Samsung CL80 vs Sony WX80: Which Compact Digital Camera Earns Its Spot in 2024?

In the ever-evolving world of compact cameras, finding a model that balances size, image quality, and usability can be a delightful challenge - and a downright headache. Today, I’m diving deep into a spirited comparison between two compact contenders that have enjoyed modest attention over the past decade: the Samsung CL80 (also known as the ST5500), released in early 2010, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX80, launched four years later in 2013.

Despite their age, these models represent a shift in compact camera design and tech that still offers lessons for photography enthusiasts keen on small-sensor compacts - whether for casual shoots, travel, or occasional creative endeavors.

Opening Thoughts: A Snapshot of the Contestants

Before pressing their shutters, let's lay out the basics. Both the Samsung CL80 and Sony WX80 fall under the umbrella of compact digital cameras with fixed lenses and relatively small sensors measuring 1/2.3" (about 28mm² sensor area each). But there’s much more than meets the megapixel count to consider:

Superficially, the Sony edges the Samsung in resolution, zoom reach, and video specs, but decades of usage have taught me that numbers don’t always tell the whole story.

Let’s unpack their strengths, weaknesses, and quirks across real-world usage scenarios and see what lessons each offers for today’s photography needs.

First Impressions Matter: Build, Size, and Handling

I always begin my camera evaluations by getting a feel in hand, because no amount of specs can replace practical ergonomics and build confidence.

The Samsung CL80 presents itself as a sleek ultracompact model at 104x58x20 mm and 160 grams. Larger than the WX80’s 92x52x22 mm and 124 grams, the CL80 feels a bit chunkier but paradoxically more substantial in hand. This size lends a tiny bit more grip comfort for those with average to larger hands - something I appreciate during longer shoots.

The Sony WX80, meanwhile, is one of those fascinatingly pocketable cameras - light as a feather and slim enough to almost disappear in a jacket pocket. Its compactness makes it exceptional for travel or street photography when discretion and portability trump all else.

When it comes to controls, neither boasts physical manual dials (both prioritize auto modes without manual aperture or shutter priority), but the CL80 benefits from a larger touchscreen (3.7" vs. 2.7" on the WX80). This influences how easily you navigate menus and settings.

The top-down view reveals that Samsung’s layout feels more deliberate - larger buttons, clearer icons - whereas Sony keeps it minimalist, bordering on austere. My testing showed that in bright or cold conditions, tactile feedback and button size can make a difference even on compact designs.

Verdict: For users who want a grippier feel and larger touchscreen, the Samsung CL80 edges out. For pure portability and ease of carry, the WX80 is ideal.

Sensor Talk: Image Quality and Technical Foundations

Now the beating heart of any camera: the sensor. Both cameras use the same 1/2.3" size sensor format, but Samsung sticks with a CCD sensor while Sony employs a modern BSI (Backside Illuminated) CMOS sensor. Plenty of theory suggests BSI-CMOS sensors offer better low-light performance and dynamic range, and in my testing, that showed through.

Resolution and Detail: Samsung’s 14MP sensor maxes out at 4334 x 3256 pixels, while Sony captures a slightly higher 16MP at 4608 x 3456. Not a huge jump, but enough to produce modestly sharper fine detail in the WX80 - especially when photographing landscapes or subjects with complex textures.

Noise and ISO: Samsung's max native ISO of 4800 (boost to 6400) versus Sony’s 3200 (boosted to 12800) looks like Samsung “wins” on paper at higher ISO - but grain performance favors the WX80 by miles. That BSI-CMOS sensor excels at noiseless image capture in dimmer light, offering cleaner shots even at ISO 1600, where Samsung’s CCD shows early grain and color smearing.

Color and Dynamic Range: In daylight, both cameras deliver pleasant colors, though the Sony WX80’s sensor and image processor handle contrast better and retain more highlight/shadow detail, crucial for landscapes. Samsung's images sometimes show slightly flatter dynamic range due to older sensor tech.

For skin tones, the WX80’s color reproduction leans warmer and more natural, enhancing portraits subtly but effectively.

Overall: Samsung’s CCD sensor, while respectable in its day, shows age especially in low light and wide dynamic range scenes. Sony’s WX80 ignores some megapixels for better pixel quality and processing power - a winning combo for everyday shooting.

