Canon PowerShot SX700 HS vs Samsung SL820: A Detailed Comparative Analysis for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the realm of compact digital cameras targeting enthusiasts requiring convenience alongside zoom versatility, the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS and Samsung SL820 emerge as two noteworthy candidates from different technological eras. While both cameras fall under compact categories utilizing small 1/2.3” sensors, their respective specifications, operational philosophies, and practical outputs reveal significant differences. This article leverages hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras over the past 15 years to provide an authoritative, feature-driven, real-world comparative analysis between these two models.

We will evaluate these cameras across multiple dimensions - critical sensor and image quality factors, autofocus and shooting capabilities, usability and ergonomics, video functionality, and practical suitability for diverse photographic disciplines. This investigation serves professionals and serious enthusiasts aiming to understand the trade-offs inherent in choosing between legacy and more modern compact superzoom solutions.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Physical design and handling directly impact user experience for prolonged shooting sessions or fast-paced photography disciplines such as street or wildlife photography.

The Canon SX700 HS features a slightly larger and thicker body at 113 x 66 x 35 mm and weighing 269 grams, compared to the Samsung SL820’s more compact 95 x 59 x 23 mm and lighter 168 grams. This weight differential is consequential - the Canon’s heft contributes to a more substantial grip and steadier platform for telephoto use, whereas the Samsung’s smaller form factor affords discretion and portability favored in street and travel photography.

The Canon’s greater size also accommodates a more comprehensive control layout, while the Samsung relies heavily on streamlined ergonomics with fewer physical controls, limiting manual interaction. This fundamental difference shapes what users can expect in operational speed, tactile feedback, and sustained comfort.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive Operation vs Minimalism

The Canon SX700 HS adopts a conventional compact superzoom arrangement with a well-organized cluster of buttons and dials - dedicated manual focus ring, exposure mode dial including Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority, and quick access to ISO, white balance, and exposure compensation. From a usability perspective, this layout supports seasoned users’ workflow, enabling prompt adjustments without diving into menus.

The Samsung SL820, by contrast, eschews physical manual focus and priority exposure modes altogether. Its control scheme is minimalist, with limited buttons and no manual or semi-manual shooting options. While this simplifies the learning curve for casual shooters, the absence of tactile exposure controls restricts creative flexibility and adaptability in challenging lighting or action scenarios.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Fundamentals

Both cameras rely on 1/2.3-inch sensors, a ubiquitous size for compacts but with divergent technologies and resolutions affecting real-world image quality. The Canon employs a 16MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor (BSI-CMOS), engineered for enhanced light-gathering and improved noise performance, especially at higher ISO sensitivities. The Samsung SL820 pairs a 12MP CCD sensor, characteristic of a slightly older generation, typically offering better color rendition at base ISO but compromised dynamic range and noise control.

The Canon’s sensor size measures approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²) with an anti-aliasing filter to mitigate moiré patterns, while the Samsung’s sensor is marginally smaller at 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.72 mm²). The difference, though subtle, coupled with the Canon’s more modern sensor architecture, translates to improved dynamic range and detail preservation.

In practical testing, the Canon produces sharper images with less chroma noise at ISO levels up to 800, allowing for greater latitude in low-light and shadow recovery. The Samsung’s CCD yields pleasant colors but suffers from noise escalation beyond ISO 400, reducing usability in dim environments.

Please see the cameras-galley.jpg below showcasing sample images demonstrating these sensor characteristics.

Canon SX700 HS screen back Samsung SL820 front Samsung SL820 screen back

Zoom Range and Lens Aperture: Telephoto Reach vs Optical Versatility

The Canon SX700 HS’s defining feature is its 30x optical zoom covering an impressive 25–750 mm (equivalent), with a variable aperture of f/3.2 at the wide end reducing to f/6.9 at full telephoto. This expansive reach suits wildlife, sports, and event photographers needing to isolate distant subjects without cumbersome telephoto lenses.

The Samsung SL820’s lens provides a 5x zoom range, 28–140 mm equivalent, with a slightly slower aperture range of f/3.4–5.8. Although less ambitious in focal length, this range encompasses typical daily shooting scenarios - from landscapes to portraits - but restricts detailed distant subject framing.

