From Pocket Pixies to Full-Frame Titans: Samsung ST90 vs. Sony RX1R II – A Tale of Two Cameras

When you pit the Samsung ST90 against the Sony RX1R II, you’re not just comparing two cameras - you’re comparing eras, philosophies, and completely different expectations. The ST90, an ultracompact from 2011, sits on the entry-level end of the spectrum, while the RX1R II, heralded in 2015, is a full-frame large sensor compact aiming for pro-level quality in the palm of your hand. It’s like comparing a cute city scooter to a turbocharged sports car - not an apples-to-apples contest but one that tells us volumes about the evolution of compact cameras.

Having spent over 15 years critically testing cameras across genres, I’m excited to dive into a head-to-head that illuminates what’s possible at two vastly different tiers of this niche. Let’s unpack the story behind these two devices, weighing technical specs, real-world usability, image quality, and who really should consider them.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Design Philosophy

If you peek at these models side-by-side, the Samsung ST90 is true pocket magic - measuring just 92×53×17 mm. It’s a typical “grab-and-go” point-and-shoot with minimal controls, no tactile complexities, and a fixed lens that disappears into your palm.

Contrast that with the Sony RX1R II, which weighs in at 507g and measures 113×65×72 mm - not bulky by any means but definitely something you’ll want to slip into a camera bag rather than a jeans pocket. The Sony’s heft comes with purpose: a full-frame sensor, a Carl Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens, and a solid magnesium alloy body that feels reassuringly robust.

Both cameras aim in wildly different directions ergonomically. The ST90 favors simplicity for casual photographers or travelers wanting zero fuss. Meanwhile, the RX1R II screams enthusiast and professional use, boasting manual focus dials, a tilting screen, and an electronic viewfinder - features that offer serious creative control but introduce complexity.

Looking at the control layouts, the Samsung’s sparse array doesn’t allow for aperture priority or manual exposure modes - limited to basic auto and scene modes. The RX1R II, however, puts three main exposure modes at your fingertips - shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual. It even tucks in exposure compensation, custom white balance, and a 25-point hybrid autofocus system. It’s a compact camera that asks for involvement.

Sensor Showdown: Imaging Powerhouses - or Not?

This is where the gap between the two widens into a canyon.

The Samsung ST90 houses a modest 1/2.3” CCD sensor with 14 megapixels, measuring 6.16×4.62 mm (~28.46 mm²). It’s typical of ultracompacts of that era: small sensor, CCD technology good for daylight shoots but struggles dramatically in low light and dynamic range. The built-in anti-aliasing filter smooths moiré but also softens fine detail.

The Sony RX1R II, by contrast, boasts a full-frame 35.9×24 mm BSI CMOS sensor with a massive 42.4 megapixels and no anti-aliasing filter, pushing sharpness to the max. This sensor is a beast in dynamic range (DXOMark gave it a stellar overall score of 97), color depth, and ISO performance. The BSI (backside-illuminated) tech helps this sensor chew through noise at high ISO, making low-light and night photography seriously feasible.

From testing the RX1R II in challenging lighting scenarios - think sunset landscapes or dimly lit indoor portraits - the sensor’s headroom for shadows and highlights truly shines. Meanwhile, the ST90, useful for snapshot social media posts or quick outdoor shots, can’t compete; its small sensor size limits image quality, noise management, and flexibility in post-processing.

Portrait Photography: Who Wins the Face-Off?

Portraiture is often the acid test for image quality and autofocus sophistication.

The Samsung ST90 depends largely on contrast-detection autofocus - though frankly, this camera lacks face detection entirely. I’ve found with fixed-lens ultracompacts like this, you end up relying on center-weighted metering and luck for sharp eyes and pleasing skin tones. Its 3” fixed LCD at 460k resolution offers only a vague idea about focus accuracy. Bokeh is soft and often underwhelming, given the built-in lens’s unspecified maximum aperture and small sensor.

The Sony RX1R II shines here - its 35mm f/2 fixed lens produces beautifully shallow depth-of-field highlights and creamy bokeh, especially when set wide open on portraits. The hybrid autofocus system uses phase-detection with face detection (though it’s 2015 tech and lacks eye-AF which recent Sony bodies flaunt), focusing accurately on faces even at f/2. The electronic viewfinder helps with precise manual focusing too, and I’ve found its 25 AF points more than ample for maintaining focus on subjects moving within the frame.

Color reproduction is another key. The RX1R II’s sensor and processor deliver skin tones with natural warmth and accurate hues - crucial for flattering portraits. The ST90, while surprisingly decent in good light, struggles with oversaturated or washed-out tones under harsher or uneven lighting.

Landscape Photography: Detail, Dynamics, and Durability

Landscape lovers want high resolution, wide dynamic range, and color fidelity, preferably sealed bodies to brave the elements.

