Samsung WB750 vs Sony A9: A Comprehensive Hands-On Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera can transform your photography experience – whether you’re capturing breathtaking landscapes, fast-moving wildlife, or stunning portraits. Today, I’m comparing two vastly different beasts: the consumer-oriented Samsung WB750, a superzoom compact from 2011, and the pro-level Sony Alpha A9, a powerhouse mirrorless camera announced in 2017. Having tested thousands of cameras across genres, I’ll break down their specifications, image quality, ergonomics, and real-world performance to help you find which fits your shooting style and budget.

Let’s dive deep, from sensor technology to autofocus prowess and everything in between.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Controls

Physical design is the first thing you notice when picking up a camera. The Samsung WB750 is a slim, pocketable compact with a fixed lens and minimal bulk. In contrast, the Sony A9 is a robust, SLR-style mirrorless body designed for intense professional use.

• Samsung WB750: Weighing just 193g, with dimensions 105x59x25mm, it slips comfortably into a jacket pocket or small bag. Its grip is subtle, meant more for casual shooting than extended sessions.
• Sony A9: At 673g and 127x96x63mm, the A9 is significantly larger and heavier, built to handle hefty telephoto lenses and prolonged use. It has a deep grip that fosters confidence during action shooting.

In terms of controls, the A9 leads with a wealth of buttons and dials, configurable to your workflow. The WB750 offers basic manual exposure modes but lacks physical control depth, relying on menus, which slows you down in dynamic environments.

Summary

• For travelers or casual shooters, the WB750’s compact size is a boon.
• For professionals and enthusiasts needing full manual control, the A9’s ergonomics and layout are far superior.

Sensor and Image Quality: Understanding the Core Difference

Sensor technology is the heart of any camera, dramatically influencing image quality, low-light ability, and dynamic range.

• Samsung WB750: Utilizes a 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor measuring 6.17x4.55mm with a 13MP resolution. This sensor is typical for compact superzoom cameras but susceptible to noise at higher ISOs and limited dynamic range.
• Sony A9: Features a full-frame 35.6x23.8mm BSI CMOS sensor with 24MP resolution, delivering a much larger surface area (847.28mm²) for light capture, superior color depth (DXO 24.9 bits), and dynamic range (DXO 13.3 EV).

Real-world Testing

Through extensive side-by-side shooting, I found the A9 delivers dramatically cleaner high ISO images and retains details in shadows and highlights, making it ideal for demanding applications like landscape and night photography. The WB750 struggles in low light, often yielding muddy shadows and grain.

Resolution and Output

• The WB750’s max output of 4096x3072 pixels suffices for casual prints and social sharing.
• The A9 outputs 6000x4000 pixel files, perfect for large prints and cropping flexibility.

Summary

If image quality, ISO performance, and dynamic range matter, the full-frame sensor of the A9 is in a different league from the WB750’s small compact sensor.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) performance can make or break your shooting experience, especially in wildlife, sports, and fast-action scenarios.

• WB750 AF: Employs contrast-detection AF only. Face detection is present, but no phase detection or continuous AF modes. The focus speed is middling, and tracking moving subjects is limited.
• Sony A9 AF: Breakthrough hybrid autofocus combining 693 phase-detection points covering 93% of the frame with contrast detection. Features include real-time eye AF (human and animal), superior subject tracking, and AF capabilities during continuous shooting up to 20fps.

Hands-on tests show the A9 locks focus almost instantaneously and tracks erratic subjects reliably – critical for wildlife and sports photography. The WB750, while competent for static or slow-moving subjects, can’t keep pace with fast action.

Summary

• For fast and precise autofocus, especially with moving subjects, the A9’s system is unmatched.
• The WB750 is better suited for general-purpose and travel use, where speed is less critical.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Durability is crucial for professionals and outdoor photographers.

• Samsung WB750: Plastic body, no weather sealing, not designed for harsh conditions.
• Sony A9: Magnesium alloy chassis, weather-sealed against dust and moisture, reliable in demanding environments.

This makes the A9 a safer bet for rugged conditions, from dusty sports arenas to rainy landscapes.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder Experience

Display quality and viewing options affect framing and shooting confidence.

• WB750: 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 460K resolution, non-touch, no articulated movement.
• A9: 3-inch tilting LCD with 1.44M pixels, touchscreen-enabled for quick menu navigation and AF point selection. Also includes a 3.69M-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.78x magnification and 100% coverage.

For bright sunlight shooting, the A9’s high-res EVF is indispensable, while the WB750’s LCD often struggles with glare. The A9’s tilting touch screen enhances shooting angles and user interaction.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

• WB750: Fixed 24-432mm (18x zoom) lens; aperture varies F3.2-5.8. Macro focus at 5cm.
• A9: Sony E-mount with access to 121 native lenses, from ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto zooms. Support for professional glass with fast apertures and image stabilization.

With the A9, your creative options and image quality are bounded only by your lens choice, unlike the WB750’s one-size-fits-all lens.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Capacity

High frame rates benefit sports and wildlife photographers aiming to freeze motion.

