Canon SX420 IS vs Samsung TL500

Canon SX420 IS vs Samsung TL500: The Bridge Zoom Contender Meets the Compact Powerhouse

When we look at cameras from the mid-2010s era, it’s fascinating how different manufacturers targeted varying segments with distinctive philosophies. The Canon PowerShot SX420 IS and Samsung TL500 (also known as EX1), though both small-sensor devices, cater to quite different needs and styles. Over numerous hands-on tests and side-by-side comparisons, I’ve developed a comprehensive sense of where each shines and where compromises lurk. Today, I’m breaking down these two for photographers who want a well-rounded understanding - whether you’re a casual shooter, enthusiast, or seasoned professional wanting a pocket-friendly backup.

Let’s dive deep and draw out the nuances between this 2016 Canon superzoom bridge and the 2010 Samsung compact bright-lens champion.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling - The Physical Feel Matters

Starting with how the cameras sit in your hands, which dramatically affects shooting comfort and steadiness especially in prolonged sessions:

The Canon SX420 IS embraces the classic bridge camera design with an SLR-like body, measuring 104mm wide, 69mm tall, and 85mm deep at 325 grams. It offers a firm grip, suitable for users preferring a DSLR-style feel without changing lenses. Its heft and contouring lend it a reassuringly steady hold, even with the 42× zoom lens extended. The downside? Due to its form factor and the absence of a viewfinder, eye-level shooting isn’t possible, pushing reliance on the LCD screen which can be limiting in bright outdoor scenarios.

The Samsung TL500 moves in the opposite direction - a clean, compact design at 114mm width, 63mm height, and 29mm depth weighing in at 386 grams. This comparatively slim profile feels more like an advanced compact camera, easy to slip into a coat pocket, yet surprisingly chunkier than many compacts given its solid metal build. Its fully articulated 3-inch screen adds creative shooting angles but the smaller grip can challenge stability, especially with the longer end of the zoom range being just 3× compared to Canon’s 42×.

In practical use, the larger Canon SX420 IS suits photographers prioritizing steady, extended handling - think wildlife or sports where you hang onto the camera for multiple minutes of burst shooting. Samsung’s TL500 offers portability and build quality that shines on travel or street photo outings where discretion and light weight are key.

Design Language and Control Layout: Ease Meets Functionality

Controls make or break quick-access shooting. My tests reveal the Canon SX420 IS sports a traditional top-plate design with logical placement of zoom toggle, mode dial, and shutter button. A dedicated playback button and directional pad round out essential menus. However, expect limited manual control modes - the camera doesn’t provide aperture or shutter priority, or even manual exposure options. It’s clearly built for auto or semi-auto shooters.

Conversely, the Samsung TL500 impresses with a clean top view but adds important shooting flexibility: it supports manual exposure, shutter priority, and aperture priority via traditional dials and buttons. The TL500 also equips a programmable function button and a dedicated exposure compensation dial - features enthusiast photographers will appreciate.

In sum, if you want fine-grained control over exposure, the TL500 is the clear winner. The Canon feels more point-and-shoot with extended zoom range.

Sensor and Image Quality - The Heart of the Matter

Underpinning every shot is the sensor and image processor - Canon relies on a 1/2.3-inch 20MP CCD sensor paired with DIGIC 4+, while Samsung uses a larger 1/1.7-inch 10MP CCD sensor.

While the Canon’s higher nominal resolution might sound enticing, sensor size and technology experience are critical. The Samsung’s larger sensor surface area of 41.52mm² vs Canon’s 28.07mm² means bigger photosites capable of capturing more light and dynamic range - a crucial advantage in low-light and high-contrast scenes.

The Samsung TL500’s image quality consistently produces richer colors and better shadow detail, as reflected in DxO’s color depth of 19.2 bits and dynamic range of 11.1 EVs, compared to the Canon’s untested but generally middling performance in that spec class. Canon’s maximum ISO 1600 tops out lower in practical usability due to elevated noise at higher ISOs, whereas Samsung allows a max ISO of 3200, giving it an edge in night and indoor shooting with better noise control.

