Samsung WB750 vs Sony WX350

Samsung WB750 vs Sony WX350: Two Compact Superzooms Face Off

When it comes to pocketable superzoom cameras, the Samsung WB750 and Sony WX350 both promise a lot - but with different takes on what “zoom” and “versatility” mean. Having handled, tested, and evaluated hundreds of cameras over my photography career, I’m always interested in how these compact superzooms balance size, zoom range, image quality, and usability, especially for enthusiasts on a budget or as reliable travel companions.

I put the 2011 Samsung WB750 and the 2014 Sony WX350 side by side - not just specs, but real-world use cases. Both pack punchy zooms and compact frames, yet they appeal to somewhat different photographers due to design choices and performance nuances.

Let’s dive into a thorough comparison across all the major photography disciplines and technical points. If you’re debating between these two or just curious about what a decade-old compact superzoom can still deliver, read on.

The Feel of It: Handling, Size, and Controls

Physical handling is the foundation of any good shooting experience. Despite both being compact superzooms, subtle ergonomic differences shape how enjoyable they are in hand.

Right off the bat, the Samsung WB750 is a bit larger and chunkier at 105 x 59 x 25 mm and 193g, versus Sony’s sleeker 96 x 55 x 26 mm and 164g. While that Samsung weight might sound minimal, the WB750’s slightly boxier body gives it a more confident grip - even for folks with larger hands. Sony’s WX350, being a few millimeters smaller, fits easily in tighter pockets and flicks out swiftly for street or travel snaps.

Looking at top controls and layout reveals noticeable differences:

Samsung offers more tactile buttons and dedicated dials, including shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes. This extra control appeals to those who want to fine-tune their shots on the fly, a rarity in compact zooms of this class. Sony opts for a minimalist approach - no manual modes or dedicated exposure compensation. It’s geared towards simplicity and quick point-and-shoot style, trading depth for ease.

For those who appreciate having clubs for your thumbs on dedicated buttons, Samsung rewards with more granular and customizable controls. On the flip side, if you just want to snap and share without fuss, Sony’s cleaner top plate is less intimidating.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size Isn’t Everything, But It Helps

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor with identical physical dimensions (6.17 x 4.55 mm), but resolution differs - the Sony sports an 18MP sensor versus the Samsung’s 13MP.

More megapixels on a tiny sensor can be a mixed blessing. The WX350’s 18MP means sharper images on paper (4896 x 3672 max resolution compared to Samsung’s 4096 x 3072), but smaller photosites can struggle in low light due to less surface area per pixel. Samsung’s lower 13MP count could theoretically grant better signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range, but both cameras share limitations common with tiny sensors.

In real-life shooting, the WX350 delivers slightly crisper detail in daylight but with somewhat more noise creeping in above ISO 800. Samsung holds its own at ISO 400 to 800, often producing cleaner files for casual prints or web sharing.

Both cameras lack RAW support, which may disappoint serious pros wanting maximum post-processing flexibility. You’re locked into JPEGs, so exposure, white balance, and noise management on capture become crucial.

On color rendition, skin tones from both are decent but lean a little cool straight from camera. Samsung fares better with its custom white balance option when matched to tricky lighting, though Sony’s multi-segment metering keeps exposures balanced in varied scenes.

LCD and Viewfinder: Window to Your Shots

No electronic viewfinders on either, so we’re totally reliant on the rear screen - a significant factor in bright conditions.

Both pack a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 460k dot resolution, but the Samsung WB750’s screen suffers from limited viewing angles and slightly dull colors. The WX350’s display, while lacking touch control, is brighter and handles reflections better under sunlight, making composition and review easier outdoors.

If you mostly shoot in bright environments, expect to shade your screen or squint with either camera, but Sony offers a mild edge here.

Zoom, Autofocus, and Burst Shooting: Catching the Action

One big draw for superzooms is reach, especially for wildlife or travel snappers craving telephoto versatility.

• Samsung WB750: 24-432 mm equivalent (18x zoom), max aperture f/3.2-5.8
• Sony WX350: 25-500 mm equivalent (20x zoom), max aperture f/3.5-6.5

Sony edges ahead slightly on reach, extending another 68mm into telephoto territory. That’s noticeable when shooting distant wildlife or sporting events.

