Samsung EX2F vs Sony DSC-W570: A Hands-On Camera Battle for Real-World Photographers

When you’re on the hunt for a compact camera, the market can feel like a wild jungle, full of ultra-minis and pocket rockets masquerading as serious imaging machines. Today, I’m putting two small sensor compacts head-to-head: the Samsung EX2F and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570. Both of these cameras share the ultra-portable DNA, but with vastly different approaches to image quality, controls, and usability. Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years in photography, I’m here to give you a no-nonsense, practical comparison - from sensor tech and ergonomics all the way through to how they perform in daylight, low light, and a variety of genres.

Whether you’re an enthusiast wanting a travel-friendly backup or a seasoned shooter looking for a pocketable slice of fun, this guide should help you make a clear choice that fits your style and budget.

First Impressions: Size, Handling & Ergonomics

The moment you pick up a camera often tells you more than any spec sheet ever will. The Samsung EX2F is almost twice as heavy as the Sony DSC-W570, and that’s immediately noticeable. It weighs in at 294 grams, with dimensions of 112 x 62 x 29 mm, versus Sony’s featherweight 116 grams and a compact 91 x 52 x 19 mm footprint.

That extra bulk on the EX2F is because it’s more of a small enthusiast compact rather than a basic point-and-shoot. It feels substantial in hand, with a decent grip size for a compact - definitely more comfortable for longer shoots. Conversely, the Sony is ultra-slim and pocket-friendly, but definitely skews towards “grab-and-go” usage where you might sacrifice some control for ultimate portability.

Looking at the top plate, the Samsung makes much better use of physical controls - shutter button with ridged zoom toggle, a dedicated mode dial, and exposure compensation dial that invite you to shoot more manually. The Sony’s design is minimalist to the extreme; it squishes most functions into menu dives and lacks manual exposure modes.

For enthusiasts who like feeling “in control” of their capture settings, Samsung nails it here. Sony feels more like it was made for cheapskates or those who just want to point and shoot without fuss.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Basics

Specs can only take you so far, but they set the stage. The EX2F uses a 1/1.7″ BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm, or 41.52 mm² in area, with a modest 12MP resolution. The Sony has a smaller 1/2.3″ CCD sensor at 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²) but bumps the resolution to 16MP.

While more megapixels can be a draw in spec sheets, in my experience, “bigger pixels win” in small sensor compacts - especially in challenging lighting. The EX2F’s larger sensor area and back-side illumination technology help it eke out superior image quality. That translates into cleaner details, better dynamic range, and improved low-light usability.

This is well evidenced in DXO Mark tests (Samsung scored 48 overall, Sony was not tested but leaning from sensor tech, it likely lags behind). The EX2F posts impressive color depth (20 bits) and dynamic range (~11.5 EV), which gives you more flexibility in post-processing.

In practical terms, I found the Samsung’s 1/1.7" chip delivers richer tones on sunny days and softer, less noisy shadows in dim interiors. Sony’s CCD sensor, while capable, struggles with noise beyond ISO 400, and its narrower dynamic range occasionally clips highlights in harsher light.

LCD Screen & Live View: Articulating vs Fixed

A surprising factor in everyday shooting is how your screen helps you compose. Samsung’s 3-inch fully-articulated AMOLED display offers excellent viewing angles, rich colors, and flexibility for creative compositions - think low angles or selfies (yes, it’s selfie-friendly).

The Sony’s 2.7-inch fixed Clear Photo LCD is a more basic affair with 230k dot resolution - serviceable but less vivid and rigid, so you’re forced to frame from a conventional stance.

The Samsung’s AMOLED screen makes framing, reviewing, and focusing a joy, especially in bright sunlight where LCDs often wash out. It also supports live view shooting with manual exposure control modes, giving you a more DSLR-like experience. Sony is limited to auto exposure, so it won’t satisfy shooters who like to tinker.

Autofocus and Lens Versatility: Speed vs Range

Let’s talk glass and focusing, which make or break many compact experiences.

The EX2F sports a bright 24–80 mm equivalent lens (3.3x zoom), with a super-fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 at the wide end. This is exceptional and rarely seen in compacts, allowing excellent low-light and bokeh capabilities. Unfortunately, Samsung chose not to support continuous or tracking autofocus modes; it uses contrast-detection AF with no face or eye detection. That means your focusing will be slower and sometimes “hunt” in low contrast or tricky subjects.

The Sony DSC-W570 offers a longer 25-125 mm (5x zoom) lens, but max aperture falls quickly to f/6.3 at telephoto, significantly limiting light-gathering. Its autofocus system is contrast-detection with 9 focus points and center-weighted metering, along with spot AF. Sony provides no manual focus, but offers some autofocus area selection flexibility.

These specs translate to a Sony that can reach farther but requires brighter conditions or flash due to slower glass. The Samsung’s lens allows better subject separation for portraits or closeups in dim conditions.

For wildlife or sports shooters, neither will wow, but if you want to frame and isolate portraits or street scenes with creamy backgrounds, the EX2F lens simply wins.

Burst Rates and Continuous Shooting: Action Capability

Neither camera is aimed at fast action shooters. Samsung doesn’t specify continuous shooting speed; Sony’s max is roughly 1 fps, which is glacial. Neither supports AF tracking or advanced burst modes.

If you want to capture kids in motion, pets, or sports, neither compact should be your go-to - a mirrorless or DSLR will certainly outperform here.

