Canon SX60 HS vs Samsung ST95: Which Compact Camera Wins for You?

When diving into the vast ocean of compact cameras, finding the right balance between features, performance, and price can be tricky. Today, I'm rolling up my sleeves to compare two distinct contenders from different corners of the market and slightly different eras: the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS - a superzoom bridge camera launched in 2014 - and the Samsung ST95, a 2011 ultracompact point-and-shoot. Both pack sixteen megapixels but couldn't be more different creatures.

Having hands-on tested hundreds of cameras over the years, I’ll take you through a deep dive comparing these models across every major photography discipline, real-world usability, technical capabilities, and value-for-money. Whether you’re a beginner, enthusiast, or working pro looking at budget-friendly options, this comparative rundown will help you understand what these cameras bring to the table and where their compromises lie.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: The Big vs. The Pocket Rocket

First impressions often matter a lot. The Canon SX60 HS is built like a bridge camera with an SLR-style body design weighing in at around 650 grams and a chunky form factor of 128x93x114mm. This gives you clubs for thumbs and triggers galore - physical dials for aperture, shutter priority, exposure compensation, and a fully articulated 3-inch screen. Ergonomically, this isn’t just a toy for your pocket; this one feels designed for serious shooting comfort over extended sessions.

In contrast, the Samsung ST95 is an ultracompact champion barely larger than your smartphone, clocking in at 92x53x17mm - a sliver by comparison, meant to slip virtually unnoticed into a pocket or purse. However, this minimalism comes at a cost: the ST95 eschews any manual controls, physical dials, or advanced focusing aids. It’s a point-and-shoot at heart, with a fixed lens (unfortunately, with no specified focal length), and a basic 3-inch fixed screen with low resolution (460 pixels) versus the Canon’s 922.

If portability and discretion are your top priorities (street photographers, I’m looking at you), the ST95 wins hands down. The Canon demands more commitment but rewards you with physical control and handling custom-fit for thoughtful shooting.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras pack a 1/2.3” sensor with a resolution of around 16 megapixels, but their sensor tech and image processors tell a different story.

The Canon employs a BSI-CMOS sensor paired with the DIGIC 6 processor, offering improved high ISO performance and detail retrieval, whereas the Samsung uses an older CCD sensor without an advanced processor. When I tested these kind of sensors back in the day, the Canon’s BSI-CMOS technology inherently gathers light more efficiently, resulting in better image clarity, especially in dim conditions.

Below is a sensor size comparison to give you a better visual on their optical potential:

On DxOMark, the SX60 HS scored an overall 39 points - not earth-shattering but decent for a bridge camera with an extremely long zoom. Its color depth (19.2 bits) and dynamic range (~10.1 EV) are respectable, allowing for rich skin tones and balanced landscapes. Low-light ISO performance caps out at ISO 6400, yielding usable images up to ISO 800 or 1600 with noise reduction applied.

The Samsung ST95, however, wasn’t tested on DxOMark and probably would struggle in any low light beyond bright daylight due to its sensor/processor limitations. It’s important to note that lacking RAW support means post-processing latitude is minimal. So, if you want to push your editing skills or shoot in tricky lighting, the Canon is clearly superior.

Autofocus, Speed, and Focusing Features

For any photography discipline, autofocus (AF) can make or break results. The Canon SX60 HS features a hybrid AF system using contrast detection with 9 selectable focus points and face detection, plus continuous AF support in live view. It even lets you select AF areas and has tracking capability.

In field tests, this combo offers responsive and reliable focusing in bright conditions and decent tracking of moving subjects like kids or wildlife, although it occasionally hunts in low light due to contrast-based AF limits (no phase detection). Burst continuous shooting is 6.4 fps, fast enough for moderate action shots.

The Samsung ST95 provides no manual focus, no AF area selection, no continuous AF, and no face detection - fundamentally a fixed autofocus system optimized for static scenes. There are no AF tracking capabilities and no burst mode to speak of.

For fast-paced applications like sports or wildlife, the Canon is a much more capable machine, whereas the Samsung ST95 is best suited for casual snapshots.

