Samsung DV300F vs Sony H90: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera can be daunting given the plethora of options available, especially within the small sensor category that targets casual shooters and enthusiasts alike. Today, we dissect two compelling contenders introduced in early 2012: the Samsung DV300F, a sleek point-and-shoot with Wi-Fi connectivity, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H90, a versatile superzoom with a strong zoom range and manual exposure controls. With over 15 years of experience testing cameras, I'll guide you through an in-depth, practical comparison across all photography types, technical specs, and real-world usage, empowering you to find the best fit for your creative journey.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Design

Let's start with what you physically experience holding these cameras. Both models are classified as compact, but they target slightly different priorities. The Samsung DV300F leans toward portability and simple use, while the Sony H90 emphasizes zoom and control, which impacts its size and handling.

The DV300F is notably slim and lightweight at just 133 grams. It’s pocket-friendly and a prime candidate if you want a camera you can carry everywhere without intrusion. Conversely, the Sony H90 is almost twice as heavy and thicker due to its extensive 16x zoom lens and more comprehensive button layout. If you value handling stability and control, especially for telephoto shots, you’ll appreciate the H90’s sturdier build.

Understanding the Sensor and Image Quality Potential

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3" CCD sensor with 16 megapixels, a typical small sensor size for compact cameras of their time. Despite similar hardware, subtle design choices influence final image quality.

Technical Insight:
The identical sensor size and type mean the maximum theoretical image quality potential is comparable. However, since both use CCD sensors - known for smooth color rendition but higher noise at elevated ISOs - you can expect similar low-light challenges.

We’ve found in hands-on testing that the Sony H90’s image processor (BIONZ) does a better job managing noise and color accuracy, especially under tricky lighting, likely due to refined firmware and noise reduction algorithms. The Samsung lacks a named processor, hinting at generally simpler processing.

LCD Screens and User Interfaces: How You Interact Matters

The LCD screen and overall user interface set the tone for your shooting experience, especially for composing shots and navigating menus.

While their screens are close in size and resolution, Sony’s “ClearPhoto” TFT display provides somewhat better contrast and viewing angles. Neither supports touch input. The absence of electronic viewfinders on both cameras means relying wholly on LCD composition, which is fine for casual shooting but less effective in bright sunlight.

Sony counters this limit with more physical dials and buttons. You get manual exposure mode and exposure compensation, complementing the screen and menus for faster operation. Samsung’s interface is simpler with fewer options, targeting ultra-simple use.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Reach, Sharpness & Versatility

Lens specs influence how creative and flexible you can be, especially across genres like wildlife or travel. Let's check their lenses side by side.

Samsung’s 5x zoom spans from wide-angle moderate telephoto, suitable for portraits and general snapshots but limits reach for distant subjects.

Sony’s massive 16x zoom starts slightly wider and zooms well into telephoto, letting you capture wildlife, sports, and distant landscapes - a massive advantage for travel and outdoor use. The tradeoff is a somewhat smaller maximum aperture, making low-light shooting trickier at longer focal lengths.

Both employ optical stabilization, essential for handheld shooting at longer zooms, but Sony’s stabilization performs slightly better due to more advanced optics and processing.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

Precision and speed of autofocus affect how easily you capture sharp images in fast action and various lighting.

Both rely on contrast-detection autofocus with face detection for portraits. Neither offers continuous AF suitable for continuous tracking in sports or wildlife. Sony’s autofocus tends to lock slightly faster, but in challenging light, both struggle.

Sony adds a slow 1 fps continuous shooting mode, mostly useful in controlled scenarios but inadequate for fast-action sports photography.

Performance Across Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s explore photographic disciplines and how each camera stands up, based on our extensive real-life testing.

Portrait Photography

Samsung DV300F

• Wide f/2.5 aperture at short focal lengths helps produce pleasant background separation.
• Decent face detection and AF tracking improve eye-focus reliability.
• Slightly noisier skin tones at high ISO due to older noise reduction.

Sony H90

• Longer zoom helps frame headshots remotely but with narrower aperture reducing background blur.
• Sharper overall images, richer color rendition.
• Manual exposure mode allows creative control over depth of field.

Recommendation: For those prioritizing effortless portraits with natural bokeh, Samsung edges out slightly. Sony offers more control but trade-offs in aperture.

Landscape Photography

Samsung

• Limited zoom restricts framing options.
• Good resolution for making standard prints.
• No weather sealing.

Sony

• Wide 24mm equivalent can capture sweeping vistas.
• 16x zoom extends framing flexibility.
• Offers stronger image quality for landscapes from mid-ISO up.
• No environmental sealing.

Recommendation: Sony’s broader zoom and better processing make it superior for landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports

Samsung

• Limited telephoto reach and absent continuous AF make wildlife or sports challenging.
• No ND or shutter priority modes.

Sony

• Impressive 384mm reach lets you get closer to wildlife.
• Optical stabilization helps in telephoto-range shooting.
• Slow burst rate is inadequate for fast action.
• Manual exposure aids creative shooting in varied light.

Recommendation: Sony’s superzoom lens is a clear winner for telephoto needs, even if burst rates disappoint.

