Samsung ST600 vs Sony HX80

Selecting an optimal camera in today’s saturated digital imaging market requires a meticulous evaluation of individual models’ traits relative to one’s photographic ambitions. This comprehensive comparison scrutinizes two contemporaneous yet technologically distinct cameras: the Samsung ST600 Ultracompact (announced early 2010) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 Small Sensor Superzoom (released 2016). Both positioned within the compact segment but serving divergent user expectations, these cameras merit nuanced consideration across diverse photographic workflows and technical parameters.

Physical Design and Handling: Balancing Ergonomics with Portability

Understanding a camera’s physical footprint and ergonomic design is crucial, as these factors directly influence handling comfort during prolonged use and versatility across shooting scenarios.

• Samsung ST600 boasts a diminutive body typical of ultracompact fixed lens cameras, with dimensions of 104 x 60 x 20 mm and a lightweight profile at 150 grams. Its slim chassis and inclusion of a fixed 3.5” touchscreen position it as a device prioritizing portability and minimalist control interfaces.

• Sony HX80 is modestly larger (102 x 58 x 36 mm) and heavier (245 grams), reflecting its more extensive zoom mechanism and added features like a tilting 3.0” LCD and an electronic viewfinder (EVF).

From a user experience perspective, the ST600’s ultra-slim form factor fits effortlessly in pockets and small bags, emphasizing discrete carry for casual or travel photography. However, the trade-off resides in a narrower grip area, potentially compromising stability during extended handheld sessions or rapid-shooting scenarios.

Conversely, the HX80’s more substantial grip facilitates better control, especially when using longer zoom focal lengths. The integrated EVF offers compositional precision in bright environments - a notable advantage missing from the ST600.

Control Layout and Interface: Navigating Settings and Exposure

Control schemes profoundly affect the efficiency with which photographers can adjust parameters, particularly in dynamic shooting contexts.

• The Samsung ST600 adopts a simplified interface with limited dedicated buttons and relies heavily on touchscreen interaction. While this can streamline operation for novices, it poses a challenge in fast-paced or tactile-focused shooting, given the absence of physical dials or extensive manual control primes.

• In contrast, the Sony HX80 employs a more traditional button and dial layout, including an exposure compensation dial, dedicated AF modes, and a mode dial supporting aperture/shutter priority and manual exposure modes. This affords photographers quicker access to critical settings and enhances precision control.

From hands-on trial, the HX80’s physical controls allow seamless shifts between autofocus modes and exposure adjustments, critical in wildlife or sports photography where rapid changes are necessary.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Imaging Core

Fundamentally governing image fidelity, sensor characteristics must be examined alongside associated image processing capabilities.

• The ST600 features a 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring approximately 6.08 x 4.56 mm with a resolution of 14 megapixels. Manufactured during an era favoring CCDs, the sensor offers decent color reproduction but lacks the noise control and dynamic range typical in modern CMOS sensors.

• The HX80 incorporates a 1/2.3” back-illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm and outputs 18 megapixels. The BSI architecture enhances low-light sensitivity and dynamic range compared to traditional CCDs.

Empirical testing reveals that the HX80 consistently delivers cleaner images at higher ISOs (up to 3200 native and boosted to 12800) with appreciably reduced chroma noise and improved shadow detail retention. The ST600, while adequate at base ISO 80-200, exhibits noise degradation and loss of detail starting at ISO 400.

Color depth and tonal gradation on the HX80 are more faithful, attributable to advanced onboard processing via Sony’s Bionz X engine, absent in the ST600.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Targeting

Autofocus (AF) systems decisively impact the quality of captured images, especially in subjects with complex or rapid motion.

• The Samsung ST600 utilizes contrast-detection AF exclusively, with face detection absent, relying predominantly on center-weighted focus with options for single or multi-area AF. AF performance is moderate with a tendency toward slower acquisition and less effective subject tracking.

• The Sony HX80 also employs contrast-detection AF but integrates eye and face detection technologies, as well as continuous AF tracking and selective AF area modes, benefitting from the Bionz X processor’s rapid computations.

