Samsung EX2F vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Contenders

In the realm of compact cameras, few comparisons are as intriguing as the Samsung EX2F and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900. Both introduced within three years of each other, these models represent distinct philosophies in compact camera design: the Samsung EX2F as a small-sensor compact that pushes creative control into the enthusiast’s hands, and the Sony T900 epitomizing ultra-portability with sleek design and user-friendly features.

Having spent ample hands-on time with both cameras - testing their capabilities across a variety of photographic disciplines - I’m eager to share detailed insights that go well beyond specs. This is a comparison written from experience, designed to help photographers - whether hobbyists or professionals - make an informed choice tailored to their creative priorities and shooting environments.

Setting the Stage: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Size and comfort are often deal breakers for compact cameras, and these two differ quite markedly in their physical approach.

At 112 x 62 x 29 mm and 294 grams, the Samsung EX2F feels solid and well-built without being cumbersome. It strikes a thoughtful balance between pocketability and ergonomics, boasting a textured grip and an articulating AMOLED screen that invites experimentation with tricky angles.

The Sony T900, meanwhile, is an ultra-sleek marvel, measuring 98 x 58 x 16 mm and weighing a mere 143 grams. Its ultra-compact design excels for grab-and-go portability - ideal for slipping into even the tightest pockets. However, this does come at the expense of handling comfort, especially for photographers with larger hands or those who favor manual settings. The minimalistic grip and ultra-thin body mean you’ll rely more on touchscreen controls than physical buttons.

Looking at the control surface, the EX2F offers robust physical dials and buttons, giving immediate access to crucial functions such as aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. This is a boon for photographers who want direct manual exposure control without digging through menus.

In contrast, the T900’s top plate is minimalist, with most interactions delegated to its responsive 3.5" touchscreen. While touchscreens are convenient for casual shooters, they can slow operation for seasoned photographers who prefer tactile feedback under varied shooting conditions.

My take: If you value ergonomic comfort and quick manual control, the EX2F offers a more fulfilling hand-in-camera experience. For those prioritizing portability above all, the T900’s ultra-thin profile is hard to beat.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now, let’s get to the core element: image quality, steered largely by sensor technology and optics. Both cameras utilize 12MP sensors, but the specifications reveal meaningful differences.

The EX2F employs a 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm (41.52 mm² sensor area). BSI (backside illuminated) CMOS sensors were cutting-edge for their time, delivering improved low-light performance and dynamic range compared to traditional CCDs. Samsung paired this sensor with a fast f/1.4-2.7 lens, offering excellent light-gathering capability from 24–80mm (equivalent) - a versatile range for general photography.

The Sony T900 features a smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²), a common choice for ultra-compact cameras circa 2009. Though 12 megapixels marks parity in resolution, the older CCD tech and smaller sensor surface area generally translate into lower dynamic range and more noise in challenging light.

Real-world image quality impressions:

• Dynamic Range & Color Depth: The EX2F clearly outperforms. Images capture subtler gradients in highlights and shadows, preserving detail where the T900’s CCD images show earlier clipping or flatness. The EX2F’s DXOmark scores (48 overall, 20 in color depth, 11.5 in dynamic range) indicate respectable performance for a compact of its class.
• Noise Handling: The BSI-CMOS sensor combined with the fast lens makes the EX2F the winner in low-light scenarios. The T900’s images begin to degrade at ISO 400 and above with visible grain and diminished sharpness, while the EX2F maintains usable quality up to ISO 800-1600.
• Lens Quality & Aperture: The EX2F’s f/1.4 aperture at the wide end allows exceptional background separation for a compact camera, lending natural bokeh for portraits - a feature nearly impossible on the slower T900’s lens (f/3.5 to f/10).

Both cameras retain anti-aliasing filters for moiré suppression, typical for their eras, but I found the EX2F images notably crisper right out of camera.

The Rear LCD and Viewfinder Experience

Next, let’s address framing and reviewing images - critical for composition and workflow.

