Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 vs Sony A560: A Thorough Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer

When you’re deep into the hunt for a new camera, nothing beats a detailed, honest comparison based on actual usage across diverse photography genres. I’ve spent years testing everything from small sensor compacts to high-end DSLRs, and today I’m diving into two rather different beasts: the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2, a compact superzoom with integrated smart features, and the Sony A560, a classic entry-level DSLR that marked Sony’s serious foray into DSLR territory back in 2010.

They target entirely different users - one tailored for convenience and connectivity, the other for traditional DSLR enthusiasts willing to build out a system around a conventional lens mount - but they do overlap a bit in price and appeal to photography hobbyists. Just how do these two stack up when pushed through real-world photo challenges? Let’s unpack that, bit by bit.

Design and Ergonomics: Compact Precision vs DSLR Bulk

At first glance (and hold it for a close look at the image above), size and feel set these two apart.

The Galaxy Camera 2 sports a slender, compact design typical of a bridge camera, measuring just 133x71x19mm and weighing 283 grams. The sleek form is missing a viewfinder, relying solely on its vivid 4.8-inch touchscreen for composing shots, an Android-powered interface, and quick in-camera controls. This makes it highly portable - perfect for travel or street snaps where you want to travel light and dive straight into shooting or sharing.

Contrast that to the Sony A560, a traditionally sized DSLR with a deep grip, optical viewfinder, and a footprint of 137x104x84mm, weighing nearly 600 grams. It feels sturdy and reliable in hand, and while it’s bigger, the ergonomics accommodate a variety of lenses and all-day shooting comfortably - an obvious choice if you want a versatile system to grow with.

You’ll notice from the dimensions and shape: The Galaxy is pocketable; the Sony is backpack-sized, but with the advantages of physical buttons and dials that Nikon or Canon users will find familiar. The A560’s tilting 3-inch LCD falls behind the Galaxy’s much larger and more detailed 4.8-inch Super Clear Touch Display in resolution (922 vs 1037), but it still allows for flexible shooting angles.

Looking at the top controls, the Galaxy’s minimal button interface blends with its smartphone-inspired UI, centered around touch. The Sony proudly sports dedicated exposure, ISO, and drive mode buttons, plus a hot shoe for external flashes, showing its professional leanings despite being an entry-level DSLR.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Big vs Small

Let’s lift the hood on imaging power, because here is where the distinction starts to matter a lot.

The Sony A560 houses an APS-C sized CMOS sensor measuring 23.5x15.6mm (about 366.6 mm²), a serious step up in size from the galaxy’s small 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor at 6.17x4.55mm (28.07 mm²). While the Galaxy packs a higher megapixel count with 16MP versus Sony’s 14MP, the Sony’s larger sensor area translates to vastly superior light gathering capabilities. This difference impacts noise performance, dynamic range, and depth of field control. In simple terms: bigger sensor wins for cleaner images, more detail in highlights and shadows, and more degree of creative bokeh separation.

The Sony’s wider maximum ISO of 12800 (boostable to 25600) surpasses the Galaxy’s ISO max of 3200. This difference is crucial for low-light photography - think night street scenes, indoor sports, or astro work. My lab tests confirm that images from the A560 hold up much better at high ISOs. But don’t count the Galaxy out for casual daylight shooting; its lens covers a remarkable 23-483mm equivalent focal range (a massive 21x zoom) with optical image stabilization, making it handy for travel or wildlife snapshots when you can’t lug around multiple lenses.

However, the Galaxy’s fixed lens and small sensor mean less flexible depth of field and less background blur on portraits. The Sony, paired with select fast primes or zooms, can deliver portraits with creamy bokeh and pleasing skin tones thanks to the larger sensor and refined color science.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speeds: Accuracy and Responsiveness

Here is a fundamental difference that will make or break performance depending on your subject.

The Sony A560 boasts a 15-point phase-detection autofocus system (three cross-type points), supporting continuous AF and live view AF. This system lets you track moving subjects more reliably and shoot fast action or wildlife with less chance of focus hunting. The A560 also has face detection, but it shines thanks to phase-detection AF’s accuracy and speed.

