Samsung WB350F vs Sony H20

Samsung WB350F vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20: A Comprehensive Comparison for Practical Photography Use

In the realm of compact digital cameras designed with enthusiasts and casual shooters in mind, two models from distinct eras and manufacturers demand attention: the Samsung WB350F (2014) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 (2009). Though both sit in the superzoom/compact sensor category, their feature sets, design philosophies, and capabilities differ significantly, which has implications for practical photography across a variety of uses. This article offers a detailed, expert-level comparison built on direct assessment of specifications and real-world photographic context, aiming to guide photographers and professionals seeking clarity on which camera aligns best with their creative or operational requirements.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Size, Weight, and Handling

Understanding a camera’s physical footprint is critical for photographers prioritizing portability or ergonomics during extended shooting sessions.

The Samsung WB350F presents a compact chassis measuring 114 x 65 x 25 mm and weighing 276 grams, slightly larger but relatively slim for a bridge-style superzoom. It benefits from a modernized, refined body shape typical of early 2010s compacts, offering a balanced grip without excess bulk.

In contrast, the Sony H20 measures 107 x 69 x 47 mm and weighs 250 grams. Notably, its depth is nearly double that of the WB350F, reflecting its older, more robust “prosumer” compact design. It maintains a well-contoured grip but feels noticeably thicker in hand.

Assessment: For on-the-go shooting or travel, the WB350F’s slimmer profile and modern finish translate into a less intrusive carry experience. Those prioritizing a tactile grip comfortable for longer handheld use may prefer the Sony’s chunkier build, provided increased pocketability is secondary. Both cameras lack physical viewfinders, relying entirely on LCD usability.

Control Layout and Top-Panel Usability

Interface ergonomics influence shooting efficiency and overall user experience, especially under dynamic conditions.

Both models employ fixed-type rear LCDs (discussed later), without electronic viewfinders, which places greater importance on button layout and dial accessibility.

The Samsung WB350F adopts a touchscreen-enabled rear panel with a simplified top button arrangement focused on shooting mode, zoom toggle, and shutter release. Physical controls are minimal but ergonomically placed to support quick adjustments. Shutter, aperture, and manual focus modes are accessible but may necessitate touchscreen interaction.

Sony’s DSC-H20 relies entirely on tactile buttons and dial-based controls with no touchscreen. The top panel reveals a traditional PASM mode dial alongside manual focus rings. Buttons for flash modes, exposure compensation, and shooting modes are all present, providing more dedicated physical control options.

Assessment: The WB350F’s touchscreen interface may modernize interaction but can hinder rapid manual adjustments, especially under bright outdoor conditions where screen visibility falters. The Sony’s more function-dense button layout is better suited for photographers valuing direct tactile input, manual exposure fine-tuning, and speedy responsiveness. This advantage particularly benefits prosumers accustomed to reflex-style command layouts.

Sensor Specifications and Image Quality Potential

At the heart of digital imaging lies sensor technology, which directly impacts resolution, dynamic range, noise levels, and color fidelity.

Both cameras utilize 1/2.3” sensor formats with nearly identical sensor surface areas (28.07 mm²). However, the Samsung WB350F incorporates a 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, whereas the Sony H20 implements a 10-megapixel CCD sensor.

Technical implications:

• Samsung WB350F’s BSI-CMOS sensor benefits from backside illumination, enhancing light sensitivity and low-light performance relative to earlier CCD technology. The increased resolution (16MP) affords more cropping flexibility and higher print sizes but can result in tighter pixel pitch, potentially impacting noise in shadows if image processing is not robust.

• Sony H20’s CCD sensor, though lower resolution, is known for nuanced color rendition and lower high-ISO noise at base ISO levels but historically lags behind CMOS in speed and video capabilities.

• Neither camera supports RAW image formats, constraining post-processing latitude; both output JPEG-only files.

• Maximum ISO sensitivity tops out at 3200 on both but practical usability beyond ISO 800 is limited due to noise.

Real-world image outcome: The WB350F delivers higher resolution files with moderately improved ISO performance and better dynamic range, thanks to modern CMOS advancements. The Sony H20 yields images with distinctive CCD character but diminished detail and more noise in low light.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Experience

Both cameras forgo electronic viewfinders, relying solely on fixed rear LCD screens for framing and menu navigation.

Samsung’s WB350F offers a 3-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 460k dots. This affords higher detail and brightness compared to typical compact screens, along with gesture-based control for menu navigation and focus point selection.

