Exploring Compact Imaging: Samsung ST600 vs Sony Cyber-shot WX5 in Depth

When it comes to compact cameras from the early 2010s, the Samsung ST600 and Sony Cyber-shot WX5 stand out as intriguing contenders. Both promising portability, decent zoom ranges, and accessible controls, they were designed to appeal to point-and-shoot enthusiasts craving more than smartphone snaps without the bulk of DSLRs. But how do these two cameras really stack up in practical use? Which one is better suited for everyday point-and-shooters, casual travelers, or even budding enthusiasts dabbling in various photography styles? Having put both through real-world usage and technical dissection, I’ll guide you through their strengths, compromises, and most importantly, what that means for your photography.

Before diving into nuanced differences, let’s get grounded by checking out their physicality.

Size, Handling, and Design - Your Everyday Companion?

At first glance, both cameras deliver an ultra-portable promise, but subtle design choices shape usability significantly. The Samsung ST600 sports a slim, ultracompact frame measuring 104 x 60 x 20 mm and weighing a lightweight 150 grams. Meanwhile, the Sony WX5, a touch more compact at 92 x 52 x 22 mm and 146 grams, offers petite handling with a slightly deeper grip profile.

I found that the ST600’s modestly larger size helps with stability during shooting, especially when holding the camera extended for zoom shots. The WX5 trades some grip heft for pocket-friendliness, which street photographers might appreciate more when discretion counts. For users with larger hands, the Samsung’s ergonomics edge out in comfort for longer sessions, but Sony’s smaller footprint wins for travel convenience.

Both cameras omit an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on their rear LCDs - an increasingly common design ethos at this price and category point.

Control Layout and Interface - Navigating Your Options Smoothly?

Turning to top control panels reveals Samsung’s inclusion of traditional exposure modes, including shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure. This is unusual in the realm of fixed-lens compacts and marks the ST600 as a more enthusiast-leaning option. However, it does lack manual focus control, which limits precise focusing adjustments. The Sony WX5 goes leaner here - no manual controls beyond exposure settings, but compensates with a faster continuous shooting mode of 10 fps, aiding action capture.

Samsung’s touchscreen LCD (3.5 inches at 1152 pixels resolution) enhances menu navigation and focus point selection, making intuitive operation easy - an advantage if you favor quick frame adjustments on the fly. Sony’s smaller 2.8-inch screen with 461 pixels resolution is less crisp and lacks touch functionality, which can feel limiting once you get used to touch controls, but the physical buttons on WX5 offer precise tactile engagement in bright conditions.

Speaking of screens…

Display and Composition Tools - When Pixels Matter

The ST600’s large 3.5" touch LCD displays sharp images and smooth responses to touch gestures, adding to an immersive shooting experience. This renders photo review and menu handling fluid, boosting efficiency in field conditions. Conversely, the WX5’s screen, though smaller and less detailed, maintains respectable visibility under shaded light but struggles more under direct sunlight.

Neither camera provides electronic viewfinders nor articulated screens, which might deter videographers and those who shoot from unconventional angles. However, the touch interface on Samsung partly makes up for compositional limitations with its responsive live view autofocus point selection, a considerate addition for street and close-up shooting.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Low Light Performance - The Core of Photography

Both cameras utilize 1/2.3-inch type sensors - the de facto standard for compacts at their release period - but fundamentally differ in sensor technology and resolution. Samsung’s ST600 boasts a CCD sensor with 14 megapixels, while Sony opts for a BSI-CMOS sensor delivering 12 megapixels.

CCD sensors historically yield excellent color fidelity and low noise at base ISOs but tend to consume more power and lag in speed, which I witnessed in the ST600’s slower shot-to-shot times. BSI-CMOS sensors, on the other hand, inherently perform better in low light, thanks to back-illuminated architecture that improves light gathering.

During my low-light tests, the WX5 outperformed the ST600 in maintaining detail and limiting noise up to ISO 800. Samsung’s max native ISO of 4800 was overshadowed by noise, making images above 800 ISO noticeably grainy. Sony’s lower max ISO of 3200 nevertheless produced cleaner results, indicating more efficient signal processing.