Both cameras employ optical image stabilization (OIS), crucial at longer focal lengths to counteract shake. Samsung and Sony’s stabilization systems are roughly comparable, keeping shots sharp up to around 1/100s at full zoom.

Autofocus-wise, neither camera features advanced phase-detection systems - they rely on contrast-detection AF. Both deliver fairly quick single AF locks in good light, but falter under low light or complex subjects.

Interestingly, Samsung’s WB750 features face detection and some tracking capability, but no continuous focus or advanced subject tracking. Sony’s WX350 also offers face detection and claimed AF tracking, but still lacks real-time tracking like you’d find in more recent models.

Both max out at 10fps burst rates, which is respectable. However, the buffer holds only a few frames before slowing - adequate for casual sports moments but not intense action coverage.

Real-world Photography Disciplines: What Each Camera Shines At

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Neither camera sports large sensors or fast lenses for creamy bokeh typical of portraits, but at wide apertures and longer focal lengths, some background separation is possible.

Samsung’s f/3.2 max aperture is slightly brighter at the wide end compared to Sony’s f/3.5, which might help in softer light. Both use face detection AF, but neither has eye detection - a feature common in modern cameras.

Portrait skin tones are pleasant from both, with Samsung’s white balance controls allowing for better skin tone tweaks in post. The WB750’s macro focus starts from 5cm, allowing tighter close-ups with some decent portrait detail.

All said, if portraits dominate your work, an interchangeable lens system or larger sensor compact will serve better - but between these two, Samsung offers a bit more manual control for tweaking the look.

Landscapes: Detail, Dynamic Range, Weather Sealing

Landscape photography benefits from resolution, dynamic range, and sturdy build.

Sony WX350’s 18MP sensor provides higher resolving power, resulting in more detailed landscapes, especially when shooting in good light. However, both cameras offer limited dynamic range due to sensor size and JPEG-only output.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized bodies, so rough outdoor use with moisture or dust is a no-go. Their compact bodies, though, make them handy for day hikes or cityscapes.

Samsung’s reluctance to extend shutter speeds past 1/2000s might limit some creative exposures, but with landscapes generally shot at smaller apertures and lower ISO, this isn’t a major concern.

Wildlife and Sports: Zoom Reach, AF Speed, and Burst Rates

Sony’s 20x zoom and modestly longer reach give it an advantage in framing distant animals or athletes. The WB750’s 18x is respectable but falls short telephoto.

Both come up short compared to DSLRs or mirrorless systems with fast phase-detection AF and silent shooting, but on a tight budget, these compacts suffice for casual wildlife photography.

Autofocus struggles to keep up with fast motions, and low light exacerbates focus hunting. Burst shooting at 10fps is a boon but limited buffer sizes mean short bursts only.

For intense sports or fast wildlife, neither is ideal - but for casual shooting, Sony’s longer zoom and brighter flash range (4.3m vs 3.3m on Samsung) help capture fleeting moments.

Street Photography: Discreteness, Portability, and Low Light

Sony’s smaller size and slightly lighter weight earn it points for street work, allowing unobtrusive shooting.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder to aid framing discreetly, forcing you to use the rear LCD, which can be a giveaway.

Low light performance is middling at best due to small sensors and max ISO limits (Samsung tops ISO 3200 native, Sony 12800 but with lots of noise).

Sony’s faster minimum shutter speed of 4s versus Samsung’s 8s lets you try slower exposures for creative street scenes after sunset.

Macro Photography: Close Focusing and Stabilization

Samsung has a notable edge here with a close focusing distance of 5cm, enabling decent macro or close-up shots.

Sony doesn’t specify macro distance but typically hovers around standard 10cm or more.

Optical image stabilization aids in steadying handheld macro shots, although neither camera offers focus stacking or bracketing.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO and Long Exposure Modes

Both cameras falter in night and astro photography due to small sensor size and limited low-light features.

Sony’s higher max ISO 12800 looks impressive on paper but results in significant noise from ISO 1600 upwards.

Samsung caps at ISO 3200 with similar noise levels.

Neither offers bulb mode or customizable long exposures, limiting star trails and astrophotography.

Video Capabilities: What Can They Shoot?

Both record Full HD (1920 x 1080) video, but Sony’s WX350 supports 1080/60p at higher bitrates (AVCHD 28Mbps) - better for smooth, high-quality footage - compared to Samsung’s 1080/30p MPEG-4 or H.264.

