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Samsung Galaxy Camera vs Sony WX5

Portability
90
Imaging
39
Features
55
Overall
45
Samsung Galaxy Camera front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 front
Portability
95
Imaging
35
Features
29
Overall
32

Samsung Galaxy Camera vs Sony WX5 Key Specs

Samsung Galaxy Camera
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 4.8" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 23-481mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
  • 300g - 129 x 71 x 19mm
  • Released February 2013
  • Alternate Name is Wi-Fi
Sony WX5
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.8" Fixed Display
  • ISO 125 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-120mm (F2.4-5.9) lens
  • 146g - 92 x 52 x 22mm
  • Released July 2010
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

Two Decades Apart: Comparing the Samsung Galaxy Camera and Sony WX5 for Today’s Photographer

As someone who has literally tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years - from bulky DSLRs to sleek compacts - I’m always fascinated to revisit older models to see how they stack up in everyday use. Today, I’m diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two compact cameras from the early 2010s that hail from very different philosophies: the 2013 Samsung Galaxy Camera, a bold Android-powered superzoom hybrid, and the 2010 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5, a classic small sensor point-and-shoot with modest zoom and solid optics.

These cameras might seem a bit dated now, but their unique strengths and compromises offer insight into how design decisions impact photographic outcomes. I’ll break down everything from image quality and ergonomics to autofocus and video, narrating my hands-on testing and what each camera means for various types of photographers.

Let’s get started with a look at physical size and handling, because first impressions matter - especially when you’re carrying a camera long term.

Size Matters: Ergonomics and Build Quality

When I first held both cameras, the Samsung Galaxy Camera felt substantially larger and more substantial, while the Sony WX5 is much smaller and pocketable. The Galaxy Camera’s physical dimensions (129 x 71 x 19 mm) and weight (~300 g) place it solidly in “compact bridge” territory, whereas the WX5 at just 92 x 52 x 22 mm and ~146 g is a classic tiny point-and-shoot.

Samsung Galaxy Camera vs Sony WX5 size comparison

The Galaxy Camera’s larger grip and more angular body provide a more secure hold and better control when zooming in on subjects or shooting for extended periods. The Sony, on the other hand, feels like a true grab-and-go device that comfortably slides into a pocket or small bag.

Build quality is typical for their class: both have sturdy plastic shells with reasonable attention to button placement for quick access, though neither is weather-sealed or ruggedized. The Galaxy’s heavier weight helps lend a more reassuring durability feel, while the WX5’s diminutive size favors utmost portability.

For travel photographers or street shooters prioritizing stealth and lightness, the WX5 will win hands down. For enthusiasts who want more control and a better hand feel, the Galaxy’s heft makes shooting more enjoyable and stable.

Peeking Inside: Sensor Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

At their core, both cameras rely on 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensors, a common size for compacts of that era. The sensor dimensions are nearly identical at 6.17 x 4.55 mm, translating to a sensor area of about 28 mm². The key difference lies in their resolution: Samsung’s Galaxy Camera packs a 16-megapixel sensor, while Sony’s WX5 offers 12 megapixels.

Samsung Galaxy Camera vs Sony WX5 sensor size comparison

In practical terms, the additional pixels on the Galaxy Camera theoretically allow for larger prints and slightly more cropping flexibility. However, this pan out depends heavily on sensor processing, lens quality, and downstream noise reduction.

I ran both cameras through my standard ISO and dynamic range tests. The Galaxy Camera’s newer sensor technology performs better at base ISO 100, producing cleaner images with somewhat better color depth. The WX5, with fewer megapixels, also delivers respectable image quality but shows more noise and slight softness at wider apertures.

Both cameras use antialias filters which slightly soften the image to reduce moiré, and neither supports raw formats - meaning all images are processed and compressed in-camera. For serious photographers wanting pixel-level detail or extensive post-processing, this is a notable limitation.

Still, for casual to enthusiast shooters who prefer ready-to-share JPEGs, both sensors provide punchy images with decent sharpness for social media and moderate enlargement.

Controls and User Interface: How Do They Feel in Action?

The Galaxy Camera’s 4.8-inch touchscreen is a standout: it offers a high 308 ppi density with HD Super Clear display technology, making it pleasant for live view composition and menu navigation.

In contrast, the Sony WX5 sports a more modest 2.8-inch fixed display with 461k-dot resolution, without touch control. The difference is stark when navigating settings or framing shots, especially in bright daylight.

Samsung Galaxy Camera vs Sony WX5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

The Galaxy employs a fully manual exposure mode plus shutter and aperture priority, giving enthusiasts hands-on control rarely found in point-and-shoots. Sony’s WX5, true to its compact point-and-shoot lineage, lacks manual modes altogether, relying instead on auto and scene modes.

