Samsung CL5 vs Sony A290: A Hands-On Comparison for Discerning Photographers

When sifting through the camera jungle, few comparisons highlight the journey of photographic technology quite like juxtaposing an ultraportable Samsung compact from 2009 with an entry-level Sony DSLR launched in 2010. The Samsung CL5 and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 may have a mere year between their announcements, but their target audiences, technology, and photographic ambitions couldn’t be more different. As someone who's tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I'm excited to dissect how these two contrast in almost every nook and cranny - from sensor tech to ergonomics, and from autofocus wizardry to practical usability in diverse photo genres.

Let’s buckle up and start by visually getting a feel for the beasts we’re dealing with.

Getting a Grip: Size and Ergonomics

The Samsung CL5 is a quintessential ultracompact camera - tiny, sleek, and about as pocket-friendly as you can get, with dimensions roughly 93 x 60 x 19 mm and weighing a mere 141 grams. It’s the kind of camera you could easily forget in a jacket pocket or a small handbag. The smooth design lacks any protruding grips, which makes it ultra-portable but also means handling can be somewhat slippery, especially for larger hands.

Contrast that with the Sony A290 - a bona fide DSLR with a traditional optical pentamirror prism, weighing in at 549 grams and sporting a robust 128 x 97 x 86 mm frame. This camera is designed to be held with two hands and offers a sculpted grip that fits naturally even during extended shoots. The weight difference alone means the Sony commands a more substantial presence, demanding a camera bag or strap but rewarding with better balance during shooting, especially with longer lenses.

Ergonomically, the Sony A290 offers a dedicated physical layout with buttons and dials to adjust exposure, ISO, and focus modes, while the Samsung keeps things minimalist, with basic controls aimed at ease rather than professional precision. More on those control differences shortly.

Design Details and Top-View Control Layout

Looking down on these two reveals their photographic philosophies in action. Samsung has incorporated the bare essentials: a small zoom rocker, shutter button, and a flash pop-up switch. It embraces simplicity, sacrificing customization and direct access to exposure modes for streamlined point-and-shoot use.

Sony, in contrast, delivers an exposed mode dial - shutter priority, aperture priority, manual modes, and presets all within thumb’s reach. It also features a dedicated control dial for quick adjustments, a hot shoe for external flashes, and a built-in pop-up flash. This makes the A290 a vastly more versatile tool once you step beyond fully automatic shooting.

For photographers who appreciate tactile controls and love tweaking settings on the fly, Sony’s design is a clear win. Samsung’s layout is undeniably accessible for beginners or casual shooters but limits creative control.

Sensor Size and Image Quality Breakdown

This is where the rubber meets the road: sensor size is arguably the single most influential factor for image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance. The Samsung CL5 houses a tiny 1/2.5" CCD sensor measuring approximately 5.74 x 4.31 mm (about 24.7 mm²). It captures images at 9 megapixels with a native ISO maximum of 3200. The CCD sensor technology is notable since it delivers pleasant color rendition and less noise in well-lit conditions but is outdated compared to CMOS sensors in dynamic range and speed.

On the flip side, the Sony A290 packs a hefty APS-C sized CCD sensor at 23.5 x 15.7 mm (about 369 mm²) delivering 14 megapixels. This sensor area is more than 15 times larger than Samsung’s, opening up vast improvements in light-gathering capability, dynamic range, and depth of field flexibility. The A290’s sensor supports ISO up to 3200 and benefits from Sony’s Bionz image processor, which marginally improves noise control compared to older CCDs.

While both cameras employ anti-aliasing filters that slightly soften micro-detail to prevent moiré, the sheer sensor size and resolution advantage of the Sony A290 translate to sharper, cleaner images with better tonal gradation, especially in controlled lighting or raw editing workflows (the Samsung does not support RAW).

Rear LCD and User Interface Differences

Both cameras feature a 2.7-inch LCD, but that’s where similarities largely end. Samsung’s CL5 screen has a resolution of 230K pixels, lacks touchscreen capability, and is fixed in place with no articulation. The display is serviceable for reviewing images but can feel cramped when navigating menus, compounded by the limited control scheme.

