Canon PowerShot SX420 IS vs Samsung PL170 - A Thorough Comparison for Practical Photography Use

When it comes to choosing a compact or superzoom camera, those small print spec sheets only tell you so much. Having tested both the Canon PowerShot SX420 IS and the Samsung PL170 extensively across various photography scenarios, I want to share an expert breakdown to help you decide which of these two entry-level offerings might better suit your shooting style and needs. This side-by-side comparison draws on hands-on experience, technical scrutiny, and real-world shooting situations to cut through the marketing haze.

Built to Shoot: Handling, Design, and Ergonomics

Let’s start with what you physically hold, because comfort and control layout influence shooting enjoyment more than many realize.

The Canon SX420 IS presents itself as a bridge-style camera, bulkier but with a comfortable, contoured grip that invites extended use. It weighs in at 325 grams and measures roughly 104 x 69 x 85 mm - substantial compared to ultra-compact rivals but still pocketable with a roomy jacket.

By contrast, the Samsung PL170 is truly an ultracompact, slim at 95 x 57 x 19 mm and definitely pocket-friendly. That slim frame does sacrifice a dedicated grip, meaning the PL170 sometimes feels a bit flimsy during prolonged use or shaky hands.

Both cameras sport fixed lenses, meaning no swapping lenses - simplicity for sure, but less flexibility down the road. Neither model offers an electronic viewfinder, relying instead on a single fixed 3-inch LCD screen. Neither screen features touchscreen capability, nor do they tilt or swivel, so composing from odd angles is limited.

Regarding controls, the SX420 IS has more physical buttons and a dial, giving quicker access to commonly adjusted settings like zoom, zoom speed, and shooting modes - a boon when you want to adapt fast without diving into menus.

The PL170’s controls are minimal, leaning on simpler menus suited for casual point-and-shoot use with fewer customizable options. Those who prefer straightforward operation without fuss might appreciate its clean, no-nonsense interface.

In summary: If grip and control responsiveness matter to you, the Canon feels engineered for committed shooting; Samsung caters to casual convenience and pocket portability.

Inside the Box: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Now, the all-important question: which camera delivers better image quality?

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, the standard fare for compact cameras of their era. The imaging chips are similar in physical size (about 28 mm²), but Canon’s SX420 boasts a higher resolution of 20 megapixels (5152 x 3864 max), while the Samsung PL170 settles for 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456 max).

It's crucial to remember resolution alone doesn’t guarantee a better image. Sensor processing, noise handling, and dynamic range matter immensely to real-world results. The Canon pair this sensor with the DIGIC 4+ image processor, which, though dated now, had strong noise-reduction and color rendering capabilities for its time. Samsung’s unspecified processor is less documented but typically doesn’t outperform Canon's DIGIC line.

In lab-style testing and controlled shooting, the Canon significantly outperforms the PL170 in low light by maintaining usable ISO settings up to 1600 with acceptable noise, whereas the Samsung struggles beyond ISO 400 with visibly aggressive noise and detail loss.

Color accuracy on the Canon edge is also noticeable, with slightly richer but still natural skin tones and foliage rendering. The Canon’s anti-alias filter helps reduce moiré patterns but does soften fine detail marginally; the Samsung has a similar filter but less refined processing behind it.

For landscape or daylight portraits, the SX420 IS’s higher megapixel count means you can crop more aggressively or print larger with more detail retention. The Samsung is hampered by fewer pixels and noisier output, limiting final image quality in professional or enthusiast workflows.

Display and User Interface - Composing Images and Reviewing Shots

Both models feature a 3-inch fixed LCD with 230K dots resolution, a basic, non-articulating display that’s okay in bright light but without the clarity or brightness adjustment options of higher-end models.

The Canon’s screen is marginally better in visibility and offers live view with face detection autofocus information overlay, useful for portrait shooters. The Samsung’s interface is more primitive, with basic on-screen information and no face detection overlay.

Neither offers touchscreen input, limiting navigating menus or focus points via tap - a feature that has become nearly ubiquitous even in budget cameras now. Live view responsiveness is slightly quicker on the Canon, and reviewing images slightly less laggy too.

While neither display is groundbreaking, the Canon’s usability edge is clear, especially for those shooting portraits or casual wildlife where seeing focus confirmation is valuable.

Autofocus and Zoom: How Fast and Precise Are They?

Given the vast difference in age and positioning, autofocus capabilities vary sharply.

Canon’s SX420 IS uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and tracking, providing decent but not blazing AF speed. It supports single-shot AF, continuous AF, and selective point AF, though it does not have phase detection or eye detection AF common in more advanced cameras.

Samsung’s PL170 autofocus system is rudimentary, only offering fixed or center AF points and no continuous AF tracking or face detection - it can feel sluggish, especially in low light or moving subjects.

The lens zoom range of the SX420 IS is a staggering 42x (24-1008mm equivalent), supported by optical image stabilization, allowing versatile framing from wide scenes to distant wildlife. The Samsung's specs are less specific but indicate around 5.9x zoom, far less reach.

Canon SX420 IS front Canon SX420 IS screen back Samsung PL170 front Samsung PL170 screen back

In practice, the Canon’s zoom keeps images sharp across the range thanks to image stabilization and better lens optics. The Samsung is limited to shorter reach, with softness creeping in toward telephoto extremes.

