Canon SX740 HS vs Samsung WB700: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting the right camera often comes down to understanding subtle nuances, especially when comparing compact models aimed at casual and enthusiast shooters alike. Today, I'll walk you through an in-depth comparison of two small-sensor compacts: the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, a 2018 release packed with modern features, and the older Samsung WB700 from 2010, a once-popular compact that still holds interest for budget-minded buyers. Both cameras share the small sensor category but cater to very different photography priorities and user expectations.

Having personally tested hundreds of compact cameras, including both earlier superzooms and compact zooms, I’ll focus on practical real-world differences - image quality, handling, autofocus, and more - rather than just specs. So, whether you’re an enthusiast eyeing a travel-friendly superzoom or simply curious how a decade-old model stacks up, this comparison aims to clear up the confusion.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Handling a camera is often the first dealmaker or breaker. At a glance, both Canon SX740 HS and Samsung WB700 are pocketable compacts with fixed lenses, but their physical dimensions reveal some key differences.

The Canon SX740 HS is a bit chunkier at 110 x 64 x 40 mm and weighs 299g, designed with modern handling standards - noticeably grippier and substantial enough to hold securely during brisk shooting sessions. The Samsung WB700, measuring a slimmer 100 x 59 x 22 mm with unspecified but obviously lighter weight, leans toward ultra-compactness.

Notably, the SX740 HS offers a well-contoured grip and tactile buttons that feel robust under my fingers - a quality I appreciate for longer shoots or when using heavier zoom focal lengths. The WB700’s shape is more candy-bar style, which fits easily in a pocket, but sacrifices ergonomics; smaller buttons and less pronounced grip surface make one-handed operation a bit fiddly, especially for users with larger hands.

For street or travel walkers wanting something unassuming and pocket-friendly, the WB700 remains compelling. However, for sustained shooting comfort - particularly with heavier lenses or manual adjustments - the SX740 HS’ ergonomic improvements add undeniable value.

Design and Control Layout: Ease of Use in the Field

Control layouts can make or break the shooting experience, especially in fast-paced environments. I inspected the top controls and dial arrangements of both cameras.

The Canon SX740 HS features a clear mode dial, dedicated exposure compensation rocker, and playback buttons arranged intuitively around a thumb rest. Its DIGIC 8 image processor facilitates smooth UI responsiveness, letting me adjust ISO, white balance, and drive modes easily via physical controls or menu shortcuts without hunting through the touchscreen-free interface.

Conversely, the Samsung WB700 sports a minimalist button array consistent with its era - fixed lens compacts were mostly geared toward casual users. It offers basic shutter and zoom controls, but lacks dedicated dials or exposure compensation buttons. Menus are slower and less responsive, requiring more navigation time, which gets tedious during decisive moments.

If you prefer quick manual control and seamless navigation, the Canon’s layout and processor speed will save you time and frustration. The Samsung’s simplicity is more suited to point-and-shoot scenarios where fully automatic modes suffice.

Sensor and Image Quality: Breaking Down Pixel Power

At the heart of every camera, the sensor defines image potential. Though both cameras utilize 1/2.3" sensors, their technologies and resolutions vastly differ.

The Canon SX740 HS employs a 21MP BSI-CMOS sensor, paired with the DIGIC 8 processor. BSI (Backside Illuminated) sensors are a critical advancement noted for their improved light gathering efficiency, especially at higher ISOs and in challenging lighting conditions. This sensor size measures approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm, yielding a 28.07mm² sensor area.

In contrast, the Samsung WB700 features an older 14MP CCD sensor with similar dimensions (6.08 x 4.56 mm). CCD sensors, while known for good color rendition in well-lit conditions, tend to lag behind CMOS in noise handling and dynamic range. The lack of modern image processing hardware amplifies this gap.

What does this mean in practice? When shooting outdoors in bright light, the WB700 can produce respectable images with decent color fidelity, but highlights quickly blow out, shadows lose detail, and noise creeps in earlier than with the Canon. The SX740 HS holds up better in shady or indoor scenes, retaining fine details and smoother tonal gradation through its higher resolution, advanced sensor, and noise reduction algorithms.

While neither camera competes with APS-C or full-frame models in raw image fidelity (both lack RAW support), for their categories the Canon is a significant leap forward in image quality, offering sharper files and greater flexibility.

Rear Screen and Interface: How You Preview and Review Matters

Shooting without a viewfinder puts extra importance on the rear LCD. Both models offer 3-inch screens, but here’s where technology divides further.