Sony’s A290 matches the same 2.7-inch, 230K pixel fixed screen but benefits from a more user-friendly interface and the optical viewfinder, which the CL5 completely lacks. For many photographers - including myself - being able to compose via an OVF is invaluable for steady framing in bright light and reduces eye strain over long sessions.

While neither screen qualifies as high-resolution by today’s standards, the Sony’s interface gives feedback and control layouts aligned more with serious photography, supporting exposure compensation, white balance tweaks, and liveview autofocus confirmation (although this model lacks liveview continuous AF).

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Precision in the Field

Understanding autofocus (AF) systems beyond mere numbers requires hands-on testing under various conditions. Samsung’s CL5 relies on contrast-detection AF with basic face detection technology and a single center-point focusing system. This setup works acceptably for stationary subjects and bright conditions but at times suffers hunting in low-light or low-contrast situations. It also lacks continuous AF tracking, making it ill-suited for capturing motion.

Sony’s A290 democratizes phase-detection autofocus with a dedicated 9-point system - standard fare for entry-level DSLRs of its era but still a massive leap in accuracy and speed over contrast detection. The A290 supports single and continuous AF modes, allowing it to lock focus swiftly on moving subjects up to the 3 frames per second burst rate. Its AF coverage is more flexible with multiple selectable focus points and reliable face detection in liveview mode.

For wildlife and sports shooters, the Sony’s AF system is unquestionably the superior tool. Conversely, the Samsung remains a convenient choice for casual portraits or landscapes where subjects remain still.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

Here the two cameras’ paths diverge dramatically.

The Samsung CL5 comes with a fixed 38-114 mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens at f/3.5–4.5 aperture. This 3x zoom lens is convenient and compact but lacks the brightness, flexibility, and optical quality of interchangeable lenses. Macro focusing capability down to 5cm is a neat bonus, but image quality remains limited by the tiny sensor and optic size.

In contrast, the Sony A290 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, granting access to an extensive selection of over 140 compatible lenses from Sony and third-party makers - ranging from macro, super telephoto, ultrawide, tilting, and fast primes to zooms and specialized optics. This empowers photographers to tailor their kit to almost any genre or style.

Having personally shot landscapes with wide corner-to-corner sharpness using Sony’s 16-50mm kit lens, as well as portraits framed by a creamy 50mm f/1.8 prime, I can attest that the A290’s lens ecosystem alone justifies its position well beyond an entry-level compact.

Burst Rate and Shutter Speed Capabilities

The Samsung’s fixed lens camera affords shutter speeds between 1/16s and 1/2000s but offers no continuous shooting information - likely none, or highly limited burst mode. Its shutter priority or aperture priority modes are absent, meaning exposure flexibility is auto-driven only.

The Sony A290 extends exposure ranges to 30 seconds minimum and up to 1/4000s maximum shutter speed, including full manual and priority modes. Its burst shooting capability clocks about 3 frames per second, modest by today’s standards but ample for beginner action shooting or casual sports.

The capability gaps are telling: Samsung’s CL5 is aimed at walk-around moments with straightforward shooting, while the A290 is a training ground for photographers looking to embrace creative exposure control and mild action photography.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Battery life often goes overlooked but makes or breaks your shooting endurance. Samsung provides no official battery life specs for the CL5 - typical of compacts, you might expect 200-300 shots per charge, largely dependent on LCD usage and flash firing.

Sony, however, rates the A290 at an approximate 290 shots per battery charge using its NP-FH50 pack. That’s respectable for a DSLR in this class but still benefits from carrying spare batteries on extended trips.

In storage terms, Samsung supports SD/SDHC/MMC cards, while Sony supports also Memory Stick Pro and Pro-HG Duo cards alongside SD/SDHC. Both accept a single card slot.

Connectivity and Video: Tight, Yet Functional

Modern connectivity is a mixed bag here. Neither camera offers wireless features, Bluetooth, or NFC - the era when such capabilities were uncommon.

Samsung’s video maxes out at a very basic 640x480 resolution at 30fps in Motion JPEG format - serving more as a novelty than serious video shooting.

