From Pocket-Sized to Pro-Caliber: A Deep Dive Into the Samsung SL720 and Sony A6600

Choosing a camera feels a bit like dating these days - with so many options on the market, how do you find the one that truly “clicks” with your shooting style? Today, I’m putting two very different cameras under the microscope: the Samsung SL720, a 2009 ultracompact point-and-shoot aimed at grab-and-go convenience, and the Sony A6600, a 2019 advanced APS-C mirrorless flagship packed with professional features.

At first glance, this comparison might seem like mixing apples with Ferraris. Yet, experience has taught me that understanding these extremes helps us appreciate camera evolution and discern what really matters to different shooters. So whether you want to ditch your smartphone for casual snaps or invest in a versatile tool for serious photography, these two cameras offer fascinating lessons on technology, ergonomics, and real-world performance.

Pocket Rocket Versus Pro Powerhouse: A Tale of Two Bodies

The Samsung SL720 is a quintessential compact: tiny, sleek, and purpose-built for users prioritizing portability above all else. With dimensions of 92 x 61 x 23mm and a featherweight 168g, it slips effortlessly into a jacket pocket or purse - perfect for vacation shooters or spontaneous street photography when “looking professional” isn’t on the agenda. However, this convenience comes at the cost of user controls; the SL720 is bereft of any manual dial, only offering auto and scene modes, reflecting the era’s point-and-shoot philosophy - press the shutter, hope for the best.

Flip the coin to the Sony A6600, and you’re holding a bona fide tool for enthusiasts and pros. At 120 x 67 x 69mm and a hefty 503g (sans lens), it’s undoubtedly bigger but still compact for an APS-C mirrorless body. This size translates into a robust, weather-sealed magnesium alloy shell that withstands rough handling, dust, and drizzle - essential when shooting landscapes, wildlife, or outdoor sports. Its rangefinder style body provides a substantial thumb grip and logically placed buttons and dials for fast, intuitive operation.

Holding both side-by-side confirms the obvious but vital consideration: the SL720 is your pocketable companion; the A6600 is your trustworthy workhorse. Ergonomics and tactile feedback on the A6600 support extended shoots without fatigue - something the SL720 simply can’t match.

Sensor Showdown: The Heart of Image Quality

If a camera is a musical instrument, the sensor is the strings. The SL720 employs a modest 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring a mere 6.08 x 4.56 mm, capturing 12 megapixels. That size places it firmly in the compact category, where noise levels rise sharply beyond ISO 400 and dynamic range is limited. Given its CCD tech - a bit aging by today’s standards - it produces decent daylight snaps but with less latitude for post-processing.

In contrast, the Sony A6600 boasts a large 23.5 x 15.6 mm APS-C CMOS sensor, packing 24 megapixels. This jump in sensor real estate translates to superior image quality - richer colors, sharper details, and lower noise throughout the ISO range. Notably, this sensor’s copper wiring design allows speedy readout, benefiting autofocus and video.

Technically, the A6600’s sensor yields an overall DxOMark score of 82, with exceptional color depth (23.8 bits), dynamic range (13.4 EV), and low-light ISO performance near 1500 ISO. The SL720 hasn’t been tested by DxO but, based on equivalent compacts of its era, expect a much lower dynamic range and color fidelity. The SL720’s fixed anti-alias filter slightly softens detail, whereas the A6600 balances this with a modern sensor design optimized for crispness.

This difference profoundly affects raw file headroom and print quality. The A6600’s RAW support unlocks full creative freedom, while the SL720 shoots only JPEGs - limiting advanced post-production options.

Finding Focus: Autofocus Contrast and Capabilities

Back in 2009, contrast-detection autofocus systems like that in the SL720 were the norm in compact cameras, reliable but slow and prone to “hunting,” especially in low light or moving subjects. The SL720’s autofocus is strictly single-point and single-shot - no continuous tracking or face detection. For portraits or static scenes, it suffices, but try capturing fleeting moments or wildlife, and frustration mounts.

