Samsung CL80 vs Sony HX50V

Samsung CL80 vs. Sony HX50V: A Hands-On Ultracompact and Superzoom Showdown

Every so often, an enthusiast or professional photographer finds themselves staring down two very different compact zoom cameras and wondering: Which one’s actually worth the investment? That’s exactly the scenario we have here. On one side, the Samsung CL80 - an ultracompact from 2010 with a sharp 14MP sensor and touchscreen flair. On the other, Sony’s 2013 Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V, a small-sensor superzoom boasting a 20MP sensor and a whopping 30x zoom. At first glance, these two seem to come from different eras, with unique philosophies baked in. But both aim to serve those who want solid all-in-one cameras without the bulk of DSLRs or mirrorless rigs.

I’ve spent countless hours behind the viewfinder comparing cameras across multiple genres and real-world scenarios; this article distills those insights into a no-nonsense, feature-versus-feature, pixel-versus-pixel deep dive - peppered with my own test results, hands-on impressions, and practical purchasing advice.

Let’s roll!

Getting Acquainted: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Before we dig into megapixels and processors, how a camera feels in your hands really matters. After all, you’ll be handling this device for hours in the field - and comfort often trumps specs.

The Samsung CL80 is, true to its ultracompact category, a sleek, pocket-friendly device. Measuring a svelte 104 x 58 x 20 mm and weighing just 160 grams, it slips easily into almost any jacket pocket. Its glossy finish and minimal buttons suggest a camera designed for casual shooters who prefer intuitive tap-based controls - facilitated by its sizable 3.7-inch touchscreen with a modest 230k-dot resolution. The lack of a viewfinder underscores its reliance on this screen, which is (for its time) a bright if somewhat reflective display.

Opposing it is Sony’s HX50V, which takes a more substantial approach. It measures 108 x 64 x 38 mm and weighs around 272 grams - nearly double the Samsung in heft. Not exactly pocket magicians, but the HX50V fits nicely into a jacket or small messenger bag. Its matte finish offers better grip, and while the 3-inch fixed screen has a sharper 921k-dot resolution, it lacks touchscreen capabilities - a nod perhaps to traditionalists preferring button dials over taps. Interestingly, Sony offers an optional electronic viewfinder, though it’s not built-in, nudging users towards eye-level shooting for stability in zoom-heavy situations.

In practice, the CL80 feels more nimble for quick, point-and-shoot moments but can become tactically limited when you try to finesse focus or exposure. The HX50V’s added bulk brings a more assertive grip and access to extensive manual controls - beneficial for times when you need precision over speed.

Top-Down: Controls and Interface Usability

Speaking of manual control, a quick peek at the top plates reveals contrasting philosophies.

The CL80 opts for minimalism: a mode dial is absent, shutter and zoom buttons dominate the top, and an illuminated button is nowhere to be found. It leans heavily on its touchscreen for setting adjustments and framing - convenient for beginners but potentially frustrating for those accustomed to traditional camera tactile feedback.

Sony’s HX50V layers in more direct control, featuring dedicated dials, a zoom lever, and easily accessible buttons for ISO, exposure compensation, and even custom functions. No touchscreen means more button-tapping, but that’s a trade-off many photographers appreciate for tactile responsiveness.

If you’re someone who prefers physically spinning dials and quick thumbs-up access to exposure modes, the HX50V scores higher here. But if simplicity and touchscreen style are more your jam, the CL80 keeps things tidier.

Sensor Showdown: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

Now onto the heartbeat of each camera - the sensor.

Both cameras sport a 1/2.3-inch sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (sensor area ~28 mm²), typical for compact cameras but meaning real physical sensor size parity, which allows a fairer comparison. However, Samsung’s CL80 employs an older CCD sensor with 14MP resolution, while Sony’s HX50V features a newer, back-illuminated CMOS sensor at 20MP.

The BSI-CMOS in the HX50V is significant because back-illuminated sensors improve light gathering by positioning wiring behind photodiodes, resulting in better low-light performance and cleaner ISO ramps. In my tests, the HX50V consistently delivered sharper images with richer detail - especially notable at base ISO 100 and in shadow recovery.

At their respective maximums, the HX50V's 5184 x 2920-pixel images reveal more subtle texture, better noise control, and smoother color gradation than the CL80's 4334 x 3256 pixels. The CL80 tends to push noise reduction harder, smudging some fine details - something common for older CCD tech.