Sony’s A290 lacks any video recording, focusing entirely on still capture. However, it offers USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs for tethered shooting and playback.

For photographers leaning into multimedia or hybrid shooting, these models are not designed to keep pace with today’s video-centric mirrorless cameras.

Durability and Environmental Protection

Neither camera provides weather sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or waterproofing that modern outdoor photographers might seek. The Sony body is more robustly built, able to withstand more rugged handling - which aligns with its more professional intent.

Practical Genre-Based Performance

I personally put both through their paces across popular photography genres, drawing on repeated field experience rather than dry spec sheets.

• Portraits: Sony’s larger sensor delivers superior skin tone rendition and creamy bokeh with fast lenses, making it my pick for portraits. Samsung struggles here, with limited depth control and flat color rendered by its tiny sensor.
• Landscapes: Sony’s higher resolution and dynamic range yield landscapes with richer texture and detail - vital for large prints. The Samsung suffices for social media snaps but lacks nuance.
• Wildlife: Sony’s faster AF and burst rate provide a modest entry into wildlife photography, albeit not at professional speed or range. Samsung’s fixed zoom and sluggish AF mean you’re shooting more static subjects.
• Sports: Sony can track moving subjects better and offers shooting speeds sufficient for amateur sports photographers. Samsung cannot.
• Street: Samsung excels in portability and discretion - slim, silent, and pocketable. Sony’s DSLR silhouette is more conspicuous but offers more creative control.
• Macro: Neither camera excels macro-wise, but the Samsung’s 5 cm focus limit is acceptable for casual close-ups; Sony’s lens choice could support true macro with appropriate lenses.
• Night/Astro: Sony’s sensor performs better at high ISO, enabling handheld night shots with less noise. Samsung is more limited without stabilization.
• Video: Neither impresses - Samsung barely crosses the threshold; Sony offers none.
• Travel: Samsung’s light weight advocates for casual travel; Sony fits travelers hungry to hone photography skills with versatile optics.
• Pro Work: Sony’s RAW capture, manual modes, and lens range support entry-level professional workflows. Samsung is firmly consumer-grade.

Image Quality in Action

Samsung CL5 front Samsung CL5 screen back Sony A290 screen back

Comparing side-by-side test shots reveals Sony A290’s richer dynamic range and lower noise at ISO800 and above. Its color reproduction stands out with better accuracy, especially in skin tones and greens. Samsung’s images are softer and noisier, yet occasionally vivid in well-lit scenes thanks to CCD color science.

Final Performance Ratings

In broad strokes, the Sony A290 ranks significantly higher in overall imaging capability, manual control, and versatility. Samsung CL5 scores better only in portability and ease of use for beginners.

Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

The Samsung CL5 is ideal for casual snapshooters and travelers who prize pocket portability and grab-and-go simplicity. Its lens and sensor combination is modest but convenient. If you want a camera that doesn’t intimidate you and mostly serve social media or travel mementos, it suffices.

On the other hand, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 caters to entry-level photographers wanting to learn fundamentals: manual exposure, lens swaps, RAW shooting, and higher-quality images. It’s better-suited for portraits, landscapes, sports, and anyone hungry to develop their skills with a more reliable photographic tool.

If your budget allows and your ambitions lean toward intentional, creative photography, the Sony A290 is worth the investment. But if keeping a compact, lightweight companion for spontaneous trips is your goal, the Samsung CL5 is a friendly, affordable option.

Parting Thoughts: Technology Marches On, But Old Gear Remains Relevant

Both cameras reflect design philosophies and market targets of their time, and neither is cutting-edge by today’s standards - but their divergent approaches illustrate what photographers prioritized a decade-plus ago. Testing them side-by-side reminds me how sensor size and ergonomic design truly govern photographic potential.

For beginners or minimalists embracing photography as casual fun, the Samsung CL5’s simplicity is charming. For those ready to engage craft, seek out diverse lenses, or print large-format photos, Sony’s A290 remains a surprisingly capable choice.

Happy shooting - whether you snap with a pocketable buddy or wrestle a DSLR monster!