Leica C vs Samsung WB30F: A Deep Dive into Two Small Sensor Compacts for Photography Enthusiasts

When you look at the world of small sensor compact cameras, the market seems flooded with budget-friendly, grab-and-go devices. But every once in a while, a pair emerges that intrigues you - not just for their specs, but for what they represent in the broader photography landscape. Enter the Leica C (Typ 112) and the Samsung WB30F, two cameras announced in 2013 that, on paper, seem modest; yet, each carries unique attributes worth exploring. I’ve spent significant time putting these two through their paces to help you decide if either may deserve a spot in your kit - or perhaps, just a place on your shelf.

Let’s unpack this comparison with a keen eye for real-world performance, technical nuance, and how each fares across a spectrum of photography genres. Snap your seatbelt on, we’re going beyond just megapixels and zoom ranges here.

Unboxing Ergonomics and Physicality: Handling Comfort vs Pocketability

First impressions matter - and size and feel often dictate whether a camera stays in your hands or vanishes into a drawer.

At 103 × 63 × 28 mm and weighing a solid 195 grams, the Leica C is the more substantial of the duo. It has a more traditional, robust compact feel, inspired by Leica’s heritage of quality craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the Samsung WB30F is noticeably slimmer and lighter at 98 × 58 × 17 mm and 128 grams, making it pocket-friendly in the truest sense.

Handling is where the Leica C shines with better build quality, a comfortable grip, and precise button placement. Though neither model boasts weather sealing or ruggedness, the Leica feels more durable, more ‘camera-like’ - not just a toy. Samsung’s WB30F leans into the ultra-portable category, appealing to those valuing stealth and lightness over tactile feedback.

Controlling these cameras is a tale of two philosophies, too - more on that shortly.

Design and Controls: Thoughtful Layout or Minimalist Convenience?

The top plate and control interfaces of cameras often reveal a lot about their intended user base.

The Leica C features dedicated dial control for shutter speed, aperture priority, and manual modes, granting photographers creative flexibility. You can adjust exposure values, ISO ranges (80-6400), and even tweak white balance with precision. Plus, it offers an electronic viewfinder at 0.46x magnification, albeit a low-res one (200-pixel), which is a rare offering in this class and a nod to serious framing needs.

In contrast, the Samsung WB30F strips down complexity - no manual exposure mode, no aperture or shutter priority, and no viewfinder at all. The LCD’s fixed 230K-dot QVGA screen provides basic framing but isn't the sharpest or most responsive. The camera relies on automatic modes and scene selections for most shots.

While the Leica’s top panel invites engagement and learning, Samsung takes the “point-and-shoot” ethos literally: minimal controls, no fuss, minimal photographer involvement in settings.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Image

Here’s where things get juicy.

The Leica C sports a 1/1.7" CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm with a surface area of 41.52 mm², resolving 12 megapixels. While this may sound modest compared to current standards, back in 2013 this sensor delivered clean images with a respectable level of dynamic range and color depth. The native ISO range spans 80 to 6400, with an impressive boosted extension to 12800.

Samsung WB30F, however, packs a smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor at 6.17 x 4.55 mm and 28.07 mm² sensor area, resolving a higher 16 megapixels. Sounds promising? At this sensor size, pixel density is high, which hurts low-light performance and dynamic range. The maximum ISO tops out at 3200, indicative of limitations in noise control.

In my side-by-side shooting tests, Leica’s sensor delivers subtly richer colors and superior handling of shadows and highlights. Skin tones on the Leica appear smoother and more natural, a tribute to its CMOS technology and superior image processing engine. The Samsung’s results, while punchy in daylight, suffer in lower light, with earlier onset noise and reduced detail retention.

Viewing and Interface: How You See What You Shoot

With no touchscreen on either camera, the traditional LCD and EVF play key roles.

The Leica C’s 3-inch, 920K-dot TFT LCD provides a crisp, bright image for framing and menu navigation. The built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a particular advantage in strong sunlight and for those who prefer eye-level shooting. The Samsung WB30F’s 3-inch screen is dimmer and just 230K dots, making it less useful in bright environments, and its lack of viewfinder can be frustrating for stability and composition precision.

Menus on the Leica are intuitive, with good tactile feedback from buttons, enabling quick adjustments without diving deep. Samsung’s interface is simpler but slower to navigate due to limited controls and the lack of shortcut buttons.

Lens Versatility and Optical Performance: Zoom and Quality Trade-offs

Both cameras have fixed, built-in zoom lenses - no changing glass here.

