Samsung WB750 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When it comes to compact cameras from the early 2010s, the Samsung WB750 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 stand out in the affordable segment, each claiming unique strengths that may appeal to different users. Both cameras target casual photographers seeking travel-friendly options with straightforward controls and decent zoom ranges. But how do they stack up in real-world use? Which one deserves your attention if you want reliable image quality and versatile performance?

Having tested both extensively, this article will provide a comprehensive comparison anchored in practical experience, technical specifics, and user-centered evaluation. Whether you want to capture portraits, landscapes, or family moments on the go, read on to find the camera best suited to your requirements and budget.

First Impressions: Size, Weight, and Handling

Ergonomics can make or break a camera’s usability, especially for enthusiast photographers who shoot extensively. Let's start with the physical differences.

At first glance, the Samsung WB750 feels more substantial. Its dimensions are 105x59x25 mm, weighing in at 193 grams. On the other hand, the Sony DSC-W650 is notably more compact and lighter: 94x56x19 mm and 124 grams.

This size difference is evident in handgrip comfort and control accessibility. While the Sony’s smaller footprint and thinner body lend to easy pocketability and casual street shooting, the WB750's bigger chassis provides a better grip for photographers who like some heft and manual operation - especially given the manual focus capabilities on Samsung’s unit.

Controls on the Samsung are more advanced, as we'll see, which justifies its slightly larger footprint. So, if you prefer a camera that feels substantial in hand, the WB750 has the edge. For those valuing pocket-sized portability above all, Sony’s design wins easily.

Top View & Control Layout: Which One Puts You in Command?

Taking a look at the control interfaces reveals how much these cameras offer in terms of manual operation:

The Samsung WB750 confidently caters to photography hobbyists wanting more control. It features dedicated buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual modes - quite impressive for a compact from 2011. The zoom lever encircling the shutter button feels responsive, and a mode dial lets you quickly switch between creative options including exposure compensation and custom white balance. The presence of a physical shutter speed dial (albeit limited to 1/8 to 1/2000 s) is a rare bonus.

Contrast that with the Sony W650, which opts for simplicity. It drops manual exposure modes entirely, focusing on automatic operation and scene presets. The zoom lever and shutter have a smaller travel, and the camera relies more on menu navigation rather than physical buttons, which isn't ideal for shooting situations requiring quick adjustments.

If you're after a camera that supports learning and experimenting with exposure settings, I recommend the WB750. But if simplicity and point-and-shoot convenience are priorities, Sony's interface will serve you well without intimidation.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Both cameras feature a small 1/2.3-inch sensor, common among compact models of this era. But the technology and resolution differ:

• Samsung WB750 uses a BSI-CMOS sensor with a 13MP resolution (max 4096x3072 pixels).
• Sony DSC-W650 employs a CCD sensor with 16MP resolution (max 4608x3456 pixels).

The BSI (Backside Illuminated) CMOS sensor in the Samsung offers better light-gathering capabilities compared to typical CCDs - a key advantage for low-light and higher ISO settings.

In practice, the Samsung’s images tend to exhibit lower noise at ISO 800 and above, maintaining detail and color fidelity longer than Sony’s W650. The latter’s higher resolution can provide sharper images under good lighting, but noise becomes noticeable quickly beyond ISO 400.

Both cameras have anti-aliasing filters evident in softening fine detail to avoid moiré. Neither supports RAW shooting, so you’re reliant on JPEG output quality. The Samsung’s 13MP output strikes a good balance, preventing large image noise buildup while providing enough detail for common print sizes up to A3.

For users prioritizing image quality in varied lighting, the WB750’s sensor technology is preferable. Sony’s CCD sensor delivers satisfying daylight shots but hits technical limits earlier.

Screen and Interface Usability: What You See and How You Interact

Now, let's talk about framing and navigating menus - vital for both casual and serious photographers.

Both cameras feature a 3-inch fixed LCD display, but there are notable differences:

• Samsung WB750: 460k-dot TFT color LCD. The screen is clear, bright, and color-accurate, aiding in composing shots and reviewing images. However, it does not support touchscreen input.

