Samsung ST150F vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560: A Hands-On Expert Comparison for Compact Camera Buyers

In the realm of compact cameras, two models often pop up for budget-conscious buyers seeking easy-to-use point-and-shoot devices with decent image quality: the Samsung ST150F and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560. While both these cameras hail from a time before smartphones truly took over casual photography, they still hold practical value for content creators who want a simple dedicated device without breaking the bank.

I’ve spent countless hours testing cameras across categories - from tiny snapshots like these to full-frame pro rigs - so today I’m diving into these two compact contenders with a practical, no-nonsense eye. In this detailed comparison, you’ll find real-world performance insights, technical analysis, and clear recommendations tailored to a range of photography interests and budgets. Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of how these cameras stack up against each other.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Looking at the Samsung ST150F and Sony W560 side-by-side, they share similar ultra-compact footprints, which makes them highly portable for everyday carry or travel pockets. The ST150F measures 94x58x18mm and weighs 114 grams, while the Sony W560 is slightly narrower at 94x56x19mm and a hair lighter at 110 grams. Neither will weigh you down, but both give you a solid grip without feeling like camera clubs for your thumbs.

Physically, both bodies are plastic-built - typical of budget compacts - but feel sturdy enough for casual outdoor use. The ST150F leans on a rounded, pocket-friendly block style, whereas the W560 offers a more elongated shape with a subtle grip bump, aiding one-handed shooting comfort.

Neither camera provides weather sealing or ruggedness, so neither is your buddy for rough conditions or rain-soaked escapades.

Controls and Interface: Quick Access or Clunky Menus?

On the control front, both cameras embrace simplicity, leaving out clubs of buttons or dials, which suits beginners or casual users who want no fuss. The Samsung sports a modest control set with a simple mode dial and a shutter release accompanied by a zoom rocker. If you value just point-and-shoot simplicity, maybe with some configurable settings like custom white balance, it’ll deliver without headaches.

The Sony W560 similarly keeps it simple but edges ahead slightly by offering a more refined interface. It has a control ring, a dedicated playback button, and an intuitive menu driven by its BIONZ processor, making interaction smoother. It also supports exposure bracketing at the white balance level, which lets you experiment with color shifts - a little perk for budding creatives.

Both cameras lack touchscreens and electronic viewfinders, relying solely on their fixed 3-inch LCDs for composition and review (more on the displays shortly). If you’re someone who shoots with an eye to the LCD rather than a finder, these will suit you just fine.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Lens Specs: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where things start to diverge more notably.

Samsung ST150F:

• Sensor Type: 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm² area)
• Resolution: 16 megapixels max (4608 x 3456 pixels)
• Native ISO Range: 100–3200 (no boosted ISO)
• Lens: Fixed 25-125mm equivalent zoom (5x optical), max aperture f/2.5-6.3
• Image Stabilization: None

Sony W560:

• Sensor Type: 1/2.3" CCD sensor (same dimensions)
• Resolution: 14 megapixels max (4320 x 3240 pixels)
• Native ISO Range: 80–3200
• Lens: Fixed 26-104mm equivalent zoom (4x optical), max aperture f/2.7-5.7
• Image Stabilization: Optical SteadyShot (built-in)

Both cameras use relatively small CCD sensors, common in compact cameras of their time, so expect modest image quality that excels under good daylight and struggles as light dims. The Samsung’s 16MP count is higher on paper, but in practice, the 14MP on Sony - coupled with its BIONZ processor and optical IS - often results in cleaner images, particularly at higher ISOs or longer focal lengths.

The Samsung’s zoom range stretches a bit farther on the tele side, reaching 125mm (versus the Sony’s 104mm), which might appeal to those wanting extra reach for candid shots or portraits. However, the Sony’s faster max apertures at the tele end (f/5.7 vs f/6.3) and optical stabilization give it a leg up on sharper images handheld at slower shutter speeds.

Neither camera supports RAW format shooting, which means your creative latitude in post-processing raw sensor data is limited - you’ll be relying on JPEGs straight out of the camera’s internal processing.

Display and Live View: How Well Can You Frame Your Shots?

Both sport fixed 3-inch LCD screens with a resolution of 230k dots, which, by today’s standards, are on the low-resolution side. The Samsung uses a basic QVGA TFT panel, and the Sony’s “Clear Photo LCD” technology offers slightly improved brightness and clarity, which comes in handy for composing shots in direct sunlight.

Neither has touch capabilities, so all operation requires physical buttons - no swipes or taps here. The absence of electronic viewfinders is noticeable for photographers used to framing via an EVF, but for compact camera buyers accustomed to LCD live view, it isn’t a deal-breaker.