Leica equips its C with a 28-200mm equivalent (7.1× zoom) lens, a commendable range for travel and general photography. The maximum aperture varies from a bright f/2.0 at wide-angle to f/5.9 telephoto. This gives Leica an edge in low-light and depth-of-field control on the wide end.

The Samsung WB30F’s lens stretches from 24-240mm equivalent (10× zoom) - a reachier range giving it telephoto versatility. But the maximum aperture ranges from f/3.1 to a dimmer f/6.3, placing it at a disadvantage in low light, and its optical quality, while decent for snapshots, lacks sharpness compared to Leica glass, especially at the extremes of the zoom.

In practice, the Leica lens delivers crisper, more contrasty images with pleasing background blur - important for portraits and macro shots - while Samsung’s strength is its extended reach for casual wildlife and street shots in daylight.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in the Moment

Autofocus (AF) performance often makes or breaks a compact’s usability for dynamic photography.

Leica’s C features contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and continuous AF modes, plus multi-area focusing for selective accuracy. I noticed decent speed and reliability for static subjects and modestly quick tracking on moving objects, though not systemically fast enough to chase pro-level sports or fast wildlife.

Samsung’s WB30F uses basic contrast detection with face detection, but lacks continuous AF and live view focusing enhancements seen in Leica. Focus acquisition is slower and can “hunt” in low contrast or dim environments.

For everyday shooting, both are adequate, but the Leica C pulls ahead in responsiveness and precision, especially in artificial or mixed lighting.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Performance

Speed matters when moments are fleeting.

The Leica C offers 10 frames per second continuous shooting - a surprisingly spry rate for a compact with ample buffer capacity. This allows decent coverage for casual action sequences, sports, or wildlife.

Samsung WB30F does not advertise continuous shooting specs, effectively focusing on still photography without rapid burst needs.

If you anticipate fast-moving subjects or want flexibility in choosing the right moment, Leica’s burst capability offers useful leverage.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images with Variable Ambitions

Though both cameras ventured into video, the execution differs.

Leica C shoots Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps using AVCHD or MPEG-4 codecs, paired with a built-in microphone jack for external audio - a rarity and a boon for vloggers and multimedia users. Optical image stabilization assists in smoothing handheld footage.

Samsung WB30F maxes out at 1280x720p HD at 30 fps (with MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs), with no microphone or headphone ports and no stabilization during video.

If videography is on your radar - even casual - the Leica C is the more versatile and enjoyable companion.

Battery Endurance and Storage Considerations

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs, with Leica rating approximately 250 shots per charge. Samsung does not publicize official battery life, but in testing, notably shorter runtimes emerged - understandable given the smaller form factor and less efficient processing.

Both models accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with a single slot. Internal storage exists only in Leica’s case, a minor convenience.

Travelers needing long shooting days or extensive video capture will want to carry spares, but Leica’s battery curve is more generous.

Connectivity and Modern Conveniences

In 2013, wireless connectivity on small compacts was still fresh territory.

Leica C includes Wi-Fi and NFC for rapid pairing with smartphones or tablets - quite forward-thinking - and a full HDMI out for direct display connection. USB 2.0 completes the wired trio.

Samsung WB30F’s connectivity is more barebones: just Wi-Fi built-in but lacking Bluetooth or NFC; no HDMI; USB 2.0 for transfers.

The Leica’s inclusion of wireless features facilitates quicker sharing and remote shooting, which I found useful on urban photo walks or studio assistance.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s bring everything together by genre to see which camera suits which user.

Portrait Photography

Leica C’s CMOS sensor, wider aperture, and face detection yielded better skin tones and smoother bokeh, thanks to the 28 mm–200 mm lens's f/2 aperture at the wide end. Eye-detection isn’t implemented, but face detect compensates well.

Samsung’s higher pixel count doesn’t compensate for its sensor size and slower lens; portraits feel flatter, with harsher skin texture in shadows.

Leica clearly the pick for portraits demanding subtle tonal control.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are paramount here.

The Leica C’s 41.5 mm² sensor area with raw capture allows pulling detail from shadows and highlights during post-processing. The 12 MP resolution is adequate for large prints, especially with optimized processing.

Samsung’s 16 MP CCD sensor captures more pixels but with limited dynamic range, resulting in blown highlights under bright skies and noise in dark areas.

Neither camera has weather sealing, so landscape shooters must be cautious. The Leica’s sharper lens edges and wider max aperture at wide-angle give it an advantage for wide vistas.

Wildlife Photography

Here, long reach and AF speed matter.

Samsung’s 24-240mm lens (around 10× zoom) offers the longest reach, but its f/6.3 maximum aperture at telephoto and slower AF limits usefulness in dim environments or fast action.

