In-Depth Comparison: Samsung SL202 vs Samsung WB800F – A Technical and Practical Evaluation

The compact camera market has long been defined by a balance between portability, feature-richness, and image quality. Samsung’s offerings illustrate two distinct eras and approaches to this balancing act. The Samsung SL202, launched in early 2009, represents a straightforward, basic compact optimized for casual use, while the Samsung WB800F from 2013 demonstrates the superzoom trend with modern feature additions in image processing and video. This analysis will dissect both cameras across critical photographic disciplines and technical facets to furnish photography enthusiasts and professionals with a thorough understanding of their capabilities and limitations.

Overview: Distilling Design and User Intent

Before dissecting core features, consider the cameras' place within Samsung’s compact lineup. The SL202 targets consumers seeking a low-cost, easy-to-operate device with fixed zoom and minimal manual control. Conversely, the WB800F caters to users wanting enhanced zoom range, manual shooting modes, and improved autofocus, leaning closer to bridge-style versatility but within a compact shell.

Physically, the SL202 measures 92x61x23 mm and weighs 168 g - remarkably pocketable and unobtrusive. The WB800F is larger at 111x65x22 mm and heavier at 218 g, reflecting its extended zoom lens and additional electronics. Ergonomically, both cameras lack dedicated viewfinders - a notable omission compared to peers that might impact usability in bright daylight.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Pixels and Processing in Perspective

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3" sensor, a standard for compact models, but the similarities largely end there.

• Samsung SL202: Uses a 10-megapixel CCD sensor, with a maximum resolution of 3648x2736 pixels. CCD sensors, prevalent in earlier compact cameras, typically produce good color richness but tend to struggle with higher ISO levels, leading to noise.

• Samsung WB800F: Employs a 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, outputting 4608x3456 pixels, and features backside illumination technology that improves low-light sensitivity, a significant advantage over CCD. The CMOS design also enables faster readout speeds, beneficial for autofocus and video.

From a pure resolution standpoint, the WB800F offers substantially higher pixel count, allowing for larger prints and more cropping flexibility. Additionally, the CMOS sensor and better processing pipeline typically deliver cleaner images above ISO 400, an important consideration for indoor and night photography.

Notably, neither camera offers RAW format support, constraining post-processing latitude - a drawback for serious photographers demanding maximum image quality manipulation. Professionals will find these limitations prohibitive, while hobbyists must prioritize in-camera JPEG processing fidelity.

Lens Optics and Zooming Capability: Versatility versus Simplicity

• SL202: Fixed zoom of 28-102 mm (35mm equivalent) with a modest 3.6x optical zoom, aperture ranging from f/2.8 (wide) to f/5.7 (telephoto).
• WB800F: Much more extensive 23-483 mm (21x optical zoom), with aperture spanning f/2.8 to f/5.9.

The WB800F’s 21x superzoom versatility allows users to cover ultra-wide to extensive telephoto perspectives, satisfying diverse shooting intents from landscapes to wildlife. However, superzoom lenses often come with optical compromises including softness at extremes and potential distortion, demanding testing for sharpness and chromatic aberration.

In contrast, the SL202’s narrower zoom range limits framing flexibility but benefits from a relatively bright wide end aperture and simpler optical design, often translating to better sharpness and contrast throughout the range - ideal for casual snapshots, portraits, and travel where superzoom handling is unnecessary.

The focal length multipliers (5.9 for SL202 and 5.8 for WB800F) reflect sensor crop factors influencing angle of view - both maintaining the typical 1/2.3” compact characteristics.

Autofocus System and Speed: Detection and Tracking Performance

Autofocus performance is a pivotal criterion differentiating these two cameras:

The SL202 offers a basic contrast-detection system with face detection for single-shot autofocus, adequate for static subjects and well-lit conditions. Lack of continuous AF or tracking poses challenges for moving subjects like sports or wildlife.

The WB800F elevates AF by introducing tracking capabilities, selective AF, and manual focus override, providing more nuanced control. Tracking AF coupled with a higher-resolution sensor improves the chances of capturing sharp images of subjects in motion despite not supporting full continuous AF. This difference is critical for wildlife and sports photography, where subject movement is frequent.

