Samsung SL202 vs Sigma DP1: A Head-to-Head Compact Camera Showdown

As a camera reviewer who's spent countless hours behind the viewfinder and tinkering with gear from prosumer to entry-level compacts, I often find myself confronted with a recurring dilemma: when shopping for a compact camera, is it better to have a large sensor with manual controls or stick to an easy-to-use, pocket-friendly model? Today, we’re dissect this very question by comparing two seemingly unlikely rivals from the late 2000s - the Samsung SL202, a small-sensor compact designed for simplicity and travel convenience, and the Sigma DP1, a large-sensor compact focused on image quality and manual control. Let’s unpack their specs, real-world performance, and suitability for various photographic disciplines.

Size and ergonomics play a big role in usability, especially on the go.

Getting to Know the Players: Compact vs Large Sensor

At first glance, both cameras appear modest, offering fixed lenses with moderate zoom ranges. However, the Samsung SL202 targets everyday users who appreciate a simple point-and-shoot operation, featuring a 1/2.3" CCD sensor (about 6.08x4.56 mm) with 10 megapixels, and a 28-102mm equivalent lens at f/2.8-5.7 aperture. It’s compact and lightweight (168g), perfect for stashing in a pocket or purse with minimal fuss.

Contrast that with the Sigma DP1, a camera that deliberately bucks the trend of small sensor compacts by packing in a 20.7x13.8 mm APS-C sized Foveon X3 CMOS sensor, albeit at a lower pixel count of 5MP. Its fixed 28mm f/4 equivalent prime lens channels classic wide-angle composition with manual focus and full manual exposure modes - clearly aimed at the enthusiast or professional looking for excellent image quality in a conveniently sized body. It tips the scales at a more substantial 270g and sports a chunkier build.

Top view shows design philosophy: Samsung opts for simplicity, Sigma for control.

Ergonomics and Body Design

Samsung’s SL202 adopts a straightforward layout with minimal buttons and a 2.7” non-touch LCD. Its body thickness of just 23mm and sub-170-gram weight make it ultra-portable - great for travel and casual shooting. However, the lack of a viewfinder forces reliance on the LCD in bright daylight, which can be a strain.

The Sigma DP1 is more substantial (113x60x50mm), giving you a tactile grip and more robust button layout, including dedicated manual exposure dials/settings. While not bulky by DSLR standards, the increased size is a trade-off for better control. It lacks an electronic viewfinder, possibly a dealbreaker for some, but the 2.5” screen suffices for most framing needs.

Sensor Talk: Why Size and Technology Matter

The heart of any camera system is its sensor, and here lies the starkest difference.

Sigma DP1’s APS-C sensor is nearly ten times larger in area than Samsung SL202’s 1/2.3” sensor.

Samsung’s Small Sensor: The 1/2.3" CCD

The SL202’s 1/2.3" CCD sensor (approx 27.7 mm²) was fairly standard in compact cameras back then. Its 10MP resolution offered ample detail for casual prints and online sharing. The downsides? Smaller sensors struggle with high ISO noise, dynamic range is limited (muddy shadows and blown highlights can be common), and the tiny photosites affect color depth and tonal gradation.

Sigma’s APS-C Foveon X3 Sensor

The DP1 features a large APS-C sensor, approximately 285.6 mm², which means much more light-capturing area per pixel, translating to better performance in low light, superior dynamic range, and richer color fidelity. The Foveon X3 technology layers colors vertically rather than pixel-by-pixel, resulting in sharper color detail without the need for an optical low-pass filter. That said, the effective resolution is 5MP, notably lower on paper but it often produces images with more perceived sharpness and better tonal nuance.

Takeaway: For image quality purists, the Sigma DP1’s sensor is a serious draw despite the lower pixel count. For everyday shooters prioritizing convenience and resolution, Samsung’s higher megapixels and zoom versatility might suffice.

Handling and User Interface: Simplicity or Control?

Back screens tell the story - Samsung’s larger but simpler LCD vs Sigma’s smaller yet more manual interface.

Samsung SL202: Easy-Peasy Operation

Samsung’s menu and button system is designed for instant gratification. There’s no manual focus, aperture priority, or shutter speed adjustments - you get one-touch shooting with face detection autofocus and a handful of scene modes. White balance can be customized, which is a rare bright spot for a camera in this category. Exposure compensation is absent, which holds it back for more creative photography.

The lack of optical or electronic viewfinder means shooting in harsh sunlight hinges on the LCD’s visibility, which isn’t bright by modern standards. No image stabilization is another pain point - zoomed shots demand steady hands or fast shutter speeds to avoid blur.

