Samsung CL5 vs Sony TX66: Hands-On, In-Depth Ultracompact Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing a compact camera can be a lot like picking the right club for your game - it’s all about what suits your style, needs, and budget. Today, I’m diving deep into two ultracompact contenders - the Samsung CL5 (aka PL10), an older but capable model–versus Sony’s sleeker, more recent Cyber-shot DSC-TX66. Both claim portability with some neat features, but how do they stack up in real-world photography and video? After running them both through my usual battery of tests and daily shooting scenarios, here’s how they compare across a variety of photography genres, and what kind of shooter each best serves.

Let’s zoom in (pun intended) with some technical and practical insights gleaned over weeks of shooting in studio and on location.

A Quick Physical and Ergonomic Faceoff: Handling These Pocket-Sized Metals

First impressions count, right? Both are ultracompacts but feel noticeably different once you hold them.

• Samsung CL5 measures 93 x 60 x 19 mm and weighs about 141 grams. It’s chunkier in thickness - more of a small brick in the pocket - but the slightly squared edges give it a trusty grip.
• Sony TX66 is sleeker at 93 x 54 x 13 mm and lighter, tipping the scale at 109 grams. The tapered edges and slim profile deliver a “snapped” design that slips into a pocket without bulging much.

In practice, the Samsung's heft lends a steady feel, great for stable handheld shooting, especially when zoomed in. However, the Sony is more discrete and wallet-friendly in size for street and travel photographers who favor unobtrusiveness.

The user interface also subtly reflects their eras and philosophies:

• The CL5 sticks to a minimalist button layout with physical controls grouped for quick access, but no touchscreen. No clubs for your thumbs here.
• The TX66 boldly embraces a 3.3-inch touchscreen OLED that’s crisp, bright, and surprisingly responsive for a camera of this generation.

The touchscreen adds a layer of interaction the Samsung lacks, and, for many, that makes all the difference in speed and ease of use.

Sensor and Image Quality: Where Specs Meet Real-World Performance

At the heart of any camera lies the sensor, and it’s crucial to understand what these compact shooters offer.

• Samsung CL5: Features a 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor with 9MP resolution (3456x2592 pixels). Aperture ranges from f/3.5 to f/4.5 with a 38-114mm (equivalent to 6.3x crop factor) fixed lens.
• Sony TX66: Uses a slightly larger 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 18MP (4896x3672 pixels), paired with a versatile 26-130mm f/3.5-4.8 lens (5.8x crop factor).

Why does sensor type and size matter? CCDs like the Samsung’s traditionally excel in color rendering but struggle with noise at higher ISOs. Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor, by contrast, provides better low light sensitivity, dynamic range, and faster readout speeds - plus that lovely bump in megapixels.

In practice, the Sony’s larger sensor area and modern tech translate to overall sharper images with more detail, better color fidelity, and less graininess at ISO 800 and above. The Samsung, while decent for bright-lit scenes, shows fringing and noise creeping in past ISO 400, telling you to mind the lighting conditions.

This difference impacts multiple photography genres, so it’s worth keeping in mind the TX66 as your better bet for shooting beyond daylight hours.

The Rear Screen and Live View: Your Window to the World

Neither camera offers a viewfinder, so the rear screen becomes your primary composition tool.

The CL5’s 2.7-inch 230k-dot fixed LCD feels quaint compared to Sony’s 3.3-inch 1230k-dot touchscreen OLED with XtraFine TruBlack technology. The Sony screen is brighter, richer in color, and offers better visibility in sunlight. Plus, navigating menus and selecting focus points with touchscreen taps is a real plus for user experience, especially for novices.

Samsung’s fixed LCD is more limited in viewing angle and visibility under bright conditions, which can force a bit more guesswork outdoors.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Action or Missing the Shot

Ultracompacts aren’t known for blazing burst rates, but autofocus performance can make or break certain shooting situations.

• Samsung CL5: Uses contrast-detection AF, no continuous autofocus or tracking, no autofocus presets or multiple focus points beyond a center and area mode.
• Sony TX66: Also employs contrast-detection but adds face detection, continuous tracking autofocus, and a touch AF system via the screen. It shoots bursts at 10 fps (though with low buffer depth).

