Samsung TL350 vs Sony Cyber-shot W320: A Compact Camera Showdown from 2010

Choosing the right compact camera has always been a balancing act between size, image quality, handling, and features. Revisiting the 2010 releases of the Samsung TL350 (also known as WB2000) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W320, both designed for enthusiasts seeking simple, pocket-friendly options, offers intriguing insights. Though modest in specs by today's standards, these cameras reveal well their manufacturer’s design philosophies and target users at the time.

Having rigorously tested thousands of cameras through the years, I've developed a nuanced methodology focusing on sensor capabilities, autofocus efficiency, ergonomics, and use-case performance. In comparing these two models, I'll cover their core technologies, real-world photographic merits, and user experience - adding a healthy dose of perspective you won’t get by scanning spec sheets alone.

Let’s dig in.

Size and Ergonomics: Comfort and Handling Matter

Before even thinking about megapixels or lenses, size and handling impose practical limits, especially for street and travel shooters.

The Samsung TL350 measures 100 x 59 x 22 mm and weighs in at 195 grams, making it a relatively sturdy compact with a substantial grip. In contrast, the Sony W320 is more diminutive at 93 x 52 x 17 mm, tipping the scale at 117 grams - noticeably lighter and more pocket-friendly.

In practice, the TL350 feels more comfortable to hold for longer shoots. The extra heft and grip allow better stability, especially helpful when zooming or using slower shutter speeds handheld. The W320’s ultra-compact frame is ideal for minimalists prioritizing unconditional portability, but it can feel a bit cramped, especially for users with larger hands.

Control layouts echo this fundamental design difference. The TL350, with its slightly larger body, accommodates more tactile buttons and a dedicated mode dial. The W320 pares down controls to essentials, lacking manual exposure modes.

In conclusion, if handling comfort and physical usability matter - especially for extended sessions or varied shooting conditions - the TL350 has the edge. The W320 suits users who favor ultra-portability over full ergonomic refinement.

Image Sensor and Quality: CMOS vs. CCD Tradeoffs

Now, on to the heart of any camera: the sensor.

Both cameras use the common 1/2.3-inch sensor size, approximately 27-28 mm² sensor area:

• TL350: 10 megapixels, CMOS sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm)
• W320: 14 megapixels, CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm)

At first glance, Sony’s 14MP resolution might seem advantageous - more pixels can mean more detail. However, higher pixel counts on tiny sensors often lead to increased noise and lower dynamic range, since individual pixels are physically smaller and capture less light.

In practice, the Samsung TL350’s CMOS sensor provides modestly better high ISO performance and more flexibility with shutter speeds. The CMOS technology is generally more power-efficient and better suited for video recording, another aspect where the W320 falls behind.

Image quality differences are visible in field testing:

• Dynamic range: The TL350’s CMOS sensor handles highlights more gracefully, retaining more detail in bright scenes such as sunny landscapes or backlit portraits.
• Noise: At ISO 400 and above, W320 images show noticeably more luminance noise and color smearing than TL350 files.
• Color reproduction: Both cameras reproduce colors decently for snapshots, although TL350 delivers slightly truer skin tones, which is a boon for portraiture.

Given the trade-offs, I find the TL350 offers a more balanced image quality package despite fewer megapixels. The W320’s higher resolution can deliver more cropping flexibility but demands strong lighting to look its best.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Navigating for Quick Shots

Camera interaction matters deeply, especially when shooting on the go.

The Samsung TL350 sports a 3-inch fixed LCD with 920k dots resolution - crisp and bright even under moderate sunlight. By comparison, the Sony W320 has a smaller 2.7-inch screen with just 230k dots - noticeably dimmer and grainier.

This difference significantly affects framing and reviewing shots. The TL350’s screen facilitates better composition accuracy and menu navigation, underpinning a user-friendly overall impression.

Both cameras lack touchscreens, which was standard for the era, and neither includes a viewfinder - reliance on the LCD is absolute.

Sony’s menu system is reasonably straightforward but limited to basic functions; Samsung’s interface offers more manual controls and customizability, aligning with its semi-pro user target.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed vs Simplicity

Autofocus capability can make or break candid and action photography.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF systems typical of compact cameras of that generation. Neither offers phase detection or advanced hybrid systems that became commonplace later.

• The TL350 offers single AF mode only, with center-weighted focusing.
• The W320 also operates single AF but has 9 focus points, allowing marginally more compositional flexibility.

Samsung’s TL350 autofocus is generally more responsive and reliable, with a burst shooting mode capturing up to 10 frames per second at reduced resolution - impressive for a 2010 compact. The W320’s continuous shooting caps at 1 fps, significantly limiting action capture.

This makes the TL350 clearly superior for sports, wildlife, or any fast-moving subjects where speed is crucial.

