Samsung TL240 vs Sony A7 II

Samsung TL240 vs Sony A7 II: A Detailed Comparison of Two Cameras from Different Eras and Classes

In the constantly evolving landscape of digital photography, comparing two cameras that stand at opposite ends of the technological spectrum can reveal much about the priorities and compromises inherent in camera design. The Samsung TL240, announced in early 2010, is an ultra-compact point-and-shoot camera intended for consumers seeking convenience and portability. By contrast, the Sony Alpha A7 II, launched in late 2014, is a full-frame, professional-class mirrorless camera targeting enthusiasts and professionals demanding high image quality and versatility.

This comparison will dissect these cameras’ specifications, performance, and practical usability across major photographic disciplines and real-world scenarios. Drawing on over 15 years of camera testing experience, I will offer an evidence-based evaluation of how each camera performs technically and in the field, providing clear recommendations aligned with various photographic needs and budgets.

Physical Size, Build, and Ergonomics: Compact Convenience vs Robust Versatility

A camera’s physical dimensions and handling characteristics influence not only comfort but also usage efficacy in different photographic contexts.

• Samsung TL240: The TL240’s ultra-compact size (104 x 58 x 20 mm) and light weight of 160 grams emphasize portability, making this camera pocketable and unobtrusive. Its fixed lens and streamlined controls are designed for effortless point-and-shoot operation, favoring casual users who prioritize convenience over granular control.

• Sony A7 II: Measuring 127 x 96 x 60 mm and weighing 599 grams, the A7 II is considerably larger and heavier, reflecting its professional mirrorless design with an SLR-style body. It boasts extensive manual controls and a substantial grip that facilitates stable shooting, especially important when pairing with larger lenses.

Ergonomic testing showed the A7 II provides more intuitive access to frequently used settings such as ISO, exposure compensation, and autofocus modes, with dedicated dials and customizable buttons that improve workflow efficiency. The TL240’s touchscreen lacks physical dials, simplifying operation but limiting tactile feedback and quick adjustments.

Control Layout and User Interface: Minimalism Meets Complexity

Control schemes directly impact the learning curve and shooting speed in diverse photographic tasks.

• Samsung TL240: Features a 3.5-inch fixed touchscreen with a low resolution of 230k dots. While the touchscreen interface is user-friendly for novices, the lack of physical buttons and control dials restricts rapid customization of settings. Basic autofocus and exposure options are automated with no aperture or shutter priority modes.

• Sony A7 II: Sports a 3-inch tilting LCD with a higher 1.23 million dot resolution and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots coverage of 100%. It has comprehensive top panel controls, including multiple dials and dedicated buttons for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation, as well as a robust menu system.

The EVF on the A7 II provides a critical advantage for precise composition and real-time exposure previews, especially in bright outdoor conditions where LCD screens are less visible. The TL240 totally lacks a viewfinder.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Power of Full-Frame vs Compact CCD

Sensor characteristics fundamentally define image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

• Samsung TL240: Utilizes a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a total sensor area of 28.07 mm². It captures 14 megapixels at a maximum native ISO of 4800. CCD technology, common in compact cameras of its era, delivers decent color but suffers in dynamic range and high ISO noise.

• Sony A7 II: Equipped with a full-frame 35.8 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor, boasting a sensor area of 855.62 mm² and 24 megapixels of resolution. Paired with Sony’s Bionz X processor, it achieves superior color depth (24.9 bits), dynamic range (13.6 stops), and remarkable low-light capability with native ISO range from 100 up to 25600, expandable to 50–51200.

Objective laboratory testing and real-world shooting confirm that the A7 II produces significantly cleaner images at high ISOs, superior shadow recovery, and better highlight retention compared to the TL240’s noisy and compressed output. The absence of RAW support on the TL240 restricts post-processing flexibility.

LCD Screens and Viewfinding: Composing with Clarity and Precision

• Samsung TL240: Fixed type screen with limited brightness and resolution restricts viewing accuracy. No electronic or optical viewfinder.

