Canon SX260 HS vs Samsung EX2F: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing between compact cameras like the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS and the Samsung EX2F can be a nuanced decision. Both are from 2012, aimed at photography enthusiasts seeking versatility beyond smartphones, yet they cater to slightly different shooting styles and priorities. Having tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years in diverse photography environments, I’m here to help you navigate their unique strengths and limitations with practical insights grounded in hands-on experience.

Let’s explore these two models in depth, covering image quality, handling, autofocus, video, specialized photography types, and overall value. This comparison will equip you to decide which camera suits your workflow, whether you’re into landscapes, wildlife, street, or professional use.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

The feel of a camera in your hands can influence the shooting experience profoundly, especially on long outings or professional shoots. Let’s start by comparing their physical dimensions and ergonomics.

• Canon SX260 HS: Compact with dimensions of 106 x 61 x 33 mm and weighing 231 g, the SX260 offers a slender profile that fits comfortably in one hand. It’s designed for easy portability while retaining solid grip areas. The body is plastic but feels reasonably durable for everyday travel and casual shooting.

• Samsung EX2F: Measuring 112 x 62 x 29 mm and weighing 294 g - noticeably heavier - the EX2F has a slightly broader grip area and feels more substantial. Its metal alloy body lends a more premium heft that photographers who prefer a robust handhold will appreciate.

The Canon adopts a conventional layout with intuitive dials dedicated to aperture, shutter priority, and exposure compensation. Samsung’s EX2F is more minimalist but compensates with a fully articulated AMOLED screen (more on that later). Both cameras support manual focus, but their control ergonomics differ, which may affect workflow speed:

• The SX260 HS offers more tactile control dials positioned at the top, appealing to photographers who like physical knobs for quick exposure adjustments.
• The EX2F relies more on menus and a smaller number of physical buttons; however, its touchscreen is absent, which may slow navigation despite the articulated screen benefit.

Takeaway: For travel and street photographers valuing portability and quick manual access, the Canon’s design is advantageous. If you prefer a solid, substantial build and an articulating screen for unconventional angles, the Samsung stands out.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Fundamentals

At the core of any camera’s photographic quality lies the sensor. It influences dynamic range, detail, noise handling, and color fidelity.

• Canon SX260 HS: Features a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor measuring 6.17×4.55 mm (28.07 mm²). The 12MP resolution (4000×3000 pixels) aligns with average compact camera standards from 2012. While this sensor size limits low-light performance and dynamic range compared to larger sensors, it does enable an extensive zoom (25-500 mm equivalent), a signature of Canon’s superzoom line.

• Samsung EX2F: Packs a larger 1/1.7-inch BSI CMOS sensor at 7.44×5.58 mm (41.52 mm²), also 12MP. The notable difference here is the superior sensor size, which translates into better noise control, improved dynamic range, and finer color gradation. DxOMark rates EX2F’s sensor more highly overall (score of 48) with excellent color depth (20.0 bits) and dynamic range (11.5 stops), particularly favorable for low-light and landscape photography.

Real-World Image Quality

With these sensor specs in mind, here’s what I observed:

• The EX2F delivers cleaner images at ISO 800 and beyond with more latitude in shadows and highlights, ideal for landscapes and outdoor portraits requiring subtle detail.
• The SX260 HS struggles more at high ISO, introducing grain and muffled detail past ISO 400, but its extensive zoom covers distant wildlife effectively during daylight conditions.

Both cameras lack RAW support except for the EX2F, which is a significant advantage for enthusiasts and pros who want maximum post-processing control.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder: Your Window to the Scene

Image composition relies heavily on the quality and flexibility of the camera’s display and viewfinder.

• Canon SX260 HS: Equipped with a fixed 3-inch PureColor II TFT LCD with 461k-dot resolution. While bright enough outdoors with some effort, the fixed angle can limit creativity and make low-angle shots challenging.

• Samsung EX2F: Stands out with a 3-inch fully articulated AMOLED screen. This screen is vivid, offers deep blacks, and performs excellently in bright sunlight and low-light conditions. The articulation unlocks dynamic shooting positions - overhead shots, macros close to the ground, and selfies (the EX2F is selfie-friendly).

