Samsung CL5 vs. Samsung WB750: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera involves balancing your creative ambitions with practical needs and budget. Today, we dive into a thorough comparison between two Samsung compact cameras that, despite sharing a brand, cater to distinct photography styles and users: the Samsung CL5 and the Samsung WB750. Both models represent different eras and design philosophies, yet carry Samsung's hallmark innovation for compact shooters.

We’ve personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years - examining sensor tech, autofocus precision, and handling - to bring you an informed guide. Whether you're stepping up from a smartphone, hunting for a versatile travel companion, or seeking an easy-to-carry superzoom, this analysis will clarify which camera suits your creative journey.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Usability

Let's start with how these two cameras feel in your hands and how their physical design reflects their intended use.

Size and Ergonomics

The Samsung CL5 is an ultracompact camera with a sleek, slim profile, measuring just 93 x 60 x 19 mm and weighing a light 141 grams. Its pocket-friendly size makes it an ideal grab-and-go device, especially if discretion and portability are top priorities.

Conversely, the Samsung WB750 is a compact superzoom, slightly larger at 105 x 59 x 25 mm and heavier by about 50 grams (193 g). This added bulk accommodates its extensive zoom lens and optical stabilizer, though it remains small enough for comfortable everyday carry.

Control Layout and Handling

The CL5’s minimalist control design reflects its simplicity focus - intuitive but limited manual controls restrict customization. Its fixed lens and absence of manual focus may feel confining to enthusiasts who want creative control.

In contrast, the WB750 offers manual focus capability and semi-manual shooting modes such as shutter and aperture priority. The button and dial layout is more traditional, making it easier for photographers familiar with DSLR-style controls to adjust settings quickly.

Summary:

If you want something ultra-portable with point-and-shoot ease, the CL5 excels. But for hands-on control in a compact body, the WB750 leads.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Image quality is paramount, so let's explore how sensor size, resolution, and technology shape the photographic output.

Sensor Specifications and Performance

The CL5 houses a 1/2.5" CCD sensor with 9 megapixels, yielding images at 3456 x 2592 resolution. Its native ISO range is 80 to 3200, but the CCD architecture and older processing limit dynamic range and noise performance.

The WB750 upgrades to a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor with 13 megapixels (4096 x 3072), also capped at ISO 3200. The CMOS tech, combined with backside illumination, enhances low-light sensitivity, dynamic range, and color depth compared to the CL5's CCD.

Real-World Image Quality Comparison

In practical shooting tests:

• Portraits: The WB750 delivers cleaner skin tones and more natural color gradations, thanks to its advanced sensor and updated image processor. The CL5 tends to produce slightly softer images with visible noise when shooting at higher ISO.

• Low Light & Night: The WB750’s sensor and optical image stabilization facilitate sharper photos in dim conditions. The CL5 struggles beyond ISO 400, with noise and detail loss evident.

• Resolution and Detail: The higher megapixel count and refined sensor design of the WB750 enable crisper, more detailed images, particularly at base ISO settings.

Overall, the sensor advancements in the WB750 translate to a notable image quality advantage - something you’ll appreciate whether capturing landscapes or candid street scenes.

Autofocus & Focusing Experience

The speed and accuracy of autofocus (AF) can make or break shots in many scenarios. Here’s how the two cameras stack up.

CL5’s AF system is basic, limited to center and multi-area contrast detection without tracking. This makes it reliable for static subjects, but challenging for moving targets like street or wildlife photography.

The WB750 features AF tracking that significantly improves focus lock on moving subjects - a boon for sports or wildlife snaps. Additionally, its manual focus option lets you take creative control for macro shots or tricky lighting conditions.

Optical Performance: Lens and Zoom Capabilities

Lens quality and zoom range heavily influence flexibility and image characteristics.

The WB750’s 18x zoom is a highlight, covering wide-angle to super-telephoto reach in one package. This versatility is perfect for travel, wildlife, and sports photography - enabling you to frame distant action or expansive vistas without changing lenses.

While the CL5’s modest 3x zoom caters to everyday snapshots and some portraits, it can feel restrictive if you crave framing creativity or need longer reach.

OIS on the WB750 also significantly aids handheld shooting at long focal lengths or slower shutter speeds, reducing motion blur - especially useful in low light or when zoomed in.

Screen and Viewfinder: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

How you compose and review images affects your shooting experience.

Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, relying on their LCDs instead.

• The CL5 sports a 2.7-inch screen with modest 230k dot resolution. While serviceable, it offers limited detail and brightness, making it harder to judge critical sharpness or exposure in bright outdoor light.

• The WB750 boasts a 3.0-inch, 460k dot TFT LCD, which provides a brighter and sharper display. This not only enhances composition but also helps to navigate menus and playback with greater ease.

For photographers shooting in direct sunlight or requiring precise manual focusing, the WB750’s screen significantly improves usability.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Samsung CL5 front Samsung CL5 screen back Samsung WB750 screen back

Neither camera has built-in wireless connectivity options such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - not uncommon for their release periods.

The CL5 uses internal memory and supports SD/SDHC/MMC cards, but details on battery life are sparse. Its fixed battery design may limit user flexibility.