• Sony A7 II: Tilting screen aids composing from high or low angles, and the high-resolution EVF provides accurate framing, manual focus aids, and exposure simulation.

For critical work like landscape or portraiture, the A7 II’s superior EVF and LCD display reduce composition errors and improve manual focusing precision. TL240 users may find composing under bright sunlight challenging.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Capabilities

Autofocus (AF) performance impacts success rates across fast-paced and demanding shooting scenarios.

• Samsung TL240: Employs contrast-detection AF only, with single, center, and basic multi-area focus options. It lacks phase-detection or advanced tracking, and does not support face or eye detection, limiting performance on moving subjects.

• Sony A7 II: Features a hybrid AF system combining 117 phase-detection points and contrast detection. This provides swift, accurate autofocus with continuous tracking, face detection, and selective AF areas.

The A7 II excelled in sports, wildlife, and street testing for locking onto subjects, maintaining focus reliably during fast action or erratic movement, unlike the TL240, which often hunted or missed entirely.

Lens Ecosystem and Focal Length Versatility

• Samsung TL240: Fixed lens with 31-217 mm equivalent focal length (7x optical zoom), variable aperture f/3.3 to f/5.5. While macro focusing down to 1 cm is available, optical quality and sharpness suffer at long ends.

• Sony A7 II: Compatible with an extensive range of Sony E-mount lenses (over 120 models), including professional-grade primes, zooms, and specialty lenses for macro, telephoto, and wide-angle shooting.

This opens unparalleled creative and technical scope for the A7 II owner compared to the permanently affixed non-interchangeable lens of the TL240.

Continuous Shooting and Low-Light Performance: Burst Rates and Noise Handling

• Samsung TL240: No continuous shooting mode available and max shutter speed of 1/1500s. Maximum native ISO capped at 4800 with noticeable high noise levels above ISO 800.

• Sony A7 II: 5 fps continuous shooting allowing bursts for sports and wildlife, with a shutter speed range from 30s to 1/8000s. Exceptional high ISO performance extends usable light sensitivity, enabling shooting in dim environments without a tripod.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Audio Options

• Samsung TL240: Records video up to 1280x720 at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, lacking microphone or headphone ports, limiting sound quality and external audio input.

• Sony A7 II: Supports Full HD 1080p at 60 fps with MPEG-4, AVCHD, and XAVC S codecs. Crucially, it provides microphone and headphone jacks, enabling professional audio monitoring and recording workflows.

Videographers will prefer the A7 II for its superior codec quality, sound controls, and frame rate flexibility.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Working in Challenging Environments

• Samsung TL240: No environmental sealing - susceptible to dust, moisture, and temperature concerns.

• Sony A7 II: Features some weather sealing to protect against humidity and light precipitation, expanding its utility for outdoor photography in adverse conditions.

Professionals shooting landscapes, wildlife, or sports outdoors appreciate the A7 II’s enhanced reliability.

Battery Life and Storage Options

• Samsung TL240: Uses SLB-11A battery; specific battery life not rated but generally low given compact form factor. Stores images on MicroSD or internal memory.

• Sony A7 II: Excellent battery life rated for approximately 350 shots per charge (CIPA standard), using the NP-FW50 battery. Storage via single card slot supporting SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick formats.

Efficient power management and reliable removable storage options benefit the A7 II in day-long professional assignments.

Real-World Photography Field Performance by Genre

Portrait Photography

• Samsung TL240: Limited by fixed lens aperture, absence of RAW, and modest sensor, resulting in constrained subject isolation and skin tone rendition. No eye detect AF.

• Sony A7 II: Full-frame sensor and broad lens selection allow superior bokeh and precise skin tones. Eye and face detection ensure sharp focus on key facial features even in dynamic conditions.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung TL240: Smaller sensor yields reduced dynamic range and resolution (14 MP max). No weather sealing discourages shooting in extreme environments.