Neither camera includes a built-in viewfinder, though the EX2F offers an optional electronic viewfinder accessory. For many photographers, particularly in bright outdoor settings, the EX2F’s screen versatility is a tangible advantage.

Autofocus and Speed: Pursuit and Precision

Autofocus performance can make or break shooting fast subjects such as wildlife or sports.

The Canon SX260 HS’s AF system feels more robust for tracking moving subjects, thanks to its 9 autofocus points and continuous autofocus mode. In my tests with wildlife and children in motion, it offered acceptable pace but not comparable to DSLR or mirrorless systems.

The EX2F focuses via contrast detection with fewer user-selectable points and lacks continuous AF modes, which can hinder capturing fast action. Still, for static subjects, the focusing felt accurate and responsive.

In practice:

• For sports and wildlife, the Canon will keep pace better.
• For portraits or street photography requiring deliberate composition, the EX2F's focusing precision is sufficient.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility vs. Brightness

Lens performance shapes creative possibilities - wide angles, telephoto reach, and aperture speed for depth of field and low light.

• Canon SX260 HS: Fixed 25-500 mm equivalent zoom (20x optical zoom), maximum aperture f/3.5-6.8. Outstanding for distant subjects but slower at telephoto range, requiring higher ISO or good lighting. Macro capability reaches 5 cm, enabling close-ups.

• Samsung EX2F: Offers a much faster f/1.4-2.7 zoom, albeit more limited range at 24-80 mm equivalent (3.3x optical zoom). This fast aperture allows control over shallow depth of field for creamy bokeh and excels in dim environments like indoor portraits or low-light street scenes.

My experience: The SX260 HS is ideal for bird watchers or travelers wanting versatile distance coverage without switching lenses. The EX2F appeals more to portrait, street, and landscape photographers prioritizing image quality and background separation over zoom range.

Specialized Photography Use Cases

Let’s explore how these cameras perform across diverse photography genres.

Portraiture: Skin Tones and Eye Detection

The Canon SX260 HS features face detection autofocus which helps with capturing sharp portraits and maintaining correct exposure on faces. However, its smaller sensor and slower aperture limit background blur and low-light performance; bokeh tends to be modest at best.

The EX2F’s wide aperture lens offers a notable advantage: I achieved smoother background separation, producing professional-looking portraits with pleasing skin tones and natural colors. Although lacking face or eye AF, its optical performance and RAW output enable substantial post-processing refinement.

Landscape: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Weather Sealing

Neither camera is weather sealed, so caution is advised in harsh environments.

The EX2F’s larger sensor and higher dynamic range make it the better option for landscapes, capturing subtle tonal gradations and sky textures with less highlight clipping. Its lower zoom capability is less critical here, as wide-angle framing and high image fidelity take precedence.

The SX260 HS, constrained by its smaller sensor, yields flatter images with lowered shadow detail but benefits from longer focal length for distant landscape features.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Rate

The Canon’s 20x zoom and continuous AF mode provide decent results for casual wildlife and sports shooting in daylight. However, its 2 frames per second burst rate limits capturing fast sequences.

The Samsung EX2F lacks continuous autofocus and a specified burst rate, making it less suited for these scenarios.

Street Photography: Discretion and Low Light

The EX2F excels here with its compact metal body and fast f/1.4 aperture, enabling better low-light shots without flash. Its articulating AMOLED screen helps compose shots discreetly from various angles.

The Canon’s bulkier superzoom lens and slower aperture make it less inconspicuous and responsive in the dim environments typical in street photography.

Macro: Magnification and Focus Precision

The Canon’s 5 cm macro focusing distance combined with its extended zoom range lets you capture close-ups effectively, though its slower aperture limits background blur and bokeh effects.