Sony’s H20 sports a similar sized screen (3 inches) but with a lower 230k dot resolution and no touch capabilities. Its display is less detailed and more reflective under sunlight, complicating outdoor composition.

Assessment: The WB350F’s higher-resolution touchscreen provides a superior live view experience and more intuitive interface navigation, beneficial to users unfamiliar or impatient with button-dominated systems. However, lack of a viewfinder can be a limitation across both cameras, particularly in bright ambient light or fast action scenarios.

Lens Comparison: Zoom Range and Aperture Characteristics

Lens quality and flexibility materially influence photographic versatility.

• Samsung WB350F possesses a robust 23–483 mm equivalent zoom, representing a 21x optical zoom range. Aperture spans from f/2.8 wide open to f/5.9 at tele, indicating a relatively bright wide-angle capability tapering at reach.

• Sony H20 offers a more modest 38–380 mm equivalent focal length, equating to 10x zoom. Aperture varies from f/3.5 at wide to f/4.4 at tele.

The Samsung’s dramatically longer zoom range facilitates a wider span of compositional creativity from sweeping landscapes or architecture to distant wildlife or sports subjects, where reach is essential. Its brighter wide-end aperture favors environmental or indoor shooting without flash.

Sony’s shorter zoom range sacrifices telephoto distance but retains a slightly faster aperture at the long end than the WB350F, potentially providing marginally better exposure control at reach.

Macro performance also favors the Sony with a minimum focus distance of 2 cm, enabling close-up detail work unattainable on the Samsung, whose macro specs are unspecified.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Modes

AF performance is critical for capturing transient moments, especially in wildlife, sports, or street photography.

• Samsung WB350F utilizes a contrast detection autofocus system without phase detection. It lacks face detection, eye AF, continuous AF, tracking, or any multi-area AF capabilities. No information is available regarding the number of focus points, and manual focus is supported but touchscreen-based.

• Sony H20 features a contrast detection system with 9 focus points and supports multi-area and center-weighted AF modes. It accepts manual focusing as well but lacks face and eye detection.

Neither offers modern hybrid AF systems or AI-based tracking which have become commonplace since their release, inevitably limiting action shooting.

AF speed is slightly faster and more reliable on the Sony given dedicated AF points and multi-area selection.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance

Rapid frame capture is essential for sports and wildlife workflows.

• Samsung’s specifications do not disclose continuous shooting capabilities, implying either none or limited burst mode functionality.

• Sony DSC-H20 provides a modest 2 frames per second continuous shooting mode.

Neither camera offers high-speed burst rates common on modern mirrorless or DSLR models, rendering them marginal for capturing high-speed action or decisive moment sequences.

Video Recording Features and Usability

Video capture is examined on resolution, frame rates, stabilization, and audio support.

• Samsung WB350F records at 1920x1080 Full HD, likely at 30fps, meeting a valuable modern standard for casual video.

• Sony H20 tops out at 1280x720 HD video @ 30fps, significantly lower resolution and less future-proof.

Neither boasts advanced video codecs, internal stabilization optimized for video, external microphone inputs, or headphone jacks. Both do provide optical image stabilization to assist handheld recording.

The WB350F’s touchscreen can facilitate easier video recording controls, while Sony’s reliance on buttons degrades quick access.

Build Quality and Environmental Considerations

Both cameras lack any formal weather sealing, dustproofing, waterproofing, shockproofing, or freeze resistance, meaning neither is recommended for rugged outdoor use where moisture or impact protection is critical.

This limits their utility in harsh environments or extended fieldwork, steering them toward beginner to intermediate-level travel, street, or casual nature photography.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Official battery life figures are unavailable for both cameras, but:

• Samsung WB350F uses a Lithium-ion battery model SLB-10A.

• Sony H20 employs the NP-BG1 battery model.

Storage-wise, Samsung supports modern, high-capacity MicroSD/SDHC/SDXC cards, providing superior compatibility and ease of use.

Sony requires Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo cards - a proprietary standard less common and more expensive, with limited capacity compared to SD format.

This favors the Samsung for longevity and workflow convenience.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

In an era gradually embracing wireless transfer, connectivity remains an critical feature.

• Samsung WB350F offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, facilitating wireless image transfer and remote camera control via smartphone apps.

• Sony DSC-H20 includes no wireless connectivity features.

USB 2.0 is the standard wired connection on both, while Sony adds HDMI output, absent on Samsung, enabling direct display on HDTVs.

