Samsung SL102 vs Sony HX9V: A Veteran’s Take on Two Compact Cameras with Very Different Flavors

When sifting through the crowded field of compact digital cameras, it’s tempting to toss all small sensor compacts into the same bucket and wave them off as “point-and-shoots.” Yet even within this category, the differences in design philosophy, technology, and target user can be stark. Today, I’m pitting two cameras from the recent past against each other: the 2009 Samsung SL102 and the 2011 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V. While both sit in the compact realm, they aim for very different user experiences and photographic ambitions.

In this comprehensive, hands-on comparison, I’ll break down everything from sensor tech and ergonomics to autofocus performance and suitability across genres like portraiture, landscape, and wildlife - all based on my years testing hundreds of cameras through exhaustive protocols. Whether you’re a beginner eyeing a capable travel companion or a photography buff looking for a nimble backup, you’ll find real-world insights here to guide your next purchase.

So, buckle up - and yes, we’ll be diving deep, but I promise not to drown you in noise. Let’s start by sizing them up - literally.

The First Impression: Size, Build, and Handling

If the Samsung SL102 and Sony HX9V were people, SL102 would be the sleek minimalist, HX9V the tech-savvy multitasker.

The SL102 is petite and light at just 116 grams, measuring a trim 90 x 59 x 22 mm. In contrast, the HX9V is bulkier - not unwieldy but noticeably heftier at 245 grams and 105 x 59 x 34 mm. That extra bulk houses a longer zoom lens, a bigger battery, and a more advanced LCD.

Holding them side by side, the SL102 feels like a slim wallet you could stash in a jacket pocket - perfect for casual outings or a minimalist’s camera bag. The HX9V demands more space but rewards you with a firmer grip and a more robust body.

Looking at the top panels reveals their design priorities:

The SL102 keeps things simple - a minimal array of buttons and a small shutter release, emphasizing snap-and-go ease. No manual dials or exposure controls here.

The HX9V, bless its tech-forward heart, squeezes in more buttons and a mode dial. This camera hints at greater creative control beneath its compact facade. Its rear panel’s larger, brighter 3-inch LCD with 921k dots (compared to SL102’s 2.5-inch 230k fixed screen) feels indulgent - and it really helps in composing shots under varying light.

In the hand, the HX9V feels like a premium compact - solid but manageable, with good button placement for quick adjustments. The SL102 is lighter but the ultra-slim body sometimes makes steady holding a challenge, especially if you’re zooming in.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: More Than Megapixels

Specs on paper tell part of the story, so let’s roll up our sleeves and talk sensors and image quality.

Both cameras utilize 1/2.3-inch sensors - small by APS-C or full-frame standards - but the difference lies in sensor type, resolution, and image processing.

• Samsung SL102: 10MP CCD sensor with maximum ISO 1600 (native range 80-1600).
• Sony HX9V: 16MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor (BSI-CMOS) with max native ISO 3200 (range 100-3200).

The BSI technology on the HX9V sensor is a significant step forward - it improves light-gathering efficiency, especially in low-light, reducing noise compared to older CCD tech in the SL102.

Looking at sensor sizes comparatively:

The differences in resolution and sensor design give the Sony a clear edge in detail rendition, dynamic range, and low-light performance - critical factors for enthusiast photographers.

From my controlled lab testing (shooting test charts at varied ISOs and lighting setups), the HX9V renders finer detail and smoother gradients, with more effective noise reduction at higher ISOs. The SL102’s images are acceptably sharp at base ISO but begin to suffer from noise and softness above ISO 400.

Color reproduction wise, both cameras have their quirks: the SL102 leans toward warmer, more saturated tones, which might flatter skin tones or casual snapshots, while the HX9V produces more neutral, accurate colors suitable for post-processing.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Chasing the Moment

Autofocus often makes or breaks the shooting experience, especially for movement-heavy genres.

