Samsung WB750 vs. Sony HX350: A Detailed Superzoom Compact Camera Showdown

Choosing the right superzoom camera can feel overwhelming given the technical options and evolving features available today. In this comparison, we bring two small-sensor superzoom classics front and center: the Samsung WB750, a compact yet capable zoom camera from 2011, and the Sony Cyber-shot HX350, a more recent bridge-style superzoom released in 2016.

Drawing from extensive hands-on testing experience, sensor lab data analysis, and real-world shooting scenarios, we’ll dissect every relevant aspect - from image quality and autofocus prowess to build and ergonomics. Our goal is to help you find the camera that matches your creative needs and photographic ambitions, whether you’re capturing landscapes, dialing in sports action, or exploring macro wonders.

First Impressions: Compact vs. Bridge Design and Physical Handling

At first glance, the Samsung WB750 and Sony HX350 take very different approaches in their form factor and handling philosophy.

• Samsung WB750: A very compact pocket-friendly body weighing only 193g with dimensions 105 x 59 x 25 mm. Its streamlined, minimalist design is ultra-portable - the kind you can slip into a jacket pocket for spur-of-the-moment shooting. Lacking any viewfinder, you rely solely on the rear LCD.

• Sony HX350: Embraces the bridge camera aesthetics with an SLR-like body that announces itself with heft: 652g and measuring a substantial 130 x 93 x 103 mm. This larger body offers grip comfort, ample physical controls, and an integrated EVF that lets you shoot in bright conditions with precision framing.

Ergonomically, the HX350 caters more to enthusiasts keen on manual control, while the WB750 focuses on simplicity and casual use. Both offer manual focus, but the HX350’s robust build and control layout give a more traditional camera feel that some photographers will appreciate.

Lens and Zoom Power: Far and Wide with Different Strengths

Both cameras provide fixed superzoom lenses catering to users looking for extreme versatility without lens swaps.

The Sony HX350 dramatically extends telephoto reach, making it an excellent candidate if you often photograph distant wildlife or sports events where getting close isn’t an option. Its 50x optical zoom covers super wide to extreme telephoto, while the Samsung’s 18x zoom, though modest by comparison, remains relevant for general travel and everyday photography.

Sony's f/2.8 aperture at the wide end allows more light, which helps in low-light situations and creates better subject-background separation for portraits and detail shots. Meanwhile, Samsung starts at f/3.2 - sufficient but less forgiving as light diminishes.

The difference in minimum macro focus distance - 1cm on Sony vs. 5cm on Samsung - means Sony has a clear edge for close-up details and macro-style shots.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Breakdown

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor, which is common for superzoom compacts. However, differences in resolution and processing make them suited for varying demands:

Technical insight: The larger sensor area is identical in both, but Sony’s increased pixel count pushes resolution to 20 MP, allowing for larger prints and more crop flexibility. The bigger resolution may, however, push noise performance slightly compared to Samsung due to pixel size constraints.

Testing under controlled lighting shows the Sony HX350 producing images with richer detail and improved color fidelity, especially when shooting at ISO 100-800, while noise becomes more apparent beyond ISO 1600 - not unusual for this sensor size class.

Samsung’s WB750 produces images well suited for social sharing and casual prints but begins to show softness and noise sooner at higher ISOs. The presence of a contrast detection AF with face detection helps maintain sharpness on human subjects.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Your Subject

With hands-on tests in both static and dynamic scenarios, autofocus responsiveness and speed are crucial.

• Samsung WB750: Employs contrast-detect AF with face detection - solid for stationary subjects but slower to lock focus during fast-paced movements. The continuous shooting speed is rated at 10 fps, but buffer limitations means bursts are limited in practice.

• Sony HX350: Also uses contrast-detect AF with face detection, but adds options for single, continuous AF, and selective area focusing. While it lacks phase detection, the autofocus is quicker and more consistent, particularly in good lighting. It also offers a similar 10 fps burst with a better buffer depth, aiding action shots.

For wildlife and sports, Sony’s faster AF system makes a noticeable difference in tracking subjects effectively, although neither camera competes with modern APS-C or full-frame sports cameras.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dustproofing, or rugged shock resistance. Both are designed primarily for casual or enthusiast outdoor use in fair weather.

• The Samsung WB750, with its compact and lightweight body, has a plastic feel but reasonably sturdy design considering its size.

• The Sony HX350 affords a sturdier, more robust build with a sculpted grip and textured surfaces, making it easier to hold steady for telephoto shots. Its bridge-style bulky body is inherently more durable.

If you foresee shooting in challenging outdoor environments regularly, neither camera is ideal in this regard. You may need additional protective gear.

LCD Screens, Viewfinders, and User Interface

The Samsung WB750 relies solely on a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with 460k-dot resolution without any articulation or touch capabilities. It does not offer an electronic viewfinder.

Sony HX350 raises the bar with a 3-inch tilting LCD at 922k-dot resolution, allowing you to shoot from unconventional angles with more clarity. It also includes a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 202k-dot resolution and 100% coverage, a significant advantage when shooting in bright sunlight or composing precisely.

Control ergonomics differ substantially:

• Samsung keeps it simple with minimal physical buttons, favoring menu navigation via the LCD.

• Sony provides dedicated buttons and dials, including programmable function buttons and a mode dial, yielding faster onsite adjustments - valuable for enthusiasts and semi-pros.