While neither will fool you as a pro-level sports or wildlife camera, the Sony’s smarter tracking and burst mode let you capture fleeting moments better. The Samsung is more apt for posed or still subjects, with slower AF and no buffer.

Lens Reach and Macro Capability: Should You Zoom or Get Close?

Lens versatility in an ultracompact can tip the scales depending on how you shoot.

• Samsung CL5: 38-114mm equivalent (3x zoom), max aperture f/3.5-4.5, macro shots possible from 5 cm.
• Sony TX66: Wider 26-130mm equivalent (5x zoom), f/3.5-4.8 max aperture, macro from 1 cm.

Sony’s wider zoom and impressive macro focusing capability make it great for detailed close-ups - think flowers, insects, and texture studies. The TX66’s 1 cm minimum focus distance is exceptional in this class, letting you really exploit macro photography without a dedicated lens.

Samsung’s 3x zoom is good but less versatile. Its longer minimum macro distance means you’ll need to be okay with a bit more working distance for close-ups.

Flash and Low Light: Filling Shadows and Seeing at Night

Most ultracompacts have limited low-light prowess, but flash and ISO settings help bridge the gap.

• The Samsung CL5 gives you a built-in flash with multiple modes (Auto, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync) and a flash range up to 4 meters.
• The Sony TX66 also includes a builtin flash, with similar modes but a slightly shorter range (~3.1 m).

Crucially, ISO maxes out at 3200 on the Samsung vs 12800 on the Sony, showing how the TX66’s sensor and processing can handle much more challenging lighting. Coupled with optical image stabilization, Sony’s camera delivers cleaner photos in indoor and night conditions.

Samsung’s lack of OIS and noisier sensor make you want to keep ISO low and use a tripod or fill flash to compensate.

Battery Life and Storage: Will It Last on Your Adventures?

A camera is only as good as how long it can keep going when you’re in the field.

• Samsung CL5 does not specify battery life in its specs, uses proprietary internal battery.
• Sony TX66 boasts around 250 shots per charge using the NP-BN battery model.

The TX66’s removable battery and better power efficiency mean less worry about running out mid-shoot. Also, the Sony supports a variety of SD and Memory Stick cards, whereas Samsung only reads SD/SDHC/MMC cards along with internal storage.

If you’re a travel or event shooter who hates hunting charging points, the Sony’s battery life is a clear advantage.

Video Capabilities: From Home Movies to Vlogs

Video is key for many photographers supplementing their stills with motion.

Samsung CL5 front Samsung CL5 screen back Sony TX66 front Sony TX66 screen back

Samsung CL5 offers VGA resolution (640x480) at 30fps in Motion JPEG format - enough for basic clips but grainy and low-res by today’s standards.

Sony TX66 supports Full HD (1920x1080) at 60fps with AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats plus HDMI output. It includes optical stabilization during video, which the Samsung lacks entirely.

If video quality and flexibility matter, the Sony wins hands-down here, making it a good choice for casual videographers or hybrid storytellers - even if it’s not 4K and lacks microphone ports.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Any Protection Against the Elements?

Neither camera boasts weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance.

So if you plan outdoor adventures in rough conditions, think twice and protect your gear accordingly.

Real-World Use Cases: Portraits, Landscapes, Wildlife, and More

Let’s bring all the specifications into practical focus for each genre.

Portrait Photography

• Samsung CL5’s 9MP CCD offers pleasing skin tones with moderate noise but no manual focus hurts selective artistry.
• Sony TX66’s higher resolution and face detection AF allow sharper portraits with better exposure control.
• Both have slow max aperture (~f/3.5-4.8) limiting creamy bokeh, but Sony's lens has wider zoom range for framing.

I found the Sony’s face detection and accurate AF snappier and more reliable in indoor and low-light portraits than Samsung’s.

Landscape Photography

• Higher resolution and slightly larger sensor on the TX66 yield more detailed landscapes.
• Neither offers RAW shooting, but Sony’s ISO performance lets you avoid noisy photos in shadow areas.
• Both lack weather sealing, so cautious use in wet or dusty environments is necessary.

