Samsung SL620 vs Sigma SD10: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing between two cameras from different eras and categories can be a real head-scratcher, especially when the Samsung SL620 ultracompact meets the Sigma SD10 advanced DSLR. While both hover around the same price point (around $199), they cater to vastly different user needs, photography styles, and expectations. Drawing from years of shooting, testing, and comparing cameras, I’ll walk you through how these two stack up - from sensor tech to real-world performance.

Let’s dive in.

Size, Build, and Handling: Pocket Friend versus DSLR Beef

Let’s kick off with physicality because nothing beats holding gear in your own hands to judge practicality.

The Samsung SL620 is a classic ultracompact pocket camera from 2009, tipping the scales at a mere 168 grams and measuring only 92 x 61 x 23 mm. This makes it a perfect grab-and-go for everyday shooters or travelers who loathe carrying any clubs for their thumbs. The SL620 slips easily into a jacket pocket and offers a straightforward, no-fuss experience.

In contrast, the Sigma SD10 is a robust mid-size DSLR body from 2004, weighing a hefty 950 grams, with dimensions far from pocketable at 152 x 120 x 79 mm. This camera is built more for hands-on, considered shooting rather than snap-and-run. Its magnesium alloy body and optical pentaprism viewfinder give it a classic SLR heft and feel, made for those who appreciate camera ergonomics and physical controls over compactness.

Looking at the control layout, the SL620 sports a minimalist approach: no manual dials or aperture/shutter priority modes here - just a few buttons and a dial for basic shooting. The Sigma SD10, however, is morphing control complexity with manual exposure, shutter/aperture priority modes, and a traditional DSLR button layout satisfying the seasoned enthusiast who loves full manual command.

Ergonomics Winner: It depends on your shooting style. For pocket portability, Samsung wins hands-down. But for serious shooting comfort and control, especially for bigger hands, the Sigma SD10 is the clear choice.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD Compact vs. Foveon APS-C

Now onto the heart of image-making: the sensor. Here you’re looking at two fundamentally different technologies and sensor sizes.

• Samsung SL620: Packs a tiny 1/2.3” CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm, ~28 mm² area) with 12MP resolution. The small sensor naturally limits dynamic range and low-light performance, and image noise becomes visible starting around ISO 400-800. It has an anti-aliasing filter for smoother but slightly less sharp images.

• Sigma SD10: Utilizes a unique APS-C sized CMOS sensor (20.7 x 13.8 mm, ~286 mm² area) with a Foveon X3 layer technology - this means it captures color information at each pixel site, not via Bayer filters like most cameras. Although it has only 3MP (effective 2268x1512 per layer), the layered sensor produces color-rich images with impressive detail and superb color fidelity, especially for skin tones and landscapes.

Testing Insight: In my lab testing and field shoots, SD10 images show markedly cleaner details and richer colors at base ISO 100 with considerably better dynamic range. The SL620’s high megapixel count can't compensate for sensor size limitations; photos from it tend to become mushy under challenging light.

Image Quality Winner: Sigma SD10, easily, if you prioritize image quality, color depth, and print potential.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Autofocus Limitations vs. Manual Focus

Moving from image quality to operation, focus systems determine how responsive and predictable your shooting will be.

• Samsung SL620: Contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, single autofocus mode only. It locks focus fairly slowly by today’s standards and can hunt in low light or macro situations. No continuous or tracking autofocus makes it less suited for moving subjects.

• Sigma SD10: Fully manual focus only, no autofocus motor or AF sensors. The camera relies strictly on the photographer’s skill to nail focus, which is a deal-breaker for some, but appreciated by others for critical focus and creative control.

In my practical use, the SL620’s autofocus is serviceable for casual subjects but sluggish for fast action or wildlife. The SD10 demands a tripod, patience, and manual focusing skill but rewards with razor-sharp results when mastered.

Autofocus Winner: Depends on your tolerance for manual focusing. On paper, SL620 is beginner-friendly autofocus. In real terms, manual focus on the SD10 is for those serious about controlled focus, not fast action.

LCD and Viewfinder: Live View vs. Optical Courtesy

The SL620 has a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k dots, bright enough for daylight composing. No touchscreen or tilting functions. No viewfinder.

The SD10 sports a 1.8-inch LCD with 130k dots - smaller and with lower resolution - but pairs that with an eye-level optical pentaprism viewfinder (98% coverage, 0.77x magnification). For many photographers, the optical viewfinder is vital for critical framing and shooting in bright conditions.

Display/UI Winner: SL620 for simple LCD usability. SD10 for traditional shooting experience with the optical finder.

Lens Options and Compatibility: Fixed vs. Versatile

• Samsung SL620: Fixed lens (35-175mm equivalent, f/2.8-5.7), excellent for everyday snapshots and moderate zoom needs. Macro focus to 5cm is decent for casual close-ups but no specialized lenses possible.

• Sigma SD10: Sigma SA mount with an extensive lens lineup (76 lenses), including primes, zooms, macro, and specialty lenses. The 1.7x crop factor means some focal length adjustments, especially telephoto lenses becoming effectively longer.

From an enthusiast or professional standpoint, the Sigma’s interchangeable lens system opens vast creative avenues. The SL620, compact and fixed, limits you to its built-in lens only.

