Canon SX60 HS vs Samsung CL5: A Detailed Comparison for Serious Photographers

Choosing the right camera tailored to your creative vision and shooting style can often feel overwhelming. The Canon PowerShot SX60 HS and the Samsung CL5 (also known as PL10) represent two very different approaches to digital photography. Despite a similar price point, these cameras cater to different kinds of users and photographic needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into their design, technical aspects, real-world performance, and how they fit into various photography genres.

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’ll walk you through objective analysis alongside practical insights to help you pinpoint which model is best suited for your journey - whether you’re a budding enthusiast, avid hobbyist, or working professional.

First Impressions: Design and Ergonomics

Understanding the physical interaction with a camera is foundational. After all, your tactile comfort influences creativity and ease of use during long shoots.

The Canon SX60 HS flaunts a commanding presence - a typical bridge camera with a pronounced handgrip, a large lens barrel extending from the body, and abundant direct controls. This makes it suitable for photographers who prefer an SLR-like handling experience without investing in interchangeable lenses.

In contrast, the Samsung CL5 is practically pocketable. Its ultracompact design prioritizes portability and convenience at the cost of manual control and viewfinder presence.

Here's a visual size and ergonomic comparison to help you gauge how each might feel in your hands:

Many photographers will appreciate the tactile feedback of Canon’s well-laid-out buttons and dials visible from the top view:

Summary:

• Choose the SX60 HS if you value an immersive grip, precise manual controls, and a large viewfinder.
• Opt for the CL5 if pocketability and lightweight portability are your priorities.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core of every digital camera lies its image sensor - influencing resolution, dynamic range, noise handling, and color fidelity. These two models adopt very different sensor designs:

The Canon boasts a modern backside-illuminated CMOS sensor which excels in light gathering, particularly beneficial in low-light and high dynamic range situations. Its 16-megapixel count strikes a balance between resolution for print/enlargement and manageable file sizes.

The Samsung CL5, released several years earlier, relies on an older CCD sensor with fewer megapixels. While CCDs traditionally yield pleasing color rendition, they often suffer from higher noise at elevated ISO and lower dynamic range.

You can see a direct comparison of sensor sizes and technologies here, which influence image output quality and overall performance:

For real-world image quality, we tested both cameras across various lighting conditions and subjects. The Canon’s capacity for raw processing unlocks better post-production flexibility, particularly useful if you enjoy editing in Lightroom or Photoshop. Samsung’s JPEG-only output is more restricting and less forgiving for corrections.

Color Depth and Dynamic Range

Professional testing (DxOMark scoring) rates the Canon SX60 HS’s color depth and dynamic range notably higher than the Samsung CL5’s legacy sensor.

• Canon SX60 HS: Excellent color reproduction with 19.2 bits of color depth and solid 10 stops of dynamic range.
• Samsung CL5: Not officially tested, but typical of CCDs of its era, shows limited dynamic range and reduced latitude in color tone adjustments.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in the Moment

Autofocus (AF) is critical for capturing sharp images - especially in dynamic genres like wildlife, sports, or street photography.

Canon’s SX60 HS incorporates a more advanced contrast-based AF with multi-area tracking and face detection, enabling better subject acquisition and tracking. This yields sharper images in action sequences and reduces missed focus opportunities.

Samsung offers basic contrast autofocus with face detection but lacks continuous tracking, making it challenging to follow fast-moving subjects effectively.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Reach and Versatility

Lens capability directly affects what you can capture without sacrificing quality.

• Canon SX60 HS sports an extraordinary 65x optical zoom range (21–1365mm equivalent). This superzoom versatility lets you frame wide landscapes and zoom into distant wildlife or detail shots.
• Samsung CL5 provides a modest 3x zoom (38–114mm equivalent), suitable for general snapshots but rigid for telephoto needs.

The Canon’s larger aperture at the wide end (f/3.4) helps in low light, but the tele zoom narrows to f/6.5, limiting high ISO needs and shutter speeds. The Samsung stays in a narrower f/3.5-4.5 aperture range which, combined with the smaller zoom reach, restricts long-distance framing.

Optical image stabilization (OIS) is available only on the Canon, substantially aiding handheld shots at long focal lengths and video recording stability.

User Interface and Handling: How Intuitive Is the Experience?

Handling a camera should be natural and fast to keep you immersed in capturing moments.

The Canon’s fully articulating 3-inch LCD is sharp and flexible for shooting at unconventional angles, perfect for vloggers and macro photographers. Despite no touchscreen, button placement avoids steep learning curves.

The Samsung’s smaller, fixed screen feels cramped for reviewing shots or framing creatively. The absence of a viewfinder means eye-level shooting may be compromised in bright sunlight.

Here is a side-by-side view of their LCDs and interfaces, illustrating the usability difference:

Performance in Various Photography Genres

Let’s explore how these cameras fare in real-world shooting situations most photographers care about.

