Samsung ST150F vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Contenders

When it comes to compact cameras beyond the smartphone realm, the struggle to balance image quality, control, and versatility remains key. Today, I’m putting two pocket-sized shooters under the microscope: the Samsung ST150F from 2013 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 from 2011. Both aimed at enthusiasts and casual shooters looking for an affordable, lightweight point-and-shoot companion. But which one delivers more in real-world usage?

After extensive hands-on testing, and careful technical analysis - here’s a comprehensive comparison to help you navigate their distinct features, performance, and suitability across photography needs.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

At a glance, these cameras share a compact form factor ideal for travel or casual everyday use. The Samsung ST150F is slightly slimmer but shorter in height, measuring 94x58x18 mm and weighing a featherlight 114 grams. In contrast, the Sony WX10 is a bit chunkier and heavier at 95x54x23 mm and 161 grams. This extra heft partly comes from a more substantial grip and a bulkier lens assembly.

In handling tests, the Samsung feels pleasantly sleek, easily slipping into a pocket or small bag. However, the tradeoff is that it feels less solid in the hand - more plasticky, lacking pronounced grip surfaces. Meanwhile, the Sony's thicker body and textured grip provide more confidence during extended shoots, especially for users with larger hands. Control placement is another story, where the Samsung keeps things minimalistic but somewhat sparse.

Looking at the top view reveals both cameras focus on simplicity. The ST150F sticks to basics - a simple shutter button, power toggle, and a mode dial buried in menus. The WX10, however, includes dedicated buttons for exposure compensation and manual focus, an edge for those seeking more creative control without diving into complex settings.

Bottom line: for pure portability and minimalist style, the Samsung wins; for ergonomics and tactile control, the Sony edges ahead.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use the same sensor size - a standard 1/2.3-inch chip with 16-megapixel resolution (4608x3456 pixels). Physically, that means a sensor area of 28.07 mm², with microlenses filtering light onto pixels protected by an anti-aliasing filter. But beyond size, sensor technology diverges, which heavily influences image quality.

The Samsung ST150F uses a CCD sensor, a bit of a relic by 2013 standards, while the Sony WX10 sports a back-illuminated BSI-CMOS sensor, a configuration known for better low-light performance and faster readout speeds. That difference already hints at superior noise control and dynamic range in the Sony.

Testing reveals that in bright daylight, both cameras deliver similar color accuracy and detail, thanks to their 16MP sensors. However, under dimmer conditions (indoor tungsten light or shaded environments), the Sony's sensor retains cleaner images at ISO 800–1600 with less luminance noise, where the Samsung’s CCD grain becomes apparent beginning around ISO 400.

Both cameras have an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré but slightly soften fine details. Note that neither supports raw capture, so JPEG processing and in-camera noise reduction algorithms heavily influence final output. Sony’s BIONZ processor (present in WX10) excels in maintaining edge sharpness and natural skin tones compared to Samsung’s less sophisticated image pipeline.

Overall, if you prioritize image quality and low-light performance, the WX10’s sensor technology gives it a practical edge.

LCD Screens and User Interfaces: Where Your Eyes Meet the Image

A camera’s rear LCD is your window to framing, reviewing, and controlling shots - crucial for shooting on the go.

The Samsung ST150F features a 3-inch QVGA TFT LCD with a low 230k-dot resolution. This results in a noticeably grainy and dim display, particularly outdoors under sunlight. Color accuracy is average at best, and viewing angles are limited.

By comparison, the Sony WX10 impresses with its 2.8-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus screen, sporting a much crisper 460k-dot resolution. Colors pop nicely, and the screen maintains visibility even in bright conditions. Although smaller in size, it feels sharper and more responsive.

Interface-wise, both cameras lack touch capability, relying on physical buttons for navigation. Samsung’s interface feels minimal, which is consistent with its target market, but can frustrate users wanting quicker access to settings like ISO or white balance. The Sony, while not overly complex, offers better menu organization and usability, including manual focus adjustments and exposure compensation options accessed with dedicated buttons.

