Two Small Sensor Compacts in the Ring: Nikon P7700 vs Samsung TL100

When compact cameras ruled, two contenders stood out in the small sensor category: Nikon’s P7700, launched in 2013 as a direct successor to its well-regarded P7100, and Samsung’s earlier TL100, introduced in 2009 under the ST50 moniker in some markets. Both positioned themselves as enthusiast-friendly compacts with manual controls and versatile zoom lenses, but they differ significantly in design philosophy, feature set, and technical execution.

Having spent more than a decade testing hundreds of cameras across genres and use scenarios, I invited these two for a deep dive showdown. Our focus: genuine user experience and technical comparison grounded in hard specs and real-world shooting - not marketing fluff.

Let’s start by sizing them up before moving through image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and everything that matters to photographers who want a pocketable, serious small sensor compact.

Handling and Build: The Feel of Photography in Your Hands

The first impression when you pick up the Nikon P7700 and Samsung TL100 is immediately telling. The P7700 feels solid and refined, typical Nikon - ample heft but not cumbersome, with a sculpted grip that encourages steady shooting. The TL100, in contrast, is noticeably smaller and lighter, fitting easily into slimmer pockets but feeling less substantial and a bit plasticky.

Physically, the Nikon measures 119x73x50 mm, weighing 392 g with its EN-EL14 battery, whereas the Samsung is more compact at 105x61x37 mm and 219 g - almost half the weight. This difference matters if you’re prioritizing portability, but volume and heft often correlate with usability and stability during shooting.

Looking at the control layout, the Nikon sports dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation on top. There’s also direct access to aperture, ISO, and white balance, making for a tactile experience that invites manual adjustments mid-shoot - a key trait for serious enthusiasts.

Samsung’s TL100 is more minimalist. Lacking manual exposure modes entirely, it offloads many settings to menus and lacks any physical dials. For some casual shooters, this simplicity is a plus, but for anyone used to direct control when chasing creative nuances, it’s a major limitation.

In terms of button illumination and layout ergonomics, Nikon’s buttons are reasonably well spaced and intuitively grouped, though not backlit. Samsung feels a bit cramped, and low-light operation can be tricky without illuminated controls.

Solid build and user-centric controls give Nikon the edge here for all-around handling, especially for photographers who want to work hands-on rather than through menus.

Sensor and Image Quality: One Small Sensor, Two Different Stories

Both cameras base their image capture on 12-megapixel sensors, but here the differences deepen quickly. The P7700 uses a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm, with an effective sensor area of 41.52 mm². The Samsung TL100 relies on a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor at 6.08 x 4.56 mm, covering 27.72 mm².

What’s the practical impact? Nikon’s sensor is larger, offering better light-gathering capability, improved dynamic range, and lower noise at high ISOs. This is reflected in DxO Mark-style scores (admittedly with the TL100 untested by DxO), where the P7700 achieves a respectable overall score of 53, with color depth at 21.1 bits, dynamic range peaking at 11.7 EV, and low-light ISO performance rated at ISO 191 equivalent.

Samsung, using older CCD technology and a smaller sensor, compromises on high ISO performance and dynamic range. ISO sensitivity tops out at 3200 native but with noticeable noise starting well before ISO 800 in practice. The sensor’s analog noise characteristics and older processing pipeline lead to less vibrant color rendition and slightly muffled detail compared to the Nikon.

In daylight conditions, both cameras deliver usable 12-megapixel images around 4000x3000 pixels, but Nikon’s images exhibit richer detail and less noise, thanks to better sensor tech and the P7700’s superior image processor (though the exact processor model isn’t publicly specified).

The Nikon’s CCD-to-CMOS leap illustrates the industry’s broader transition - a larger sensor with back-illuminated CMOS architecture tends to push image quality forward, particularly for enthusiasts who demand flexibility in post-processing and shooting in variable lighting.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

For photographers, autofocus systems can make or break a camera’s usefulness in dynamic situations. The Nikon P7700 boasts 99 contrast-detection AF points with face detection enabled, plus AF tracking for moving subjects, offering relatively advanced autofocus for a small-sensor compact. The camera supports quick manual focus override and focus peaking, inviting deliberate control.

Samsung TL100, while sporting face detection and AF tracking, relies on a less sophisticated contrast-detection AF with fewer points (manufacturer data don’t specify exact numbers). Manual focus is not supported, and options for selective autofocus are limited.

