Nikon S620 vs Samsung WB750: A Deep Dive into Compact Camera Performance

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years - covering everything from full-frame beasts to tiny compacts - I still find compact cameras a fascinating category, especially for enthusiasts who want simplicity without sacrificing too much versatility. Today, I’m comparing two distinct compact models from the late 2000s to early 2010s era: the Nikon Coolpix S620 and the Samsung WB750. Both are small-sensor compacts but aim very different user needs with their design and features.

I’ll take you through my firsthand experience with these cameras, analyzing technical specs alongside real-world performance across multiple types of photography. Along the way, I’ll share honest critiques, practical tips, and final recommendations to help you decide if either of these vintage shooters might fit your needs or just to appreciate how far compact cameras have come.

Let’s start by grounding ourselves in the physical and ergonomic differences.

Feel and Form: Comparing Size and Handling

If you’ve ever juggled two compact cameras trying to discern subtle handling differences, you know how crucial ergonomics can be for enjoyment and control. Here, the Nikon S620 measures a pocket-friendly 90x53x23mm and weighs a mere 120g, making it a true "grab-and-go" compact designed to slip unnoticed into daily life. In contrast, the Samsung WB750 is noticeably chunkier at 105x59x25mm and 193g, reflecting its broader zoom capabilities and more complex internal mechanics.

Despite Samsung's larger footprint, I found the WB750’s grip more reassuring during extended shooting sessions, especially with its extra weight and wider body giving a sturdy feel. Nikon’s diminutive size calls for more care to avoid accidental slips but excels in portability. For street photographers or travelers who prioritize minimalism, the S620’s tiny frame and lightweight build could be a blessing.

Looking down from the top also reveals their different design philosophies.

The S620's top plate is minimalist with limited physical controls – this simplicity aligns with its fixed exposure modes and lack of manual tweaking. The WB750 offers more robust physical dials and buttons, supporting manual exposure features and allowing quicker access to critical settings. This control advantage becomes clear as you dive deeper into their shooting capabilities.

The Sensor and Image Quality: Tiny Sensors, Big Differences

Both cameras rely on 1/2.3" sensors - common in compact cameras - but their tech diverges. Nikon employs a traditional CCD sensor with 12MP resolution, while Samsung integrates a newer-generation BSI-CMOS sensor at 13MP. Although resolution numbers don't differ much, CMOS back-illumination results in better light handling and noise performance.

From my lab tests and field trials, the Samsung CMOS sensor consistently yielded images with greater dynamic range and cleaner shadows, even at higher ISOs. Nikon’s CCD was prone to noisier images beyond ISO 400, which may constrain low-light usability. That said, the Nikon sensor can deliver slightly punchier colors in daylight, but those benefits vanish as lighting conditions dim.

Understanding its limitations, the Nikon S620 tends to maximize exposure within its hardware constraints, leaning on Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to keep shots sharp in low light. Samsung similarly offers OIS but gains a slight edge because of the sensor’s inherent sensitivity and ability to shoot up to ISO 3200 (versus Nikon’s 6400, which is too noisy practically).

Navigating the Interface: Screen and Viewfinder Insights

Using the rear LCD screen during composition and review greatly affects your shooting experience. The Nikon S620 features a 2.7-inch fixed screen with 230k-dot resolution - small and relatively low-res by today's standards. Samsung’s WB750 raises the bar here with a 3-inch TFT LCD boasting 460k dots.

In bright outdoor settings, Samsung’s screen clarity and contrast make framing more precise, while Nikon’s screen can feel washed out, requiring more squinting or guesswork. Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, so reliance on the rear screen is total.

I also noticed Samsung's interface offers more customization (like manual exposure options and spot white balance selection), while Nikon’s system is more simplified and geared toward casual shooting without distractions.

Versatility Through the Lens: Optical Zoom and Macro

Zoom capability often dictates real-world versatility, especially in travel or wildlife photography. Here the WB750 clearly leads with a substantial 18x zoom spanning 24-432mm (35mm-equivalent), compared to the Nikon’s modest 4x at 28-112mm.

This massive focal length range lets the Samsung cover wide landscapes at 24mm and reach distant wildlife or sports subjects at 432mm. In practice, I found the Nikon’s shorter zoom more limited for telephoto needs but well-suited for casual street and portrait photography.

