Samsung ST100 vs Sony Cyber-shot TX55: A Deep Dive into Two 2010s Ultracompact Cameras

In the ever-evolving world of compact digital cameras, it’s easy to overlook models from the early 2010s. Yet, these cameras often offer valuable insights into how far technology has come - and sometimes surprise us with features that remain relevant, or at least interesting, even a decade later. Today, I’m putting two such ultracompacts head-to-head: the Samsung ST100 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55. Both cameras target enthusiasts seeking portability without sacrificing too much in image quality, but their different design philosophies and tech choices create a fascinating comparison.

Having spent extensive hours shooting and testing cameras across many decades, I’ve learned that specs on paper rarely tell the whole story. So, let's go beyond numbers and dig into how these cameras perform in real-world scenarios - across genres from portraits to landscapes, and even a bit of video - while weaving in hands-on impressions and some technical analyses. Because ultimately, deciding between them comes down to your personal photography style, workflow needs, and, of course, budget.

Enough preamble - let’s jump in.

Form Factor and Handling: Does Size Really Matter?

Both the Samsung ST100 and Sony TX55 fall into the ultracompact category, designed to slip easily into a pocket but still deliver better quality than your average smartphone camera of that era. But subtle differences in size, weight, and user interface affect day-to-day usability quite a bit.

Physically, the ST100 measures 100 x 60 x 20 mm and weighs 155 grams, while the TX55 is a sleeker 93 x 54 x 13 mm and lighter at 109 grams. Sony clearly takes the portability crown here, with a thinner, lighter body that feels more pocket-friendly, especially for travel and street photography where discretion and quick grab-and-shoot ability matter.

However, smaller doesn’t always mean better ergonomics. The Samsung's slightly chunkier profile actually gives more grip comfort - folks with larger hands may appreciate this during longer shooting sessions. The TX55, with its glassy, smoothed-down aesthetic, sacrifices some tactile buttons for style and minimalism. This could frustrate photographers who like physical control dials or more distinct button spacing.

Looking at the top control layout helps illuminate each manufacturer’s design priorities:

The ST100’s controls are straightforward: basic shutter and zoom toggles, a power button, and mode dial replacements handled largely through touchscreen inputs. The TX55 also leans heavily on touchscreen UI but throws in a few extra buttons to access movie mode and playback - useful for some, less so for others.

If I were choosing purely on feel, the Samsung’s chunkier design offers more stability in hand, but the Sony TX55 wins on portability and style-conscious users. If you tend to shoot on the go, the slimmer TX55 might be your better companion, but if you prioritize a tactile hold and buttons, Samsung takes the edge.

Imaging Hardware: The Heart of the Matter

Now, to the core of any camera: the sensor and lens duo. Both use 1/2.3" sensors measuring about 6.17 x 4.55 mm with roughly 28 mm² sensor area, quite standard for compacts of their generation. But the sensor types and resolutions differ:

• Samsung ST100: 14-megapixel CCD sensor
• Sony TX55: 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor

The difference between CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) and BSI-CMOS (Back-Side Illuminated CMOS) is crucial. CCDs were historically prized for image quality and color accuracy but tend to trail CMOS sensors in low light sensitivity and overall speed, especially back then. Sony’s newer BSI-CMOS tech improves light gathering by reversing sensor layers, yielding better noise performance and dynamic range.

In practical shooting, the TX55’s sensor produced noticeably cleaner images at ISO 400 and above compared to the Samsung, which started to show increased noise and softer details under similar conditions. Still, both cameras max out at ISO 3200 native sensitivity, which is optimistic given the small sensor size - don’t expect stellar results beyond ISO 800 without some noise.

The lens on the ST100 covers 35-175mm equivalent with an aperture range of f/3.6-4.8, while the TX55 offers a slightly wider 26-130mm at f/3.5-4.8. That extra wide-angle field on the Sony makes it more versatile, especially for landscapes and interior shots, where tight framing is a challenge.

