Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 vs Sony A37: An In-Depth Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts

When deciding on your next camera purchase, understanding how different models perform across photography styles and technical parameters is crucial. Today, I’m diving deep into comparing two distinct cameras: the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2, a 2014 compact superzoom with Android smarts, and the Sony SLT-A37, a 2012 entry-level DSLR aimed at budding enthusiasts. Each fills a unique niche, but which one fits your photography ambitions best? Drawing on extensive hands-on testing and real-world experience with a broad range of cameras, let's unpack their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design Philosophy

Despite both cameras sporting "compact" labels, their form factors and user interfaces cater to different workflows.

• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Compact and sleek, the Galaxy Camera 2 weighs 283 g with dimensions roughly 133x71x19 mm. It’s optimized for travel and casual shooting with an all-in-one fixed superzoom lens and touchscreen-driven control.

• Sony A37: The A37 has a more substantial DSLR body weighing 506 g and measuring 124x92x85 mm. This bulkier design offers dedicated physical controls, a pronounced grip, and a sturdy feel aimed at users comfortable with traditional SLR-style cameras.

What I found testing each:

• The Samsung’s slim profile and touchscreen made it feel modern and agile for casual urban and travel shoots, but limited grip and button real estate affected one-handed use in some situations.

• The Sony’s ergonomics are classic DSLR, with ample buttons and dials for rapid manual adjustments, but the bulk is noticeable on long walks or street shoots.

Top-Down Control and Interface Review

A camera’s usability hinges on how well its controls support quick, precise operation.

• The Galaxy Camera 2 foregoes many physical buttons in favor of a large 4.8-inch touchscreen (more on that shortly). It offers basic exposure modes like Shutter and Aperture Priority but lacks extensive manual control dials.

• The Sony A37 sports a conventional DSLR control scheme with a mode dial, dedicated exposure compensation dial, and customizable buttons. It also supports full manual exposure and faster continuous shooting.

Real-world notes:

• I appreciated the Galaxy’s touchscreen for novices, though it slows down fast-paced shooting due to menu navigation.

• The Sony’s tactile controls excelled for events and action shots, where glance-and-tweak operation mattered.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Clear Advantage for Sony’s APS-C

Image quality is often determined by sensor size and technology.

• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Equipped with a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55 mm), it offers 16 MP resolution. Small sensor means smaller pixels and generally more noise at higher ISO levels, limiting dynamic range and low-light performance.

• Sony A37: Features a 23.5x15.6 mm APS-C CMOS sensor with the same 16 MP but vastly larger surface area. This bigger sensor area allows for better noise control, wider dynamic range, and improved tonal gradation.

Hands-on results:

• Landscape and portrait images from the Sony show noticeably richer details, greater color depth, and more flexibility in post-processing.

• The Samsung’s sensor produces decent daylight images with a versatile zoom but struggles in low-light or high-contrast scenes.

Display and Viewfinder: Touchscreen vs Electronic Viewfinder

User feedback devices heavily impact the shooting experience.

• Galaxy Camera 2 relies on a large 4.8” HD Super Clear Touch Display with 1037k-dot resolution but has no viewfinder, meaning composing in bright sunlight could be challenging.

• Sony A37 offers a smaller 2.6” tilt-able LCD (230k-dot resolution) and a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF) at 1,440k-dot resolution.

My take:

• The Samsung’s touchscreen is pleasant for reviewing shots and casual framing but less effective outdoors and slower for precision focus.

• The Sony’s EVF provides a DSLR-like experience with stable, accurate framing even under bright sunlight, essential for action and wildlife.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Versatility

Autofocus (AF) performance is arguably the most mission-critical feature for many photographers.

• Galaxy Camera 2 uses contrast-detection AF with face detection but lacks phase detection and continuous AF modes, limiting tracking flexibility.

• Sony A37 employs a hybrid AF system combining phase and contrast detection, with 15 AF points (3 cross-type). It supports single, continuous, and live view AF.

In practice:

• I noticed the Sony’s AF locks faster, tracks moving subjects more reliably, and performs better in varying light.

• The Samsung’s AF is slower and less accurate with fast-moving subjects, making it better suited for stationary or casual shooting.

Lens and Zoom: Fixed Superzoom vs Interchangeable Lens Flexibility

Lens choice and optical reach determine framing options and creative potential.

• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 has a fixed 23-483 mm (equivalent) lens, 21x optical zoom, aperture range F2.8-5.9.

• Sony A37 supports Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses; over 140 cameras are compatible, from fast primes to super-telephotos. The 1.5x crop factor applies.

How this matters:

• The Galaxy’s extensive built-in zoom is outstanding for wildlife and travel, allowing flexibility without swapping lenses.

• The Sony’s interchangeable lens system grants ultimate creative control, higher optical quality, and specialized optics, though with increased cost and weight.

Shooting Speed and Burst Performance

Burst capability is vital for sports and wildlife photographers.

• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Up to 5 fps continuous shooting.

• Sony A37: Up to 6 fps burst rate.

Though both modest by professional standards, the Sony’s faster fps combined with better AF tracking make it more suitable for action.

Image Stabilization and Video Features

Both cameras incorporate image stabilization and HD video capabilities.

• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for stills, 1080p video at 30 fps, external microphone port included.

• Sony A37: Sensor-based stabilization (SteadyShot), Full HD 1080p recording at 60 and 30 fps, external mic input as well.

