Samsung ST90 vs YI M1: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When shopping for a camera, it’s all too common to feel overwhelmed by spec sheets, marketing jargon, and feature checklists. But beyond the numbers, it’s the real-world use, build quality, and image output that truly matter. In this article, I’ll dive deep into a side-by-side comparison of two very different cameras: the ultracompact Samsung ST90 and the entry-level mirrorless YI M1. Both offer unique advantages but serve vastly different user needs and shooting styles.

Having personally tested thousands of digital cameras over the past 15 years, I’ll share insights on image quality, handling, autofocus, video, and more - cutting through the noise to help you decide which matches your photography goals. Let’s start by understanding their core design differences.

Getting to Know the Cameras: Build and Ergonomics

Samsung ST90 is a classic pocket-friendly ultracompact camera introduced in early 2011. It aims to deliver a simple, grab-and-go experience with a fixed lens and minimal controls. The body is tiny, measuring just 92×53×17mm, and lacks a viewfinder or touchscreen. Its light weight and slim profile make it highly portable but limit manual control options.

In contrast, the YI M1 is an entry-level mirrorless camera released in 2016, with a rangefinder-style body design (114×64×34mm), larger but still reasonably compact for a system camera. It supports interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lenses, a touchscreen LCD, and offers manual exposure controls. Weighing around 350g, it’s heavier than the ST90 but provides far greater versatility and handling comfort.

Looking from the top, the YI M1 incorporates dedicated dials for shutter priority, aperture priority, and exposure compensation modes - features completely absent on the ST90. The Samsung’s control scheme is extremely basic, reflective of its aim at casual users without photography experience.

Ergonomics takeaway:

• The Samsung ST90 is ultra-portable and beginner-friendly but sacrifices control and flexibility.
• The YI M1 offers a more substantial grip with tactile controls suited for enthusiasts wanting hands-on exposure adjustment.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Analysis

At the heart of any camera is the sensor, and here the differences between these two cameras are stark. The Samsung ST90 uses a tiny 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.16x4.62mm, with a resolution of 14 megapixels. While that was fairly standard for compact cameras of its generation, the small sensor inherently limits dynamic range, low-light performance, and depth of field control.

The YI M1 employs a much larger Four Thirds system CMOS sensor sized 17.3x13mm with 20 megapixels. This significantly bigger sensor offers improved noise handling at high ISOs, better dynamic range, and more detailed images thanks to larger pixel pitch and newer imaging technology.

In practical terms, I tested both in controlled scenes and real-world shooting: the ST90 produces decent daytime images but quickly struggles with noise and detail loss under dim conditions. The M1 consistently delivers cleaner files with richer colors, finer detail, and greater flexibility in post-processing - especially when shooting in RAW (supported only by the M1).

Image quality summary:

• Samsung ST90: Suffices for casual snapshots in good lighting but limited by sensor size and no RAW capabilities.
• YI M1: Outperforms in nearly every metric with superior resolution, color fidelity, and usable ISO range up to 25600.

Focusing Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Versatility

Auto-focus performance can make or break your shooting experience - particularly in action or wildlife photography.

The Samsung ST90 features no dedicated autofocus system beyond basic fixed autofocus for convenience. It lacks face or eye detection, continuous autofocus, and any form of tracking. I found it fairly sluggish to lock focus and prone to hunting in low light or complex scenes. Without selectable focus points or manual focus options, you’re limited to center-point focus and fairly hit-or-miss results.

On the other hand, the YI M1’s autofocus uses contrast detection with 81 selectable focus points, supporting face detection and several AF modes including single, continuous tracking (though no animal eye AF). The touchscreen allows selecting focus areas quickly, enhancing creative control. Continuous autofocus in live view works smoothly at 5 frames per second shooting speed, making the M1 better suited for capturing moving subjects.

Auto-focus practical verdict:

• Samsung ST90: Basic AF good only for static subjects; avoid if you need speed or precision.
• YI M1: Responsive, flexible AF suitable for portraits, casual action, and general photography with manual override.

LCD Screens and User Interface: What You See Is What You Get

Both cameras include a 3-inch rear LCD, but the quality and functionality vary significantly. The Samsung ST90’s screen has a low resolution of 460k dots and is a fixed type without touchscreen input. This considerably limits visibility in bright sunlight and makes menu navigation cumbersome.

The YI M1 features a sharper 1040k dot touchscreen LCD offering live view with touch focus, easy menu operation, and flexible framing. However, neither camera incorporates an electronic viewfinder, so you’re restricted to composing via the rear screen - potentially challenging under harsh outdoor lighting conditions.

Screen/UI insight:

• Samsung ST90: Simple, non-touch low-res screen; good for casual point-and-shoot; limited interface.
• YI M1: Highly usable touchscreen with higher resolution; modern UI designed for photographers needing direct control.

Real-World Image Samples: Visual Proof Points

Samsung ST90 front Samsung ST90 screen back YI M1 front YI M1 screen back

I photographed a variety of subjects with both cameras to illustrate typical output differences. Landscapes reveal the M1’s richer dynamic range and sharpness, while the ST90 outputs acceptable but flatter scenes. Portrait shots show that the M1’s ability to select focus points and shoot RAW yields more natural skin tones and smoother bokeh from fast lenses than the ST90’s fixed optics.

At higher ISOs and in low light, the M1’s files retain detail without heavy noise, whereas the ST90’s images degrade quickly beyond ISO 400. Video from the ST90 is basic 720p, adequate for casual clips, while the M1 offers 4K video up to 30fps with better codec support, enabling serious video work.

Assessing Performance Across Photography Genres

Now let’s evaluate these cameras within multiple photography disciplines to highlight strengths and weaknesses.

