Samsung ST30 vs Sony RX1

Its time to look much closer at the Samsung ST30 vs Sony RX1, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Samsung and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the ST30 (10MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the ST30 (1/3") and RX1 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor size.

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The ST30 was manufactured 3 years prior to the RX1 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Samsung ST30 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the ST30 matches up versus the RX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung ST30 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The entire galleries are available at Samsung ST30 Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Samsung ST30 has external measurements of 82mm x 52mm x 17mm (3.2" x 2.0" x 0.7") with a weight of 87 grams (0.19 lbs) whilst the Sony RX1 has measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Check out the Samsung ST30 vs Sony RX1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the ST30 and the RX1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the ST30 and RX1 is 98 and 79 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizes merely by checking out a spec sheet. The image here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ST30 and RX1.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ST30 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony RX1 will provide extra detail due to its extra 14MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged ST30 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.