Samsung ST80 vs Sony TX10

Comparing Two Ultracompacts: Samsung ST80 vs Sony Cyber-shot TX10 - Which Suits Your Photography Needs?

In the ever-evolving world of compact cameras, ultracompacts have carved a niche for photographers seeking portability without sacrificing the basics of image quality and versatility. Today, I'm diving hands-on into a detailed comparison of two noteworthy contenders in this sphere from the early 2010s: Samsung’s ST80 (announced January 2010) and Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-TX10 (announced August 2011). Both cameras tout sleek designs, user-friendly touchscreens, and pocket-friendly dimensions, but they approach photography with distinct philosophies and technologies.

Having personally tested thousands of compact cameras over 15 years, I aim to equip you with an informed, nuanced perspective about how these two machines stack up - from sensor performance to handling nuances and everything in-between, across a broad spectrum of photographic uses. Let’s break down the key facets of these models, knowing that at their respective price points ($249 for the ST80 and $309 for the TX10 at launch), every feature counts toward your shooting experience and image outcome.

Pocket-Sized Precision: Handling, Design, and Ergonomics

When selecting a camera you’ll likely carry everywhere, size and feel aren’t minor points but critical decision factors. The Samsung ST80 measures a compact 92 x 55 x 19 mm and weighs a featherlight 118g, while the Sony TX10 slightly edges larger at 96 x 56 x 18 mm and weighs 133g. That’s a difference you’ll notice more when pocketed over a day than in hand at the moment of capture.

Both have a similar ultracompact profile with fixed lenses. However, Samsung’s ST80 takes a cleaner, almost minimalist approach with fewer physical buttons, relying heavily on its touchscreen for controls. The Sony TX10, on the other hand, integrates a Suzuki-trained attention to detail in its slender metal body, adding a premium, tactile appeal despite its tiny footprint.

The touchscreen experience on both is crucial, but I found Sony’s “XtraFine LCD” - boasting 921k-dot resolution vs Samsung’s lower 230k-dot display - to be significantly sharper and more responsive. This matters beyond aesthetics: clearer previews mean better in-field focusing and exposure checks. Interestingly, both models use fixed 3-inch screens, but Sony’s superior resolution sets it apart here.

The control layout also diverges. Samsung opts for a simpler control scheme with limited manual override - more of a “point-and-shoot” philosophy with basic aperture and shutter priority modes available, whereas the Sony TX10 doesn’t officially offer manual exposure modes at all. This could be a point of friction depending on your shooting style - more on that later.

In real-world shooting, the Sony felt steadier in the hand - its slight extra heft and build quality lending confidence during rapid shooting or when extending towards macro subjects. Samsung’s lighter weight makes it the ultimate grab-and-go but might feel a bit plasticky and less reassuring for sustained use.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality - The Heart of the Camera

Next up: image quality. Both cameras use a “1/2.3 inch” sensor size - the standard for ultracompact cameras - but their sensor technologies differ fundamentally. Samsung’s ST80 employs an older CCD sensor measuring roughly 6.08 x 4.56 mm, with 14-megapixel resolution. Sony’s TX10 uses a slightly newer BSI CMOS sensor around 6.17 x 4.55 mm, pushing 16 megapixels.

Sensor technology significantly affects low-light capability, dynamic range, and color fidelity. CCDs were the leading sensor tech a decade ago, known for natural color rendering but typically lacking in high ISO performance and speed relative to CMOS. The BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor in the TX10 enhances light gathering efficiency, boosting sensitivity and reducing noise at higher ISO settings.

In practical shooting, where light is plentiful, both produce pleasant, sharp images with decent color. Samsung’s CCD offers slightly warmer skin tones, which can be flattering for casual portraits, but it also delivers more noise beyond ISO 400. Sony’s BSI CMOS has cleaner shadows and preserves detail better under challenging indoor or shaded environments.

Dynamic range differences are subtle but real. Sony’s sensor retains more highlight and shadow detail, crucial for landscapes and high-contrast scenes. Sadly, neither supports RAW capture, forcing you to make exposure and white balance decisions in-camera without the flexibility professional workflows usually require.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds - Catch That Moment

In compact photography, autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy can make or break the experience, especially for scenes with movement. Both cameras use contrast-detection AF systems, typical of their generation.