Build, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Both cameras lack environmental sealing or rugged design features. Neither is waterproof, dustproof, nor shock resistant. The EX2F’s more robust body and lens assembly give it an edge in durability, but neither is meant for the harshest conditions.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Samsung’s SLB-10A battery reportedly delivers decent performance, but detailed CIPA figures aren’t well documented. Sony’s NP-BN1 generally promises around 200 shots per charge (modest by modern standards).

Both use single SD card slots, with Sony doubling down by supporting Memory Stick Duo formats as well - useful if you’re already embedded in Sony’s ecosystem.

Connectivity: Modern Convenience vs Basic Options

Connectivity-wise, EX2F integrates built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) for easier image transfer and remote shooting - a great feature for casual social sharers. Sony offers Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless transfer, which is less convenient and now largely outdated.

Both have USB 2.0 and HDMI ports, but neither includes microphone/headphone jacks for video enthusiasts wanting advanced sound control.

Video Recording: Features and Limitations

The EX2F shoots Full HD (1920x1080) at 30fps using H.264 codec, with optical stabilization - solid for casual video but lacks professional video features like microphone inputs or 4K.

Sony records up to 720p resolution, also at 30fps, using MPEG-4 - a much lower quality video experience. Neither camera will satisfy keen videographers, but Samsung clearly leads for casual content creators.

Real-World Genre-Specific Performance

Now, the nitty-gritty - let’s break down how these two do across popular photography styles. I ran tests on both cameras and examined sample shots under controlled lighting and real environments to draw these conclusions.

Samsung EX2F front Samsung EX2F screen back Sony W570 front Sony W570 screen back

Scoring It All Together: Overall and Genre Scores

To catalogue this head-to-head with clarity, I used a weighted scoring system based on dozens of field tests encompassing sensor quality, ergonomics, AF speed, image quality, video, and usability.

You can see a clear advantage for the Samsung EX2F in overall score. Samsung’s lens speed, sensor technology, and manual control-rich layout give it a decisive edge. Sony lags primarily due to its dated sensor tech, smaller lens aperture, and reduced user control.

Drilling down to genre specialties:

Samsung wins comprehensively in portraits, landscapes, and night photography. For travel and street applications, Sony wins on portability but loses on quality. Neither fares well in wildlife or sports due to absence of AF tracking and slow burst rates.

Strengths and Weaknesses Summarized

Samsung EX2F Pros

• Large 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS sensor delivers superior image quality
• Bright f/1.4 – 2.7 lens for low light and creative bokeh
• Full manual controls including shutter/aperture priority modes
• Articulated AMOLED screen great for varied composition
• Full HD video with optical/image stabilization
• Built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and remote control
• RAW image capture support

Samsung EX2F Cons

• No continuous autofocus or tracking, which slows focus
• Lacks environmental sealing
• Heavier and bulkier, less pocketable
• Battery life decent but average for its class

Sony DSC-W570 Pros

• Ultra-compact and lightweight, easy for daily carry or travel
• Longer 5x zoom for distant subjects
• Lower price point (~$159) attractive for budget buyers
• Macro focusing down to 5 cm possible
• Memory Stick compatibility

Sony DSC-W570 Cons

• Small 1/2.3" CCD sensor with limited image quality and dynamic range
• Slower lens aperture (F2.6-6.3) limits low-light use and bokeh
• No manual exposure modes or RAW support
• Limited video specs (720p max)
• No built-in Wi-Fi (requires Eye-Fi card for wireless)
• Very slow continuous shooting (1 fps)

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• If you’re a photography enthusiast or beginner with some budget (~$478 on Amazon), want better image quality, and are keen on manual controls, the Samsung EX2F is your best bet. It offers tangible creative flexibility and much better low light and portrait capabilities thanks to sensor size and lens speed. Its Wi-Fi and articulation help modern users. Perfect for casual pros, travelers who want image quality, and portrait shooters craving creamy backgrounds on a compact.

• If you’re a cheapskate looking for a simple, ultra-light camera just for snapshots, family holidays, and easy pocketability (~$159), the Sony DSC-W570 will serve you well. It won’t impress image quality fanatics but it can be slipped in a jeans pocket for immediate grab-and-shoot moments. Great for beginners who don’t want fuss.

Final Verdict: My Personal Pick

Having shot both extensively in daylight, indoors, and on a street stroll, I have to say the Samsung EX2F feels like the camera with more soul. Its mixture of manual controls, fast bright lens, and superior sensor technology delivers images I’m proud of - the kind I wouldn’t hesitate to print or share professionally. Yes, it’s heavier and pricier, but for photographers wanting a compact “pocket DSLR-lite,” it’s worth the investment.

The Sony DSC-W570 is charmingly tiny - a true pocket breeze - but it’s hampered by outdated sensor, slow lens, and limiting controls. It’s a fine choice for people prioritizing convenience and budget over creative potential.

Ultimately, for anyone serious about image quality and creative photography, the EX2F is the clear winner. For casual, easy snaps and absolute portability, the W570 fits the bill.

I hope this comparison helps you clearly see beyond marketing fluff and choose the camera that truly matches your shooting style and budget. Both have their place, but the EX2F remains a surprisingly capable compact even years after release. As always, grabbing both if you can afford is a neat combo - the EX2F for crafted shots and the Sony as your lightweight quick snapshot tool.

Happy shooting!

This comparison was crafted from direct hands-on testing, sample image analysis, and real-world experience with sensors, zoom optics, and camera usability from a seasoned reviewer’s perspective.

Appendix: Key Specs at a Glance

Thanks for reading - if you want me to review other compact cameras or mirrorless models, let me know!