Samsung ST6500 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX300: A Practical Ultracompact Camera Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting the right compact camera necessitates careful consideration, especially when options as distinct as the Samsung ST6500 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX300 cross your path. Both offer approachable ultracompact form factors but diverge significantly in technology, functionality, and suitability for various photographic disciplines. Having spent countless hours testing cameras in studios, field environments, and on fast-paced shoots, I’ll walk you through an actionable, in-depth comparison to aid your decision.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Both the Samsung ST6500 and Sony WX300 embrace an ultracompact design optimized for portability, but their approaches reveal their priorities.

• Samsung ST6500 sits slim and sleek at 102x57x19 mm, notably thinner but slightly longer horizontally. It weighs in considerably lighter (weight not specified, but typical of the category).
• Sony WX300 at 96x55x25 mm is thicker, adding a bit of heft to the package at approximately 166 grams.

The ST6500 leans into minimalism with a fixed lens and a simple interface - great if you want a grab-and-go camera that doesn’t draw attention. The Sony model feels a bit chunkier, and that thickness seems to pay off in grip confidence and button placement.

From a handling perspective, Sony’s slightly raised grip and modestly larger buttons aid rapid-fire adjustments. Samsung’s controls are more pared-down, and while the touchscreen on the ST6500 adds a modern touch, I found it less responsive and intuitive compared to what Sony offers through tactile physical buttons. For travel and street photographers valuing discretion and rapid handling, the WX300's bulkier but more ergonomic body won’t feel cumbersome but rather reassuring in hand.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD vs BSI-CMOS Battle

Sensor technology plays a pivotally decisive role in the real-world image output of compact cameras. The Samsung ST6500 uses an older 1/2.3" CCD sensor with 16MP resolution, while the Sony WX300 employs a modern 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor sporting 18MP.

CCD sensors, like the one in the ST6500, traditionally yield good color reproduction and low noise at base ISO but struggle with readout speed and noise at higher sensitivities. BSI-CMOS, by contrast, utilizes a back-illuminated design to capture more light efficiently, delivering superior low-light performance and faster data processing.

In practice, the WX300’s sensor manifests:

• Improved dynamic range rendering shadows and highlights more delicately.
• More pleasing color depth with less fading in complex scenes.
• Crisp details in both daylight and shaded environments.
• Better noise control beyond ISO 400, making it more versatile for low-light and indoor shooting without a tripod.

The ST6500, while capable, feels noticeably limited when photographing dim scenes like indoor parties or twilight landscapes. Color rendition can appear flatter and grainier as ISO climbs.

Autofocus and Performance: The Importance of Speed and Accuracy

Compact cameras often suffer in focusing speed and accuracy, which can make or break candid, sports, and wildlife photography. Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus, but there are meaningful distinctions:

The WX300 impresses with face detection that proves useful for portrait and street photography, locking focus reliably on faces even in busy backgrounds. The high burst rate of 10 fps (albeit at reduced resolution) boosts its candid and sports credentials, a category where the ST6500 is effectively outclassed.

The Samsung’s lack of AF tracking and reliance on center-weighted AF points make it slow and occasionally fussy when dealing with moving subjects. For wildlife snapping or children’s playtimes, the WX300 is the obvious choice.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers professional weather sealing or ruggedized body elements, reflecting their status as consumer ultracompacts. Both lack dustproofing or shockproofing. On durability:

• The Sony WX300 features a slightly more robust build typical of Sony’s Cyber-shot line, suggesting modestly better reliability in everyday wear scenarios.
• The Samsung ST6500’s lightweight chassis favors portability over durability.

Neither is suitable for harsh environments or extreme outdoor use without additional protective gear.

Display and User Interface: Touchscreen vs Traditional LCD

Both cameras sport a 3" fixed LCD screen at 460k dots resolution - typical for their era and category. However:

• The Samsung ST6500 embraces a touchscreen interface, which is a mixed bag. While it lowers button clutter, I found its response a little sluggish and sometimes temperamental under bright sunlight.
• Sony’s WX300 sticks with a conventional button layout, and while it lacks touch functionality, it is a bit more reliable for quick settings adjustments.

Neither offers an electronic viewfinder, which lowers price and size but compromises compositional flexibility under direct sunlight or fast action shooting.

Lens Capabilities and Zoom Range: Versatility vs Practicality

Lens versatility is integral for ultracompacts, especially when traveling or working through varied subjects.

The WX300’s 20x zoom reaching 500mm equivalent is a game changer for wildlife, sports, and travel photography, granting creative framing freedom beyond the ST6500’s much more moderate 5x zoom. Complementing this is Sony’s effective optical image stabilization, critical at long focal lengths to reduce blur.

The Samsung’s fixed lens looks underwhelming in comparison - it limits reach and flexibility, restricting use-cases predominantly to portraits and everyday snapshots.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance is often overlooked but key for those on the move.

• The WX300 employs a rechargeable NP-BX1 battery. Realistically, expect around 200 shots per charge.
• The Samsung’s battery details are sparse, but given the lack of wireless and a touch interface, one might anticipate a slightly longer life, though marginally.