• SL102 AF system: Contrast-detection only, single autofocus with center-weighted AF point and face detection; no continuous AF or tracking.
• HX9V AF system: Contrast detection with 9 focus points; no face detection; no continuous AF tracking but modestly faster single AF.

While neither camera would win an AF race against modern mirrorless or DSLR beasts, the HX9V has the clear advantage in responsiveness. Its autofocus acquires subjects quicker and locks more accurately in most conditions.

The SL102’s slower AF hunting becomes palpable when shooting spontaneous moments or in lower light - expect a bit of patience, or missed shots. The Sony’s BIONZ processor and more sophisticated focus algorithms handle low contrast or dim scenes better.

Continuous shooting fits into this discussion as well - the Sony offers 10fps burst shooting, impressive for a compact, while the SL102 lacks any continuous mode. For action or wildlife, that’s a huge advantage to Sony.

Lens and Zoom: Fixed but Versatile

Both cameras have fixed lenses, but their focal ranges are worlds apart - literally:

• SL102: 35-105mm equivalent (3x optical zoom), max aperture unspecified.
• HX9V: 24-384mm equivalent (16x optical zoom), aperture f/3.3 to f/5.9.

That’s a massive zoom advantage for the Sony, which covers wide-angle landscapes and distant wildlife with equal aplomb. The Samsung is limited to standard portrait and mid-telephoto ranges.

The HX9V’s wide-angle 24mm start is well-suited for sweeping landscapes and cramped interiors - an edge for travel and street photographers. The Samsung’s 35mm start is less forgiving in tight spaces.

Image stabilization is key when pushing telephoto lengths. The Sony has optical image stabilization (OIS), crucial for steady handheld shots at the long end. The SL102 has no image stabilization to help with shake, necessitating faster shutter speeds or tripods.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Detection

Portraiture requires more than megapixels and zoom - subtle skin tone rendering, bokeh quality, and usable focus modes come into play.

The SL102 comes with face detection and a native center-weighted AF point. The Sony lacks face detection but offers multiple AF points and manual focus for finesse.

In practical shooting, the SL102’s CCD sensor tends to produce warmer skin tones that can feel flattering straight out of the camera - a plus for casual portraits. The HX9V’s neutral tone shines when accurate color is needed, with more options for tweaking after capture.

Depth of field in compacts is generally deep due to sensor size and lens aperture, so neither camera creates creamy bokeh easily. Still, the HX9V’s longer zoom and manual focus option allow isolation of subjects better, especially at 384mm, where background blur can be more pronounced.

On eye detection and advanced AF features, neither model supports them - this underscores the cameras’ vintage status compared to today’s AI-enhanced compacts.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Good landscapes benefit from high resolution and wide dynamic range.

The Sony’s 16MP sensor packs more detail, and its neutral colors better preserve subtle hues in skies and foliage. Its 24mm wide angle is important here - the SL102’s 35mm start is less versatile for expansive vistas.

Dynamic range is limited in small sensors, but the HX9V’s BSI-CMOS pushes that envelope better than the Samsung CCD sensor, capturing more shadow and highlight detail before clipping.

Neither camera has weather sealing, which limits rugged outdoor use. As neither is splash-proof or dust-resistant, landscape shooters venturing into harsh environments should consider protective measures.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Speed and Tracking

For wildlife or sports, key attributes include fast autofocus, burst shooting, and telephoto reach.

Sony HX9V’s 16x zoom and 10fps burst give it a chance chasing distant or fast subjects. The SL102’s 3x zoom and lack of burst mode mean less versatility.

AF tracking is absent in both, but the Sony’s array of AF points and quicker lock serve it well for more responsive shooting, even if you’ll still need practice and patience.

Hence, the HX9V stands out for casual wildlife or sports shots; the SL102 is best for static or posed subjects.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

Street photography thrives on stealth, speed, and light weight.

Samsung’s tiny size and light heft win points here - you barely notice it in the pocket. The Sony, though compact, is bulkier and more conspicuous, especially with the long zoom nose.

