Samsung ST150F vs Sony Cyber-shot TX200V: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When it comes to compact cameras, the balance between portability, image quality, and feature set is crucial. Today we’re putting two interesting contenders head to head: the 2013 Samsung ST150F and the 2012 Sony Cyber-shot TX200V. Both are aimed at casual shooters who want more than a smartphone snapshot but prefer simplicity over bulk. Yet, subtle specs and real-world performance nuances make all the difference in picking the best fit for your creative journey.

Having extensively tested these models across disciplines - portrait, landscape, wildlife, macro, night, and video - we share deep insights on how each performs in practice and the technical underpinnings behind the results.

Design and Handling: Ergonomics at a Glance

Portability is king for travel, street photography, and even family events. Samsung’s ST150F is a compact with a mildly chunky profile (94 x 58 x 18 mm) and lightweight at 114 g. Sony’s TX200V is a slimmer ultracompact at 96 x 58 x 16 mm and 129 g - slightly denser but sleeker and pocket-friendlier.

Both cameras forego optical viewfinders, relying on LCD screens for composition. The Samsung’s 3-inch QVGA TFT LCD packs 230k dots, while the Sony upgrades you to a 3.3-inch, super-sharp 1.23M dot XtraFine TruBlack OLED screen with touchscreen capabilities, lending an edge in clarity and ease of control.

Samsung opts for a traditional button setup, while Sony enhances user experience with a touch interface that lets you quickly tap to focus or navigate menus. This design difference influences day-to-day handling significantly: Sony’s touch controls feel modern and intuitive; Samsung’s physical buttons afford more tactile feedback but less responsiveness when speed is needed.

The tactile layout is compact in both, but the Sony’s top plate includes more versatile control dials, aiding faster setting changes, which we appreciated during action and street shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: Practical Resolution and ISO Performance

Both cameras pack a 1/2.3-inch sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, translating to an area of 28.07 mm². This is typical for compact cameras but inherently limits low-light ability and dynamic range compared to larger sensors.

Sony’s backside-illuminated CMOS sensor generally delivers cleaner images at higher ISO settings with less noise and better low-light sensitivity. This boosts your chances of usable shots indoors or at dusk without resorting to flash. The Sony’s higher mega-pixel count and native ISO range (64-12800) also contribute to marginally sharper and more detailed images.

The Samsung relies on a CCD sensor, which can offer pleasant color rendition but tends to be more noise-prone beyond ISO 800 in our testing. Both cameras apply built-in noise reduction algorithms that soften images somewhat at the higher ISO tiers.

When shooting landscapes or portraits, detail retention at base ISO is comparable, but Sony pulls ahead in shadow detail preservation and highlights retention - making it more suitable for high contrast scenes.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Face Detection

Autofocus determines how effortlessly you can capture fleeting moments or nail tack-sharp portraits. Samsung’s ST150F has contrast detection AF with face detection, a hallmark for casual use with no manual focus option. Sony’s TX200V also uses contrast detection but adds a 9-point AF system with face detection and touch AF capabilities.

In practical terms:

• Samsung ST150F: Reliable AF in bright conditions but slower lock times and hunting indoors or with low contrast. Limited continuous AF means slower focus transitions in motion photography.
• Sony TX200V: Faster and more accurate autofocus due to multiple focus points. Touch AF lets you select focus swiftly on a subject in the frame. It handles indoor and dim environments better.

Neither camera offers phase detection AF or eye/animal AF technologies found in more advanced models, but the Sony’s autofocus system proved noticeably more responsive during street and family action shooting in our hands-on tests.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: Wide To Telephoto

Lens focal length and aperture define framing flexibility and creative depth-of-field control.

Samsung’s lens starts wider at 25 mm (equivalent) with a bright f/2.5 max aperture at the wide end, lending itself better to indoor or low-light wide-angle shots and portraiture. However, the aperture quickly narrows to f/6.3 at telephoto, limiting shallow depth-of-field and low-light reach there.