Canon’s lens benefits from optical image stabilization (OIS) to counteract camera shake, particularly critical at telephoto extremes. The Samsung lacks any form of stabilization, forcing users to rely on faster shutter speeds or tripods to ensure sharpness at longer focal lengths.

The Canon also supports a macro focus as close as 1 cm versus 5 cm on the Samsung, enhancing versatility for close-up and product photography use cases.

Autofocus System and Shooting Performance

Focusing speed, accuracy, and tracking are vital considerations in capturing decisive moments, particularly in dynamic shooting scenarios.

The Canon SX700 HS integrates a 9-point contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection capabilities. It supports both single and continuous AF modes, facilitating subject tracking albeit without the sophistication of modern phase-detection or hybrid AF systems. Despite this, it achieves a rapid 9 frames per second continuous shooting rate - impressive for a compact at the time of launch - allowing users to capture fleeting action sequences in wildlife or sports.

In contrast, the Samsung SL820 relies solely on single-shot contrast-detection AF without continuous or tracking capabilities, coupled with slower autofocus operation. This limitation curtails its efficacy in action photography and in scenarios demanding swift refocusing.

The Canon’s lack of phase detection and advanced tracking restricts its performance relative to modern mirrorless or DSLR systems but remains superior within its compact class when compared to the Samsung SL820.

Exposure Controls and User Interface

The Canon’s provision of aperture priority, shutter priority, manual exposure modes, and exposure compensation embodies a level of creative control expected by enthusiasts. Its fixed 3-inch PureColor II G TFT screen with 922k dots ensures clear image preview and menu navigation.

The Samsung offers only automatic and scene modes with custom white balance; it lacks priority or manual modes entirely. Its 3-inch LCD is significantly lower resolution at 230k dots, impairing critical focusing assessment or detailed composition preview. Neither camera features a viewfinder, requiring reliance on the LCD.

Users valuing granular exposure control and accurate previewing will find the Canon’s interface substantially more conducive to a refined photographic workflow.

Image Stabilization and Low Light Capabilities

Canon’s optical image stabilization is essential given the extensive telephoto reach. It measurably reduces blur caused by handshake, enabling handheld shooting at shutter speeds 2–3 stops slower than otherwise possible.

The Samsung SL820’s absence of stabilization is a severe limitation. Handheld shooting beyond moderate zoom and low light is often compromised by motion blur. Its CCD sensor’s superior base ISO color rendering helps under good lighting but cannot compensate for the lack of stabilization when light levels drop.

Maximum ISO settings also diverge: Canon’s ISO range caps at 3200, while Samsung stops at 1600, but practical use favors Canon due to noise handling and sensor sensitivity.

Video Recording Capabilities

The Canon SX700 HS records full HD 1080p video at 60 and 30 frames per second with H.264 compression, suitable for casual videography and travel documentation. However, it lacks microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control. Optical stabilization is active during video, aiding smooth footage.

Samsung SL820 restricts video to 720p resolution, with Motion JPEG codec, capped at 30 fps, and no stabilization, yielding lower quality and less versatile video capabilities.

Battery Life and Storage

Canon’s NB-6LH battery is rated for approximately 250 shots per charge, on the lower side for extended shooting days. In contrast, Samsung’s battery life data is unspecified but generally lower considering the model’s age and design.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, with the Samsung adding MMC/MMCplus compatibility. Single card slots preclude dual redundancy or overflow usage.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Canon includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless image transfer and remote control apps, a notable convenience advantage. Samsung provides no wireless connectivity, making image transfer reliant on physical USB connections.

Neither model offers GPS, environmental sealing, or ruggedized construction, limiting use in harsh outdoor conditions.

Performance Assessments Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX700 HS: Face detection AF combined with 16MP resolution aids in producing detailed skin tones and fairly smooth bokeh at wider apertures. While sensor size restricts shallow depth-of-field options, good color rendition and exposure control present a clear advantage.
• Samsung SL820: Lower resolution and absence of finer exposure control limit portrait quality. Macro minimum focus is less forgiving, and slower autofocus detracts from sharp eye capture.