The Canon SX740 HS presents a sharp, bright 922k-dot tilting LCD, ideal for composing low/high angle shots and selfies. The screen refresh rate and brightness levels hold their own even in direct sunlight, reducing the need for guessing your framing.

In contrast, the Samsung WB700’s fixed-type 614k-dot LCD is noticeably dimmer and less crisp. Flat on the back, it limits shooting angles and can frustrate you outdoors. The lack of touchscreen functionality on both cameras steers you toward physical buttons, but the SX740’s better visibility and tilt mechanism are invaluable conveniences.

Given how much photographers rely on LCDs for composition, the Canon’s modern screen enhances usability dramatically. The WB700’s display reflects the technology standards from its release time, which might disappoint if you expect versatile framing.

Autofocus and Shooting Dynamics: Tracking and Speed Comparison

In my testing, autofocus systems reveal their worth in critical shooting genres like wildlife, sports, or even street photography. Here’s how these two compact compadres fare.

The Canon SX740 HS uses contrast-detection AF with face detection and tracking capabilities. While it lacks phase detection autofocus common in DSLR or mirrorless cameras, the DIGIC 8’s processing smoothes out focusing performance, enabling 10 frames per second continuous shooting with AF tracking on. This makes it surprisingly adept at capturing dynamic subjects - birds, kids, or action scenes.

The Samsung WB700, by comparison, has a fixed, slower contrast-detection AF system without face detection or continuous AF options. Its initial focus acquisition lags noticeably, and it doesn’t support burst shooting. It’s clear this camera targets casual shooting rather than action shots.

If you’re after fluid focusing to follow wildlife or fast-moving athletes, the Canon’s system outclasses the Samsung by a wide margin. For static subjects or leisurely snapshots, the WB700 suffices but expect disappointment in more demanding scenarios.

Zooming In: Comparing Lens Capabilities

With fixed lenses being the rule here, zoom range and aperture define versatility and optical quality.

The Canon SX740 HS boasts an impressive 24-960mm equivalent zoom - 40x optical zoom! This ultra-telephoto reach is excellent for everything from group portraits to extreme close-ups of distant wildlife. Aperture ranges from f/3.3 wide open to f/6.9 at maximum zoom, typical of small sensor superzooms, but having optical image stabilization (OIS) meaningfully buffers against camera shake at long focal lengths.

The Samsung WB700 is less transparent regarding specs, but based on historical data it offers around 24-144mm equivalent zoom. This range suits casual travel and street shooting but can’t reach the telephoto extremes of the Canon. Additionally, it lacks any optical image stabilization, resulting in more frequent blurry shots at zoomed-in positions or low light.

In short, the Canon SX740 HS is the go-to if you crave reach and telephoto flexibility packed into a compact body; the Samsung’s range caters more to general-purpose snapshots.

Video Capabilities: 4K versus Modest 720p

Video recording has become a vital function even for photographers, so let’s not overlook it.

The Canon SX740 HS steps up with 4K UHD video at 30p (3840x2160 pixels), employing MPEG-4 H.264 codec. While 4K on a superzoom compact isn’t cinema-level professional, it provides excellent detail for casual videography, travel logs, or social media clips. Unfortunately, it lacks external mic input, so audio control is limited to onboard microphones, and there’s no headphone jack.

The Samsung WB700 caps out at 1280x720 HD video, dated by today’s standards but adequate for casual clips. Its lacking image stabilization means handheld video suffers from jitter, especially in zoomed shots, making it less attractive for serious video recording.

If video is a priority beyond casual use, you should lean toward the Canon, whose modern video specs and stabilization notably enhance the recording experience.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Shooting time and storage support often get overlooked but affect the overall ownership experience.

The Canon SX740 HS uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery capable of roughly 265 shots per charge per CIPA standards. While not stellar compared to some DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, it’s reasonable for a compact of this zoom range and size. It accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-I support, facilitating faster data transfer and larger storage capacities.

The Samsung WB700’s battery performance is unspecified, but based on testing similar-era models, expect considerably shorter life and more frequent recharges required. Storage options are limited to standard SD cards with no high-speed UHS support. USB and video out ports are missing as well, limiting workflow efficiency.

For extended field use, the Canon’s battery and storage features better align with modern shooting demands.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers explicit weather sealing, waterproofing, dustproofing, or shockproofing. Both assume gentle to moderate handling environments. This isn’t surprising for compact superzooms and fixed-lens compacts in their categories and price ranges.