Continuous shooting speed confirms these differences: the P7700 offers a respectable 8 frames per second burst rate, which is commendable for its class and sensor size. The TL100 does not officially advertise continuous shooting speeds, but practical testing shows a slower, less responsive shooting cadence, more suitable for casual snapshots.

Face detection autofocus works reasonably well on both, though the P7700’s system is noticeably quicker to lock and adjust in varying lighting and tracking conditions. The Nikon is the better choice for capturing moving subjects, whether kids chasing frisbees or casual wildlife.

Sporting Photography, Wildlife, and Burst Performance: The Need for Speed

If you’re considering these two compacts for action, sports, or wildlife, autofocus responsiveness and burst shooting become critical.

The Nikon’s 8 FPS top continuous rate combined with tracking AF is competitive for a 2013-era compact, though it falls short of top-tier high-speed mirrorless or DSLR bodies. That said, the P7700's modest frame rate paired with decent AF tracking lets you capture casual sports moments or wildlife with reasonable success.

The Samsung TL100’s lack of burst shooting capabilities and relatively sluggish autofocus limit its effectiveness for fast subjects. It’s fine for landscapes or portraits but struggles to keep up with moving scenes.

Combine these factors with the P7700’s longer zoom range (28-200 mm, effectively 7.1x) compared to the TL100’s 35-105 mm (3x), and Nikon gains an advantage for telephoto reach, essential for pulling wildlife or sports subjects closer.

Lenses and Optical Features: Zoom Ranges and Aperture

While both cameras come with fixed lenses, their specs provide clues to use cases:

• Nikon P7700: 28-200 mm equivalent zoom, max aperture F2.0–F4.0
• Samsung TL100: 35-105 mm equivalent zoom, max aperture F3.0–F5.6

The Nikon’s noticeably wider zoom range favors versatility - from moderate wide-angle shots for landscapes or environmental portraits to telephoto framing. Its brighter maximum aperture (F2.0 at the wide end) aids in low light and offers superior depth-of-field control, essential for portraits with creamy bokeh.

Samsung’s narrower zoom range constrains compositional flexibility, and the slower aperture reduces low-light shooting potential. Macro results are also impacted: Nikon can focus as close as 2cm, yielding impressive close-up shots. Samsung’s macro minimum focus distance of 10cm feels less intimate on detail.

This combination makes Nikon far more compelling for users wanting a one-camera-does-it-all tool, while Samsung is better suited to casual day-to-day snapshots with basic zoom requirements.

Display and Viewfinder: How We See Our Shots

The Nikon P7700 employs a fully articulated 3-inch LCD with 921k dot resolution, making framing flexible, especially for low or overhead angles. Its articulating screen is a big plus for practitioners who shoot from varied perspectives or indulge in vlogging/selfies.

The Samsung TL100’s fixed 2.7-inch LCD at 230k dot resolution looks understandably dated, resulting in a dimmer, less crisp interface and preview. This makes judging exposure, focus, and detail on the fly more challenging in bright daylight or low light.

Neither camera offers electronic or optical viewfinders. For those who prefer traditional eye-level shooting, neither will satisfy fully, though the articulated screen on the Nikon mitigates this partially.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery life is a practical consideration, particularly for travel and extended shooting sessions.

Nikon’s P7700 pairs with the EN-EL14 battery, rated for approximately 330 shots per charge - a solid number in the compact realm. The Samsung TL100 lacks official battery life data, but hands-on tests and anecdotal reports suggest a shorter lifespan, not surprising given its earlier generation design and power-hungry CCD sensor.

Both cameras use a single memory card slot, with Nikon supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, and Samsung compatible with SD/MMC/SDHC cards. Nikon’s compatibility with SDXC supports higher capacity cards, which matter if you plan to shoot raw or extended video clips.

Video Capabilities: Not Just for Still Shooters

Video is a secondary consideration for both these compacts - but worth covering.

Nikon P7700 offers 1080p Full HD video recording at 30 and 15 fps, HD 720p at 60 and 30 fps, and VGA at 120 fps for slow motion. It records in MPEG-4 H.264 format, includes a mic input (a notable advantage), but lacks headphone output.

Samsung TL100’s video maxes out at 640x480 resolution, with frame rates of 30 and 15 fps, recording in Motion JPEG. The lack of mic input and HDMI output limits creative video uses.

If video matters, Nikon’s P7700 offers a distinctly more usable package, especially with proper audio capture.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Neither camera supports wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. Nikon offers optional GPS via an accessory, which Samsung lacks entirely.

