Canon SX240 HS vs Samsung WB350F

Canon PowerShot SX240 HS vs. Samsung WB350F: A Detailed Comparison of Compact Superzoom Cameras

In the compact superzoom camera niche, selecting a model that adequately balances image quality, versatility, and portability is crucial for photographers who demand a travel-friendly camera capable of accommodating diverse shooting conditions. The Canon PowerShot SX240 HS (2012) and the Samsung WB350F (2014) fall within this category - compact cameras with fixed zoom lenses, moderate sensor sizes, and a focus on ease of use for enthusiasts. This article offers an exhaustive comparative analysis based on hands-on testing and technical evaluations to inform medium-range buyers perfectly. Although neither camera pushes modern boundaries, their distinct feature sets, operational nuances, and practical performance characteristics present valuable insights for different user profiles.

Contemplating the Physical: Size, Weight, and Handling Dynamics

Physical ergonomics and device size are often underestimated but instrumental in maintaining shooting comfort during extended use. The Canon SX240 HS measures approximately 106 x 61 x 33 mm and weighs 224 grams - notably compact and light, lending itself well to pocket portability. The Samsung WB350F, by comparison, is slightly larger at 114 x 65 x 25 mm and heavier at 276 grams. The deeper profile and additional heft of the WB350F may affect long-term hand fatigue.

In practice, the SX240 HS benefits from a more comfortable grip due to its slightly pronounced depth and subtly curved thumb rest, which aids image stabilization during telephoto shots. The WB350F, while slimmer, feels marginally less secure for extended handheld shooting, especially at full zoom or in low-light conditions where steadiness is paramount.

The Canon also uses a traditional layout with tactile controls that facilitate quicker adjustments without removing the eye from the subject. Conversely, Samsung’s design leans towards minimalist aesthetics with fewer physical buttons, which may necessitate more menu diving during action or candid shoots.

Control and Interface: Navigating the Top Plate and Rear Screen Real Estate

User interface design directly impacts efficiency and shooting fluidity. Some compact superzoom cameras compromise on control abundance for sleekness, but nuanced analysis reveals which approach better suits attentive photographers.

The SX240 HS presents a conventional camera top panel with a mode dial offering Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual modes, and multiple presets. The presence of dedicated zoom rocker and shutter buttons simplifies rapid focal length changes and shooting, a design often favored by enthusiasts accustomed to DSLR ergonomics.

The WB350F implements more integrated digital controls with touchscreen responsiveness but lacks a physical mode dial, instead relying on menu navigation for exposure mode alterations. While touchscreen features enhance accessibility for novice users, experienced photographers may find this workflow less immediate and more prone to accidental inputs.

Shifting to the rear LCDs, both cameras employ 3-inch fixed displays with roughly comparable resolution (~460-461k dots). Samsung’s panel supports touch operation, enabling more intuitive settings changes and focusing interactions. Canon’s screen, PureColor II TFT LCD technology, offers slightly superior daylight visibility with stable color reproduction but no touch sensitivity.

The absence of any electronic viewfinder in either camera limits their capabilities in bright outdoor shooting; users must rely solely on the rear LCD, which impacts composition precision in direct sunlight scenarios.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technical Specifications and Practical Performance

Both models are equipped with 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm. This sensor size is typical for compact superzooms but significantly smaller than APS-C or Micro Four Thirds systems, inherently limiting dynamic range and noise performance. Despite their shared sensor dimensions, the Canon offers a 12MP resolution while Samsung increases pixel count to 16MP.

Theoretically, Samsung's higher resolution improves detail rendition but comes at the cost of increased pixel density, potentially reducing individual pixel size and impacting low-light performance. Canon’s modest pixel count generally favors improved signal-to-noise ratios and better tonal gradation in shadows and highlights.

Hands-on image quality tests reveal the Canon SX240 HS yields cleaner images at ISO 800 and above with less color noise and better highlight retention, placing it ahead for low-light photography such as indoor portraits or evening landscapes. By contrast, the Samsung’s increased resolution delivers finer detail in well-lit conditions, aiding landscape and macro photography where sharpness is prioritized.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing latitude and demanding meticulous in-camera exposure and white balance management. Canon’s inclusion of custom white balance adjustment and exposure compensation enhances creative control, while Samsung’s streamlined approach lacks bracketing options, potentially frustrating advanced users aiming for HDR outcomes or complex exposures.