The Samsung ST80 is limited to single autofocus; there is no continuous AF or tracking capability, meaning if your subject moves, you need to refocus manually between shots. It includes center-weighted metering and offers shutter/aperture priority exposure, which is somewhat advanced for its class but limited by the lack of AF areas or face detection.

Sony’s TX10 similarly lacks continuous AF but brings in a 9-point AF area system. This allows slightly better framing flexibility when composing shots away from the center. It also offers face detection and utilizes Eye-Fi wireless card support for easier photo transfer (more on connectivity later).

Burst shooting speeds show a stark difference: Samsung does not specify continuous shooting rates, whereas Sony can capture 10 frames per second, a remarkable feat in a device of this size, rate, and generation, although buffer limits often abbreviate that in extended bursts.

For wildlife or sports photography enthusiasts, neither camera truly excels given their sensor and AF limitations. But if you often capture fleeting street moments or spontaneous portraits, Sony’s faster shooting rate and better AF flexibility grant a modest edge.

Lens Characteristics and Macro Capabilities

Samsung ST80 sports a 35-105mm equivalent lens - a modest 3x zoom with an aperture range of f/3.3 to f/5.5. Sony TX10 offers 25-100mm equivalent, a slightly wider-to-telephoto zoom with f/3.5-4.6 aperture.

While neither rivals interchangeable lens systems for range or brightness, Sony’s lens is slightly better for wide-angle framing - a plus for landscapes or cramped interiors. However, Samsung’s longer telephoto reach may better suit casual portraits or mid-range candid shots.

Macro shooting is where the Sony TX10 impresses. It permits focusing as close as 1 cm compared to Samsung’s 5 cm minimum. In practice, this means the TX10 can capture exquisitely detailed close-ups of flowers, textures, and small objects with vivid clarity. Samsung’s macro performance, while decent, felt less immersive due to that longer minimum focus distance.

Neither has image stabilization systems that specifically tackle macro shake, but both use optical image stabilizers for hand-held shooting. Combined with Sony’s superior touchscreen focusing precision, TX10 wins for macro work hands down.

Video Performance and Multimedia Features

Video has become a critical factor even in compact cameras. Samsung’s ST80 captures video up to 1280 x 720 (720p) at 30fps in Motion JPEG format - an older codec known for large file sizes and limited editing flexibility.

Sony’s TX10 steps up significantly with Full HD 1920 x 1080p at 60fps using AVCHD and MPEG-4/H.264 codecs. This provides better video quality, smoother motion, and more efficient compression facilitating longer recording times and easier editing workflows.

Neither model offers external microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio quality control. Additionally, while both have built-in flashes, neither supports external flash units, capping versatility for advanced lighting setups.

Connectivity on the Sony side benefits from Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer, useful for quick sharing, while Samsung offers no wireless features at all. Both include HDMI output and USB 2.0 for wired transfers.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Turning to ruggedness, a crucial factor for travel and adventure photographers, Sony clearly leads. The TX10 is weather-sealed and offers dustproof, shockproof, waterproof (up to 10 feet), and freezeproof capabilities, making it a reliable companion on hikes, beaches, or cold-weather shoots.

Samsung ST80 does not provide any environmental sealing, so it demands a more cautious approach to challenging conditions. Neither camera’s build suggests sports- or wildlife-shooting durability, but Sony’s ruggedness expands its field usability dramatically.

Battery Life and Storage Options

While official battery life numbers aren’t specified for either camera in our datasheets, Sony’s TX10 uses the NP-BN1 battery, generally rated for around 220 to 300 shots per charge depending on usage patterns. The ST80’s BP70A battery capacity aligns similarly in the low hundreds of shots.

Both utilize removable lithium-ion batteries, which is standard but welcome for extended outings where spares are practical. Storage varies: Samsung uses MicroSD/MicroSDHC and internal memory; Sony supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards as well as Memory Stick Duo cards, offering more storage flexibility.

A Closer Look at User Interface and Controls

Samsung’s interface is straightforward, leaning heavily on a touchscreen for focus point selection, exposure compensation on a dedicated dial, and limited manual controls including shutter and aperture priority. While accessible to beginners, experienced photographers might find the lack of full manual modes and AF area selection frustrating.

