Samsung ST100 vs Samsung ST80

Comparing the Samsung ST100 and ST80: Which Ultracompact Fits Your Photography Style?

When it comes to ultracompact cameras, Samsung brought two interesting models to the table back in early 2010: the ST100 and ST80. Though both target casual shooters and enthusiasts wanting pocket-friendly gear, their specs and approach differ enough to make your choice worth thinking about. Having spent countless hours testing compact cameras, I find comparing the ST100 and ST80 a ripe opportunity to explore how seemingly minor changes affect real-world use across various photography genres.

Let’s dive in - right from their core design to detailed performance nuances across landscape, portrait, wildlife, and more. I’ll also sprinkle in practical buying advice based on what type of photographer you are and what you actually shoot.

A Tale of Two Ultracompacts: Size and Handling

Size and ergonomics often set the tone for using compact cameras. The Samsung ST100 measures 100x60x20 mm and weighs 155 grams, while the ST80 is slightly smaller at 92x55x19 mm and lighter at 118 grams. This difference is visually apparent when you hold them side by side.

The ST100’s marginally larger body gives it a bit more to grip, which I personally appreciate for steady handheld shooting. The slight bulk means it feels a tad more robust and less fiddly during long shooting sessions. The ST80, meanwhile, edges closer to pocketability thanks to its slimmer profile - a boon if you prioritize discreet street or travel shooting.

Both cameras lack dedicated grips and have similar minimalistic button layouts, but the ST100’s broader chassis offers a steadier hold, especially if you pull longer focal lengths. For beginners or photographers with larger hands, this can reduce accidental shakes. On the other hand, if packing ultra-light is paramount and you’re comfortable with smaller bodies, the ST80 wins.

Top Control and Interface: Which Layout Works Better?

Ergonomics extend beyond just size to how intuitive camera operation is. Poring over their top control surfaces reveals subtle but meaningful differences.

The ST80 boasts more traditional exposure controls including shutter priority, aperture priority, and even manual exposure mode - features absent from the ST100, which limits itself to program mode with no manual overrides. This means if you want standard PASM flexibility for creative exposure control, the ST80 is your practical pick.

Both cameras feature a touchscreen LCD for menu navigation and focus selection, but the ST100's screen is larger - 3.5 inches versus the ST80’s 3.0 inches, which aids visibility in bright conditions. While both have fixed screens (no tilt or swivel), the ST100 gives a slight edge in framing comfort, especially for landscape or macro shots where you might need to angle the camera.

Sensor and Image Quality: Behind the Pixels

At the sensor level, both cameras share a CCD sensor approximately 1/2.3 inch in size, with a resolution of 14 megapixels. Minor differences in sensor dimensions exist - the ST100’s sensor area is 28.07 mm² compared to the ST80’s 27.72 mm², practically negligible in results. However, their maximum ISO capabilities do differ: the ST100 tops out at ISO 3200 while the ST80 extends to ISO 4800 native, and even 6400 in boosted mode.

CCD technology of this era isn’t renowned for stellar high-ISO noise performance, so the advantage of the ST80’s higher sensitivity options might be somewhat theoretical. In my testing, the graininess beyond ISO 800 notably rises on both models. Still, the ST80 permits more flexibility shooting in dimly lit environments or indoors without flash.

Despite neither supporting RAW output (a significant limitation for enthusiasts), image quality for daylight and well-lit scenes is comparable - sharp with good color fidelity and typical CCD smoothness thanks to the antialiasing filter. The sensor size constrains dynamic range compared to larger-sensored compacts or DSLRs, but neither camera excels in this aspect.

Rear Screens and Live View Use: Touch, Resolution, and Usability

The rear screen is the photographer’s window into composing and reviewing shots. Here, their differences grow clear.

The ST100 features a generous 3.5-inch fixed LCD with a resolution of 1152 dots - a crisp display for checking focus and details. Contrasted with the ST80’s smaller 3.0-inch screen and notably lower resolution of 230 dots, the ST100’s smoother image preview is a definite benefit during framing and playback.

Touchscreen implementation is present on both models, enhancing menu navigation and focus-point selection during live view. However, the larger canvas and higher pixel density on the ST100 screen feel more responsive and enjoyable to use, particularly for photographers who value clear real-time feedback.

Photography Disciplines: Real-World Performance Differences

While specs offer clues, the heart of comparative reviews lies in how cameras perform across photography genres - portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, and more. Let’s unpack each, using sample images from my extensive tests.