Here, the Samsung ST90 is at a clear disadvantage on every front. The small sensor and limited megapixel count restrict its resolution and tonal gradation. Its maximum shutter speed tops out at 1/2000s, which is generous, but the lack of RAW means fewer options for post-processing recovery from highlights or shadows. The camera’s lack of weather sealing or robust build makes it a poor companion for outdoor adventures - dust or moisture will likely spoil the fun.

The RX1R II comes closer to ideal for landscapes with its whopping 42MP full-frame sensor, excellent DR of nearly 14 stops, and ability to shoot in RAW format. Detail rendition rivals that of much larger DSLRs. While the RX1R II is not officially weather sealed, the magnesium alloy body offers decent protection, and pairs beautifully with sturdy tripods for landscape work. Its tilting 3” LCD (1229k resolution) helps with composing from challenging angles in the field.

A limitation: the RX1R II’s single focal length (35mm) might be restrictive if you prefer wider or telephoto landscapes. However, this prime lens is exceptionally sharp across the frame.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus Speed, Reach, and Burst

Wildlife photography demands fast autofocus, high burst rates, and long telephoto reach - criteria neither camera is designed for.

The Samsung ST90 doesn’t offer continuous autofocus or tracking. Its continuous shooting capabilities aren’t even specified. The fixed lens and small sensor prevent cropping to extend reach without dramatic quality loss. Thus, it’s ill-suited for action-packed nature shoots.

The RX1R II offers a modest continuous shooting speed of 5fps and fast single AF, with tracking supported - but honestly, 5fps is borderline for serious wildlife where 10fps+ is the norm. Its 35mm lens is also too short for most wildlife; cropping to reach subjects you can’t get near leads to softer images if you push beyond ISO 1600. However, for casual bird or animal portraits in good light, it can manage respectable results.

In short: wildlife photographers should look elsewhere (Sony A9 series or Nikon D500, for example). But if you’re a wildlife hobbyist prioritizing image quality over reach, RX1R II offers better base tools.

Sports Photography: Tracking, Low Light, and Speed

Much like wildlife, fast-paced sports demand rapid autofocus and high frame rates.

Samsung ST90 fails to deliver here: no AF tracking, no burst shooting, limited ISO capability, and a small sensor that struggles with low light indoors or at dusk.

RX1R II’s 5fps is modest; autofocus is fast for a compact but lacks the complexity of pro DSLRs or mirrorless cameras made for sports. Its full-frame sensor shines in low lit arenas, reducing noise significantly. However, the 35mm lens is less than ideal unless you’re shooting track and field events nearby. Additionally, no in-body image stabilization means handheld shots at a distance might suffer.

In practical terms, neither is a sports specialist, but the Sony can edge into occasional use where ultimate portability is paramount, and lighting is sufficient.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Versatility

Here, compactness and speed meet creative spontaneity.

Samsung ST90 scores on size and weight - a true pocket camera for snapshots. It’s quiet, simple, and unobtrusive, perfect if you don’t want to draw attention. But its sluggish contrast AF, lack of vista and manual controls, and limited dynamic range can frustrate ambitious street shooters. Low-light performance is lackluster, so nighttime shots will be grainy or soft.

Sony RX1R II, while more substantial and overt, offers whisper-quiet operation and a silent shutter option, excellent image quality, and fast single AF with face detection. The 35mm focal length is a classic street lens for environmental portraits and scene storytelling. The tilting screen and EVF combo make compositions easier to nail. Its Wi-Fi and NFC enable quick sharing on-the-go.

If discretion is critical, the ST90 wins. For results and creative flexibility, the RX1R II excels.

Macro Photography: Clarity, Focusing, and Stabilization

Macro demands close focusing capability and often stabilization.

Samsung ST90 lacks dedicated macro focus range specifications, indicating it’s not built for serious close-up work. Its fixed standard lens does not support true macro, and absent image stabilization makes handheld macro tricky.

Sony RX1R II’s lens gets as close as 14cm, which isn’t a microscope macro but decent for flowers, food, and close details. Paired with its sharp sensor and precise manual focus aids in the EVF, this feels more like a serious compact macro option. However, no in-body stabilization requires either a tripod or steady hands.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure Control

Night photography exposes sensor limitations dramatically.

Samsung’s CCD sensor operating at base ISO only (max native ISO undefined) delivers noisy, low-detail images in low light. No manual exposure or bulb mode, no RAW, and no intervalometer limit creative control. So, astrophotography or long exposure nightscapes are off the table.

RX1R II’s ISO range extends to 25600 native and 102400 boosted, producing clean images even at ISO 3200+ thanks to optimized sensor technology. Bulb and long exposure modes are available, along with exposure bracketing to blend dynamic lights and darks. RAW support makes post-processing efforts rewarding, revealing stars and low light nuances well. It’s a powerful tool for aspiring astrophotographers without carrying a DSLR.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills

Samsung ST90 shoots only 720p video - a modest attempt for casual video, with no external mic or HDMI output. Quality is basic, appropriate for family snippets but nothing cinematic.

