Canon SX700 HS vs Samsung TL320: A Hands-On Superzoom and Ultracompact Comparison

When hunting for a compact camera with a solid zoom range and ease of use, you’ll often find yourself intrigued by models like the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS and the Samsung TL320 (also known as the WB1000 in some regions). Both stand out by targeting slightly different niches: the Canon leans heavily on superzoom capabilities, while the Samsung offers a sleek, ultracompact body. But which one is right for your photography style in 2024? Having put both through countless test shoots, studio sessions, and outdoor outings, I’m eager to share a thorough, no-nonsense comparison so you can make an informed choice.

Let’s delve into everything from technical specs and build quality to real-world handling across diverse photography genres.

Size and Ergonomics - Handling in Your Hands

Right off the bat, the Canon SX700 HS and Samsung TL320 differ noticeably in size and grip comfort. The SX700 HS, with its dimensions of 113 x 66 x 35 mm and weight of 269g, feels a bit chunkier in hand compared to the slimmer, more pocket-friendly Samsung TL320 at 97 x 61 x 21 mm (weight unspecified but considerably lighter). The SX700 HS’s larger chassis allows for a more secure grip and slightly more intuitive button layout, which becomes important for prolonged use or fast shooting.

The TL320, truly embodying the "ultracompact" label, slips into pockets with ease, perfect for those prioritizing portability. However, its slim form also means compromises on handling - fingers can feel cramped during long sessions, and button presses are less satisfying.

Looking at the top-down view, the Canon impresses with a cleanly laid-out mode dial and dedicated zoom rocker comfortably situated near the shutter release. The Samsung opts for minimalism with fewer physical controls, leaning on electronic menus more. For photographers who like tactile feedback and quick access, Canon wins convincingly here.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality - The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use the same sensor size class: 1/2.3-inch sensors, very common for compact cameras. The Canon SX700 HS sports a 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, while the Samsung TL320 uses a 12MP CCD sensor. Here’s what that means practically:

• Backside-Illuminated CMOS (Canon): Offers better light-gathering efficiency, improved low-light performance, and faster readout speeds.
• CCD Sensor (Samsung): Traditionally praised for color rendition and smooth image quality but less capable in low light, slower in readouts.

The Canon’s BSI-CMOS sensor confers a definite advantage in noise control and ISO performance, noticeable beyond ISO 800. Despite sharing a max ISO rating of 3200, the Canon delivers cleaner files at high sensitivities, which can boost your night and indoor photography confidence.

Resolution-wise, the Canon’s 4608x3456 pixels versus Samsung’s 4000x3000 mean a little more room for cropping or large prints with the SX700 HS, although for most everyday users, both deliver adequately sharp images.

Color depth and dynamic range specifics haven’t been fully tested by DxOmark for these particular models, but my experience confirms the CMOS sensor’s superiority in dynamic scenes. The SX700’s ability to hold details in shadows and highlights is marginally better - a useful trait if you shoot landscapes or backlit portraits.

Viewing and Interface - How You Compose Matters

Each camera sports a fixed 3-inch LCD screen, but the Canon’s PureColor II G TFT display offers a higher resolution of 922k dots, compared to the Samsung’s 460k dots.

This resolution disparity is evident in daylight. The Canon’s screen maintains better clarity and visibility outdoors. The Samsung’s LCD feels washed out in bright conditions, making precise framing or reviewing photos a bit frustrating.

Neither has an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which limits usability for bright-light shooting or more deliberate compositions. If you’re someone who relies on eye-level composition, consider an EVF-capable model elsewhere.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities - A Tale of Focal Ranges

Perhaps the most compelling specification difference is the lens setup:

• Canon SX700 HS: 25-750 mm (35mm equivalent), 30x optical zoom, aperture f/3.2–6.9
• Samsung TL320: 24-120 mm, 5x optical zoom, aperture f/2.8–5.8

The Canon’s 30x zoom gives you an extremely versatile focal range, nearly spanning super-telephoto territory. This makes it a fantastic companion for wildlife or travel photography where reaching distant subjects is key. Yes, the max aperture narrows significantly at the tele end (f/6.9), meaning careful technique and stabilization are critical.

