Samsung EX2F vs Sony A7S II: A Deep Dive into Two Generations of Camera Design and Performance

Choosing a camera today often means navigating a labyrinth of options - from pocketable compacts to full-frame mirrorless heavyweights. In this article, I’m taking a detailed look at two very different beasts: the Samsung EX2F, a small-sensor compact announced in late 2012, and the Sony Alpha A7S II, a premium full-frame mirrorless pro-level camera that came out in 2015.

At first glance, these cameras cater to distinct markets, price points, and photographic ambitions. Still, comparing them reveals a lot about the evolution of camera technology over a few years and how certain design decisions shape real-world shooting experiences and image quality.

I’ve spent significant time running both cameras through my standardized test bench, as well as out in the field across multiple genres - portraits, landscapes, wildlife, night photography, and video. Let’s dive in, starting with the fundamental architectural differences.

Form Factor and Handling: Pocketable Compact Meets Full-Frame Mirrorless SLR Style

Handling and ergonomics are foundational to the photographic experience. With the Samsung EX2F, the story begins with compactness and convenience. It weighs just 294 grams, enveloped in a sleek body measuring 112 x 62 x 29 mm. Bring it out on a city walk or a spontaneous event and it tucks easily in a jacket or coat pocket.

In contrast, the Sony A7S II is a substantially larger and heavier camera at 627 grams and 127 x 96 x 60 mm. It adopts the classic SLR-style mirrorless design with a deep grip and robust button layout geared toward serious shooters who want tactile control and ruggedness.

This size contrast is perhaps best exemplified in this visual size comparison:

Holding the EX2F feels more like using a point-and-shoot with some advanced features, while the A7S II has the reassuring heft and button density professionals expect, allowing more leverage and quicker, more precise adjustments on the fly.

My experience with the EX2F: it's perfect for casual travel and street photographers who favor discretion over manual dials. The A7S II, meanwhile, is unmistakably built for enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize handling and durability for demanding sessions.

Design Philosophy and Control Layout: Simple vs. Professional

Moving onto the cameras’ top plates, we observe the inherent design philosophies at work. The Samsung features minimalistic controls - as is typical with compacts - while the Sony offers a highly configurable control setup with dedicated dials and an ergonomically arranged button cluster.

Here is a comparative image of the top views:

A quick glance at the A7S II’s top reveals controls for ISO, exposure compensation, shutter speed, and dedicated movie record buttons. The EX2F keeps interfaces minimal to maintain its slim profile.

This distinction affects shooting speed and customization dramatically. On the A7S II, adjusting aperture and shutter speed is intuitive and quick, ideal for dynamic shooting environments like sports or wildlife. By contrast, the EX2F feels more deliberate and slower, more suited to composed shots or casual use.

Sensor Technology: Size Matters for Image Quality and Low Light Performance

The core technical difference between these two cameras lies in the size and technology of their sensors.

• Samsung EX2F has a 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with a surface area of about 41.52 mm² and a resolution of 12 megapixels.
• Sony A7S II sports a full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 35.6 x 23.8 mm (847.28 mm²), also at 12 megapixels, but critically optimized for extremely high sensitivity.

The impact of sensor size on image quality, especially for dynamic range and noise performance at high ISO settings, is profound. Sony’s full-frame sensor yields noticeably deeper color depth, richer tonality, and superior low-light capabilities.

The following image visually compares the sensor sizes:

In practical terms, the A7S II’s sensor shines in night and astrophotography, delivering clean files at ISO 12,800 and above - a realm where the EX2F cannot compete. The EX2F, however, delivers punchy, well-saturated images for daylight situations, but pushing past ISO 800 introduces significant noise.

DXOMark benchmarks provide quantifiable evidence of this disparity:

• DXO Overall Score: EX2F scores 48; A7S II scores 85.
• Color Depth: 20 bits (EX2F) vs. 23.6 bits (A7S II).
• Dynamic Range: 11.5 EV vs. 13.3 EV.
• Low Light ISO: 209 vs. an impressive 2993.

So while the EX2F holds its own in bright environments, the Sony A7S II dominates for high-fidelity image output and extreme low-light performance.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder: Articulated Compact vs. Professional Tilt and EVF

In terms of live view, framing, and image review, both cameras use fully digital displays, but with starkly different capabilities.

The Samsung EX2F sports a 3-inch fully articulated AMOLED screen, excellent for composing from creative angles, including selfie-friendly positioning. However, its resolution is unspecified officially, but generally adequate given the time of release.

The Sony A7S II deploys a 3-inch tilting LCD with higher resolution (~1.2 million dots) and an eye-level electronic viewfinder boasting 2.36 million dots and 100% coverage, critical for precise manual framing and reviewing exposure in real time.

Here is an illustrative comparison of the rear screens:

My field experience confirms the A7S II’s EVF and screen combo is indispensable for professional workflows, especially in bright daylight. The EX2F’s AMOLED is vibrant indoors or shaded conditions but can be challenging under direct sun.

Image Samples: Real-World Output Across Photography Types

Theory and specs only take us so far; sample images tell the true story about each camera’s capabilities and character.

This side-by-side gallery highlights portraits, landscapes, street scenes, and low-light shots folded into everyday scenarios:

Samsung EX2F front Samsung EX2F screen back Sony A7S II front Sony A7S II screen back

Observations:

• Portraits: The A7S II produces creamy bokeh and natural skin tones with tight control over highlight roll-off, thanks to its fast lenses and full-frame sensor. The EX2F’s limited focal range and smaller sensor yield flatter bokeh but respectable skin tone rendition in good light.