If you find yourself frequently checking images or tweaking settings in the field, the WX10’s screen and interface make the shooting experience more pleasant.

Zoom, Lens Characteristics, and Flexibility

Lens specs reveal telling differences. The ST150F covers a 25-125mm equivalent zoom range (5x optical) with a max aperture of f/2.5-6.3. The WX10 offers a broader 24-168mm (7x optical) zoom and brighter apertures at the telephoto end (f/2.4-5.9).

Sony definitely provides more reach, allowing you to get closer to distant subjects without moving your feet, handy for landscapes or wildlife. The brighter lens aperture aids in low light, especially at wide angles. However, the Samsung maintains a slightly faster wide end aperture, which is useful indoors or in shade.

Neither camera has image stabilization on the Samsung - a notable omission that impacts sharpness handheld at longer focal lengths or slow shutter speeds. The Sony WX10 counters this with Optical SteadyShot stabilization, which effectively reduces camera shake in photos and videos.

For sharpness, both lenses exhibit minor distortion at extremes, but nothing too distracting. The WX10 has a slight edge in clarity and less chromatic aberration, partly thanks to Sony’s extensive lens manufacturing experience.

Bottom line: If zoom range and optical stabilization matter to you, the WX10 wins handily. But the Samsung’s wider aperture at short focal lengths can be an asset in flowing natural light.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Autofocus distinctions here speak volumes about each camera’s design priorities.

Samsung’s ST150F autofocus system is contrast-detection based, faces detection included, with some tracking capabilities but no continuous AF or manual focus control. It has limited AF points and often hunts in low light or low contrast scenes, compromising speed and accuracy.

Meanwhile, Sony WX10 offers nine AF points with contrast detection, live view AF, plus manual focus options. However, it lacks face detection and continuous AF tracking, which is common in early compacts.

I found the WX10 consistently faster and snappier in autofocus lock and shutter response. Action shots or moving subjects are more challenging on both, but the WX10’s 10fps burst shooting mode leaves the Samsung in the dust, which cannot shoot continuously (no burst mode).

Video autofocus on both is slow and prone to hunting, though the Sony’s Optical SteadyShot helps produce smoother handheld clips.

Putting It Through Its Paces: Photography Genres

Let’s unpack how each camera adapts to different photographic scenarios, based on test shoots I conducted.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Neither camera lets you control aperture for shallow depth-of-field effects, a classic portrait technique. The Samsung’s faster f/2.5 aperture at 25mm helps slightly blur backgrounds, but the 1/2.3" sensor size inherently limits subject-background separation.

Sony’s optical zoom lets you get longer, compressing background more, but its minimum f/5.9 at telephoto hampers light gathering indoors.

In terms of color rendering, Sony produces more natural skin tones due to superior image processing. Samsung’s JPEG engine tends to produce flatter, less nuanced tones.

Neither camera offers dedicated eye detection autofocus - no surprise for compact cameras from their era. So manual framing and focusing discipline remain necessary.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Both have identical 16MP resolutions, sufficient for detailed landscape shots on social media or moderate prints. Neither shines in dynamic range; harsh highlights in skies tend to blow out, while shadows lose detail in darker scenes.

Samsung’s CCD sensor tends to capture slightly better contrast but suffers more noise at higher ISO. Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor provides cleaner images and better highlight retention.

Neither offers in-camera HDR or bracketing to assist dynamic range recovery.

Physically, both lack any weather sealing - limiting reliability in tough outdoor conditions.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Speed

With limited autofocus capabilities and compact lenses, neither camera is made for demanding wildlife or sports shooting.

Sony’s 10fps burst mode is impressive but hampered by focus locking only on single frames. It also lacks animal eye autofocus or subject tracking features.

Samsung’s sluggish AF and lack of burst mode make it a non-starter here.

If you want a compact for carefree, occasional action shooting, the WX10 is a better bet, but neither will replace a dedicated super-telephoto DSLR or mirrorless.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Versatility

Their pocketable size makes both attractive for street and travel photographers valuing discretion.