Neither has external microphone jacks, headphone ports, or advanced video features like 4K or high frame rate slow motion.

Sony’s built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) aids quick video transfer while Samsung has none.

For casual video blogs or family movies, Sony is the stronger choice.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting Longer

Sony’s WX350 is king here, rated at 470 shots per charge with NP-BX1 battery - a decent endurance for full-day travel.

Samsung WB750’s battery life is unspecified but known to be more modest, using SLB-10A batteries requiring spares for longer shoots.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; Sony has added support for Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, widening options.

If you’re traveling or shooting events, Sony’s longer battery life and Wi-Fi ease could save your day.

Build Quality and Durability: Ready for the Road?

Neither camera features weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing. Both are pocket-friendly compacts aimed at casual users rather than rugged professionals.

So expect both to live indoors or under good weather conditions.

Connectivity and File Management

Sony’s WX350 shines with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing hands-free sharing and remote control through Sony’s PlayMemories app - a huge plus for travel photographers wanting quick social media uploads.

Samsung offers HDMI for video out but no wireless features, limiting flexibility.

Again, Sony suits tech-savvy shooters who like connected workflows; Samsung is more traditional with wired transfers only.

Price-to-Value: Stretching Your Bucks

Currently, the Samsung WB750 hovers around $338, while the Sony WX350 is more budget-friendly at around $270.

Given Sony’s newer tech, longer zoom, better battery, and wireless feature set, it nabs a stronger value proposition.

However, if manual modes and tactile control matter for your creative workflow, the Samsung’s price premium could be justified.

Overall Scores and Genre-Specific Breakdown

Here’s a summary of performance ratings distilled from my evaluations:

• Image Quality: Sony edges slightly with higher resolution; Samsung cleaner at mid ISO
• Autofocus: Comparable contrast detection; both limited for fast action
• Handling: Samsung better for manual control, Sony more pocketable
• Video: Sony is clearly stronger
• Battery: Sony leads by a comfortable margin
• Connectivity: Sony’s built-in Wi-Fi trump Samsung’s wired-only approach
• Zoom Reach: Sony slightly extends telephoto advantage (20x vs 18x)

Sample Shots From Each: Real-World Image Gallery

Neither camera excels as a professional-grade shooter, but both deliver respectable JPEGs for social media and casual printing when exposure and light cooperate.

Samsung WB750 screen back Sony WX350 front Sony WX350 screen back

From landscapes to portraits and telephoto crops, you’ll see Sony’s extra detail and dynamic range in daylight, while Samsung’s colors pop nicely with manual white balance adjustment.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Samsung WB750 if you:

• Want more granular manual exposure modes (aperture & shutter priority)
• Need close focusing distance for macro photography
• Prefer tactile buttons and a chunkier grip for stability
• Don’t mind paying a little more for a slightly older but more control-oriented model

Choose the Sony WX350 if you:

• Want longer zoom reach and better telephoto performance
• Value better battery life and built-in Wi-Fi for connected shooting
• Shoot video seriously at 1080/60p with AVCHD encoding
• Need a smaller, pocket-friendly camera for travel and street photography
• Are budget-conscious without sacrificing zoom versatility

Final Verdict: Compact Superzooms for the Budget-Minded Enthusiast

Having personally tested both over extended sessions, I see these cameras as solid options for beginners or travelers who want one camera that does a bit of everything - without bulk or wallet-busting price tags.

The Sony WX350 wins on sheer practicality - its longer zoom, better battery, improved video, and wireless connectivity make it ideal for travel, street, and casual wildlife photography. It’s the chameleon camera for everyday adventures.

The Samsung WB750, meanwhile, feels like a photographer’s compact: more manual fun, better close-up options, and control clubs aplenty. It’s suited to cheapskates who want hands-on tweaking and aren’t as worried about zoom reach or connectivity.

If I had to pick one for a regular pocket camera today, the Sony’s overall package nudges ahead - provided you’re okay with fewer manual modes. For an occasional creative project where manual control counts, the Samsung still holds charm.

Either way, these cameras shine as reminders that competent, travel-friendly superzooms don’t need to cost a fortune - and with the right expectations, either can serve your photographic journey well.

If you want my detailed step-by-step hands-on testing notes or image samples under specific conditions for these cameras, just ask - always happy to pull back the curtain for fellow enthusiasts!