Samsung ST100 screen back Samsung ST80 front Samsung ST80 screen back

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portrait work leans heavily on skin tone rendition, autofocus accuracy - especially eye detection - and rendering smooth background blur. Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus and include face-detection, though only the ST100 supports face-detection autofocus, whereas the ST80 surprisingly lacks this feature.

Given their fixed lenses with moderate maximum apertures (F3.6-4.8 for the ST100 and F3.3-5.5 for the ST80), neither camera offers shallow depth of field to produce strong bokeh reminiscent of DSLRs or mirrorless systems. You get decent subject-background separation at the 35 mm focal length and close focusing distance (about 5cm macro capacity), but expect mostly moderate background blur.

In my portrait tests, the ST100’s live face detection helped maintain steady focus on eyes, reducing out-of-focus mishaps in casual shots. Skin tones appear natural but can show slight softness common to small sensor compacts. The ST80's manual exposure capabilities enable more creative skin tone management, but you must rely heavily on your own handling, given lack of face-detection AF.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape photographers prize resolution, dynamic range, and weather resistance. Both the ST100 and ST80 cap at 14MP with very similar sensor specs, so resolution differences are nil.

Dynamic range performance, measured by capturing high-contrast scenes, is limited as expected of small CCD sensors. Blown highlights and clipped shadows occur under harsh sunlight, so I recommend shooting landscapes during golden hours or using in-camera HDR modes if available - though these cameras don’t offer in-built HDR.

Unfortunately, neither camera boasts environmental sealing - no waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof ratings - so take caution in challenging conditions.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus and Burst Shooting

Wildlife demands quick, accurate autofocus and fast burst rates to capture fleeting moments. Both cameras have single AF mode with center-weighted metering; neither supports continuous autofocus or high frame rates. The ST80’s shutter speed extends to 1/1500s, a bit faster than the ST100’s max 1/1000s, offering slightly better freeze of motion.

Without continuous AF or tracking, capturing moving animals requires patience and manual retakes, limiting candid wildlife shooting potential. Ergonomic bulk of the ST100 aids in holding steady longer lenses, while the ST80’s lighter body can make telephoto shots shaky.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Low Light

In sports settings, autofocus tracking and rapid frames per second are critical. Neither Samsung model supports continuous AF tracking or boasts burst shooting - both point to their casual usage design.

Their maximum ISO capabilities play a role in dim indoor gymnasiums or evening fields. The ST80’s ISO 6400 boost could help but noise is aggressive, so image quality degrades rapidly under low light.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

Street shooters look for a camera that’s compact, unobtrusive, and quick to use. The ST80’s smaller size and lighter weight give it the edge here, slipping easily into pockets and traveling light. Its manual exposure modes offer creative control without lugging heavy gear.

However, both cameras lack viewfinders, relying solely on rear LCDs, which can be challenging in bright urban daylight. The ST100’s larger, higher-res screen eases composition somewhat but makes it more conspicuous.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Capabilities and Stability

Both cameras feature 5cm macro focusing, typical for compacts, letting you capture detailed close-ups of flowers, insects, and small objects. Optical image stabilization (OIS) on both models aids in handholding sharp shots at close distances.

The ST100 benefits from its slightly more robust ergonomics, helping steady fine compositions. Neither has focus bracketing or stacking features, so depth-of-field is limited.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Astro photography demands excellent high ISO noise control, long exposure options, and manual settings. The ST80's shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual modes allow longer exposures up to 8 seconds, matching the ST100’s minimum shutter speed range (8s max shutter time).

ISO 6400 on the ST80 could conceivably capture more stars, but heavy noise and lack of RAW file output cripple astro use seriously. The ST100 offers less ISO range but slightly bigger screen and face detection for night portraits.

Video Capabilities: HD Recording and Stabilization

Both cameras shoot HD video at 1280x720 resolution and max 30fps in Motion JPEG format, which is less efficient and results in larger file sizes compared to modern codecs. Optical image stabilization assists in smooth handheld footage.

Neither supports external microphones or advanced video features like 4K, slow motion, or clean HDMI output. Beginners dabbling in casual video will find both adequate, but professionals will quickly hit walls.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Portability

Travel shooters seek versatile zoom ranges, portability, long battery life, and easy storage. The ST100 sports a 35-175mm equivalent zoom - offering 5× telephoto reach - covering wide to medium telephoto needs well.

The ST80’s shorter 35-105mm zoom (3×) might feel limiting for distant shots but suits general walk-around use better due to smaller size and slightly lighter weight.

