung’s WB750 trades some sophistication for a streamlined control experience. Its simplified lens barrel ring for manual focus and zoom - without dedicated aperture/shutter dials - means beginners can dive right into shooting without menu diving, yet pros may find it less accommodating. Live view is standard on both, but interestingly Samsung opts out of touch controls, which weren’t yet widespread, but the crisp LCD compensates somewhat.

Neither camera offers advanced customization options or illumination on buttons, making low-light operation a bit challenging. Connectivity is standard USB 2.0 and mini HDMI on both, but neither supports wireless features, which limits modern workflow convenience.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD meets BSI-CMOS

One critical point separating these cameras is their sensor technology.

The Canon SX20 IS uses a 12-megapixel 1/2.3" CCD sensor known for pleasing color rendition but arguably limited dynamic range and noise performance. CCD sensors tend to be more power-hungry and less adept at high ISO sensitivity - a limitation reflected in the SX20’s max native ISO 1600 and relatively noisy results past ISO 400.

Conversely, the Samsung WB750 incorporates a 13-megapixel 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor, a technical step forward. Backside-illuminated CMOS sensors generally deliver improved low-light performance and dynamic range with faster readout speeds, leading to better image quality overall. The WB750’s higher max ISO 3200 affords more flexibility shooting in challenging settings, such as night street photography or indoor events.

Practically, during testing, the WB750 produced cleaner images at high ISO and better shadow detail, while the Canon’s images felt warmer but often showed more artifacting in darker zones. Neither supports RAW capture, constraining postprocessing latitude - a common compromise in this segment.

Screen and Viewfinder: Viewing Your Shot

If you anticipate composing your shots mostly from the camera back, the Samsung WB750’s 3-inch, 460K-dot LCD shines. Its superior size and resolution make image review and menu navigation less stressful than the Canon’s smaller, less crisp 2.5-inch screen. However, the Samsung’s lack of an electronic or optical viewfinder can be a dealbreaker in bright outdoor conditions where LCD glare hampers visibility.

The Canon SX20’s electronic viewfinder (though not high-res) offers the option to frame without screen glare, an invaluable feature for some photographers, especially wildlife or action shooters outdoors. Its fully articulated LCD, while beneficial, doesn’t fully bridge the gap for moments when quick eye-level framing is essential.

For photographers accustomed to SLR-style shooting, the Canon’s hybrid viewfinder/monitor experience tends to feel more ergonomic and precise.

Diverse Photography Applications: Which Camera Excels Where?

When choosing a camera, user intent is paramount. Let’s dissect how each model fares across key photographic disciplines.

Canon SX20 IS front Canon SX20 IS screen back Samsung WB750 screen back

Portrait Photography

Portrait work demands accurate skin tones and flattering bokeh - often a challenge on small-sensor superzooms.

The Canon’s F2.8-5.7 aperture range paired with a 20x optical zoom (28-560mm equivalent) allows some background separation at longer focal lengths, though the small sensor inherently limits shallow depth of field. Skin tone rendering from the CCD sensor was pleasant and organic but occasionally skewed slightly warm. Unfortunately, the SX20 IS lacks any face or eye detection autofocus, relying on traditional contrast detection with nine focus points - meaning slow lock times and missed focus chances in live, dynamic portrait environments.

The Samsung WB750’s lens is slightly slower (F3.2-5.8) but benefits from face detection autofocus, bolstered by the contrast-detection autofocus system. This leads to more reliable exposures and focusing on faces in portraiture, great for casual and event shots. Still, bokeh separation remains minimal due to the small sensor and lens design.

If portrait accuracy and engaging background blur are priorities, neither camera will dazzle you, but the WB750 gains an edge in autofocus reliability.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photography emphasizes resolution, dynamic range, and weather durability.

Both cameras sport the same sensor size but slightly differ in resolution - Canon offers 12MP, Samsung 13MP. This marginal increase rarely translated into noticeably finer detail given the overall lens limitations and image processing. The WB750’s BSI-CMOS sensor captures a wider dynamic range and manages shadows better, crucial when facing scenes with bright skies and shaded foregrounds.

However, neither camera is weather-sealed, restricting rugged outdoor usage. The SX20 IS’s articulated screen aids composition when shooting low or high territory, a definite plus for landscapes in tricky environments.

Overall, Samsung’s sensor technology and better ISO range make the WB750 more suited to bright and low-light landscape environments, but neither is a top-tier landscape camera.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

In wildlife and sports shooting, speed - both autofocus and continuous shooting - is king.

Here, the Samsung WB750 pulls ahead sharply with its 10fps burst shooting capability. This high frame rate eclipses the Canon’s sluggish 1fps continuous shooting, a fundamental drawback for freezing action. The WB750 also supports AF tracking with face detection, making it more capable at following moving subjects.

In contrast, the Canon SX20 IS with its nine focus points and contrast detection autofocus lacks sophisticated tracking or face/eye detection, rendering it less reliable in fast-paced scenes. Shutter speeds max out at 1/3200s for Canon and lower at 1/2000s for Samsung, but with that 10fps burst Samsung can grab sequences that Canon simply cannot.

Telephoto reach favors the Canon at 560mm equivalent, slightly better than Samsung’s 432mm max. This makes Canon a modest choice for distant wildlife photography where extra reach counts.

Street Photography

Stealth and portability govern street photography effectiveness.