The Galaxy Camera 2 relies exclusively on contrast-detection AF in a fewer number of focus points (unknown count), and lacks continuous AF or tracking. Its AF system is sufficient for static and casual shooting but can frustrate when trying to capture spontaneous moments or subject motion. Manual focus is available but less practical on a touchscreen interface.

Both cameras feature a continuous shooting speed capped at 5fps, adequate for casual action but falling short if you want to capture fast sports sequences.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers extensive weather sealing or rugged builds designed for challenging conditions. The Galaxy Camera 2 is a compact designed for convenience more than endurance - it isn't waterproof or dust-resistant.

The Sony A560, constructed in a typical entry-level DSLR style, feels robust but lacks professional weatherproofing. Both will need care around moisture and dust.

If you prioritize protection in the field - say, landscape or wildlife shooters venturing into unpredictable environments - neither is ideal, but the Sony’s DSLR build fares better for grip and handling despite its lack of sealing.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Touch vs Classic Controls

User experience here can heavily sway your preference.

The Galaxy’s 4.8-inch HD Super Clear Touchscreen is its defining trait in interface design. This large touch panel not only lets you tap to focus and shoot but runs a full Android OS, enabling apps, quick sharing, and remote control features. For photographers used to touchscreen smartphones, this is very intuitive.

The Sony’s 3-inch 922k-dot tilting LCD doesn’t offer touch but supports live view and is very useful for manual focusing or composing at awkward angles. While lacking the Galaxy’s direct wireless sharing and app ecosystem, the Sony trades this for reliable physical controls and traditional DSLR menus.

The Galaxy’s software focus and Android-based interface make for a learning curve if you’re used to dedicated cameras, but once mastered, it offers flexibility for casual and social shooters. The Sony’s controls are far simpler and more direct but less “connected.”

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Fixed Versus Expandable

This is a huge consideration.

The Galaxy Camera 2 comes with a fixed 23-483mm equivalent lens. This lens delivers versatility but locks you in optically - no upgrades or specialty lenses, which limit creative possibilities down the line.

The Sony A560, however, uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, compatible with an extensive range of over 140 lenses including modern Sony glass and legacy Minolta optics. This means you can tailor your setup for macro, wide-angle landscape, portrait-fast primes, and super telephoto lenses for wildlife or sports.

For any photographer who values lens choice or plans to grow a system, the Sony option is clearly superior.

Battery Life and Storage Capabilities: Power for a Day’s Shoot

Battery life is where the DSLR shines with a major edge.

The Sony A560 offers approximately 1050 shots per charge using its NP-FM500H battery, a typical benefit of DSLRs due to optical viewfinders and more power-efficient components when not using live view.

The Galaxy Camera 2’s built-in battery lasts about 400 shots per charge, significantly less but still reasonable given the power demand of a large touchscreen and wireless features.

Regarding storage, the Galaxy supports a single microSD card, whereas the Sony uses dual SD slots compatible with SDHC, SDXC, and Sony’s Memory Stick formats, offering greater capacity and overflow options - essential for professionals or long shoots.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: High-Tech Sharing vs Classic USB

If instant sharing or GPS tagging is your priority, the Galaxy Camera 2 scores highly: built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC allow for effortless geotagging, image uploading, and remote control.

The Sony A560 has limited wireless connectivity; it supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless image transfer but lacks Bluetooth or built-in Wi-Fi. This is a drawback if you want immediate social sharing or remote operation.

Both cameras include HDMI and USB 2.0 ports, facilitating easy download or external display connection, but the Galaxy’s full wireless ecosystem is more modern and user-friendly.

Videography: Who Wins on Moving Images?

Both cameras can shoot full HD video at 1920x1080p, but video functionality differs.

The Sony A560 supports AVCHD and MPEG4 formats, recording at 60fps (interlaced) or 30fps progressive, providing decent video options and manual controls for exposure.

The Galaxy Video capabilities peak at 1080p but limited to 30fps with simpler MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. Its touchscreen interface makes live adjustments easier but video controls are basic, and lack of external mic support limits sound quality.

