Samsung CL5
- 9MP - 1/2.5" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 3200
- 640 x 480 video
- 38-114mm (F3.5-4.5) lens
- 141g - 93 x 60 x 19mm
- Launched February 2009
- Also referred to as PL10
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
95 Imaging
32 Features
14 Overall
24
Samsung CL5 summary
Samsung CL5 is Samsung's Ultracompact camera originally introduced on February of 2009. It comes with a 9 MegaPixel, CCD 1/2.5" size sensor with a max resolution of 3456 x 2592. It is also known as "PL10" in certain regions.
The CL5 stands at #145 out of 151 in Ultracompact cameras and over all #1252 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our list. You should try out our Smart camera filter to see camera listings based on your personal factors.
Below is a graph of multiple factors used in the rating system.
Samsung CL5 Gallery
You can view the CL5 from different angles in the gallery below.
Samsung CL5 Pros and Cons
Here is a selection of good and bad points of the Samsung CL5 based on things which are generally considered useful in a camera.
Samsung CL5 Sensor specs
The measurement of the sensor on the Samsung CL5 is 5.744mm x 4.308mm (1/2.5"). The 25 mm² sensor has the ability to capture 3456 x 2592 pixels with aspect ratios of 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthThe CCD sensor boasts 9 megapixels and gives a native ISO range of 80 to 3200. Unfortunately, RAW photos are not saved so you have less room to maneuver in post.
The picture underneath displays the CL5's sensor size in comparison to other common sizes. The CL5 sensor comes with a crop factor of 6.3 and is highlighted in green.
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music videoTo get a sense of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.
Samsung CL5 dimensions
Samsung CL5 is 0.31 lbs (141 grams / 4.97 oz) and features external size of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7"). The weight of typical Ultracompact camera is 121 grams and the Samsung CL5 is more heavy than other rivals.
Photography GlossaryUnderneath is a shot of the Samsung CL5 alongside a soda to help you have a feel for its size.
The top view underneath will illustrate the button arrangement on the CL5.
Samsung CL5 Lens details
The CL5 offers a fixed lens with a focal range of 38-114mm making it a 3.0 x zoom which may not be amazing however it might be very helpful in certain scenarios.
At it's widest 38mm, it provides an aperture of f3.5 which will be really sluggish and not ideal in low light conditions and you will find it hard to capture good bokeh. You might also need to up your ISO producing noisy pictures. With the long end, 114mm comes to f4.5 making it fairly sluggish and you will have to go with slow shutter speeds.
Samsung CL5 Connectivity
The CL5 has the following connectivity:
Digital cameras which include NFC and Bluetooth compatibility can easily be used wirelessly via smartphones. You can copy pictures and sometimes adjust settings without connecting straight with the camera.
Many apps also give a Liveview and hit the shutter when you are not close to the camera. If the camera comes with a HDMI out, it could be connected to an external screen. A good number of cameras enable you to charge the battery pack using the USB socket.
Samsung CL5 Video details
The max video resolution on the Samsung CL5 is 640 x 480 and it can save in Motion JPEG format. 480p is awful by today's requirements. You should shoot for at least 1080p resolution for decent video. The body does not have a mic and headphone socket so you get zero control over your audio. It is probably best to get another model should you need better audio in your video clips.
Samsung CL5 Weather Sealing
Samsung CL5 does not have environment proofing so rainy conditions can easily ruin the camera.
Samsung CL5 Display and Viewfinder
The Samsung CL5 comes with a 2.7 inch fixed display with a resolution of 230 thousand dots.
Please note that the display screen offers no touch support.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe View Finder specs regarding Samsung CL5 are as follows:
- ViewFinder None
Viewfinders are rather handy in sunny outdoor situations which will make the camera display washed out and difficult to view.
Samsung CL5 Shutter details
The maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 sec.
Samsung CL5 Flash and Hot shoe details
Samsung CL5 has got just in-built flash lacking external flash support.
Samsung CL5 Autofocus details
Samsung CL5 has got only Contrast Detect Auto Focus and does not have Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection autofocusing is more quicker & precise than Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera comes with Face detect which can be useful for people photography.
Samsung CL5 does not have manual focus. Manual focus can be good in low light scenarios or you want to have more exact control on depth of field.
Samsung CL5 Battery life
The usual Ultracompact camera battery life is 214. Nikon L32 offers the maximum (320) battery life in this group of cameras.
Underneath is a collection of Ultracompact cameras that come with the best battery life:
Samsung CL5 for specific types of photography
The following diagram displays a rundown of the Samsung CL5 for specific types of photography. To see more, check out the specific section underneath.
Samsung CL5 Portrait photography highlights
The Samsung CL5 has a points total of 24 which is really bad, meaning that it is not suitable to use for portraits. Photographing portrait images favors heavily to sensor specs, RAW support together with the potential to utilize off-camera lighting.
Samsung CL5 Street photography factors
Coming in at a moderate points total of 47, the Samsung CL5 is somewhat suited for street photography. A decent street photography camera has a perfect balance of image quality plus portability.
Samsung CL5 Sports photography advice
A really bad sports photography rating of 16 means the Samsung CL5 is not suitable for shooting sports. A camera really should have good tracking plus shutter speeds for sports photography.
Samsung CL5 Travel photography advice
Size is super critical when selecting a camera for travel. Overall, the Samsung CL5 gets a decent 51 as a travel camera which is reasonably appropriate to purchase for your trips.
Samsung CL5 Landscape photography factors
When you're planning to choose a camera for landscape photography, the most critical aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Samsung CL5 at it's really bad rating of 22 for a landscape camera is not suitable compared to it's competitors.
Samsung CL5 Vlogging highlights
A vlogging camera should offer a articulating display, microphone input and if possible IBIS. Taking everything in to account, the Samsung CL5 is not suitable for vlogging as it gets a really bad score of 25.
Samsung CL5 Alternatives
If you are looking for alternatives to the CL5, below is a collection of the highest rated cameras which fall in to the category of Ultracompact.
The graph underneath shows you a bird's eye view of the CL5 versus it's top scoring rivals suggested previously.
These are various other cameras you might check out as alternative options. To look at a thorough comparison, simply click the "compare" link.