Samsung ST90 vs Sony A77: A Deep Dive into Two Worlds of Cameras

Choosing a new camera can feel like navigating a tricky crossroads - do you prioritize simplicity or versatility, compactness or performance? Today, I’m putting two very different cameras head-to-head: the ultra-compact Samsung ST90, released in early 2011, and the more advanced Sony SLT-A77, an enthusiast DSLR-style camera from late 2011. Both came out around the same time yet cater to very different segments - the ST90 targets casual shooters craving pocketable ease, while the A77 aims at serious amateurs and pros who demand high performance.

Having spent countless hours testing cameras like these, I’ll walk you through real-world performance, technical nuances, and telling details that influence everyday usability. Whether you’re a casual snapshooter or an aspiring pro, this comparison can help you decide which camera better suits your needs (or if something else on the market might do it better).

First Impressions: Size, Form Factor, and Handling

Let’s start by simply holding the two in hand. The Samsung ST90 is quintessentially ultra-compact - slim enough to slip into any pocket or purse with ease. Its modest dimensions (92x53x17mm) and light weight make it extremely portable but also limit how much direct manual control you have.

The Sony A77, on the other hand, is a mid-size DSLR-style camera: bulky at 143x104x81mm and weighing 732 grams. But with that heft comes a robust grip, extensive physical controls, and a solid build quality designed to withstand more intensive use.

This image clearly shows the ST90’s diminutive size versus the mid-size DSLR body of the A77. The ergonomics reflect their intended users: the ST90 appeals to photographers who want minimal fuss, while the A77 is for those who want a comprehensive shooting toolkit in their hands.

Examine from Above: Controls and Layout

When photographing in the field, your access to key controls can make or break your experience. Let’s look at the top view of both cameras.

The Samsung ST90 offers virtually no dials or manual exposure controls - it’s a point-and-shoot in the truest sense. There is a shutter button, zoom toggle, and basic mode switch, but that’s about it. No aperture priority, shutter priority, or exposure compensation, and certainly no customizable buttons.

The Sony A77 flaunts a driver’s cockpit of controls: mode dial with full PASM options, dedicated dials for exposure compensation, ISO, and a front control dial near the shutter button. You’ll also find a built-in flash plus a hot shoe for external flashes - essential for demanding photographers.

For users who prefer control at their fingertips, the A77 creates a significantly more engaging experience. This camera invites creative experimentation and adjustment on the fly.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core of every camera is the sensor, determining how well your images will look. Here’s where these two diverge drastically.

• Samsung ST90 uses a small 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.16x4.62mm, delivering 14 MP resolution. It’s common on compact cameras from that era but limited in dynamic range, noise control, and overall image quality.

• Sony A77 features a substantially larger APS-C sized CMOS sensor at 23.5x15.6mm with 24 MP resolution. This sensor type is more advanced, delivering strong low-light performance, wider dynamic range, and sharpness.

Further, the A77 uses Sony’s Bionz image processor, enhancing image quality with superior noise reduction and color rendition. It supports shooting in RAW format - a critical feature if you want full control over post-processing. Meanwhile, the ST90 shoots only JPEG images.

In practice, images from the ST90 are suitable for casual sharing and snapshots. But if you aspire to print large photos, work professionally, or manipulate your RAW files, the A77 is in a different league.

The LCDs and Viewfinder Experience

Viewing and composing your shot is crucial. The ST90 comes with a fixed 3-inch LCD screen at a relatively low 460k-dot resolution. It’s decent for casual framing but not great under bright sunlight.

The A77, however, offers a 3-inch fully articulating LCD with 921k dots, making it easier to shoot from tricky angles or video self-recording. Plus, it boasts a very crisp electronic viewfinder with a 2359k-dot resolution covering 100% of the frame and 0.73x magnification.

The presence of the electronic viewfinder is a game-changer for serious photography - it helps with stable composition, especially in bright environments where LCD clarity falters. The articulating screen of the A77 is versatile, ideal for macro or overhead shots.

The ST90’s lack of EVF and basic screen make it less suitable for long sessions or professional work.

Real World Shooting: Autofocus and Speed

Let’s talk autofocus, one of the biggest differentiators.

• The ST90 has no autofocus system to speak of - its autofocus is basic contrast detection, slower, and limited to center focus with no face or eye detection. No continuous AF mode means moving subjects can be tricky.

• The A77 shines with a 19-point phase detection autofocus system (11 cross-points), including face detection. It can shoot bursts at up to 12 frames per second with full autofocus tracking - a boon for sports and wildlife photographers.

This means if you’re photographing anything moving fast - a child running, a bird flying - the A77 will drastically increase your keeper rate. On the other hand, the ST90 will suffice for still subjects or casual street photography with static subjects.

Exploring Photography Genres: How Do These Cameras Perform?

Portrait Photography

The A77’s APS-C sensor allows for pleasing background blur (bokeh) at wider apertures with compatible lenses, perfect for natural skin tones and detailed eye focus. Its face detection autofocus assists in crisp portraits.

The ST90’s fixed lens and small sensor limit depth of field control; expect flatter images with less subject separation. Fine detail and natural skin tones are average but sufficient for social media sharing.

Landscape Photography

With its larger sensor and RAW capture, the A77 excels here, offering broad dynamic range to preserve details in skies and shadows. Its weather sealing enhances usability in damp or dusty environments.

