Canon SX70 HS vs Samsung WB35F: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

If you're shopping for a small sensor superzoom camera, the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS and Samsung WB35F might have caught your eye. Both feature extensive zoom ranges and approachable designs that promise versatility, yet they come from different eras, philosophies, and feature sets. Having tested countless cameras across the enthusiast and professional spectrum over the last 15 years, I wanted to see how these two stack up in the real world. Let’s dive deep - looking beyond specs - and help you decide which might fit your photography style and budget.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics & Handling

Starting with how the cameras feel in the hand and their physical attributes, the Canon SX70 HS immediately asserts itself as a larger, more substantial bridge-style camera, while the Samsung WB35F leans into compactness and portability.

At 127 x 91 x 117 mm and 608g including battery, the Canon SX70 HS offers a robust grip and SLR-like body shape. This gives you a more secure hold, particularly useful when shooting with the extremely long 65x zoom. The Samsung WB35F, by contrast, is almost pocketable at 101 x 61 x 28 mm and only 194g. It’s a straightforward compact design, easy to slip in a small bag or jacket pocket.

Ergonomics factor heavily into usage style: the Canon is made for longer sessions, with dedicated buttons and well-designed dials, while the Samsung is more casual, geared towards grab-and-go snapshots. If you prioritize comfort during extended shooting or want better manual control, the Canon's larger body pays dividends.

Control Layout and User Interface

Controls are where you start to feel each brand’s philosophy.

The Canon SX70 HS offers a thoughtfully laid-out top deck with a mode dial, exposure compensation dial, and a dedicated video record button - all within easy thumb reach. It caters to users who want some manual exposure capability alongside automation, and the illuminated buttons (though not backlit) are intuitively placed.

The Samsung WB35F’s minimalistic design lacks a dedicated mode dial and instead uses menus for mode switching. Buttons are fewer and smaller, more suited to novice shooters who want point-and-shoot simplicity. Manual focus is present, but reviewing and tweaking exposure parameters requires navigating on-screen menus - far from ideal for fast-paced shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: Analyzing the Heart of the Cameras

Here we examine underlying imaging tech. Both use a 1/2.3” sensor size (6.17 x 4.55 mm), which is standard for superzoom compacts, but the Canon’s 20-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor with Digic 8 processor compares favorably against the Samsung’s 16-megapixel CCD sensor, married to older processing tech.

In practical terms, the Canon’s backside-illuminated CMOS sensor gathers light far more efficiently. This translates to better performance in low light and higher ISO usability - up to ISO 3200 native with usable noise characteristics in my tests. The Samsung's CCD-based sensor is generally noisier at higher ISO, limiting it to retain image quality mostly at ISO 80-400.

Also notable is Canon’s support for RAW shooting – a huge plus for enthusiasts and professionals wanting maximum post-processing latitude. Samsung offers JPEG only, which restricts creative control after capture.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Usability

Looking through the interface adds another layer to usability.

The Canon stands out with a 3.0” fully articulated LCD panel boasting 922k dots resolution, allowing flexible framing even from challenging angles, very handy in macro, wildlife, or low-angle shooting. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is bright with a 2.36M dots resolution, providing a near-100% view coverage which aids in bright outdoor situations where screen glare can limit visibility.

Conversely, the Samsung’s modest 2.7” fixed LCD with 230k dots resolution feels outdated and less detailed, reducing confidence in manual focusing or reviewing shots in the field. Add that the Samsung has no viewfinder at all - composing exclusively via the LCD exacerbates the challenge in bright light.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance in Real-World Use

Here’s the central appeal of both cameras: massive zooms.

The Canon cliffs in with an astounding 65x optical zoom, equivalent to 21-1365mm in 35mm terms. This is an enormous range, capable of everything from wide landscapes to extreme wildlife or sports telephoto shots. Optical image stabilization helps keep images sharp at full zoom. Although the aperture narrows from f/3.4 at wide to f/6.5 at telephoto, this is typical for superzoom bridges.

The Samsung offers less reach: 12x optical zoom, 24-288mm equivalent, aperture f/3.1 to f/6.3. While adequate for general use and casual zooming, it can’t approach the Canon’s utility on big-zoom scenarios.

In testing both models outdoors, the Canon provides noticeably sharper images with better contrast throughout the zoom range - likely aided by superior lens coatings and better sensor-lens matching. The Samsung suffers mild distortion and softness at full telephoto, which impairs image details in wildlife or distant sports shots.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

Moving beyond optics, autofocus systems define how quickly you can capture fleeting moments.

Canon SX70 HS uses a contrast detection system enhanced with face detection and tracking across 9 focus points. It offers continuous AF during video, AF tracking, and manual focus with precise ring control. In real-world testing - from street candid shots to wildlife - the autofocus was reliable, focusing swiftly indoors and outdoors with minimal hunting.

Samsung WB35F’s autofocus is basic contrast detection without tracking or face detection support. Manual focusing is available but unwieldy due to the interface. In my practical tests, AF was slower, missing fast-moving subjects. This camera is better suited for static or slower subjects.

Continuous shooting on the Canon reaches 10 frames per second (fps), decent for casual sports or wildlife but not pro-level burst performance. Samsung doesn’t specify continuous shooting capability, and in practice, it's unfit for action photography.

Low Light and ISO Performance

Low light performance is a battleground for small sensor superzooms.