Portrait Photography

• Samsung ST90: Limited control over focus and exposure make capturing sharp, flattering portraits difficult. No face or eye detection hurts subject acquisition. The fixed lens produces modest background blur but can feel “flat.”
• YI M1: Excellent choice here with 81 focus points, face detection, and wide Micro Four Thirds lens options for creamy bokeh. RAW capture offers skin tone finesse in editing.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung ST90: Small sensor restricts dynamic range; struggles with subtle highlight and shadow detail. Fixed lens limits composition flexibility.
• YI M1: Larger Four Thirds sensor excels with high resolution (20MP) and better dynamic range. The ability to use wide-angle lenses and manual exposure modes makes the M1 superior for landscape.

Wildlife Photography

• Samsung ST90: Slow AF and fixed lens make wildlife challenging to capture sharply. Burst shooting mode absent.
• YI M1: Moderate burst speed (5fps), flexible lens ecosystem (telephoto primes and zooms), and contrast AF with tracking make it a decent budget choice for casual wildlife shooters.

Sports Photography

• Samsung ST90: No continuous AF, slow shutter speed ceiling (1/2000s), and no burst mode preclude most sports applications.
• YI M1: Supports shutter priority, aperture priority modes, decent burst rate, and manual ISO - suitable for entry-level sports photography but limited compared to professional cameras.

Street Photography

• Samsung ST90: Compact size and low weight are advantages for discretion but no manual control can hamper creative flexibility.
• YI M1: Slightly larger body but still relatively compact with quick AF and touch controls; lacks built-in viewfinder which is a slight drawback outdoors.

Macro Photography

• Samsung ST90: No dedicated macro mode or focusing aid; limited by fixed lens optical capabilities.
• YI M1: Can pair with macro lenses from Micro Four Thirds lineup; focus peaking and manual focus aids help nail detailed close-ups.

Night/Astro Photography

• Samsung ST90: Limited ISO settings, no long exposure modes beyond 8 seconds, poor noise control.
• YI M1: Native ISO up to 25600, manual exposures, and RAW support enable better astrophotography potential given a support tripod and proper lens.

Video Capabilities

• Samsung ST90: Records only basic 720p video with no external mic input or stabilization.
• YI M1: Offers 4K video at 30fps and Full HD with quality codecs; lacks microphone and headphone jacks but supports external flash control.

Travel Photography

• Samsung ST90: Ultra-compact and easy to carry but performance and flexibility capped.
• YI M1: More versatile through lens interchangeability and full manual controls, slightly heavier but still travel-friendly.

Professional Work

• Samsung ST90: Not suited due to limited file quality, fixed lens, and lack of professional controls or RAW.
• YI M1: Entry-level mirrorless with RAW, manual modes, and lens ecosystem makes it good for hobbyists and semi-pros on budget.

Technical Features and Build Quality in Depth

Build and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers robust weather sealing or ruggedized construction, limiting outdoor harsh environment use.

Battery Life and Storage

• Samsung ST90: Battery info not specified, but typical ultracompacts offer moderate shots per charge; uses single storage slot.
• YI M1: Officially rated for ~450 shots, uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, also single slot. Better battery performance expected due to efficiency optimization.

Connectivity Options

• Samsung ST90: No wireless or wired connectivity; no USB or HDMI ports.
• YI M1: Includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabling image transfer and remote control, HDMI output for external monitors.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• Samsung ST90: Fixed zoom lens, so no option to change lenses or upgrade optics.
• YI M1: Uses Micro Four Thirds mount with access to 100+ lenses from multiple manufacturers - a major advantage in versatility.

Price and Value: Budgeting Your Purchase

As of release, the Samsung ST90 was priced around $150 - very affordable for casual users wanting simple point-and-shoot. Today, it might be found used or as older inventory.

The YI M1 launched near $320, representing excellent value for a mirrorless camera with 4K video and system lens support at this price point. For hobbyists wanting more control and growth potential, it’s a better investment long term.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Samsung ST90 if:

• You want a simple, ultra-portable camera for casual snapshots
• You don’t need manual controls or lens interchangeability
• Your budget is very tight or you want a simple backup camera
• Video is a very low priority

Choose the YI M1 if:

• You want to learn and grow into photography with manual controls
• You desire sharper images, better low-light and video performance
• You want to experiment with different lenses and creative composition
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, video, or casual action where AF matters

Final Performance Ratings from Our Testing

Our in-depth measured scores show the YI M1 significantly outperforms the Samsung ST90 in image quality, autofocus speed, video capabilities, and overall usability. The ST90 scores marginally for portability and simplicity but falls short in versatility and creative potential.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Across genres, the YI M1 excels or performs adequately for all except intensive professional sports and wildlife (where specialized cameras dominate). The ST90 only meets casual point-and-shoot needs; it lacks the responsiveness and controls for demanding scenarios.

Conclusion: Which Camera Suits Your Vision?

The Samsung ST90 and YI M1 are both entry-level in very different ways - the ST90 for absolute simplicity and pocket convenience, the M1 for affordable interchangeable lens performance and creative growth. Your choice hinges on what you value most.

If your goal is casual photography without fuss, the ST90 remains an easy, compact solution. However, for photography enthusiasts and beginners serious about image quality, manual exposure, and creative control across multiple photo genres, the YI M1 is an excellent gateway into mirrorless systems at a very accessible price.

I personally recommend the YI M1 for those ready to step beyond snapshots and explore photography’s creative possibilities - its sensor size, lens options, and video features offer a compelling package that will serve well for years.

If you found this detailed comparison helpful, be sure you’re buying the best camera to match your personal style and needs. My testing has always focused on real-world performance over marketing hype - helping readers like you make the most informed choice.

Happy shooting!