Sigma DP1: Manual Controls for the Purist

With the DP1, you get shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual exposure controls - a game-changer for photographers who want to precisely nail focus and exposure in tricky lighting. Manual focus is standard, though autofocus is contrast-detection only and can be sluggish.

The menu system is minimalistic but efficient. The absence of an electronic viewfinder pushes users to rely entirely on the LCD, but the camera’s size and grip help keep things steady. No image stabilization here either, which again is a downside in low light or handheld macro shooting.

Lens and Optics: Zoom vs Prime

Samsung’s 28-102mm (3.6x zoom) lens on the SL202 spans wide to short telephoto that’s ideal for snapshots, portraits, and casual travel shots. It’s kit-type glass - not the sharpest, especially at the telephoto end and wide apertures, but reasonably versatile. Maximum aperture ranges from f/2.8 at wide angle to f/5.7 at telephoto, limiting shallow depth of field and low-light capability.

Sigma’s DP1 sports a single 28mm prime lens at f/4, which seems slower on paper but benefits from the larger sensor's light-gathering prowess and optical quality. The prime lens encourages a more deliberate approach to composition and excels in landscape and architecture photography where sharpness is prized.

Real-World Photography Disciplines: Who Shines Where?

Time to roll up my sleeves and pull from hands-on experience (and the historical reviews I conducted).

Portrait Photography

If skin tones and smooth bokeh are your aims, the SL202’s small sensor and higher aperture zoom offer some flexibility in framing tight portraits. Face detection autofocus works well enough to catch sharp eyes, but the limited depth of field due to the sensor size means background blur is minimal and often clinical.

Conversely, the DP1’s large sensor and quality optic render skin tones with exceptional color depth and tonal accuracy - thanks to the Foveon sensor’s unique layering. Bokeh is subtle due to the f/4 aperture but still more natural. Manual focus is necessary, so you must be patient to nail perfect sharpness on eyes - not ideal for fast-moving subjects.

Landscape Photography

This is where the DP1 really flexes. The wide 28mm fixed lens, combined with the large sensor’s spectacular dynamic range, produces landscapes with punchy colors, fine detail, and excellent shadow recovery. The prime lens's optical quality minimizes distortions and aberrations typically found in zooms, making it a favorite among landscape enthusiasts.

Samsung’s SL202 delivers decent-looking images for casual travel snaps, but dynamic range struggles, and smaller sensor noise is evident in shadow-rich scenes. Weather sealing is absent on both cameras, limiting outdoor exposure in harsh conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

This category is a no-contest. The SL202 offers a 3.6x zoom, but with slow focus and no continuous autofocus or burst shooting capability. The DP1’s fixed wide lens and manual focus exclude it entirely. Neither is suitable here - you want a DSLR or mirrorless system with fast phase-detection AF and telephoto reach instead.

Street Photography

Portability and quick reaction time matter most here. The SL202’s pocketability and face detection AF make spontaneous shooting easy but without creative control.

The DP1’s discreet size and manual controls reward patient photographers who prefer a deliberate shooting style. The silent shutter and prime lens help in confined environments. However, the slower AF can be frustrating for fast-paced scenarios.

Macro Photography

Samsung offers macro focusing down to 5 cm, allowing close-up shots with reasonable detail, though no image stabilization limits handheld precision.

The DP1’s lack of macro-specific modes and slower aperture means it’s less accommodating for macro work. Manual focus is precise but requires a tripod and steady hands.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light capability highlights sensor performance. Samsung’s small sensor limits use to ISO 1600 max, producing noisy images with muddy detail. No image stabilization exacerbates challenges.

Sigma’s APS-C sensor and Foveon tech theoretically perform better at ISO 800 max, and larger pixels capture more light, yielding cleaner night images. Full manual control, including shutter speed up to 1/4000 sec, offers creative flexibility for longer exposures. No dedicated astro modes, but manual exposure is king here.

Video Capabilities

Samsung’s SL202 shoots basic video up to 640x480 at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format - decidedly low resolution and outdated by today’s standards. No external mic or stabilization makes it a casual option only.

The DP1 has no video capabilities, reflecting its prioritization of still image quality and minimalistic design.

Travel Photography

Samsung’s slim size, lightweight body, and zoom range make it excellent for travel snapshots, landscapes, and some portraits. Battery life details are scant but expected to be average.

Sigma DP1 serves travelers who prioritize image quality over size, capable of capturing standout shots, especially landscapes and urban environments, at the cost of bulk and slower operation.