Lens Systems and Zoom Capabilities: Range, Aperture, and Macro Considerations

The defining feature of compact superzoom cameras is the integrated lens zoom range and optical performance. Canon SX240 HS provides a 25-500 mm (20x optical zoom equivalent) with a maximum aperture of f/3.5-6.8, while the Samsung WB350F offers a slightly wider field at the short end, 23-483 mm (21x zoom), but marginally faster aperture at f/2.8-5.9.

The faster wide aperture of Samsung’s lens grants improved low-light capabilities and better depth-of-field control at shorter focal lengths. For portrait photographers who prioritize background separation and natural bokeh, this is a small but meaningful advantage in controlled lighting.

At full telephoto, however, both lenses narrow significantly (f/6.8 vs. f/5.9), making steady hands or stabilization essential. Canon's macro focusing distance is explicitly stated at 5 cm, enabling closer focusing for enlarging fine detail subjects like flora or small objects. Samsung does not specify this metric, and practical testing reveals its minimum focusing distance is less consistent, occasionally requiring zoom adjustment to achieve macro framing.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Performance

Canon equips the SX240 HS with a 9-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous AF tracking, technologies unusual for its release period in this category. The AF system's responsiveness is adequate for casual wildlife and street photography but struggles in low contrast or low-light conditions, where hunting becomes conspicuous.

The Samsung WB350F uses an unspecified contrast detection AF system without face or subject tracking features. Focus acquisition tends to be slower and less reliable, notably in dynamic scenes like sports or fast wildlife sequences. The inability of Samsung’s AF to support continuous focusing severely limits utility for action-oriented photographers.

Neither camera uses phase-detection AF, and neither supports eye or animal eye AF, which modern enthusiasts may find a limitation for portraits requiring precise focus.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance: Capturing Fast-Moving Subjects

Burst shooting capability is a crucial determinant for sports and wildlife photographers. Canon’s SX240 HS offers a 2 fps continuous shooting mode, permitting modest action sequences but insufficient for high-impact burst photography. Samsung does not officially report a continuous shooting speed, further limiting its appeal in this domain.

The mechanical shutter ranges for Canon from 15 seconds to 1/3200 second, offering flexibility for long exposures and daylight action freezes. Samsung’s shutter spans 16 to 1/2000 second, narrowing creative exposure options marginally.

Silent shutter support is absent in both models, constraining stealth capabilities during concerts or wildlife shoots.

Video Recording: Specifications and Real-World Usability

Both models provide full HD 1080p video recording but diverge in frame rate options. Canon’s SX240 HS supports 1920x1080 at 24 fps plus slower motion capture modes including 120 fps for 640x480 resolution and a 240 fps mode at 320x240 pixels - features appealing for slow-motion experimental videography.

Samsung WB350F records at 1920x1080 with unspecified frame rate (likely 30 fps typical for the period) and lacks specialized slow-motion modes.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting professional audio capture control. The lack of 4K or higher-quality codecs is an expected compromise at this tier and release date.

Optical image stabilization is present on both and functions well during handheld video, reducing jitter and increasing usable footage in travel or event documentation.

Connectivity and Media: Storage, Wireless Features, and Battery Longevity

Storage architecture differs notably. Canon SX240 HS uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, supporting larger capacities and widespread compatibility. Samsung WB350F accepts more compact MicroSD/SDHC/SDXC cards - beneficial for users also interested in portability and smartphone integration.

While Canon lacks any wireless connectivity, Samsung incorporates built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, facilitating remote control, direct sharing, and compatibility with mobile devices through proprietary apps. This imbues the WB350F with enhanced modern usability for social media enthusiasts.

Battery life favors Canon with approximately 230 shots per charge using the dedicated NB-6L battery pack. Samsung’s official battery life is unspecified but employs the SLB-10A battery, typically rated lower than Canon’s in lab tests, possibly necessitating supplementary power for prolonged outings.