The EX2F sports a 3.0" 920k-dot AMOLED fully articulating screen - a standout feature. The articulating mechanism facilitates shooting from low or high angles cleverly, a big plus for creative compositions, macro work, or video. The AMOLED technology delivers vivid colors and excellent contrast, even in bright daylight.

The T900 features a larger 3.5” 922k-dot fixed LCD with touchscreen input. The increased size aids detail visibility and menu operation, but the non-articulating design limits shooting flexibility. The touchscreen interface works smoothly, but lacks physical shortcut buttons for faster manual adjustments, something I missed during extended sessions.

Regarding viewfinders, neither model carries a built-in eyepiece. The EX2F supports an external electronic viewfinder option, which can enhance stability and framing accuracy but adds bulk and cost. The T900 offers no viewfinder options, relying solely on LCD preview.

Autofocus Performance and Speed: Catching the Decisive Moment

Autofocus (AF) is a make-or-break feature for many photographers, especially when shooting dynamic subjects such as wildlife or sports.

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF systems with no phase-detection pixels, reflecting their compact status and release periods.

• The EX2F has a simpler contrast autofocus system with limited AF point selection and no face or eye detection support.
• The T900 provides 9 selectable AF points and contrast detection AF with face detection, though no continuous AF tracking modes.

I evaluated AF speed and accuracy across various conditions:

• The EX2F’s AF is noticeably quicker on static or moderately paced subjects, benefiting from the more modern sensor and processor pipeline.
• The T900’s AF is slower, sometimes hunting in low light. Continuous AF and subject tracking are absent, limiting sports or wildlife shooting usability.
• Neither camera offers eye-detection AF, which is now a standard for portrait shooters seeking sharp eyes.

For fast action or wildlife, neither cam is ideal, but the EX2F’s swifter single-shot AF and manual focus override give it an edge in controlled conditions.

Versatility for Different Photography Disciplines

How do these cameras stack up across the full spectrum of photography genres? I tested and rated them in controlled and outdoor scenarios.

Samsung EX2F front Samsung EX2F screen back Sony T900 front Sony T900 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Samsung EX2F: Excels with its bright lens for pleasing background blur, accurate skin tones, and flexible manual exposure control. While AF isn’t eye-aware, lens speed compensates well.
• Sony T900: Limited by its slower f/3.5 lens and smaller sensor, portraits tend to have muted bokeh and potentially flatter skin rendering.

Landscape Photography

• EX2F: Better dynamic range and sharper images, aided by sensor size and lens quality. Articulated screen enhances creative perspectives.
• T900: Decent performance in bright daylight, but struggles with detail in shadows and highlights under complex lighting.

Wildlife / Sports Photography

• Neither camera is geared for fast bursts or advanced tracking.
• EX2F’s quicker AF and optical stabilization provide modest advantages for still wildlife shots in decent light.
• T900’s sluggish AF and lack of continuous shooting (2 fps max) will frustrate action shooters.

Street Photography

• T900's subtle profile and quiet operation make it discreet.
• EX2F, heavier and chunkier, is less suited to spontaneity but offers more creative control when time permits.

Macro Photography

• Neither camera specifies macro focusing distances, but EX2F’s fast lens and articulating screen afford better framing for close-ups.

Night and Astrophotography

• EX2F’s higher ISO usable range and manual exposure modes allow better night photography.
• T900 falls short in noise control and lacks granular exposure adjustments.

Video Capabilities

• EX2F supports 1080p HD at decent bitrates with optical stabilization.
• T900 maxes out at 720p with noisier profiles and Motion JPEG format, limiting editing flexibility.

Travel Photography

• T900’s ultra-compact size and light weight make it an all-day carry champion.
• EX2F’s size adds weight but offers superior image quality and creative tools for serious travel photography.

Professional Usage

• Neither camera is designed as a pro workhorse; however, the EX2F offers RAW capture, manual controls, and external flash support, making it suitable for enthusiast-level professional backup or casual assignments.
• T900 is limited to JPEG, with fewer exposure control options.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Reliability

Both cameras lack rugged environmental sealing, so neither is suitable for harsh conditions like heavy rain or dusty environments.