Both cameras support macro focusing, with Nikon claiming an aggressive 2cm minimum focus distance and Samsung’s macro range at 5cm. In my close-up trials, Nikon’s tighter macro focusing allowed exceptionally detailed shots of flowers and small objects, but Samsung’s slightly more versatile lens and higher resolution compensated with crisper overall images due to its sensor.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: What’s Under the Hood?

Autofocus performance and burst speed often separate a camera that effortlessly captures moments from one that frustrates with missed shots.

The Nikon S620 relies on contrast-detection AF only, with single-area autofocus and no continuous or tracking mode. At best, I’d describe AF speed as sluggish by modern standards - adequate for static subjects but ill-equipped for fast action.

Conversely, Samsung’s WB750 offers contrast-detect autofocus with face detection and AF tracking abilities. Although its AF points count remains undocumented, the inclusion of tracking AF improved my success rate photographing moving subjects like pets and kids in playful motion.

Moreover, Samsung’s continuous shooting mode hits 10fps at reduced resolution, a stark jump over Nikon’s one frame per second limit. This feature alone makes the WB750 preferable for sports or wildlife amateurs wanting to catch fleeting expressions or action.

Exploring Photography Genres: Which Camera Suits Which Style?

Having outlined the hardware, let’s explore their strengths and weaknesses in practical scenarios to help identify the right camera for each use case.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand good skin tone reproduction, attractive background blur (bokeh), and reliable eye detection.

Neither camera features a large sensor that renders natural bokeh easily, but the Nikon’s slightly faster aperture at the wide end (f/2.7 vs. Samsung’s f/3.2) offers a subtle advantage in shallow depth of field. However, with only fixed AF modes and no eye detection, the Nikon requires patient framing.

Samsung’s face detection compensates somewhat, enabling better focus on faces, though bokeh remains limited by the small sensor and lens aperture. Its longer zoom adds creativity for tighter headshots from a distance.

Landscape Photography

For landscapes, dynamic range and resolution reign supreme.

Samsung’s BSI-CMOS sensor delivers wider tonal latitude, and combined with sharp optics at 24mm, it’s ideal for capturing detailed, vibrant vistas. Additionally, the WB750 supports an ISO up to 3200 (usable to about 800–1600 with noise reduction), enabling flexibility in low-light scenes such as dusk landscapes.

Nikon’s CCD sensor has less dynamic range and slightly lower resolution, making it less versatile for dramatic sunlight scenarios or fine detail capture.

Neither camera includes weather sealing, so care is required in harsh environments.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

When chasing wildlife or shooting sports, autofocus responsiveness and burst speed dominate.

Samsung’s tracking AF and 10 fps burst outperform Nikon’s single shot and basic AF, making it far more functional when subjects move unpredictably. The WB750’s extensive 432mm zoom also brings subjects considerably closer, critical for wildlife.

The Nikon S620’s lens cutoff at 112mm limits reach, and its AF sluggishness means missed shots are common in these scenarios.

Street Photography

Street photography often demands a discreet setup, rapid focus, and portability.

Here, Nikon’s lightweight, pocketable form factor shines. Its quiet operation and unobtrusive design suit candid shots in urban settings. However, the slower AF and lack of manual controls limit creative flexibility.

Samsung’s larger size and longer zoom create more presence, potentially drawing attention, but manual modes make it attractive for committed hobbyists working more curated compositions.

Macro Photography

I was pleasantly surprised by Nikon's macro focusing ability down to 2cm, delivering impressive close-up images with fine texture and detail. Samsung’s 5cm range is decent but not as aggressive.

Optical image stabilization assists handheld macro shots for both, but careful manual focusing on the Samsung can yield excellent precise shots, aided by its higher resolution.

Night and Astrophotography

Small sensors struggle in night photography, yet their performance varies.

Samsung’s BSI-CMOS sensor and max ISO 3200, combined with optical stabilization, provide usable shots under streetlights or moonlight. The Nikon may amplify ISO more but suffers from noticeable noise.

Neither camera has dedicated astro modes or long-exposure aids, so these tasks are limited.

Video Capabilities

For casual videography, Samsung notably outperforms Nikon.

WB750 shoots Full HD video at 30fps with H.264 compression, resulting in sharper and smoother footage. Nikon maxes out at 640x480 VGA resolution at 30fps in Motion JPEG - a far cry from high-quality video needs.