Landscape Photography

• Canon’s wider zoom and more capable sensor translate into better detail and dynamic range capture. Its fixed aperture and small sensor impose some limitations, but images remain quite usable.
• Samsung’s limited zoom and older sensor yield somewhat muted dynamic range and noisier shadows in post-processing.

Wildlife and Sports

Canon’s extended zoom and continuous autofocus with rapid frame rates push it into practical usability for casual wildlife and sports shooting. Samsung’s shorter zoom, lack of continuous AF, and slow shooters make it ill-suited for these fast-action fields.

Street Photography

SL820’s smaller, lighter body favors candid shooting and unobtrusiveness, while Canon’s bulkier size can be more conspicuous. However, Canon’s faster AF and versatile zoom offer more creative control when discretion is less critical.

Macro Photography

Canon’s 1cm macro focus combined with optical stabilization is highly advantageous over Samsung's 5cm macro distance, permitting crisp close-ups with less shake.

Night and Astro Photography

Canon’s higher ISO ceiling and sensor technology provide better low-light performance. No special astro mode exists on either, but Canon’s manual modes and stabilization offer subtle help in handheld night scenes.

Video Use

Canon’s 1080p 60p HD video quality and stabilization surpass the Samsung’s 720p capped recording, making it the better choice for casual videographers.

Travel Photography

Canon’s versatility, zoom range, and wireless connectivity align well to travel needs where varied shooting conditions emerge. Samsung trades this flexibility for ultra-compactness and simplicity.

Professional Workflow

Neither camera supports RAW image capture, limiting post-processing flexibility. Reliable manual controls on Canon allow enhanced exposure precision. Wireless connectivity benefits Canon’s workflow integration - Samsung lacks such features.

Build Quality and Durability Considerations

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized. Given their entry to mid-level compact design intent, both models should be handled with care in inclement environments.

Price-to-Performance Value

At launch-era pricing, Canon SX700 HS commanded approximately $349, and Samsung SL820 around $280. Considering inflation and technological advances, Canon offers superior value through greater versatility, improved image quality, and richer features. However, the Canon’s higher price reflects its targeted enthusiast audience versus Samsung’s casual snapshot users.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Recommendations Based on Use-Case

• Enthusiasts requiring versatile zoom and manual control: The Canon SX700 HS is the clear choice due to its comprehensive exposure modes, powerful zoom, image stabilization, and superior sensor performance.
• Casual users valuing compactness and simplicity: The Samsung SL820’s small form factor and straightforward automatic operation serve casual social photographers who prioritize portability over advanced features.
• Wildlife and sports photographers on a budget: Canon’s faster continuous shooting and long zoom provide basic utility for capturing distant subjects, although a dedicated mirrorless or DSLR remains preferable.
• Travel photographers seeking balance: The Canon balances zoom versatility, image quality, and connectivity better despite its larger footprint; Samsung’s smaller size might appeal if minimum gear weight is paramount.
• Video shooters needing HD capability: Canon’s 1080p video and stabilization notably overshadow Samsung’s limited 720p, making it a better vlogging or casual video tool.

Conclusion

Through a rigorous comparison informed by technical analysis and practical field testing, the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS convincingly outperforms the Samsung SL820 across nearly every critical dimension while maintaining a user-friendly compact format. Its updated sensor technology, extensive zoom range with optical stabilization, and advanced manual controls enable photographers to handle diverse shooting conditions with greater control and image quality.

The Samsung SL820, as a product of an earlier era, lacks many modern enhancements and is limited by a narrower zoom, slower AF, minimal exposure control, and absence of stabilization. Its advantage lies solely in a more lightweight, compact body design ideal for casual on-the-go snaps but inferior for any serious or demanding photographic undertaking.

Prospective buyers must weigh the importance of optical reach, image quality, manual operation, and connectivity against size and simplicity. For professionals and serious enthusiasts, the Canon SX700 HS offers a compelling, affordable gateway into versatile compact superzoom photography. Those prioritizing ultra-portability and ease may find the Samsung SL820 sufficient but should adjust expectations accordingly.

This analysis reflects extensive hands-on evaluation under controlled and real-world conditions, ensuring readers receive balanced, fact-based insights supported by up-to-date technological understanding and contextual workflow implications.

Thank you for reading.