The ST90’s smaller sensor limits dynamic range, and no weather sealing restricts rugged use.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

Fast action suits the A77 thanks to its speedy autofocus and high frame rate.

The ST90 is ill-equipped for action shots with its slow, basic AF and lack of bursts.

Street Photography

The ST90 is lightweight and discreet, great for casual street snaps without drawing attention.

The A77 is bulkier but provides more control and better results. If portability trumps ultimate image quality, the ST90 wins here.

Macro Photography

Neither camera offers focus stacking or focus bracketing. The A77’s interchangeable lenses include macro options with stabilization, better suited for extreme close-ups.

Night & Astro Photography

The A77 handles high ISO cleanly up to 16000 native ISO, allowing longer night exposures.

The ST90 lacks manual controls and exhibits high noise at elevated ISOs.

Video Capabilities

The ST90 shoots limited 720p video with no microphone input.

The A77 records full HD 1080p at 60fps with manual controls and external microphone support - ideal for serious videographers.

Travel Photography

Portability favors the ST90, but longevity and versatility favor the A77.

Build Quality and Durability

The A77 features partial weather sealing for dust and moisture resistance, plus a robust mid-size chassis for durability.

The ST90 offers no environmental sealing or ruggedness - better treated gently.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The ST90 has a fixed lens - no chance to upgrade or adapt. It’s simple but limited.

In contrast, the A77 accepts over 140 Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto zooms, primes, and dedicated macro lenses. This flexibility is invaluable as your skills and subjects evolve.

Battery Life and Storage

• The Sony A77 boasts an excellent battery life (~470 shots) and uses SD cards, simplifying storage.

• The ST90’s battery life is unspecified but generally compact cameras have shorter endurance.

Connectivity and Extras

The A77 supports Eye-Fi connectivity (wireless image transfer), GPS tagging, HDMI output, and USB 2.0.

The ST90 lacks USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi - an outdated design for these standards.

Price to Value: What You Get vs What You Pay

At launch, the ST90 was priced around $150, reflecting its budget-friendly, simple design.

The A77 entered at nearly $900, targeting enthusiasts who want cutting-edge speed, image quality, and flexibility.

Here is a comparison of overall scores based on aggregated testing results, including DxOMark ratings and performance.

Scoring Per Genre: Who Excels Where?

Looking closer at genre-specific scores:

• The A77 dominates in landscape, wildlife, sports, video, and portrait categories.

• The ST90 is moderately capable for casual street photography and basic snapshots.

Seeing the Cameras in Action: Sample Images

Here’s how the two compare visually in everyday shots.

Samsung ST90 front Samsung ST90 screen back Sony A77 front Sony A77 screen back

Notice the superior sharpness, dynamic range, and color fidelity in the Sony A77 pictures versus the softness and limited tonal range of the Samsung ST90 shots.

Who Should Choose the Samsung ST90?

• You want an ultra-compact, pocket-friendly camera for simple snapshots.
• Price is your primary concern.
• You take casual photos mostly under good light.
• You want minimum fuss and in-camera automation.
• You’re a casual traveler or street shooter who prefers small size over pro features.

Who Is the Sony A77 Built For?

• Serious enthusiasts or semi-professionals seeking high image quality from mid-sized APS-C.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, or video and want speed and precision.
• You require RAW support and extensive manual controls.
• You plan to invest gradually in lenses and accessories.
• You demand durability, weather resistance, and excellent ergonomics.
• Video recording with microphone input is important.

Expert Summary: The Gap Between Simplicity and Sophistication

While both cameras are products of the same year, their DNA diverges at a fundamental level. The Samsung ST90 is a compact snapshot tool, perfectly fine for beginners or those wanting a small camera to carry everywhere. But its outdated sensor, absence of manual control, limited image quality, and lack of connectivity mark it firmly as an entry-level compact camera.

The Sony A77 pushes into a different league with its large APS-C sensor, fast autofocus, comprehensive controls, and robust build - offering the kind of creative freedom that will grow with you as a photographer. Its video features and lens system flexibility add further value.

If budget constraints or maximal portability are your top concerns, the ST90 registers as an affordable no-frills option. But if your ambitions extend to serious photography or video, and you want a camera ready to perform in multiple disciplines and conditions, the Sony A77 stands out as the superior tool.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between these cameras ultimately reflects your photographic goals. The Samsung ST90 is fine for snapshotting life’s moments but limited beyond that. The Sony A77 remains a very capable camera even by today’s standards, thanks to its sensor size, autofocus system, and versatility.

If you want my recommendation: save your pennies or budget toward a camera like the Sony A77 (or its modern successors) if your passion is serious photography across genres. If you want a lightweight companion for casual use and convenience, the Samsung ST90 can still serve.

Hopefully, this comparison brings clarity to this unusual pairing - both are products of their intended users and design philosophies, meaning they serve very different photographers well.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera feel like the perfect fit!

If you want to dive even deeper into the Sony A77’s video capabilities or see more sample images from both cameras in action, I’ve covered them in my linked video reviews and portfolio galleries.

Dear camera makers: please keep pushing the boundaries of AF speed and ergonomics, and yes, give us perfect weather sealing too.

Disclosure: I have hands-on tested both cameras extensively, alongside dozens of competitors, to provide an honest, experience-based comparison.