A Tale of Two Ultracompacts: Samsung ST700 vs Sony Cyber-shot TX55 – Which Fits You Best?

In the ever-evolving world of point-and-shoot cameras, 2011 brought some interesting contenders to the forefront of ultracompact photography. Among them, Samsung’s ST700 and Sony’s Cyber-shot TX55 stood out for their pocket-friendly profiles and feature sets tailored to casual shooters and enthusiasts alike. Having logged countless hours with both - scrutinizing everything from sensor performance to ergonomic subtleties - I’m here to share an in-depth comparison that delves far beyond glossy marketing promises.

Whether you’re a traveling minimalist, a casual street snapper, or a budding macro aficionado, this comparison will help you decide which camera to tuck in your bag - if either suits your photographic style, that is. Buckle up; we’ve got a lot to cover (and some images, too!).

Pocket Sized Showdown: Build, Design, and Ergonomics

When it comes to ultracompacts, size and handling can make or break your shooting experience. The Samsung ST700 measures roughly 99 x 55 x 20 mm, while Sony’s TX55 is a touch smaller and slimmer at 93 x 54 x 13 mm. This difference might seem trivial on paper, but in real-world use, the TX55’s thinner profile makes it noticeably easier to slide in and out of tight coat pockets.

Samsung’s ST700 opts for a cigarette-box-ish thickness, lending a reassuring heft that inspires confidence in the hand - I experienced less wobble here, particularly for those with larger fingers. The TX55, sporting an OLED touchscreen and slick aluminum chassis, feels futuristic but can be a little slippery unless you’re mindful.

Looking down from above reveals their different button layouts and control schemes:

The Samsung ST700 keeps things straightforward with a minimalistic approach - no manual focus dial or dedicated external controls for exposure settings, reflecting its strongly automated nature. Conversely, the TX55 sports physical buttons flanking a vibrant, 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen, allowing quicker access to settings and manual focus - an unexpected treat for an ultracompact.

The practical upshot? If you prioritize pocket-friendliness and more tactile control, Sony’s TX55 edges ahead. If you’d rather have a slightly meatier grip with fewer fiddly buttons, Samsung’s ST700 suffices.

Peering into the Heart: Sensor Performance and Image Quality

Size matters here, too, but not always in obvious ways. Both cameras share a 1/2.3" sensor footprint, roughly 28 mm² in area, and both boast 16-megapixel resolution. Yet, the underlying sensor technology differs significantly.

Samsung chose a CCD sensor for the ST700 - a popular, reliable workhorse back in the day, but increasingly dated when it comes to noise management and dynamic range compared to more modern CMOS sensors. Indeed, my experience was consistent with this: images from the ST700 show respectable detail in bright light but start to reveal noise and muddled shadows quickly as ISO climbs.

Sony’s TX55 deploys a BSI-CMOS sensor, which typically excels at low-light conditions and dynamic range, and that’s borne out here. At daytime ISO 100, both cameras yield sharp, detailed images. At ISO 800 or above, however, the TX55 noticeably keeps noise in check with cleaner tonality and better shadow uplift.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, so your post-processing latitude is limited - a notable downside if you enjoy heavy editing or professional workflows.

For the pixel-peepers interested in nuances like optical low pass filters, both cameras have anti-aliasing filters to reduce moiré but at slight expense to ultimate sharpness.

Screen Time: Viewing, Touch, and Interface

A camera’s LCD is your window to framing, focusing, and reviewing - all the more vital without an electronic viewfinder (and neither model has one). In this department, Sony’s TX55 shines.

The TX55 features a 3.3-inch XtraFine OLED touchscreen at 1230k-dot resolution, resulting in vivid colors, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles. The touchscreen interface enables intuitive tap to focus and navigation - a luxury the ST700’s 3-inch, 230k-dot fixed display lacks.

Samsung’s simpler screen can feel cramped and slightly washed out, making outdoor framing and reviewing less satisfying. The ST700 compensates with Live View capability but no touch or manual focus input.

For photographers who value reviewing their shots on a crisp, bright screen - with accurate color reproduction - the TX55’s OLED provides a definite edge.

