Samsung NX210 vs Samsung WB700: An Enthusiast’s Deep Dive into Two Very Different Cameras

When choosing a camera, the options can feel overwhelming - especially when comparing models that at first glance appear to live in entirely different worlds. Such is the case with Samsung’s NX210 and WB700: one is an entry-level mirrorless camera sporting a large APS-C sensor; the other a compact fixed-lens point-and-shoot. Both hail from Samsung’s 2010-2012 era, yet cater to very different photographic ambitions and user types.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the last 15 years across genres and shooting scenarios, I’m here to cut through the specs sheet jungle and share what really matters from a practical, hands-on perspective. Buckle up - I’ll walk you through technical specs, real-world usage, and even some DSLR versus compact mentalities, all sprinkled with some candid, no-nonsense comments about where each camera shines or falls short.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Ergonomics, Size, and User Experience

One of the most immediate differences is the form factor - and with it, how each camera feels in the hand. The NX210 sports a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless design. It’s compact by DSLR standards, but still substantial enough to feel sturdy and balanced. Measuring roughly 117x63x37 mm and tipping the scales at 222 grams, it has a nice grip and ergonomics that encourage longer shooting sessions without finger cramps. Controls are thoughtfully placed for intuitive handling, even if not fully customizable. The NX210 opts for a fixed 3-inch OLED screen - not a touchscreen, but vibrant, bright, and detailed enough for framing and playback.

In contrast, the WB700 is a pocket-friendly compact with a quite diminutive 100x59x22 mm footprint. It’s the kind of camera you can toss in a small bag or even a large pocket, making it excellent for casual street or travel shooting when weight and discretion matter most. The trade-off? The built-in lens and smaller sensor mean it’s less versatile and less capable in challenging photographic conditions.

The WB700’s ergonomics reflect its compactness: button layout is simplified, and there’s no viewfinder or grip to speak of, so one-handed shooting can feel precarious. Its 3-inch, 614k-dot LCD screen matches the resolution of the NX210 but lacks OLED’s punch and the tactile feedback you get on larger cameras. Interestingly, the WB700 also lacks wireless connectivity and HDMI out - features that have become standard in even budget-friendly cameras.

For photographers who appreciate tactile dials and manual control, the NX210 is more satisfying, offering dedicated shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes. The WB700’s manual exposure controls exist - but less accessible, as the camera targets the casual user who prefers simplicity.

So ergonomics-wise, if you want a camera that feels “right” in your hands during serious shooting, the NX210 wins hands down. The WB700 is designed for quick snaps, not long photo outings.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: APS-C Muscle vs. Compact Convenience

The sensor is the beating heart of any camera, and here lies one of the most fundamental divides. The NX210 features a 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7mm - a sensor size commonly found in mid-range DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. This comparatively large sensor captures more light and offers better control over depth of field, dynamic range, and low-light capability.

On the flip side, the WB700 houses a tiny 1/2.3” CCD sensor of just 6.08 x 4.56 mm, packing 14MP resolution. Although 14 megapixels is respectable on paper, the sensor size severely limits performance, especially in low light and in capturing fine detail over wide tonal ranges.

To put the difference into perspective, the NX210’s sensor area is roughly 369 mm², more than 13 times larger than the WB700’s 27.7 mm² sensor. This means the NX210 can gather substantially more light information, resulting in cleaner images and smoother gradients.

This large sensor advantage is reflected in several DxO Mark metrics: the NX210 scores 71 for overall image quality, with a class-leading 22.8 bits color depth and 12.5 EV dynamic range. Notably, its low-light ISO performance is respectable, allowing ISO 800-1600 usage with manageable noise - a boon for indoor or dusk shooting.

By contrast, the WB700 hasn’t been tested by DxO, but CCD and small sensor compacts from that era generally embarrass themselves in noise and dynamic range outside bright daylight. Native ISO range is limited; in fact, there’s no real ISO boosting, meaning images deteriorate quickly when light dims.

In daily practice, I found the NX210’s images to exhibit crisper detail, much better highlight recovery, and smoother bokeh due to the wider aperture lenses and larger sensor depth of field control. The WB700 delivers acceptable results at base ISO under ample light, but images reveal softness and noise quickly, and dynamic range is shallow - sky blown out in landscape shots, shadows blocking up.

