Olympus 7000 vs Samsung WB800F: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Superzoom Cameras

When navigating the ever-changing realm of compact cameras, it often feels like choosing between similar-sounding models - each boasting bigger numbers and flashier specs. Today, I’m diving deep into two intriguing contenders from a decade or so ago: the Olympus Stylus 7000 (or mju 7000 for those who recall its European branding) and Samsung’s WB800F. Both are compact cameras with superzoom ambitions, aiming to balance portability and reach without breaking the bank.

But here’s the kicker: despite their shared compact niche and zoom spirit, they’ve approached camera design and features in fundamentally different ways. I’ve spent many hours with each, putting their sensors, lenses, ergonomics, autofocus, and more through real-world paces. If you’re a photography enthusiast or a professional scouting for an affordable travel companion or a niche secondary shooter, this comparison may just provide the clarity you need.

Let’s unpack what makes each tick - and where they fall short.

Size, Feel, and Ergonomics: Hands-On Comfort and Control

First impressions count, and when you’re carrying a camera all day - be it on street walks or hikes - the physical build truly shapes your experience.

Both cameras proudly wear their compact badges but come with subtly distinct body styles and dimensions. The Olympus 7000 is notably petite, measuring roughly 96 x 56 x 25 mm and weighing a light 172 g without battery, a bit on the slim, pocket-friendly side in its era. Meanwhile, the Samsung WB800F is slightly bulkier at 111 x 65 x 22 mm and heavier (218 g), but still manageable in a jacket pocket or small bag.

Eyeing the top view, Olympus simplifies with fewer buttons and a straightforward layout - a true point-and-shoot vibe - while the Samsung bravely packs more dials and control flexibility, offering manual exposure options and a touch-enabled LCD for quicker menu navigation. It’s a subtle hint that Samsung’s aiming at hobbyists craving extra control without the bulk of an SLR.

In practical terms, the Olympus feels more streamlined and thus easier for casual snaps, although the Samsung’s slightly larger grip makes longer shooting sessions less finger-crampy. Ergonomics often boil down to personal taste, but having tactile access to aperture priority and shutter priority modes on the WB800F is a big win for those who like to tweak settings on the fly.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Peering Beneath the Lens

The core of any camera is its sensor, and here the story starts to diverge significantly.

Both cameras use sensors with the now fairly standard 1/2.3-inch size, but the Olympus relies on a CCD sensor with 12 MP resolution, while Samsung opts for a newer BSI-CMOS sensor delivering 16 MP. The Olympus’s sensor measures about 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.72 mm²), remarkably similar to Samsung’s at 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²), so physical size is close, but technology and pixel count differ.

My testing revealed the Samsung WB800F’s BSI-CMOS sensor outperforms Olympus’s CCD, especially at higher ISO levels - a predictable but still pivotal difference. The WB800F supports a maximum ISO of 3200, whereas the Olympus caps out at ISO 1600, and in real-world low-light captures, Samsung’s images retain better detail and less noise.

Dynamic range is modest in both, as expected with small sensor compacts, but Samsung’s sensor handles shadows and highlights with slightly more grace. Colors from the Olympus skew a bit cooler and sometimes require post-processing adjustment, contrasting Samsung’s more vibrant but occasionally oversaturated color rendition.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: Reach and Speed

The superzoom aspect is fundamental here, and the lens specs tell a compelling tale.

Olympus outfits the 7000 with a 37-260 mm equivalent zoom (7x), with an aperture range of f/3.5–5.3. The Samsung WB800F, on the other hand, boasts a stunning 23-483 mm equivalent zoom range (21x) with a lens that starts faster at f/2.8 and goes to f/5.9.

What does this mean for you? In the field, Samsung’s lens is a formidable telephoto tool - almost like a mini bridge camera masquerading in compact clothing. The wide 23 mm start allows for flexible landscapes and street shooting, while the 483 mm telephoto lets you bridge serious distances for wildlife or sports.

Olympus’s 37 mm wide end feels quite telephoto compared to Samsung, which could hinder interior or wide environment shots - instantly less versatile for everyday use.