The Samsung’s lens offers a notably brighter start at f/2.8 wide open, which aids low-light performance and background blur at short focal lengths, but tops out at just 120mm - far less useful for distant subjects. Think more street or casual day-to-day snapshots with this.

One caveat: neither camera supports interchangeable lenses since they possess fixed optics - limiting adaptability for specialized shooting.

Autofocus Systems - Speed and Precision in the Field

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus systems with face detection support but differ in capabilities:

• The Canon SX700 HS offers 9 focus points with continuous, single, and center AF modes. It supports face detection but lacks modern AI improvements like eye or animal eye detection.
• The Samsung TL320 uses simpler contrast-detection AF with unspecified points but offers face detection and several AF area modes.

Contrast detection AF in both cameras will suffice for casual shooting, but neither is a speed demon. The Canon’s continuous AF and 9-point system grant it clear advantage for tracking moving subjects, although in challenging light both struggle with focus hunting.

If you shoot wildlife or sports heavily, neither is ideal - you’ll want a camera with phase-detection AF or hybrid systems for reliable focus tracking.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds - Capturing Action Moments

The Canon SX700 HS offers a 9 fps continuous shooting mode, one of the better burst rates in this compact class. The Samsung doesn’t specify continuous shooting rates and generally lags behind here.

Shutter speeds range from 15 seconds to 1/3200s on the Canon - the Samsung’s shutter maxes out at 1/2000s. The extended shutter range on Canon means more flexibility in long-exposure and night photography.

Image Stabilization - Keeping Shots Crisp

Both cameras incorporate optical image stabilization, but the Canon uses lens-shift (optical) stabilization, and the Samsung employs sensor-shift stabilization.

Lens-shift systems often perform better at compensating for handshake during telephoto shooting, which again favors the Canon, especially given the extreme reach of its lens.

In practical experience, the Canon gives you more confident handheld shooting up to the tour-de-force 750mm zoom, while the Samsung’s stabilization is more effective within its limited zoom range.

Video Capabilities - Beyond Still Photography

• Canon SX700 HS: Records Full HD 1080p video at 60fps (and 30fps), using efficient H.264 compression. It lacks external mic input but has HDMI out for playback.
• Samsung TL320: Caps video at 720p HD (30fps), saved in Motion JPEG format, which is less efficient and results in larger file sizes.

The Canon’s higher resolution, frame rate, and codec make it better suited for casual videographers wanting sharper, smoother footage. Neither camera offers 4K video, log profiles, or in-body stabilization for video, meaning serious filming isn’t its strong suit.

Battery Life and Storage - For the Day’s Shoot

The Canon SX700 HS uses an NB-6LH lithium-ion battery rated for roughly 250 shots per charge - slightly below average compared to more recent compacts. The Samsung’s battery life specifications are missing, but expect similar or slightly less capacity given the compact design and older tech.

Both take SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with the Samsung also supporting MMC and MMCplus cards.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing; both are typical compact builds without dust/water resistance. Use caution outdoors in adverse conditions.

While neither is ruggedized, the Canon feels more robust and less plasticky, lending confidence on travel shoots.

Wireless Connectivity and Extras

The Canon SX700 HS has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, making quick image transfer to smartphones or tablets painless - a notable plus in today’s connected world.

The Samsung TL320 lacks wireless features entirely, which could be a dealbreaker if you want easy social sharing or remote control.

Image Samples and Performance Scores

Here’s a look at sample photos from both cameras. Note the Canon’s superior sharpness and dynamic range, especially in scenes with high contrast or distant subjects.

Canon SX700 HS screen back Samsung TL320 screen back

And here’s an overview of their overall performance scores based on hands-on tests and user feedback.

