• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 560.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 125.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon SX20 IS advantages over Samsung ST72

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • More telephoto lens reach
    560 mm vs 125 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/3200 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Samsung ST72 advantages over Canon SX20 IS

  • Less expensive
    $120 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    17 mm vs 86 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    108g vs 676g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Samsung ST72

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon SX10 IS

Canon SX20 IS
Canon SX10 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Samsung ST72
Canon SX10 IS
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon SX1 IS

Canon SX20 IS
Canon SX1 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Shoots 1080p video
Samsung ST72
Canon SX1 IS
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Canon SX20 IS
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Fast startup
Samsung ST72
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Samsung ST66

Canon SX20 IS
Samsung ST66
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Samsung ST72
Samsung ST66
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Sony WX50

Canon SX20 IS
Sony WX50
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
Samsung ST72
Sony WX50
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Manual focus
Compare Other Cameras?