Sony’s lens ranges a bit narrower at 28 mm but extends further to 140 mm, giving a tad more telephoto reach. Coupled with optical image stabilization, this lets you get smoother handheld shots at longer focal lengths and in dimmer conditions without increasing ISO excessively. Plus, Sony’s macro mode enabling focusing as close as 3 cm is a boon for close-up enthusiasts. Samsung lacks dedicated macro mode or stabilization altogether, often resulting in blurred macro shots or increased ISO noise if you handhold.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera boasts professional-grade weather sealing, but Sony’s TX200V does claim modest environmental sealing – offering some resistance to moisture and dust, which can be helpful for travel and outdoor use. Samsung’s ST150F offers none of these protections and feels more plasticky overall.

For everyday casual shooting, both are durable enough if you exercise basic care. But if you expect rugged use, splashy environments, or dusty trails, Sony is the safer bet.

Screen and Viewfinder: Composition Tools

Samsung’s 3” QVGA TFT LCD with 230k dots is serviceable but visibly less sharp, especially outdoors. Sony’s XtraFine TruBlack OLED with 1.23 million dots produces vibrant colors and deep blacks, ensuring you see your composition accurately. The addition of touchscreen in the Sony makes AF selection, image review, and menu navigation more intuitive.

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, so relying on the LCD can be tricky in bright sunlight, but Sony’s OLED shines brighter.

If you shoot mostly outdoors or want faster focusing by tapping the screen, Sony clearly offers more refined controls and viewing comfort.

Continuous Shooting and Video Capabilities

Burst shooting and video quality matter if you want to capture fast-paced action or memories on the move.

Samsung delivers basic HD video capped at 720p and 30 fps, which is fine for casual clips but lacks the smoothness and detail of 1080p video. Sony pulls ahead here with Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, giving you smoother motion capture and a more professional video look. Additionally, Sony’s built-in optical stabilization greatly assists handheld video, reducing shakes and jitters.

Neither model includes microphone input or headphone output, limiting audio capture quality for serious videography, but Sony’s more advanced codec options and 60 fps frame rate offer greater creative flexibility for casual video creators or vloggers on the go.

The Sony’s 10 fps burst mode is also impressive for its class and useful to capture decisive moments in sports and wildlife photography, whereas Samsung does not specify a continuous shooting speed, putting it at a disadvantage there.

Battery Life and Storage

Regardless of camera performance, battery endurance and memory compatibility influence your shooting day length and convenience.

• Samsung ST150F: Battery life is unspecified, which raises concerns for extended shooting. Storage is limited to microSD cards (microSD/SDHC/SDXC), which are widely available and inexpensive.
• Sony TX200V: Rated battery life is about 220 shots per charge, typical for compacts but may need carrying spares for full-day outings. Storage uses Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards, which are less common - and more expensive - though Sony cameras often support SD cards as well (worth verifying).

If long battery life and flexible, affordable storage are priorities for you, the Samsung’s unspecified battery rating leaves uncertainty, and microSD card compatibility is more convenient.

Connectivity and Extras

Wireless connectivity sets these cameras apart in utility terms.

• Samsung includes built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), facilitating easy image transfer to phones or PCs. This adds modern convenience for quick sharing and backup without removing cards.
• Sony offers no wireless connectivity but compensates with built-in GPS, tagging your photos automatically with location data. This feature is handy for travel photographers or anyone who catalogs shots by geography.

Neither camera supports Bluetooth or NFC. Sony provides HDMI output for easy playback on HDTVs, which Samsung lacks.

Price and Value Comparison

Pricewise, the Samsung ST150F launched at approximately $300, while the Sony TX200V was positioned around $500 originally. Today, among used or clearance markets, this difference remains a key consideration.

Analyzing price to performance:

How Do They Perform in Real-World Photography?

We tested both cameras extensively across popular photography genres to uncover their strengths and limits on the ground. Below is a summary of results accompanied by a genre-specific score chart.

Portrait Photography

• Samsung ST150F: The bright f/2.5 aperture at the wide end gives pleasant background separation indoors, but the lack of image stabilization and lower ISO performance sometimes blur detail, especially in low light. Face detection is basic but reliable in good lighting.
• Sony TX200V: Despite narrower max aperture (f/3.5), stabilized sensor and better AF accuracy yields sharper portraits with richer skin tones and subtle highlight retention. Touch AF lets you choose precise focus on the eye area, improving sharpness where it matters.