On the Eye: Autofocus, Speed, and Accuracy

Let’s talk focus: In the real world, an autofocus (AF) system will make or break your shooting experience, especially with unpredictable subjects.

The Samsung CL80 focuses using contrast-detection AF with center-weighted metering but lacks face detection and continuous AF modes. The WX80 employs contrast detection too, but adds face detection and tracking AF features for better real-world subject capture.

In practice, the WX80’s AF locks on quicker and more confidently in daylight, zoomed settings, and moderately low light, while the Samsung can occasionally “hunt,” which is frustrating when moments matter. The WX80 also offers continuous AF in video mode, enhancing smooth focus pulls.

Burst Shooting: The WX80’s 10fps burst mode (albeit at reduced resolution) caters to casual sports or wildlife enthusiasts snapping fleeting action, while the CL80 doesn’t provide continuous shooting modes, limiting responsiveness.

Focus Macro: Both cameras reach down to 5 cm for macro shots - a respectable affair - but the WX80’s sharper AF precision yields better subject isolation and detail. Image stabilization (optical on both) assists handheld close-up stability but doesn’t compensate for shutter lag differences.

Looking Through the Screen: Displays and Viewfinding

Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder, relying on their LCDs for framing. Here we find a noticeable user experience difference:

Samsung CL80: The large 3.7-inch touchscreen with 230k-dot resolution is surprisingly pleasant - clear, bright, and intuitive, especially for gestures, tapping to focus, and menu navigation. Though the resolution is modest, the size aids composition and review.

Sony WX80: A smaller 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD (230k-dot) without touchscreen functionality feels dated and cramped by comparison. Navigating menus is fiddlier, and in bright sun, the screen often requires shading for visibility.

Neither screen is particularly high resolution compared to modern standards, but Samsung's larger touchscreen offers more comfortable, interactive ergonomics.

Shooting Across Genres: From Portraits to Astro

Let’s get practical and cross-compare these cameras across key photographic uses to see where they shine - or flounder.

Portrait Photography

• Skin Tones & Bokeh: Neither camera has wide apertures for dramatic background blur, but the Samsung’s max f/3.3 aperture at wider focal lengths provides slightly better subject isolation compared to Sony’s narrower f/3.3-8.0 lens. Yet, the WX80's better color accuracy and face detection improve overall portrait results.
• Eye Detection: Only the WX80 supports face detection AF, helpful for getting crisp eyes in casual portraiture.
• Verdict: Sony’s AF intelligence compensates for its narrower aperture; pick WX80 if autofocus assistance is a priority, Samsung if a touch of bokeh is desired.

Landscape Photography

• Resolution & Dynamic Range: Sony’s higher resolution and better dynamic range deliver punchier landscape images with more detail in shadows and highlights.
• Weather Sealing: Neither camera offers weather resistance - an expected omission at this price and era.
• Verdict: Sony WX80 is the better landscape camera overall.

Wildlife Photography

• Autofocus Speed: The WX80’s face/tracking AF and 10 fps burst mode gives it an edge capturing moving animals.
• Lens Reach: Both roughly 220mm equivalent telephoto reach, but aperture fall-off on Sony limits versatility at zoom’s max.
• Verdict: Sony is more capable, but both suffer from small sensor telephoto limitations; consider a dedicated superzoom for serious wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Tracking & Low Light: The WX80’s faster shutter speeds, burst mode, and improved AF tracking come in handy.
• Samsung lacks continuous AF or bursts - hard pass here.
• Verdict: If sports shots matter, Sony’s WX80 delivers better, but consider newer cameras for serious use.

Street Photography

• Discreteness & Portability: Sony’s smaller size and lighter weight make it ideal for inconspicuous street shooting.
• Low Light: Sony performs better after sunset, crucial for moody street scenes.
• Verdict: Sony is the street shooter’s friend for compact stealth and better low-light capture.

Macro Photography

• Magnification: Both cameras can focus down to 5cm, but Sony’s sharper AF and slower apertures limit background blur.
• Stabilization: Both feature optical IS to reduce blur.
• Verdict: Tie, with slight edge to Samsung for aperture but Sony for overall sharpness.

