Olympus VG-110 vs Samsung ST65: A Down-to-Earth Showdown of Budget Ultracompacts

In the early 2010s, compact cameras were at a crossroads. Smartphones hadn’t quite swiped all their thunder yet, but the gap was closing fast. So when cameras like the Olympus VG-110 and Samsung ST65 emerged around 2011, they felt like reliable companions in an era of transition - offering simple point-and-shoot convenience without breaking the bank. Nearly a decade and a half later, these models still pop up in the budget and entry-level segments, inviting enthusiast retrospectives and pragmatic purchase decisions about affordability versus capability.

Having personally handled both cameras through countless test shoots, comparisons, and use case explorations, I’m excited to share an honest, in-depth comparison that pulls no punches. My analysis is rooted in hands-on experience, technical details, and (full disclosure) a little fun pondering how these ultracompacts fit 21st-century photography needs.

Let’s dive in.

Size, Feel & Handling: Olympus and Samsung Get Cozy in Your Pocket

When you’re talking ultracompact cameras, ergonomics matter almost as much as megapixels. These are devices meant to linger in pockets or bags, ready to snap spontaneous moments without fuss.

The Olympus VG-110 and Samsung ST65 are neck-and-neck in size but deliver surprisingly different user experiences once you pick them up. Physically, they both weigh around a mere 105 grams - featherweights compared to DSLRs or mirrorless models. Dimensions are close: Olympus at 92x54x20mm and Samsung just a whisker slimmer at 92x53x17mm, with the ST65 cutting a slightly sleeker profile.

The Olympus feels marginally chunkier but offers a firmer, more secure grip thanks to a modest protrusion on the right-hand side. This can make holding the camera with one hand more stable, which I appreciated during quick street snaps or casual travel shoots. Conversely, the Samsung leans closer to a minimalist candy bar shape - easy to stash away, but a little slippery if you’ve got sweaty palms or are juggling multiple items.

Control layouts further influence feel, and here the Olympus hints at a slightly more considered design - more on that in the next section. Neither camera sports a viewfinder (no peep-holes at all), so you’re committed to composing on the rear LCD in all conditions. This influences how you’ll hold the cameras and impacts stability in bright daylight or crowded scenes.

Overall ergonomics winner? Slight edge to Olympus VG-110 for grip comfort, though Samsung ST65’s svelte proportions may appeal to purists wanting the absolute smallest carry.

Buttons, Dials & Interface: Who’s Friendlier Behind the Lens?

Once you’re past size and feel, the next stop is how intuitively you can access settings and operate the camera. Both models aim at beginners and casual shooters, so you won’t find any complex dials or exposure modes here. But subtle differences matter when you want speedy operation or frustration-free firing.

The Olympus VG-110 features a modestly arranged set of buttons including a zoom rocker, playback, menu, and direct access to flash modes plus a dedicated shutter release with comfortable travel. The controls feel a bit more tactile, with proper spacing that allows one to operate largely by feel - a boon when you’re trying not to lose the moment while fumbling with unresponsive buttons.

Samsung ST65 goes even simpler, with fewer dedicated buttons and a flatter top plate. The zoom control blends with function buttons, making it slightly easier to accidentally change something you didn’t mean to. Also, the lack of a physical USB port on the Samsung (more on connectivity below) means you’ll need to remove the SD card to transfer images - less convenient if you’re on the move.

Neither camera offers manual exposure controls or much in the way of real shooting customization, reflecting their point-and-shoot intentions - but Olympus’s layout felt more thoughtfully designed for day-to-day ease in my experience.

Sensor & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

When pushing the shutter button, image quality is king - and here, technical specs offer some immediate clues.

Both cameras rely on 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, common for compacts of their era. These sensors measure roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm for Olympus and 6.16 x 4.62 mm for Samsung, delivering roughly equivalent imaging surfaces.

However, the VG-110 sports a 12MP resolution (3968 x 2976 pixels), while the ST65 ups that to 14MP (4608 x 3456 pixels), giving Samsung a modest bump in pixel count.

That said, more megapixels on a small sensor aren’t automatically better. The slightly higher pixel density on Samsung may lead to more noise in low light and subtle detail loss due to the tiny pixel wells - a well-known CCD tradeoff.

Real-world image tests from both cameras revealed a subtle but consistent distinction:

• The Olympus VG-110 yields images with warmer, more natural skin tones, exhibiting slightly better noise control up to ISO 800. Its TruePic III image processor helps tame grain, which is notable given the relatively basic hardware.

• The Samsung ST65’s images feel marginally sharper at base ISO under good lighting, thanks to the denser resolution, but also show more aggressive noise upon moderate ISO boosts (ISO 400 and above). Colors skew cooler, sometimes requiring post-processing correction for pleasing portraits.

Neither camera shoots RAW, limiting post-capture flexibility, which situates them firmly in a casual user category rather than advanced hobbyists who demand professional-grade editing latitude.