Leica’s 28-200mm zoom is shorter but faster in AF and better image quality. Burst shooting at 10 fps is another asset.

Neither camera is ideal for professional wildlife shooting; however, Leica’s AF and burst features edge out Samsung for casual wildlife enthusiasts.

Sports Photography

Require quick autofocus tracking and high frame rates.

Leica C’s continuous AF, face detection, and 10 fps bursts perform reasonably for casual sports photography on well-lit fields. Tracking fast-moving subjects in erratic motion is challenging, but still better than Samsung.

Samsung lacks continuous AF and burst shooting, making it unsuitable for sports.

Street Photography

Discretion and portability guide choices here.

Samsung’s compact form and lighter weight suit street photographers seeking to stay unobtrusive and agile. However, no viewfinder may force awkward framing in bright light.

Leica offers the EVF and better control, at some weight penalty.

Image quality, especially color tonality and sharpness, favors Leica C, which counts for street photographers who prioritize archival image quality over absolute pocketability.

Macro Photography

Close focusing is essential.

Leica C allows macro shoots as close as 3 cm with optical stabilization enabling sharp handheld results, ideal for flower and product shots.

Samsung WB30F lacks specified macro capabilities, limiting close-up versatility.

Hence, Leica leads for macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light ISO handling and manual exposure are critical.

Leica’s ISO 12800 capabilities, manual exposure modes, and raw support unlock long exposure astrophotography and nighttime creativity.

Samsung’s limited ISO 3200 ceiling, lack of manual exposure, and no raw support constrain night shooting more.

Video Work

Leica’s 1080p60 video, microphone input, and image stabilization make it a surprisingly competent compact video camera.

Samsung’s 720p at 30 fps is serviceable for casual clips but won’t satisfy serious videographers.

Travel Photography

Balancing size, weight, zoom range, and battery life.

Samsung’s sleek, light WB30F is the obvious travel-friendly pick for vacation snapshots.

Leica C’s superior image quality, EVF, and zoom versatility come at the cost of size and weight but reward the traveler seeking longer creative control.

Professional Considerations: Can Either Handle Serious Work?

Neither Leica C nor Samsung WB30F meets professional standards in build ruggedness or extensive lens versatility - fixed lenses limit adaptability.

Leica’s raw support, manual controls, and superior image quality make it marginally better for pro workflows involving raw files and post-processing. The inclusion of Wi-Fi, HDMI, and microphone port also facilitates integration.

Samsung is strictly a casual camera, inadequate for pro needs.

The Final Grades: Overall and Genre-Specific Scores

Quantifiable scores can help distill complex info:

These performance charts reflect the Leica C’s consistent superiority across image quality, controls, and video, while the Samsung WB30F holds value in portability and zoom reach.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Pick the Leica C If:

  • You want a compact with real photographic control - manual modes, raw shooting, and a bright lens.
  • You’re serious about image quality for portraits, landscapes, and low light scenes.
  • Video is a consideration and you need a microphone input.
  • You prefer the option of an electronic viewfinder for critical composition.
  • You can budget around $1300 and value build quality.

• Pick the Samsung WB30F If:

  • Your budget is tight (~$180) and you want a simple point-and-shoot.
  • You prioritize a lightweight, pocketable companion with an impressive zoom range.
  • You shoot mostly in daylight, casual or vacation settings.
  • You’re OK with limited creative control and modest image quality.

The Last Word: Practical Insights After the Shoot

Having handled thousands of cameras, I know that specs tell half the story but measuring experiences complete the picture. The Leica C, despite its age, still dazzles with refined image quality and flexible controls that reward those who crave more than snapshots. Its bright lens, manual exposure, raw files, and video capabilities place it miles ahead in versatility.

Samsung WB30F impresses as a competent and inexpensive tool for easy shooting, suitable for parents, travelers, or users wanting simplicity without fuss - but don’t expect stellar low light or rapid AF.

If you want a compact with character, nuance, and a touch of Leica heritage that’s still relevant in 2024, the Leica C is worth serious attention. Want a budget-friendly, point-and-shoot roam companion with a long zoom? Samsung WB30F does that job capably.

Whichever camp you fall into, these two small sensor compacts reflect different philosophies: one geared toward the enthusiast’s yearning for control and quality, the other offering convenient opportunism to capture life swiftly.

Happy shooting!

Sample Images From Both Cameras: See For Yourself

Leica C front Leica C screen back Samsung WB30F front Samsung WB30F screen back

This deep dive should help clear the fog around these small sensor compacts and steer you toward the best fit for your photographic pursuits. If you want to explore further, think about lens ecosystems and our modern mirrorless options that might leapfrog these, but within their class - and price points - these two remain interesting study cases.