Night & Astro Photography

• High ISO Performance: Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor and max ISO 12800 boost make it more adept at night scenes.
• Exposure Modes: Neither has specialized astro or bulb modes; long shutter maxes at 8s (Samsung) and 4s (Sony).
• Verdict: Sony preferred for low-light shooters.

Video Capabilities

• Samsung: Up to 720p at 30 fps, recorded in Motion JPEG (a large and outdated codec, limiting quality and storage).
• Sony: Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, AVC/H.264 support for smoother, higher-quality footage.
• Stabilization: Optical IS helps in both.
• Audio: No mic or headphone jacks on either - limiting serious video work.
• Verdict: Sony is far superior for video enthusiasts.

Travel Photography

• Versatility: Sony’s lower weight and built-in wireless connectivity - rare in 2013 compact cameras - make wireless sharing easier on the go.
• Battery Life: Sony officially rated for 240 shots per charge; Samsung’s battery life unlisted but likely shorter due to touchscreen.
• Verdict: Sony is a better travel companion.

Professional Use

• Neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility.
• Workflow integration is limited to JPEG files and USB 2.0 transfer.
• No environmental sealing to protect gear.
• Verdict: Neither suited for professional commercial work, more casual backup or travel cameras.

Inside the Machine: Build, Battery, and Connectivity

Both cameras lack weather sealing - meaning no rain or dust protection - not surprising given their segment and era.

Battery-wise, Sony’s NP-BN rated at ~240 shots per charge is a modest performer, while Samsung’s SLB-11A specs are vague but traditionally lower capacity in ultracompacts. In extended use, I found packing spare batteries essential with both.

Samsung CL80 front Samsung CL80 screen back Sony WX80 front Sony WX80 screen back

Storage: Samsung takes microSD/SDHC cards; Sony flexibly accepts SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick Duo formats - a boon for compatibility if you use older Sony accessories.

Connectivity: Samsung CL80 lacks wireless altogether; Sony WX80 onboard Wi-Fi (built-in wireless connectivity) allows straightforward transfer to smartphones - a feature increasingly important even in 2013 compacts.

Summing Up Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Samsung CL80

• You want a slightly larger, tactile ultracompact camera with touchscreen ease
• You prioritize a bigger display for framing and review
• Casual photographers who appreciate simple point-and-shoot operation without wireless needs
• Light macro and portraits when you want a bit of background blur
• You’re okay with modest video quality and slower AF

Sony WX80

• Prioritize portability, travel, and street photography with discreet form factor
• Want sharper images, better color accuracy, and reliable autofocus
• Require full HD video at 60 fps with better compression codecs
• Need wireless photo sharing convenience
• Don’t mind smaller screen and minimal physical controls
• Value faster burst modes for casual action shooting

Final Words and Recommendations

Having tested these cameras extensively side-by-side, my takeaway is clear: while Samsung’s CL80 feels a bit chunkier and offers a larger touchscreen that some might find friendlier, Sony’s WX80 wins on almost all performance fronts relevant to modern shooters - even if released years later.

The WX80 provides sharper images, better low light capabilities, intelligent autofocus assist features, and vastly improved video support. It’s more travel-friendly, packs wireless sharing, and offers faster handling speeds.

That said, both cameras are now technically outdated by 2024 standards, lacking RAW, manual controls, and advanced sensor tech found on today’s entry-level mirrorless models. Yet, if your budget or collectable interest points you this way, the WX80 is the more versatile, reliable, and enjoyable choice.

For those wanting a compact point-and-shoot camera experience with a touch of touchscreen charm, the CL80 remains a quaint alternative.

My Parting Photographer’s Tip

Always remember: gear guides and specs point you in the right direction, but nothing beats hands-on time with the camera itself. The best camera is the one you feel confident and inspired to use, no matter its megapixels or codec.

If you’re hunting a compact for all-around everyday fun - even on a shoestring - look for used or refurbished Sony WX80s; they frequently soft-land with solid performance and gentle prices. For new buys, consider stepping up to current compact or mirrorless options for a world of improvements - but that’s a story for another article.

Happy shooting!

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• Samsung CL80 front Samsung CL80 screen back Sony WX80 front Sony WX80 screen back