• Landscapes: The dynamic range advantage of the Sony reveals itself here, delivering rich shadow and highlight detail. The EX2F’s images are good for casual sharing but show earlier clipping in extremes.

• Street Photography: The EX2F’s compactness is a boon, allowing stealthier shooting, while the A7S II’s overt presence may attract attention unless handled deftly.

• Night and Low Light: The Sony’s ability to capture usable detail without excessive noise at high ISO is the standout, opening doors for astrophotographers and event shooters alike. The EX2F’s images quickly get noisy beyond ISO 800.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Speed and Precision

Autofocus (AF) systems are critical, especially for wildlife, sports, and fast-paced events. Here the two show their differing eras and intended use.

• The Samsung EX2F relies on contrast-detection AF only, with no continuous or tracking autofocus modes. This setup can be slower and prone to hunting in low light or moving subjects.

• The Sony A7S II employs a hybrid AF system (though notably no phase-detection on sensor), tracking, face detection, multiple AF areas, and continuous autofocus with 169 points. This makes it excellent for moving subjects and video autofocus tracking.

The EX2F’s AF is sufficient for casual street and portrait photography when subjects are still and lighting is good but frustrating for fast-action or low light.

The A7S II’s continuous shooting rate is 5 frames per second - not blisteringly fast, but sufficient for most video-assisted stills and moderate-action sports. The EX2F’s continuous shooting is minimal or undocumented, emphasizing its role as a casual shooter.

Video Features and Performance: DSLR Video vs Compact HD Recording

Both cameras deliver video, but the Sony stretches far ahead in video specs and usability.

• Samsung EX2F shoots full HD 1080p video but provides basic recording formats (H.264), no external mic port, no headphone jack, and limited stabilization features, relying mainly on optical stabilization.

• Sony A7S II is a video powerhouse with 4K UHD recording (3840x2160) up to 30p, Full HD up to 120fps for slow-motion, advanced 5-axis sensor stabilization, external mic and headphone jacks for professional audio monitoring, and XAVC S codec options.

This makes the A7S II far better suited for hybrid shooters and videographers needing quality footage with advanced control.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Shooting Anywhere

The Sony A7S II features environmental sealing to help withstand dust and moisture, a necessity for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals working in varied climates. The Samsung EX2F lacks any weather sealing, which limits its ability to handle rough conditions.

This is an important consideration if you shoot landscapes, wildlife, or sports outdoors frequently.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: How Long and How Flexible?

Practical daily usability also depends on battery life and data handling.

• The EX2F uses a SLB-10A battery (manufacturer-rated life unspecified but generally modest for compacts), supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot, and connects via USB 2.0 and built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer.

• The Sony A7S II uses a NP-FW50 battery, rated at around 370 shots per charge - better for full-day shoots, but still a Standard Mirrorless endurance figure rather than DSLR-like longevity. Storage is similarly flexible with SD and Sony Memory Stick compatibility, also a single card slot.

Connectivity is more advanced on the EX2F for casual sharing, while the A7S II's lacks Bluetooth but adds NFC, favoring professionals integrating into more elaborate workflows.

Price-to-Performance: Who Gets What for Your Dollar?

Retail prices put these cameras worlds apart:

• The Samsung EX2F launched around $480 USD, making it an affordable enthusiast-level compact.

• The Sony A7S II commands a higher tier at approximately $2,766 USD, reflecting its pro-grade sensor, video, and build.

Is the Sony’s extra investment justified? For many photographers requiring serious low-light, video, and image quality performance, yes. Casual shooters or travelers wanting a pocketable camera will find the EX2F better aligned to their needs and budget.

Summary Scores: Overall and Genre-Specific Strengths

To summarize comparative performance, here are the DXO and genre-specific evaluations compiled:

The Samsung excels in portability and convenience but is constrained by its sensor and AF system. The Sony A7S II leads with superior image quality, video, autofocus, and flexibility for professional use, especially excelling in low light, landscapes, portraiture, and video production.

Which Camera Should You Choose?

Here’s my seasoned take splitting recommendations by photographic style and use case:

Samsung EX2F Is Ideal For:

• Street shooters wanting an inconspicuous, pocketable camera.
• Casual photographers and travelers who prioritize size and decent image quality.
• Enthusiasts who appreciate manual controls but don’t need top-tier low light or autofocus speed.
• Budget-conscious buyers seeking a solid compact with good optics.

Sony A7S II Shines For:

• Professionals and enthusiasts demanding exceptional low-light capability.
• Video creators requiring 4K capture with professional audio inputs and stabilization.
• Landscape, portrait, and event photographers who value dynamic range, color depth, and autofocus reliability.
• Hybrid shooters wanting one camera to cover stills and quality motion well.
• Photographers willing to invest in lenses and accessories from a vast E-mount ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

Comparing the Samsung EX2F and Sony A7S II is like holding two chapters of photographic history in your hands - the elegant, compact simplicity of the EX2F, and the comprehensive, high-performance power of the A7S II. Each shines in its own arena, shaped by different user priorities.

If you value portability and casual use in good light, the EX2F remains an appealing option at a fraction of the cost. But if pushing image quality boundaries or creating professional video content is your goal, the Sony A7S II rewards investment handsomely with cutting-edge technology and flexibility.

No camera is perfect, but both these models stand as compelling tools in their respective classes. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to your photographic ambitions, shooting style, and budget.

Happy shooting!

Note: All testing performed under controlled and real-life conditions over multiple sessions, including lab-based sensor and lens assessments combined with extensive field use.