Winner: Sony TX200V for portraits due to better image quality and focusing refinement.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung ST150F: Offers decent 16MP resolution, but limited dynamic range and weaker highlight/shadow detail hampers fine tonality in clouds or shadows. No weather sealing limits rough outdoor use.
• Sony TX200V: Higher resolution sensor and BSI-CMOS design capture improved tonal gradations. Environmental sealing allows more confident shooting in varied conditions.

Winner: Sony TX200V, especially for outdoor landscape enthusiasts.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Samsung ST150F: Slow continuous shooting and slower autofocus restrict capacity for action shots and wildlife. No zoom beyond 125 mm limits reach.
• Sony TX200V: 10 fps burst rate is exceptional for this class, plus more accurate AF and longer zoom (140 mm). Stabilization helps manage handheld shots in the field.

Winner: Sony TX200V outright - better suited for fast action and wildlife scenarios.

Street Photography

• Samsung’s chunkier body and basic screen impact quickness and discretion; slower AF may delay rapid shooting moments.
• Sony’s ultracompact body, touchscreen, and fast AF enable more candid shots with little hassle.

Winner: Sony TX200V for discreet, agile street shooting.

Macro Photography

• Samsung lacks dedicated macro or stabilized optics, resulting in difficulty focusing up close and shaky images.
• Sony shines with 3cm macro focus and optical stabilization, producing vivid close-ups in natural light.

Winner: Sony TX200V here again for macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astrophotography

• Samsung is hampered by sensor type and max ISO of 3200; noise and blur escalate quickly without flash or tripod.
• Sony’s high ISO capability (up to 12800) and stabilization assist handheld night shooting, though ultimately compact sensor limits astrophotography due to noise.

Winner: Sony TX200V for low-light versatility; neither camera is truly suited for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

Sony’s Full HD 60 fps video output and steady shot stabilization outclass Samsung’s basic 720p video. For casual shooters or occasional vlogging, Sony delivers more polished footage with fewer artifacts and shakiness.

Sample Images Comparison - Samsung (left), Sony (right)
Samsung ST150F front Samsung ST150F screen back Sony TX200V front Sony TX200V screen back

Travel Photography

Sony’s better build, stabilization, GPS, and crisp screen make it ideal for vacation snapshots and travel diaries, albeit at a slightly higher weight and price. Samsung is lighter and cheaper, but compromises on key features impact versatility on the road.

Professional Use

Neither camera is aimed at professionals, lacking RAW support, manual exposure, and robust lens systems. However, Sony’s superior image quality and ergonomics make it a better backup or casual field camera for pros. Samsung’s limitations restrict it to casual or beginner use cases only.

Comprehensive Performance and Scores

We summed up detailed testing into an all-encompassing performance rating:

Sony scores higher across the board thanks to sensor advantages, robust feature set, and usability enhancements. Samsung holds its own as an entry-level option but doesn’t quite compete on performance or flexibility.

Final Verdict: Which Compact Camera Fits Your Needs?

Here’s a simple breakdown to guide your choice:

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Compact Camera

• Explore manual modes and scene selections where available to stretch creative control.
• Pair your camera with a sturdy wrist strap or small tripod for stability in low light or macro shooting.
• Regularly clean your lens and sensor window for optimal image clarity.
• Experiment with the touch interface on the Sony for swift focusing and composition adjustments.
• For video, consider an external microphone if you want better audio despite no input ports.

Recommended Accessories to Enhance Your Experience

• For Sony TX200V: Compatible Memory Stick Duo cards and a spare NP-BN battery pack.
• For Samsung ST150F: High-speed microSD card and a portable battery charger.
• Pocket-sized tripods, camera bags, and screen protectors benefit both models.

In conclusion, if you’re seeking a compact camera beyond basic point-and-shoots with an eye on quality, speed, and features, the Sony Cyber-shot TX200V clearly outperforms the Samsung ST150F across most practical and technical benchmarks. However, Samsung offers a legitimate option at a lower price with simpler controls and wireless sharing for casual photographers or those on a budget.

We encourage you to handle both cameras in store if you can - feeling the ergonomics and testing the touchscreen - or rent them for a weekend. Our goal is to help you find the camera that not only fits your budget but inspires your photographic growth. Check out compatible accessories and tutorials to maximize your gear’s capabilities.

Happy shooting!

Images used in article:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• Samsung ST150F front Samsung ST150F screen back Sony TX200V front Sony TX200V screen back