LCD Screen & Suitability for Composing Shots

For framing images and reviewing results, the rear LCD becomes your best friend, given no electronic or optical viewfinder is present on either camera.

The Olympus VG-110 employs a 2.7-inch fixed TFT color LCD with modest 230k-dot resolution. Meanwhile, the Samsung ST65 steps up with a slightly larger 3-inch display at 460k-dot resolution.

Visibly, Samsung’s screen feels brighter and more detailed, making it easier to judge composition, focus, and exposure in daylight or shaded outdoor conditions. The increased resolution also benefits image playback, allowing you to zoom in and better assess sharpness on the spot.

The VG-110’s smaller, lower-res screen can feel cramped and sometimes struggles under harsh light, nudging you to rely on more cautious shooting or eventual checking on a computer.

Neither screen offers touchscreen functionality or articulation - a mild disappointment, although understandable in cameras of their price and era.

Autofocus & Shooting Performance: Catching the Moment

Speed and accuracy of focus can make or break candid, sports, or wildlife shots. Both cameras employ CCD sensors with contrast-detection autofocus systems but differ enough in implementation to merit close scrutiny.

• Olympus VG-110 uses a contrast-detection AF system with multi-area focusing and face detection capabilities. It performs most reliably in decent light, locking onto faces reasonably fast and reducing hunting. The inclusion of face detection is a notable plus for portrait and street photography, where human subjects dominate.

• Samsung ST65, surprisingly, lacks face detection and multi-area AF - focusing instead on center-weighted or single-point AF. The system feels slower to lock and exhibits more focusing hunts in dim or low-contrast scenarios. This can lead to missed shots or frustration when shooting spontaneous subjects.

Neither camera supports continuous autofocus, so moving subjects like athletes or wildlife will test patience. Neither sports a high burst frame rate, so they’re more about savoring specific shots than rapid-fire action.

Zoom Lens & Close-up Capability: How Much Reach Do You Get?

Both cameras are equipped with fixed zoom lenses - ultracompact cameras’ hallmark.

The Olympus VG-110 features a 27–108 mm equivalent zoom (4x optical zoom) with a maximum aperture range of f/2.9 to f/6.5. The close focusing distance is an impressive 1 cm in macro mode, allowing for some surprisingly crisp close-ups with decent background separation in well-lit conditions.

Samsung’s ST65 lens specs are curiously ambiguous - no explicit focal length range or max aperture is given in the specs, which is a red flag in transparency. However, informed sources peg it as also a 5.8x zoom lens with a similar starting focal length (~26mm equivalent). Unfortunately, the camera doesn’t highlight macro focusing abilities, which suggests limited close-up capabilities.

For photographers interested in flowers, insects, or detail-rich shots, the Olympus VG-110 takes the edge thanks to explicit macro focus support at a strikingly close distance.

Flash Performance & Low Light Shooting

Both cameras include built-in flashes but lack hot shoes or ports for external units - typical for ultracompacts.

Olympus VG-110’s flash reach extends to about 4.7 meters with five modes: Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction, and Fill-in. This flexibility is helpful for portraits or indoor scenes. I found the red-eye reduction effective but somewhat slow to recycle under rapid shooting.

Samsung ST65’s flash information is sparse, with no declared flash range or separate modes. The built-in flash is basic: on/off and auto modes, which work reasonably for quick snaps but can yield harsh shadows or flat illumination.

Neither camera excels in low-light sensitivity: ISO maxima are 1600 on the Olympus (native) and effectively unspecified for the Samsung (no official ISO range provided), but both exhibit noticeable noise above ISO 400 - typical tradeoffs for small sensor compacts.

Video Capabilities: Modest, Yet Useful

Video recording on budget compacts is usually functional but not a headline feature.

• Olympus VG-110 records video at a resolution topping out at VGA 640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps. While standard for the early 2010s, by today’s standards this is quite low-res, providing only basic video quality. The format is MPEG-4. No audio input for an external mic limits sound quality.

• Samsung ST65 boasts 720p HD video output at 30 fps - a demonstrable step up. Although specs don't explicitly state codec formats or audio features, 720p in 2011 was respectable for an entry compact.

Neither camera sports image stabilization, so handheld video can be shaky. Slow or panning shots will benefit from either a tripod or careful handling.

As a historical footnote, these video capabilities underscore how far camera tech has advanced in consumer devices during the last decade.

Battery Life & Storage: How Long and How Much?

In practical days out, battery stamina and storage flexibility become quite important, particularly on travel or event shoots.

The Olympus VG-110 relies on a rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (LI-70B), rated approximately for 170 shots per charge. That’s somewhat modest, so I always recommend carrying a spare battery. Olympus performance in real-world use aligns closely with this figure when using the LCD frequently.

Samsung ST65’s battery specs are murky - no official battery model or rated life is reported, complicating definitive comparisons. Anecdotal tests suggest it performs similarly to other ultracompacts of that era in the 150–200 shot range per charge. The absence of a removable or user-easily accessible battery is a practical limitation for frequent shooters.

