Canon SX740 HS vs. Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G: A Deep Dive into Two Small Sensor Superzooms

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, the market has seen some intriguing designs over the years - some leaning into pocketable compactness, others embracing smartphone-style functionality with bells and whistles. Today, I'm putting two such contenders head-to-head: Canon’s 2018 PowerShot SX740 HS and Samsung’s 2012 Galaxy Camera 3G. Both pack extended zoom ranges and compact bodies but come from very different eras and design philosophies.

Having spent countless hours testing cameras across genres - biting into sensor specs, exhaustively evaluating autofocus, and scrutinizing ergonomics - I’m here to give you a thorough, experience-driven comparison. We’ll peel back marketing gloss to focus on what works in real-world photography for both enthusiasts and professionals weighing options in this compact superzoom category.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty, starting with something that often dictates your pocket’s happiness: the physical size and feel.

Comfort in the Hand: Size and Ergonomics That Matter

If you’ve ever wrestled with an unwieldy camera, you know how crucial ergonomics are - especially for a daily carry or travel companion. The Canon SX740 HS aims to strike a balance between portability and control, while the Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G follows a more slab-like smartphone approach.

Looking at the numbers and feel, the Canon measures 110 x 64 x 40 mm and weighs a comfortable 299 grams - not featherlight, but highly pocketable. Its slightly rounded body gives you a reassuring grip. Contrast this with Samsung’s Galaxy Camera, with larger dimensions of 129 x 71 x 19 mm and slightly heavier weight at 305 grams. The Galaxy’s slim but wide rectangular shape with a flat back feels more like holding a chunky smartphone than a conventional camera.

On top of dimensions, Canon’s design includes a textured grip and strategically placed shutter and zoom controls, enhancing one-handed shooting stability. Samsung’s layout is minimalist, barely breaking the smooth smartphone shell, which means it’s less comfortable for longer shooting sessions or rapid-fire action.

For photographers prioritizing ergonomics - whether it’s landscape hikes or street strolls - Canon’s SX740 HS takes the prize here. It simply feels more natural in the hand without adding bulk.

Peek Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Frontiers

Both cameras share a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, a standard choice for compact superzooms, but diverge in resolution and image processing chops. Canon’s SX740 boasts a 21MP sensor, while Samsung’s Galaxy Camera lags slightly behind on 16MP.

From practical testing, the Canon’s higher pixel count translates to finer image detail and better cropping flexibility. Both cameras have an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens images to reduce moiré artifacts, but Canon’s modern DIGIC 8 processor pushes better noise reduction and color fidelity to the forefront, especially at base ISO 100.

Samsung’s sensor and older processing engine cannot quite match Canon’s edge in clarity or dynamic range, meaning shadows and highlights on challenging landscapes fare better on the SX740. In low light, Canon’s sensor maintains usable detail up to ISO 3200 with less noise proliferation - a clear advantage when shooting in dimmer environments or inside atmospheric interiors.

It’s important to note, however, that both sensors have physical limitations inherent in their size. Don’t expect DSLR-level depth of field control or noise characteristics - these are travel-friendly compacts that thrive in bright daylight or well-lit conditions.

Display and Interface: How You See is How You Shoot

Good controls and an intuitive interface can make or break the shooting experience - especially in street and travel photography where time is of the essence.

The Canon SX740 HS includes a 3-inch tilting LCD with 922k-dot resolution. This tilting mechanism is invaluable for creative compositions from awkward angles - low to the ground or overhead shots, you name it. The crisp display ensures that images and menus are sharp and legible even under sunlight, though it lacks touchscreen capability - something that users upgrading from phones might miss. The buttons and dials are well spaced, illuminated moderately in low light, and reliable under my varied testing conditions.

On the other hand, Samsung’s Galaxy Camera boasts a larger 4.8-inch fixed touchscreen rated at 308 ppi with HD Super Clear technology. This panel shines with its size and touch-responsiveness - understandably given Samsung’s smartphone pedigree - but the fixed angle limits dynamic shooting perspectives. The touchscreen interface offers snappy navigation through both camera and Android OS functions, but it comes with a steeper learning curve and sometimes distracts from traditional photography flow.

If a responsive, large touchscreen interface is a priority (and you are comfortable juggling phone-style menus), Samsung offers a unique synergy between camera and smart device. But for photographers who favor tactile buttons and a flexible screen for diverse compositions, Canon’s setup still delivers better practical balance.

Zoom Power and Optics: The Heart of Superzoom Performance

Superzooms are defined by their zoom reach and optical quality. Canon’s 24-960mm equivalent zoom (a whopping 40x) outclasses Samsung’s more modest 23-481mm (20.9x) zoom, extending reach significantly into wildlife and distant landscape territory.

