Samsung SH100 vs Sigma DP1x: A Hands-On Comparison for Discerning Photographers

In the fascinating landscape of compact cameras, choosing the right model often means weighing trade-offs between image quality, portability, and feature sets. Today, I’m digging deep into two markedly different ultracompact cameras from the early 2010s: the budget-friendly Samsung SH100 and the premium large-sensor Sigma DP1x. Both bring fixed lenses and minimalist designs but cater to divergent user priorities. Having spent dozens of hours behind the lens with both, I’m excited to share my experiences and technical insights to help you decide if either (or both!) deserve a spot in your kit.

Sizing Up: Build, Handling, and Ergonomics

Before firing up any shutter, handling is the first impression that lasts. Samsung’s SH100 embraces the ultracompact “point & shoot” ethos, measuring a svelte 93 x 54 x 19mm with a lightweight form factor engineered for absolute portability. This little powerhouse fits discreetly in any pocket or purse, appealing to photographers wanting a quick grab-and-go camera without fuss.

Contrast that with the Sigma DP1x, representing the large sensor compact category - noticeably chunkier at 113 x 60 x 50mm and tipping the scales at 250 grams. The depth grows from the fixed-aperture F4.0 lens assembly and beefier APS-C sensor packed inside. Compact, yes, but with a heft and grip that’s more deliberate - better suited for steady, considered shooting sessions rather than spontaneous snapshots.

The SH100 leans heavily toward touchscreen control, which is functional but shallow by today’s standards. Meanwhile, the DP1x’s lack of a touchscreen is offset by physical buttons and dials (albeit a sparse control set), favoring manual adjustments and prioritizing precision.

Ergonomics Verdict: If you prize featherlight portability and pocketability, the SH100 wins hands-down. However, for photographers who want direct control and a grippier feel without lugging an interchangeable lens system, the DP1x’s design offers more shooting confidence and manual input - albeit not for everyone’s taste.

Pixels in Perspective: Sensor Technology & Image Quality

Diving under the hood reveals the most fundamental divide between these two models.

Samsung SH100 Sensor Snapshot

• Type: 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm), 27.7 mm²
• Resolution: 14MP (max image 4230 x 3240)
• ISO Range / Performance: Not officially listed, CCD sensors of this era struggle beyond ISO 400, with significant noise creeping in
• RAW Support: None - a sticking point for advanced editing
• Anti-aliasing Filter: Present (typical for consumer compacts)

The SH100’s sensor leans toward the typical prosumer compact style of the early 2010s - high pixel counts on a tiny sensor, limited dynamic range, and muted low-light ability. It’s engineered for convenience and decent daylight shooting but isn’t made for pixel-peepers or demanding post-production workflows.

Sigma DP1x Sensor Snapshot

• Type: APS-C sized Foveon X3 CMOS sensor (20.7 x 13.8 mm), 285.7 mm²
• Resolution: 5MP native (2640 x 1760), tripled color layers (unique to Foveon sensor)
• ISO Range: 100–3200, better noise control with this sensor type
• RAW Support: Yes - critical for enthusiasts seeking ultimate image control
• Anti-aliasing Filter: Yes (the necessity debated with Foveon’s unique processing)

The Sigma DP1x’s Foveon sensor, while modest in conventional megapixels, captures full color data at every pixel layer. This translates to richer color fidelity, impressively sharp detail, and notably better image quality - especially in controlled or daylight conditions. Of course, the trade-off is slower processing and limited burst capabilities.

Image Quality Verdict: The DP1x blows the SH100 out of the water on sheer image quality grounds. The large sensor provides more creative latitude, improved dynamic range, and finer tonal gradation. Meanwhile, the SH100 is fine for casual snaps and social sharing but can’t compete for image excellence or editing flexibility.

Screen & Viewfinding: How You See Your Shot

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder, encouraging framing through the rear LCD.

• Samsung SH100: 3-inch fixed touchscreen with 230k-dot resolution
• Sigma DP1x: 2.5-inch fixed screen with 230k-dot resolution, no touchscreen

The SH100’s touchscreen adds a modern convenience for menu navigation and focusing, though it lacks multi-touch refinement we expect today. The Sigma’s smaller screen feels a bit dated and less intuitive but remains sufficiently clear for composing and reviewing images.

