Samsung ST150F vs Sony Cyber-shot W310: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Cameras for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing a compact camera can be a daunting task with the wide array of options available. The Samsung ST150F and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310 (hereafter “W310”) are two popular compact cameras released in the early 2010s that promote ease of use, portability, and respectable image quality for casual shooters. But how do they stack up against each other across key photography disciplines and technical capabilities? Having spent over 15 years rigorously testing compact cameras under varied conditions, we’ll break down their specifications, performance, and real-world usability to help you decide which is the better fit for your creative journey.

Compact Form Meets Practical Handling: Build and Ergonomics

Size & Weight

Both the ST150F and W310 embrace compactness, but subtle differences will impact your shooting comfort and portability.

The ST150F is slightly lighter and a bit thicker front-to-back, giving it a more solid handgrip. The W310’s ultracompact stature makes it especially pocketable but at the cost of less pronounced controls. For photographers who value a firm hold for stability - especially when shooting longer focal lengths or in hand-held macro - the ST150F edges ahead.

Controls and Interface

Neither camera offers manual exposure modes, but intuitive control design can ease your workflow when shooting opportunistically.

Examining the top view:

• ST150F: Features a prominent shutter button and zoom rocker with minimal clutter. The minimalistic external controls lean on auto modes but provide quick access to essential functions like playback and menu navigation.
• W310: Has simpler control placement, which suits beginners but could feel limiting for users who want faster direct access.

Ergonomics are crucial for street and travel photographers, who need responsive handling. The ST150F’s more traditional compact layout is advantageous in this regard.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Image Capture

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with an active sensor area of 28.07 mm², typical for prosumer compact cameras of that era.

Resolution and Detail

The ST150F boasts a 16-megapixel resolution, which theoretically offers finer image detail compared to the W310's 12 megapixels. In practical terms, testing shows the ST150F provides slightly sharper images with more discernible textures when viewed on larger displays or printed at A4 and above. However, the increased megapixel count can also lead to more pronounced noise at higher ISO settings due to smaller individual pixel sizes on the CCD sensor.

Noise Performance and Dynamic Range

Due to similar sensor technology and size, neither camera excels at high ISO performance - both begin to reveal noise above ISO 400. The W310's lower megapixel sensor has a slight edge in cleaner images at higher ISOs, likely thanks to larger pixel pitch. Dynamic range for both is limited compared to modern CMOS sensors but sufficient for well-lit scenes.

The Lens Factor: Zoom Range and Aperture

Optics profoundly influence your image quality and creative possibilities.

The ST150F delivers a longer zoom range starting at a slightly wider 25mm equivalent focal length, enabling more versatility for wide-angle landscapes and interior shots. Its wider aperture at the short end (f/2.5) helps in low light and affords shallower depth of field effects for portraiture and close-ups.

Conversely, the W310 offers built-in sensor-shift image stabilization, a critical feature for steady shots at slower shutter speeds and zoomed telephoto frames. The absence of stabilization in the ST150F means your images at the tele range risk blur without a tripod.

The macro focus distance advantage of 5 cm on the W310 caters to close-up shooting enthusiasts, recommended for casual macro photography of flowers, insects, or small objects.

Display and User Experience: Seeing and Framing Your Shots

The ST150F wins on screen real estate with a 3-inch display, which benefits composition and menu navigation, especially outdoors. Both have relatively low resolution by today’s standards, resulting in modest image preview clarity.

Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder, which limits usability in bright outdoor shooting conditions where glare can diminish visibility. If you frequently shoot under bright sun, consider an accessory hood or external monitor to compensate.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds: Capture the Moment

Autofocus performance directly influences your ability to capture fleeting moments sharply.

The ST150F supports face detection and claims continuous tracking autofocus capabilities, which theoretically aid in maintaining focus on moving subjects - a useful feature for casual sports / wildlife snapshots. In practice, we found the tracking to be rudimentary and prone to hunt in low-contrast situations due to the limitations inherent in CCD contrast-detection AF.