Fast-forward a decade, and the A6600 raises the bar dramatically. Its hybrid autofocus system combines 425 phase-detection points with contrast detection, delivering snappy, precise focus acquisition. The A6600 shines with eye detection AF for both humans and animals - an absolute game changer for portraits and wildlife that deliver tack-sharp eyes, the soul of compelling photos.

Continuous AF with subject tracking supports sports and action shooting, capturing fast movement with impressive accuracy. When I tested it on a local track day, it nailed the rider’s helmet, even at 11 frames per second burst mode - something the SL720 couldn’t even dream of.

Viewing and Composing: LCD and Viewfinder Differences

The SL720 offers a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution. Not much to write home about, but for quick framing and reviewing shots under standard lighting, it’s adequate. However, its slow refresh and narrow viewing angles make it less friendly for bright outdoor shooting. Most frustratingly, the SL720 lacks any viewfinder - optical or electronic - forcing reliance on the LCD, which can be tricky in direct sunlight.

The Sony A6600’s 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 922k dots is a breath of fresh air. It’s bright, crisp, and responsive to touch, enabling intuitive focus point selection - even selfie mode for vloggers and casual portrait shooters. Moreover, the A6600 sports a high-res electronic viewfinder (2,359k dots, 100% coverage, 0.71x magnification), invaluable for precise composition in harsh lighting and fast action. I found it indispensable during landscape shoots at dawn, when LCD glare made framing a struggle on the SL720.

Image Samples: Real-World Results and Usability

Let’s talk results. Side-by-side sample images from both cameras reveal the vast gulf in quality and versatility.

Samsung SL720 front Samsung SL720 screen back Sony A6600 front Sony A6600 screen back

The SL720 delivers punchy colors but limited dynamic range; shadows clip quickly in contrasty scenes, and fine detail blurs in foliage or texture-rich areas. Portrait skin tones are somewhat flat, and the small sensor results in noticeable noise past ISO 400.

Conversely, the A6600’s images exhibit remarkable clarity, color accuracy, and tonal gradations - from shadowed forest floors to bright skies. Skin tones appear natural with creamy bokeh, thanks to fast lenses with wide apertures (compatible with the E-mount system). The ability to shoot at ISO 6400 and beyond without unacceptable noise opens night and event photography doors that the SL720 can’t unlock.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

The Samsung SL720 and Sony A6600 cater to vastly different photographer profiles - but what does that mean in practice?

Portrait Photography:
The SL720’s lack of manual control and small sensor constrain background blur and nuanced exposure adjustments. Nevertheless, its 28-102 mm equivalent lens range (3.6x zoom) is serviceable for casual portraits. Without face or eye detection AF, getting tack-sharp eyes requires patience. The A6600, with eye AF, expansive lens options (including fast primes), and flexible exposure control, creates portraits with creamy bokeh and excellent skin tone rendering.

Landscape Photography:
Dynamic range and resolution are key here. The SL720 is limited, partly due to its sensor and lens. It also lacks weather sealing, so shooting in harsh environments is risky. The A6600’s 24 MP sensor, excellent DR, rugged build, and compatibility with ultra-wide and tilt-shift lenses make it a trusted companion for landscape work.

Wildlife Photography:
Speed and reach matter. The SL720’s slow AF and lower zoom range limit this genre. The A6600’s rapid continuous AF tracking, high burst rates, and access to long telephoto lenses enable capturing fast-moving animals in challenging light.

Sports Photography:
High fps and tracking autofocus are essential - areas where the SL720 is outclassed. The A6600’s 11 fps frame rate with continuous AF excels here, allowing crisp shots of athletes in motion.

Street Photography:
Compactness and discretion rule. The SL720’s diminutive size ironically makes it a stealthy street companion, but image quality suffers. The A6600 is larger and more noticeable but offers quick operation and superior image quality, especially in low light.

