Canon SX720 HS vs Samsung ST150F: A Hands-On Comparative Review for the Smart Buyer

When we dig deep beyond the specs sheets to assess image quality, ergonomics, and real-world usability, the differences between two compact cameras like the Canon SX720 HS and Samsung ST150F become strikingly clear. Both cameras cater to photography enthusiasts seeking a portable, all-in-one solution - but they do so in distinct ways.

Having spent extensive time photographing with these two models across various disciplines - portraits, landscapes, wildlife, night shots, and more - I’m ready to share an in-depth comparison to guide your next purchase. In this review, expect more than specs parade; I'll unpack what these cameras really deliver in the hands of a seasoned pro or serious hobbyist.

First Impressions: Design, Handling, and Ergonomics

The Canon SX720 HS and Samsung ST150F are both compact cameras with fixed lenses but reflect different design priorities from their respective eras - Canon's dated 2016 model versus Samsung’s earlier 2013 release.

• Canon SX720 HS: At 110 × 64 × 36 mm and 270g, the Canon is noticeably larger and heavier - a tradeoff for its extensive feature set. The SX720 HS offers a traditional compact camera shape with textured grips that aid stability. The lens barrel extends significantly when zoomed, but the body remains well balanced overall. The fixed 3-inch LCD with 922k dots provides clear viewing despite lacking touch capability.

• Samsung ST150F: Meanwhile, the Samsung ST150F is more pocket-friendly at 94 × 58 × 18 mm and only 114g - the smallest footprint in this comparison. Its boxy shape and ultra-slim profile make it extremely portable but compromise on grip and handling comfort during extended shoots.

In terms of physical usability, Canon’s size and weight contribute to better ergonomics and stability. I found the SX720 HS easier to hold steady, especially when using the extensive 40x zoom lens to capture distant subjects. The Samsung’s lightness is appealing for casual snapshots or travel light days but causes more shake without stabilization support.

The layout also reflects Canon’s greater commitment to manual control: dedicated zoom rocker, mode dial with manual shooting modes (aperture priority, shutter priority), exposure compensation, and quickly accessible buttons refine operation speed and intuitive handling. Samsung’s interface is simpler, with fewer buttons and no manual exposure modes, emphasizing point-and-shoot convenience.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Inside each compact body beats a small 1/2.3-inch sensor measuring 6.17 × 4.55 mm, a typical size for superzoom and compact cameras. Sensor dimensions alone don’t tell the whole story, so I examined how their different sensor types and processing engines impact image fidelity.

• Canon SX720 HS: Canon employs a 20.3-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor partnered with the DIGIC 6 processor. This combination yields solid dynamic range and color accuracy that hold up surprisingly well for the class. Canon’s BSI technology enhances light-gathering efficiency, improving low-light performance relative to older sensor designs. Maximum native ISO clocking at 3200 helps in dim conditions, though noise becomes noticeable at higher settings.

• Samsung ST150F: Samsung’s 16-megapixel CCD sensor represents older technology and lacks the efficiency gains of BSI CMOS sensors. In practice, this means comparatively poorer high-ISO noise control and somewhat narrower dynamic range. Colors can appear flatter and more prone to highlight clipping in challenging lighting. Native ISO tops out similarly at 3200 but image quality at elevated ISO is inferior.

In my side-by-side testing of daylight landscapes and indoor portraits, Canon’s SX720 captured images with richer, truer hues and better noise handling. Samsung’s sensor tends to deliver softer, less detailed files with more noise creeping in under low light.

LCD and User Interface: How You See Your Shots

Both models rely solely on their rear LCD displays, as neither offers an electronic viewfinder - a limitation for bright daylight shooting.

• Canon SX720 HS: The crisp 3-inch screen with 922k dots density displays images and menus with clarity and vibrancy. Despite lacking touch input, menu navigation is straightforward thanks to physical buttons and dials. I appreciated the bright screen for composing in various lighting conditions.

• Samsung ST150F: Samsung’s 3-inch QVGA TFT LCD with only 230k dots feels dim and pixelated by modern standards. Although usable, focusing and reviewing fine detail on this screen is challenging - especially outdoors.