Interestingly, neither camera supports RAW shooting, limiting professional post-processing flexibility but reinforcing their point-and-shoot nature.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing the Shot Your Way

Composing your shot means relying on whatever visual feedback the camera provides, so display quality is paramount.

Samsung’s 3.7-inch touchscreen on the CL80 is generous - larger than average for compacts of its time - but its low resolution (230k dots) renders menus and images somewhat pixelated. Its touchscreen responsive yet can struggle under bright sunlight glare. A bonus for selfie fans: nope, this camera isn’t selfie-friendly (no flip-out screen or front-facing display).

Sony’s HX50V opts for a 3-inch 921k-dot non-touch “XtraFine” LCD. The screen is bright, crisp, and produces colors closer to real life, helping you nail exposure and color balance during composition. Though it lacks touch, its menu system remains easy to navigate via physical buttons.

Neither camera includes a built-in electronic viewfinder, with the HX50V offering only an optional external EVF accessory. In practice, this limits shooting flexibility in bright outdoor conditions where LCD visibility may wane.

Zoom: Power vs. Portability

Here’s where the difference truly screams: the Samsung CL80 sports a 7x zoom (31-217mm equivalent), while the Sony HX50V boasts a staggering 30x zoom (24-720mm equivalent). The Sony obviously wins in reach and versatility. A 24mm wide-angle starting point also means better landscape shots and cramped interiors, whereas Samsung’s minimum 31mm isn’t quite as expansive.

In my use, the HX50V's extensive zoom range proved invaluable - especially in wildlife and sports scenarios, where reaching distant subjects without sacrificing detail is critical. Meanwhile, the CL80’s zoom is a good middle ground for casual travel and everyday snaps but quickly shows limitations when you want to get close without physically moving.

Sony’s lens max aperture ranges from f/3.5 wide to f/6.3 telephoto, slightly slower at the long end than Samsung's f/3.3 to f/5.5, but the difference is minor in real terms.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems with face detection, but Sony’s HX50V packs more punch with continuous AF tracking for moving subjects and touchpad-like multi-area AF coverage. Samsung’s CL80 focuses solely on center-point AF with no tracking.

While testing fast-moving subjects outdoors, the HX50V displayed notably quicker acquisition and steadier tracking, allowing me to capture fleeting wildlife moments more reliably. It manages 10fps continuous shooting compared to Samsung’s lack of burst mode altogether - a decisive edge for sports and action shooters.

The CL80 feels more staid here, suited better for posed portraits and static scenes.

Flash and Low-Light Performance

Samsung’s built-in flash reaches about 5m and has modes including red-eye reduction and slow sync. Sony HX50V offers a slightly longer 5.6m flash reach, plus advanced flash sync modes like rear curtain - useful to create natural motion blur effects.

When pushing ISO, the Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor shines with cleaner images at ISO 3200 and usable shots even at 6400 ISO, whereas Samsung’s older CCD sensor struggles past ISO 800 with noticeable grain and color shifts.

ISO ceilings? Samsung maxes out at ISO 4800 (boosted 6400) but with reduced quality. Sony officially caps at 3200 native ISO and can boost to 12800, but quality above 3200 degrades. Still, in dimly lit events or street late nights, the Sony provides a more flexible envelope.

Video Capabilities: Which Camera Films Better?

If you’re inclined toward video, Sony has a clear advantage.

Samsung’s CL80 records HD video at 1280 x 720 max, 30fps, encoded in Motion JPEG - an older, less efficient codec. Video quality is serviceable but a bit blocky with minimal detail especially in low light.

The Sony HX50V nabs Full HD 1080p video at a smooth 60fps with MPEG-4 and AVCHD encoding options, resulting in sharper, less compressed footage. Optical image stabilization in video mode helps smooth handheld shots significantly too.

Neither camera sports microphone or headphone jacks, so sound capture relies on built-in mics.

Battery Life and Storage

Sony’s HX50V shines with a rated 400-shot battery life on its NP-BX1 lithium-ion pack - practical for full-day shoots and travel. Samsung’s CL80 battery life is less documented but typically shorter - common in ultracompacts, further compounded by the power-hungry large touchscreen.

Storage-wise, Samsung accepts MicroSD/MicroSDHC cards plus internal memory. Sony utilizes more versatile SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick formats. Using standard SD cards with the Sony is simpler given their ubiquity.

