Samsung ST30 vs Sony W230

Lets take a deeper look at the Samsung ST30 and Sony W230, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the ST30 (10MP) and the W230 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the ST30 (1/3") and W230 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ST30 was introduced 24 months later than the W230 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Samsung ST30 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony W230 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a complete comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the ST30 matches up versus the W230 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung ST30 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The whole galleries are viewable at Samsung ST30 Gallery and Sony W230 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Samsung ST30 provides exterior dimensions of 82mm x 52mm x 17mm (3.2" x 2.0" x 0.7") with a weight of 87 grams (0.19 lbs) and the Sony W230 has measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

See the Samsung ST30 and Sony W230 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the ST30 compared to the W230.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the ST30 and W230 is 98 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualize the gap in sensor sizing merely by checking out a spec sheet. The visual here will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ST30 and W230.

As you can see, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ST30 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony W230 will produce extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher ST30 should have an advantage in sensor technology.