Canon’s lens, with a variable aperture of f/3.3-6.9, offers acceptable sharpness and contrast across the range, especially noteworthy given the extreme telephoto stretch. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) means handheld long zoom shots are much less prone to blur - critical for wildlife or sports shooters without a tripod.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera also incorporates OIS but without an internally built-in flash, which reduces versatility in dim conditions. The maximum aperture for Samsung’s lens isn’t specified, but users report it’s slower at tele than Canon’s lens. This steeper falloff limits low-light telephoto usability.

In practice, Canon’s longer zoom is both more versatile and consistent, letting you dial in subjects that are physically far away - think birds perched high or street scenes captured discreetly across a square. That extended focal range alone nudges Canon ahead for those prioritizing reach and optical performance.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness: Catching the Moment

In fast-paced shooting - be it sports, wildlife, or street candids - the autofocus system and frame rate are paramount.

Canon’s SX740 HS integrates contrast-detection AF with face detection and tracking, while Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 3G lacks autofocus features beyond basic fixed or manual focus control (manual focus isn’t supported). Canon offers continuous autofocus and tracking, with up to 10 frames per second burst shooting at full resolution, allowing you to capture fleeting moments effectively.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera stops short of this - no continuous AF, no tracking, no AF areas to select - akin to Ferrari without power steering. Plus, continuous shooting speed isn’t specified, and shutter speeds are limited.

Hands-on, I've found Canon’s AF system fast and reliable in well-lit situations, though slow to lock in very low light compared to higher-end mirrorless cameras. Still, it’s impressive for a compact; subjects are nailed promptly without hunting, and face detection works well for portraits and street.

Samsung, meanwhile, feels sluggish and inflexible, suiting casual snapshots but frustrating in dynamic environments.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

If video is on your radar, Canon's SX740 HS shoots 4K UHD at 30p in MP4 format (H.264 codec), a significant step up from Samsung’s 1080p Full HD maximum resolution. Canon’s inclusion of modern codecs and stabilization gives sharper, smoother footage, which is a boon for travel vloggers or family events.

Notably, neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, so audio quality may be limited unless you accept camera’s built-in mics and static sound.

Samsung’s Android OS adds some video apps but nothing that compensates for limited frame rates or sensor capabilities. Canon’s 4K Photo mode enables extracting high-res stills from video - a neat feature not found on Samsung.

For video-centric creatives exploring beyond basic clips, Canon is the clear choice, providing versatile options that meet contemporary content creation needs.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping the Shoot Going

Battery stamina often flies under the radar during casual browsing but rapidly surfaces as a dealbreaker on location shoots.

Canon rates the SX740 HS for about 265 shots per charge, which aligns with my real-world tests - adequate for day trips if you’re judicious and carry spares. Samsung’s battery life is unspecified, with anecdotal reports suggesting it’s less enduring due to the power hunger of the large screen and Android OS. The Galaxy Camera also lacks a USB connection, relying solely on charging ports; this is a minor annoyance for convenient top-ups.

On storage, Canon supports a single SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I slot, while Samsung uses the smaller micro SD variants. Both are user-swappable and standard, but Canon’s SD cards are easily found and often faster - a plus for continuous shooting and video buffering.

Wireless Connectivity and Extras: The Modern Photographer’s Toolbox

Connectivity-wise, Canon SX740 HS comes standard with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, facilitating quick transfer to smartphones and remote camera control. Samsung’s Galaxy Camera includes built-in GPS - along with 3G cellular data for online sharing - but no Bluetooth or NFC, tethered heavily to its Android ecosystem.

From a practical standpoint, Canon’s wireless suite feels more versatile and compatible with current smartphones and apps. GPS tagging on Samsung is useful but less needed today, with many phones providing location data themselves.

Durable Build and Weather Resistance: Ready for the Elements?

Neither camera sports environmental sealing or extreme durability features such as waterproofing or shockproofing. Their compact, plastic-heavy builds prioritize portability over ruggedness, so handle with care outdoors.

Choosing between the two here is less about toughness than care and handling preferences.

Diving Into Different Types of Photography: Who Does What Best?

Now to address how each camera stacks up across popular photographic disciplines, distilled from hands-on use and feature sets.

Portraiture: Skin Tones and Bokeh Appeal

Portrait photographers will appreciate Canon’s face detection and tracking AF, which locks onto eyes for focused sharpness. Its 21MP sensor delivers pleasing detail and natural skin rendition, aided by accurate white balance controls. The lens’s maximum aperture (f/3.3 at wide) allows moderate background separation but don’t expect creamy bokeh - a consequence of sensor size.

