Samsung TL500 vs Sony Cyber-shot W310: A Deep Dive into Two 2010 Compacts

If you’re digging through the compact camera archives or simply intrigued by how cameras circa 2010 stacked up, the Samsung TL500 (aka EX1) and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310 present an interesting head-to-head. Both debuted in the first half of the decade, but target very different users with distinct philosophies. Over my 15+ years of hands-on testing, I’ve found these models encapsulate the transitional era where compacts began evolving towards more specialized photographic tools or utter simplicity. Let’s peel back their features, performance, and value to see which one suits your photographic appetite best.

First Impressions and Physical Feel: Size Matters Differently Here

Let’s begin with what you hold in your hands - the cameras' size, weight, and ergonomics significantly affect how you’ll use them day-to-day.

The Samsung TL500 is a small sensor compact but thoughtfully engineered with serious enthusiast features packed into a robust body. Measuring roughly 114x63x29mm and weighing about 386g, it has a solid feel that inspires confidence without feeling bulky. I personally appreciate the TL500’s fully articulated 3-inch screen - a rarity at the time - which lets you frame shots from unconventional angles and compose selfies comfortably.

In contrast, the Sony W310 embraces ultracompact design. At a petite 95x55x19mm and tipping the scales at just 137g, it’s the very definition of pocketable. If your priority is convenience, this slim model slips effortlessly into any pocket or bag, and you can barely feel it there.

Ergonomics tell the same story: The TL500’s body offers a more substantial grip and top-plate controls that feel intuitive, while the W310 leans into minimalism with fewer buttons, fixed screen, and no viewfinder.

Layout and Controls: Hands-On Usability

Speaking of controls, ergonomics extend beyond size to how the camera handles on the fly.

The Samsung TL500 has thoughtfully placed buttons and dials, including dedicated shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes - a blessing for anyone who wants creative control, even in a compact. A top control dial and clear, well-spaced buttons make operation quick and intuitive under pressure.

The Sony W310 takes a basic approach, with no manual exposure modes or shutter speed apertures selection - everything’s mostly auto. It has a simple menu system and fewer physical controls, a boon for casual snapshots but limiting for the enthusiast wanting to tweak settings mid-shot.

While testing, I found the TL500’s control layout a joy for extended shooting sessions, but the W310’s design makes for fast point-and-shoot usage without fiddling - a trade-off based on your priorities.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size and Technology Matter

Now we get to the heart of image quality - sensor technology and resolution.

The Samsung TL500 sports a 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor, larger than typical ultracompacts, measuring about 7.44 x 5.58mm with a sensor area of roughly 41.5mm², and captures 10MP images. The bigger sensor size helps it retain better detail, color depth, and dynamic range, especially in good lighting.

Meanwhile, the Sony W310 employs a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (about 6.17x4.55mm), common in ultra-compact cameras, with 12MP resolution. Higher pixel count on this smaller sensor means a potential trade-off in noise performance and dynamic range, especially in low light.

Looking at DxOMark scores solidifies this: Samsung yields an overall score of 40, with a very respectable color depth of 19.2 bits and dynamic range of 11.1 EV, whereas Sony W310 is not officially tested, but from my experience and sensor tech standpoint, I'd expect noticeably lower low-light ISO performance and dynamic range.

In practical terms, the TL500 produces cleaner images at higher ISOs and richer colors - the kind of quality that matters for portraits and landscapes. The W310 fares well in bright daylight but suffers more noise when light dims.

Viewing and Interface: Screen and Ease of Use

Displaying your images and framing shots is critical, so let’s look at both cameras’ screens.

The Samsung TL500 shines here with a 3.0-inch fully articulated LCD, boasting 614k-dot resolution, which is crisp and responsive, allowing flexibility in composition angles. This articulation is excellent for macro work and shooting in tight or awkward spots. Plus, it's 'selfie friendly' - a term I find charmingly modern for a 2010 camera.

The Sony W310’s fixed 2.7-inch LCD has a much lower resolution of 230k dots. The smaller size and lower resolution screen mean compositions are less precise, and outdoor visibility isn’t great, which may hamper framing or photo review.

For enthusiasts wanting control and precision, the TL500’s screen enhances workflow, while the W310’s is sufficient for casual use but lacks versatility.

Image Samples: Real-World Quality Snapshot

I shot side-by-side sample photos in various scenarios to tease out how these cameras perform beyond specs.

Samsung TL500 screen back Sony W310 screen back

Take a look at the detail and bokeh in the portrait frames. The TL500’s brighter F1.8 aperture and larger sensor deliver smoother skin tones and creamy background defocus, while the W310’s slower F3.0 aperture and smaller sensor produce sharper but less flattering skin textures.

In landscapes, the Samsung handles dynamic range better, retaining more highlight and shadow detail - a perspective critical for nature photographers. The Sony's images are a little flatter and noisier in shadow areas but generally okay in well-lit scenes.

In low-light or indoor shots, the TL500 again reigns with cleaner images at ISO 800 and above. The W310 shows more grain and loses detail quickly.

Autofocus and Speed: Capturing Fast Moments

Neither camera is aimed at sports or wildlife shooters, but autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy are surprisingly varied.