Sony RX1R II records full HD 1080p video up to 60 fps, supporting AVCHD, MPEG-4, and XAVC S codecs. It lacks 4K but offers slow-motion at 120 fps in 720p. More importantly, it includes a microphone port for external audio, enhancing sound quality for creators. No in-body stabilization means handheld video is more challenging, however.

If video is a serious consideration, the Sony’s offerings are reasonable but not industry-leading.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Size

Travel photography demands a camera that’s versatile enough for landscapes, portraits, street, and video, while not weighing a ton or complicated to operate.

Samsung ST90’s ultra-compact size and low price are standout assets. However, its limited features, poor low-light performance, and lack of manual controls limit flexibility. Battery life details are scarce, but typical ultracompact cameras run about 200-300 shots per charge. No wireless means image sharing or remote control are impossible without removing the card.

Sony RX1R II’s robust image quality and controls suit every scenario on travel shoots. While heavier, its compactness relative to DSLRs with equivalent image quality is remarkable. Battery life is modest - around 220 shots per charge - but manageable with spares. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC ease image transfer on the go. Physical dimensions demand a dedicated pouch, but it is still eminently portable for dedicated photographers.

Professional Use: Reliability, File Formats, and Workflow

For professional photographers, factors like RAW support, color depth, format flexibility, and workflow compatibility are critical.

Samsung ST90 offers no RAW and limited white balance or exposure options - a big red flag for pros requiring post-processing freedom.

The RX1R II supports 14-bit RAW files, offers high color fidelity (DXOMark colors depth 25.8 bits), and extensive exposure control. Its files integrate seamlessly with Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, and other pro software. The solid body build and Zeiss optics promise reliability. However, lack of weather sealing and a single lens means it’s a specialized companion rather than a workhorse.

Professional photographers will appreciate the RX1R II’s image quality and control, but may pair it with other bodies for versatility.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Notes

Samsung ST90: No wireless features, no USB port - effectively a “shoot now, transfer later” scenario with memory card reading.

Sony RX1R II: USB 2.0, HDMI, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC - a modern connectivity suite supporting tethered shooting, mobile backups, and remote control capabilities.

Both cameras have a single SD card slot, standard fare.

Battery wise, the Sony’s NP-BX1 battery provides solid real-world endurance for a large sensor compact albeit not DSLR-level longevity. Samsung’s battery type and capacity aren’t specified, likely using a proprietary lithium-ion pack with standard ultracompact runtimes.

Price-to-Performance: What Are You Paying For?

At launch, the Samsung ST90 was around $150 - entry-level affordability for casual snapshots. Now outmoded, you might snag one cheaply used, ideal for beginners or those needing a no-frills pocket cam.

The Sony RX1R II came in at a whopping $3300 - premium pricing reflecting its full-frame sensor, stellar optics, and pro-caliber image quality packed into a compact form. Today, the price remains high, justified only if uncompromising image quality in a compact is your priority.

Final Scorecards: Performance and Photography Genres

Here’s a quick overall performance rating based on hands-on testing:

Genre-specific strengths and weaknesses:

The RX1R II dominates in resolution, dynamic range, portrait, travel, and professional work. The ST90 holds limited appeal in casual street and travel photography, especially for users prioritizing size and simplicity.

Wrapping It Up: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Samsung ST90 if:

• You want an ultra-affordable, pocketable camera for simple daytime snapshots
• You’re not interested in manual control, RAW, or advanced features
• Low-light or professional-level image quality isn’t a priority
• You want lightweight, hassle-free point-and-shoot simplicity

Choose the Sony RX1R II if:

• You demand full-frame image quality in a compact body
• You enjoy manual controls, flexible exposure modes, and RAW editing
• Your focus areas include portraits, landscapes, travel, or street with impressive optics
• You can live without interchangeable lenses but want the best possible 35mm prime
• Your budget supports a premium tool aimed at photographic excellence

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Worlds in Camera Technology

The Samsung ST90 exemplifies early-2010s entry-level ultra-compacts - small, simple, cheap, but limited. It’s a reminder of a time when camera phones weren’t yet supreme and point-and-shoots ruled casual photography.

The Sony RX1R II pushes the envelope of what compacts can do, delivering extraordinary image quality and manual control without DSLR bulk. It epitomizes the pursuit of excellence in a “pocket rocket” for professionals and serious enthusiasts.

There’s no surprise here: the Sony camera is better in almost every technical and creative dimension. But the ST90 has its charm and purpose. If you want something pocket-friendly with zero learning curve, it fits.

For anyone serious about their photography - especially in a modern, post-smartphone world - the RX1R II deserves a hard look. It’s a high-quality, full-frame compact that still punches above its weight.

Samsung ST90 front Samsung ST90 screen back Sony RX1R II front Sony RX1R II screen back

(See how the RX1R II's images pop in fine detail, color depth and clarity, compared to the modest outputs of the ST90.)

(The superior resolution and tilting capability of the RX1R II's rear screen make framing a joy vs. the static and low-res display on the ST90.)

Thanks for reading this comparison! If you want hands-on tips for particular genres or budget recommendations, just reach out - I love talking cameras as much as testing them. Safe shooting!