The Rear Display: Your Window to the Image

Since neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder - a perennial ultracompact compromise - the rear LCD screen’s quality takes on added importance for composing shots.

Samsung’s ST100 features a 3.5-inch fixed LCD with a resolution of 1152 pixels. Sony’s TX55 has a slightly smaller 3.3-inch display but with higher resolution (1230 pixels) and an XtraFine OLED panel.

What difference does that make in everyday use?

The Sony’s OLED screen is like night and day in vibrancy and contrast over the Samsung’s LCD, especially in bright daylight - something I’ve come to truly appreciate during field tests. Colors pop naturally, and viewing angles remain expansive without color shift. Samsung’s screen is more prone to glare and has muted color reproduction.

Both cameras feature touchscreens, but the TX55 uses it mainly for focus and menu navigation, whereas the Samsung adds face-detection AF and touch-to-focus functions. Personally, the TX55’s responsive interface combined with OLED display really made framing and reviewing shots a pleasure.

Autofocus and Focusing Flexibility

When I test cameras, autofocus performance is a make-or-break area. Particularly for capturing fleeting moments in wildlife, street, or sports photography, you want reliable, snappy AF.

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus, standard for their class and era, but their AF implementations differ.

• Samsung ST100 autofocus offers touch focus with face detection and central AF area - decent for point-and-shoot portraits or snapshots.
• Sony TX55 adds eight extra focus points (nine total) and supports manual focus - a rarity in ultracompacts - and offers customizable white balance, which appeals to enthusiasts.

Despite lacking phase-detection, Sony’s BIONZ processor seems to elevate AF speed a notch over Samsung’s older system. During my shooting sessions, the TX55 locked focus faster on moderately lit subjects and tracked focus more steadily, though neither is stellar for high-speed action.

If you’re shooting mostly static subjects - portraits, landscapes, general travel snaps - the ST100’s AF is sufficient. But for any dynamic situation, the TX55’s quicker, more flexible focusing system better covers your bases.

Image Stabilization: Stabilizing the Experience

Both cameras boast optical image stabilization, crucial in low light and telephoto zoom shots to reduce blur from camera shake.

In real-world use, I found both systems effective at allowing one or two stops slower shutter speeds without noticeable shake, which is respectable for ultracompacts.

The Samsung stabilization especially aided macro shots taken at the 5cm minimum focusing distance - since the lens/mount combo here can be a bit fiddly. Sony’s stabilization also performed well but benefits from its wider-angle optics, making stabilization slightly less critical there.

Video Capabilities: HD on the Go

Ultracompacts are notorious for limited video functions, but Sony has often pushed the boundary here.

Samsung ST100 shoots HD video at 1280x720 (30fps) in Motion JPEG format - adequate but not ideal as MJPEG files are bulky and less efficient. The Sony TX55 steps it up with full HD 1080p at 60fps in AVCHD or MPEG-4, plus slower frame rates and more format options.

Video quality from the TX55 impresses considering the sensor’s size; smooth motion, good color, and usable detail make it a solid choice for casual videography. The ST100’s video felt more compressed and artifact-prone, with lower bitrates.

Both lack external microphone input or headphone jacks, so audio recording fidelity is constrained equally. Neither are video powerhouses but as pocketable HD shooters, Sony’s edge is clear.

Battery Life and Storage

Samsung’s documentation on battery life is sparse (typical of many earlier compact cameras), while the Sony TX55 provides an estimated 250 shots per charge - pretty average for the category.

In field use, the TX55's battery held up reasonably well for a day of moderate shooting, aided by efficient power management in its BIONZ processor. The Samsung model, while lighter-duty in features, tended to require more frequent recharging during extended sessions.

Both cameras accept MicroSD cards (Samsung also supports MicroSDHC internally, Sony adds Memory Stick Micro support), providing flexibility, though Sony’s options might entice current Sony users with existing accessories.