For enthusiasts who rely on accurate previews - particularly critical for manual exposure adjustments or critical focus confirmation - Canon’s screen presents a much superior experience.

Autofocus and Performance: Fast Enough to Capture the Moment?

Autofocus technology profoundly affects how well a camera handles real-world subjects - especially in genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography that demand speed and precision.

• Canon SX720 HS: Canon’s contrast-detection AF system offers 9 focus points and includes face detection and continuous AF tracking modes. While it lacks phase-detection autofocus (PDAF), the contrast-based system performs reliably for static and moderately moving scenes. The autofocus is responsive, focusing typically in under half a second in good light. Continuous AF tracking is effective enough to keep pace with walking pedestrians or casual action.

• Samsung ST150F: Samsung’s AF system is more limited. It provides single-shot AF with face detection and some multi-area AF but lacks continuous AF, severely hampering its ability to capture moving subjects. AF speed is more sluggish, noticeable in live situations like candid street photography.

Continuous shooting and buffer also matter here: Canon offers 5.9 fps burst capture, suitable for casual sports or wildlife shots at close range. Samsung does not offer continuous shooting, limiting its bursts to single frames spaced by user trigger.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: Reach and Creativity

Lens capability is a standout difference that sets these two apart, influencing creativity and practical use.

• Canon SX720 HS: The SX720 boasts an impressive 40x optical zoom covering a 24-960mm equivalent range. This vast scope lets you shoot wide-angle landscapes, intimate portraits, and distant wildlife without lens changes. Of course, the aperture narrows to F6.9 at the telephoto end, but optical image stabilization helps mitigate shake. Macro focusing down to 1 cm enables close-up shots with surprising detail.

• Samsung ST150F: Samsung’s fixed 25-125mm (5x zoom) lens offers less flexibility, suited mostly for general snapshots and standard subjects. It opens wider at F2.5 on the short end but loses reach for wildlife or sports.

For travel photographers or enthusiasts prioritizing zoom versatility, Canon’s lens should be the clear winner. For casual users focused on street or family photography within limited distances, Samsung may suffice.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting Longer

Battery endurance is a practical matter - nothing kills a shoot faster than running out of power.

• Canon SX720 HS: Equipped with the NB-13L battery, the SX720 rated approximately 250 shots per charge. While not exceptional, proper power management (disabling Wi-Fi when idle, lowering screen brightness) can eke out decent shooting sessions. It also supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards via a single slot.

• Samsung ST150F: Samsung’s battery specs are less clearly documented, but users report shorter life typical of ultra-compact compacts. The camera uses microSD cards, giving some flexibility but also meaning smaller cards that might fill quickly shooting lots of photos or videos.

For day trips requiring steady shooting, Canon’s more robust battery and commonly available battery packs offer tangible benefits.

Connectivity, Extras, and Usability Features

Both cameras include built-in wireless connectivity but differ in technology implementation.

• Canon SX720 HS: Supports Wi-Fi and NFC for quick pairing with smartphones - a real convenience for instant sharing and remote shooting via Canon’s app. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports enable tethering and playback on external displays.

• Samsung ST150F: Offers built-in Wi-Fi without NFC or HDMI output. USB 2.0 is available, but lack of modern wireless features diminishes its appeal in connected workflows.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks for external audio in video recording, limiting their appeal for serious videographers.

Photography Discipline Breakdown: Which Camera Excels Where?

Understanding how both cameras perform across specific photography genres helps with practical purchase decisions.

Portrait Photography

Canon’s SX720 HS delivers more natural skin tones and superior eye detection AF for crisp portraits. Its longer zoom allows flattering background compression and decent bokeh given the small sensor, while Samsung’s wider aperture helps in lower light but produces softer images with less color fidelity.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras suffer limitations common to small sensors in dynamic range. However, Canon’s more advanced sensor and processor combo yield images with better tonal gradation. The SX720’s longer zoom also enables framing distant vistas without hiking close.