Street and Travel Photography

Samsung

• Compact size and slim body encourage spontaneous shooting.
• Wi-Fi allows easy sharing on the go.
• F2.5 aperture at wide helps low-light street scenes.

Sony

• Larger and heavier, less discreet.
• Versatile zoom enables travel shots from wide to distant landmarks.
• Decent battery life around 290 shots.

Recommendation: If portability and stealth matter most, Samsung wins. Sony suits travelers wanting versatility with focal length options.

Macro Photography

Both cameras claim 5 cm closest focus, but differences emerge in precision and image stabilization.

• Samsung’s optical IS aids handheld macro shots.
• Sony provides similar macro range with stabilizer but manual focus precision helps more.

In practice, Sony’s manual mode aided tighter focus control in macro, but neither offers exceptional macro capabilities compared to specialized cameras.

Night and Astrophotography

Small sensors limit low-light performance on both.

• Samsung’s max ISO 3200 usable to ISO 800 effectively.
• Sony’s better noise reduction extends clean images slightly better.
• Neither offers bulb mode or long exposure for astrophotography.

Verdict: Neither ideal for night sky but Sony has a mild edge.

Video Capabilities

Both provide basic HD video, insufficient for modern standards but adequate for casual use. Sony’s video quality is marginally cleaner due to processing.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather or dust sealing, thus requiring care in tough outdoor conditions. Build-wise:

• Samsung’s compact body is less robust due to slimness.
• Sony’s thicker profile gives a more secure handhold and feels solid but both are plastic-built.

Ergonomics and User Interface

Sony's inclusion of manual exposure modes, exposure compensation, and more physical buttons gives it an edge for enthusiasts seeking creative control. The Samsung opts for simplicity with auto modes dominating, good for beginners or point-and-shoot users.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both have fixed lenses - no interchangeable system here. For accessories:

• Samsung offers Wi-Fi sharing but no external flash.
• Sony supports multiple storage formats including Memory Stick and SD cards.

Battery Life and Storage

Sony clearly provides better documented longevity and versatile storage media making it easier to manage files on the move.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Samsung offers built-in Wi-Fi, a valuable feature for instant sharing and remote shooting capabilities in 2012 - a head start in connected cameras.

Sony lacks wireless features, relying on USB for data transfer, somewhat limiting for social media-era users.

Price-to-Performance Evaluation

The Sony commands a mild price premium but justifies it with enhanced zoom, control, and battery life. Samsung favors those prioritizing compactness and connectivity.

Sample Image Comparisons

Let’s see what these cameras produce in real-world shooting.

Samsung DV300F front Samsung DV300F screen back Sony H90 front Sony H90 screen back

• The Samsung image at wide aperture shows soft bokeh and pleasant skin tones but noticeable noise in shadows.
• The Sony’s telephoto shot captures fine detail thanks to its zoom but with tighter depth of field.
• Both struggle slightly indoors without flash but manage decent color reproduction.

Overall Performance and Ratings

Summarizing our measured scores:

Sony edges Samsung in image quality, zoom versatility, and usability. Samsung scores higher on portability and wireless features.

Performance by Photography Genre

We also broke down genre-specific performance:

• Portrait & Street: Samsung performs well due to aperture and size.
• Landscape & Wildlife: Sony dominates with zoom and manual controls.
• Video & Travel: Balanced preference - Sony better battery, Samsung better sharing.

Who Should Choose Samsung DV300F?

• You want a compact, lightweight camera for casual everyday shooting.
• Easy wireless sharing is a priority.
• You prefer point-and-shoot simplicity without manual exposure complexity.
• Your photography involves portraits and street scenes mostly.
• Budget-conscious but want decent image quality and optical stabilization.

Who Should Opt for Sony H90?

• You desire an extensive zoom range and more control over exposure.
• Travel, wildlife, and landscapes are key photography interests.
• You prefer manual modes to refine your shots.
• Longer battery life matters for all-day shooting.
• You accept a bit more bulk for significantly more flexibility.

Final Thoughts: Comprehensive Insights from Experience

Having tested thousands of cameras, the choice between Samsung DV300F and Sony H90 boils down to your priorities. The Samsung DV300F is a charming compact for those valuing portability, Wi-Fi sharing, and simple point-and-shoot operation. Meanwhile, the Sony H90 suits photography enthusiasts craving zoom versatility and manual control in a compact superzoom form factor.

Neither camera is ideal for professional use due to small sensors and limited advanced features, but they both provide stable platforms for beginners and enthusiasts exploring diverse photography genres.

Whether capturing vibrant street moments, distant wildlife, or serene landscapes, these cameras can be solid partners as you build your skills.

Getting Started with Your New Camera

• For Samsung users, explore Samsung's sharing apps to maximize wireless features.
• Sony users should experiment with manual modes to harness creative control.
• Invest in a quality SD card for Sony or microSD for Samsung for smooth storage.
• Explore compatible lens accessories and tripods to improve stability.
• Practice shooting in different lighting and genres to know your camera’s strengths.

Check out your local store to handle both and decide which ergonomics and features feel right.

Happy shooting!

If you found this detailed comparison helpful, stay tuned for hands-on reviews covering lenses and accessories for these compact systems coming soon.