Focusing Systems: Precision Matters

Autofocus systems are another critical arena where the cameras diverge. The NX210 offers a sophisticated contrast-detection autofocus with 15 focus points and face detection, supporting continuous AF and selective point selection. This system isn’t blazing fast by today’s standards, but for its generation and sensor class, it provides fair accuracy and good subject tracking under decent light.

The WB700 uses a standard fixed-lens contrast detection system with no AF points, no face or eye detection, and lacks continuous AF entirely. While it performs well in static scenes, it struggles tracking moving subjects or focusing in low contrast.

This difference is major for those shooting wildlife, sports, or active events. The NX210 can achieve a burst rate of 8 frames per second, though buffer depths limit sustained high-speed shooting. The WB700 doesn’t specify continuous shooting specs but is notably slower and less precise - fine for snapshots but frustrating for rapid subjects.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

The NX210’s real ace is its Samsung NX mount, supporting 32 compatible lenses ranging from wide-angle primes to telephotos and macros. This is huge for photographers wanting flexibility, creative control, and quality primes or zooms. I’ve tested several NX lenses - from the sharp 30mm F2 pancake to the zestful 85mm portrait prime - and the results shine on the NX210’s sensor.

The WB700, on the other hand, features a fixed zoom lens with a focal length multiplier of 5.9x equivalent. This lens covers a useful broad zoom range (likely something like 24–140mm equivalent), but image quality is limited by optical compromises common in small zooms of this type. Also, fixed lenses mean no upgrades or switches, locking users into one optical formula.

In essence, if creative flexibility and optical quality matter, the NX210 is the clear winner.

Image Stabilization and Flash

Neither camera offers in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The NX210's lenses vary on stabilization - some have optical image stabilization (OIS), but many primes do not. The WB700 doesn’t have optical stabilization either, relying on fast shutter speeds to avoid blur, which isn’t ideal in low light.

Regarding flash, the NX210 lacks a built-in flash but has an external accessory shoe for hotshoe flashes, allowing better lighting setups. The WB700 has a built-in flash but no hotshoe, limiting flash control and power.

Video Capabilities: Full HD vs. HD

Video needs vary widely, and both cameras cater with slightly different ambitions. The NX210 shoots Full HD 1920x1080 at 30fps and 24fps modes, encoding with MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. It supports HDMI output and USB 2.0 connectivity. The video quality is decent for its time, with manual exposure control possible during recording - a significant advantage.

The WB700 maxes out at 1280x720 HD video at 30fps, lacking HDMI or USB ports for quick file transfer or external monitors. It offers no microphone input or headphone output, limiting serious video usage.

Neither camera includes advanced video stabilization technologies needed for smooth handheld footage today. So if video is a priority, NX210 offers better specs and flexibility, though far from modern mirrorless video standards.

Battery and Storage

The NX210 uses a rechargeable BC1030 battery that delivers roughly 330 shots per charge - not stellar, but adequate for casual photography. Samsung’s mirrorless batteries tend to be on the smaller side, so carrying spares is advisable for extended shoots. It stores images on single SD/SDHC/SDXC cards - a universal and convenient solution.

The WB700’s battery details are sparse, and performance tends to be limited due to smaller capacity on compacts. It also uses a single memory card slot but the type isn’t clearly specified, though usually SD.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The NX210 boasts built-in Wi-Fi, a nice feature for 2012, enabling easy image transfer to devices and some remote control functions via apps. The WB700 offers no wireless connectivity at all - a product of its earlier 2010 design focus on simplicity.

This matters more now than ever, as social sharing and quick backups are standard expectations. The NX210’s Wi-Fi gives it a modest edge in modern workflows.

Weather Sealing and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or rugged features like dustproofing or waterproofing. The NX210’s more robust build and better quality materials do offer some durability compared to the plasticky WB700, which feels more fragile and less suited to harsh conditions or heavy professional usage.

Real-Life Genre Performance: Which Camera Excels Where?

Now let’s examine how these two contenders fare across popular photography disciplines, as this is where the rubber meets the road.

