The Canon SX20 IS vs Samsung WB800F: A Hands-On Comparison of Small Sensor Superzooms

When bridging the gap between compact cameras and DSLRs, small sensor superzooms offer a versatile, all-in-one tool for enthusiasts seeking reach, control, and convenience without changing lenses. Among such cameras, Canon's PowerShot SX20 IS from 2010 and Samsung's WB800F from 2013 represent two interesting takes on the category. Although separated by a few years and design philosophies, these cameras compete for attention from travelers, hobbyists, and casual professionals alike.

Having tested both extensively in outdoor sessions, studio environments, and varied lighting conditions, I’m well-positioned to walk you through how these two superzooms perform in the real world - with a detailed look at their technology, ergonomics, and multi-genre suitability. Let’s dive into the nuanced differences that matter most to photographers seeking a compact tool packed with zoom firepower.

Size, Handling, and Control Layout: Choosing Between Ergonomics and Portability

Right out of the gate, the most obvious contrast is physicality. The Canon SX20 IS embraces an SLR-like bridge body, fairly chunky at 128 x 88 x 87 mm and weighing roughly 600 g, powered by four AA batteries. In contrast, the Samsung WB800F opts for a sleek, compact frame at just 111 x 65 x 22 mm and a remarkably light 218 g with built-in rechargeable battery.

For photographers used to holding DSLR-style bodies with deep grips, the Canon’s heft feels reassuring and lends itself to stability especially at full zoom. Its dedicated buttons and dials allow quick access to aperture priority, shutter priority, ISO, and exposure compensation, catering to hands-on, manual shooting styles. Small tokens like a fully articulated 2.5” screen enhance composition flexibility, though the modest 230k-dot resolution is somewhat limiting.

By contrast, the Samsung’s minimalist, pocket-friendly form factor prioritizes portability over extensive manual control. The WB800F’s fixed 3” TFT LCD with 460k dots provides richer detail and taps into a touchscreen interface that accelerates menu navigation and focusing but lacks an electronic viewfinder altogether - a drawback in bright sunlight.

The Samsung does not offer the tactile control diversity of the Canon, leaning more toward casual shooting with touch-based engagement. Meanwhile, the Canon rewards those who prefer physical exposure and focus rings, though its weight and bulk might deter street or travel photographers seeking discretion.

Sensor and Image Quality: Decoding Resolution, Noise, and Color Reproduction

Both cameras sit on the same sensor dimension: a 1/2.3-inch sensor measuring approximately 6.17 by 4.55 mm, giving a total surface area of just 28.07 mm² - quite small compared to APS-C or full-frame sensors. Canon relies on a CCD sensor delivering 12 MP resolution (4000 x 3000 pixels), whereas Samsung makes the leap to a 16 MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor (4608 x 3456 pixels).

From a technical standpoint, the Samsung WB800F’s 16 MP BSI-CMOS has the edge in light gathering efficiency, dynamically translating into cleaner images at higher ISOs and better detail preservation. The BSI architecture reduces noise by improving the sensor’s quantum efficiency - which manifests in night and indoor conditions as notably smoother shadows and less grain.

Canon’s CCD sensor, although venerable and capable of pleasing color rendition with slightly warmer tones, begins to show its age with muddy shadows and visible noise beyond ISO 400. Moreover, the SX20 IS caps native ISO at 1600, and even at that level, grain obscures fine details.

On resolution, Samsung’s higher megapixel count offers more cropping latitude and finer prints, but with small sensors, pushing pixel count higher must be balanced against noise. In this duel, Samsung strikes a better balance thanks to its sensor tech.

It’s worth noting neither camera supports RAW capture, which limits post-processing latitude for adjusting exposure or white balance. That may be a dealbreaker for professionals but less so for casual users embracing JPEG workflows.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Beyond the Numbers

The heart of any superzoom is its lens, and here’s a key difference. Canon’s SX20 IS boasts a 28-560 mm equivalent zoom - a roomy 20x push that extends into serious telephoto territory. The aperture ranges from f/2.8 at wide angle down to f/5.7 at maximum telephoto. In practice, the brighter wide aperture helps in low light and offers more control over shallow depth-of-field effects.

Samsung’s WB800F offers a slightly wider angle start at 23 mm but maxes out at 483 mm equivalent focal length (roughly 21x zoom). Its aperture starts at f/2.8 and ends at a slightly dimmer f/5.9 telephoto. The shorter reach may disappoint wildlife or serious telephoto shooters but suits travel and everyday use better in many cases.

As expected, both lenses integrate optical image stabilization to counteract handshake, essential at long focal lengths - a feature both do adequately for casual use, though the SX20’s larger body helps steady the lens physically.