Lens Ecosystem Winner: Sigma SD10 hands down.

Battery Life and Storage: Minimal vs. Durable

• Samsung SL620: Uses a proprietary battery (specs unspecified), stores images on SD/SDHC/MMC cards and internal memory. Battery life varies but geared for casual use.

• Sigma SD10: Uses interchangeable batteries (model unspecified), stores images on Compact Flash Type I or II cards - stalwart storage for professional shoots.

Both cameras do not offer wireless, Bluetooth, or GPS connectivity; USB interfaces are basic (USB 2.0 for Samsung, USB 1.0 for Sigma). No fancy connectivity perks.

Flash Systems: Built-in and External Options

• The SL620 has a built-in flash with various modes (auto, fill-in, red-eye reduction, slow sync), but limited range (4.6 m).

• The Sigma SD10 lacks a built-in flash but supports external flashes on the Sigma SA mount’s hot shoe.

If you rely on natural light or carry an external flash, note these differences. The built-in flash on the SL620 is convenient but with limited power; the Sigma’s external flash options offer more creative light shaping but at the expense of extra gear.

Video and Special Features

• Samsung SL620: Offers low-res video (640 x 480 max, 20-30 fps) in Motion JPEG format, which is fine for casual VHS-era clips but no HD or 4K compatibility.

• Sigma SD10: No video capacity.

Neither camera supports modern video requirements, so if video is a priority, neither is suitable.

Real-World Shooting in Various Genres

Now for the interesting part: how do these cameras actually hold up in different photography styles? Let’s break it down with sample images and genre-specific scoring.

Samsung SL620 front Samsung SL620 screen back Sigma SD10 screen back

1. Portrait Photography

Samsung SL620:

• Pros: Face detection autofocus helps lock onto faces.
• Cons: Smaller sensor struggles with creamy bokeh and shallow depth of field; skin tones sometimes look flat.

Sigma SD10:

• Pros: Foveon sensor’s color reproduction is excellent for skin tones; extensive lens choices allow beautiful bokeh control.
• Cons: No autofocus can be challenging; manual focus is mandatory, with slower shutter speeds sometimes.

2. Landscape Photography

The bigger APS-C sensor and wide dynamic range put the SD10 miles ahead at handling highlights and shadows in complex scenes.

SL620’s sensor size and JPEG output mean landscapes often lack detail and dynamic range; limited weather sealing also deters outdoor rugged shoots.

3. Wildlife and Sports Photography

The SL620’s slow autofocus and no continuous shooting limit capture of fast action.

The SD10 also falters here due to manual focus and slow frame rates. Neither camera is ideal for fast-paced shooting.

4. Street Photography

SL620 wins on compactness and discretion.
SD10 is bulky but offers optical viewfinder precision.

5. Macro Photography

SL620 allows focusing as close as 5 cm; no focus stacking or stabilization.

SD10 can achieve excellent macro with appropriate lenses but manual focus and lack of image stabilization require a tripod.

6. Night and Astrophotography

SD10’s low base ISO (100) with clean results is an advantage along with manual exposure.

SL620’s high ISO noise and limited shutter speeds hinder night shots.

7. Travel Photography

SL620’s small size and weight favor travel convenience.

SD10 offers image quality but at weight and bulk penalty.

8. Professional Workflow

Sigma SD10 shines with RAW support and full manual controls, perfect for studio and controlled work.

SL620 captures only JPEGs and limited exposure modes.

Overall Performance Ratings

In my hands-on tests, the SD10 consistently outranks the SL620 on image quality, color fidelity, and creative control. The SL620 shines in portability, ease of use, and affordability for casual photography.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

The SD10 takes the crown for portrait, landscape, and professional work, while SL620 scores higher in street, travel, and casual snapshots.

Pros and Cons Summary

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Samsung SL620 if:

• You want a lightweight, compact point-and-shoot camera for casual snapshots, travel, or street photography.
• You prefer autofocus and simple controls.
• Video capability, even if low-res, is useful for you.
• You’re on a tight budget and want something ready out of the box.

Buy the Sigma SD10 if:

• You’re an enthusiast or professional who prioritizes image quality and color fidelity.
• You don’t mind manual focus and want full creative control.
• You plan to shoot portraits, landscapes, or studio work.
• You want access to an extensive lens ecosystem.
• You’re okay with no video and a bulkier setup.

Final Thoughts: Matching Gear to Goals

While these two cameras coexist at similar price points secondhand, they’re fundamentally different beasts.

The SL620 is a camera for casual users seeking convenience, simple point-and-shoot operation, and instant sharing of snapshots. Its technological age and sensor limitations mean it’s not for serious image quality demands - but it delivers decent pictures with minimal fuss.

The Sigma SD10 is a niche professional tool built around unique Foveon sensor technology and manual exposure control. It’s not a beginner’s camera, nor forgiving for fast-paced shooting. But for those willing to invest time mastering manual focus and workflows, its image quality and color rendition remain compelling, even against more modern competition.

If you want a lightweight, no-brainer everyday camera, go with the Samsung SL620. But if quality over quantity, color fidelity, and lens versatility are your priorities, and you don’t mind the old-school shooting style, the Sigma SD10 is worth the effort.

Happy shooting, whatever you choose.