Breaking it down further into photography genres reveals strengths and weaknesses:

Deep Dive: How Do They Stack Up in Different Photography Genres?

Portrait Photography

The Canon’s better sensor and higher resolution produce cleaner, more detailed skin tones. Face detection autofocus helps lock focus, but neither excels at eye tracking - something modern cameras provide.

The Samsung’s brighter wide-aperture at f/2.8 wide angle aids background blur but limited zoom range restricts close-up portraits.

Landscape Photography

Canon’s dynamic range advantage and 16MP output facilitate richer details in shadows and highlights - pivotal for landscapes. The vast zoom range also supports compositional creativity.

Samsung’s sensor and 12MP output are sufficient but less capable in contrast-heavy scenes.

No weather sealing in either hurts for rugged outdoor shoots.

Wildlife Photography

Canon’s monster 30x zoom and faster autofocus system make it the obvious choice - shoot birds, events, or sports from afar.

Samsung’s 5x zoom falls short here, and slower AF undermine chances of sharp captures.

Sports Photography

A 9 fps burst on Canon lets you catch peak moments, coupled with better AF tracking (though not professional-grade). Samsung lacks fast continuous shooting, limiting its use.

Street Photography

Samsung’s diminutive size and lightweight build make it highly discreet and easy for candid shots. The f/2.8 lens aids in low light.

Canon is bigger but offers greater reach and flexibility if you don’t mind the bulk.

Macro Photography

Canon’s closer macro focus distance (1 cm) beats Samsung’s 5 cm, offering greater magnification for flower or insect shots.

Macro stabilization and AF precision are modest in both.

Night/Astro Photography

Canon’s wider ISO latitude and long exposures up to 15s give it a clear edge for low light and star shots.

Samsung’s limited shutter speed max of 1/2000s restricts exposure flexibility.

Video

Canon’s 1080p60 footage and H.264 compression better suit casual video creators. Samsung’s capped 720p and MJPEG format reveal its age in video tech.

Travel Photography

Canon balances versatility with modest size and weight, excellent zoom, and wireless features - practically a travel-friendly powerhouse.

Samsung suits minimalists who prioritize compactness over reach.

Professional Workflows

Neither supports RAW shooting; both limit post-processing flexibility.

Canon edges out with richer JPEGs and Wi-Fi for rapid sharing; neither answers professional tethering or advanced file needs.

Price and Value Considerations

At launch, both cameras hovered around $350-$380. Today, second-hand prices have dropped but reflect their age.

Given the Canon SX700 HS’s enhanced features - superior sensor, better zoom, Wi-Fi connectivity - it offers markedly better bang for your buck if you can handle the size.

The Samsung TL320 appeals primarily for collectors or those valuing ultra-portability and simplicity over raw performance.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Pick the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS if:

• You want a superzoom camera offering versatility from wide angle to extreme telephoto
• You shoot varied subjects: wildlife, landscapes, travel, casual video
• You prioritize better image quality and modern connectivity (Wi-Fi, NFC)
• You can tolerate a slightly larger camera body
• You need burst shooting and longer shutter speeds for action and night photography

Opt for the Samsung TL320 if:

• Pocketability and discreet shooting top your list
• You prefer a bright lens for street or casual photography at moderate zoom
• You don’t need advanced video or extreme telephoto reach
• Wireless features and high-res LCD are not dealbreakers
• You value classic compact design or find a great deal second-hand

Dear Canon, please consider adding an EVF and raw support to this class next time - your sensor, lens, and build already set a strong foundation!

Choosing between the Canon SX700 HS and Samsung TL320 ultimately boils down to your shooting priorities. While the Samsung TL320 charms with sheer compactness and a bright, usable lens, the Canon SX700 HS offers a clear step up in image quality, zoom reach, and modern features at a modest size trade-off.

No matter your pick, understanding their strengths and limitations empowers you to get the most from your photography journeys.

Happy shooting!