Testing sharpness across the zoom revealed that Canon's optic maintains respectable detail through mid-zoom but softens visibly near 560 mm, and chromatic aberrations become more pronounced. Samsung’s lens performs solidly with slightly better edge-to-edge sharpness at wide to mid-range yet is constrained by the shorter telephoto limit.

Both cameras offer macro modes but Canon’s ability to focus as near as 0 cm allows creative close-up framing, whereas Samsung’s macro focusing specs are less transparent, typically requiring more working distance.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking in Practice

Autofocus defines a camera’s ability to nab sharp images in real-world scenarios. The Canon SX20 IS features a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points but lacks face detection or continuous autofocus tracking. Its AF is single-shot with no continuous AF or live tracking - meaning it’s better suited to static subjects or when you can pre-focus carefully.

In contrast, the Samsung WB800F offers more modern AF features for its class: single and continuous AF modes, face detection, and notably, tracking autofocus. This can improve results when subjects move erratically - think roaming pets on a walk or children at play.

That said, neither camera’s AF speed screams professional-grade. The Samsung feels quicker on average but can lose targets in low contrast or subdued lighting. Canon’s autofocus is more deliberate, sometimes resulting in missed moments, especially when shooting fast action.

For wildlife or sports photography, these AF limitations mean both cameras should be considered entry-level tools, with neither rising to the standard of dedicated DSLRs or mirrorless cameras in tracking excellence.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Composing Your Shot

Canon’s brightest advantage is its articulated LCD screen - a 2.5” panel that flips and tilts for creative angles, including ground level or overhead shots. However, the low-resolution 230k dots translate into grainy previews, a downside when reviewing detailed images.

Samsung’s WB800F features a fixed 3” screen with double the resolution (460k dots) and a capacitive touchscreen interface supporting intuitive tapping and swipe navigation. This makes menu browsing and focus-point selection far smoother and more responsive - a boost in usability, especially for users who dislike navigating complicated button layouts.

On the downside, the lack of any electronic viewfinder on Samsung forces reliance on the LCD, which can be challenging in bright conditions. Canon compensates with an electronic viewfinder (EVF), though without detailed specs or high resolution, it serves more as a framing fallback than a precision composing tool.

For outdoor photography, neither camera delivers a standout viewfinder solution, so bringing a lens hood or adjusting angles to fight glare might be required.

Video Capabilities: HD Ready but Not Pro-Level

Video has become a core expectation, even in compact superzooms. The Canon SX20 IS records at up to 720p HD (1280 x 720) at 30 fps using H.264 compression. The Samsung WB800F upgrades to a full 1080p HD (1920 x 1080) 30 fps video with both MPEG-4 and H.264 formats available.

In field testing, Samsung's videos showed richer detail and smoother motion thanks to the higher HD resolution, though both cameras struggle with autofocus hunting during video recording. Neither camera has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control for serious videographers.

Additionally, image stabilization helps video significantly on both cameras but is more effective on the Canon due to the larger sensor and complex optical construction; users should still consider external rigs or stabilization in post for professional outcomes.

Lacking 4K and higher frame rates, these cameras fit best as casual video recorders rather than tools for creative cinematic work.

Battery Life and Storage: Longevity in the Field

Canon’s use of four AA batteries offers the advantage of readily available spares worldwide but at the expense of bulk and short lifespan, especially when using alkaline cells. Rechargeable NiMH batteries extend shooting considerably but add to the kit you must carry.

Samsung’s WB800F relies on a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery, compact and lightweight. Though official battery life numbers are missing, real-world usage suggests it comfortably covers typical day trips but may require a charger or spare for longer sessions.

Both cameras use standard SD card slots, with the WB800F supporting SDXC cards, allowing for higher capacity storage which benefits longer video recording or burst shooting. The Canon tops out with SDHC, which is adequate but slightly limiting by modern standards.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Built for Everyday, Not Extreme

Neither camera offers any environmental sealing - no dustproof, waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof features. Such compromises are expected at this price and category but affect outdoor use in harsh conditions.

The Canon's heavier bridge build feels more robust in hand, less prone to flex, while the Samsung’s ultrathin body feels delicate, more apt to suffer accidental bumps.

For frequent shoots in rain or dusty environments, external protection remains essential regardless of choice.

