Canon PowerShot SX710 HS vs Samsung ST65: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera can be daunting, especially when options range from compact ultracompacts to small-sensor superzooms. Today, we take a deep dive into two distinct but often compared point-and-shoots: the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS, announced in 2015, and the Samsung ST65 from 2011. Both cameras target casual photographers, but your choice depends on specific features, image quality expectations, and shooting styles.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the years, I’ll guide you through an honest, technical, and practical comparison addressing your real-world photography needs. Let’s explore these cameras’ specifications, performance, and suitability across diverse photography genres.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

Your user experience begins with how the camera feels in your hands - ergonomics, portability, and control layout play a crucial role in ease of use.

Physical Dimensions and Ergonomics

• Canon SX710 HS: 113 x 66 x 35 mm, 269 grams
• Samsung ST65: 92 x 53 x 17 mm, weight not officially specified but significantly lighter and more pocketable

The Canon SX710 HS is noticeably larger and heavier than the Samsung ST65. The extra bulk accommodates a powerful 30x zoom lens and robust battery, favoring photographers who prioritize versatility and battery life. Meanwhile, the ST65’s ultracompact design fits snugly in a pocket, making it ideal for casual use or travel where minimalism is key.

Control Layout and Top View Design

The Canon SX710 HS features traditional mode dials, dedicated zoom and shutter buttons, and options for manual control including aperture and shutter priority modes. Conversely, the Samsung ST65 has a simplified control scheme with no manual exposure settings and minimal buttons - it’s made for point-and-shoot simplicity.

If you prefer fast access to manual or semi-manual controls, the SX710 HS clearly wins in ergonomics and function. The ST65 is more of a grab-and-go device for snapshots.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Evaluating sensor technology and resolution is vital because it directly impacts image detail, dynamic range, and noise performance.

Sensor Specifications

Both cameras share the same sensor size - a moderate small sensor typical of compact cameras - but differ greatly in sensor technology and resolution. The Canon uses a modern backside-illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) sensor, which excels at gathering light efficiently, especially in dim conditions. The Samsung relies on an older CCD sensor, known for natural color reproduction but weaker low-light performance and slower data readout.

The SX710 HS’s 20MP sensor offers a higher pixel count enabling sharper images and greater cropping latitude, which you’ll appreciate in landscape and wildlife photography. The improved sensor technology also contributes to better ISO performance and dynamic range, though both cameras struggle in very low light due to their small sensor size.

Display and Interface: Reviewing and Composing Your Shots

The camera’s screen quality and user interface affect your shooting experience and how confidently you frame your images on the fly.

LCD Screen Specs

Here, the Canon SX710 HS offers a significant edge with a higher resolution display, making it easier to review sharpness, exposure, and composition details immediately. The Samsung’s low-resolution screen can appear grainy and lacks fine detail, which can be frustrating when assessing images or navigating menus.

Both cameras have no electronic viewfinder, a limitation you’ll want to keep in mind if you prefer eye-level shooting or struggle with bright daylight glare on LCDs.

Autofocus System and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Whether shooting wildlife, sports, or street scenes, autofocus speed and accuracy are critical to capturing sharp images of fleeting moments.

Autofocus Capabilities

• Canon SX710 HS:
  • 9 focus points with contrast-detection AF
  • Face detection and tracking
  • Continuous and single AF modes
  • AF tracking for moving subjects
• Samsung ST65:
  • Fixed autofocus (no manual focus or advanced AF)
  • No face detection or tracking features

The Canon SX710 HS offers a sophisticated autofocus system uncommon in entry-level compacts, particularly face and tracking capabilities that boost success in portrait photography and moving subjects like wildlife or sports. Its continuous AF mode and 6 frames-per-second burst shooting let you capture action with more confidence.

In contrast, the ST65's simple autofocus suits casual snapshots but is unlikely to deliver sharp results in complex or dynamic scenarios.

Lens and Zoom Range: Flexibility for Diverse Photography

Lens quality and zoom range greatly influence what you can shoot, from tight portraits to expansive landscapes and distant subjects.

The Canon excels with an impressive 30x optical zoom, spanning wide-angle to super-telephoto, ideal for wildlife, sports, travel, and landscape photography. Its macro capability at 1 cm enables close-up shots of flowers or small objects, further broadening your creative options.

Optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake at long zooms or slower shutter speeds, a must-have for handheld shooting.

The Samsung ST65 offers a smaller, less versatile zoom lens with no image stabilization and lacks macro. It’s best for straightforward daylight photography.

Performance in Different Photography Genres

Let’s break down how these cameras perform across popular photographic applications.

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX710 HS:
  • Face detection autofocus improves eye focus accuracy.
  • Wider zoom allows flattering focal lengths (85-135mm equivalent).
  • Moderate bokeh achievable at telephoto settings but limited by small sensor and max aperture.
• Samsung ST65:
  • Lacks face detection or manual focus.
  • Limited zoom control.
  • Less suitable for controlled portraits.

Landscape Photography

• Canon SX710 HS:
  • Good resolution for detailed landscapes.
  • Moderate dynamic range; struggles with extreme contrast.
  • 25 mm wide angle starting point captures expanses well.
  • No weather sealing limits rugged outdoor use.
• Samsung ST65:
  • Lower resolution limits large prints.
  • No manual exposure controls restrict creativity.
  • Compact size is excellent for casual landscapes.
  • No weather sealing.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Canon SX710 HS:
  • 30x zoom and 6 fps continuous shooting cater well to distant moving subjects.
  • Continuous AF tracking helps maintain focus.
  • Limited by modest burst depth and buffer.
• Samsung ST65:
  • No continuous shooting or advanced AF.
  • Not recommended for action photography.