Real-World Photography Applications by Genre

Portrait Photography

Portraiture often rewards accurate skin tone reproduction, shallow depth-of-field, reliable eye or face detection AF, and pleasing bokeh.

• The Samsung WB350F’s 16MP sensor offers finer detail capture and theoretically smoother bokeh at wider aperture settings (f/2.8 at 23mm equivalent). However, the lack of face or eye-detection AF means manual focus adjustment is often necessary, complicating portrait capture.

• The Sony H20’s 10MP sensor with wider aperture (f/3.5), paired with multi-area AF, aids subject acquisition somewhat but cannot lock on eyes/faces reliably.

Neither model provides portrait-specific focus aids or interchangeable lenses, restricting creative control.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers benefit from dynamic range, resolution, wide apertures, weather sealing, and tripod support.

• Samsung’s brighter lens and higher pixel count deliver more detailed scenic imagery and assist in processing large prints.

• Sony's irreversible older sensor and lower resolution reduce image sharpness potential.

Neither camera features robust weather sealing, impacting prolonged outdoor shoots.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Animal and sports shooting demand fast AF, long zoom reach, high burst rates, and robust tracking.

• Samsung WB350F shines with extensive 21x zoom, enabling distant wildlife framing.

• Sony’s 10x zoom limits reach but offers slightly faster AF with dedicated points.

• Both lack continuous AF or tracking, and slow or non-existent burst modes preclude effective action freezing.

Street Photography

Street shooters value compactness, discretion, low-light sensitivity, quick startup, and silent operation.

• Samsung’s slim form and touchscreen simplify response but may be slow to handle in unpredictable moments.

• Sony is thicker and noisier but offers more control responsiveness.

Neither delivers silent shutter or very low-light AF.

Macro Photography

Sony provides explicit 2 cm minimum focus distance, allowing detailed close-ups of flowers and objects. Samsung’s macro capabilities are undocumented.

Technical Analysis Summary: Performance Ratings and Value

Based on comprehensive evaluation:

• Samsung WB350F scores higher in sensor resolution, video capabilities, and wireless features.

• Sony DSC-H20 excels modestly in manual control robustness, macro capability, and optical viewfinder (absent on Samsung but both lack EVFs).

Genre-Specific Camera Strengths Breakdown

Key highlights per genre clarify target user suitability:

• Travel Photography: Samsung’s lightweight design, longer zoom, and wireless make it preferable.

• Professional Workflows: Neither supports RAW or advanced connectivity; not recommended for demanding pro use.

• Night Photography: Samsung’s BSI-CMOS sensor marginally edges out Sony’s CCD in high ISO.

Sample Image Comparisons

Reviewing in-field images exposes practical rendition differences.

Samsung WB350F front Samsung WB350F screen back Sony H20 front Sony H20 screen back

Samsung images demonstrate higher detail and greater color vibrancy, particularly at wider angles and in video sequences.

Summary Recommendations

• Enthusiasts seeking versatile superzoom with video and wireless connectivity: Samsung WB350F presents a superior all-around tool for casual, travel, and low-light photography despite some control compromises.

• Users prioritizing precise manual control, close macro work, and reliable autofocus: Sony DSC-H20 is slightly better suited, especially on static subjects in favorable lighting, although hampered by lower resolution and older video formats.

• Professionals or serious hobbyists demanding RAW support, fast continuous shooting, rugged construction, and advanced AF should look beyond these models to current mirrorless or DSLR options.

Final Verdict: Practical Usability and Value Considerations

The Samsung WB350F, despite lacking certain professional features such as RAW support, advanced AF, or weather sealing, provides a more modern sensor, improved video, and wireless features, which effectively address most casual and travel photography scenarios encountered today. Its extended zoom and touchscreen usability ease framing diverse subjects, but users reliant on speedy manual controls may find the interface limiting.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20, as an older model with robust handling and macro focus, fits niche needs better but suffers from dated imaging technology, lower resolution, and limited video quality. Its reliance on proprietary storage and lack of connectivity further curbs practicality.

When analyzing price-to-performance ratios, both cameras compete in a similar budget range; however, the Samsung’s feature set better aligns with contemporary photographic workflows.

This deep comparative overview underscores that camera selection requires weighing specific photographic priorities - be it zoom capacity, video, manual control, or connectivity - against the inherent competencies and constraints of these two compact superzoom models. Our hands-on expertise and methodical, parameters-based evaluation empower photographers to choose a tool harmonized with their creative intent and operational environment.