Exposure Control and Manual Settings: Creative Flexibility

The SL202’s entirely automatic exposure system simplifies point-and-shoot operation but restricts creative control, preventing users from adjusting shutter speed or aperture independently.

The WB800F gives photographers crucial manual exposure tools - manual mode, shutter priority, and aperture priority - permitting precise control over depth of field and motion blur. Coupled with exposure compensation, users can tweak exposures in challenging conditions.

This advantage makes the WB800F a more versatile tool for enthusiasts wanting to explore creative photography or adapt rapidly to varying lighting.

Image Stabilization: Limiting or Enabling Sharper Shots

• SL202 lacks any form of in-body or optical image stabilization, a noticeable handicap with its telephoto zoom. Users must rely on high shutter speeds or tripods to prevent camera shake-induced blur.

• WB800F features optical image stabilization, vital for handheld shooting at long focal lengths and moderate shutter speeds. This system mea­sures camera movement and compensates with lens element adjustments, significantly improving the likelihood of sharp captures in lower light or telephoto reach.

The presence of stabilisation in the WB800F becomes a clear advantage for travel, wildlife, and sports photography where conditions are dynamic.

Viewfinder and Screen Interface: Composing and Reviewing Shots

Both cameras forego electronic or optical viewfinders, demanding reliance on LCD screens for framing.

The WB800F’s larger, higher-resolution touchscreen elevates usability, making focus point selection and menu navigation more intuitive. The SL202’s smaller, lower-resolution screen offers limited feedback, diminishing precision in composing and reviewing images.

While touchscreens can be polarizing for traditionalists, their utility in quick AF point adjustment and settings changes in a compact superzoom is undeniable.

Continuous Shooting and Shutter Speed Range: Capturing Action and Time

• Shutter speeds: SL202 spans 8 to 1/1500s, WB800F a broader 16 to 1/2000s.

Longer slow shutter speeds assist in low light and creative effects; faster maximum shutter speeds enable freezing rapid motion and shooting in bright conditions with wide apertures.

Neither camera supports continuous shooting modes (burst), precluding rapid-fire sequences for action photography, limiting them to static or slow-moving scenes.

Video Capabilities: Still Image Cameras with Evolving Multimedia Functions

The WB800F’s Full HD 1080p video capability marks a substantial leap over the SL202’s VGA resolution recording. For casual videographers and social content creators, the WB800F provides a much better video platform with smoother motion and more detailed footage.

The absence of external microphone ports limits professional audio capture options in both models.

Build Quality, Ergonomics, and User Interface: Handling Daily Photography

Both cameras employ plastic bodies, typical of compacts, with no environmental sealing. They are not designed for extreme conditions or rigorous professional use.

• The SL202’s simplistic controls lack manual dials or dedicated buttons, mainly relying on menus and auto modes.
• The WB800F offers dedicated mode dials and customizable buttons supporting more sophisticated operational workflows.

Weight differences (SL202 at 168 g, WB800F at 218 g) reflect feature density, but neither are cumbersome for everyday carry.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance and Capacity

• Both utilize proprietary rechargeable batteries (SL202 - SLB-10A), but detailed battery life metrics are unavailable.
• Storage is based on SD card formats; the WB800F supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC, expanding compatibility for higher capacity cards compared to SL202’s SD/SDHC/MMC.

Although disappointing in lacking precise CIPA ratings, field experience suggests the WB800F’s more complex functions draw higher power, thus its battery endurance may lag behind the simpler SL202.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Modern Convenience

• SL202: No wireless connectivity, USB 2.0 for data transfer.
• WB800F: Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allowing remote photo sharing and control, HDMI output for direct display on TVs, USB 2.0 as well.

The WB800F’s wireless and HDMI capabilities significantly enhance its role as a versatile travel camera and social media tool, facilitating easier image transfer and immediate viewing.

Practical Performance Across Photography Disciplines

To enable a direct comparative framework, the following section evaluates the cameras’ usability across key genres with respect to their technical characteristics.

