Canon SX520 HS vs Samsung WB750

Choosing between compact superzoom cameras can be challenging, especially when evaluating models like the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and the Samsung WB750. Both cameras position themselves as versatile travel-friendly options with long zoom ranges, yet they offer different features and performance characteristics that suit various photography styles and user demands. Drawing from extensive hands-on testing and technical knowledge, this comparison breaks down everything you need to know. By the end, you’ll be confident which model aligns best with your creative ambitions and practical needs.

Getting Acquainted: Canon SX520 HS vs Samsung WB750 in Your Hands

Before delving deep into specs and imaging prowess, consider how the cameras feel and handle. Ergonomics often determine comfort and shooting ease in the field.

Both cameras are compact superzooms designed for portability, but their builds differ significantly. The Canon SX520 HS is noticeably bulkier and heavier at 441 grams, while the Samsung WB750 weighs just 193 grams - a remarkable difference almost down to half the weight.

Physically, the Canon measures 120x82x92 mm, substantially thicker and taller than Samsung’s 105x59x25 mm profile. This heft adds to sturdiness and arguably better grip, especially for users with larger hands or those who frequently shoot longer focal lengths. Its rubberized grip and thoughtfully placed buttons contribute to comfortable handling during extended shooting.

Samsung, by contrast, embraces ultra-compact discretion ideal for street photography and casual travel. While smaller in size, it can feel a little cramped in hand and less stable at maximum zoom unless supported properly. However, its lightweight design makes it easy to carry all day and won't draw too much attention in candid shooting situations.

For those prioritizing comfort and confident handling over ultralight portability, the Canon SX520 HS is the clear winner here.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive Shooting Experiences

True shooting ease extends beyond size - it’s about how the cameras’ controls and interfaces accommodate your style.

Let’s take a look from above:

Canon impresses with a traditional SLR-like layout featuring a mode dial, dedicated exposure compensation button, zoom rocker centered around the shutter, and access to ISO and drive mode functions on the rear. These physical controls make quick adjustments straightforward when shooting on the go without diving much into menus.

Samsung trades some control number for simplicity. It offers a mode dial, but fewer quick-access buttons. The zoom toggle surrounds the shutter, but lacks dedicated exposure compensation keys, potentially slowing manual control adjustments. However, the smaller body keeps everything reachable, which may be appealing to minimalists or beginners.

Both cameras feature fixed, non-touch, 3-inch rear LCD screens, but:

• Canon’s screen supports live view with exposure info overlays, and its menu system strikes a balance between user-friendly and detailed options.
• Samsung’s TFT color LCD provides accurate color rendition but feels dated in brightness and responsiveness.

For photographers who want tactile immediacy and fast adjustments, Canon’s ergonomics and layout offer superior usability, while Samsung suits those who prefer minimal buttons and a sleeker, less intimidating interface.

Peering Into the Sensor: The Heart of Image Quality

Both cameras employ 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensors - standard for this category - but there are notable differences in resolution and processing.

Although both share the same sensor size, Canon’s sensor offers higher resolution at 16MP compared to Samsung’s 13MP. This advantage translates to greater detail retention and cropping flexibility, important for landscape, wildlife, and sports photographers who require precision.

Canon’s DIGIC 4+ processor, mature and reliable in rendering colors and noise performance, delivers sharp images with commendable dynamic range for the sensor size. Samsung’s processing is less documented, but practical testing indicates slightly softer images and more noise in higher ISO settings.

Neither camera supports RAW - a limitation for photographers demanding extensive post-processing control. You must rely on JPEG quality and in-camera image optimization.

Bottom line: The Canon SX520 HS delivers the edge in image quality capabilities and higher resolution, beneficial for serious enthusiasts and those shooting in varied lighting conditions.

Lens and Zoom: Reach and Optical Versatility

Superzoom cameras live or die by their lens capabilities - so how do these two stack up?

Canon’s 42× zoom range dramatically outpaces Samsung’s 18×, giving fantastic reach for wildlife, sports, or distant landscape details. This zoom flexibility supports various creative opportunities, such as isolating far-off subjects or shooting in cramped spaces without losing framing control.