If video is a serious concern, the Sony’s manual control, higher ISOs, and external microphone support give it an advantage.

Photography Disciplines: Which Camera Fits Your Style?

Let’s translate specs into practice across common photography styles.

Portraits

The Sony’s larger sensor and ability to attach fast prime lenses mean better skin tone rendition and superior background blur. Its phase-detect AF helps keep eyes sharp with face detection active.

The Galaxy’s small sensor and fixed slow-ish zoom lens limit its bokeh and shallow depth-of-field capabilities. AF face detection helps, but portraits are more snapshot quality.

Landscapes

Sony’s higher dynamic range, more substantial sensor, and lens choices deliver superior resolution and tonal gradation. Plus, tilting LCD aids composition.

Galaxy can achieve decent landscape shots in good light but is hampered by sensor size and lack of RAW format support.

Wildlife

The Galaxy’s enormous zoom range is tempting for distant subjects, but contrast-based AF and slow burst limit capturing critters in action.

The Sony’s faster phase-detect AF, better high ISO, and wider lens ecosystem offer more control - but you’ll need a telephoto lens which adds to cost.

Sports

Sony’s continuous AF and 5fps burst are adequate for beginners.

Galaxy, limited by AF and burst constraints, struggles with fast action.

Street Photography

Galaxy offers discretion and portability, plus silent shooting options via touchscreen.

Sony’s DSLR bulk and mechanical shutter noise may be intrusive, but optical viewfinder aids quick framing in bright conditions.

Macro

Sony’s lens flexibility allows dedicated macro lenses with fine focusing control.

Galaxy’s fixed lens macro range (10cm) and touch AF are handy for casual close-ups but limited in creative use.

Night / Astro

Sony’s high ISO capabilities and RAW shooting help reveal faint stars and details.

Galaxy limited by max ISO and no RAW support.

Video

Sony offers better manual controls and mic input.

Galaxy wins on convenience and built-in connectivity for quick sharing.

Travel

Galaxy’s light weight and all-in-one zoom simplify packing.

Sony offers better image quality and versatility, but larger size.

Professional Use

Sony’s RAW support, file handling, DSLR reliability, and lens ecosystem cater better.

Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 screen back Sony A560 front Sony A560 screen back

Looking at this gallery, you can clearly see Sony’s greater detail retention, cleaner shadows, and bokeh smoothness relative to the Galaxy’s more compact-friendly output.

Overall Performance and Value: Which Camera Offers More Bang?

With both cameras rated for overall image performance, noise handling, and operational features:

And when broken down by genre:

Sony A560 logically leads on image quality, AF, and performance in varied conditions. Its price is higher at about $650 new, but you gain substantial quality and expandability.

Galaxy Camera 2, at $400, offers tremendous zoom, ease of use, and smart features but limits on file format, sensor size, and AF.

Final Recommendations

• Choose the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 if:
  You want a lightweight, smartphone-like experience with massive zoom, great for casual travel, street photography, and immediate social sharing. It’s ideal for beginners or enthusiasts who want better-than-phone image quality but no fuss with lenses.

• Choose the Sony A560 if:
  You seek a traditional DSLR experience with better image quality, strong performance across virtually all photography genres, and the ability to build a lens collection. Perfect for learners ready to invest in their gear, hobbyists who want versatility, or budget-conscious pros wanting solid fundamentals.

Wrapping Up

I hope this detailed, experience-driven comparison helps clarify where each camera shines and where they fall short. It boils down to whether you value size, convenience, and integrated smart features (Galaxy Camera 2), or image quality, system flexibility, and optical performance (Sony A560).

If you’re still on the fence, think about how you shoot most - landscapes under tricky light? Go Sony. Weekend travel and family snaps shared instantly online? Galaxy Camera 2 is worth a look.

Either way, both have their unique charm in a rapidly evolving camera market. If you want my hands-on test videos or further analysis on specific features, just ask!

Happy shooting!

All specifications and field test results reference official manufacturer data and extensive real-world use, with performance verification across decades of camera tests and image analysis.