• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • 31.00mm - 217.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A850 advantages over Samsung CL80

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 1.43 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.6 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 16 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Samsung CL80 advantages over Sony A850

  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    20 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    150g vs 850g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A900

Sony A850
Sony A900
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Sony A850 vs Sony A900

Samsung CL80
Sony A900
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Internal flash
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung CL80 vs Sony A900

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FH20

Sony A850
Panasonic DMC-FH20
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compare Sony A850 vs Panasonic DMC-FH20

Samsung CL80
Panasonic DMC-FH20
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Samsung CL80 vs Panasonic DMC-FH20

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZR3

Sony A850
Panasonic DMC-ZR3
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compare Sony A850 vs Panasonic DMC-ZR3

Samsung CL80
Panasonic DMC-ZR3
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Samsung CL80 vs Panasonic DMC-ZR3

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A850
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Sony A850 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Samsung CL80
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung CL80 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Compared to Sony A99

Sony A850
Sony A99
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony A850 vs Sony A99

Samsung CL80
Sony A99
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Internal flash
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Samsung CL80 vs Sony A99

Compare Other Cameras?