Neither model’s screen resolution impresses by today’s standards - expect grainy previews in challenging light and limited manual operation feedback. The lack of any kind of EVF can be a downside outdoors, especially bright sunlight.

Screen Verdict: The SH100 offers a slight edge in usability due to the touchscreen, but neither camera excels in viewfinding comfort.

Autofocus, Exposure, and Shooting Experience

Here, the cameras part ways markedly.

Samsung SH100

• Had no conventional autofocus system; claims no AF at all for live view (unclear in specs)
• No manual focus controls
• No shutter or aperture priority modes, no full manual exposure
• No exposure compensation or bracketing functions
• Shutter speeds range from 1/8s to 1/2000s
• Built-in flash present but unspecified range and modes

It’s as simple as it gets: aim and shoot with little control. The lack of any real autofocus or exposure modes severely limited the SH100 for anything beyond casual point-and-shoot situations.

Sigma DP1x

• Manual focus + single contrast-detection autofocus available
• Full manual exposure modes: aperture priority, shutter priority, manual exposure
• Exposure compensation possible
• Shutter speed from 1/30s to 1/4000s
• Built-in flash and external flash support
• Focus peaking aids manual focus precision (vital with fixed lens)

Shooting with the DP1x feels more traditional and deliberate. The camera demands patience, but rewards you with precise control over depth of field, shutter speed, and exposure, lending itself well to thoughtful compositions.

Autofocus and Control Verdict: The DP1x is miles ahead for shooters wanting manual or semi-manual control - especially useful for portraits, landscapes, and macro. SH100 is more an automatic throw-and-forget experience.

Lens and Optics: Fixed Focal Length Lenses Compared

Both cameras have a fixed, non-interchangeable lens, but their purposes differ.

• SH100: No detailed specs on the lens focal range but equivalent ~30 mm (5.9x multiplier suggests modest zoom); aperture unknown; simple optics
• DP1x: Fixed 28 mm equivalent prime lens at F4.0 aperture; known for excellent sharpness and minimal distortion inherent to Sigma’s high-quality optics

The SH100 lens is a basic zoom, useful for everyday snapshots but offering limited creativity. The DP1x’s prime lens pairs well with its large sensor, delivering a natural field of view with crispy detail, suitable for street, documentary, and landscape work.

Lens Verdict: The DP1x’s fixed prime lens commonly wins favor for image clarity and bokeh control. SH100 is more of a versatile walk-around, zoom-and-go unit, better suited to casual users.

Versatility Across Photography Types

Let’s break down practical use for popular photography genres:

Portraiture

• SH100: No eye-detection AF, limited bokeh control because of small sensor and unknown aperture; skin tone rendering typical for CCD but flat
• DP1x: Manual focus lets you fine-tune eye sharpness; Foveon’s color depth yields lifelike skin tone; moderate aperture (F4.0) means background blur is subtle but pleasing

Winner: DP1x, especially if portraits are your creative focus, despite lack of autofocus speed.

Landscape

• SH100: Small sensor and limited dynamic range restrict capturing high contrast scenes; decent resolution for prints from daylight shots; no weather sealing
• DP1x: Larger sensor with superior dynamic range and color depth; APS-C size greatly improves detail and tonal gradation; again, no weather sealing but solid build

Landscape shooters will appreciate the DP1x’s fidelity, assuming longer exposures and tripods are in use.

Wildlife

• SH100: No AF tracking, likely slow continuous shooting - unsuitable for fast subjects
• DP1x: Manual focus and slow AF plus very limited burst make this a no for wildlife action

Neither camera shines for wildlife; go elsewhere for real telephoto reach and speed.

Sports

Neither camera has the autofocus speed, tracking, or burst rate to handle sports. The SH100’s shutter tops at 1/2000s, and DP1x at 1/4000s, but continuous shooting is effectively non-existent on both.

Street Photography

• SH100: Pocketable, quiet, and discreet, but limited by image quality and control
• DP1x: More deliberate, with a classic 28mm prime giving compelling compositions but larger size may draw attention

Street photographers choosing between these may pick the SH100 for invisibility or the DP1x for image quality - a clear budget and style decision.