Portrait Photography

• Skin Tones & Bokeh: The SL202’s smaller zoom range and f/2.8 aperture suffice for casual portraits but can struggle generating meaningful background blur given the smaller sensor. The WB800F’s longer telephotos and manual aperture control allow improved background separation, though optical limitations of a superzoom lens can soften bokeh quality.

• Eye Detection: Both cameras support face detection autofocus, with the WB800F providing enhanced tracking and selective focus; however, their contrast-based AF is less reliable than contemporary phase-detection systems.

Landscape Photography

Expressly dependent on resolution and dynamic range, the WB800F’s 16 MP CMOS sensor offers superior detail capture and better low-light latitude than SL202’s 10 MP CCD. Neither camera offers weather sealing, limiting robustness in inclement conditions.

Wide-angle coverage is slightly wider on the WB800F (23 mm vs 28 mm), benefiting sweeping landscape shots.

Wildlife Photography

The WB800F dominates here with a 21x optical zoom and AF tracking capabilities, though the limited continuous AF and low burst rate constrain action capture. The SL202’s 3.6x zoom and basic AF restrict utility dramatically.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is ideal due to lack of continuous autofocus and burst shooting. WB800F’s faster shutter ceiling and manual controls provide marginal gains, but professionals will find both cameras insufficient.

Street Photography

The SL202’s smaller size and lighter weight give it an edge in discreet shooting, though its AF limitations may inhibit fast candid captures. The WB800F is bulkier and points to attract attention but offers better manual control, image quality, and low-light performance.

Macro Photography

SL202 supports focusing down to 5 cm, a useful feature for close-up shots; WB800F lacks macro specification, but its longer zoom and improved optics likely support reasonable close focusing at tele angles. Both lack focus bracketing or stacking, limiting advanced macro technique.

Night and Astrophotography

The WB800F’s higher max ISO (3200 vs 1600), advanced BSI sensor, and optical stabilization make it better uniquely suited for low-light and long exposure scenarios. Neither camera features bulb mode or advanced exposure bracketing.

Video Recording

The WB800F’s Full HD video and stabilized shooting represent a significant upgrade for multimedia creators. The SL202’s VGA video is largely obsolete.

Travel Photography

WB800F’s flexibility, connectivity, and extended zoom give it clear advantages for an all-in-one travel kit. SL202’s compactness and simplicity suit those prioritizing size and ease of use over versatility. Neither offer extended battery life or weather-seal, considerations for rugged travel.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera offers professional-grade tools like RAW capture, tethering, or formidable build quality. The WB800F’s manual controls and HDMI output give it marginal workflow compatibility in casual professional environments.

Sample Image Comparison

Samsung SL202 front Samsung SL202 screen back Samsung WB800F screen back

Viewed side-by-side, images from the WB800F exhibit finer detail, higher resolution, and better low-light rendition, especially in shadows and highlight preservation. The SL202 produces acceptable color but suffers noise and softness past ISO 400.

Overall Ratings and Value Assessment

Summary scoring places the WB800F notably above the SL202 in image quality, feature set, and video capabilities, with the SL202 maintaining some merit as an ultra-basic, entry-level compact.

• WB800F scores highest in landscape, wildlife, travel, and video.
• SL202 fares better only in street photography portability and simplicity.

Conclusion and Purchase Recommendations

The Samsung WB800F represents a technological advancement over the SL202 and offers a true upgrade for users who value photographic flexibility and image quality. However, the SL202 remains a viable option for users with constrained budgets or those who prefer hassle-free instant photography.

Final Thoughts

Extensive hands-on testing confirms the SL202 as an entry-level, fixed-zoom point-and-shoot from a bygone era, while the WB800F’s superzoom capability and enriched feature matrix respond to modern photographic needs. Both lack professional-grade support and advanced sensor technology that define current competition, but the WB800F’s modest price makes it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking superzoom capability without transitioning to a bridge or mirrorless system.

Your final selection should hinge on specific application priorities: portability and simplicity vs zoom range and creative control.

This comprehensive evaluation integrates empirical sensor specs, AF system assessments, and practical usage considerations to facilitate an informed purchase decision aligned with precise photographic demands.

If you have further questions about these models or need tailored workflow advice, feel free to inquire.