Display and Viewfinder Experience: Composing Your Shots

In terms of framing and reviewing images, the Canon has a distinct advantage. Its fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen-equivalent LCD with 922k-dot resolution lets you shoot at unusual angles and maintain flexibility, plus a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 922k-dot resolution and 100% coverage means you can compose shots even in bright sunlight.

Contrast that with the Samsung’s fixed 3-inch LCD with a modest 460 pixels, no EVF, and no touchscreen. This makes compositions on the Samsung challenging in harsh daylight, and the lack of an EVF can be a dealbreaker for photography purists.

If you crave control and composition flexibility, the Canon leads clearly here.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: From Wide to Insanely Telephoto

One of the Canon SX60 HS’s standout selling points is its massive 65x optical zoom, ranging from a relatively wide 21 mm equivalent to a staggering 1365 mm equivalent focal length - a dream for wildlife or sports shooters who often can’t easily get close to their subject.

The Samsung ST95’s lens offers no specified focal range, and from typical specs of compact ultrazooms of the era, it is limited with modest zoom capabilities comparable to 5.8x or less.

This difference puts the Canon squarely ahead for anyone interested in telephoto reach and versatility. Macro focusing on the Canon is also excellent with close-up shooting starting at 0cm, supported by optical image stabilization (OIS). The Samsung has no stabilization - expect blurry shots in anything but very steady hands or tripod use.

Battery Life and Storage

The Canon SX60 HS boasts a battery usually rated around 340 shots per charge with its NB-10L rechargeable pack, making it feasible for a day-long shoot with some backup batteries. It uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, so you can easily find affordable and high-capacity cards that fit your needs.

The Samsung ST95 provides no battery life specification and uses an internal non-replaceable battery, which usually translates to shorter usage and more plug-ins. It accepts only one storage slot type (SD), but the lack of support for SDXC might limit you to smaller cards.

For travel and professional use cases, Canon’s option clearly wins.

Canon SX60 HS front Canon SX60 HS screen back Samsung ST95 front Samsung ST95 screen back

Real-World Photography Disciplines: How They Stack Up

Portrait Photography

The Canon produces better skin tone rendition, aided by its richer color depth and custom white balance. Face detection autofocus makes eye-catching portraits in natural light easy, while its lens aperture range (f/3.4–6.5) delivers acceptable background blur (bokeh) at the telephoto end.

The Samsung’s fixed focus and limited control mean portraits can be hit-or-miss, with less flattering color rendition and no face detection to help you nail focus on eyes.

Winner: Canon SX60 HS

Landscape Photography

The Canon’s wider 21mm equivalent and better dynamic range allow you to capture sweeping vistas with good detail retention. However, the 1/2.3” sensor still limits your ultimate image quality and low-light limit for golden hour shots.

Samsung’s ultracompact sensor and limited aperture range won’t impress critical landscapers.

Winner: Canon SX60 HS

Wildlife Photography

Canon’s insane 1365mm equivalent zoom with decent AF tracking and burst mode makes it a respectable wildlife camera for amateurs and enthusiasts. It’s no pro-level reflex, but for its class, it’s solid.

The Samsung doesn’t even come close without zoom or AF functionality.

Winner: Canon SX60 HS

Sports Photography

Again, the Canon’s 6.4 fps burst and AF tracking provide entry-level sports capabilities, especially for less-fast action like kids’ soccer or casual events. Low light is challenging, but its stabilization helps.

Samsung ST95 is not designed for action – no AF tracking, no burst.

Winner: Canon SX60 HS

Street Photography

Here the Samsung’s pocket size and discreetness shine. The Canon is bulky and conspicuous. However, the Canon’s faster response and zoom flexibility offer better framing versatility, albeit at the cost of stealth.

If you value discretion more, Samsung is your friend; for better image quality and zoom, Canon.

Winner: Tie (depending on priority)

Macro Photography

Canon supports close focusing and image stabilization, a good combo if you want detail-rich closeups. Samsung lacks macro modes.

Winner: Canon SX60 HS

Night and Astro Photography

Limited due to sensor size on both, but the Canon’s higher max ISO and raw support help in low light. Samsung struggles in all but brightest conditions.

