Samsung TL100 vs YI M1: A Deep Dive into Compact and Mirrorless Photography

When scouring the camera market, it’s astonishing to see how diverse photographic tools have become - from compact point-and-shoot models to sophisticated mirrorless systems. Today, I’m putting under the microscope two very distinct cameras representing different generations, technologies, and user philosophies: the Samsung TL100 (also known as the ST50), a 2009 small sensor compact, and the YI M1, an entry-level mirrorless announced in 2016.

With over 15 years of hands-on testing experience, I’m especially fascinated by how these two cameras address varied photographic needs, budgets, and styles. This comparison will cover the gamut - from technology and usability to specialized photography and value - helping you decide which gear aligns best with your creative ambitions.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Right off the bat, the Samsung TL100 and YI M1 couldn’t be more different in physical form. The TL100 is a pocketable compact weighing just 219 grams, with dimensions a neat 105x61x37mm. Great for ultra-light travel or spur-of-the-moment street photography, it slips almost invisibly into a jacket pocket.

In contrast, the YI M1, at 350 grams and a chunkier 114x64x34mm, feels like a serious tool in your hands. It’s a rangefinder-style mirrorless that requires an investment in additional lenses, offering far greater versatility but also demanding more space in your camera bag.

Ergonomics favor the YI M1 for prolonged shooting sessions - a more substantial grip, better button placement, and tactile feedback almost always lead to comfortable handling. The TL100, while convenient, shows its limitations for those who want serious control and intuition in their gear.

Controls and User Interface: Intuitive or Basic?

The Samsung TL100 is a very basic camera at heart - no manual focus, no aperture or shutter priority modes. Exposure controls are minimal, catering to casual shooters who prefer “point and shoot” simplicity and auto modes. It does include digital image stabilization, a fixed lens with 3x zoom (35-105mm equivalent), and a small 2.7-inch fixed screen with low 230k-dot resolution.

The YI M1, by contrast, offers a fully manual experience: aperture priority, shutter priority, manual exposure, exposure compensation, and an extensive menu accommodating professional workflows. Its touchscreen 3.0-inch LCD shines with 1040k-dots, making live view focusing and menu navigation far more accomplished.

This difference in control philosophy aligns with their categories: Instagram-ready snapshot solution versus an invite to explore photography fundamentals with precision.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Small Sensor vs. Four Thirds Power

Arguably one of the biggest advantages the YI M1 holds is its sensor size and quality. The Samsung TL100 has a tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, measuring just 6.08x4.56mm, outputting 12 megapixels. The limited sensor area (about 27.72 mm²) inherently restricts dynamic range, low-light sensitivity, and overall image quality.

Meanwhile, the YI M1 sports a much larger Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3x13mm, 224.9 mm²) with 20 megapixels. This sensor size advantage translates to:

• Better dynamic range: More ability to capture shadow and highlight details, vital for landscape photographers.
• Higher ISO performance: Native sensitivities from ISO 100 to 25600 broaden creative options, especially in low light or night photography.
• Sharper images: Higher resolution, combined with lens quality and sensor tech, makes for finer detail capture.

I ran both through our standardized lab tests and field shooting. The TL100’s images show noticeable noise at ISO 400+ and lack the dynamic latitude to rescue difficult exposure scenarios. The M1 delivers cleaner, punchier photos even at ISO 1600, with retained detail and minimal chroma noise.

For crop sensor enthusiasts or professionals needing quality at this price point, the M1 represents an undeniable win.

Display and Live View: More Than Just a Screen

As I mentioned, the YI M1 comes with a much better LCD - 3.0 inches at 1040k dots with touchscreen support - compared to the TL100’s 2.7-inch 230k-dot fixed display with no touchscreen. This difference quickly becomes critical when reviewing images, framing shots, or managing menus.

Moreover, the touch interface on the YI M1 supports touch autofocus, speeding workflow markedly for portrait and street photographers seeking rapid acquisition. In contrast, the TL100’s live view autofocus is limited; it features face detection but only single AF mode with no continuous autofocus or tracking.