Testing with dynamic subjects indicates that the HX80 locks focus more reliably and swiftly across varying light conditions. Continuous AF efficacy is critical in wildlife and sports applications, where tracking moving subjects is paramount. The ST600’s lack of continuous AF and face detection limits applicability in such scenarios.

Lens Characteristics and Zoom Range: Versatility in Framing

The fixed lenses dictate not merely focal range but also optical quality, aperture dynamics, and close-focus abilities essential to specialized photography genres.

• The Samsung ST600 lens covers 27-135 mm (equivalent) with an f/3.3 to f/5.5 aperture range. Its 5x zoom is practical for general-purpose shooting but limited for distant subjects. Macro focusing extends to 5 cm.

• The Sony HX80 features an impressive 24-720 mm equivalent zoom with a 30x range, covering wide-angle to super-telephoto extremes. Aperture ranges from f/3.5 to f/6.4. Macro focusing similarly reaches 5 cm.

From a practical usability perspective, the HX80’s expansive zoom ambit significantly enhances compositional possibilities spanning landscapes, wildlife, and sports. While aperture narrows on the long end, optical image stabilization partially mitigates handshake.

The ST600’s shorter zoom limits reach, rendering it less flexible for telephoto applications but offers slightly wider apertures at the short end, advantageous for indoor or lower-light close range.

Image Stabilization and Low Light Capability

Image stabilization is indispensable in compact cameras to offset smaller sensors’ noise sensitivity and narrow apertures.

Both cameras employ optical image stabilization (OIS), though implementation efficacy differs.

• The ST600 provides basic OIS, yielding acceptable sharpness in moderate lighting but struggles at longer focal lengths or shutter speeds beyond 1/30s. Without advanced stabilization modes, handheld low light shooting is constrained.

• The HX80’s stabilization is more sophisticated, effectively compensating across the extensive zoom range. This is a vital feature given the HX80’s capacity for super-telephoto framing where camera shake is magnified.

The HX80’s broader ISO range and BSI sensor also contribute to superior low-light performance. The ST600’s boosted ISO capabilities (6400 max) are largely theoretical, with usable images limited to ISO 400 due to noise.

Video Recording: Resolution, Frame Rates, and Formats

Video functionality is an increasing factor in compact camera relevance.

• Samsung ST600 offers HD 720p recording capped at 30 frames per second with Motion JPEG encoding. Lack of audio inputs, limited codec efficiency, and no advanced video features restrict cinematic applications.

• Sony HX80 delivers full HD 1080p video at a range of frame rates including 60p, 30p, and 24p. Video encoding includes MPEG-4, AVCHD, and XAVC S, facilitating better compression and editing flexibility.

While neither model supports 4K recording or external audio inputs, the HX80 is markedly superior for casual videography given higher resolution, smoother frame rates, and better codec options.

Screen and Viewfinder Usability

User interfaces influence compositional reliability and situational adaptability.

• The Samsung ST600’s fixed 3.5” touchscreen with 1152k dots resolution is a relatively large and high-res display for its era. The touchscreen facilitates intuitive menu navigation but lacks tilting or articulation, hampering low-angle shots.

• The Sony HX80 incorporates a 3.0” tilting LCD with 921k dots plus a built-in electronic viewfinder covering 100% frame, absent on the ST600.

In practical testing, the HX80’s EVF proves invaluable in bright sunlight or scenarios demanding image stabilization through close-held framing. The screen articulation is a boon for macro, street, and awkward angle photography.

Storage, Connectivity, and Battery Endurance

Sustained usability hinges on power and data management options.

• Samsung ST600 supports microSD/microSDHC cards and features USB 2.0 alongside an HDMI port. It lacks wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi or NFC, rendering image transfer tethered and less convenient. Battery specifics cite the SLB07 lithium-ion battery; actual rated endurance is unspecified, but typical for its class, lasting approximately 220 shots per charge.

• Sony HX80 is compatible with both Memory Stick Pro Duo and SD card families (SDHC/SDXC). It provides USB 2.0, HDMI, and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC pairing, enabling rapid image sharing and remote control via compatible devices. Battery life is rated at 390 shots per charge using NP-BX1 battery.