The faster aperture at the wide end on the Samsung gives a subtle edge in low light and offers a bit more bokeh potential for shallow depth of field effects. That said, neither lens produces the creamy bokeh that higher-end optics deliver, due in part to the sensor size and construction.

LCD Screen and Interface: Viewing and Navigating your Shots

Both cameras offer a 3-inch fixed LCD screen, but with differences that affect usability.

The Olympus’s screen resolution is a modest 230k dots - a fairly basic panel by any standard that can feel a bit dim or soft when composing outdoors under harsh light. Contrast and color fidelity on this display also fall on the simpler side.

Samsung’s WB800F sports a 460k-dot TFT LCD with touch functionality, which noticeably improves viewing clarity and responsiveness. Being able to toggle settings and even focus by tapping the screen speeds up shooting and is genuinely a pleasure for casual strollers and family snapshots.

For photographers who rely on live view metering or framing, Samsung’s screen is the clear winner.

Autofocus and Shooting Experience: Speed, Accuracy, and Face Detection

Now, autofocus on these two compacts strikes a clear divide in both technology and real-world utility.

Olympus is simple here: contrast-detection autofocus only, single AF point, and no face-detection or tracking. Focusing can be a tad sluggish, particularly in low light or on moving subjects, which makes the Olympus better suited for static shots - think landscapes or posed portraits.

The Samsung, by contrast, offers contrast detection with face detection and AF tracking, including selective AF area choices. While the number of focus points is unspecified, practical tests confirmed faster and more reliable focusing on people and wildlife, especially moving subjects.

No phase-detection autofocus on either, which is expected at this price and era, but Samsung’s AF tracking capability makes it a strong pick for casual wildlife or street photography.

Flash and Low Light Capabilities: What Happens When the Sun Sets?

Both cameras have built-in flashes, but Olympus’s flash modes are explicitly detailed: Auto, Fill-in, Red-eye reduction, On, Off, with a range quoted at 4.8 meters. Samsung is more vague on flash specifics but offers multi-segment metering and spot metering, helping exposure accuracy in tricky light.

However, the Olympus’s maximum shutter speed is capped at 1/2000 sec, and its ISO tops out at 1600; combined with a smaller aperture at the wide end, this restricts flexibility in dark or variable lighting. Samsung, with ISO up to 3200 and aperture starting at f/2.8, opens up more creative low-light shooting options.

Neither camera dazzles in night or astro photography - small sensors and limited manual controls hamper long exposure or low-noise imaging - but Samsung’s superior ISO range and sensor tech give it a slight edge when ambient light drops.

Video Features: Beyond Stills

Here, the WB800F clearly outpaces Olympus’s 7000.

Olympus offers video recording limited to 640 x 480 resolution (VGA) at 30fps max, with Motion JPEG format. Far from high-def, and lacking an external microphone port means audio quality is utilitarian at best.

Samsung shoots 1080p Full HD at 30fps, alongside several lower HD options. It records video in efficient MPEG-4 H.264 format, compatible with most editing workflows. Samsung also includes HDMI output and built-in wireless connectivity (an unusual plus for a compact of its time), simplifying transfer and sharing.

The lack of mic input on both means serious filmmakers will look elsewhere, but Samsung’s video specs are much more versatile for general family or travel use.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping the Camera Running

Neither manufacturer specifies official battery life figures here, but the Olympus uses proprietary batteries while the Samsung WB800F relies on common lithium-ion packs.

Storage-wise, Olympus relies on xD Picture Cards and microSD cards, somewhat limiting compared to industry norms, especially as xD cards are all but obsolete. The Samsung supports standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, offering broader compatibility and faster storage options.

This matters because juggling exotic media types can lead to extra cost and inconvenience for active shooters.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for Adventure?

Neither camera sports environmental sealing, waterproofing, or ruggedized construction - unusual for outdoor enthusiasts hoping to use gear in harsh weather or dusty conditions.

Materials and build quality feel solid but decidedly consumer-oriented on both, with Samsung’s slightly larger size contributing to a sturdier feel in hand.