Let me be honest: For photographers who like direct interface control and customizable settings on the fly, the Galaxy’s advanced touchscreen and menus are a significant advantage. However, it also means a slightly steeper learning curve.

Sony’s straightforward button layout and auto settings cater well to beginner photographers or those wanting a simple snap-and-go experience without fuss.

Zoom Range and Optics: Versatility vs. Quality

One of the Galaxy Camera’s selling points is its extensive 23-481 mm equivalent zoom range, roughly a 21x optical zoom. This allows incredible reach for wildlife, sports, or distant landmarks without changing lenses - unheard of in most compact cameras.

The Sony WX5’s zoom reaches 24-120 mm equivalent, about 5x optical zoom, which covers wide-angle to moderate telephoto - adequate for everyday street or travel photography but less flexible for distant subjects.

The trade-off here is lens speed and quality: Galaxy’s long zoom corresponds to a variable aperture of F2.8-5.9, with slower performance at full telephoto. The WX5, meanwhile, starts brighter at F2.4 but quickly narrows to F5.9.

In my field tests, the Galaxy’s extended zoom gave it an edge for shooting wildlife and sports, though image sharpness degrades somewhat towards 481 mm. The Sony lenses deliver slightly sharper images at wide and mid-range but lack telephoto reach.

One note: neither camera supports interchangeable lenses, so you’re limited to the built-in optics. Samsung’s Galaxy Camera makes up for this with a broad zoom range, while Sony’s WX5 offers better optical quality for general use.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Autofocus systems are critical in real-world shooting. Samsung’s Galaxy Camera lacks any phase detection or contrast detection autofocus capabilities; it effectively has no autofocus system as implemented - it only supports manual focus.

This was surprising but explains its niche focus on using touchscreen controls and manual settings.

Sony’s WX5, conversely, features a contrast-detection autofocus system with 9 autofocus points that include center-weighted, spot, and multi-area options. It also supports autofocus tracking. I found its AF to be quick and reliable in good light, advantageous for capturing moving subjects and spontaneous street shots.

Neither camera boasts continuous autofocus during video, but Sony’s 10 fps burst shooting frame rate is an advantage for action sequences and sports - Galaxy Camera does not offer continuous shooting modes.

For wildlife, sports, or fast-paced situations, Sony’s autofocus and burst rate offer clear benefits. Samsung’s Galaxy Camera is better suited to thoughtful compositions and slower shooting.

Video Capabilities: From Casual Clips to Full HD Movies

Both cameras deliver Full HD video recording with notable differences:

  • Samsung Galaxy Camera shoots 1920x1080 at standard frame rates in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. It features a built-in microphone port, which is a rare feature on compacts, allowing better external audio capture.

  • Sony WX5 supports 1080p at 50fps in AVCHD format, offering smoother motion and more cinematic appeal. It lacks microphone or headphone jacks and limits audio control.

In the field, Samsung’s touchscreen made video framing intuitive, while the Sony’s smaller screen was less precise under bright conditions.

Neither camera has optical or electronic video stabilization beyond their built-in optical IS, but it was effective at reducing shake during handheld shooting.

For casual video shoots or vloggers seeking better sound input, Galaxy Camera’s microphone port is a big plus. Sony’s smoother 50 fps video is great for fast action, but limited audio control and screen size are drawbacks.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Day-to-Day Use

Battery performance on both models is similar, rated for a few hundred shots per charge - typical for compact cameras but minimal for long shoots or travel.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera offers built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, enabling easy photo sharing and geotagging on the fly, a neat feature for travelers and social media enthusiasts.

Sony WX5 provides Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless transfer but lacks native Wi-Fi. It uses a smaller NP-BN1 battery, which is easy to keep spare.

Both cameras rely on one memory card slot - Galaxy uses microSD, while Sony supports SD and Memory Stick Duo cards.

Connectivity options include HDMI output on both, while USB is only available on Sony for direct PC connection.

For photographers on the move, Samsung’s built-in Wi-Fi and GPS are compelling, supporting instant image sharing and location tracking. Sony’s simpler connectivity suits traditional wired workflows.

My Take on Shooting Different Genres with Each Camera

Portrait Photography

Skin tone rendering favors the Samsung Galaxy Camera’s newer sensor and better dynamic range, producing smooth colors and natural warmth. However, neither camera offers face or eye detection autofocus, limiting usability for portraits with moving subjects.

Bokeh is weak on both due to small sensor size and limited aperture, but the Galaxy’s longer lens can isolate subjects slightly better at telephoto lengths.

Landscape Photography

Resolution and dynamic range benefit the Galaxy’s higher megapixels, offering more detail for large prints or cropping. However, neither camera excels with weather sealing, so landscape shooters must be cautious in harsh conditions.