By comparison, in bright conditions or low contrast scenes, the Sony’s screen provides a slightly easier viewing experience, minimizing glare and helping you hit focus better.

Samsung ST150F front Samsung ST150F screen back Sony W560 front Sony W560 screen back

Real-World Image Quality: What Can You Expect?

Having put both cameras through their paces across a range of lighting situations, here are my observations:

• Daylight Outdoor: Both cameras deliver crisp, decently detailed photos with natural colors. The Samsung’s extra megapixels capture slightly more definition but also introduce a bit more noise at higher ISOs. The Sony’s images are cleaner with a touch less sharpening artifacts.
• Portraits: The Sony’s optical image stabilization helps maintain sharper shots when handheld. The Samsung’s lens with an f/2.5 aperture at wide-angle performs better in low light for shallow depth of field, though it lacks sophisticated face-detection autofocus. The Samsung does have face detection but it is a bit inconsistent, while the Sony sacrifices facial recognition but compensates with more accurate contrast-detect AF focusing.
• Low Light: Wide-open apertures help, but the Sony’s SteadyShot IS shines here, effectively reducing blur from hand shake. The Samsung, lacking stabilization, produces softer images unless you stabilize it on a tripod or a flat surface.
• Video: Both can shoot 720p HD video at 30 frames per second. The Samsung supports H.264 codec, while the Sony uses MPEG-4. Neither has microphone or headphone ports, so audio options are basic. The Samsung lacks stabilization for video, which means the Sony’s smoother handheld clips impress more.

In terms of burst shooting, neither excels like modern cameras - the Sony is limited to 1fps continuous, and Samsung doesn’t specify burst capability. So they’re no champions for action or sports photography.

Autofocus Systems in Depth: Contrast vs. Face Detection

Autofocus performance matters a lot even in casual shooting.

• The Samsung ST150F uses contrast-detection AF with face and eye detection, which sometimes hunts in low contrast environments and isn’t always fast, but can lock onto faces effectively under good lighting.
• The Sony W560 relies on 9-point contrast-detection AF, but lacks face detection, resulting in slower or less predictable focus, particularly for portraits.

Neither supports phase-detection AF, which is typically reserved for more advanced cameras. So expect some delays focusing in dim or complex scenes on either.

Portability and Travel Friendliness: Pocket-Sized Travel Companions

When it comes to travel photography, both cameras fare well with their slim profiles and light weights. The Sony’s wider lens coverage from 26mm wide-angle (vs Samsung’s 25mm) is marginal but useful for landscapes or cramped interior shots.

Connectivity is another travel consideration. The Samsung ST150F includes built-in wireless (Wi-Fi), enabling easier photo transfer to smartphones or cloud services - a neat feature for instant sharing on the go, despite being an older implementation. The Sony W560 uses Eye-Fi connectivity, which requires Eye-Fi cards (proprietary Wi-Fi-enabled SD cards), which lessens convenience and adds cost.

Battery life data isn’t official for either, but anecdotal experience and user reports suggest both cameras deliver between 200-300 shots per charge - standard for compacts of this era but inferior to dedicated travel or mirrorless cameras that boast higher capacities.

If lightweight, easy social media sharing, and pocketability are your top priorities, the Samsung nudges ahead.

Macro Performance: Close-Up Fun for Food and Nature Shooters

Macro capabilities differ between the two:

• Sony W560 can focus down to 5 cm, offering crisp close-ups for flowers, insects, or food photography.
• Samsung ST150F lacks specific macro spec listing, indicating less emphasis on this aspect.

If you love snapping detailed close-ups, the Sony shines as a clear winner.

Video Features: Basic Clips Without Bells and Whistles

Neither camera is a blockbuster video machine - they’re best for casual videography.

• Samsung shoots up to 720p at 30fps, supports H.264 compression, but no optical stabilization for steady handheld footage.
• Sony also does 720p 30fps video with MPEG-4 compression and optical stabilization to smooth out shakes.

Neither supports 4K, slow motion, or external audio options. If video is your heavy focus, you’d be better served looking at more modern cameras or smartphones, but for casual family moments or travel clips, both can do the job.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Neither Built for Rough & Tough

Neither the Samsung ST150F nor Sony W560 offer environmental sealing - no dustproofing, water resistance, shockproofing, or freezeproof capabilities. They live best in gentle scenarios, so take care not to expose them to harsh conditions.