Wildlife Photography

Canon’s 40x zoom plus continuous AF makes it better suited for casual wildlife shooters. Burst rate at nearly 6 fps captures fleeting moments. Samsung’s limited zoom and lack of continuous AF greatly restrict wildlife usability.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is ideal for serious sports photography, but Canon’s faster AF and burst speed win here as well. Samsung cannot reliably track fast movement.

Street Photography

Samsung’s tiny size and light weight lend to discreet shooting, making it favorable for street photographers seeking minimal gear presence. Canon’s larger footprint may command more notice but its faster AF and versatile zoom cater to more varied street scenes.

Macro Photography

Canon’s macro focus down to 1 cm is impressive for a superzoom, offering detailed close-ups. Samsung lacks macro mode listed, limiting capability.

Night / Astro Photography

Canon’s BSI sensor with ISO up to 3200 performs acceptably in low light; image noise is manageable up to ISO 800. Samsung’s older CCD sensor struggles with noise, delivering less clean files under those conditions.

Video Capabilities

Canon records Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, providing smooth video well suited for casual use. Samsung maxes out at 720p. Neither supports 4K, nor offer external mic input or stabilization beyond optics.

Travel Photography

Canon’s versatility, weather resistance (though not sealed), and battery life make it the stronger travel companion. Samsung’s pocketability and lightness remain appealing for minimalist travelers.

Professional Work

Neither camera fits professional workflows - lack of RAW support, limited manual control on Samsung, and modest build quality opposes professional demands. Canon is still a stronger choice for hobbyist pros or backup camera.

Canon SX720 HS front Canon SX720 HS screen back Samsung ST150F front Samsung ST150F screen back

Observing sample images from both reveals Canon’s sharper detail, better color accuracy, and broader tonal range. Samsung produces decent point-and-shoot shots but lacks the refinement needed for serious photographic intent.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Matters

Neither camera offers weather sealing, waterproofing, or rugged protection. Both targets are casual users rather than outdoor professionals exposed to harsh environments. Canon’s somewhat sturdier build justifies carrying it outdoors with reasonable care.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: What’s the Smarter Investment?

Canon SX720 HS retails around $380; Samsung ST150F around $300. For roughly $80 more, Canon delivers substantial gains in zoom reach, image quality, AF capability, screen quality, and battery life. This delta reflects a meaningful value step that enthusiasts should weigh carefully.

Our comprehensive performance scores underscore Canon’s clear lead across criteria: autofocus, image quality, zoom flexibility, and user experience.

Breaking down genre performance further validates Canon's superiority in almost every photographic discipline relevant to enthusiasts.

Final Assessment and Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Canon SX720 HS if:

• You want the highest image quality, zoom versatility, and performance for in-depth photography projects or travel.
• Manual exposure options and more robust autofocus assist your creative control.
• You require Full HD video and desire wireless features for smartphone connectivity.
• You’re willing to manage a slightly larger body for these benefits.

Consider the Samsung ST150F if:

• Ultra-portability and minimalistic design top your priorities for casual everyday snapshots.
• Manual controls and burst shooting are non-essential.
• Budget constraints favor a cheaper, simpler compact model.
• You don’t require advanced video or zoom capabilities.

My Expert Verdict: A Clear Winner in the Mid-Tier Compact Category

While Samsung’s ST150F offers respectable portability and ease of use, it sits squarely in the casual user bracket, sacrificing advanced features and image quality. The Canon SX720 HS, despite some aging features and physical size, delivers superior value for photography enthusiasts and those requiring robust zoom performance and better image fidelity.

In over 15 years of camera testing, I’ve seen countless compact cameras claim versatility but few match the holistic package Canon presents here. For photographers wanting a compact “do-it-all” camera with real zoom depth, manual control, and reliable performance, the SX720 HS remains a solid choice that punches well above its weight.

If small size, lightness, and simplicity align with your photography approach, Samsung’s ST150F can still fit a very casual bill but expect compromises.

In essence, ask yourself: How much control, zoom reach, and image quality do you need in that pocket camera? Your answer will guide you squarely to the Canon SX720 HS or the Samsung ST150F.