The WB750 relies on user-replaceable SLB-10A batteries and supports SD/SDHC/SDXC storage. This grants longer shooting sessions and flexibility to swap batteries mid-day, which professionals or travelers will value.

The WB750 also benefits from a USB 2.0 port and an HDMI output, allowing you to easily transfer files or view slideshows on larger screens.

Shooting Experience Across Photography Genres

Now let’s analyze how these cameras perform across popular photographic disciplines, relating technical specs to real-world usability.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand accurate skin tones, pleasing bokeh, and reliable face detection.

• WB750 shines with its 13 MP sensor, face detection autofocus, and manual focus option to refine sharpness. Its lens aperture range provides moderate background blur at the tele-end. Portraits come out with natural colors and decent subject isolation.

• CL5 handles portraits passably for casual use but produces flatter images. The smaller zoom range limits creative framing, and no manual focusing hinders precise control.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are essential for detailed landscapes.

• WB750’s BSI-CMOS sensor offers better dynamic range and resolution to capture nuanced skies and shadows. Its 24 mm wide-angle lets you embrace expansive scenes.

• CL5 is challenged by its smaller sensor and narrower zoom range, producing less detailed landscape images.

Wildlife and Sports

Fast autofocus, long reach, and high frame rates are crucial here.

The WB750 dominates wildlife and sports photography with its 18x zoom, AF tracking, and fast 10 fps burst shooting, enabling you to capture fleeting moments clearly.

The CL5 cannot keep up in this category due to limited zoom, lack of burst shooting, and basic AF.

Street Photography

Discretion, low light capability, and portability matter here.

The CL5’s ultracompact body is a plus for candid street shots, but its smaller sensor and lack of image stabilization limit low light performance.

The WB750 is slightly larger but remains compact; its stabilized lens and superior sensor enable better handheld low-light shots.

Macro Photography

Both support 5cm minimum focus distance; however:

• The WB750’s manual focus and image stabilization noticeably improve sharpness at close range.

• The CL5 is more limited, reliant solely on autofocus without stabilization.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-noise high ISO and manual exposure controls are key.

• The WB750 supports manual exposures and ISO up to 3200, providing flexibility for creative long exposures and night scenes.

• The CL5 lacks manual exposure modes and has limited ISO capability, restricting night photography potential.

Video Capabilities

In the age of content creation, video features are decisive.

The WB750 offers superior video quality, including 1080p recording with H.264 compression for better files and playback. Optical stabilization helps deliver smoother handheld footage.

CL5 video at 640x480 resolution is modest and dated for anything beyond casual clips.

Travel Photography

Travel demands versatility, battery endurance, and portability.

The WB750’s expanded zoom, screen brightness, and battery flexibility align well with travel needs, despite being bulkier than CL5.

The CL5 scores in sheer pocketability, but compromises zoom and image quality.

Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera offers professional-grade weather sealing or ruggedness. Both are typical compact designs without dust, moisture, or shock resistance.

If you need more robust gear, you’ll want to look elsewhere. For casual to enthusiast use in moderate conditions, both cameras are reliable.

Value and Price Considerations

At current market prices (approximate):

• Samsung CL5: $390
• Samsung WB750: $340

Despite being older and smaller, the CL5 commands a slightly higher price, possibly due to its rarity or market nuances.

When factoring features, usability, and quality, the WB750 offers better value with superior image quality, zoom, and modes at a lower cost.

Visual Performance and Ratings

Our testing scores highlight the WB750’s edge in most categories, particularly in versatility and image quality.

The WB750 leads in wildlife, sports, video, and travel, making it a more versatile all-rounder.

Which Samsung Compact Fits Your Photography Journey?

Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you want a straightforward, minimalistic camera for snapshots and minimal fuss, the Samsung CL5 remains a charming option - though its limited zoom, lack of stabilization, and dated sensor technology will frustrate growing creative ambitions.

However, for photographers seeking more control, shooting range, and better image quality, the Samsung WB750 is a clear winner. Its thoughtfully expanded feature set supports creative growth across diverse genres. Optical stabilization and longer zoom effortlessly extend your reach, and manual exposure modes encourage experimentation.

Getting the Most from Your Compact Samsung Camera

Whichever you choose, consider pairing your camera with:

• Fast, high-capacity SD cards to maximize shooting endurance
• A protective carrying case suited to your style of travel or shooting
• Extra batteries (especially for WB750 users)
• Familiarizing yourself with manual exposure modes on the WB750 to unlock creative potential

Your Next Step: Try Before You Buy

Hands-on experience solidifies your choice better than any spec sheet. Check out local stores that stock these models or try renting before committing. Pair your camera with lenses, memory cards, and accessories that suit your style.

Both Samsung cameras carry their unique charms and challenges; understanding them deeply ensures your photography journey is as enjoyable as it is fulfilling.

We hope this comprehensive comparison has illuminated the strengths and limitations of the Samsung CL5 and WB750, providing you with actionable insights to find a compact camera that fits your creative vision and lifestyle.

Happy shooting!

Appendix: Key Feature Table

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