The Samsung TL500 features contrast-detection AF with center-weighted and multi-area modes but no continuous or tracking AF. Its manual focus mode is a plus for precise control. However, AF speed is moderate - good for posed shots but can lag on moving subjects.

The Sony W310 uses similar contrast AF but with fewer focus points (9), no manual focus, and autofocus performance is generally slower due to its ultra-compact design.

Burst shooting rates are minimal for both - again, these aren’t sports cameras.

Video Capabilities: Limited but Functional

Both cameras offer basic HD video, but with some notable differences.

The Samsung TL500 records 640x480 at 30fps using H.264 compression, no 4K or HD options. No microphone or headphone ports limit audio control. The fully articulated screen aids creative video angles, and optical image stabilization helps smooth handheld footage.

The Sony W310 matches resolution but records in Motion JPEG format, which produces larger files with lower compression efficiency. Its fixed screen and smaller build limit versatility.

Neither camera supports advanced video modes or high frame rate capture, placing them as entry-level video recorders at best.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Both cameras lack professional weather sealing or ruggedness. Neither is waterproof, dustproof, or shock-resistant, which is expected for their class and price point.

The TL500 feels more solidly built with a metal chassis and good button feedback, while the W310 is mostly plastic and noticeably lighter.

Lens Characteristics: Flexibility and Brightness

The Samsung TL500 features a bright 24-72mm equivalent 3x zoom lens with a large max aperture starting at f/1.8 wide and quickly narrowing to f/2.4 at telephoto - a rare luxury in compacts. This brightness improves low-light shooting and enables shallow depth-of-field effects.

The Sony W310 offers a 28-112mm equivalent 4x zoom extending farther but with slower apertures of f/3.0-5.8. This means less light reach and reduced background blur capabilities.

The TL500’s wider and faster lens complements its sensor nicely for portrait, macro, and low-light use, while the W310 trades brightness for zoom length, catering more to casual snapshot versatility.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Battery life info is sparse for both, but based on battery models and size, the TL500 with SLB-07A delivers moderate longevity - enough for a day of shooting with intermittent use.

The W310’s NP-BN1 battery is smaller, likely translating to fewer shots per charge. Both accept common SD/SDHC storage cards, with the Sony also compatible with Memory Stick formats, offering some user choice.

Connectivity and Extras: The Basics Covered

Neither camera offers wireless features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, common at the time. Both include USB 2.0 ports for data transfer and charging, but only the TL500 supports HDMI output - useful for viewing photos and videos on external displays.

Who Should Choose Which? Practical Recommendations

Here’s the crux: These cameras could not be more different when viewed through your photographic needs.

• If you prioritize image quality, creative control, and versatility - with room for growth as a serious enthusiast - the Samsung TL500 is the clear winner. Its larger sensor, fast lens, articulated screen, and manual exposure modes mean you can experiment with portraits, macro shots, and low-light scenes confidently. Yes, it's pricier, but the investment yields richer images and more satisfying handling.

• Conversely, if your goal is ultraportable, grab-and-go simplicity with no need for manual fiddling, especially for travel or casual everyday photos, the Sony W310 offers lightweight convenience. It’s ideal for snapshots, family events, or situations where bulk and complexity are barriers.

How These Cameras Score Across Genres

Finally, benchmarking their performances by photography type offers a handy summary:

• Portraits: TL500 excels with bright lens and sensor; W310 limited by lens speed.
• Landscape: TL500’s dynamic range and control outclass W310’s snapshot approach.
• Wildlife & Sports: Neither great, but TL500’s manual focus and lens speed offer slight edge.
• Street: W310’s size favors stealth, but TL500’s controls help for deliberate shooting.
• Macro: TL500’s minimum focus distance and aperture win hands down.
• Night/Astro: Only TL500 has viable low light potential.
• Video: Both basic, TL500 better stabilization and screen.
• Travel: W310 wins for sheer portability; TL500 for versatility.
• Pro work: Only TL500 even comes close to utility with RAW support and manual modes.

Final Scorecard: Objective Ratings from My Testing

Based on extensive hands-on shooting tests, image analyses, and usability trials, the Samsung TL500 scores notably higher across all meaningful categories relevant to quality-conscious photographers.

Wrapping Up: Which Compact Will You Take Home?

To sum up, choosing between these two is a study in priorities:

• Choose Samsung TL500 if you crave a compact powerhouse capable of expressive photography, aren’t daunted by manual controls, and want advanced features that punch well above its size.

• Pick Sony W310 if you want the ultimate grab-and-go, prefer point-and-shoot ease, and don’t mind sacrificing creative control for effortless portability.

My advice? If you respect photographic nuance, the TL500 remains a relevant gem even years later. It’s like having a mini digital rangefinder with fast glass and adjustable exposure, ideal for portraits, street, and creative experimentation. The W310? It’s a cheerful pocket companion - perfect for family days out or snap-happy travelers.

No camera’s perfect - Samsung’s higher price and missing Wi-Fi might be deal-breakers if you want instant sharing features, and Sony’s image quality won’t satisfy detailed-oriented art shooters. But both have carved respectable niches.

Thanks for joining me in this detailed comparison. When in doubt: test these cameras yourself if you can. The right camera is the one you enjoy using day in and day out.

Happy shooting!