Professional Work

Neither camera fits perfectly in a modern professional workflow. The SL202 lacks RAW capture, manual controls, and tethering - limiting post-processing flexibility.

DP1 supports RAW files, giving photographers full latitude in editing, and benefits from excellent lens rendering - making it a creative tool rather than a high-speed production camera.

Autofocus and Performance: Tech Matters When Speed Counts

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus (CD AF) without phase detection systems - inherently slower than newer tech. The SL202’s face detection CD AF is decent in good light but hunting is frequent in dim conditions and zoomed shots.

The DP1’s manual focus design reflects Sigma’s intent for careful composition over snap shots, so autofocus is slow and best reserved for controlled scenarios.

No continuous or burst shooting modes exist on either, rendering them less suitable for action photography.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedization features common in today’s cameras aimed at professionals or adventure enthusiasts. Both assume users will shield them from dust, moisture, or shocks.

The SL202’s compact plastic chassis is serviceable but feels budget-oriented. The DP1’s metal body is more robust, inspiring confidence in handling.

Battery Life and Storage

Both use proprietary or standard rechargeable batteries - SL202 uses Samsung’s SLB-10A, while DP1 details are murkier but reportedly decent. Neither boasts class-leading endurance, so carrying spares is prudent for extended shoots.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC or MMC cards with single slots, standard for their era.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither provide wireless connectivity, HDMI output, nor advanced USB standards; the SL202 uses USB 2.0, the DP1 slower USB 1.0 - a sign of their age.

The SL202's built-in flash is usable up to 4.6m with standard modes including red-eye reduction and slow sync. The DP1 includes a flash with external flash support, giving more flexibility.

Neither offers GPS or NFC, which is unsurprising for cameras released before geotagging became mainstream.

Value Analysis: What Does Your Money Buy Today?

The Sigma DP1 commands a much higher price tag, justified by its superior sensor and flexibility for advanced shooters. The Samsung SL202, while much more affordable, is a competent compact for casual users who prize simplicity and zoom versatility.

Performance by Photography Genre

• Portraits: Slight edge to Sigma’s natural tones, but Samsung faster autofocus
• Landscapes: Sigma wins by a mile for sharpness and color
• Wildlife & Sports: Neither suitable
• Street: Samsung favors spontaneity, Sigma favors crafting
• Macro: Samsung’s closest focusing distance is helpful here
• Night/Astro: Sigma’s sensor and manual exposure shine
• Video: Only Samsung offers basic video, albeit low quality
• Travel: Samsung excels for light packing and zoom, Sigma for the photo purist

Sample Images: Look Before You Leap

Samsung SL202 front Samsung SL202 screen back Sigma DP1 front Sigma DP1 screen back

The Samsung SL202’s images often show brighter, more saturated colors straight from camera, but with less detail and more noise in shadows compared to the Sigma DP1’s files. Sigma’s images are subtler but contain more texture and dynamic range, rewarding post-processing.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose Samsung SL202 If You:

• Want a pocket-friendly, budget compact with zoom versatility
• Prefer point-and-shoot simplicity with minimal setup
• Value fast, face-detect autofocus and basic video playback
• Shoot casual travel, family snaps, or street photos in good light
• Don’t need RAW files or manual exposure control

Choose Sigma DP1 If You:

• Are a photography enthusiast or professional craving excellent image quality
• Appreciate manual exposure and manual focus to compose carefully
• Want a large sensor compact to minimize gear but maximize quality
• Shoot landscapes, still life, or controlled portraits prioritizing detail
• Need RAW support for extensive editing workflows

Final Reflections: Two Cameras, Two Worlds

While the Samsung SL202 represents a class of compact cameras ideal for casual, on-the-go shooting with no fuss, the Sigma DP1 is a niche yet remarkably capable large sensor compact for photographers who crave image fidelity and manual control in a surprisingly portable package. Both cameras - vintage now - reflect different philosophies and user needs from their era. I’d liken choosing between them as opting for comfort and convenience with the SL202 or trading up for the raw, nuanced artistry of the DP1.

If you find yourself tempted by the Sigma DP1, prepare for a slower, more deliberate photographic experience that rewards patience and post-processing skills. The Samsung SL202 is better if you want simple snapshots with a zoom without thinking too much.

The ultimate decision depends on your shooting style, priorities, and budget - but either way, these cameras offer fascinating insight into the evolution of compact photography.

Thanks for joining this detailed comparison! Feel free to drop your questions or share your experiences with these cameras - I’ve always got time for gear talk.