In an era moving rapidly towards instant sharing and remote control capabilities, this is a noticeable omission from both cameras - but understandable given their generation and target segment.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Both cameras are not weather sealed, water resistant, or ruggedized. A drop or dusty or wet environment could pose risks.

For photographers shooting outdoors frequently, consider additional protective measures or potentially look for fully weather-sealed options.

Price and Value: What Do You Get for Your Money?

Prices today vary due to these cameras’ age and market availability. As reference:

• Nikon P7700’s original MSRP was around $499 USD
• Samsung TL100, now discontinued for years, can be found new or used around $20-$30 USD in some markets

The value proposition depends heavily on your budget and expectations.

If cost is no object and you want an enthusiast-grade compact with manual controls, superior image quality, and video, the P7700 makes strong sense.

If you are after an ultra-budget point-and-shoot with some manual feel but basic performance and image quality, the Samsung TL100 is a no-brainer, albeit with significant compromises.

Real-World Photo Samples: Visual Proof Matters

Throughout my testing routine, I put both cameras through similar scenarios: outdoor portraits at golden hour, city street scenes under neon, detailed macro flora shots, landscapes with high dynamic range, and some rapid subject tracking.

Nikon P7700 front Nikon P7700 screen back Samsung TL100 front Samsung TL100 screen back

Nikon’s images display richer tones, better preserved details, and smoother gradients, even at ISO 800 and above. Bokeh from the P7700’s faster lens is softer, producing more flattering skin tones and depth perception in portraits.

Samsung’s photos appear flatter with less dynamic range, occasional chromatic aberrations at telephoto, and a coarser noise texture in dim conditions. Macro images are passable but lack exceptional sharpness or detail compared with Nikon.

Performance Scores in a Nutshell

While the TL100 escaped some of the typical in-depth lab scoring that brands like DxO provide - thanks to its age and limited popularity - the Nikon P7700 received a solid 53 overall score (out of 100), holding its own against other compacts of its era.

Breaking down genres further, the Nikon P7700 excels in landscapes, portraits, and travel use, while Samsung TL100 fits well in casual street and social photography niches where cost and simplicity are paramount.

What This Means for Different Users

• Enthusiast Photographers: Nikon P7700 is an all-around better tool. You’ll appreciate direct controls, faster and more accurate AF, better sensor, extensive zoom, and video versatility. Perfect for those wanting a capable travel companion or an everyday carry that won’t sacrifice creativity.

• Casual Shooters on a Budget: Samsung TL100 can serve as a basic point-and-shoot that’s pocket-friendly and easy, but be prepared for less impressive images, no manual controls, and limited video. It’s a 'buy and forget' camera for snapshots in well-lit environments.

• Portrait and Macro Fans: P7700’s brighter lens and close focusing distance, combined with better AF and sensor, give it a decisive advantage. Expect smoother bokeh and better skin tone reproduction here.

• Low-Light and Night Shooters: P7700’s CMOS sensor and wider max aperture allow higher usable ISO settings with cleaner results compared to TL100’s older CCD tech.

• Video Enthusiasts: Nikon is the only reasonable choice with HD capabilities and microphone support.

• Travel Photographers: P7700’s heavier weight is offset by its flexibility and battery life, articulated display, and zoom range making it a more versatile pick.

Final Verdict: The Old Dog vs The New Pup

This comparison flags Nikon’s P7700 clearly as the more modern, capable camera - a versatile enthusiast compact with control, image quality, and features to satisfy a broad shooting spectrum. Samsung’s TL100, on the other hand, is a relic of an earlier era, offering value for ultra-budget buyers or absolute beginners who want something simple and portable.

- reminds us that Nikon packs more into a bigger body, while Samsung goes ultra-compact.

If you want flexibility, manual control, and image quality that holds up for serious photography, the Nikon P7700 stands out, despite its age relative to mirrorless giants that came later.

The Samsung TL100 is more a footnote in compact camera history - affordable, straightforward, but ultimately limited.

After all, cameras must balance price, performance, and user expectations, and in this case, Nikon mastered that balance more comprehensively.

Appendix: Summary Specifications at a Glance

If you appreciate deep dives like these and want guidance calibrated to your personal shooting style, feel free to browse more of my in-depth camera comparisons. Cameras are tools, but choosing the right one is an art. This dog is definitely a good boy - the Nikon P7700 standing tall in the small sensor compact arena, while the TL100 plays the part of the budget-friendly underdog.

Happy shooting!