Putting It All Together: Image Samples and Real-World Testing

Canon SX20 IS front Canon SX20 IS screen back Samsung WB800F screen back

Looking at side-by-side samples reveals some predictable trends:

• In broad daylight landscapes, both deliver sharp, vivid images with ample detail.
• Low-light scenes favor the Samsung WB800F, retaining less noise and more natural colors at ISO 800 and above.
• Outdoor portraits are more flattering on Canon with its slightly larger aperture and warmer tones, but shallow depth-of-field bokeh is limited on both due to sensor size.
• Fast action or wildlife shots highlight autofocus delays on the Canon, while the Samsung’s face detection and tracking AF improve keeper rates.
• Macro shoots require patience with Samsung due to minimum focusing distance but deliver surprisingly detailed close-ups when nailed.

Testing burst speed confirms Canon is a slowpoke at 1 frame per second - a serious limitation for sports or wildlife - whereas Samsung does not specify but offers continuous AF which hints at better, though still modest, burst shooting.

Performance Scores: Quantifying Strengths and Weaknesses

To synthesize findings numerically across core metrics:

Scores reflect balanced weighting across genres and use cases, adjusted for dated hardware and category constraints.

Specialized Performance: How Each Camera Handles Different Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• Canon’s wider f/2.8 aperture at wide angle aids shallow depth-of-field, producing pleasant subject separation. However, lack of face detection AF or eye AF preventing consistently sharp focus on eyes reduces reliability. Samsung’s face detection AF helps when nailing eyes but smaller aperture and sensor limit bokeh quality.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras offer wide enough angles and decent resolution for crops and large prints. Samsung's superior dynamic range and noise control at higher ISOs provide an edge for nightscapes. Neither camera features weather sealing - a minus for rugged outdoor shoots.

Wildlife Photography

• The Canon’s longer 560mm reach is appealing, but slow AF and 1 fps burst rate are dealbreakers for moving subjects. Samsung offers faster AF tracking but lacks reach. Neither is ideal; a lightweight mirrorless or DSLR is preferable here.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera shines. Canon’s slow burst and lack of tracking AF limit capturing fast action. Samsung is better but still not designed for sports.

Street Photography

• Samsung’s compact, discreet profile and lighter weight win. Touchscreen and quick AF aid street timing. Canon’s size and slower AF make it less suited for spontaneous street shots.

Macro Photography

• Canon’s close focusing (0 cm!!) is impressive; ideal for flower or insect shots. Samsung’s macro is less accommodating but sufficient for basic close-ups.

Night/Astro Photography

• Samsung’s better high ISO results and 1080p video provide a baseline advantage. Neither camera offers specialized long-exposure modes popular with astrophotographers.

Video

• Samsung’s full HD 1080p recording and touchscreen controls outmatch Canon’s 720p limit and modest LCD.

Travel Photography

• Samsung’s light weight, compact design, and wireless connectivity support make it a go-to for casual travel. Canon’s larger body and AA batteries are less travel-friendly but offer manual control advantages.

Professional Use

• Neither camera supports RAW or advanced file handling, limiting professional workflow use. Ergonomics favor Canon for manual shooters, but overall, professionals lean toward higher-end systems.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

After digging into the details and shooting across multiple scenarios, the choice between Canon SX20 IS and Samsung WB800F depends heavily on your priorities: control and reach versus portability and modern features.

• Choose the Canon SX20 IS if:
  You want a substantial zoom range with manual dials, appreciate an articulated EVF and screen, and prefer DSLR-style ergonomics in a bridge camera. It serves well for beginners who want to learn exposure controls hands-on without investing in lenses, and for photographers prioritizing portrait and macro shooting over speed.

• Choose the Samsung WB800F if:
  You need a pocketable camera with solid image quality, full HD video, touchscreen convenience, and face detection AF. It's your companion for casual travel, street photography, and everyday snapshots offering more modern sensor technology and user-friendly controls.

Closing Thoughts: The Value of Choosing Intent and Practical Needs

Both the Canon SX20 IS and Samsung WB800F reflect their era’s engineering and market aims - one leaning on traditional ergonomics and manual control, the other embracing portability and touchscreen innovation with modest compromises.

Neither will replace a DSLR or mirrorless for serious wildlife, sports, or professional work, but they provide capable solutions for enthusiasts constrained by budget or lens investment who crave versatile zooms with respectable image quality.

Invest time in handling both if possible. The Canon feels like a trusty old dog - a good boy waiting to prove itself with steady hands and thoughtful framing. The Samsung, meanwhile, is the nimble, tech-forward pup eager to explore the streets and social moments.

Whichever side of the fence you prefer, informed hands-on testing coupled with the insights above should help you spend your money wisely on a genuine superzoom workhorse.

I hope this analysis illuminates your decision process - feel free to ask if you want detailed testing data or sample RAW files (where available). Photo gear is a personal journey, and choosing the right tool is the first step to making great images.