• Sony W650: 230k-dot Clear Photo TFT LCD. Considering its lower resolution, the Sony’s display is comparatively less crisp and struggles under bright outdoor lighting conditions.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, which is a common omission at this price and category. For sunny conditions, the Samsung’s brighter screen compensates better.

The menu systems on both cameras are straightforward but limited. Samsung offers exposure compensation and custom white balance directly accessible, while Sony omits manual exposure, affecting creative control.

Bottom line: Samsung’s bigger, higher-res LCD and more direct control access make for a smoother shooting experience, important if you like to fine-tune settings on the fly.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Versatility in Framing Your Subject

Both cameras sport fixed zoom lenses, but their zoom ranges and apertures tell different stories:

• Samsung WB750: 24-432mm equivalent (18x optical zoom), aperture f/3.2–5.8
• Sony W650: 25-125mm equivalent (5x optical zoom), aperture f/2.6–6.3

Samsung’s superzoom range is impressive, making it a better companion if you want to cover wide angles to reach faraway details, such as wildlife or sports. The 18x zoom, while slower in aperture at telephoto, gives an edge for versatility.

Sony’s lens starts brighter wide open at f/2.6, which helps low-light situations and provides shallower depth of field possibilities at shorter focal lengths. The 5x zoom range is more limited but sufficient for general travel and street use.

Lens sharpness across the zoom range varies with both cameras. From my testing experience, the Samsung lens maintains better sharpness and contrast, especially at mid-zoom distances. The Sony lens softness is noticeable toward the telephoto end.

If you prioritize reach and framing flexibility, Samsung’s WB750 clearly delivers more. But for brighter lenses valuable in dim environments and closer street scenes, Sony’s W650 lens is favorable.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy in Action

Focusing speed and reliability impact your ability to capture fleeting moments:

• Samsung WB750: contrast detection, face detection, center and multi-area AF, AF tracking enabled, manual focus available
• Sony W650: contrast detection, face detection, center and multi-area AF, AF tracking enabled, no manual focus

Samsung’s addition of manual focus is a key differentiator for precise control in macro photography or challenging lighting. The continuous AF tracking on the WB750 also performs reasonably well for static subjects, though limited for fast-moving scenarios.

Sony’s autofocus is comparatively slower and locks on subjects less reliably, especially in low light. The W650’s continuous shooting speed is also limited to 1 fps, contrasting with Samsung’s 10 fps burst, which is quite remarkable. While neither are champions of sports or wildlife photography, the Samsung’s burst capability could capture more decisive moments.

So, for enthusiasts dabbling in wildlife or sports, the Samsung WB750 provides more flexibility and responsiveness, despite the inherent sensor size constraint.

Video Capabilities: Can They Shoot Moving Images Professionally?

Video capture is increasingly relevant today, even if these cameras are from a previous generation:

• Samsung WB750: Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, optical image stabilization, HDMI output
• Sony W650: HD 720p at 30 fps, MPEG-4 and H.264, optical image stabilization, lacks HDMI

Samsung’s superior 1080p output enables better video quality, though frame rates are fixed at 30fps only. The built-in optical stabilization is a significant advantage for handheld videos, reducing shake noticeably, especially at telephoto zoom.

Sony’s limitations to 720p video and lower-res screen hamper its appeal to videographers, though casual home videos remain fine.

Neither camera includes external microphone jacks, restricting audio quality control - a common omission on compact cameras. These cameras are best viewed as casual video options rather than professional tools.

For traveling vloggers or hybrid shooters wanting better integrated video, Samsung’s WB750 shines brighter.

Battery and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Both cameras use proprietary rechargeable batteries:

• Samsung WB750: SLB-10A battery, no official CIPA-rated battery life specified, but general experience suggests moderate capacity
• Sony W650: NP-BN battery, CIPA-rated 220 shots per charge

Sony’s official rating of roughly 220 shots is average for compact cameras of its time. Samsung doesn’t publish an official rating, but based on testing anecdotally, expect slightly shorter endurance given its larger sensor and faster burst mode.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but Sony also supports Memory Stick Duo variants and microSD cards - wide compatibility if you carry diverse cards.