Street Photography

• Canon SX710 HS:
  • Larger size may feel intrusive.
  • Optical zoom aids in candid shooting from a distance.
• Samsung ST65:
  • Ultra-compact and discreet.
  • Quick shooting but limited manual control.

Macro Photography

• Canon SX710 HS:
  • 1 cm close focusing enables detailed macrophotography.
  • Optical stabilization enhances hand-held macro shots.
• Samsung ST65:
  • No dedicated macro capabilities.

Night and Astro Photography

• Canon SX710 HS:
  • ISO up to 3200 with reasonable noise control for a small sensor.
  • Optical stabilization aids in handheld night shots.
  • Exposure modes like aperture and shutter priority available.
• Samsung ST65:
  • Poor low-light performance.
  • ISO capabilities unspecified, likely low.
  • No manual exposure modes.

Video Capabilities

The Canon SX710 HS supports full HD video at 60 frames per second, offering smooth and detailed video capture suitable for casual vlogging or home movies. The lack of microphone input limits audio quality improvement.

The Samsung ST65 caps out at 720p and lacks video stabilization; it suits brief clips rather than serious video work.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers official weather sealing or ruggedness features. The Canon’s more robust build and slightly larger size may endure better long-term, but both should be treated carefully in harsh environments.

Battery Life and Storage

• Canon SX710 HS:
  • Battery: Rechargeable NB-6LH pack
  • Rated for ~230 shots, modest but typical for compact superzooms
  • SD/SDHC/SDXC card support
• Samsung ST65:
  • Battery info unspecified, likely disposable AA or proprietary.
  • Storage type not specified but accepts SD cards.

For extended shooting, the Canon’s rechargeable battery and larger internal capacity give it an edge. You’ll want spare batteries or power options if you plan long sessions.

Connectivity and Extras

Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity on the Canon SX710 HS allow quick image transfers and wireless remote control - features increasingly valuable for modern workflows and sharing content on the go. The Samsung ST65 lacks any wireless or wired interface beyond basic image transfer, limiting flexibility.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

• Canon SX710 HS: Around $349 new (as of launch), offers extensive zoom, manual controls, and advanced AF.
• Samsung ST65: Around $130 new (at launch), entry-level ultracompact with simplified point-and-shoot capability.

The Canon delivers a substantial boost in versatility and image quality for roughly triple the price, making it a better investment if you want to grow your photography skills or shoot a variety of subjects.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Canon SX710 HS front Canon SX710 HS screen back Samsung ST65 front Samsung ST65 screen back

How These Cameras Score Across Photography Disciplines

• Portraits: Canon leads significantly with face-detection AF and better zoom focal lengths
• Landscapes: Canon supports larger prints and manual exposure; Samsung suitable only for casual shots
• Wildlife & Sports: Canon only viable choice with continuous AF and bursts
• Street: Samsung’s size benefits candid shooting; Canon’s zoom aids distant capture
• Macro: Canon exclusively has macro mode
• Low Light & Night: Canon’s sensor and ISO range make it usable
• Video: Canon offers full HD at 60p vs Samsung’s 720p

Final Scores - Overall Performance and Value

The Canon PowerShot SX710 HS scores significantly higher in comprehensive performance, thanks to its modern sensor, versatile lens, advanced AF, and connectivity. The Samsung ST65 scores modestly, reflecting its entry-level niche.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS if you:

• Want a versatile all-round compact superzoom
• Need manual controls for creative flexibility
• Shoot portraits, wildlife, sports, or travel extensively
• Desire Wi-Fi transfer and HD video capabilities
• Can handle slightly larger camera size and price

Choose the Samsung ST65 if you:

• Need a simple, pocketable, and affordable ultra-compact
• Take casual snapshots primarily in daylight
• Prioritize size and ease over advanced features
• Are on a tight budget or want a secondary, lightweight camera

Recommendations and Next Steps

If you’re just starting or want a lightweight camera for everyday snapshots, the Samsung ST65 can get you started with minimal fuss. However, for photography enthusiasts or those ready to embrace more creative control and shoot in diverse conditions, the Canon SX710 HS is a clear upgrade.

To fully leverage the Canon’s capabilities:

• Pair it with a high-speed SD card to maximize buffer and video performance
• Explore manual shooting modes to master depth of field and motion control
• Use Wi-Fi/NFC for easy photo sharing and remote shooting
• Invest in a protective case given the lack of weather sealing

For Samsung ST65 users looking to upgrade, consider a compact with improved sensor technology and at least basic manual controls to overcome the limits of early 2010s ultracompacts.

Photography gear is a journey, and both these cameras tell stories of their eras. The Canon SX710 HS represents a leap in accessible superzoom technology with meaningful creative tools. The Samsung ST65 stands as a reminder of simplicity and approachable design.

Go ahead, handle these cameras if you can, and explore which fits your hands and your vision best. The right tool empowers your craft, no matter your level.

Thank you for reading this in-depth comparison. For further camera reviews and hands-on insights that clarify your creative choices, stay tuned!