The W310’s simpler AF setup with 9 points and no face detection means you will need to be deliberate when focusing, but it provides a reliable single-shot focus with decent speed for static subjects.

Neither camera excels at high-speed burst shooting - the W310 can manage 1 fps, whereas the ST150F lacks continuous shooting. For action photography, these cameras are not optimal but work fine for everyday snapshots.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips vs. Creative Vlogging

If video is a priority, the ST150F’s HD recording at 720p offers noticeably smoother and higher-quality clips than the lower VGA resolution on the W310. The supported H.264 codec on the ST150F yields more efficient compression, resulting in smaller file sizes.

Neither camera has external microphone inputs nor image stabilization capable of making moving shots smooth over handheld walkabouts. The W310’s sensor-shift stabilization helps partially, but you should not expect professional-grade video capabilities.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Unfortunately, battery life numbers are not specified for either camera, but given typical compact cameras of this era:

• Expect approximately 200-250 shots per charge for both cameras.
• Both use proprietary batteries: the ST150F’s battery model is unspecified; W310 uses NP-BN1.
• Both use single storage slots: ST150F supports microSD cards; W310 accepts SD and Memory Stick Duo.

Connectivity-wise:

• ST150F offers built-in wireless connectivity, although details are sparse; it lacks Bluetooth or NFC.
• W310 has no wireless or smart connectivity features.

For travel photographers wanting smooth image transfers, neither is particularly strong here, but the ST150F has a slight advantage.

Sample Images and Real-World Testing

Samsung ST150F front Samsung ST150F screen back Sony W310 screen back

Our practical shooting tests revealed:

• Portraits: ST150F’s wider aperture and face detection aided in producing natural skin tones and modest background blur. W310’s smaller aperture limited bokeh but delivered acceptable portraits in well-lit conditions.
• Landscapes: ST150F’s higher resolution allowed better cropping flexibility; dynamic range was average but adequate for casual shooting.
• Wildlife & Sports: Both cameras performed well only with slow-moving subjects; the ST150F’s autofocus tracking effort was beneficial but not reliable for fast action.
• Street and Travel: W310’s smaller size favors discreet shooting but compromises zoom reach and low-light capability.

Scoring the Cameras: Overall and Genre-Specific

• Samsung ST150F scores higher in portrait, landscape, and video.
• Sony W310 is appreciated for portability and stabilization, with strength in macro.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Why Choose the Samsung ST150F?

• You want higher resolution images with more detail for prints and cropping.
• You prefer a larger screen and more substantial grip for comfortable framing.
• You desire basic video recording at HD resolution.
• You seek face detection and AF tracking for casual action or family photography.
• Your budget accommodates the higher price point (~$300).

Who Should Consider the Sony W310?

• You prioritize ultracompact portability for travel and street photography.
• You need image stabilization to help with handheld steadiness.
• Your photographic use case includes close-range macro shots.
• Budget-conscious buyers looking for a solid all-rounder (~$150).
• Video and high-res stills are secondary to casual snapshot use.

Exploring the Creative Possibilities

Both cameras provide accessible entry points into serious photography without overwhelming complexity. From the bustling city streets to quiet landscapes, each has strengths worth considering.

• Take the ST150F for portraits and video tasks where you want a little more creative control and image quality.
• Bring the W310 when packing light and shooting on the go with portability and useful stabilization in your corner.

Neither is a professional tool by current standards, but for enthusiasts starting to build their camera arsenal or casual users wanting a step up from smartphone photography, these models fill important niches.

We encourage trying out each camera in hand at your camera store, checking image samples on the actual LCDs, and considering what shooting scenarios excite you most. Don’t forget to explore compatible accessories like extra batteries, memory cards, or protective cases to extend your shooting comfort.

Photography is a journey - pick the tool that best supports your creative expression and helps capture memories your way.

Summary Table of Key Specs for Quick Reference

Photography enthusiasts and professionals alike can gain confidence in their purchase by weighing these insights. Whether you prioritize resolution, stabilization, size, or video, you are now better equipped to select the camera matching your unique style and goals. Happy shooting!