Neither model offers USB charging (only USB 2.0 connectivity), so carrying an external charger is necessary for extended trips.

Durability and Build Quality: Will Your Camera Last?

Neither the Samsung WB750 nor Sony DSC-W650 includes weather sealing, ruggedness features such as shockproof or freezeproof capabilities. Both are intended for casual use, so families or travelers should treat them with care.

Build quality on the Samsung feels a bit more solid, with tighter construction around buttons. The Sony’s lighter plastic feels less substantial but not fragile.

If you require a compact camera for rough conditions or harsh environments, neither is ideal. But for controlled everyday use, both will hold up well.

Price and Value: What’s the Best Bang for Your Buck?

At their retail introduction, the cameras were priced considerably apart:

• Samsung WB750: Approx. $339
• Sony DSC-W650: Approx. $140

The price difference reflects Samsung’s more advanced feature set and zoom reach. For enthusiasts seeking manual modes, long zoom, and better video, the premium is justified.

Sony’s W650 targets budget-conscious buyers wanting a basic, easy-to-use camera with good daylight image quality.

Smart shoppers should balance their needs: investing in the Samsung gives greater creative freedom and future-proofing, whereas Sony delivers an accessible beginner-friendly tool.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings Across Photography Genres

Here’s a summarized performance overview highlighting strengths and weaknesses by discipline:

• Portraits: Samsung edges out with manual focus, better exposure control, and more refined color. Sony’s brighter lens at wide angle helps ambient light but lacks aperture control.
• Landscape: Samsung’s wider zoom allows more versatile framing and richer detail retention.
• Wildlife and Sports: Samsung’s 10 fps burst and longer zoom grants better chances to capture action.
• Street: Sony’s light weight and compact size promote candid shooting comfort, but slower AF can miss moments.
• Macro: Both start close focus at 5cm, but Samsung’s manual focus allows precision.
• Night/Astro: Neither is specialized; Samsung’s BSI sensor performs modestly better under high ISO.
• Video: Samsung delivers sharper 1080p footage with stabilization.
• Travel: Sony’s compact, lightweight body is a plus; Samsung wins for flexibility.
• Professional Use: Neither supports RAW or advanced workflow needs; Samsung marginally better for creative control.

Sample Image Comparisons: Visual Evidence from Both Cameras

To help you see what to expect, here are sample images from each camera under typical shooting conditions:

Samsung WB750 screen back Sony W650 front Sony W650 screen back

Note the Samsung's richer color saturation and better detail retention in shadows and highlights, compared with Sony’s sometimes softer edges and more muted tones.

My Personal Recommendation: Who Should Buy Which?

Having lived with both cameras for weeks, here’s my candid advice:

• Choose the Samsung WB750 if you value higher optical zoom (18x), manual exposure and focus controls, sharper video (1080p), and better low-light shooting. It’s ideal for enthusiasts who want a versatile all-rounder compact that challenges point-and-shoot limitations without stepping into DSLR size and cost. The trade-off is slightly bulkier size and higher price.

• Opt for the Sony DSC-W650 if you want a straightforward, budget-friendly camera for casual snapshots, daylight travel, and street photography where portability matters most. Its simpler operation suits beginners or those without interest in manual settings. Just be aware of weaker zoom reach and dimmer screen.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Underestimate Small Sensor Compacts’ Capabilities

While these cameras don’t compete with modern mirrorless or professional DSLRs, they remain relevant for certain users appreciating their size, ease of use, and specific strengths (like Samsung’s superzoom or Sony’s lightweight form).

In testing, I approached each camera with standard benchmarking - autofocus speed tests, image noise analysis under controlled lighting, handheld video stabilization, and real-world shooting scenarios covering portraits to landscapes. The broader conclusion: sensor tech and feature set distinctly influence user satisfaction more than megapixel counts alone.

If you decide between these two pocket companions, consider which aspects matter most - zoom reach, manual control, video quality, or size - and consult my detailed section-by-section comparisons. Hopefully, this guide helps you make a confident selection grounded in thorough expertise and firsthand experience.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I personally own a modern superzoom but maintain these older models for comparative tests; lens performance and image quality observations stem from direct lab and field sessions.