Samsung lacks face detection, autofocus precision, or aperture control, limiting portrait quality. Bright daylight snaps are its forte, but nuanced portraits fall short.

Landscape Photography: Scenery in Sharp Focus

Landscape lovers benefit from Canon’s higher resolution, excellent dynamic range, and tilting screen - useful for low-angle shots. The extensive 960mm zoom comes in handy for isolating distant features. Optical stabilization aids handheld shooting, but a tripod is recommended for crisp ultra-wide shots.

Samsung’s 16MP sensor is less crisp; no aperture control further limits depth of field manipulation.

Wildlife and Sports: Nailing Fast Action

Canon’s fast contrast-detect AF, tracking, and 10 fps burst shooting perform respectably for casual wildlife and sports. The 40x zoom extends reach superbly. Samsung’s autofocus limitations and slower frame capture make it unsuitable here.

Street Photography: Stealth and Speed

Canon’s moderate size and ergonomic grip let you shoot discreetly, while Samsung’s large touchscreen and slab shape draw more attention. Canon’s responsive controls favor fast focus and composition changes; Samsung might cause you to miss candid moments.

Macro Photography: Close Details

Canon’s 1cm close focus with Optical Image Stabilization helps nail macros without a tripod. Samsung doesn’t specify macro capability and lacks precise focus options.

Night and Astro: Darkness Tamed?

Canon performs decently up to ISO 3200 with effective noise reduction, but sensor size limits long exposure quality. Lack of a bulb mode limits astro use. Samsung’s dated sensor and lack of manual exposure modes constrain low-light shots severely.

Video Capabilities: Motion Capture

Canon’s 4K video with stabilized footage bests Samsung’s 1080p max. Canon also includes time lapse and 4K photo functions, providing creative options.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras have fixed lenses, no interchangeable option. Canon’s 40x zoom lens is a proven performer within this form factor, while Samsung’s lens is notably less versatile in reach and aperture. No external flash or accessory shoe on either limits expansion.

Price and Value: What’s Your Money Buying?

Taking street prices into account, the Canon SX740 HS (~$400) offers more modern tech, higher resolution, advanced autofocus, 4K video, and better handling. Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 3G, despite sometimes listing higher (~$600), feels dated and less capable in comparison.

Canon clearly delivers the best price-to-performance ratio here.

Summary Scores and Practical Recommendations

Here’s a quick visual summary to encapsulate overall and genre-specific performance based on extensive hands-on evaluation:

Final Verdict – Which Camera Suits Your Photography Passion?

• Choose Canon PowerShot SX740 HS if:

  • You want a compact, versatile superzoom with solid image quality.
  • You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or travel and desire flexible controls.
  • Video at 4K and reliable autofocus matter.
  • You value a balanced form factor for handling comfort.
  • You need good wireless features enabling seamless workflow.

• Opt for Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G only if:

  • You crave an Android-powered hybrid camera-phone ecosystem (discontinued model alert here).
  • You primarily snap casual daytime scenes without fuss.
  • You want built-in GPS for geo-tagging and cellular connectivity.
  • You can accept limited autofocus and lower image quality in exchange for touchscreen convenience.

In my experience, unless you’re intrigued mainly by Samsung’s Android integration (which is dated and limited), the Canon SX740 HS provides a fresher, more reliable photography experience. It’s a genuinely capable small sensor superzoom camera for beginners up to enthusiast shooters needing all-day carry comfort and respectable image quality in a pocketable package.

Closing Thoughts

Small sensor superzooms aren't made to replace DSLRs or mirrorless workhorses, but they excel as trustworthy companions for those moments when lugging heavy gear is impractical. Having carried both cameras on urban explorations, landscape shoots, and casual family outings, I found Canon’s SX740 HS to be the more satisfying tool - helping me capture decisive moments, tack-sharp landscapes, and steady telephoto shots without fuss.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Camera offers an interesting case study in cross-device convergence but falls short on core camera capabilities - still a niche collectible for enthusiast technophiles curious about its concept.

Choosing the right camera boils down to understanding your priorities: is it zoom reach and image quality? Then Canon’s your friend. Want a gadget that blurs lines with smartphones? Samsung’s Galaxy Camera reflects that vision.

No matter which you pick, I recommend testing the cameras yourself in-store if possible - getting a feel for controls and handling beats spec sheet reading every single time!

Happy shooting, and may your photos always be sharp and your memories vivid!