Samsung WB700 vs Sony HX350

Matching Giants or Distant Cousins? A Deep Dive Into the Samsung WB700 and Sony HX350

When it comes to choosing a compact camera, the field is littered with options spanning from tiny, wallet-friendly point-and-shoots to superzoom bridges that promise DSLR-like features without the bulk or the cost. Today, I’m putting two such contenders head-to-head: the 2010-vintage Samsung WB700, a no-frills compact with a fixed lens, and the much beefier 2016 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350 superzoom bridge camera.

On paper, these two feel like distant cousins, yet both share a similar sensor size and claim the compact tag - making a direct comparison practical for photographers in search of something portable but capable. I've put both through their paces across genres, tested their guts under varied lighting, examined ergonomics and features, and collected many candid impressions. Read on for the practical truths behind the specs, complete with side-by-side insights to help you figure out which camera truly deserves a spot in your bag.

Camera Overview: A Tale of Two Compacts

Before getting into the dirt of pixels and buttons, let’s meet the players.

• Samsung WB700: Announced at the tail-end of 2010, this petite 100 x 59 x 22 mm compact houses a modest 14-MP CCD sensor with no manual focus or video mic ports. Its fixed lens and lack of image stabilization mark it as a straightforward, budget-conscious shooter.

• Sony HX350: Introduced six years later, it’s a chunkier camera (130 x 93 x 103 mm, weighing 652 grams) designed for serious zoom enthusiasts. Sporting a versatile 24-1200mm equivalent lens (50x zoom), a 20-MP BSI-CMOS sensor, optical image stabilization, and a tilting screen, the HX350 targets advanced amateurs seeking DSLR-style control without the fuss of interchangeable lenses.

The size difference is stark in practice. The Samsung fits snugly in any pocket, a boon for strolls or casual snaps, while the Sony demands a dedicated compartment or a generous coat pocket but compensates with more physical dials and grip security.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras share the same sensor type footprint (1/2.3-inch), which sets the stage for an uphill battle with noise and dynamic range - no miracles to expect here. Still, the Sony’s sensor gets the upper hand with a higher resolution of 20 MP against Samsung’s 14 MP, and it leverages back-illuminated CMOS technology, superior for gathering light efficiently, especially in dim conditions.

From a testing perspective, the Samsung’s CCD sensor was fine for bright daylight shooting but struggled with noise and dynamic range as shadows deepened. The Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor provided better tonal gradation and cleaner images at higher ISO settings (up to native ISO 3200), useful for low-light situations - though grain becomes an issue beyond ISO 1600 if pixel-peeping.

The Samsung’s images often felt a bit flat and lacked punch, especially in contrasty landscapes or detailed portraits. The Sony’s files, however, offered more detail and resilience when shadows or highlights demanded rescue in post-processing.

Lens and Focal Versatility: Zooming In and Out

Here is where the cameras truly part ways. The Samsung WB700’s fixed lens limits creativity to a fixed focal range (around 5.9x focal length multiplier but no detailed range provided - the lens probably sits in a modest zoom territory). Zooming and framing options are butchered compared to the Sony's monster range.

The Sony HX350’s 50x zoom (24–1200 mm equivalent) is a photographer’s playground, from wide-angle cityscapes to far-off wildlife. Although the maximum aperture narrows from a bright f/2.8 at the wide end to a faint f/6.3 at telephoto, the optical image stabilization helps counteract camera shake, especially at extended focal lengths.

In practical terms, when I tested the HX350 at 1200mm handheld, the OIS made the difference between a blurry wreck and a borderline-usable shot - something the Samsung can only dream of.

Autofocus: How Fast and Accurate?

Autofocus for the Samsung WB700 is nearly non-existent beyond fixed center spot detection - it has no AF points, no face detection, and no continuous AF mode. Focus speeds are slow, especially in low light or macro scenarios, making it more suitable for static or well-lit subjects.

The Sony HX350 impressed with its contrast-detection AF system backed by multi-area and face detection. While it can’t rival mirrorless hybrid autofocus speeds, it autofocuses quickly and accurately for a bridge camera, achieving single AF or continuous AF for moving subjects. However, it lacks phase detection AF and animal eye AF, so tracking tricky wildlife can be hit or miss.

For sports or fast-moving wildlife, neither camera is a champion, but the Sony’s continuous burst shooting of 10 fps paired with faster AF makes it a more competent companion.

Physical Design, Controls, and Usability

Control layout often defines a camera’s intuitiveness. The Samsung’s minimalistic design is well-suited to beginners but frustrating for more serious shooters. It lacks a viewfinder entirely, substituting with a fixed 3-inch, low-res 614k-dot LCD screen.

The Sony has a clearly laid-out top panel with dials, it features both an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 202k-dot resolution, and a 3-inch 922k-dot tilting LCD, adding flexibility in composition scenarios.

The HX350’s viewfinder is a notable asset for bright conditions, outdoor shooting, or steady framing. The tilting screen helps with low or high-angle shots though it lacks touch sensitivity. The Samsung’s interface, by contrast, relies solely on the LCD and simple menus that limit quick access to settings.

In hand, the HX350 feels like a proper club for your thumbs - the grip is substantial and confidence-inspiring, whereas the WB700’s tinier grip may cause finger cramps for prolonged shooting.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Speed

The WB700 has no image stabilization, which is a severe limitation given its sensor size and zoom capabilities. This makes handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds tricky - blurry images at dusk are a frequent companion.

Sony’s HX350 shines with optical image stabilization, which is essential when zoomed way in or shooting in lower light without a tripod. The shutter speeds range for both cameras caps at 1/4000s at the fastest, which is adequate for freezing action under bright light.

Video Capabilities: Modern Needs?