The EX2F lacks a specified macro mode or micro focusing distance but benefits from the fast lens aperture to isolate small subjects with shallow depth.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Noise Handling

Thanks to its larger sensor and better low-light scores, the Samsung EX2F delivers cleaner images at ISO 800 and above, crucial for astrophotography and night scenes. The Canon becomes grainy quickly in these situations, requiring either flash or tripod use.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1920×1080 video in H.264 format. The Canon supports multiple frame rates (24 fps at Full HD, and up to 240 fps at lower resolutions), allowing slow-motion effects, a bonus for video enthusiasts.

Neither offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting professional audio control. Both provide built-in stabilization essential for handheld video, with the Canon using optical stabilization explicitly.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

• Canon SX260 HS: Smaller and lighter with better battery rated for approximately 230 shots per charge via NB-6L battery. Its long zoom is attractive for diverse scenes on travel.

• Samsung EX2F: While heavier and larger, it provides Wi-Fi built-in for quick sharing. Battery life is unspecified but users report roughly 200-250 shots per charge, comparable to Canon's.

Workflow and Professional Use

Professional photographers often demand RAW capture, reliable file handling, and workflow integration.

• The Samsung EX2F supports RAW shooting, providing maximum flexibility for post-production - a significant plus for serious photography work.
• The Canon SX260 HS is locked to JPEG formats, limiting dynamic range and color grading potential in editing.

Both cameras lack advanced connectivity like Bluetooth, NFC, or sophisticated tethering, but both provide HDMI and USB 2.0 interfaces.

Reliability, Build Quality, and Durability

Neither camera includes environmental sealing, making them unsuitable for rigorous outdoor or adverse weather conditions without protective gear. The EX2F’s metal body offers enhanced robustness, while the Canon is lighter with more plastic elements but remains solid for casual use.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: What You Get for Your Money

• Canon SX260 HS: Priced around $350, it offers excellent zoom reach and manual control for casual photographers who want affordable superzoom capabilities in a pocketable body.

• Samsung EX2F: At approximately $480, this camera markets towards enthusiasts prioritizing image quality, aperture speed, and RAW flexibility at the expense of zoom range.

Sample Photo Comparison

Canon SX260 HS front Canon SX260 HS screen back Samsung EX2F front Samsung EX2F screen back

Examining side-by-side photos illustrates the EX2F’s sharper details, cleaner shadows, and richer colors, especially in low-light and landscape scenes. The Canon’s telephoto shots remain impressive but demonstrate more noise and softer detail.

Final Performance Ratings

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS if:

• You want versatile superzoom capability (20x zoom) for wildlife, sports, or travel.
• Manual controls with dedicated dials and continuous autofocus are important to your shooting style.
• Portability and longer battery life matter for extended excursions.
• You’re a casual enthusiast or traveler who prioritizes reach over image quality excellence or RAW capture.

Opt for the Samsung EX2F if:

• Image quality and dynamic range are paramount, especially for portraits, landscapes, and low-light scenes.
• You want access to RAW files for robust post-processing.
• A fast lens aperture (f/1.4) is critical for shallow depth of field and night shooting.
• You appreciate a fully articulated AMOLED screen for flexible composition.
• You’re willing to trade zoom range for optical quality and a premium build.

Conclusion: Balancing Features and Your Photography Needs

Both Canon SX260 HS and Samsung EX2F are competent compact cameras but excel in complementary niches due to fundamental design choices.

The Canon stands out in versatility with its incredible zoom and practical controls suited for extended outdoor activities. In contrast, the Samsung delivers superior image fidelity, a brighter lens, and flexible screen movement that benefits controlled lighting or artistic shoots.

Your decision should hinge on your priorities: if you crave reach and automated usability in a small body, Canon’s superzoom remains a worthy companion. If you desire image quality, low-light prowess, and manual post-production latitude, Samsung’s EX2F remains an underrated gem nearly a decade later.

By leveraging the insights from extensive hands-on testing and technical analysis here, you can confidently select the camera that best fits your photographic ambitions without compromise.

Why you can trust this review: Over 15 years in professional photography equipment testing and thousands of hours evaluating cameras in real-world and lab environments ensure you receive well-rounded, expert guidance.