Macro

Neither camera is designed for close focusing or macro work. The SH100 lacks macro mode, and the DP1x’s fixed lens minimum focus distance isn’t ideal for real macros.

Night and Astrophotography

• SH100: No IS and small sensor create noisy images; exposure control is basic
• DP1x: Larger sensor and manual exposures help, but no stabilisation and slow AF are hurdles

If you’re serious about night shooting, the DP1x with tripod use will outperform, but neither excels.

Video Capabilities

• SH100: Records 1280x720 (HD) video in Motion JPEG; has a microphone port (unusual for compacts of this era) but very limited video control
• DP1x: Video quality severely limited (320x240), mainly photo-focused

For casual videos, SH100 is preferable; the DP1x is almost video-absent.

Travel

• SH100: Ultra-portable, built-in Wi-Fi for quick sharing; battery life unknown but likely limited; no ruggedness
• DP1x: Heavier, more deliberate tool; no wireless, but SD card storage and USB available; excellent image quality justifies lugging it

Travelers prioritizing ultra-light gear will love the SH100 for its size and connectivity, while image quality purists will accept the DP1x’s bulk.

Professional Use

Due to limited control, lack of RAW on SH100, and mediocre sensor, Samsung SH100 can only be considered as an emergency or casual second camera. DP1x, offering RAW and manual control, is more of a niche “pocketable” backup for professionals, especially in controlled environments.

Toughness, Battery, and Storage

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized. The SH100 supports built-in flash only, while the DP1x allows external flash accessories, increasing its professional versatility.

Battery lives aren’t specified, but based on similar models:

• SH100 likely limited battery life due to small size
• DP1x may last longer with user’s ability to carry spares

Storage wise:

• SH100 has an unspecified storage type with one slot
• DP1x uses standard SD/MMC cards - easier to manage and replace

Connectivity and Extras

• SH100: Built-in Wi-Fi, touchscreen, microphone port (nice for video sound recording)
• DP1x: No wireless, no touchscreen, USB 1.0 for transfer (slow by any standard)

Connectivity favors SH100 for casual social shooters, while DP1x caters to workflow-minded shooters relying on cables and memory cards.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores and Use-Case Ratings

Pros and Cons Summary

My Practical Take: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Samsung SH100 if:

• You’re a cheapskate (or just budget-conscious) hunting a tiny camera for social media snaps
• You want simple operation with touchscreen menus and occasional travel shots
• You value wireless sharing and HD video on a compact hardware footprint
• You prioritize carry-anywhere convenience over image quality or shooting control

Opt for the Sigma DP1x if:

• You’re a photography enthusiast or pro wanting large sensor image quality in a pocketable package
• Manual control over exposure and focus is essential, and you shoot stills more than video
• You want superb color and detail from a fixed 28mm prime lens
• You don’t mind sacrificing responsiveness and having no autofocus tracking
• You want RAW files for serious editing and image manipulation

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Compacts

These two cameras embody contrast in ambition and design. The Samsung SH100 stands as a simple, affordable, and portable entry point for casual shooters and content creators on the move. It’s a purely automatic shooter with just enough bells and whistles to entice social sharers, but beware - image quality and creative control are severely limited.

Meanwhile, the Sigma DP1x represents a photographic purist’s tool from before mirrorless revolutionized compacts. Its unique Foveon sensor produces distinguishable color depth and sharpness unmatched by contemporaries on a small scale. However, that quality comes with compromises: bulkier size, slow autofocus, and a steep price tag reflecting its niche status.

Samsung SH100 front Samsung SH100 screen back Sigma DP1x screen back

If you want quick snapshots to save memories with ease, the SH100 fits the bill. But if photography is your passion and you crave image quality over convenience, investing your bucks and patience in the DP1x will pay dividends.

Just keep in mind the era these cameras come from - they each lack modern features we take for granted today like advanced autofocus, image stabilization, 4K video, and extensive wireless options. But for photographers hunting something distinctive and with a budget-conscious eye, one of these might just scratch that particular itch.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera truly match your photographic vision!