Samsung ST80 Review: The Best Compact Camera for Your Travel Photography

If you are looking for a portable, easy-to-use camera that captures stunning photos and videos, look no further than the Samsung ST80. This compact camera is equipped with impressive features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, 14.2 megapixel CCD sensor, and HD recording capabilities. Let's dive deeper to find out why the Samsung ST80 should be your next travel photography companion.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Samsung ST80 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 06 2010

Announced

14 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSamsung
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight118g
MSRP$249USD

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Overview of the ST80

Are you planning to travel soon and worried about carrying bulky camera equipment? The Samsung ST80 camera is the perfect solution for you. This lightweight, pocket-sized camera is equipped with advanced features that allow you to capture high-quality photos and videos on the go. The Samsung ST80 camera boasts a 14.2 megapixel CCD sensor that captures amazing details in your shots. With the help of its wide-angle lens, you can easily fit in more of your surroundings into your photos. This camera also allows you to share your photos and videos instantly with its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. You can sync the camera with your smartphone or tablet to upload your photos and videos to social media platforms seamlessly. Let's take a closer look at why the Samsung ST80 is the best compact camera for your travel photography needs.

Samsung ST80 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Samsung ST80 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High Megapixels
Good image quality
Sleek design
Large LCD display
WiFi connectivity

Cons

Low battery life
Limited zoom range
No manual controls
Slow autofocus
Small sensor

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Samsung ST80

Weather sealed
Dimensions92 x 55 x 19mm
Weight118g
Thickness19mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Samsung ST80 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeUltracompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Samsung ST80 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

Samsung ST80 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the ST80 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Samsung ST80 has a 14MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 14 pixels. Samsung ST80 has a native ISO range of 80 - 4800 which can be boosted to null - 6400.

Key Features

Jan 06 2010

Announced

80 - 4800

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - 6400
Max resolution4320 x 3240 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Samsung ST80 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the ST80 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageMicroSD/ MicroSDHC, Internal
Battery Life
Battery ModelBP70A
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Samsung ST80 supports MicroSD/ MicroSDHC, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Samsung ST80 uses the BP70A model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Samsung ST80 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Samsung ST80 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1500s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Samsung ST80 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Samsung ST80?

The Samsung ST80 features a CCD sensor

Is the Samsung ST80 weather sealed?

No the ST80 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Samsung ST80 announced?

The Samsung ST80 was announced on Jan 06 2010

Does the Samsung ST80 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the ST80 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Samsung ST80?

The ST80 has a native ISO range of 80-4800, which can be expanded to ISO null-6400 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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