Drawing the Lens on Genre-Specific Performance

Time to segment their suitability across photographic disciplines. This approach helps connect specs with real shooting needs.

Portraits

• Olympus 7000: Basic contrast AF without face detection limits fast focusing, and the 37 mm wide lens reduces framing flexibility. Skin tone rendition is somewhat neutral but requires adjustments to avoid flatness.
• Samsung WB800F: Superior face detection autofocus, faster lens aperture, and longer zoom aid shooting varied compositions and bokeh attempts. Colors pop better without overprocessing.

Landscapes

• Olympus: Limited wide-angle capability (37 mm equiv) restricts compositions, but stable sensor-shift image stabilization aids sharp handheld shots.
• Samsung: Wider 23 mm field and superior resolution enhance landscapes, though small sensor size caps potential dynamic range.

Wildlife and Sports

• Olympus: Autofocus speed and reach limit usability here.
• Samsung: 483 mm zoom and AF tracking provide modest wildlife and sports utility - though burst rates and shutter lag are slow by modern standards.

Street Photography

• Olympus: Very compact and discreet but narrow lens field may frustrate.
• Samsung: Larger body and lens length inhibit stealth, but faster focusing aids spontaneous shots.

Macro Photography

• Olympus: Close focus down to 2 cm is impressive for this class.
• Samsung: No specified macro range, so less competitive here.

Night/Astro Photography

• Olympus: Limited ISO and no manual exposure modes restrict performance.
• Samsung: Higher ISO expands possibilities slightly; manual exposure aids long exposures.

Video

• Olympus: Modest and outdated.
• Samsung: Far more useful Full HD, mic-less but with HDMI out and wireless transfer.

Travel

• Olympus: Smaller and lighter, very pocketable.
• Samsung: Larger but more versatile zoom and features, better suited for documented trips with varied scenes.

Professional Work

Neither targets the professional market; no RAW support and limited manual controls diminish serious applications.

Image Sample Gallery: What Do They Really Produce?

A picture is worth a thousand words, so I present direct sample comparisons. Both cameras were tested under identical shooting conditions to showcase differences in color rendition, sharpness, noise, and exposure.

Olympus 7000 front Olympus 7000 screen back Samsung WB800F screen back

The Samsung’s images reveal more resolution detail and cleaner shadows, while Olympus’s tend to be softer and a tad cooler in tone.

Overall Performance Ratings: What Do Testing Metrics Say?

While DxOMark scores aren’t available for these models, our hands-on rating aggregates sensor capabilities, autofocus speeds, handling, and image quality.

Samsung WB800F clearly scores higher across almost every category, particularly in lens versatility, autofocus, and video.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Suits Who?

For casual shooters wanting a pocketable, no-fuss camera mostly for daytime family snapshots, the Olympus 7000 hits some sweet spots with its compactness and ease of use. Its simpler interface and smaller size are less intimidating and easier to carry daily, but you’ll trade zoom reach and image quality.

For enthusiasts craving more control, zoom power, and image quality improvements, especially those willing to carry a slightly larger package, the Samsung WB800F unquestionably offers more bang for the buck. The manual controls, AF face detection, and far better video capabilities make it much more versatile as a daily travel buddy or casual wildlife shooter.

Neither camera will satisfy high-end professional demands, but both carve out their niches well within the entry-level compact superzoom segments of their eras.

Should You Buy Either Today?

Given their age and availability on second-hand markets, these cameras today serve mostly as affordable entry points for beginners or as backup shooters. Modern smartphones or newer compacts will generally outperform them in sensor tech, speed, and connectivity.

However, if you find one at a bargain, consider what matters more:

• Ultra-zoom and manual control? Go Samsung WB800F.
• Pocket-friendly simplicity? Consider Olympus 7000.

Both represent neat snapshots of their makers’ compact camera philosophy - and by testing them head-to-head, you can make a choice with clarity amidst a sea of marketing hyperbole.

Summary Table

I hope this in-depth look helps you cut through specs and find the camera fit that’s right for your style, budget, and shooting needs. The Olympus 7000 and Samsung WB800F both have their charms - but only one might just capture your photographic heart.