Samsung ST90 vs Sony a1
99 Imaging
37 Features
19 Overall
29


61 Imaging
81 Features
93 Overall
85
Samsung ST90 vs Sony a1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 0 - 0
- 1280 x 720 video
- ()mm (F) lens
- n/ag - 92 x 53 x 17mm
- Introduced January 2011
(Full Review)
- 50MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 32000 (Push to 102400)
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 7680 x 4320 video
- Sony E Mount
- 737g - 129 x 97 x 70mm
- Introduced January 2021

Samsung ST90 vs Sony a1 Overview
Below, we are matching up the Samsung ST90 vs Sony a1, former is a Ultracompact while the other is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Samsung and Sony. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the ST90 (14MP) and a1 (50MP) and the ST90 (1/2.3") and a1 (Full frame) possess different sensor dimensions.

The ST90 was released 11 years earlier than the a1 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Samsung ST90 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.
Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the ST90 matches up vs the a1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Samsung ST90 vs Sony a1 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung ST90 & Sony Alpha a1. The complete galleries are viewable at Samsung ST90 Gallery & Sony a1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Samsung ST90 over the Sony a1
ST90 | a1 |
---|
Reasons to pick Sony a1 over the Samsung ST90
a1 | ST90 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | January 2021 | ![]() | January 2011 | More modern by 122 months |
Focus manually | ![]() | Very precise focusing | ||
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Display resolution | 1440k | ![]() | 460k | Clearer display (+980k dot) |
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Common features in the Samsung ST90 and Sony a1
ST90 | a1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display dimension | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Identical display sizing |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither contains selfie screen |
Samsung ST90 vs Sony a1 Physical Comparison
If you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Samsung ST90 has got outside dimensions of 92mm x 53mm x 17mm (3.6" x 2.1" x 0.7") having a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs) whilst the Sony a1 has specifications of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).
See the Samsung ST90 vs Sony a1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the ST90 and the a1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ST90 and a1 is 99 and 61 respectively.

Samsung ST90 vs Sony a1 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it is hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizes purely by going through specs. The picture here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ST90 and a1.
All in all, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ST90 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony a1 will provide extra detail as a result of its extra 36MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ST90 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.

Samsung ST90 vs Sony a1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Samsung ST90 vs Sony a1 Specifications
Samsung ST90 | Sony Alpha a1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Samsung | Sony |
Model | Samsung ST90 | Sony Alpha a1 |
Type | Ultracompact | Pro Mirrorless |
Introduced | 2011-01-19 | 2021-01-26 |
Body design | Ultracompact | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | Full frame |
Sensor measurements | 6.16 x 4.62mm | 35.9 x 24mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.5mm² | 861.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixel | 50 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 8640 x 5760 |
Max native ISO | - | 32000 |
Max boosted ISO | - | 102400 |
Min native ISO | - | 100 |
RAW pictures | ||
Min boosted ISO | - | 50 |
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | - | 759 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | Sony E |
Lens focal range | () | - |
Number of lenses | - | 133 |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 460 thousand dot | 1,440 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 9,437 thousand dot |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.9x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 8s | 30s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/8000s |
Highest quiet shutter speed | - | 1/32000s |
Continuous shooting speed | - | 30.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | - | no built-in flash |
Flash settings | - | Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Red-eye reduction, Wireless, Hi-speed sync |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Highest flash sync | - | 1/400s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 | 7680x4320 (30p, 25p, 23.98) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 7680x4320 |
Video format | - | XAVC S, XAVC HS, H.264, H.265 |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | none | Yes |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | - | 737g (1.62 pounds) |
Dimensions | 92 x 53 x 17mm (3.6" x 2.1" x 0.7") | 129 x 97 x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 530 images |
Battery form | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | - | NP-FZ100 |
Self timer | - | Yes |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | - | Dual SD/CFexpress Type A slots (UHS-II supported) |
Storage slots | One | 2 |
Cost at launch | $150 | $6,498 |