Samsung's limited 3x zoom could feel a bit restrictive if you want wide-angle beyond 38mm equivalent.

Wildlife Photography

• Neither camera is designed for serious wildlife - no fast autofocus tracking, no long telephoto zooms.
• Sony’s 5x zoom helps grab tighter shots, and 10 fps burst gives at least some chance to catch fleeting action.
• Samsung’s AF is slower and no burst mode, better suited for static or slow subjects.

Sports Photography

• Sony shoots bursts up to 10 fps, but buffer is limited and autofocus isn’t phase-detection based.
• Samsung struggles with continuous focus and no burst mode.
• Neither camera is really ideal for fast sports action, but TX66 offers more chance for usable shots.

Street and Travel Photography

The size and weight advantage of the Sony make it a standout for street shooters who want to stay low-profile and nimble.

Samsung’s chunkier body and older screen mean it feels slightly underwhelming for candid street photography.

Travelers benefit from the Sony’s longer zoom range, higher battery life, and better overall image quality in varied lighting.

Macro Photography

Sony’s 1 cm macro focusing easily blows the Samsung’s 5 cm minimum out of the water, making TX66 better suited for nature macro or product close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

Neither camera is tailored with astro or night modes, but Sony’s wider ISO range and optical stabilization make night captures more feasible.

Samsung’s higher noise and lack of stabilizer makes handheld night photography dicey.

Professional Work and Workflow

• Neither camera supports RAW, limiting post-processing flexibility.
• Both save JPEGs only, so they’re more for enthusiasts or casual pros in need of quick, shareable images.
• Lack of wireless connectivity in both cameras means no instant transfer options.

Sony’s USB and HDMI options offer better integration for transferring and viewing media.

Build Quality and Overall Feel

Both marginally feel “budget ultracompacts,” with plastic bodies and no weather sealing. The Samsung’s design is dated, while Sony’s brushed metal finish feels more modern and premium.

Neither inspires confidence for heavy professional use but both serve well as secondary cameras or travel backups.

Price vs Performance: Bang for Your Buck?

Given this, the Sony TX66 offers a better overall package in 2024 terms, especially for users who want video and sharper stills.

Summary Table: Feature Comparison at a Glance

Who Should Buy Which? My Practical Recommendations

Choose the Samsung CL5 if:

• You find one for a good price and want a simple, reliable point-and-shoot mainly for daylight snapshots.
• You need a slightly chunkier grip and straightforward operation without touchscreen distractions.
• You shoot mostly posed subjects and don't mind VGA video for family clips.
• You value a classic CCD color rendering and don’t mind limited zoom.

Pick the Sony TX66 if:

• You want more versatility in zoom range and macro close-ups with a super portable camera.
• Video quality, screen usability (touchscreen, high res), and modern sensor performance are important.
• You shoot indoors, low light, or want burst mode for casual action.
• You value longer battery life and better connectivity options.
• You prefer a sleek, light camera for street photography or travel and don’t mind the lack of RAW.

Final Verdict and Parting Thoughts

When weighing two ultracompacts from different generations, the Sony TX66 clearly outperforms in core photographic capabilities, flexibility, and convenience. It delivers sharper photos, smooth Full HD video, and that glorious touchscreen - making it a friendlier companion for both new and seasoned photographers wanting quality in a pocket-sized package.

The Samsung CL5 holds nostalgic charm and still stands its ground as a no-frills shooter with decent colors and straightforward handling - ideal for the cheapskates and casual users who want quick snaps in good light without worrying about menus.

Neither is a professional powerhouse, but both carve out roles in your gear arsenal depending on whether you prioritize image quality, video, or pure portability.

Buying advice? If you want value and features close to modern entry-level compacts but within the ultracompact form factor, the Sony TX66 is my clear pick. However, if you stumble upon the CL5 at a bargain and your photography needs are modest, it offers competent image capture on sunny days.

Ultimately, personal handling comfort and your shooting style should weigh heavily in your choice - and remember, no gear will replace your eye and creativity.

If you want to dive deeper into shooter-specific strengths and weaknesses, those charts above capture the full grind from portraits to macro to video.

Feel free to reach out with questions or share your own experiences with these cameras. Happy shooting!