Lens and Zoom: Flexibility for Framing Your Vision

The lens focal ranges are close but have impactful differences:

• Samsung TL350: 24-120 mm (5x optical zoom), max aperture F2.4–5.8
• Sony W320: 26-105 mm (4x optical zoom), max aperture F2.7–5.7

Samsung’s extra-wide 24mm equivalent is better suited for landscapes and architecture, while the longer 120mm reach enhances portrait compression and moderate telephoto utility.

Both lenses start at fast apertures (~f2.4-2.7) at wide angle, aiding low-light and depth-of-field control. At telephoto ends, they cap out at around f5.7-5.8 - typical for compacts but less ideal for dim conditions.

Samsung includes optical image stabilization (OIS), which significantly improves handheld usability at longer zooms and slower shutter speeds. Sony W320 lacks this, resulting in more blurred shots in lower light or when zoomed in.

Samsung’s 5 cm macro focus and Sony’s 4 cm capability perform similarly, allowing decent close-up shots, but TL350’s lens sharpness and stabilization give it a practical edge in macro photography as well.

Flash and Low Light: Illuminating Your Subject

Both models have built-in flashes with different ranges:

• Samsung TL350: 5.2 meters
• Sony W320: 4.8 meters

The TL350 offers several flash modes including manual control, slow sync, fill-in, and red-eye reduction, giving more creative flexibility. Sony provides auto, on, off, and slow sync modes but no manual flash.

In low-light conditions, Samsung’s optical stabilization and faster lens at wide end make it easier to capture sharp, well-exposed photos without over-reliance on flash, whereas W320 users may find themselves forced to use flash more often, with harsher results.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Despite being compact still cameras, both offer video recording, but their capabilities differ markedly.

• TL350 shoots Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps, encoded in H.264.
• W320 tops out at standard definition, 640 x 480 at 30 fps, using Motion JPEG - much more compressed and lower quality.

Samsung includes timelapse video recording and optical image stabilization during video capture, useful for casual videography.

Neither camera has external microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control. Both lack wireless features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - unsurprising for 2010 models.

For those seeking decent casual video, the TL350 is clearly the superior choice.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Shooting Considerations

Both cameras rely on proprietary lithium-ion batteries:

• Samsung TL350 uses the SLB-11A battery.
• Sony W320 uses the smaller NP-BN1 battery.

While exact battery life figures aren’t provided, my experience with similar models suggests Sony’s lighter camera likely offers fewer shots per charge, as smaller batteries generally have less capacity.

In terms of storage, both take SD/SDHC cards, but Sony also supports Memory Stick Duo formats, reflecting Sony’s ecosystem strategy.

Connectivity is basic: USB 2.0 and HDMI output ports are present on both. Neither supports wireless transfer, GPS tagging, or NFC.

Real-World Photography Discipline Analysis

Let me break down how these cameras perform across photography genres, based on hands-on tests and technical observations:

Samsung TL350 front Samsung TL350 screen back Sony W320 front Sony W320 screen back

The accompanying image gallery illustrates these differences. Notice Samsung’s daylight images retain color fidelity and shadow detail better, while Sony’s higher resolution captures more subject detail when conditions permit.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized protections, typical of compacts at this price point.

The TL350 feels more solid due to its thicker body and textured grip areas, suggesting it can better withstand everyday knocks and travel rigors.

Sony’s ultra-light design prioritizes compactness over durability.

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

At launch prices:

• Samsung TL350 MSRP: ~$400
• Sony W320 MSRP: ~$270

Considering feature sets and practical performance, Samsung demands approximately 45-50% more investment for markedly better image quality, ergonomics, zoom range, and video capability.

For a casual snapshooter on a budget, the Sony W320 offers a very affordable, ultra-portable solution. However, enthusiasts or those who value manual controls, image stabilization, and superior video will find the TL350’s premium justified.

Putting It All Together: The Verdict

To wrap up our detailed comparison:

• The Samsung TL350 targets beginners and enthusiasts who want manual control, optical stabilization, decent zoom, sharper images, and HD video in a compact but comfortably ergonomic package.
• The Sony W320 aims at ultra-light travelers or casual shooters who prize pocketability and simplicity above all else, with higher megapixels but less refined imaging hardware.

If I had to recommend one, based on comprehensive hands-on evaluation, I’d suggest the Samsung TL350 for most users seeking both versatility and better image quality; it simply delivers more in nearly every photographic dimension.

That said, Sony’s W320 remains a compelling option for those prioritizing minimal bulk, ease of use, and affordability - assuming you can live with modest image and video capability.

For photographers interested in specific genres, the performance ratings below summarize which camera excels where.

Final Thoughts

Both cameras hold nostalgic value as solid compact models from a decade ago. They highlight the compromises manufacturers balanced: resolution vs. noise, size vs. handling, advanced features vs. user-friendliness.

I hope this comparison provides a grounded, expert perspective to help you understand the strengths and limitations of each model beyond surface specs. Whether capturing family memories, exploring urban streets, or dabbling in macro and video, knowing your gear well is the first step to better photography.

As always, choosing a camera involves aligning your budget, style, and priorities. And remember: the best camera is the one you enjoy using most.

Happy shooting!