Samsung’s compactness and silent shooting (thanks to no mechanical zoom noise) make it more covert. But lack of image stabilization and slower autofocus may cause missed moments.

Sony’s wider zoom range enhances framing versatility in urban environments. The more tactile controls and manual focus open creative possibilities beyond point-and-shoot style.

Battery life is comparable but unremarkable; you’ll need spares for longer excursions.

Macro and Close-up

Sony wins here with a macro focus range down to 5 cm, excellent for flower and small object photography. Samsung does not specify macro capabilities, showing less flexibility.

With optical stabilization aiding steadier handheld macro shots, WX10 outperforms for close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors inherently limit low-light potential. Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor delivers cleaner images up to ISO 800, enabling modest night photography.

Neither model supports bulb modes or long exposures for astrophotography, making them unsuitable for star trail pictures or deep night skies.

Video Capabilities

Samsung shoots 720p HD video at 30fps using MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, without stabilization.

Sony WX10 supports Full HD 1080p at 60fps plus AVCHD format, a professional-grade compression codec, and optical stabilization, resulting in sharper, smoother videos in daylight.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control, so expect basic sound quality.

Technical Breakdown: Specs That Make or Break Your Experience

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery

Samsung ST150F opts for built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) for seamless smartphone pairing, a fairly advanced feature for its time, facilitating instant sharing.

Sony WX10 uses Eye-Fi compatible memory cards for wireless transfers but lacks integrated Wi-Fi. This difference impacts workflow flexibility, with Samsung potentially a better fit for social media enthusiasts.

Storage-wise, Samsung supports microSD cards, while Sony prefers standard SD or Memory Stick formats, offering slightly more versatility.

Battery details are vague for both; the Sony utilizes the NP-BG1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery known for moderate endurance. Samsung’s battery specifics are less clear but reportedly similar.

Who Should Buy Which? My Recommendations

Arriving at the heart of the matter - which camera earns your trust and money depends heavily on your priorities.

• For casual travel or social snapshots with wireless transfer and easy portability: Samsung ST150F is appealing with its Wi-Fi sharing, lightweight design, and simple interface. Great for users prioritizing convenience over control.

• For image quality, zoom flexibility, and video capability: Sony WX10 is the better choice. Its superior sensor and lens, combined with optical stabilization and HD video at 60fps, provide a more versatile and reliable compact experience.

• If you want to experiment with manual focus, macro, or action shots: Sony’s manual controls and burst shooting offer creative avenues Samsung lacks.

• Budget-conscious buyers: Sony’s launch price was lower, and you may find it even more affordable now.

Summing It Up: Scores and Genre Suitability

Here’s a visualization placing both cameras side-by-side across critical measures:

And a genre-oriented breakdown showing strengths and limitations:

Final Thoughts and Personal Takeaway

Having tested hundreds of compacts, I appreciate how manufacturers balance size, cost, and performance. The Samsung ST150F plays its part as a neat, lightweight, Wi-Fi enabled point-and-shoot welcoming newcomers. But make no mistake - it’s limited by an aging CCD, weak stabilization, and a modest user interface.

The Sony WX10, while an older model, holds up better today thanks to its superior sensor, optical image stabilization, and broader zoom. Its better screen and manual controls add flexibility without overwhelming novice users.

If you ask me, I favor the WX10 for actual photographic usefulness, especially if you want to step beyond simple snapshots into more thoughtful compositions and better video. That said, if seamless sharing and ultimate compactness are your game, the ST150F still warrants a look.

Ultimately, neither replaces the versatility of a modern mirrorless or advanced compact, but both provide affordable mediums to learn, explore, and capture memories.

Samsung ST150F front Samsung ST150F screen back Sony WX10 front Sony WX10 screen back

So, ready to make your choice? Hopefully this comparison, grounded in hands-on experience and technical insight, helps you pick the right companion for your photographic journey.

If you have questions about specific use cases or need lens advice for your compact, drop me a note. Happy shooting!