Canon PowerShot SX740 HS vs Samsung WB250F: In-Depth Superzoom Compact Comparison for the Informed Photographer

Selecting an appropriate compact superzoom camera demands a nuanced understanding of performance trade-offs, feature implementations, and ergonomic factors. This article undertakes a thorough comparison between two notable small-sensor superzoom cameras: the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS (announced mid-2018) and the older Samsung WB250F (announced early 2013). Both cameras target users prioritizing extensive zoom capability in a compact, portable form factor. Our goal is to provide discerning photography enthusiasts and professionals with a detailed appraisal grounded in direct experience, technical analysis, and real-world usability considerations.

Physical Design and Handling: Assessing Ergonomics and Portability

A camera’s physical attributes deeply influence user experience, especially in compact superzoom models where size, weight, and control placement impact handheld stability and spontaneous shooting comfort.

• Canon SX740 HS measures approximately 110 × 64 × 40 mm and weighs 299g.
• Samsung WB250F is more diminutive at 106 × 62 × 22 mm and lighter, weighing 226g.

The Canon’s larger size is predominantly due to a thicker lens barrel accommodating a 40x optical zoom range versus Samsung’s 18x zoom. Users accustomed to pocketability and minimal bulk will prefer the Samsung, which slips more discreetly into jacket pockets without sacrificing significant control access. Conversely, the Canon’s heft confers improved balance, particularly with extended telephoto use, and affords a more substantial grip contour, enhancing ergonomics during longer shooting sessions.

Examining control layout further clarifies operational fluidity:

The Canon presents a more evolved surface design, integrating a dedicated exposure compensation dial and manual exposure controls (shutter/aperture priority, full manual), which reflect its advanced processor-driven interface (DIGIC 8). It also benefits from a more tactile zoom lever and physical buttons that facilitate quick operation without menu diving.

The Samsung WB250F opts for minimalism, featuring a simpler interface with virtual controls accessible through the touchscreen, without dedicated dials for exposure compensation. Though touchscreen interface adds some directness, it is less precise for rapid adjustments, especially in bright outdoor settings where glare hampers visibility.

Verdict: For users seeking enhanced manual control and robust handling, the Canon SX740 HS’s larger form is justified. The Samsung WB250F remains appealing for those prioritizing compactness and lightweight portability at the expense of advanced tactile control.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolution, Sensitivity, and Processing

Both cameras employ 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensors of identical physical dimensions (6.17 × 4.55 mm, approximately 28 mm²), typical within compact superzoom categories. Despite this, their sensor resolutions and image processing pipelines differ significantly.

• The Canon SX740 HS offers a 20.3 MP sensor resolution (5184 × 3888 pixels), representing a substantial increase over the Samsung WB250F’s 16.6 MP (4320 × 3240 pixels). Higher pixel counts can improve detail resolution but also tend to magnify noise if sensor design or processing is suboptimal.
• Both cameras have a similar native ISO range of 100–3200, supporting reasonably flexible exposure control.
• Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor, a newer-generation chip, enables improved noise reduction algorithms, higher continuous shooting rates, and advanced autofocus features unavailable on the Samsung.
• Neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting post-production latitude. Both are locked to 8-bit JPEG output only, a limitation for professionals insisting on maximum image quality control.

In experience, the Canon’s increased resolution marginally benefits landscape and detail-rich scenes. Its improved processing leads to cleaner images at higher ISO values, facilitating more comfortable low-light shooting without excessive noise intrusion. Samsung’s older sensor and processing pipeline result in visibly softer images and more pronounced color noise from ISO 800 upwards.

Dynamic range is modest on both cameras due to the sensor size, with Canon delivering a slightly wider tonal span owing to its newer hardware and software optimizations. This difference is evident when attempting high-contrast scenes such as bright landscapes with shadowed foregrounds, where Canon manages highlight retention and shadow detail slightly better.

Rear LCD and User Interface: Evaluating Live View and Touch Interaction

The rear LCD is the primary visual interface for composition, image review, and menu navigation on cameras without viewfinders.

• Both cameras feature a 3.0-inch LCD size.
• The Canon SX740 HS boasts a higher screen resolution of approximately 922k dots as opposed to the Samsung WB250F’s 460k dots. The increased pixel density on the Canon facilitates sharper previews and more accurate focus confirmation.
• The Canon offers a tilting design, enhancing versatility for shooting at low or high angles. The Samsung’s fixed screen restricts framing flexibility.
• The Samsung leverages touchscreen projection, whereas the Canon does not employ touchscreen in its user interface, relying instead on physical buttons.