Environmental Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera is equipped with weather sealing, waterproofing, or advanced ruggedization features. Both models should be carefully protected from adverse conditions such as rain, dust, or shocks.

The Canon’s overall build outweighs the Samsung’s minimalism, with more robust plastics and reassuring tactile feedback on controls. The Samsung WB350F’s slimmer body has some flex under pressure, likely a tradeoff in pursuit of compactness.

Comparative Imaging Results and Genre-Specific Performance

Real-world image galleries captured under controlled and challenging conditions illuminate practical differentiation.

Canon SX240 HS screen back Samsung WB350F front Samsung WB350F screen back

Portraits from the Canon reveal smoother skin tones and subject isolation employing its face detection AF and aperture-priority modes to achieve modest bokeh. Samsung’s higher resolution captures additional detail but suffers from harsher noise at sensitive ISOs, slightly degrading portrait aesthetic.

Landscape shots put Samsung’s resolution advantage in focus, delivering crisp details in foliage and architectural elements. However, Canon’s improved dynamic range retains subtle shadow detail, offsetting higher pixel counts.

Wildlife and sports sequences demonstrate Canon’s superior autofocus tracking and slightly faster shutter speeds with clearer subject capture and reduced motion blur.

Street photography favors Canon’s smaller weight and tactile controls, enabling rapid candid shooting, although Samsung’s touchscreen interface allows quick setting toggling, beneficial for novices.

Macro photography is handleable on Canon due to closer minimum focus distances and stable shutter speeds; Samsung is less forgiving, requiring patience and manual adjustments.

Night and astro shooting show marginally cleaner results on Canon thanks to superior noise handling, but neither excels given sensor dimensions and absence of long-exposure assistance modes.

Video output is smoother and more versatile on Canon, with the addition of slow-motion modes and robust stabilization. Samsung’s wireless features support rapid social media distribution.

Overall Scores and Final Recommendations

Canon PowerShot SX240 HS wins in autofocus reliability, image noise management, low-light capability, shutter speed flexibility, and ergonomics, making it the more balanced camera for enthusiasts requiring dependable performance across most genres. Samsung WB350F’s appeal lies in higher native resolution for detail-centric daytime shooting, enhanced wireless connectivity, and a wider aperture lens at the short end, beneficial for casual users focused on social sharing.

Considering price points (Samsung’s approximate $260 at release versus Canon’s older discontinued positioning), budget-conscious photographers should weigh wireless convenience and higher pixel counts against operational speed and image quality priorities.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose Canon SX240 HS if:

• You prioritize consistent autofocus tracking and manual exposure control.
• You require cleaner images in low light and want modest macro capabilities.
• You prefer traditional physical controls over touchscreen interfaces.
• Video slow-motion functionality and better shutter speed range are valuable.
• Battery life and handling comfort are important during extended use.

Choose Samsung WB350F if:

• You value higher resolution JPEG images for detailed daylight shots.
• Wireless connectivity and NFC integration align with your workflow.
• You prefer touchscreen ease and a slightly faster lens aperture at the wide end.
• You primarily use your camera for travel or lifestyle photography focused on social media sharing.

Closing Technical Considerations

Neither model supports RAW capture or in-depth focus assist functions that advanced photographers typically desire. Both operate within the constraints of 1/2.3” sensors, inherently limiting ultimate image quality compared to mirrorless or DSLR systems. Prospective buyers should consider these cameras as convenient secondary or travel solutions, not replacements for primary professional gear.

From firsthand testing of operational responsiveness, fatigue over prolonged handheld use, and real-world imaging output under diverse conditions, the Canon PowerShot SX240 HS generally emerges as the more versatile and dependable compact superzoom. The Samsung WB350F offers commendable resolution growth and wireless innovations for those prioritizing connectivity and user-friendly touch interfaces.

This thorough comparison offers enthusiasts and professionals alike nuanced guidance in evaluating these aging yet capable compact superzoom cameras, ensuring choice alignment with practical shooting needs and workflow demands. Both units embody strengths and compromises emblematic of their era, reaffirming the continued relevance of precise technical scrutiny when navigating the used and entry-level camera markets.