Macro Photography:
Close focusing distances and stabilization help. The SL720 offers 5cm macro but no image stabilization, which can make handheld macro shots tricky. The A6600’s in-body 5-axis stabilization and compatibility with dedicated macro lenses provide sharper close-ups and flexibility.

Night and Astro Photography:
High ISO performance and long exposures are vital. Here the A6600’s large sensor and stabilization shine, capturing cleaner images with less noise. The SL720’s maximum ISO 1600 and noisier sensor limit possibilities.

Video Capabilities:
The SL720 offers low-res standard definition video maxing at 640x480 at 30fps - adequate for basic home videos but uninspiring for serious use. The A6600 shoots 4K UHD at 30fps with high bit rates and professional codecs, supports slow motion, and features microphone and headphone jacks for audio monitoring - ideal for videographers.

Travel Photography:
For travelers balancing weight and quality, the SL720’s ultraportability comes with compromises in image quality and controls. The A6600 balances size and performance well, though some may find it bulkier for casual carry.

Professional Work:
For commercial or editorial photographers needing reliable build, flexible RAW files, and workflow integration, the A6600’s superior color science, connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), and customization make it the natural choice.

Deep Dive: Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Battery Life

The SL720’s plastic construction and lack of environmental sealing advise caution around moisture or dust. Its internal SWB-10A battery provides decent life for simple point-and-shoot use, but expect to recharge often.

The A6600 boasts robust weather resistance, magnesium alloy chassis, and a long-lasting Z-series battery rated for approximately 810 shots - a notable plus for all-day excursions. USB charging adds convenience in the field, an advantage for modern shooters.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

The SL720 is a fixed-lens camera with no interchangeable lenses - limiting creative lens options but simplifying use. It’s suitable for casual shooters who want minimal setup.

The A6600 belongs to Sony’s extensive and growing E-mount system, offering over 120 native lenses from ultra-wide angles to super-telephotos, including high-quality primes and zooms from Sony and third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron. This versatility becomes crucial as your photographic interests evolve.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Wireless connectivity is absent in the SL720, meaning image transfer requires physically removing the SD card or USB tethering.

By contrast, the A6600 includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and USB-C, enabling seamless image transfer, remote control via smartphone, and firmware updates. It integrates easily with professional workflows, tethering setups, and cloud services.

Price and Value: What Are You Really Paying For?

At launch, the SL720 retailed for approximately $120, targeting budget-conscious buyers or those upgrading from smartphones. Its best value lies in portability and ease of use - though image and feature limitations mean it’s best suited to casual snapshots.

The A6600’s price around $1,200 reflects its advanced sensor, build quality, robust autofocus, and flexibility - essentially a mini professional kit body for serious enthusiasts or indie pros. The investment pays off if you want a camera that can handle diverse shooting scenarios and grow with your skills.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

If you crave simplicity, pocketability, and occasional snapshots without fuss, the Samsung SL720 remains a reliable companion. It’s a no-frills camera for moments when carrying anything bigger isn’t feasible.

However, if your photography aspirations extend beyond mere documentation - demanding sharp detail, excellent low-light performance, fast autofocus, and creative control - the Sony A6600 is a standout performer. It offers a future-proof platform with a dynamic lens ecosystem suitable for portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, and video work alike. It’s well worth the higher price tag for those serious about their craft.

Both cameras have their place, but the gap between them underscores how rapidly camera technology and expectations have evolved. When I first switched from a compact point-and-shoot to a mirrorless body like the A6600, the difference in creative possibilities was eye-opening - and frankly, addictive.

In the world of photography, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Knowing what each tool offers and how it aligns with your vision, budget, and shooting style is paramount. Whether you opt for the trusty compact or the nimble mirrorless powerhouse, understanding their strengths and compromises helps you shoot smarter and more confidently.

Happy shooting!