The TL100 lacks any electronic or optical viewfinder, as does the YI M1; given their positioning, this is understandable, but it might frustrate users shooting in harsh sunlight or needing precise framing.

Samsung TL100 front Samsung TL100 screen back YI M1 front YI M1 screen back

Real-World Shooting: Exploring Different Genres

Portrait Photography

The YI M1 shines in portraiture thanks to:

• Larger sensor delivering smoother skin tone gradations and natural bokeh.
• Touch AF allowing precise selection of focus on subjects’ eyes.
• Ability to mount fast lenses in the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem (f/1.8 primes and beyond).

The TL100, with its small sensor and mid-range lens, struggles with shallow depth of field and often produces flatter skin tones, less separation from backgrounds, and more noise in indoor lighting.

Landscape Photography

Here, the M1's dynamic range and resolution make a huge difference. The ability to shoot in RAW lets photographers push tonal values extensively in post-production - a missing feature on the TL100. The latter’s digital stabilization and JPEG-only output hamper creative flexibility.

Neither camera is weather sealed, so outdoor enthusiasts should use protective gear, but the M1’s overall robustness and lens versatility make it better suited for serious landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

While the TL100 targets casual shooters, its fixed 35-105mm equivalent lens and absence of continuous autofocus limit wildlife or sports use.

YI M1 provides:

• 5 fps continuous shooting (sufficient for casual action capture)
• Contrast-detection autofocus with face detection (no phase-detect sensor or animal eye AF)
• Compatibility with telephoto Micro Four Thirds lenses like 100-300mm equivalents

This makes the M1 a far superior choice for photographing moving subjects, although professionals may still prefer advanced AF systems.

Street Photography

Surprisingly, the TL100’s compact profile offers advantages for street shooters who want discretion and speed without fussing over settings. However, poor low-light performance can be an issue for evening cityscapes.

The M1, though bulkier, remains relatively portable and allows street photographers to control exposure creatively with the benefits of faster, more accurate focus - great for candid portraits.

Macro Photography

TL100’s 10cm minimum focus distance and fixed lens with moderate zoom don’t particularly shine for macro work.

The YI M1’s compatibility with dedicated macro Micro Four Thirds lenses, combined with manual focus aids and focus peaking on its touchscreen, provide far better tools for close-up, detailed shots.

Night and Astrophotography

The TL100’s limited ISO and sensor size prevent it from competing in low-light or astrophotography setups.

The M1’s native ISO range up to 25600, ability to shoot in RAW, and fully manual exposure control make it quite capable for night scenes and even some beginner-level astrophotography, though long exposures require careful stabilization (lacking in-camera IS).

Video Capabilities

Samsung TL100 only offers low-resolution video up to 640x480 at 30fps in Motion JPEG format - adequate only for casual low-res clips.

YI M1 elevates video to 4K UHD (4096x2160 @ 30p) captured in efficient H.264 codec with AAC audio. While the M1 lacks microphone and headphone ports and built-in stabilization, its video feature set is a significant leap forward for entry-level hybrid shooters.

Travel Photography

If your priority is a lightweight travel companion, the TL100 wins on sheer portability - but pay the price in image quality and creative control.

The M1, weighing 350g excluding lenses, strikes a balance between size and photographic potential, especially if you bring a fast zoom and a prime lens. Battery life (~450 shots) is more generous on the M1, vital for days without charging.

Professional Work and Workflow

Professionally, the TL100’s JPEG-only output and absence of manual controls make it unsuitable for commercial use.

M1 supports Raw capture, customizable manual exposure settings, and compatibility with professional Micro Four Thirds lenses - making it an accessible stepping stone for pros on a budget or advanced amateurs.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: How Fast and Accurate?

The TL100 uses a contrast-detection AF system with face detection but supports only single AF and limited modes. This means hunting for focus is common, and tracking moving subjects isn’t practical. Continuous shooting is unsupported.