Thanks to its BSI-CMOS sensor and refined Digic 8 processor, the Canon SX70 HS handles ISO 1600 to 3200 with surprisingly manageable noise. Nighttime scenes, indoor events, or dim landscapes produce more detailed, cleaner images than I expected for a bridge camera.

Samsung’s CCD sensor lacks this edge. Images acceptably clean at ISO 80 and 100 degrade quickly from ISO 400 onward. Night or astro photography is severely limited, hindering versatility.

Video Capabilities: Does 4K Make a Difference?

For hybrid shooters who also capture video, camera video specs and features matter.

Canon SX70 HS shoots UHD 4K video at 30p, encoded in MOV H.264 at a solid 120 Mbps bitrate - higher than many competitors, preserving fine detail and smooth motion. The camera includes microphone input for external audio, greatly boosting production quality, though no headphone jack exists to monitor sound live.

Samsung tops out at 720p HD video, which in 2024 looks decidedly dated. There’s no microphone port, limiting audio quality to the builtin mic.

The Canon’s 4K footage handles handheld conditions well thanks to optical image stabilization. Samsung video footage appears soft with limited detail, lacking stabilization benefit.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Battery life and storage types impact extended outings.

Canon SX70 HS uses a built-in rechargeable battery rated for 325 shots per charge - respectable for a bridge camera. USB 2.0 charging is convenient but not yet USB-C, which would have sped charger options.

The Samsung relies on a removable BP70A battery, but official battery life specs are absent. Subjectively, it’s shorter than Canon’s, requiring spares for all-day shooting.

Storage-wise, Canon accepts standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-I support, allowing faster writing crucial for 4K and continuous bursts. Samsung uses microSD cards, popular in mobiles but slower and less durable in camera use.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized bodies - expected in budget and superzoom cameras. Canon’s SLR-like body instills confidence with sturdy plastic construction and solid buttons. Samsung's compact, thinner body feels plasticky, more vulnerable to wear.

If you shoot outdoors regularly, Canon’s better grip and balanced weight improve handling stability on uneven terrain.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity expands creativity and ease of use.

Canon SX70 HS includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling remote shooting, image transfer to phones or PCs, and firmware updates. The HDMI port supports clean external monitor output for video shooters.

Samsung WB35F includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, useful for instant sharing to compatible smartphones but lacks Bluetooth or HDMI.

USB on Samsung is nonexistent, limiting wired options.

Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

A picture speaks volumes.

Canon SX70 HS front Canon SX70 HS screen back Samsung WB35F front Samsung WB35F screen back

Camera samples show Canon's better dynamic range and richer color fidelity, especially in challenging lighting. The Samsung images look softer, with noticeable noise shadows in mid-to-low light.

Summary Scores: Where Does Each Camera Shine?

Bringing all measured and observed data together...

Canon SX70 HS scores highly in image quality, zoom range, AF, and video, making it a versatile choice. Samsung WB35F scores primarily on portability and affordability but falls short on performance metrics.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

To tailor recommendations to your creative domain...

• Portraits: Canon’s face detection autofocus and superior color rendering shine; Samsung struggles without AF face detection.
• Landscape: Canon’s wide zoom, high resolution, and articulated screen excel; Samsung is limited in controllability and detail.
• Wildlife: Canon’s massive telephoto zoom and reliable AF are major advantages. Samsung can’t keep up.
• Sports: Canon’s 10 fps burst and tracking help; Samsung not recommended.
• Street: Samsung’s lighter weight favors discreet shooting; Canon is larger but offers better low light.
• Macro: Canon’s close-focus abilities and articulated screen help; Samsung lacks macro specs.
• Night/Astro: Canon’s high ISO and shutter control suit night work; Samsung insufficient.
• Video: Canon provides 4K, mic input; Samsung tops out at 720p.
• Travel: Samsung’s compact size excels; Canon offers more versatility but with bulk.
• Professional: Canon’s process flexibility, raw support, and workflow features win hands down.

Final Recommendations

Both cameras target different users despite overlapping categories.

If you want a versatile bridge superzoom that can handle everything from wildlife photography through videography to travel, and you’re willing to carry a somewhat larger camera, the Canon SX70 HS is a serious contender. Its modern sensor, excellent zoom, articulate screen, EVF, and 4K video provide a toolbox that suits enthusiastic amateurs and professionals seeking a walk-around camera. The price around $550 is justified by the features.

The Samsung WB35F is better if you desire a lightweight, budget-friendly compact superzoom for casual snapshots and travel without manual exposure or advanced video. At about $130, it offers value but sacrifices performance in autofocus, low light, and video quality. It’s ideal if you want a simple grab-and-go superzoom without fuss.

Closing Thoughts

I’ve long believed cameras like the SX70 are the best bridge between smartphones and pro gear. Canon’s design and engineering deliver a camera that adapts well across nearly every photographic scenario, especially considering its competitive price.

Samsung’s WB35F fills a niche for novices and budget-conscious buyers who prize compactness and convenience above image finesse or control.

If you prefer a camera that grows with your skills and demands, I recommend the Canon SX70 HS - for pure creative freedom.

Dear Canon, please consider updating your USB charging to USB-C for easier field ops; meanwhile, the SX70 remains a solid all-rounder.

Feel free to ask about specific use cases or comparisons with other models - I’m here to help your next camera choice be a perfect one.

Happy shooting!