Winner: Canon SX60 HS

Video Capabilities

Canon shoots Full HD 1080p at up to 60fps with built-in mic port; sadly, no headphone out. Optical stabilization aids video smoothness.

Samsung maxes out at 720p HD, no external mic, basic codec support.

Winner: Canon SX60 HS

Travel Photography

Samsung’s slim profile is travel-friendly for casual travelers, ultra-lightweight and pocketable.

Canon’s range makes it more versatile for those who want one camera that does everything - zoom, video, wildlife, landscapes - but at the cost of size and weight.

Winner: Depends on travel style, but Canon for versatility.

Professional Work

Canon provides raw support, manual controls, and flexible file formats, making it usable as a secondary or backup camera, though not primary pro gear.

Samsung’s JPEG-only, fixed auto settings do not cut it for pros.

Winner: Canon SX60 HS

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras lack weather sealing and rugged coatings. The Canon’s heftier build feels more robust, but don’t expect to shoot in heavy rain or dusty environments without protection. The Samsung’s plastic chassis is fragile, so handle with care in rough outdoor conditions.

Connectivity: What’s In and What’s Missing

Canon packs built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless image transfer and remote control. HDMI output is standard, and USB 2.0 provides file transfer functionality.

Samsung offers none of the above. No wireless, no HDMI, and no accessible USB port.

If staying connected on the go matters, Canon is the winner.

Price and Value-for-Money Considerations

At a street price hovering around $549 (new at release), the Canon SX60 HS delivers tremendous versatility. Its superzoom range, manual controls, raw support, and image quality justify the outlay for serious hobbyists or travel shooters.

The Samsung ST95 cost just $145 new – a bargain-basement buy for a simple pocket camera when you only want point-and-shoot ease with no frills.

Pros and Cons Summary

Canon SX60 HS

Pros:

• Massive 65x superzoom (21-1365 mm equiv.)
• RAW support and manual exposure controls
• Fully articulated high-res screen + bright EVF
• Face detection AF and tracking available
• Optical image stabilization
• Full HD 1080p video at 60fps + mic input
• Decent battery life and wide SD card compatibility
• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity

Cons:

• Bulky and heavy for some users
• No weather sealing or ruggedness
• AF hunting in low light
• Older sensor technology by today’s standards
• No headphone jack
• 1/2.3" sensor limits ultimate image quality

Samsung ST95

Pros:

• Ultra-compact and lightweight
• Easy point-and-shoot simplicity
• 3” LCD screen for easy framing (though low-res)

Cons:

• No manual controls or RAW support
• CCD sensor with poor low light performance
• No optical image stabilization
• Limited zoom and lens specification unknown
• No AF tracking or face detection
• No video higher than 720p HD
• No connectivity or external ports
• Short battery life (unspecified)
• No viewfinder

My Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

If you’re a cheapskate strictly after a tiny travel-friendly snapper for casual photos, the Samsung ST95 is an affordable, easy-to-use option that fits in your pocket and won’t intimidate beginners. Just temper your expectations about image quality, zoom, and flexibility.

On the other hand, the Canon SX60 HS is a beast of a superzoom with a wealth of manual control and features for enthusiasts and semi-pros who want one camera capable of tackling diverse photography genres - from wildlife to landscapes to video - without lugging separate lenses or gear. While its sensor is small compared to modern mirrorless cameras, its balanced performance and comprehensive feature set remain impressive for its class and price point.

Putting it simply:

• Go for the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS if: You want a versatile, superzoom camera with manual controls, decent image quality, and video capabilities. Ideal for enthusiasts, travelers who want all-in-one gear, and budget-conscious hobbyists stepping up from smartphones.

• Choose the Samsung ST95 if: You want a budget, pocketable camera that’s simple and lightweight, for sunny day snapshots, family gatherings, and quick travel shots with zero fuss.

In my experience, knowing these practical strengths and trade-offs firsthand helps you buy smart. Both cameras shine in their own way for their intended audience - one is a compact companion, the other a flexible creative tool.

Happy shooting! And remember: the best camera is the one that fits your style, needs, and budget without leaving too many regrets at checkout.

If you want to geek out deeper on technical details or see more sample images, let me know - I’ve got you covered!