Samsung’s compact and lightweight WB750 is a natural fit for street photography. It allows discreet shooting and is easy to slip into a jacket pocket. Its bright, sharp 3-inch LCD facilitates quick framing without fuss.

Canon’s larger bridge-style body demands more setup and draws more attention - a potential obstacle in candid street environments.

Low-light street shooting also becomes easier with Samsung’s better high ISO capabilities. However, the lack of touch controls and non-articulated screen on Samsung restricts some spontaneous shooting flexibility compared to Canon’s articulating display.

Macro Photography

For macro, the minimum focusing distance and stabilization are vital.

The Samsung WB750 offers a 5cm minimum focusing distance, noticeably better than Canon’s claimed “0cm” macro (which practically means close focus but not true macro). This permits tighter framing of small subjects - flowers, insects - with sharper detail. Both cameras have optical image stabilization, but Samsung’s newer tech provides more effective shake reduction, important in handheld macro shots.

Night and Astrophotography

Neither camera is tailored for astrophotography due to sensor constraints and lens limitations.

Still, Samsung’s higher max ISO 3200 and cleaner noise profile makes it the go-to for casual night or low-light photography like festivals or urban scenes. Canon’s max ISO 1600 and noisier CCD sensor restricts usable shutter speeds and introduces color noise under dark conditions.

No long exposure or bulb modes are available, so advanced night photography is outside these cameras’ remit.

Video Capabilities

Video recording is increasingly relevant for hybrid shooters.

The WB750 supports 1080p Full HD at 30fps, a major upgrade from the Canon’s max resolution of 720p. Samsung saves videos in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats, delivering smoother video playback and better file compression. Canon’s video is limited to 1280x720p and lower resolutions, which feels outdated and restrictive today.

Neither camera features microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio flexibility for serious videographers. Optical stabilization helps smooth handheld clips on both, but Samsung’s superior sensor and codec support produce noticeably better-looking video.

Travel Photography

Travelers want versatility, durability, battery life, and size balance.

Samsung’s slim and light WB750 wins hands-down for portability, fitting neatly in travel bags without bulk. Its longer battery life (proprietary SLB-10A rechargeable versus Canon’s 4x AA batteries) is also an advantage - AA batteries add weight and complexity on the road.

Canon offers a longer zoom, beneficial for wildlife and distant scenes encountered on adventures, but the tradeoff is its bulkier form and heavier battery demands.

Professional Use and Workflow

While neither camera is built with professional workflows - no RAW support, limited tethering, or rugged weather sealing - the Canon SX20 IS offers more manual controls for deliberate exposure management.

Samsung’s faster autofocus and burst rates suit reportage-style casual shooters better, but lack of an electronic viewfinder may hamper professionals used to precise framing.

Technical Deep Dive: Performance and Build

We put both cameras through standardized testing to assess autofocus speed, shutter lag, dynamic range, color accuracy, and stabilization effectiveness.

• Autofocus: WB750’s face detection and AF tracking outperform Canon’s nine-point contrast detection - faster acquisition and better tracking on moving subjects.
• Sharpness: Slight edge to Samsung due to newer sensor and improved image processing algorithms.
• Dynamic Range: Samsung’s BSI-CMOS sensor delivers better range and highlight rolloff.
• ISO Noise: Canon images are noticeably noisier past ISO 400.
• Shutter Speeds: Canon max at 1/3200 sec allows slightly better freezing of fast action.
• Burst Shooting: Samsung’s 10fps smokes Canon’s 1fps, critical for dynamic shooting.
• Build Quality: Canon’s bridge camera gives a sturdier feel versus Samsung’s compact plastic chassis - both lack weather sealing.
• Battery & Storage: Canon uses common AA batteries but adds weight. Samsung’s proprietary battery is lighter but requires charging gear.

Summarizing Use-Case Recommendations

Final Thoughts: Choosing Between Canon SX20 IS and Samsung WB750

Both the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Samsung WB750 have their place in the small sensor superzoom arena but appeal to distinctly different user priorities.

• The Canon SX20 IS is for photographers who value a more substantial, DSLR-like handling experience, longer focal length reach, and more granular manual control options. Its articulated view screen and electronic viewfinder are also pluses for creative composition. However, slow continuous shooting and older sensor tech limit its appeal in fast-paced and low-light shooting.

• The Samsung WB750 impresses with its compactness, faster burst rates, higher resolution sensor with better dynamic range, and advanced autofocus features like face detection and tracking. Its Full HD video recording and larger, sharper LCD increase its versatility for travel and everyday photography. The absence of a viewfinder and fewer manual controls might deter some, but the WB750 remains a savvy option for shooters prioritizing speed, low-light capability, and portability.

Canon SX20 IS front Canon SX20 IS screen back Samsung WB750 screen back

For budget-conscious enthusiasts who prioritize zoom reach and an SLR-like feel, the Canon SX20 IS still holds relevance. However, for versatility, speed, and modern image quality in a compact form factor, the Samsung WB750 emerges as the smarter choice.

Choosing between these cameras depends ultimately on your shooting style and priorities. If I were picking a travel-friendly go-anywhere camera with solid autofocus and video, I’d lean toward the Samsung WB750. But for extended zoom use with more manual freedom, especially in static shooting, the Canon SX20 IS remains a worthy contender.

Ultimately, while neither camera meets modern flagship standards, both offer distinct advantages reflecting their design eras. With honest expectations and clear priorities, either can serve well for specific photographic niches - just choose the one that fits your photography lifestyle best.