SL102’s slower AF and limited zoom make it more suited to ambient portraits or spontaneous street documentation without fuss or fanfare.

The Sony’s low-light ability and wider angle may tempt street shooters who prioritize image quality over stealth.

Macro Photography: Close Focus and Precision

For close-up work, minimum focusing distance and magnification matter.

Samsung offers macro shooting at 10cm, enabling some close detail work, while the Sony’s macro range is unspecified but usually standard for compacts (roughly 5-10cm).

Neither camera supports focus bracketing or stacking - advanced macro work is limited. The Sony’s manual focus may help dial in sharpness on frantic little subjects.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Long Exposures

Low-light and night photography push cameras’ sensor and exposure capabilities.

Sony HX9V reaches ISO 3200, doubles Samsung’s max, and offers slower shutter speeds up to 1600 (vs SL102’s 1500), advantageous for handheld night shots and star trails.

Neither offers bulb mode or in-camera astro features, so astrophotographers will find themselves limited - but the HX9V’s wider aperture at wide end and higher ISO can capture more stars without noise.

Video Abilities: Resolution and Formats

The Samsung SL102 produces VGA (640x480) video at 30fps in Motion JPEG format - basic by today’s or even 2011 standards.

The Sony HX9V records full HD 1080p at 60fps in AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, a significant leap in quality and flexibility. It also supports HDMI output for monitoring.

Neither has microphone or headphone ports - serious videographers will want to look elsewhere.

Travel Photography: Battery, Versatility, and Storage

For travelers, battery life (unfortunately unspecified in both), compactness, zoom range, and storage type matter.

The HX9V’s extensive zoom, GPS tagging, and multiple card format compatibility (SD, Memory Stick) suit travel well, despite the heavier body.

The SL102, given its slim size and simpler operation, fits in ultra-light travel kits but at the expense of zoom and features.

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow Integration

Neither camera targets professionals. No RAW support limits post-processing flexibility; basic connectivity and storage options constrain workflows.

However, the Sony’s manual controls and higher image quality make it a more feasible backup option in controlled scenarios.

Overall Performance Summary and Scores

Collating technical data and practical testing results:

Here, the Sony HX9V generally outperforms in image quality, autofocus, zoom versatility, and video, while Samsung SL102 shines in ultra-compact simplicity.

Looking at genre-specific performances:

Real-World Gallery: Images from Both Cameras

To visualize these differences, here are sample shots from both cameras under various conditions - from portraits to wide landscapes.

Samsung SL102 front Samsung SL102 screen back Sony HX9V front Sony HX9V screen back

Notice the increased detail and better exposure latitude from Sony images, alongside the snappy color tones and straightforward rendering from the Samsung.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Samsung SL102 if…

• You want an ultra-compact, pocketable point-and-shoot.
• Casual snapshot photography is your thing, especially in good lighting.
• You prefer straightforward operation without fuss or manual controls.
• Budget constraints are tight (~$130 street price).
• You don’t need advanced zoom, video, or ruggedness.

Opt for the Sony HX9V if…

• You want a flexible compact with a powerful 16x zoom covering wide to telephoto.
• Better image quality (more megapixels, cleaner low-light shots) matters.
• You appreciate manual focus and exposure options.
• You desire Full HD video recording and HDMI connectivity.
• You require GPS for travel journaling.
• You’re willing to trade pocketability for versatility and performance (~$330 street price).

Closing Note: Compact Cameras on the Cusp

Both the Samsung SL102 and Sony HX9V illustrate the evolution of compact cameras before smartphones ate their lunch. The SL102’s simplicity and size still hold appeal to snapshooters, while the HX9V foreshadowed the more capable travel compacts we see even now.

If your photographic journey or budget allows, the Sony HX9V is the more versatile and capable tool. But if you crave simplicity and a no-fuss shooter to capture moments with zero ceremony - well, the SL102 quietly does that.

Whichever you pick, remember: no camera replaces light, composition, and timing - but having the right gear sure helps capture the magic when it strikes.

Happy shooting!