• Sony A7 II: 24 MP sensor with 13.6 stops of dynamic range captures landscapes with exquisite tonal gradation. Weather resistance allows use on location confidently.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Samsung TL240: No burst mode or fast AF tracking makes capture of fast subjects frustrating.

• Sony A7 II: 5 fps and hybrid AF system track action effectively with telephoto lenses.

Street Photography

• Samsung TL240: Ultra-compact size aids discretion; however, slow AF and limited ISO range limit utility in low light.

• Sony A7 II: Larger, less discreet body but silent electronic shutter mode and superior low light performance improve candid shooting potential.

Macro Photography

• Samsung TL240: Can focus as close as 1cm, suitable for casual macro shots.

• Sony A7 II: Full lens selections for dedicated macro work, combined with in-body stabilization and focus aids.

Night / Astrophotography

• Samsung TL240: Limited by high noise and lack of manual controls; long exposure below 8 seconds not supported.

• Sony A7 II: Long exposures up to 30 seconds, low noise levels, and manual exposure modes tailor made for astro photography.

Video Use

• Samsung’s limited HD capabilities pale against Sony’s professional-level Full HD with external audio support.

Travel Photography

• Samsung TL240’s compactness and fixed zoom offer ease of carry but compromises on image quality.

• Sony A7 II’s versatility and superior quality weigh heavier but yield professional results across all travel scenarios.

Professional Workflow Integration

• RAW format on Sony enables full post-processing control; wireless connectivity and HDMI output add flexibility.

• Samsung lacks RAW and wireless features, limiting integration with professional workflows.

Summary of Overall Camera Performance Ratings

Detailed Genre-Specific Performance Scores

Who Should Consider the Samsung TL240?

The TL240 appeals to casual users or beginners prioritizing ease of use, ultra portability, and budget-friendly ownership at approximately $170. Its simplicity and touchscreen interface mean minimal user training is required. It is appropriate for selfies, snapshots in well-lit environments, and travel scenarios where size trumps image quality.

However, potential buyers should accept limited image quality, lack of manual controls, no RAW format, and constrained video functionality. Serious photography enthusiasts or professionals will likely find the TL240 inadequate for creative demands.

Who Should Invest in the Sony A7 II?

Priced around $1455 at launch, the Sony A7 II targets enthusiasts and professional photographers requiring advanced image quality, full manual control, and broad creative flexibility. Its full-frame sensor, extensive native and third-party lens options, superior autofocus system, and solid build quality enable performance across virtually all photographic disciplines.

The A7 II excels in portrait, landscape, wildlife, and sports disciplines and provides highly capable video production features. It integrates smoothly in professional workflows with RAW file support, wireless connectivity, and external audio ports.

This camera rewards users willing to invest time in learning its interface and harnessing its technical advantages, making it a long-term tool for serious photographic outputs.

Conclusion: Different Cameras for Different Needs

The Samsung TL240 and Sony A7 II represent fundamentally different design philosophies and technological eras. The compact TL240 prioritizes portability with modest imaging capabilities, adequate for casual users or simple travel photography. The full-frame Sony A7 II is a versatile mirrorless camera that satisfies high-end photographic demands through a sophisticated sensor, comprehensive controls, and a broad lens ecosystem.

For photographers seeking a lightweight, budget-friendly camera without complexity, the TL240 remains functional but frankly dated by today’s standards. Conversely, the A7 II stands out as a powerful, professional-grade camera offering significantly enhanced image quality, autofocus, and shooting versatility - a worthy investment for enthusiasts and pros alike.

Sample Image Gallery Comparison

Samsung TL240 screen back Sony A7 II front Sony A7 II screen back

The difference in detail preservation, noise control, dynamic range, and color fidelity is visible across portraits, landscapes, and low-light shots, underscoring the impact of sensor size and processing power.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on your photography ambitions and budget: Convenience and simplicity in a compact design (Samsung TL240) versus comprehensive control and outstanding image quality in a professional mirrorless system (Sony A7 II). This analysis should guide informed decision-making aligned with your photographic goals.