Sony’s TX10 foregoes manual shutter or aperture modes entirely, focusing on automated settings with fixed ISO and custom white balance options. However, it offers face detection AF and a 9-point AF system, which, when paired with the sharp and responsive LCD, facilitates more confident framing.

Sony’s XtraFine LCD was noticeably easier to read in daylight and provided a smoother navigation experience through menus. Samsung’s lower-resolution screen felt limiting when assessing focus or exposure precision, especially in bright environments.

Genre-Specific Photography: Who Excels Where?

Taking a nuanced look across different photographic disciplines provides clearer recommendations.

Samsung ST80 front Samsung ST80 screen back Sony TX10 front Sony TX10 screen back

Portrait Photography: Samsung’s slightly longer telephoto lens and warmer CCD color tone favor relaxed, natural skin rendering, especially in controlled lighting. However, lack of face detection and slower AF reduce its candid capture efficacy. Sony’s faster AF areas and better macro focusing aid detailed close-ups of eyes or face textures, although color rendition may skew cooler.

Landscape Photography: Sony’s wider 25mm start and enhanced dynamic range via BSI CMOS make it the go-to for expansive vistas and detailed foregrounds. Weather sealing protects it from elements encountered outdoors - an unbeatable advantage over Samsung here.

Wildlife and Sports: Neither is an ideal choice if aggressive autofocus and frame rates are top priority. Still, Sony’s 10fps burst shooting and 9 AF points give it an edge in capturing quick movements. Samsung’s slower, basic AF hampers action shots.

Street Photography: Both benefit from compactness, but Samsung’s lighter weight enhances discreetness during stealthy city shooting. Sony’s screen quality and faster AF help capture moments quickly, though the slightly heavier body may reveal you to subjects.

Macro Photography: Sony wins decisively with superb 1 cm focusing and stabilized optics. Great for flora, insects, and detailed textures. Samsung’s 5 cm limit means less immersion for macro aficionados.

Night and Astro Photography: Both suit casual night shooting but struggle beyond ISO 400 due to sensor size and noise. Sony’s better high-ISO handling provides cleaner images, though astro photography enthusiasts would outgrow both quickly due to lack of manual exposure flexibility.

Video: Sony’s Full HD at 60fps and efficient codecs strongly outclasses Samsung’s HD 720p in Motion JPEG. For multimedia hobbyists, this is a compelling reason to lean TX10.

Travel Photography: Sony’s ruggedness, pure convenience in frame rates, and image quality profile fit adventurous travelers. Samsung’s lighter and simpler design suits minimalists but demands care in harsh environments.

Professional Work: Neither offers RAW shooting or professional workflow-friendly features. Their output serves casual or enthusiast levels but isn’t suited to alignment workflows or advanced post-processing demands.

Price-to-Performance and Final Thoughts

With approximate street prices of $249 (Samsung ST80) and $309 (Sony TX10) at launch, you pay a modest premium for Sony’s enhanced durability, video quality, higher resolution sensor, and expanded autofocus system.

If portability and simplicity with basic photography suffices and you value warm, casual image tones with manual exposure options, Samsung’s ST80 presents a competent value. However, if you desire a more versatile shooter capable of tackling diverse lighting, weather, and subject matter with better video and macro ability, Sony’s TX10 is worth the extra investment.

Both cameras have aged technology compared to today’s standards but remain instructive in ultracompact design and balance. For compact-camera collectors or casual shooters seeking a near pocketable everyday camera from this era, the choosing knife is sharp and distinct.

In summary:

• Choose Samsung ST80 for a lightweight, straightforward snapshot tool with minimal fuss and basic manual control - an easy companion for casual portraits and daylight shoots.
• Choose Sony TX10 if you want a tougher camera, richer video options, better macro capability, and reliable performance across multiple photography types - an ultracompact built for more adventurous and versatile shooting scenarios.

Photography gear is, after all, about matching tools to your creative intentions. Understanding each camera’s strengths and embracing their compromises ensures you pick the right camera for your visual story, be it a bustling street corner or the intricate world of wildflowers.

I hope this nuanced, firsthand comparison steers your decision wisely and enriches your ongoing photographic adventures. Happy shooting!