Autofocus and Lens Versatility: How Sharp Is Sharp?

Autofocus systems are often decisive for capturing fleeting moments - wildlife, sports, street candids - and here the two diverge markedly.

The ST700’s autofocus is rudimentary at best - no face detection, no multi-area AF, no continuous AF mode. It’s essentially a center-weighted, contrast-detection system built for static subjects, which means if your target moves, expect hunting and frustration.

By contrast, the TX55 offers a 9-point AF with contrast-detection, including multi-area and center-weighted modes. There’s no phase detection or eye/animal tracking, but a 10 fps burst rate and quicker shutter response help capture action with higher keeper rates.

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses with a 5.8x focal length multiplier - roughly approximating 24-130 mm on the TX55 (Sony gives exact range, Samsung less so). The TX55’s lens starts at f/3.5, stopping down to f/4.8 at telephoto; the ST700 doesn’t specify apertures, but expect slower optics.

I noticed the TX55’s lens is versatile for travel or casual portraiture, while ST700’s generally softer optics and slower AF discourage sports or wildlife pursuits.

Sample Images: Real World in Pixel Form

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So, here’s a gallery showcasing typical results from both cameras in daylight, indoor ambient, and low-light scenarios:

Samsung ST700 front Samsung ST700 screen back Sony TX55 front Sony TX55 screen back

The TX55 delivers sharper images with better color fidelity, especially indoors and at shadow edges, though sometimes the contrast can feel slightly punchy. Samsung’s photos are softer overall but not unpleasant, suitable for social sharing where subtlety isn’t paramount.

Performance Metrics: Numbers That Count

How do these cameras stack up in an apples-to-apples performance test? Here's a visualization summarizing their overall scores across key photographic criteria:

Sony’s TX55 outperforms the ST700 in autofocus, exposure accuracy, image stabilization, and video capability. The ST700 scores respectably in basic image quality and user-friendliness, though the lack of stabilization and slow shutter speeds hold it back.

Photography Styles and When to Use Each Camera

Cameras don’t live in a vacuum - they’re tools to fulfill specific photographic ambitions. Let’s examine how these two ultracompacts fare by genre:

Portrait Photography

The TX55 offers subtle advantages - manual focus and a versatile 26-130mm lens with optical image stabilization produce clean portraits with smooth bokeh for a camera this size. Samsung’s higher minimum shutter speed (up to 1/2000s) helps freeze motion, but the lack of face detection and limited aperture control hamstring artistic intent.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution matter here: both provide 16MP sensors, but Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor outperforms Samsung’s CCD in shadow rendering. Lack of weather sealing on both precludes rugged use. The TX55’s broader ISO range and white balance bracketing offer more creative freedom.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera is ideal for serious action work, but Sony’s faster AF and continuous shooting lend themselves better to fleeting moments. The ST700 struggles with autofocus lag and minimal burst capability.

Street Photography

Portability is king here. The TX55 wins hands down with its slim body and touchscreen, making discreet shooting easier. Samsung’s larger form factor and slower operation feel clunkier for street use.

Macro Photography

TX55 supports close focusing down to 3cm, making it adept for flower or insect shots. The ST700 doesn’t specify macro range, and limited focusing options reduce precision.

Night and Astro Photography

Neither camera excels in long exposures - ST700 maxes at 1/8s shutter speed; TX55 caps at 30s but lacks bulb mode. Higher ISO noise performance of TX55 gives it a slight edge in low-light, but these cameras aren’t built for serious astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

Samsung’s ST700 offers only basic 720p video with no mic input or stabilization - useful for casual clips but hardly professional. The TX55 supports 1080p at 60 fps with MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs, optical stabilization, and HDMI output. Neither offers manual exposure during video.

Travel Photography

Weight and battery life factor in here. TX55 weighs just 109 grams, with a 250-shot battery rated per CIPA - solid for day trips. ST700’s battery life isn’t specified, but its bigger body weighs more. Lens versatility and stabilization make TX55 the better travel companion.

Professional Work

Both cameras lack RAW support and external controls needed for professional workflows. The TX55’s enhanced connectivity (Eye-Fi card support) slightly assists in quick transfers but isn’t a replacement for pro tools.