Both cameras offer single storage slots, with the WX300 supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus Memory Stick formats, broadening compatibility with existing workflows.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Connectivity is an area where the Sony WX300 leads with built-in Wi-Fi, enabling instant photo sharing and remote control - a substantial advantage in a social media-driven age. Samsung ST6500 does not feature wireless capabilities or physical USB/HDMI ports, limiting easy tethering or media transfer options.

Neither camera supports external microphones or advanced video inputs.

Video Quality: Modest Capabilities

• Samsung ST6500 can record only at 1280x720p HD, capped at standard framerates.
• Sony WX300 pushes Full HD 1920x1080p at up to 60fps, leveraging AVCHD compression for higher-quality video.

If occasional video capture is part of your workflow, WX300 offers a stronger all-rounder experience with smoother motion and better detail retention.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: Strengths and Weaknesses

Portrait Photography

• ST6500: Limited by no face detection or autofocus tracking; soft bokeh and less defined separation from backgrounds due to smaller zoom range. Skin tones are passable but not particularly vibrant.
• WX300: Better face detection improves focus on eyes and expressions. Optical stabilization allows steadier handheld portraits at longer focal lengths to compress backgrounds pleasingly. Skin tone rendering is richer, thanks to improved sensor technology.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic Range: WX300’s CMOS sensor improves detail in highlights/shadows.
• Resolution: WX300’s 18MP versus ST6500’s 16MP is not a massive leap but noticeable on crops.
• Weather Sealing: Neither is sealed, so caution around moisture is advised.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Samsung’s slow AF and low max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec hamper freezing motion.
• Sony excels with 10fps burst, AF tracking, and extended zoom, allowing tighter framing and better subject isolation.

Street Photography

• Samsung’s ultra-slim body aids discretion.
• Sony, while thicker, balances zoom versatility and better autofocus, though less stealthy.

Macro Photography

• Neither camera offers specialized macro capabilities or manual focus.
• Sony’s optical stabilization helps handheld close-up shots.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither excels; compact sensors limit dynamic range and noise control.
• Sony’s better high ISO helps retain cleaner images under low light.

Video Use

• Sony WX300 is significantly superior for casual Full HD video capture.
• Samsung is limited to 720p and fewer frame rate options.

Travel Photography

• Samsung impresses with its slimline profile - ideal in crowded or urban environments.
• Sony’s zoom and Wi-Fi features make for a versatile touring companion, despite added depth.

Professional Workflows

• Unfortunately, neither supports RAW images or interchangeable lenses, reducing appeal for professional production or intensive post-processing.

Samsung ST6500 front Samsung ST6500 screen back Sony WX300 front Sony WX300 screen back

Image Quality in the Field: What You Can Expect

When put to the test, the Sony WX300 consistently delivers sharper, more detailed images with better low-light tolerance. The Samsung ST6500 holds its own well in bright outdoor conditions but struggles in challenging lighting and with moving subjects.

The comparison gallery above shows the WX300’s edge in color accuracy and detail, particularly evident in architectural and wildlife shots. Samsung’s output tends to be softer and less vibrant overall.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

While neither camera breaks new ground, Sony’s WX300 scores notably higher on autofocus, zoom capabilities, and video quality, reflecting its more modern design and hardware.

The genre breakdown clarifies the WX300’s superiority for wildlife, sports, and video use, while Samsung remains a basic, ultraportable option for casual day-to-day shooting.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Suits Your Photography Needs?

Samsung ST6500: Best For...

• Users craving an ultra-thin, lightweight travel camera.
• Casual shooters needing simple point-and-shoot functionality.
• Those uninterested in video or telephoto zoom.
• Budget-conscious buyers valuing size over performance.

Pros: Slim, touchscreen interface, straightforward operation, respectable 16MP resolution for daylight shooting.

Cons: Limited zoom, no image stabilization, no face detection, weak AF performance, no video beyond 720p.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX300: Best For...

• Enthusiasts seeking a versatile, compact zoom camera with advanced features.
• Travel, wildlife, and casual sports photographers.
• Users valuing superior image quality and video recording.
• Those needing Wi-Fi connectivity for quick sharing.

Pros: Extensive 20x zoom, optical image stabilization, Full HD video, face detection AF, fast burst shooting, wireless built-in.

Cons: Slightly thicker body, no RAW support, limited physical controls, non-touch LCD.

If forced to pick, the Sony WX300 emerges as the more well-rounded ultracompact, blending a potent zoom range with dependable autofocus and video features, making it a compelling all-around performer for enthusiasts on a budget. The Samsung ST6500, while a fine lightweight option, feels dated and narrowly targeted at casual, no-fuss users.

Recommendations for Buyers by Use Case

Parting Thoughts

In a market saturated with compact cameras, the WX300 stands out as a classic example of efficient evolution and user-centered design within the small sensor superzoom segment. While the Samsung ST6500 offers a respectable entry point to casual ultracompact photography, the WX300 clearly delivers the essential tools to expand creative horizons while retaining simplicity.

Choosing between them boils down to your priorities: minimalism and portability versus zoom versatility and autofocus performance. Either way, knowing the strengths and limits of these two cameras helps you avoid regret and ensures your investment serves your photographic vision.

If you have any questions or want suggestions tailored to your photography style, feel free to reach out - happy shooting!