In practical terms: for evening strolls or dim indoor photography, Sony delivers better usable detail, but Samsung’s stills offer slightly sharper daylight resolution thanks to its 14MP sensor.

Autofocus Systems - Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus can be a dealbreaker in dynamic shooting situations. The ST600 uses a contrast-detection AF system with single-point selection, including touch focus capability, but lacks continuous autofocus or tracking modes. Conversely, the WX5 includes 9 focus points and supports AF tracking, a boon when following moving subjects.

While testing wildlife and sports sequences, the WX5’s tracking noticeably reduced hunting and dropped frames compared to the ST600, which often struggled to reacquire focus on erratic subjects. Samsung’s camera suffices for casual snapshot purposes but doesn’t inspire confidence when fast reflexes are needed.

However, both cameras share a limitation in that they do not provide face or eye detection autofocus, features which were just beginning to appear in compact cameras at that time. Hence, getting tack-sharp portraits depends mostly on manual framing and timing.

Lens and Zoom Reach - How Far Can You Get?

Samsung’s ST600 sports a 27-135mm equivalent zoom (5x optical) with a max aperture range of f/3.3 to f/5.5. Sony’s WX5 edges the focal length out slightly wider-telescoping, with 24-120mm and an aperture of f/2.4-5.9.

The WX5 benefits from a brighter lens at the wide end (f/2.4 vs. f/3.3), helping low-light landscapes and tighter interiors. Samsung’s increased telephoto reach is advantageous for casual wildlife or distant event shooting, granting a little extra framing flexibility.

However, both lenses exhibit typical compact zoom compromises - softness towards telephoto and some barrel distortion at the widest settings. Neither offers image stabilization excellence, but both utilize optical image stabilization (OIS) effectively to reduce handshake blurring in stills and videos, with Sony’s system slightly more efficient in my handheld trials.

Video Capabilities - More Than Just Stills?

Sony leaps ahead quickly here. The WX5 supports full HD 1080p video recording at 50 fps recorded in the efficient AVCHD codec, yielding high quality and manageable file sizes. Samsung caps out at 720p HD at 30 fps, recording in Motion JPEG format, resulting in larger files and somewhat lower video clarity.

Neither camera offers microphone inputs - so professional audio capture isn’t an option out of the box, which is understandable given their compact target. Still, the WX5’s sharper video and smoother frame rates make it better suited for on-the-go shooters wanting polished family videos or travel clips.

Battery Life and Storage - Endurance and Convenience

Neither manufacturer provided explicit battery life in shots per charge for these models, but practical tests showed the WX5’s battery to last noticeably longer. The Sony uses the NP-BN1 battery, well documented for reliable mileage around 250-300 shots in mixed use, while Samsung’s SLB07 behaves closer to 150-200 shots, partly attributable to its power-hungry CCD sensor and touchscreen.

In storage, Samsung prefers MicroSD/MicroSDHC cards, while Sony exhibits versatility with SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo formats. The broader compatibility of the WX5 aligns well with users who already own Sony gear or require flexible memory solutions.

Handling Specialty Photography Styles - Portrait, Landscape, Wildlife, and More

To frame the relative strengths of these two cameras concretely, let’s consider their performance and suitability across main photographic disciplines.

Portraits and Close-ups

Samsung’s larger sensor resolution supports fine skin tone gradations and detail, but lack of face/eye detection autofocus and the constraint to contrast-detect single AF limit quick, precise focusing on moving subjects or portraits. The touchscreen focus helps here but can’t replace dedicated tracking.

Sony’s lens brightness at wide aperture and AF tracking makes it a better tool for stylized environmental portraits or spontaneous captures, despite the lower megapixel count.

Neither camera offers adjustable RAW capture, hence post-processing latitude is limited - a notable con for professionals demanding workflow flexibility.

Landscapes and Travel

Both cameras fit well in travel backpacks given their compact profiles, but the WX5’s size savings and better battery life enhance portability. Samsung’s extended telephoto zoom is helpful for compressing distant scenes, but the WX5’s wider angle lens and sharper video abilities win out for vivid travel memory documentation.

Neither are weather-sealed, so outdoor photographers should exercise caution in challenging conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Action

Here, Sony clearly leads with faster continuous shooting (up to 10 fps), multi-point autofocus, and tracking capabilities. These features are pivotal when shooting unpredictable animals or sports. Samsung’s sluggish shot intervals and slower AF make it less ideal, though it can handle casual shooting well.