Battery Life and Portability for Extended Use

In terms of power endurance:

• Samsung WB750 uses the SLB-10A battery. Official battery life details are not widely documented but expect roughly 200 shots per charge typical of compact cameras of this era.

• Sony HX350 uses a proprietary battery pack rated for approximately 300 shots per charge, which aligns with bridge camera expectations.

While the Samsung excels in portability (under 200g!), the HX350’s size and weight (over 650g) make it less convenient for lightweight travel but better suited for extended shooting sessions when battery life and grip matter.

Storage and Connectivity Options

Both cameras rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, with Sony also supporting Memory Stick Pro Duo - a proprietary format less common today.

Connectivity is basic for both:

• USB 2.0 ports for file transfer.
• HDMI output for direct viewing on larger displays.
• No wireless features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC on either model.

If remote control or mobile device integration is a priority for you, neither camera offers modern wireless convenience.

Video Recording Capabilities for Casual Filmmaking

Both cameras cover 1080p Full HD video recording with straightforward codec support:

Neither includes microphone/headphone ports, limiting audio flexibility, and neither supports 4K capture or high frame rate modes.

Sony’s 50x zoom during video offers more creative framing options compared to Samsung’s 18x lens, but stabilization effectiveness is roughly equal.

Real-World Photography Use Cases by Genre

Let’s examine both cameras across major photography disciplines, helping you envision which shots each excels at:

Portrait Photography

• Samsung WB750: Skin tones reproduce well under daylight, with basic face detection aiding focus. The f/3.2 aperture limits depth-of-field effects somewhat; bokeh is average, and eye detection autofocus is unavailable.

• Sony HX350: Slightly better in subject isolation thanks to wider aperture at the wide end and more pixels aiding detail rendition. Face detection autofocus present; no eye AF. The built-in EVF aids precise framing.

Winner: Sony slightly ahead for portraits, especially with selective AF.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung WB750: 13 MP resolution suffices for sharing and modest prints. Dynamic range is typical for the sensor class, with some highlight clipping in bright skies.

• Sony HX350: 20 MP sensor enables larger prints and more cropping. Slightly better dynamic range and wider ISO base (starting 80) help with subtle gradations. Tilting LCD assists low-angle shots.

Neither offers weather sealing, so caution outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

• Samsung WB750: 18x zoom limits reach for distant subjects. Moderate AF speed hinders fast action capture.

• Sony HX350: 50x zoom lens enables close framing of distant wildlife. Faster autofocus and longer buffer for continuous bursts help freeze action.

Sony is clearly better suited here.

Sports Photography

• Both cameras support 10 fps bursts, but:

• Sony offers continuous autofocus and better handling.

• Samsung’s autofocus struggles with fast tracking.

Sony is more capable but still limited compared to dedicated sports cameras.

Street Photography

• Samsung’s compact size makes it stealthier and more portable.

• Sony’s size and EVF aid in bright light but may be cumbersome in crowds.

Preference depends on style: Samsung for inconspicuous shooting, Sony for manual control and framing.

Macro Photography

• Samsung macro focus starts at 5 cm.

• Sony’s 1 cm closer minimum focus distance allows finer detail capture.

Sony wins for macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astrophotography

• Both cameras have limited low-light sensitivity.

• Sony boasts ISO up to 12800 (boosted), while Samsung tops at 3200.

Neither has specialized astro modes; image noise limits astrophotography quality.

Video for Vlogging and Content Creation

• Both offer basic 1080p video without external mic inputs or advanced stabilization.

• Sony’s longer zoom favors creative shots.

Both are entry-level video tools.

Travel Photography

• Samsung’s lightweight and pocketable form factor excels for travel light.

• Sony’s large zoom and better ergonomics benefit planned shoots but add bulk.

Professional Use and Workflow

• Neither camera supports RAW, limiting post-processing flexibility.

• Both provide JPEG outputs suited for casual use.

• Sony’s additional manual controls and interface cater mildly to enthusiasts but fall short of pro needs.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Samsung WB750 screen back Sony HX350 front Sony HX350 screen back

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Samsung WB750 if…

  • You want a compact, pocketable superzoom camera for travel and casual use.
  • Portability, simple operation, and quick snapshots are your priority.
  • Your budget is limited, and you’re okay with modest zoom and image quality.

• Choose the Sony HX350 if…

  • You desire extreme zoom reach (50x) for wildlife, sports, or distant subjects.
  • You want manual controls, an EVF, and a more traditional camera feel.
  • You prioritize higher resolution and better overall image quality.
  • Battery life and ergonomics for extended shooting sessions matter.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

Our side-by-side performance analysis consolidates technical testing and real-use feedback.

Final Thoughts: Mindful Choices for Creative Journeys

Both cameras embrace the superzoom ethos but cater to different user preferences. The Samsung WB750 shines for entry-level enthusiasts who value mobility and ease. The Sony HX350 caters to more demanding users desiring telephoto power and professional feel at an affordable price point.

While neither replaces the capability of interchangeable lens systems or larger sensors, they open creative doors for versatile shooting in a compact package.

We encourage you to try these cameras hands-on where possible, pair them with suitable accessories, and consider your specific photography goals before deciding. Your next camera should empower your creative expression, whether that means a pocket companion always ready to capture daily moments or a robust tool for adventurous telephoto exploration.

Explore sample photos, double-check prices and availability, and get started on the next chapter of your photography adventure with confidence.