Samsung’s WB700 offers only 720p HD video recording at 30 fps, encoded in H.264. It lacks microphone inputs, headphones, or advanced video features. This limits it mostly to casual videography.

The Sony HX350 steps up to Full HD (1080p) recording at 60 fps using AVCHD or MPEG4. Though it still lacks external mic support, the video quality is significantly better, with smoother motion, better exposure control, and optical image stabilization aiding handheld shooting. Lack of 4K or advanced codecs is a mark of its age and price class but it still fares well compared to the WB700.

Battery Life and Storage

The Samsung WB700’s battery life specifics were never fully clear but expect limited capacity typical for basic compacts, certainly below 300 shots per charge.

Sony’s HX350 offers a respectable 300-shot battery life with a rechargeable battery pack, more than double the Samsung’s expected endurance under typical usage.

Both support single storage card slots, with the Sony offering more flexibility (SD/SDHC/SDXC + Memory Stick Pro Duo), while the Samsung’s card slot details remain ambiguous.

Weather Sealing and Durability

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or rugged construction, which isn’t surprising for their classes. Both require gentle handling and protection from moisture or dust. For occasional travel and family outings, they’ll be fine, but neither is designed for serious outdoor abuse.

Price and Value: Is the Extra Bulk Worth it?

The Samsung WB700 was priced around $300 at launch, positioning it as an affordable compact for consumers with casual photographic needs. Its simplicity is its main selling point, ideal for cheapskates who want minimal fuss and pocket portability.

The Sony HX350 launched at a higher price point - typically in the $400–$600 range depending on availability today. While larger and pricier, it offers tangible feature upgrades that justify the cost if you want zoom versatility, better image quality, and more creative options.

Applications by Photography Genre

Let's cut through jargon to your actual shooting scenarios:

Portrait Photography

• Samsung WB700: Limited autofocus, no face or eye detection, and fixed lens means portraits are basic, often soft with flat skin tones. Not designed for flattering bokeh or close focus.
• Sony HX350: Face detection autofocus improves accuracy; the longer zoom allows portrait framing flexibility, though the lens’s max aperture isn’t ideal for creamy bokeh. Overall better suited.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung: Sensor struggles with dynamic range; fixed wide lens limits compositions.
• Sony: Wider 24mm end, better image quality, and tilting screen help compose landscapes. Optical IS aids handheld shooting in low light.

Wildlife Photography

• Samsung: Too slow, fixed lens limits reach.
• Sony: 50x zoom lets you get close, with reasonable AF and 10 fps bursts for action. Not professional grade but usable for casual wildlife enthusiasts.

Sports Photography

• Samsung: No real speed, no continuous shooting.
• Sony: 10 fps continuous burst supported, faster AF, but limited tracking and buffer depth for prolonged action.

Street Photography

• Samsung: Small size and discreetness work in your favor.
• Sony: Bulkier and noisier, less subtle but versatile in framing.

Macro Photography

• Samsung: No macro focus range specified, likely poor close-up.
• Sony: 1 cm macro focusing possible; better for detail shots.

Night / Astrophotography

• Samsung: Poor high-ISO, no long exposures (max 30s), no manual focus, limited bracket options.
• Sony: Better ISO performance up to 3200 with improvement; manual exposure modes and longer shutter help.

Video

• Samsung’s 720p limits utility; Sony’s full HD is better but no audio controls.

Travel Photography

• Samsung is compact and friendly but limited.
• Sony offers a one-size-fits-most lens, rugged controls, and better performance at the cost of weight and size.

Scoring It All: Which Camera Wins Overall?

With all things considered, let’s summarize performance with a glance at overall and genre-specific scores based on real-world tests.

Honest Pros and Cons Breakdown

Samsung WB700:

Pros:

• Pocket-friendly, lightweight design
• Easy to operate for beginners
• Affordable price point
• Decent daylight performance for snapshots

Cons:

• No image stabilization
• Limited zoom/fixed lens
• Poor low-light and AF performance
• No manual focus or RAW support
• No viewfinder, low-res LCD
• Basic video capabilities

Sony HX350:

Pros:

• Massive 50x zoom lens (24-1200mm equivalent)
• Optical image stabilization
• High resolution BSI-CMOS sensor (better low light and dynamic range)
• Electronic viewfinder and tilting LCD
• Faster autofocus with face detection
• 10 fps continuous shooting
• Full HD video recording

Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier, less discreet
• No RAW, no microphone/headphone ports
• Limited advanced autofocus (no phase detect, no animal eye AF)
• No weather sealing
• Higher price and less pocketable

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re a casual shooter on a tight budget who needs an ultra-portable, dead-simple camera to capture family moments or travel snapshots, the Samsung WB700 still has a place. It’s uncomplicated, cheap, and comfortable in your pocket. Just temper expectations - bring steady hands and good light.

For enthusiasts or content creators who want a versatile travel companion capable of wildlife, landscape, and moderate sports photography without hauling a DSLR, the Sony HX350 is the better buy. Its remarkable zoom, improved sensor, and better controls mean you can get creative and capture moments missed by lesser compacts - all while maintaining manageable size and weight.

Insider Tip for Budget-Conscious Buyers:

If raw image capture and interchangeable lenses top your wishlist, neither camera here fits the bill. Consider saving for an entry-level mirrorless system. But for point-and-shoot simplicity trimmed with handy zoom power, between these two, the Sony HX350 outperforms in nearly every respect - at a cost, of course.

I hope this breakdown helps you navigate the jungle of compact cameras with real-world insights. Remember, no camera is perfect - pick the right tool for your shooting style, and you’ll make great images no matter the gear. Happy shooting!

Samsung WB700 front Samsung WB700 screen back Sony HX350 front Sony HX350 screen back