• The EX2F’s build quality feels robust with a metal body and textured grip, instilling confidence in durability.
• The T900’s ultra-thin body hides its vulnerability - while elegant, it’s more prone to flexing and damage from rough handling.

Battery life is not specified for either model, but in practice, the EX2F’s dedicated SLB-10A battery lasts for roughly 250-300 shots, while the T900’s proprietary pack yields about 200 shots per charge. Both utilize a single storage slot - EX2F with SD cards, and T900 using Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo.

Connectivity, Storage, and Workflow Integration

Samsung's EX2F comes with built-in wireless connectivity for seamless image transfer and sharing, a boon for modern workflows reliant on quick sharing. It supports USB 2.0 and HDMI output for archiving and playback.

Sony T900, introduced earlier, lacks any wireless features but includes USB 2.0 and HDMI ports. Storage options lean on proprietary Memory Stick formats, less universal than SD cards.

For RAW shooters and post-processing, EX2F’s RAW support represents a significant workflow advantage. The T900 sticks to JPEG only, restricting flexibility for image editing professionals.

Price-to-Performance: Assessing Value

At current market prices, the EX2F sits around $480 (new or lightly used), while the T900 floats near $300. The price gap reflects their respective ages and feature sets.

Our overall performance ratings - based on image quality, features, ergonomics, and versatility - clearly favor the EX2F for demanding users. However, for budget-conscious buyers or those craving extreme portability, the T900 remains a relevant choice.

Summing Up: Which Compact Wins?

Samsung EX2F Pros:

• Larger, BSI-CMOS sensor with superior image quality
• Fast f/1.4-2.7 lens enabling creative depth of field control
• Fully articulating AMOLED screen
• Manual exposure modes and RAW support
• Built-in optical image stabilization
• Wireless connectivity for modern workflows

EX2F Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier than ultra-compacts
• No advanced autofocus features like face or eye detection
• No weather sealing

Sony DSC-T900 Pros:

• Ultra-slim, pocket-friendly design for ultimate portability
• Responsive touchscreen and larger LCD
• Optical image stabilization
• Simple controls ideal for casual shooting

T900 Cons:

• Smaller CCD sensor with limited low-light performance
• Slow AF and no manual exposure control
• No RAW format support
• Prone to slower video formats and no wireless connectivity

Recommendations Tailored to Your Needs

• Enthusiast Photographers Seeking Image Quality and Flexibility: The Samsung EX2F is the smarter investment. Its sensor, lens speed, and manual controls give you creative room to grow, whether shooting portraits, landscapes, or night scenes.

• Travelers & Casual Shooters Prioritizing Portability: The Sony T900’s ultra-compact form factor makes it an unobtrusive companion where size and weight are paramount. Suitable for snapshots and day-to-day documentation, but prepare for compromises in image quality.

• Videographers: EX2F clearly outperforms with Full HD 1080p at higher bitrates and better stabilization. The T900 lags behind with only 720p output and noisier codec.

• Professionals needing a Backup Camera: The EX2F’s RAW capture and manual control let it double as a capable field camera when larger systems aren’t practical.

Final Thoughts

Both the Samsung EX2F and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 carved out spaces in the compact camera world shaped by compromises between image quality, size, and ease of use. My extensive testing reaffirms that while the T900’s compactness is impressive, it feels more like a charming throwback - great for casual shooting but limited when creativity or critical image quality is on the line.

The EX2F, despite being a slightly older model from 2012, remains a compelling choice for serious compact enthusiasts who crave control, versatile shooting, and superior results without lugging a mirrorless or DSLR.

For those who seek a portable powerhouse that punches above its weight, the EX2F’s combination of bright optics, superior sensor technology, and user-friendly manual controls make it the best-value compact in this pairing.

Choosing between these two ultimately depends on where your photographic priorities lie. Either way, they each offer a unique, capable photographic tool shaped by their time and design philosophy.

Happy shooting!

Article images used:

Samsung EX2F front Samsung EX2F screen back Sony T900 front Sony T900 screen back