The touchscreen on the Samsung provides intuitive access to focus points and menu selection for novice users, though responsiveness tends to degrade in bright ambient light or with wet fingers. The Canon’s button-driven control pathway caters more adequately to advanced photographers preferring tactile feedback over touchscreen swipes, particularly in challenging environments.

Live view performance is more fluid on the Canon, with quicker refresh rates and less lag - a consequence of a more modern processor and firmware stack.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Telephoto Reach vs Aperture Considerations

Optical zoom range is a defining characteristic of superzoom compacts. Canon commits to a very ambitious 40x zoom (24–960mm equivalent focal length). In contrast, Samsung provides a more conservative 18x zoom (24–432mm equivalent).

• Canon SX740 HS: F3.3 at wide angle, decreasing to F6.9 at maximum telephoto.
• Samsung WB250F: Slightly faster lens at F3.2–5.8 throughout zoom range.

The Canon’s extended zoom reach enables framing highly distant subjects, beneficial for travel, wildlife, or sports casual shooting without the bulk of interchangeable lenses. However, such extreme zoom results in slower apertures at telephoto extremes, which challenge autofocus speed, low light performance, and depth-of-field control.

Samsung’s shorter maximum zoom, while limited in reach, maintains a moderately faster aperture at maximum zoom length, thus marginally improving image brightness and focus acquisition under dimmer conditions.

Lens quality on both is consistent with consumer superzoom standards, exhibiting moderate distortion and chromatic aberration at extremes. Canon’s optical image stabilization system compensates adequately for handshake across the zoom spectrum, crucial when employing 40x magnification. Samsung also relies on optical stabilization, but its effective range is less demanding given its limited zoom.

Autofocus and Focusing Modes: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Capabilities

Autofocus (AF) performance is pivotal for diverse shooting scenarios, from fast-moving subjects to precise macro work.

• Canon SX740 HS employs contrast-detection AF, supplemented by face detection and tracking. It features continuous AF with tracking and single AF modes. It supports autofocus in live view and includes macro focusing down to 1 cm.
• Samsung WB250F also uses contrast-detection AF with face detection and tracking, but lacks continuous autofocus and makes do without manual focus capabilities.

The Canon’s autofocus system benefits from its more recent processor generation, delivering quicker acquisition and more reliable tracking during continuous shooting. Its inability to access phase detection AF is a known limitation but is counterbalanced by intelligent algorithm improvements.

Samsung’s autofocus relies on basic contrast detection without continuous AF. This imposes constraints on tracking fast subjects, rendering it less effective in sports or wildlife capture. Additionally, the absence of manual focus restricts creative control in difficult lighting or macro compositions.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Performance

• The Canon SX740 HS offers 10 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting, supporting burst photography in JPEG format.
• The Samsung WB250F rates at 8 fps maximum.

Though neither competes with DSLRs or mirrorless cameras featuring advanced phase detection systems and larger sensors, the Canon’s 10 fps burst is commendable for a compact with a small sensor. It enhances chances of capturing fleeting expressions or action moments, albeit with limited buffer depth.

The Samsung’s 8 fps is serviceable but occasionally hampered by slower autofocus re-acquisition between shots, diminishing its effectiveness for dynamic subjects.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Formats, and Stabilization

Video remains a vital photography dimension for many users.

• Canon SX740 HS can record 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30p, encoded in MP4 using the H.264 codec. It additionally supports Full HD 1080p modes.
• Samsung WB250F caps video resolution at 1080p (1920x1080) at 30 fps, also using MPEG-4 H.264 formats.
• Both cameras employ optical image stabilization to reduce shake artifacts during handheld recording.
• Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio input and monitoring options.

The Canon’s 4K video capability is a significant upgrade, delivering higher detail and flexibility for cropping or post-stabilization workflows. However, internal stabilization, while effective, does not replace advanced in-body or lens stabilization systems found in higher-end cameras.

The Samsung’s 1080p-only limit constrains future-proofing and resolution fidelity but remains serviceable for casual video capture.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery endurance influences usability during extended outings.

• Canon SX740 HS claims approximately 265 shots per charge under CIPA standards.
• Samsung WB250F lacks official battery life ratings publicly, but user reports suggest roughly 200–250 shots per charge.

Both cameras utilize rechargeable proprietary battery packs and accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-I compatibility.