Street and Macro Photography

The Samsung’s longer zoom and touchscreen assist in framing compositions creatively, while WX5’s smaller size and stealthier build lend themselves to candid street photography where discretion matters.

Macro focusing for both cameras is about 5 cm distance, enabling respectable close-up detail for casual snaps, though neither offers advanced focus stacking or bracketed focus features for extension.

Night and Astro Work

Low light is Sony’s stronghold thanks to its BSI-CMOS sensor foundation and lens brightness. It manages noise better at higher ISOs and sometimes accepts exposures as slow as 2 seconds, expanding creative options.

Samsung’s minimal manual control and noisier sensor limit night photography, making it more suited for well-lit scenes.

Build Quality, Connectivity, and Ergonomics

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or rugged protection - a standard compromise in this class. Upgrading into weatherproof models would push you toward more recent or higher-end devices.

Connectivity wise, Sony integrates “Eye-Fi” wireless compatibility, enabling direct image transfers without cables if paired with supported cards, an early boon for backward wireless workflows. Samsung leaves you tethered via USB 2.0 or HDMI output for file transfers.

Ergonomically, the Samsung’s larger touchscreen and physical dials for exposure modes serve hobbyists eager to experiment. If you seek simplicity and rapid shooting bursts, Sony’s streamlined controls and faster burst shooting fit better.

Image Samples and Real-World Shooting Results

Samsung ST600 screen back Sony WX5 front Sony WX5 screen back

From my side-by-side gallery images, you’ll notice the ST600 excels in daylight detail rendering and color accuracy, with slightly warmer tones flattering skin and landscapes. The WX5 offers a punchier contrast and cleaner low-light results but loses fine detail at base ISOs.

Video sharpness distinctly favors Sony, whereas Samsung’s 720p footage suffices only for casual playback.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

Aggregating my testing metrics, Sony WX5 scores higher in autofocus speed, video capability, low-light image quality, and battery life. Samsung ST600 takes the lead in manual controls, higher resolution for stills, and touchscreen usability.

The lower price point of the WX5 (~$250) versus ST600 (~$330) places it as a better bang-for-the-buck for generalist or video enthusiasts. Samsung’s premium targets the more deliberate shooter wanting fine control.

Specialized Genre Scores - Who Excels Where?

So, Which One Should You Choose?

My honest take: If you want a truly compact, speedy camera that performs well under a variety of lighting conditions - and you prioritize video or quick action shots - the Sony WX5 is the better choice. Its sensor technology, continuous shooting prowess, and video capabilities put it ahead for casual enthusiasts and travel photographers.

On the other hand, if you’re drawn to the tactile feel of manual exposure controls, enjoy a large touchscreen for creative framing, and prefer a higher megapixel count for prints or cropping flexibility, Samsung’s ST600 will serve you well, especially in daylight and static subjects. It’s also worth considering if you want a bit more telephoto reach.

Keep in mind:

• Neither supports RAW shooting, limiting post-processing freedom.
• Both cameras are now a decade old; modern smartphone cameras surpass them in many ways.
• Their fixed lens designs mean you’ll need to work creatively with zoom and framing.

Final Thoughts - Cameras Worth Considering in Compact Portfolios

In my experience, choosing between cameras at this category level demands balancing control, speed, and image quality traits according to your typical shooting scenarios.

The Samsung ST600 appeals to those who want a bit more manual control and resolution without sacrificing ultracompact convenience, making it a capable companion for casual portrait and landscape work. Conversely, the Sony WX5 leans toward faster, versatile performance where autofocus tracking and video quality matter - perfect for travel, street, and busy everyday scenes.

Ultimately, neither screams professional, yet both offer solid stepping stones for new photographers wishing to graduate beyond simple point-and-shoot simplicity. Pick the one whose strengths align with your style - and enjoy the freedom that well-designed, small cameras bring to your photographic journey.

I hope this deep dive helps you decide between the Samsung ST600 and Sony Cyber-shot WX5. If you have questions or thoughts from your hands-on experience, feel free to share them! Happy shooting.