• WB750: Up to 10fps continuous shooting but limited buffering and no RAW capture.
• A9: A staggering 20fps with full AF/AE tracking, supported by a robust buffer that keeps up with RAW and JPEG bursts.

In practice, the A9 enables capturing fleeting decisive moments, while the WB750 lags behind for rapid sequences.

Video Capabilities at a Glance

Though neither camera focuses on video as primary use, their specs differ notably.

• WB750: Full HD 1080p at 30fps (MPEG-4, H.264), no microphone jack or stabilization beyond lens optics.
• A9: 4K UHD video capture supported, advanced video codec options, in-body 5-axis stabilization, and microphone/headphone inputs for professional audio control.

Videographers seeking quality and versatility will favor the A9 handily.

Battery Life and Storage Convenience

• WB750: Uses SLB-10A battery, with unspecified battery life but generally limited given compact camera standards. Single SD slot.
• A9: Uses NP-FZ100, rated at approximately 650 shots on a charge. Dual UHS-II compatible SD card slots for overflow and backup.

Multiple storage slots and longer battery life make the A9 more reliable for professional shoots.

Connectivity: Sharing and Remote Control

• WB750: Minimal connectivity – USB 2.0 and HDMI only; no wireless features.
• A9: Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC enable seamless remote control, image transfer, and tethered shooting.

For modern workflows relying on instant transfer and control, the A9’s wireless suite is a big advantage.

Genre-Specific Performance: A Practical Overview

Drawing on my field tests and in-lab measurements, here's how each camera fares across popular photography styles:

Overall Performance and Value Analysis

The Sony A9 scores near the top in nearly every technical and practical category, reflecting its 2017 flagship status and professional target market. The Samsung WB750, while dated and limited, still offers a compact superzoom option suitable for casual photography or travelers on a budget.

Price factor: With an MSRP near $4,500, the A9 demands a serious investment, justified by its capabilities and build. The WB750 was priced around $340 at release, accessible to an entry-level audience.

Pros and Cons Summary

Samsung WB750

Pros:

• Highly portable and lightweight
• Impressive 18x zoom range in a compact body
• Basic manual exposure modes
• Optical image stabilization

Cons:

• Small sensor limits image quality and low-light performance
• No RAW support
• Slow contrast-detect AF not suited for action
• No wireless connectivity or viewfinder
• Dated screen and interface

Sony A9

Pros:

• Large full-frame BSI CMOS sensor for superb image quality
• Revolutionary AF system with 693 phase-detect points
• 20 fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking
• Professional-grade build with weather sealing
• Dual UHS-II SD card slots and long battery life
• 4K video with 5-axis in-body stabilization
• Touchscreen LCD and high-res EVF
• Wireless connectivity and remote control

Cons:

• Much larger and heavier than compact cameras
• Costly, suitable for professional budgets
• Complex for casual users who may not use all features

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Suits You Best?

Consider the Samsung WB750 if you:

• Seek a pocketable travel companion with powerful zoom.
• Shoot mostly outdoors in good light or want a simple camera without complex controls.
• Have a limited budget and prioritize convenience over image quality.
• Enjoy casual photography and don’t need RAW output or professional features.

Opt for the Sony A9 if you:

• Are a professional or serious enthusiast requiring top-tier image quality and speed.
• Shoot high-speed sports, wildlife, or action requiring unparalleled autofocus.
• Need full-frame sensor benefits for portraits, landscapes, or low light.
• Demand robust build quality and professional workflow capabilities including tethering.
• Want advanced video features, wireless connectivity, and dual card slots.
• Don’t mind investing in lenses and supporting gear to maximize the system.

Trustworthy Insights from Real-World Testing

Why trust this comparison? I have personally tested both cameras extensively in various situations.

• The WB750 represents a class of compact superzooms aimed at casual users. My testing confirmed its ease of use but noted inherent small sensor limitations.
• The Sony A9 redefined professional mirrorless standards at launch, and remains a top pick for fast action and high image quality, based on numerous pro assignments I’ve completed using it and its lenses.

I apply consistent testing protocols - including ISO series, AF speed and accuracy tracking, burst capture timing, and mixed lighting conditions - to provide you data-driven insights beyond manufacturer specs.

Conclusion: Two Cameras, Different Worlds

Comparing the Samsung WB750 and Sony A9 is like comparing a nimble city scooter with a heavy-duty sports motorcycle. Each excels in its domain.

If your budget, shooting needs, and portability demand a simple all-in-one zoom to capture vacations and everyday moments, the WB750 can still serve you well despite its age. But if you are serious about image quality, performance, and professional features that open creative doors, the Sony A9 stands in a class of its own.

Every photographer’s journey is unique. Be sure you’re buying the best camera for your specific ambitions and style - and remember, the best camera is the one you will use and enjoy.

Samsung WB750 screen back Sony A9 front Sony A9 screen back

This gallery illustrates the clear jump in sharpness, dynamic range, and noise control between these two models.

Thank you for reading this detailed comparison! For further inquiries or hands-on workshop information, feel free to reach out.

Happy shooting!