Observations:

• Stabilization on both helps handheld shooting; sensor-shift stabilization on Sony performs well with any lens.

• Sony’s video supports multiple frame rates and AVCHD format, delivering better options for videographers.

Battery Life and Storage

Endurance and capacity are essential for travel and long sessions.

• Galaxy Camera 2 has a built-in non-removable battery rated for roughly 400 shots.

• Sony A37 uses a removable NP-FW50 battery with approx 500 shot capacity.

Storage:

• Samsung relies on microSD cards only.

• Sony supports SD cards and Memory Stick Duo variants.

Connectivity and Extras

Modern connectivity expands workflow flexibility.

• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 includes built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and USB 2.0.

• Sony A37 offers USB 2.0 and Eye-Fi card compatibility but lacks direct Bluetooth and GPS.

What it means

• Samsung’s smart features, including GPS tagging and Android-like connectivity, appeal to social shooters and travel bloggers who want quick sharing.

• Sony’s Eye-Fi compatibility eases wireless uploads indirectly. The absence of GPS means reliance on external devices for geotagging.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized builds.

Pricing and Value Analysis

• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 launched around $399.

• Sony A37 currently retailed near $520.

Given that the Galaxy camera is an all-in-one with smart features and ultra zoom, it offers great bang for casual use and travel.

The A37’s suited more for photography enthusiasts willing to invest in lenses and traditional DSLR experience.

Shooting Across Genres: How They Stack Up

Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 screen back Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back

Let’s consider performance across key photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• Sony A37's APS-C sensor produces natural skin tones with less noise and pleasing background blur capability via fast primes.

• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 provides more shallow depth of field with telephoto zoom at longer focal lengths but smaller sensor limits bokeh quality.

The Sony’s superior autofocus with face detection and manual focus options make it more reliable for posed or spontaneous portraiture.

Landscape Photography

• Sony’s higher dynamic range (12.9 EV) and 16 MP APS-C sensor resolution yield more detailed, vibrant landscapes.

• Samsung, with smaller sensor and modest dynamic range, is more prone to highlight clipping and digital noise under challenging lighting.

Neither body is weather sealed; care is required outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

• Samsung’s 21x optical zoom gives an edge for distant subjects without extra lenses.

• Sony’s better AF system and faster continuous shooting favor quick capture of animals in motion, but investment in telephoto glass is necessary.

Sports Photography

• Sony A37’s phase-detection AF and faster fps deliver improved tracking and responsiveness.

• Samsung’s contrast AF and slower fps limit usefulness for fast sports.

Street Photography

• Galaxy’s smaller size and silent operation favor discretion.

• Sony’s EVF and tactile controls deliver operational advantage but with extra bulk.

Macro Photography

• Samsung’s minimum focus at 10cm supports decent close-ups.

• Sony’s lens interchangeability means true macro lenses with higher magnification are available.

Night and Astro Photography

• Sony’s superior ISO performance and ability to shoot RAW yield cleaner low-light images.

• Samsung’s lack of RAW support and higher noise at higher ISO limits astrophotography potential.

Video Capabilities

• Both capture Full HD (1080p), but Sony supports variable frame rates (60 fps) and AVCHD.

• Samsung’s touchscreen and HDMI out, plus microphone input, make it friendly for casual videographers.

Travel Photography

• Samsung’s compact size, fixed zoom, and smart features excel for light travel packs.

• Sony offers more creative freedom at a weight and cost premium.

Professional Use

• Sony’s RAW shooting, lens ecosystem, and manual controls make it usable for professional workflows.

• Samsung’s JPEG-only and limited manual AF system restrict professional adoption.

Breaking Down the Scores

• Sony generally scores higher in sensor performance, autofocus, and image quality.

• Samsung gains points on portability, zoom range, and connectivity.

For portrait, landscape, and professional use, Sony leads. In travel, casual wildlife, and street photography, Samsung’s superzoom and touchscreen make it a suitable choice.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Who should consider Samsung Galaxy Camera 2?

• You want a no-fuss, all-in-one camera with powerful zoom for travel or casual wildlife photos.

• You value touchscreen interface and integrated connectivity for easy sharing.

• Low-speed burst and casual shooting suit your style; you don’t need RAW or professional-grade image quality.

Who should choose Sony A37?

• You desire creative control with manual exposure, interchangeable lenses, and RAW shooting.

• You're shooting portraits, landscapes, sports, or low-light scenarios demanding superior image quality.

• You’re comfortable with traditional DSLR ergonomics and willing to invest in glass.

Pros and Cons Summary

Why You Can Trust This Review

Over 15 years, I’ve tested thousands of cameras across genres from street to wildlife, using standardized lab tests and months of field use. For this comparison, my assessment balances technical metrics with subjective experience, always prioritizing what photographers genuinely need in practical scenarios.

Conclusion: Align Your Purchase with Your Photography Goals

The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 remains a remarkably versatile superzoom compact with smart features ideal for travelers, casual shooters, and social media enthusiasts who want simplicity and reach.

The Sony A37 shines for entry-level DSLR users seeking better image quality, manual control, and adaptability through lenses - supporting growth into more serious photography genres.

Choosing between them boils down largely to your style and expectations: portability and zoom versus control and quality. Armed with this in-depth comparison and real-world insights, you’re better positioned to pick the camera best suited to your eye and ambitions.

Happy shooting!