Connectivity & Extras

Sony HX50V offers built-in GPS - a big deal if geotagging your travel or nature shots is a priority. It also has built-in wireless connectivity (although no Bluetooth or NFC, understandable for its age). Samsung CL80 has no wireless features at all.

Both connect via USB 2.0 and HDMI for tethering or output, but Sony’s battery and storage options nibble the edge further in favor of versatile usage.

Build Quality and Toughness

Neither camera boasts weather, dust, shock, or freeze-proof construction. Both are typical compacts intended for casual or travel photography rather than rugged use.

Sony’s built-in grips and more substantial frame feel marginally tougher than Samsung’s lightweight shell.

Real-World Photography Tests by Genre

(Images comparing sample shots inserted here for visual reference.)

Samsung CL80 front Samsung CL80 screen back Sony HX50V front Sony HX50V screen back

Portrait Photography

Sony’s higher resolution and face detection autofocus yield better detail and accurate skin tones, particularly in natural light. Its bokeh at telephoto end is decent but constrained by f/6.3 aperture. Samsung struggles slightly with skin tone rendering, often over-smoothing due to aggressive in-camera noise reduction.

Landscape Photography

Wide angle 24mm on the HX50V gives it a clear advantage for sweeping vistas. Its better dynamic range and resolving power provide punchier shots. Samsung’s 31mm wide limit is tighter and images show reduced shadow detail.

Wildlife and Sports

The HX50V’s 10fps burst rate and tracking autofocus give it a tangible edge in capturing fast action or distant animals. Samsung lacks burst and struggles with moving subjects.

Street Photography

Samsung’s small size and touchscreen make it nimble for candid moments - but the HX50V’s superior image quality and zoom versatility win for photographers preferring longer reach and slightly better low-light IQ.

Macro Photography

Both focus down to 5cm; however, neither excels specifically here. Stabilization on both helps with handheld macro, but Sony’s better optics offer slightly crisper close-ups.

Night and Astro

Sony’s low-light capability and higher ISO usability enable capturing stars and night cityscapes with less noise. Samsung’s older sensor limits this severely.

Video

Sony dominates in video quality, offering full HD 60fps with cleaner compression and better stabilization.

Travel

Sony’s zoom range and battery life make it an excellent travel companion. Samsung is more pocketable but less versatile.

Professional Use

Neither camera supports RAW or advanced workflows; Sony’s manual modes and exposure compensation add some pro-level flexibility.

Scoring the Cameras: An Honest Rating

Taking all specs, features, and real-world usability into account, I’ve synthesized the cameras’ performance into objective scores:

Sony HX50V leads with considerably higher marks - an expected result given its newer tech and richer feature set.

For genre-specific scores:

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Samsung CL80 if:

  • You prefer an ultracompact camera with minimal buttons and touchscreen control.
  • Your budget is tight (slightly cheaper).
  • You mainly shoot portraits, street candid moments, or casual outings.
  • Portability trumps zoom range or advanced features.

• Opt for the Sony HX50V if:

  • You want powerful 30x zoom for wildlife, travel, or sports.
  • You desire sharper images with better low light and video.
  • Manual controls and GPS tagging matter.
  • You shoot a variety of genres and require more versatility.

Final Thoughts: The Trade-Offs Between Compactness and Capability

When I first tested these cameras, the choice boiled down to a classic compact camera dilemma: size and simplicity versus zoom, manual control, and image quality.

Samsung’s CL80 shines as an everyday shooter for users who want to keep things light, quick, and simple - its big screen touchscreen is a pleasure for browsing and casual photography. But its image quality and autofocus limitations restrict it from seriously competing against newer, more capable superzooms.

The Sony HX50V, despite adding bulk, provides a strikingly better technical package - higher resolution, longer zoom, improved autofocus, and full HD video make it an impressively versatile pocketable companion for enthusiasts and even demanding amateurs.

If your preference leans toward experienced control, long reach, and photo quality that withstands more post-processing, the HX50V wins hands down despite being a bit older now. But if sheer portability and ease for snapshots top your list, the CL80 remains a worthy contender.

Photography equipment choices are always personal - and these two cameras each play distinct roles in that photographic ecosystem. Hopefully, this comparison helps you pinpoint which one fits your style and shooting needs!

Happy shooting!