Samsung ST30 vs Sony a1

Its time to look a little more closely at the Samsung ST30 versus Sony a1, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Samsung and Sony. There exists a big gap between the resolutions of the ST30 (10MP) and a1 (50MP) and the ST30 (1/3") and a1 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The ST30 was unveiled 11 years before the a1 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Samsung ST30 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the ST30 scores against the a1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung ST30 and Sony Alpha a1. The full galleries are available at Samsung ST30 Gallery and Sony a1 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Samsung ST30 has got external dimensions of 82mm x 52mm x 17mm (3.2" x 2.0" x 0.7") having a weight of 87 grams (0.19 lbs) while the Sony a1 has sizing of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

Examine the Samsung ST30 versus Sony a1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the ST30 and the a1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ST30 and a1 is 98 and 61 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading specifications. The image below might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ST30 and a1.

Plainly, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ST30 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony a1 will offer extra detail having an extra 40 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged ST30 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.