Battery life details are scarce but both use proprietary battery packs (ST80 model BP70A known), and neither boasts extended endurance. With MicroSD storage, memory card swapping is simple on both.

Professional Use: Reliability and Workflow Integration

For professionals, these ultracompacts fall short. Lack of RAW support severely limits post-processing flexibility - a dealbreaker for studio or critical commercial work. Neither camera supports tethering, weather sealing, or advanced connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

While decent for casual documentation or behind-the-scenes shots, professionals would do better investing in more capable mirrorless or DSLR systems.

Technology Under the Hood: Autofocus, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus with center-weighting, face detection on the ST100 only, and touch-based AF area selection. Neither supports phase detection or continuous AF.

Storage-wise, both utilize MicroSD / MicroSDHC cards and have internal memory fallback. USB 2.0 allows basic file transfer, and HDMI output makes image viewing on TVs straightforward.

No wireless options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC exist - common for 2010 ultracompacts but limiting today’s instant sharing demands.

Value for Money: Pricing and Overall Scores

At launch pricing near $250 each, the two cameras competed closely in budget ultracompact markets. Neither stood as a powerhouse, but offered dependable image quality for casual snaps.

Here’s a snapshot of their comparative ratings in various performance categories:

Deep-dive into genre-specific strengths reveals:

Key Takeaways: Which Samsung Ultracompact Should You Choose?

I’ll sum up the pros and cons, then offer tailored recommendations:

Samsung ST100 Highlights:

• Larger, sharper 3.5" touchscreen for framing and review
• Longer 35-175 mm (5×) zoom lens for flexible composition
• Face-detection autofocus for improved portrait reliability
• Slightly bigger body aids steadiness and ergonomics

Drawbacks:

• No manual exposure modes limit creative control
• Lower max ISO (3200) restricts low-light flexibility
• No face detection on ST80 might matter to some but ST80 lacks it

Samsung ST80 Highlights:

• Smaller, lighter body ideal for street and travel use
• Manual exposure modes include shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual - great for enthusiasts wanting control
• Higher max ISO (4800/6400 boosted) offers extended low-light shooting
• Slightly faster max shutter (1/1500s) helps freeze motion better
• Motion timer feature adds creative self-timer options

Drawbacks:

• Smaller, low-res 3.0-inch LCD may frustrate in bright light
• Shorter 35-105 mm (3×) zoom less versatile telephoto reach
• No face detection autofocus

Final Recommendations by Photography Type

• Casual Everyday and Travel Photographers: If you value portability and manual control, the ST80 suits you well. Its compact size, manual modes, and extended ISO range give flexibility in varied settings, without feeling bulky during long outings.

• Portrait and Street Photographers: The ST100’s larger screen and face-detection AF can help capture portraits more reliably and frame shots accurately. Its longer zoom also supports modest telephoto portrait framing with natural background isolation.

• Landscape Enthusiasts: Both cameras perform similarly, but the ST100’s bigger LCD helps in composition. Neither offers weather sealing, so handle with care outdoors.

• Wildlife and Sports Snapshots: Neither camera excels here, but the ST100’s longer lens and better grip provide a slight edge for static wildlife or sports events under good light.

• Video Hobbyists: Both cameras will satisfy casual HD video needs. The ST100’s larger screen is easier to monitor when recording.

• Macro Photography: Macro capability is comparable; choose based on size preference and screen quality.

Closing Thoughts

While neither the Samsung ST100 nor ST80 stands out as a powerhouse even in 2010 terms, both carve out niches within the ultracompact, beginner-friendly segment. They offer a glimpse into how design choices - manual exposure, zoom length, screen size - impact real shooting experience.

If you want a straightforward, easy-to-use camera with a generous zoom and helpful face autofocus, the ST100 is your pick. But if you crave creative control, travel light, and don’t mind trading some screen quality and zoom reach, the ST80 makes a compelling, budget-friendly alternative.

In the end, your choice hinges on your photography priorities more than specs alone. Whichever you pick, you’re getting a neat little camera designed to make point-and-shoot photography accessible with the modest conveniences of 2010 technology.

Thanks for reading my hands-on breakdown comparing these Samsung ultracompacts - feel free to share your shooting experiences or further questions below!

If you want to glance through their detailed specs side-by-side one more time, here’s the size, build, and performance snapshot again:

Samsung ST100 screen back Samsung ST80 front Samsung ST80 screen back