In stark contrast, YI M1 offers a contrast-based 81-point AF system with touch controls, single and continuous AF modes, and multi-area selection - although no phase-detect AF or animal eye AF. Its 5 fps burst can capture short action sequences efficiently.

So for dynamic shooting - sports, wildlife, events - the M1 is a clear winner even by entry-level mirrorless standards.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is weather-sealed, dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof, reflecting designs oriented toward budget consumers.

However, build quality impressions differ: The TL100’s plastic shell and light body feel less rugged than the M1’s slightly more robust metallic frame.

If you shoot in challenging conditions, additional protective measures are mandatory regardless.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed vs. Expandable

A key limitation of the Samsung TL100 is its fixed, non-interchangeable 35-105mm equivalent lens with a variable aperture of f/3.0-5.6. The fixed zoom range limits creative composition and optical quality.

YI M1 shines here by adopting the Micro Four Thirds mount, compatible with over 100 lenses from third-party brands, including fast primes, super-zooms, macros, and specialized optics.

For photographers seeking versatility and system growth, the M1 is the obvious choice.

Battery Life and Storage

TL100 battery life tends to be average or undocumented, likely powered by proprietary batteries typical to compacts.

In contrast, the YI M1 offers roughly 450 shots per charge, comfortably lasting a full day for most shooting scenarios.

Both support SD cards, but the M1’s support for SDXC cards lets you utilize large storage capacities for RAW files and 4K video.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Though expected in modern cameras, the TL100 offers no wireless connectivity.

YI M1 counters with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling wireless transfer, remote control through apps, and integration with smartphones - features highly valued for quick sharing and workflow efficiency.

Price-to-Performance Ratio

As of their announced prices, the TL100 was marketed at a minuscule €22 price point - a throwback to affordable snapshots with basic capabilities.

The YI M1, at roughly €320 (used pricing now likely lower), brings mirrorless sophistication at an entry-level cost.

For the casual shooter on a strict budget unwilling to bulk up their gear, the TL100 is tempting for zero-fuss snaps.

However, for anyone invested in photography as more than a hobby, the YI M1 delivers much greater value through image quality, controls, and creative potential.

Summary Table: Samsung TL100 vs. YI M1

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Samsung TL100 if:

• You want an ultra-budget, ultra-compact camera for casual snapshots.
• Portability and simplicity trump image quality and creative control.
• You need something pocket-friendly, potentially as a backup or travel throwaway.
• Video requirements are minimal or non-existent.

Choose the YI M1 if:

• You want serious image quality with a larger sensor and RAW shooting.
• Flexibility to grow your system with lenses is important.
• You shoot in varied conditions, including portraits, landscapes, or low light.
• Video capabilities with 4K recording enhance your content creation.
• You prefer manual control and compositional freedom.
• Wireless sharing and app integration matter to your workflow.

Final Thoughts: Bridging Generations of Photography Gear

The Samsung TL100 and YI M1 tell two completely different stories - a time capsule and a gateway.

The TL100, with its fixed lens and modest sensor, represents the tail end of a compact era designed for auto-everything ease. It’s a competent “point and shoot” for snapshots but limited beyond.

YI M1, on the other hand, encapsulates the mirrorless wave that democratised creative photographic control. While not a powerhouse in autofocus or pro video features, it delivers a robust platform for enthusiasts stepping up from compacts, with image quality and flexibility to grow.

I’ve tested thousands of cameras, and rarely does the gulf between two devices feel so wide yet so instructive. If you want my advice: start with the M1 if you’re serious about advancing your work and results; the TL100 is a casual throw-in for casual users.

The choice ultimately hinges on what you want your images to say - and how much creative control you need to tell that story.

For those curious about the technical deets and how these cameras fare in specific scenarios, the following images sum up their relative strengths and overall impressions - feel free to explore and decide what fits your photographic journey!

Samsung TL100 front Samsung TL100 screen back YI M1 front YI M1 screen back

I hope this thorough comparison helps you make a confident decision. Photography is a journey, and every tool shapes that story in unique ways. Happy shooting!