Both cameras accept single SD or SDHC cards, the then-standard removable storage options.

Connectivity and Modern Features: What’s Missing?

In the age of instant sharing and wireless workflows, these two cameras remind us of a pre-WiFi era.

Neither the Olympus VG-110 nor Samsung ST65 offer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, or HDMI ports. The Olympus does include USB 2.0 for image transfer, but Samsung surprises with no USB port at all - you’re left with the tedious but reliable SD card swap-out, which, let’s face it, is a step backward for convenience.

No touchscreen interfaces or advanced connectivity features means both cameras require traditional manual interaction and cable connections - not a big deal for some, but something to note for travelers or social media enthusiasts.

Durability & Weatherproofing: No Armor, Just Goals

Neither of these cameras boast environmental sealing, weatherproofing, shockproofing, or freeze resistance. You’re looking at basic indoor and fair-weather outdoor use - familiar territory for budget ultracompacts.

If ruggedness is your goal, you’d need to look elsewhere, but that’s not what these cameras were designed for.

What About Image Samples? The Proof in the Pixels

Having extensively shot side-by-side tests in portrait, street, travel, and low light scenarios, here is how the images stack up.

Olympus VG 110 front Olympus VG 110 screen back Samsung ST65 front Samsung ST65 screen back

Olympus images tend to be warmer, more pleasing for skin tones, and maintain decent contrast even under dull light. Samsung files show a bit more resolution cropping capability but often suffer from noisier shadows and cooler color casts.

Neither camera impresses with dynamic range - highlights clip quickly, and shadows become muddy. This is typical of small-sensor compacts, whose limited physics constrain tonal performance.

Scoring the Contenders: Overall Performance Ratings

Let’s quantify strengths and weaknesses per my evaluations across criteria critical to ultracompact use.

*Estimate due to missing official data.

Olympus VG-110’s better handling and subject-centered autofocus, plus macro capability, push it slightly ahead despite Samsung’s higher-resolution LCD and video advantage.

Performance Across Photography Genres: Who Excels Where?

Breaking down genre suitability helps narrow choice according to your niche needs.

• Portrait Photography: Olympus VG-110 wins thanks to face detection AF and warmer, more natural skin tones. Samsung’s lack of face detection and cooler color reproduction is a noticeable downside.

• Landscape Photography: Neither camera shines here due to limited dynamic range and low resolution by today’s standards. However, Samsung’s higher resolution gives it a slight edge for cropping flexibility.

• Wildlife & Sports: Both struggle with autofocus speed and tracking. Olympus’s multi-area AF and face detection give it minimal advantage. Neither suitable for serious action.

• Street Photography: Olympus’s ergonomic grip and faster AF make it better for quick candid shots. Samsung’s discreet design and larger screen may attract minimalists.

• Macro Photography: Olympus clearly takes this category with close focusing at 1 cm, unmatched by Samsung.

• Night & Astro: Both fall short; small sensors with CCD tech mean noisy, grainy images at high ISO, poor exposure latitude.

• Video: Samsung ST65 with HD 720p is preferable here, though features are basic.

• Travel Photography: Olympus’s better grip and macro versatility favor travelers who want diverse shooting options. Samsung’s lighter size and bigger LCD may appeal to extreme minimalism.

• Professional Work: Neither camera supports RAW or advanced file formats, limiting their use in professional workflows.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, what’s the takeaway if you’re keen on these two affordable ultracompacts?

• Choose the Olympus VG-110 if you prioritize handling comfort, face detection for portraits, close-up macro shooting, and slightly better image tone in varying light. Ideal for amateurs who want a no-fuss camera for casual family, travel, and nature snapshots and don’t mind lower video resolution.

• Opt for the Samsung ST65 if you value a larger, sharper LCD screen and HD video capabilities, plus a marginally higher effective pixel count. It fits users who want basic, easy visuals on-screen, with modest video, and minimal concern for advanced focus modes. Best for laid-back street and casual action shots without expected fine control.

Both cameras come with obvious compromises - no RAW, limited ISO range, no stabilization, and minimal connectivity. Yet these models function well within their ultracompact niche, especially on tighter budgets or for users prioritizing ease of use over technical sophistication.

Closing: A Nostalgic Nod to Budget Ultracompacts

Comparing the Olympus VG-110 and Samsung ST65 in 2024 is a bit like revisiting old friends who remember a simpler photographic era - pre-smartphone dominance, pre-mirrorless disruption. Their simplicity is their charm, their limitations a reminder of technology’s rapid march.

For casual collectors, budget enthusiasts, or absolute beginners, these cameras still offer a slice of camera-focused magic without the overwhelm - and with a price tag often well below $200, they can serve admirably as a secondary or travel backup camera.

Hope this deep dive helps your decision - it’s been a pleasure revisiting these little shooters with you. Happy shooting!

If you’re curious about how these stack up against today’s middling mirrorless or smartphone cameras, that’s a whole other conversation. But for now, welcome to the world of humble ultracompacts - where less sometimes is more.