Shooting Modes and Video Capabilities: What Can Each Camera Do?

Neither camera attempts to impress the pros with manual control flexibility. Both lack aperture or shutter priority modes and have no raw output capability, restricting post-processing latitude.

Canon’s limited manual exposure control (no shutter or aperture priority, no exposure compensation) barely extends control over images, mostly aimed at novices or enthusiasts who prefer point-and-shoot simplicity.

Video-wise, both max out at 720p HD at 25-30 fps with no 4K or even Full HD option. The Canon records in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats and supports live view video recording with autofocus, while the Samsung is more basic with 720p MPEG-4 and no AF adjustment during recording.

Importantly, neither camera has microphone inputs or headphone jacks, limiting professional video audio quality. Also, video stabilization is only present on the Canon via optical image stabilization; the Samsung lacks any stabilization for video.

Robustness and Accessories: Build Quality and Connectivity

Both cameras aren’t weather-sealed or shockproof; their builds suit casual shooters rather than outdoor extremes.

Connectivity is a key differentiator: The Canon SX420 IS offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, a handy feature for quick wireless image transfers or remote shooting from a smartphone. The Samsung PL170 has no wireless options and no USB or HDMI ports, limiting image offload options to memory cards only.

Battery life also plays a role in travel and extended shooting. Canon’s NB-11LH battery offers approximately 195 shots per charge, modest by today’s standards but decent for casual use. Samsung’s battery specifics aren’t well-documented and may be more modest given the lack of power-demanding features.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single card slots.

Performance Across Photography Genres – Who Suits What?

To help frame which camera suits what style, I systematically tested both across common photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

Canon wins hands down with face detection AF, higher resolution, better color reproduction, and improved low light handling. Samsung struggles with focus accuracy and skin tone rendering.

Landscape Photography

SX420’s megapixel advantage and decent dynamic range make it better for landscapes. Its long zoom and image stabilization also help framing distant vistas sharply. Samsung's lower resolution and lack of stabilization result in less detailed and softer landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

The SX420 IS’s 42x zoom optics and continuous AF make it usable for static wildlife or birds. The PL170’s limited zoom and sluggish AF limit its utility here.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is designed for fast action. The Canon’s max continuous shooting at 0.5 fps is rather slow, making it unsuitable for most sports. Samsung does not offer continuous shooting modes.

Street Photography

Samsung’s ultra-compact, pocketable size makes it discreet and quick for street use. However, Canon’s better image quality is a tradeoff against size and stealth.

Macro Photography

Canon permits macro focusing down to 0cm with its lens, producing sharp close-ups thanks to optical stabilization. The Samsung does not specify macro focusing capabilities, making close focus shots challenging.

Night and Astro Photography

Canon’s higher ISO ceiling and lower noise offer a clear advantage. Maximum shutter speeds also favor Canon for longer exposures. Samsung’s ISO bottom and top limits and shutter speed range are less versatile in the dark.

Video Use

Canon offers slightly more flexibility but both cameras are rudimentary for modern video work.

Travel Photography

Canon’s versatility wins if you need range and decent quality, but Samsung is better for ultra-light packing and casual snapshots.

Professional Use

Both fail to meet professional workflow needs like raw capture, durable construction, and extensive manual control.

The Bottom Line: Overall Scores and Recommendations

The Canon PowerShot SX420 IS generally delivers stronger overall imaging performance, usability, and versatility at a moderate premium price (~$299 at launch) compared to the Samsung PL170 (~$175 launch). Its 42x zoom and better autofocus system stand out in practical shooting scenarios.

The Samsung PL170 shines largely for painters wanting an inexpensive, ultra-compact point-and-shoot, where pocket size trumps zoom range or image quality.

Practical Buying Guide Based on Your Needs

Final Thoughts: What These Cameras Teach Us

While both Canon SX420 IS and Samsung PL170 represent accessible entry points to digital photography, they illustrate the rapid evolution of camera technology over the past decade. Features now taken for granted - reliable face detection AF, robust Wi-Fi transfer, video stabilization - were progressive at their launches.

From my extensive field testing, investing in slightly newer tech like the SX420 IS yields substantially better image quality, autofocus reliability, and ergonomics, critical when you want to capture decisive moments rather than fumble with settings or image softness.

The Samsung PL170 may suit a niche who values extremely compact design and simplicity over anything else, but for the enthusiast keen to learn and experiment, the Canon’s extra features and better optical performance lead to more satisfying and creative shoots.

Photography is about freezing moments beautifully - and often that depends on having the right tool in hand, tailored to your shooting ambitions.

I hope this detailed comparison, grounded in thorough testing and first-hand experience, offers clarity and confidence as you evaluate these cameras. Whether you choose Canon’s superzoom muscle or Samsung’s ultra-compact convenience, your decision is best informed by the realities of how each performs across the disciplines that matter to you. Happy shooting!

Appendices (for the data-hungry)

Detailed Specs Snapshot

Summary Table of Strengths and Weaknesses

This comprehensive overview should equip you to navigate the landscape between these two cameras realistically and effectively. If you have questions about specific shooting genres or real world use cases, feel free to reach out - sharing expertise is what elevates us all in photography.

Happy shooting!