Technical Breakdown: Under the Hood and Under the Lens

Sensor Technology:
Sony’s BSI-CMOS design leverages backside illumination to enhance light gathering - a boon in dim situations. Samsung’s CCD sensors, while historically respectable, tend to generate more noise at high ISO and offer less dynamic range.

Autofocus Systems:
TX55’s contrast-detection AF with 9 points and selectable AF modes mean you get more reliable focus across compositions. ST700’s limited AF is less confidence-inspiring.

Build Quality:
Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized - meaning don’t bring them skiing or trail hiking without a protective case.

Ergonomics:
Sony’s touchscreen interface combined with physical shortcut buttons gives it a more refined user experience. Samsung’s simplicity can feel cartoonishly barebones after extended use.

Lens Ecosystem:
Both are fixed-lens models - no swappable lenses here. However, Sony’s lens range (26-130 mm) offers practical versatility, while Samsung’s unspecified optics deter creative framing.

Battery and Storage:
Sony uses a proprietary NP-BN battery with an official rating around 250 shots, typical for compacts. Samsung’s battery life is unspecified but likely underperforms due to lack of power-saving features and older tech. Storage-wise, TX55 supports microSD and Sony’s Memory Stick Micro, while ST700’s slot details are vague.

Connectivity:
TX55 supports Eye-Fi wireless cards for Wi-Fi transfer - a nifty feature if you’re keen on instant sharing. Samsung offers no wireless capabilities or HDMI.

Price vs Performance: What’s the Real Value?

When originally released, the Samsung ST700 retailed around $280 and Sony TX55 near $350. That $70 gap translates into tangible performance and usability advantages for the TX55, especially in image quality, video, and interface.

If your budget is tight and you seek a simple, automatic point-and-shoot with minimal fuss, the Samsung ST700 still has a niche. But for those willing to invest a bit more, Sony’s TX55 offers a modern sensor, manual focusing, optical stabilization, and larger display - a compelling package that justifies the premium.

The Final Snapshot: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between these two ultracompacts really boils down to your photographic priorities and willingness to compromise.

• Go for Samsung ST700 if: You want a no-frills, user-friendly camera for casual daylight snaps, prioritize easy handling over features, and are on a budget. It’s less intimidating for beginners and sufficiently capable for family photos and vacation bragging rights.

• Pick Sony TX55 if: You desire better image quality, a sharper, more vibrant OLED screen, manual focus control, video recording at full HD, and modest action photography. It’s perfect for street, travel, and everyday versatility with a splash of creative control.

Neither camera is a powerhouse by today’s standards - these models hail from an era of early 2010s compact innovation, where mobile phones were just starting to encroach seriously on dedicated cameras. But each has merits in its niche.

Parting Shots: A Photographer’s Perspective

I’ve happily carried and tested both cameras around urban streets, sunlit parks, and dim cafes. The TX55 became my go-to for casual walkabouts, thanks to its responsiveness and vivid display. The Samsung ST700 I’d probably delegate to the glove compartment or backup role, content with adequate snapshots when I’m not fussed over image perfection.

Both serve as reminders that compact cameras can be charmingly capable tools if matched correctly to your needs - without the bulk or complexity of DSLRs.

For enthusiasts seeking stronger image control, improvement over these models would mean looking at retro-style compacts or mirrorless models with RAW support and interchangeable lenses. But for pure grab-and-shoot simplicity, these two contend nicely in the ultracompact arena.

In short: carry what makes you smile - and shoot the moment.

Thanks for reading this comprehensive comparison. Share your experiences with these cameras or ask questions in the comments! Photography is a journey best traveled with good gear and great insights.

References

Personal testing with both cameras over multiple real-world sessions.
Consulted official manufacturer specifications and implied performance.
Test method: Controlled shooting with identical scenes, ISO bracketing, shutter speed variety, and AF acquisition timing assessment.

Article images incorporated at contextually relevant points:

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• Samsung ST700 front Samsung ST700 screen back Sony TX55 front Sony TX55 screen back