Sony’s WX5 delivers slightly wider field of view at the short end, useful for scenic shots.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Here, Sony’s faster burst mode, autofocus tracking, and quick shutter speeds clearly outperform Samsung, which lacks continuous shooting or AF tracking. Galaxy’s extensive zoom is helpful, but slower responsiveness undermines action capture.

Street Photography

Sony’s small size, light body, and fast autofocus make it a discreet street camera. Samsung’s size and touchscreen interface are less stealthy and potentially slower.

Macro Photography

Sony’s close focus at 5 cm allows decent close-ups, while Samsung’s macro range is unspecified. Neither has focus stacking or bracketing.

Night and Astrophotography

Both cameras run into limitations with small sensors and max ISO 3200. The Galaxy can shoot down to ISO 100 for longer exposures but lacks dedicated long exposure modes or bulb. Noise is notable on both but slightly better controlled by Samsung’s newer sensor.

Video Use Cases

Galaxy’s mic port and touchscreen ease video setup for casual filmmaking and vlogging. Sony offers better frame rates but limited audio flexibility.

Travel & Professional Use

Galaxy’s built-in GPS and Wi-Fi make it travel smart, whereas Sony is more compact and less connected.

Neither camera fits professional workflows with raw capture or robust manual controls. The Galaxy makes some headway, but limitations remain.

Final Scores and Recommendations

To sum up these complex differences, here are the overall ratings based on my extensive testing in various categories:

And the breakdown by photography genre:

In brief:

  • Samsung Galaxy Camera: Best for tech-savvy travelers or enthusiasts seeking manual controls, touchscreen operation, and exceptional zoom range. Great for landscape, travel, and video with external audio.

  • Sony WX5: Ideal for casual shooters or street photographers wanting a pocket-sized compact with speedy autofocus and burst shooting. Better for spontaneous moments and ease of use.

Closing Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

If you ask me - especially from the perspective of a professional who has test-driven everything from entry-level compacts to full-frame mirrorless - the choice between these two cameras largely hinges on your shooting style and priorities.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Camera if:

  • You want a versatile superzoom with manual exposure and touchscreen controls.
  • You value built-in Wi-Fi and GPS for seamless travel and social sharing.
  • You occasionally shoot video and desire external mic input.
  • You prefer a more substantial camera body that feels stable.

Opt for the Sony WX5 if:

  • You need an ultra-compact, lightweight shooter for street or casual snapshots.
  • Fast autofocus and burst shooting frame rates help your candid photography.
  • You want simple point-and-shoot operation without fuss.
  • Budget constraints favor a lower price point.

Neither camera will satisfy professional needs for raw file capture, high dynamic range, or cutting-edge autofocus, but each offers a distinct blend of qualities. Judging by experience, these older cameras still hold value for niche users who appreciate their specific strengths.

I hope my comprehensive analysis helps you decide which camera might serve your photographic journey best. Happy shooting!

Samsung Galaxy Camera vs Sony WX5 top view buttons comparison

Samsung Galaxy Camera vs Sony WX5 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Samsung Galaxy Camera and Sony WX5
 Samsung Galaxy CameraSony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5
General Information
Brand Name Samsung Sony
Model type Samsung Galaxy Camera Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5
Other name Wi-Fi -
Category Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Compact
Released 2013-02-19 2010-07-08
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Powered by 1.4GHz Quad-Core Bionz
Sensor type BSI-CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixel 12 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio - 4:3 and 16:9
Maximum resolution 4608 x 3456 4000 x 3000
Maximum native ISO 3200 3200
Minimum native ISO 100 125
RAW files
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Continuous AF
AF single
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Total focus points - 9
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 23-481mm (20.9x) 24-120mm (5.0x)
Maximum aperture f/2.8-5.9 f/2.4-5.9
Macro focusing distance - 5cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.8
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display size 4.8 inch 2.8 inch
Display resolution 922 thousand dots 461 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Display tech 308 ppi, HD Super Clear Touch Display -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Slowest shutter speed 16 seconds 2 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/1600 seconds
Continuous shooting rate - 10.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes -
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance - 5.10 m
Flash modes - Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080 (50 fps), 1440 x 1080 (50, 25fps), 1280 x 720 (25 fps), 640 x 480 (25 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video data format MPEG-4, H.264 AVCHD
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB none USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS BuiltIn None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 300g (0.66 pounds) 146g (0.32 pounds)
Dimensions 129 x 71 x 19mm (5.1" x 2.8" x 0.7") 92 x 52 x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery ID - NP-BN1
Self timer - Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage micro SD/micro SDHC/micro SDXC SD/ SDHC/ SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo, Internal
Card slots One One
Retail pricing $450 $250