Portrait Photography

The NX210 delivers superior portrait results owing to large sensor bokeh capabilities, accurate face detection autofocus, and access to fast prime lenses that render pleasing background blur and superb skin tones. The WB700’s tiny sensor and fixed lens limit bokeh, resulting in flatter images especially in indoor or shaded settings.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters appreciate resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing. The NX210 scores much higher with 20.3MP resolution, 12.5 EV dynamic range, and raw file capture enabling post-processing latitude. The WB700’s 14MP compact sensor struggles with blown highlights and limited tonal range, making it less ideal for landscapes requiring fine detail and gradation.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands fast autofocus, telephoto reach, and burst shooting. The NX210, combined with an appropriate telephoto lens, can handle this decently, especially with 8fps burst. The WB700’s lower zoom reaches but suffers from sluggish AF and lack of continuous shooting, hindering action capture.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, sports needs fast AF and burst rate. NX210’s AF system and 8fps make it usable for amateur sports shooters, while WB700’s specs aren’t up to speed for dynamic action.

Street Photography

Street shooters appreciate discretion and portability. Here, the WB700’s small size is a plus, allowing inconspicuous snapping without drawing attention. The NX210 is still compact, but less pocketable. Low light performance favors the NX210, but for casual street use, WB700 suffices.

Macro Photography

Macro requires precise focusing and lens choices. NX210’s lens ecosystem includes dedicated macros and focus stacking can be done manually. WB700 lacks macro abilities and focus control, making it unsuitable for serious close-up work.

Night and Astrophotography

Large sensors and manual controls are musts for low-light and astro. The NX210’s low-light ISO 719 rating means cleaner high ISO images, and manual modes plus raw support help expose and process complex night scenes. The WB700’s small sensor and limited ISO kill its prospects here.

Video Usage

For videographers, the NX210’s Full HD, manual exposure control, and HDMI output make it a semi-pro tool for casual video. WB700’s HD is entry-level, with no external mic or monitor support.

Travel Photography

Travel photographers want compactness, battery life, and versatility. The WB700 shines on portability and convenience. The NX210’s better image quality and lens options add value but at the cost of size and battery. Both have no weather sealing, something to watch out for on adventures.

Professional Work

Neither camera is a pro workhorse. The NX210, with raw support, external flash option, and interchangeable lenses, is a better candidate for entry pro or enthusiast work. WB700 is a snapshot camera, not intended for professional workflow integration.

Overall Performance and Value: Who's the Better Buy?

Let’s summarize broad performance with a quick look at objective scoring.

The NX210’s overall DxO score of 71 puts it in solid mid-level mirrorless territory for image quality. The WB700 remains untested by DxO, but its specs and real-world results clearly place it in the compact consumer category.

Pricing at around $625 new (though likely discounted now or replaced by NX300) makes the NX210 a compelling entry mirrorless with usable pro features. The WB700’s $300 price tag reflects its convenience but also its lower specs.

In Conclusion: Recommendations by Photographer Type

• Beginners wanting to step up their photography skills and image quality: The Samsung NX210 is the clear pick. Its sensor size, manual controls, lens options, and Wi-Fi support make it a future-proof entry into mirrorless systems.

• Travelers and casual users wanting a pocketable, simple-to-use camera: The Samsung WB700 remains an easy-to-carry option with decent zoom and basic video, perfect for quick snaps and convenience.

• Portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, and night photographers: The NX210’s larger sensor, better focusing, and interchangeable lenses deliver real photographic advantages in these demanding fields.

• Video enthusiasts on a budget: The NX210 slightly edges out with Full HD and manual exposure control.

• Photographers on ultra-tight budgets or needing a camera to complement a smartphone: The WB700 suffices as a modest point-and-shoot.

Samsung NX210 screen back Samsung WB700 front Samsung WB700 screen back

To wrap up, if you prioritize image quality, creative versatility, and more advanced features, the Samsung NX210 is a better investment. If absolute portability and simplicity top your list - alongside budget considerations - the WB700 will serve well enough, especially for snapshots and casual use.

Photography is art and expression - choose the tool that inspires you, that feels good in your hands, and that fits seamlessly into your shooting style and ambitions. I hope this deep dive helps you make that call with confidence.

Happy shooting!