Samsung ST100 vs Sony A57

Here is a in depth review of the Samsung ST100 vs Sony A57, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Samsung and Sony. The resolution of the ST100 (14MP) and the A57 (16MP) is pretty close but the ST100 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ST100 was launched 3 years earlier than the A57 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Samsung ST100 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a simple overview of how the ST100 grades against the A57 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung ST100 and Sony SLT-A57. The complete galleries are provided at Samsung ST100 Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Samsung ST100 provides outer dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 0.8") and a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Sony A57 has dimensions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") with a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Check out the Samsung ST100 vs Sony A57 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the ST100 against the A57.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the ST100 and A57 is 95 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing only by looking through specs. The graphic below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ST100 and A57.

All in all, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ST100 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony A57 will result in extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older ST100 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.