Performance Ratings Summary: Where Each Excels and Lags Behind

From my extensive testing and reviewing process, here’s a simple rating across key categories (10 = excellent):

The Sony shows strength in image quality, stabilization, and macro, while the Samsung edges out with longer zoom and more modern wireless transfer options.

Practical Uses Across Photography Genres

Let’s consider who these cameras suit best across typical photography disciplines:

• Portraits: Samsung’s face detection AF gives it a slight advantage for casual portraits, though neither sports advanced eye detection or interchangeable lenses.
• Landscape: Both have limited sensor size and dynamic range, but Sony’s sharper images and slightly better wide-angle lens make it better suited.
• Wildlife: Neither is ideal due to slow focus, limited zoom, and lack of burst shooting.
• Sports: Limited continuous shooting rates mean both fall short.
• Street: Both are discreet and compact, great for unobtrusive shooting; Sony’s stabilization helps for handheld low light.
• Macro: Sony W560 is better thanks to 5cm focus range.
• Night/Astro: Neither excels with noise handling or exposure modes for long exposures.
• Video: Both OK for casual HD clips; Sony’s optical IS gives an edge.
• Travel: Samsung’s Wi-Fi and longer zoom make it a practical travel companion.
• Pro Work: Neither is professional-grade; budget-level JPEG outputs without RAW support.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability: No Upgrades Here

Both cameras come with fixed, zoom lenses - no interchangeable lenses or accessory ports. This limits creative flexibility but keeps things simple. Neither supports external flashes or microphones.

If you want to expand your optical reach or add specialized lenses, you’ll need to consider another category.

Storage, Connectivity, and Workflow Integration

• Samsung ST150F uses microSD cards (microSD/SDHC/SDXC compatible), which are widely available and cost-effective. Its internal wireless module enables transfer to mobile devices without cables.
• Sony W560 accepts multiple card formats including SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick variants, giving you more options but also potentially higher costs. Its Eye-Fi wireless connectivity requires compatible cards, less convenient than Samsung’s built-in Wi-Fi.
• USB 2.0 is standard on both for tethered transfer - nothing particularly speedy by today’s standards but sufficient for casual use.
• Neither camera supports RAW shooting, which limits professional post-processing workflows.

Battery Life: A Modest Affair for Casual Use

Battery specs are incomplete for the Samsung, but it most likely uses rechargeable lithium-ion cells similar to the Sony’s NP-BN1 battery.

Expect approximately 200-300 shots per charge on either, dependent on LCD use, flash, and wireless functions. For long days out, consider carrying a spare.

Price and Value: What Your Money Buys

At typical used prices (as new pricing is obsolete):

• Samsung ST150F: Around $299 (original MSRP), now can often be found cheaper secondhand.
• Sony Cyber-shot W560: Substantially lower priced, originally around $139, often even less secondhand.

Given the Sony’s solid image quality, stabilization, and macro capability, it arguably offers better value for money today, especially for beginners or cheapskates wanting a simple portable shooter.

Samsung’s model is more of a niche choice for those keen on wireless sharing and longer zoom, but at a higher price point.

The Final Word: Which Camera Should You Buy?

If you’re a real-world buyer in 2024 looking at these cameras, here’s the straightforward advice:

• Choose the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560 if you want:

  • Better image stabilization for sharper handheld shots
  • Superior macro performance
  • More affordable, great value for casual photo and video
  • Slightly better ergonomics and quieter operation
  • A solid compact camera for street, travel, or family snapshots with steady results

• Choose the Samsung ST150F if you want:

  • Built-in Wi-Fi for easy wireless photo sharing without extra pricey Eye-Fi cards
  • Slightly longer zoom reach for more versatile framing
  • Face detection autofocus for casual portraits
  • A compact with a modestly faster aperture at the wide end for low light
  • If budget is flexible and wireless connection key to your workflow

Neither camera will wow professional photographers or enthusiasts seeking pro-level image quality, fast focus, or video features. But for simple, dependable compact shooting with a small sensor’s limitations, both will serve novice and casual users well.

Summary

This Samsung ST150F vs Sony DSC-W560 comparison reveals two modest but capable compact cameras, each with strengths in different areas. The Sony wins on stabilization, video smoothness, and close focusing, making it my pick for general-purpose shooting on a budget. The Samsung’s Wi-Fi and extra zoom appeal to those prioritizing connectivity and reach, albeit at a premium.

Hopefully, these hands-on insights help you cut through specs and marketing fluff to find the right fit for your photographic needs - and your wallet.

Happy shooting!

Note: The images integrated above illustrate key aspects discussed - from size and ergonomics to sensor details and image samples, helping you visualize and compare these two compact options in context.