However, the narrower aperture at telephoto on Canon (f/6.0) means less light gathering in the long zoom range - requiring higher ISO or slower shutter speeds. Samsung maintains a slightly faster aperture (f/5.8) at telephoto, which marginally benefits low-light shooting at the long end, but its max zoom limits framing versatility.

Both cameras include optical image stabilization that significantly reduces handshake blur, crucial when shooting telephoto or in dimmer environments. The Canon’s longer zoom benefits more profoundly from stabilization.

Macro shooters might appreciate Samsung’s 5 cm minimum focus distance, enabling closer subject capture compared to Canon’s 0 cm stated macro focus - although real-world sharpness and focus speed may vary.

In practice, Canon’s lens is a clear choice for diverse, zoom-intensive photography; Samsung suits casual shooters prioritizing portability and standard superzoom length.

All About Autofocus: Speed and Precision Matter

Reliable autofocus (AF) systems contribute immensely to capturing sharp images, especially in fast-paced scenarios.

During extensive field testing, the Canon SX520 HS demonstrated faster acquisition and more consistent autofocus, especially under artificial lighting or contrast-challenged scenes. Its 9 AF points improve subject tracking slightly better than Samsung’s unspecified system.

Samsung supports continuous AF tracking but lacks the responsiveness and accuracy of the Canon's implementation, potentially frustrating in sports or wildlife photography.

Both cameras do not feature phase-detect AF - a common trade-off in compact models - and lack advanced eye detection. Thus, both require careful focus management in portraiture or subjects with shallow depth of field.

For reliable and more versatile AF, Canon grants an advantage to photographers aiming for action or dynamic subjects. Samsung meets moderate needs but at a slower pace.

Shooting Flexibility and Exposure Control

Creative control extends through exposure options, shooting modes, and continuous burst capabilities.

Canon offers full manual exposure controls, supporting seasoned photographers wanting granular adjustments - a significant plus for advanced users.

Samsung also provides manual modes, emphasizing user creativity, but its slower shutter min limit (8 seconds versus Canon’s 15) might restrict long exposure opportunities.

Interestingly, Samsung's faster continuous shooting at 10 frames per second excels in capturing moments like sports or wildlife action. However, this burst speed comes with limitations in AF and buffer depth, so usability can be scenario-dependent.

Canon’s slower 2 fps burst rate is insufficient for fast-action photography but fine for general shooting and avoiding large buffer bottlenecks.

For those prioritizing exposure flexibility and long-exposure photography, Canon feels more mature. Sports and action shooters might appreciate Samsung’s rapid shooting mode, recognizing its autofocus caveats.

Video Capabilities: Going Beyond Still Pictures

In today’s multimedia world, solid video options broaden a camera’s creative horizon.

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with standard encoding options: MPEG-4 and H.264. Neither model supports 4K or higher framerates. Basic controls like exposure adjustments and optical stabilization translate into handheld video shooting benefits.

Neither camera features microphone or headphone jacks, limiting external audio enhancements critical in professional workflows or vlogging. Also, no touchscreen or advanced video mode support constrains flexibility.

Still, the Canon delivers slightly superior video autofocus tracking during filming, resulting in smoother focus transitions compared to Samsung’s more noticeable hunting.

Both cameras are practical for casual video capture, travel vlogging, or family events but won’t satisfy videographers requiring advanced controls or cinematic quality.

Battery Life and Storage Practicalities

A frequently overlooked yet essential aspect when shooting outdoors or traveling is endurance.

Canon provides a moderate battery life suitable for casual day trips but may necessitate spare batteries on extended shoots.

Samsung’s unclear battery endurance is a downside, but in usage it tends to last fewer photos per charge than Canon, possibly due to smaller battery capacity.

Both cameras use common SD card types, offering easy and cost-effective storage management.

Weather Sealing and Build Durability

Practical shooting often demands resilience. Unfortunately, neither camera boasts weather sealing, dustproofing, or rugged build qualities. Users should treat both as gentle companions better suited to casual outdoor adventures rather than rugged environments.

This makes choosing camera bags and weather protection accessories vital for prolonged shooting outdoors.

Image Samples and In-Field Results

Understanding how a camera performs in real conditions is essential beyond specs. Here, side-by-side captured images reveal differences in sharpness, color rendition, and zoom reach.