Genre-Specific Insights: Which Camera Matches Your Style?

Samsung ST100 screen back Sony TX55 front Sony TX55 screen back

Although these cameras aren’t destined for pro-level gigs, they can hold their own in various shooting disciplines - with caveats. Here’s how they stack up by photography type:

Portraits: Samsung’s face detection AF and touch to focus help capture skin tones well under natural light, though images tend to have softer bokeh due to limited aperture range. Sony’s sharper sensor and wider-angle lens make environmental portraits punchier, but lack of face detection limits ease of focusing on eyes.

Landscapes: Sony’s 26mm wide-angle lens and OLED screen give a clear advantage - plus slightly higher resolution benefits large prints. Neither camera offers weather sealing, so watch conditions.

Wildlife/Sports: Neither shines here - slow contrast AF, small sensor, and limited burst rates inhibit action capture. Still, Sony’s faster AF and continuous shooting mode (10fps) can catch some moments better.

Street Photography: TX55’s silent touchscreen operation and slim form appeals here more than Samsung’s chunkier feel. Low light noise control is also better on Sony.

Macro: Samsung’s 5cm minimum focusing range with optical stabilization helps capture small subjects, but Sony’s nearer 3cm macro focus is sharper and more precise.

Night/Astro: Both struggle past ISO 800, but slow shutter options on Samsung (8 sec max) offer creative possibilities. Sony maxes out at 30 sec, limiting night sky work.

Video: Sony clearly superior, with full HD 1080p 60fps and AVCHD options versus Samsung’s HD 720p MJPEG.

Travel: Sony’s smaller size, better battery life, and wider lens make it the traveler’s pick.

Professional Workflows: Neither supports RAW or extensive manual controls, limiting use beyond casual or enthusiast snapshots.

Build and Reliability

Both cameras skip environmental sealing, so neither is suitable for rugged or inclement weather use. The Samsung feels a bit more robust, but with more bulk. Build quality aligns with expectations in this segment: plastic mid-grade construction, no weatherproofing. Sony’s glassy finish looks stylish but demands care to avoid scratches.

Connectivity and Extras

Sony’s Eye-Fi compatibility introduces some wireless transfer options (with the correct cards), whereas Samsung offers none. HDMI output is standard on both. Neither offers Bluetooth or NFC, as connectivity tech was limited then.

Summarizing the Scores: Raw Numbers versus Real Use

Looking at overall metrics, neither camera scores high by today’s standards but within their class:

• Sony TX55 flexes ahead in imaging quality, video, and AF speed.
• Samsung ST100 holds ground in handling and stabilized macro.

Final Thoughts and Who Should Buy Which?

To wrap this detailed comparison, here’s the gist:

Buy the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55 if:

• You want the smallest, lightest ultracompact for travel or street photography.
• Video quality and resolution matter.
• You prioritize wider-angle shots and faster autofocus.
• OLED screen vibrancy is a must-have.
• You want modest manual focus control options in a compact.

Consider the Samsung ST100 if:

• You prefer a slightly larger camera with better grip and tactile feel.
• Macro photography interests you (close focusing at 5cm with stabilization).
• Face detection autofocus for portraits appeals.
• You don’t mind lower video specs and slower AF for casual shooting.
• Budget constraints favor a model now commonly cheaper.

Both cameras highlight the compromises endemic in early 2010s ultracompacts, balancing size, image quality, and functionality. If you’re hunting a pocket camera for nostalgic or budget reasons, Sony’s TX55 delivers a better all-around experience. But Samsung’s ST100 still has its fans for straightforward, user-friendly snapshots with macro perks.

I hope this deep dive helps those weighing legacy options or seeking perspective on ultracompact designs from this era. As always, test your own samples - sometimes your style trumps specs. And remember: the best camera is the one you enjoy using.

Happy shooting!

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