In real-world shooting, I observed Samsung TL500’s files retain finer detail and smoother gradients, especially evident in raw files (TL500 supports raw, Canon does not). The Canon’s 42× zoom, while impressive in reach, clearly shows the small sensor limits the quality of long-range shots with noise and softness creeping in.

Viewing and Interface: Screen Quality and Usability

Neither camera is equipped with an electronic viewfinder, so the rear LCD is your window to the framing world. Here Samsung pulls slightly ahead.

The Canon SX420 IS has a fixed 3-inch screen with 230K dots resolution. It’s decent for composing and reviewing images but feels somewhat coarse and dim, a challenge when shooting in bright sunlight.

Samsung’s TL500 features a 3-inch fully articulated screen sporting 614K dots - a marked clarity difference that enhances manual focus precision and menu navigation. The articulating mechanism is a boon for low or high-angle compositions, embracing creative flexibility.

While neither has touchscreen functionality, the TL500’s crisp, articulated LCD elevates user interaction notably above the Canon.

Image Gallery: Real-World Results from Both Cameras

Let’s get visual. I took both cameras to a variety of shooting environments - from bright daylight landscapes to macro close-ups and indoor portraits.

Canon SX420 IS front Canon SX420 IS screen back Samsung TL500 screen back

The Canon SX420 IS’s strength is evident in daylight wildlife shots where the 42× zoom pulls distant subjects close, though sharpness and detail drop noticeably toward the long end. Colors tend toward cooler tones but remain acceptable for casual use.

Samsung TL500 shines in portrait and macro realms where the fast 1.8-2.4 aperture and better sensor enable beautiful subject isolation and pleasing bokeh. Images show excellent color rendition and contrast, albeit limited zoom impacts reach.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and User Control

Despite being entry-level, both cameras offer autofocus, but their capabilities differ sharply.

The Canon SX420 IS employs contrast-detection AF with face detection, but autofocus speed is relatively slow, evidenced by 0.5fps continuous shooting rate - far too sluggish for action or wildlife shooters relying on rapid focus tracking.

Samsung TL500 also uses contrast-detection AF but offers single-shot AF only (no continuous AF). Still, autofocus accuracy is quite good for a compact, and manual focus support is solid with focus peaking that helps nail critical sharpness in macro or landscape.

Neither provides phase detection nor advanced tracking modes found in recent mirrorless or DSLR cameras, but the TL500’s manual options coupled with fast lens aperture make it the better choice technically for focus precision.

Build Quality and Durability: Everyday Robustness

Both cameras share plastic and metal construction without weather sealing or ruggedization features - the Canon’s bridge-style design feels slightly more robust, while the Samsung’s compact metal body impresses with solid build despite its smaller dimensions.

Neither offers waterproofing or freezeproofing, so neither is suitable for harsh conditions. For casual travel or street photography, both suffice but handle with care.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility vs Optical Quality

Canon’s SX420 IS boasts a staggering 24-1008mm (42×) zoom range, a massive reach for any enthusiast bridge camera. It’s perfect for birders or travelers who want a single-lens solution to bring distant subjects close without carry extra gear.

On the flip side, Samsung TL500’s lens covers 24-72mm (3× zoom) but with a brighter aperture of f/1.8-2.4. This translates into superior low-light shooting, beautiful shallow depth-of-field, and sharp optics. The TL500’s lens is famed for high sharpness and control, outperforming typical compact zooms.

The tradeoff: Canon’s lens flexibility vs Samsung’s optical quality. For telephoto enthusiasts, Canon’s range is a clear win; for image quality purists, Samsung’s glass is significantly better.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

The Canon uses the NB-11LH battery providing around 195 shots per charge - a modest count but typical for bridge cameras at this price point.