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX60 HS: Its 16MP sensor and face detection AF deliver pleasing skin tone rendering, natural bokeh thanks to the long zoom lens and ability to frame close-ups efficiently. Manual exposure modes let you control depth of field.
• Samsung CL5: Limited manual controls and smaller sensor lead to flatter portraits. Lack of selectable AF points constrains precise eye detection.

Landscape Photography

• Canon SX60 HS: Excellent dynamic range and robust 65x zoom enable incredible scenic shots. Articulating screen helps in creative compositions. However, it lacks weather sealing, so carry protection outdoors.
• Samsung CL5: Lower resolution and restricted zoom hinder landscape detail capture and framing flexibility.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon SX60 HS: The 65x zoom comes into its own here, supported by continuous AF and 6.4fps burst rates. OIS helps steady the shot at telephoto lengths.
• Samsung CL5: Short zoom makes distant subjects impossible to isolate effectively. AF and burst mode limitations restrict action capture.

Sports Photography

• Canon SX60 HS: 6.4 fps shooting with AF tracking offers decent performance for amateur sports. However, the slower telephoto aperture may impede low-light gym shoots.
• Samsung CL5: No continuous AF or burst mode; thus, unsuitable for fast-paced subjects.

Street Photography

• Canon SX60 HS: Bulkier size and weight make it less discreet for candid shots.
• Samsung CL5: Small size and quiet operation excel for unobtrusive street capturing.

Macro Photography

• Canon SX60 HS: Excellent close focusing capabilities with optical stabilization make macro work rewarding.
• Samsung CL5: Macro range begins at around 5cm but lacks stabilization, challenging sharp close-ups.

Night and Astrophotography

• Canon SX60 HS: Max native ISO 6400 with raw support facilitates noise reduction in post. Long exposure capabilities and full manual control allow creative night shots.
• Samsung CL5: Max ISO 3200 with no raw output limits recovery from high noise. Limited shutter control hinders night photography.

Video Recording

Canon is a clear winner here, delivering high-quality video with microphone input and in-body stabilization - essential for vlogging or casual filmmaking.

Travel Photography

• Canon SX60 HS: Heavy but very versatile, consolidating multiple lenses in one. Decent battery life supports extended use.
• Samsung CL5: Lightweight and pocket-friendly but limited zoom and weaker image quality may frustrate ambitious travel photographers.

Professional Workflows

• The Canon SX60 HS’s raw shooting capability and manual controls better accommodate professional needs.
• Samsung CL5 targets casual users without demanding workflow integration.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or splash-proofing, making them vulnerable in extreme weather. However, the Canon’s more substantial build provides a confidence-inspiring feel, while the Samsung’s plastic shell feels fragile in comparison.

Connectivity and Storage

Canon’s wireless features allow for on-the-go sharing and remote control - a huge plus in today’s social media world. Samsung’s lack of connectivity increasingly limits its usefulness.

Price and Value for Money

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Real-World Sample Shots

The below image gallery illustrates the Canon SX60 HS’s sharpness and zoom versatility alongside the Samsung CL5’s compact snapshots. Notice the Canon’s sharper detail and color fidelity.

Canon SX60 HS front Canon SX60 HS screen back Samsung CL5 front Samsung CL5 screen back

Scores and Performance Ratings at a Glance

How They Fit into Photography Genres

Our Expert Take: Which Should You Choose?

• Choose the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS if you want a versatile superzoom with manual controls, solid image and video quality, and plan to shoot a variety of subjects from wildlife and sports to landscapes and portraits. It’s a workhorse bridge camera ideal for enthusiasts craving an all-in-one solution without investing in interchangeable lenses.

• Choose the Samsung CL5 if your priority is ultra-portability and convenience for casual snapshots in daylight, street photography, or travel where space constraints rule. It’s less suited for creative control or specialized genres.

Final Thoughts and Guidance for Buyers

Both cameras serve very different photographic needs and audiences. The Canon SX60 HS remains surprisingly competitive for an older model, thanks to its exceptional zoom range and solid feature set. Meanwhile, the Samsung CL5 is a throwback to simpler compact cameras prioritizing pocket convenience over versatility.

If possible, I highly recommend handling these cameras in person. Feel how the Canon’s physical heft and controls support your style or whether Samsung’s ultra-compact fits your everyday carry needs. Also, try shooting sample images in store to gauge autofocus responsiveness and image output.

Additionally, consider your future growth. The Canon’s manual modes and raw capability allow for creative experiments and post-processing learning that better supports evolving skills.

Whichever camera you pick, exploring lenses (where possible), accessories like tripods or external mics, and post-production workflows will enrich your photography journey.

Ready to expand your options? Check out the latest Canon superzoom models that build on the SX60 HS foundations or explore modern Samsung compacts with improved sensors and connectivity.

Summary Table for Quick Reference

By focusing your choice on your shooting preferences and handling style, you can find the camera that truly empowers your creative expression. Don’t hesitate to get hands-on with these cameras, explore key features, and envision how they will fit your unique photographic adventures.

Happy shooting!