If you prioritize robust, weather-sealed bodies, these choices fall short. You’d need to consider higher-end ruggedized cameras or mirrorless systems with weather resistance.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless, GPS, and More

Modern shooting workflows increasingly rely on wireless features for quick sharing and remote control.

The Canon SX740 HS comes with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. This trio enables easy pairing with smartphones, allowing instant image transfers or remote shutter release via Canon’s Camera Connect app. Coupled with HDMI output, albeit with USB 2.0 for tethering or charging, it integrates well with modern shooters’ multitasking needs.

The Samsung WB700 disappointingly lacks all forms of wireless connectivity, HDMI, and USB ports, reaffirming its design era focus on detached use from computers or smartphones.

Price and Value: What Does Your Money Buy?

Pricing offers an interesting perspective on how camera technology evolves.

The Canon SX740 HS retailed around $400 upon release, representing the budget superzoom market niche packed with contemporary features. The Samsung WB700 was priced at about $300 at launch, reflecting its older tech and smaller zoom capabilities.

Given inflation and aging product cycles, you’ll find used or discounted WB700 units well below $100 today. But the tradeoff is clear - a decade-old sensor, sluggish AF, and lack of video upgrades.

If budget is your primary constraint, the WB700 might serve basic needs but expect compromises on image quality and usability. For slightly higher investment, the Canon SX740 HS offers vastly superior performance suited for enthusiasts shooting diverse subjects.

Real-World Photography: Which Camera Excels in Different Genres?

Let me break down how both fare across popular photography types, a perspective often missing from spec sheets.

Portrait Photography

The Canon’s higher resolution and face detection AF deliver natural skin tones and pleasant bokeh at longer focal lengths. Eye detection is missing, but tracking works well. The Samsung’s limited AF and lower resolution yield flatter portraits with less subject separation.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range is limited on both due to small sensor sizes, but the Canon captures a broader tonal spread and richer details. Its sharper images benefit from higher megapixels. The Samsung can suffice for casual landscapes but lacks flexibility.

Wildlife Photography

Here, Canon’s autofocus tracking and 40x zoom shine. Fast AF and burst mode aid capturing moving animals. Samsung’s smaller zoom and sluggish AF are inadequate.

Sports Photography

Canon edges ahead with 10 fps burst and continuous AF, though not a pro sports camera. Samsung lacks continuous shooting altogether.

Street Photography

WB700’s compact size aids discreet shooting, but poor autofocus and fixed screen angles limit use. Canon is larger but more versatile, with face detection that helps quick capture.

Macro Photography

Canon allows focusing down to 1cm, ideal for close-up shots; the Samsung macro capabilities are unknown and likely inferior.

Night/Astrophotography

Low-light ISO performance heavily favors Canon’s BSI-CMOS sensor and noise reduction. Samsung’s older CCD struggles beyond low ISOs.

Video

Canon’s 4K video and stabilization outperform Samsung’s HD video lacking stabilization. No audio input on either.

Travel Photography

Canon’s zoom versatility, decent battery, and wireless connectivity make it travel-friendly despite slightly larger size.

Professional Work

Limited RAW support (absent on both) restricts professional use, but Canon’s features and image quality lend themselves better to casual pro workflows.

Canon SX740 HS front Canon SX740 HS screen back Samsung WB700 front Samsung WB700 screen back

Overall Ratings and Expert Assessment

Synthesizing hands-on testing and measured performance, here’s how these cameras rank:

And specifically across various photographic genres:

Summary: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

The Canon SX740 HS outclasses the Samsung WB700 almost outright, save for sheer compactness and ultra-budget considerations. The Canon’s advances in sensor technology, image processing, autofocus, video, and connectivity provide a much more versatile and enjoyable shooting experience for modern photo enthusiasts.

Samsung’s WB700, while once a decent compact, now serves mostly as an entry-level backup or a specialized device where ultra-small size is paramount and image quality secondary.

If you:

• Crave a powerful zoom and better image quality for travel, wildlife, or casual video: Canon SX740 HS

• Want pocket-sized convenience for snapshots and have minimal budget: Samsung WB700

• Need robust autofocus and faster shooting: Canon SX740 HS

• Desire 4K video and wireless sharing: Canon SX740 HS

Ultimately, for your next compact camera purchase, the SX740 HS represents the sensible choice, balancing portability, technology, and performance.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you understand the practical implications of each camera beyond raw specifications. Both have their place depending on your photographic ambitions, but I encourage choosing based on the shooting experience you aspire to.

Happy shooting!