Samsung’s official battery life is less well documented but is roughly comparable. Both cameras rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with the Canon supporting only SD cards and Samsung adding the option of internal storage (minimal capacity).

Neither camera offers USB charging or extensive wireless connectivity beyond Canon’s built-in Wi-Fi and NFC (Samsung lacks wireless altogether).

Video Capabilities: Modest, but Enough for Casual Users

Neither camera will impress videographers. Canon SX420 IS captures 720p HD video at 25fps, while Samsung TL500 limits video to 640x480 VGA at 30fps - both clearly consumer-grade specs.

Neither supports 4K, microphone ports, or advanced video features. Optical stabilization is present in both, aiding handheld shooting to a degree.

If video is a high priority, neither camera is recommended - this is pure stills territory.

Overall Performance Scores and User Recommendations

I consolidated detailed test scores based on lab and field testing of sensor responsiveness, autofocus, image quality, zoom versatility, and ergonomics.

The Canon SX420 IS scores well on zoom reach and handling comfort but falters on sensor performance and autofocus responsiveness.

Samsung TL500 excels on sensor quality, lens brightness, and manual control but is limited by lower zoom and dated video specs.

Looking at genre-specific performance:

• Portraits: Samsung TL500’s bright lens and raw support create flattering skin tones and pleasing background separation.
• Landscape: Samsung edges ahead with wider dynamic range and better detail; Canon’s longer zoom is less useful here.
• Wildlife: Canon’s 42× zoom dominates but autofocus sluggishness limits usability on active subjects.
• Sports: Both struggle moderately, but Canon’s continuous AF offers a tiny advantage.
• Street: Samsung’s size, quiet operation, and manual control make it the preferred choice.
• Macro: Samsung’s lens and accurate focusing take the lead.
• Night/Astro: Samsung’s larger sensor and higher ISO capability shine.
• Video: Neither camera is ideal, but Canon’s HD capture beats Samsung’s VGA.
• Travel: Samsung scores well on portability and optical quality; Canon’s zoom matches well for distant subjects.
• Professional: Neither camera fulfills professional standards due to sensor size and lack of advanced controls.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Fits Your Photographer’s Personality?

After months of testing these cameras in a variety of real-world settings, my recommendation hinges on your primary photographic interest.

Choose the Canon SX420 IS if:

• You crave extraordinary zoom reach for birds, distant landscapes, or events.
• You prioritize ergonomic comfort with an SLR-like body.
• You prefer an easy, largely automatic shooting experience.
• Video is a secondary concern, and you want simple HD capture.
• Your budget leans toward an entry-level superzoom around $300.

Choose the Samsung TL500 if:

• You value image quality, excellent build, and manual control.
• You enjoy shooting portraits, street photography, and macro work.
• Portability and discretion are important.
• You want RAW file support and better high-ISO noise performance.
• You’re willing to trade off superzoom reach for optical excellence.
• Your budget allows for a circa $500 advanced compact.

Reflecting on Camera Evolution and Legacy

Just a decade ago, cameras like the Samsung EX1/TL500 represented the pinnacle of compact camera artistry, blending aperture-speedy lenses with larger-than-average sensors. The Canon SX420 IS fits a different niche in the bridge camera lineage, aiming at the superzoom enthusiast in 2016 trying to capture everything from landscapes to wildlife without swapping lenses.

Both cameras now feel somewhat dated against modern mirrorless systems, but their unique strengths remain instructive for anyone weighing sensor size against zoom reach and manual control versus automatic ease.

Selecting either is a conscious choice about priorities - ultimate zoom versus ultimate image fidelity and control. Whichever path you take, understanding these nuances will serve your photography well.

This concludes my comparative review of the Canon PowerShot SX420 IS and Samsung TL500. I hope it helps you decide which camera fits your style and shooting needs better. Happy shooting!