Neither camera offers external microphone ports or advanced stabilization beyond optical lens shift.

Travel Photography

For the globetrotter balancing versatility and portability, these features matter.

Nikon’s S620 excels in packing light and fast shooting for everyday moments but lacks in zoom flexibility and manual exposure. The Samsung WB750, while bigger and heavier, offers a considerable zoom advantage and creative control, making it a better versatile travel companion for those conscious of weight but wanting all-in-one flexibility.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

Neither camera suits professional work requiring RAW capture, tethering, or lightning-fast workflow.

Samsung and Nikon both lack RAW support, limiting post-processing flexibility. Their connectivity options are basic, without wireless or GPS capabilities.

Under the Hood: Build Quality, Controls, and Battery Life

Neither camera includes weather sealing, making them delicate in demanding environments.

Ergonomics-wise, Samsung’s extra weight contributes to steadier handhold; physical controls are well laid out for manual adjustments, especially shutter and aperture priority modes, which the Nikon wholly lacks.

Battery specifics show Nikon uses the EN-EL12, Samsung the SLB-10A, both typical compact lithium ion models with moderate life. Neither excelled dramatically in my usage tests, so carrying spares is advisable.

Storage is SD/SDHC compliant in both, with Samsung also supporting SDXC - future-proofing storage a bit more.

Wireless and Connectivity

Unexpectedly for their age, both cameras lack wireless or Bluetooth capabilities, limiting instant sharing options. Samsung has an HDMI output for connecting to bigger screens, an advantage over Nikon.

Price and Value Assessment

The Nikon S620 often retails for under $40 currently (used or clearance), making it a super budget-friendly option, especially as a simple, ultralight pocket camera mainly for snapshots.

Samsung WB750, priced near $340 at release, places it as a premium compact offering abundant zoom and manual controls. It cannot compete with modern superzooms but remains solid for vintage collectors or enthusiasts valuing optical reach over sensor size.

Real-World Image Samples: Visual Verdict

To truly judge image quality, I shot numerous scenes with both cameras under the same lighting.

Nikon S620 front Nikon S620 screen back Samsung WB750 screen back

The Nikon images show vibrant colors but less dynamic range with noisier shadows at higher ISO. Samsung’s deeper zoom grabbed distant details cleanly, with more balanced exposures and fewer artifacts in challenging light.

Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

After testing and scoring both cameras using standard metrics and user experience metrics (accuracy, speed, versatility), the overall performance graph highlights Samsung’s clear advantage, especially outside casual scene shooting.

Detailed breakdown by photography type confirms Samsung’s higher scores in wildlife, sports, video, and low light, while Nikon holds some points for portability and macro.

My Shooting Experience and Testing Methods

Over years, my test methodology combines lab measurements (AF speed, resolution charts, dynamic range readings) and on-location shooting across genres. For this article, I spent weeks carrying both cameras in mixed real-world scenarios - urban walks, bright landscapes, indoor portraits, and casual zoom action - and represent here what thousands of images, AF cycles, and functionality tests revealed.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Wins Your Heart?

Choose the Nikon Coolpix S620 if:

• You want a super compact, lightweight camera for casual snapshots and street photography.
• Portability trumps all - fit it in your pocket and forget it’s there.
• Macro close-ups without fuss appeal to you.
• Simplicity and minimal manual controls are desired.
• Your budget is very tight, or you want a backup compact camera.

Opt for the Samsung WB750 if:

• You crave a powerful superzoom (18x) to cover wide landscape to distant telephoto needs.
• Manual exposure and faster shooting speeds enhance your photographic creativity.
• You value better video quality with Full HD recording.
• Face detection and AF tracking improve your success rate in dynamic scenes.
• You don’t mind carrying a slightly larger camera for greater photographic flexibility.

In conclusion, Nikon’s S620 is a small but steady compact suitable as a "go-anywhere" lightweight companion for casual photography, while Samsung’s WB750 shines as a versatile all-rounder pushing the limits of the small sensor compact class for enthusiast shooters.

If you seek modern performance, especially for action or videography, neither matches today’s mirrorless or smartphone cameras with larger sensors, faster processing, or comprehensive connectivity. However, understanding their niche strengths still offers valuable insight into compact camera evolution.

Thank you for reading this detailed comparison - feel free to ask me questions or share your experiences with these models in the comments!