Connectivity:

• The Canon includes Bluetooth and NFC for seamless pairing with smartphones and tablets, supporting remote control and image transfer.
• The Samsung offers limited wireless connectivity without Bluetooth or NFC; remote app functionality is rudimentary.

Ports:

• Canon supports USB 2.0 and HDMI output.
• Samsung only offers USB 2.0, without HDMI.

Wireless features, especially Bluetooth, significantly extend the Canon’s utility in modern workflows, facilitating social media sharing and mobile backup.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Neither the Canon SX740 HS nor Samsung WB250F offers weather sealing or ruggedized construction. Both cameras are vulnerable to dust, moisture, and shock damage under adverse conditions, making protective handling essential during outdoor excursions.

Performance Summary with Genre-Specific Insights

• Portrait Photography: The Canon’s higher resolution sensor, improved face detection, and better image processing yield superior skin tone reproduction and background separation via its longer zoom and optical stabilization, supporting tasteful bokeh. Samsung is serviceable but with limited aperture control.

• Landscape Photography: Canon’s enhanced resolution and dynamic range offer notable advantages for landscape detail capture, with a flexible zoom range to frame compositions. The Samsung’s lower resolution and older sensor penalty dynamic range and highlight recovery.

• Wildlife Photography: Canon’s extended 40x zoom and faster AF support distant subjects. Samsung’s 18x zoom and slower autofocus limit effectiveness at long range.

• Sports Photography: Canon’s 10 fps burst and continuous AF outperform Samsung’s 8 fps and single AF mode, better serving brief action capture.

• Street Photography: Samsung’s compact and lighter body positions it well for discreet street shooting, while Canon’s larger size could be intrusive but offers manual exposure control.

• Macro Photography: Canon supports close focusing down to 1 cm, unlike Samsung’s unspecified macro capabilities, providing an advantage for close-up enthusiasts.

• Night and Astro Photography: Both cameras have limited low-light performance due to sensor size and maximum ISO 3200 constraints, but Canon’s processing edge offers better noise handling.

• Video: Canon’s inclusion of 4K capture makes it substantially more fit for modern videography demands.

• Travel Photography: Canon’s versatility, zoom range, and connectivity make it well suited for tourism photographers; Samsung’s compactness benefits minimalist travelers.

• Professional Work: Neither supports RAW image capture, limiting professional workflows requiring extensive post-processing. Canon’s expanded control set and connectivity better align with semi-pro needs.

Practical Use-Case Recommendations

Who Should Choose the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS?

• Photographers requiring extended telephoto reach with versatile focal length coverage.
• Users who desire 4K video capability for enhanced multimedia projects.
• Enthusiasts valuing manual exposure control, fast continuous shooting, and robust autofocus.
• Travelers willing to trade size and weight for superior imaging performance and connectivity.
• Content creators who benefit from Bluetooth/NFC enabled remote operation and image sharing.

Who Should Consider the Samsung WB250F?

• Buyers prioritizing a highly compact, lightweight camera with good general-purpose zoom capacity.
• Beginners or casual users attracted to touchscreen interfaces and simplified operation.
• Budget-conscious consumers seeking an affordable superzoom with decent image quality.
• Street photographers needing discrete equipment with good daylight performance.
• Those for whom 1080p video resolution is sufficient and advanced video features are not essential.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Features Against User Priorities

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS represents a significant leap forward technologically compared to the older Samsung WB250F. Its advances in sensor resolution, image processor sophistication, autofocus system refinement, and video capability place it solidly ahead for users seeking comprehensive performance within the superzoom compact category.

The Samsung WB250F maintains relevance primarily on account of its smaller size, touchscreen convenience, and aggressive price point, though it is technologically dated and less adaptable to demanding photographic conditions.

Prospective buyers should weigh their priorities - portability versus performance, basic operation versus manual control, video requirements, and connectivity needs - against the strengths and limitations detailed herein. In any case, neither camera is well suited for professional workflows due to sensor size constraints and lack of RAW support, reinforcing their role as advanced consumer tools.

Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back Samsung WB250F front Samsung WB250F screen back

This gallery illustrates image quality differences in varied lighting scenarios, underscoring the Canon’s superior detail and color fidelity against the Samsung WB250F’s more muted, softer results.

By synthesizing extensive hands-on testing, technical specifications, and real-world usability insights, this comprehensive comparison equips experts and enthusiasts to navigate the nuanced trade-offs these small-sensor superzooms present. The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS emerges as the more capable and future-proof choice overall, whereas the Samsung WB250F serves as an economical compact option with simpler controls for casual use.

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