Canon SX520 HS front Canon SX520 HS screen back Samsung WB750 screen back

• Canon’s images show richer detail at longer zooms with better clarity and natural colors.
• Samsung’s images appear softer and closer to cooler tones, with less fine detail especially visible at maximum zoom.
• Both handle JPEG processing with mild noise reduction, but Canon’s superior sensor and processing give noticeably cleaner results at ISO 800 and above.

This comparison underscores why resolution and processing matter in capturing your creative vision faithfully.

Performance Ratings and Overall Scorecard

Subjectively balanced, the two cameras stand apart in several critical categories.

These reflect our extensive examination balancing real-world usability, tech features, and performance.

Who Excels at What? Genre-Specific Insights

Your choice depends on your photography passion. Below, we break down specialty performance to guide your buying decision.

• Portrait Photography: Canon’s higher resolution and effective face detection help skin tone rendering and sharper bokeh. Samsung is adequate for casual portraits.
• Landscape Photography: Canon’s reach and resolution excel. Samsung’s limited zoom and softer detail restrict expansive landscape work.
• Wildlife Photography: Canon’s 42× zoom and assured AF tracking deliver better distant wildlife shots. Samsung’s burst rate doesn’t compensate for lens limits.
• Sports Photography: Samsung edges in burst speed but lags in AF reliability. Canon’s 2 fps may struggle in fast sequences.
• Street Photography: Samsung’s compact size and discreet profile offer advantages in candid situations; Canon’s bulkier stance may intimidate.
• Macro Photography: Samsung’s closer focus distance suits macro enthusiasts marginally better.
• Night/Astro Photography: Canon’s longer minimum shutter speeds and better noise control favor low-light shooting.
• Video: Both are entry-level with basic capabilities; Canon’s marginally better AF tracking wins here.
• Travel Photography: Samsung’s lightweight design is more travel-friendly, though Canon’s image quality compensates for size.
• Professional Work: Neither truly professional; Canon’s manual controls and image quality make it more capable for serious amateurs or secondary cameras.

Final Word: Which Camera Fits Your Vision?

Choosing between the Canon SX520 HS and Samsung WB750 boils down to priorities:

Opt for Canon SX520 HS if you:

• Want a versatile superzoom with extensive reach (42× zoom)
• Prioritize image quality with higher resolution and superior processing
• Desire manual exposure controls and reliable autofocus
• Need better handling comfort and ergonomics for longer shoots
• Plan to shoot wildlife, landscapes, portraits, or require zoom reach beyond casual use
• Value video recording with smoother autofocus transitions

Consider Samsung WB750 if you:

• Prefer an ultra-lightweight, compact camera easy for everyday carry
• Want faster burst shooting for capturing quick moments
• Shoot primarily street, travel, or casual snapshots without extensive zoom needs
• Appreciate a macro focus capability for close-up shooting
• Seek a budget-friendly option with good battery efficiency (though lower than Canon)

Practical Buying Advice and Accessories to Explore

• Test handling personally at retail stores or rental services to see which ergonomic feel suits your hand.
• For Canon users: consider ND filters and tripod mounts to extend long exposure and zoom capabilities.
• Samsung users might look at add-on lenses or cases to compensate for lens limitations.
• Both cameras benefit substantially from fast, large-capacity SD cards to improve write times.
• Carry extra batteries, especially for long trips, given moderate battery ratings.
• Consider protective pouches since neither is weather sealed.

Conclusion: Discover Your Superzoom Companion

Both Canon SX520 HS and Samsung WB750 offer accessible entry points into the world of versatile superzoom photography with distinct appeals. Canon leans toward serious, zoom-focused enthusiasts desiring greater control and image quality, while Samsung prioritizes portability and shooting speed for casual photography and travel.

Evaluate what aspects align with your creative journey, shooting style, and budget. Either way, these cameras can help you explore new photographic genres and capture moments previously out of reach with smaller zooms.

Get your chosen camera in hand, experiment with it across diverse scenarios, and enjoy the process of creating compelling images. Photography is a journey, and the right gear makes all the difference in unlocking your vision.

Happy shooting!

Note: All technical data and observations are based on comprehensive in-house testing, real-world session experience, and comparative analysis of both cameras’ feature sets.