From a workflow standpoint, the HX80’s wireless capabilities and stronger battery life underpin more efficient photo transfers and longer field operation - advantages critical for travel and event photographers.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera promises weather-sealing or rugged construction. Both should be used with caution in adverse conditions. The HX80’s somewhat larger chassis and raised grip contour may afford marginally better protection during handling but do not substitute for professional-grade sealing.

Performance Evaluation: Quantitative and Qualitative Metrics

Compiling real-world test data and benchmark results clarifies relative strengths:

Specialty Photography: Suitability Across Genres

Portraits:

• Skin tones: The HX80’s superior sensor and processing yield more accurate, nuanced skin colors and gradations.
• Bokeh: Neither camera features large apertures for significant subject-background separation; however, HX80’s longer zoom and selective AF with face detection facilitate tighter portrait framing.
• Eye detection: Available only on HX80, improving focus sharpness on subjects’ eyes.

Landscape:

• Dynamic range: HX80’s CMOS sensor provides better shadow recovery.
• Resolution: Higher megapixels on HX80 support larger prints or cropping.
• Weather sealing: Both limited here.

Wildlife:

• AF speed and burst: HX80’s 10 fps burst and AF tracking provide distinct advantages.
• Telephoto range: HX80’s 720 mm telephoto dramatically outperforms the ST600’s 135 mm.

Sports:

• Tracking accuracy: Available only on HX80.
• Low light: Superior ISO handling on HX80 supports faster shutter speeds indoors.

Street:

• Discreteness: ST600’s compact and quiet operation favorable.
• Low light: HX80 better but bulkier.
• Portability: ST600 excels for unobtrusive carry.

Macro:

• Both achieve 5 cm close focus.
• HX80’s articulation aids composition flexibility.

Night / Astro:

• HX80’s lower noise and ISO control make it potentially usable for casual night sky photography despite small sensor limits. ST600’s noise at high ISO is prohibitive.

Video:

• HX80 clearly superior in resolution, frame rates, and codec support.

Travel:

• ST600’s slim size attractive; HX80’s zoom, battery life, and connectivity align better with diverse travel demands.

Professional use:

• Neither supports RAW file output - a significant limitation for professionals. Workflow integration corresponds largely to JPEGs and video files only.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

At launch prices ($329.99 for ST600 and $368.00 for HX80), the HX80 commands a modest premium but justifies it handsomely in features and image quality. The ST600, an earlier generation model, may be justifiable as an entry-level, highly compact travel companion but lacks extensibility.

Final Recommendations: Tailored Choices for Specific Users

Pick the Samsung ST600 if:

• Extreme portability and minimal bulk are paramount (e.g., casual street photography or travel where pocketability prevails).
• User preference favors touchscreen navigation.
• Budget constraints preclude newer, more expensive superzoom compacts.

Opt for the Sony HX80 if:

• You require versatile focal lengths extending to super-telephoto (wildlife, sports).
• Video capability and autofocus sophistication influence shooting style.
• You value improved low-light performance and image clarity.
• Wireless image transfer and longer battery operation matter.
• You utilize manual exposure modes and demand refined user control.

Summary

Both Samsung ST600 and Sony HX80 satisfy the fundamental demands of the compact camera market; however, their divergent design philosophies serve distinct niches. The ST600 offers a pocket-friendly, straightforward experience optimized for casual shooters, whereas the HX80 extends versatility and performance with its superzoom lens, enhanced AF system, and richer video functionality, appealing to enthusiast users demanding adaptability and higher image fidelity.

Samsung ST600 screen back Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back

Selecting between these models hinges on a discerning evaluation of use-case priorities balanced against technical merits and ergonomic preferences. For serious enthusiasts and semi-professionals who seek comprehensive control, broader focal reach, and forward-looking multimedia integration, the Sony HX80 presents a superior overall candidate.

This detailed comparative analysis draws upon exhaustive hands-on testing protocols, including controlled lab image quality assessments, real-world autofocus tracking trials, subjective ergonomic evaluations, and workflow integration trials ensuring a robust, experience-grounded foundation for purchasing decisions.