Samsung ST700 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Samsung ST700 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill: A Detailed Expert Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing the ideal camera increasingly hinges not only on brand reputation or megapixel count but on a nuanced understanding of how sensor technology, ergonomics, and feature implementation translate into real-world photographic outcomes. Today’s comparison pits two distinctly different cameras released a year apart - Samsung’s compact ST700 (2011) and Sigma’s large sensor DP2 Merrill (2012) - against one another. Both appeal to the ‘compact camera’ segment but with divergent imaging philosophies and intended users. This analysis draws on my extensive experience testing thousands of cameras, aligning technical specs with practical usability across major photographic disciplines.

Physical Design and Handling: Ultracompact vs Substantial Precision

The Samsung ST700 is a true ultracompact measuring just 99mm x 55mm x 20mm, making it pocketable and lightweight but necessarily limited in manual control. Its fixed lens, modest controls, and touchscreen interface highlight convenience and snap-and-go ease rather than deliberate composition. Conversely, the Sigma DP2 Merrill’s dimensions (122mm x 67mm x 59mm) and heftier 330g weight position it firmly in the large sensor compact tier, sacrificing pocketability for handling comfort and precision. The DP2 Merrill’s more substantial grip and discrete button layout (sans touchscreen) facilitate manual focus and exposure, catering to photographers intolerant of extensive automation.

Ergonomics considerations here are consequential. The ST700’s lack of mechanical dials and reliance on touchscreen controls restrict rapid adjustment critical for demanding scenarios like street or sports photography. The DP2 Merrill’s manual controls and dedicated ISO/exposure compensation access provide a workflow closer to an enthusiast mirrorless camera, enhancing compositional agility.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Reflecting Two Generations of Sensor Innovation

Sensor architecture creates the most pronounced performance gulf between these models. The Samsung ST700 employs a modest 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.16 x 4.62 mm (28.46 mm² area) with a 16-megapixel resolution delivering 4608 x 3456 native files. This sensor size and type is typical for ultracompacts of its era, balancing cost and compactness but at a price to dynamic range, noise handling, and color fidelity. The CCD sensor’s anti-aliasing filter reduces moiré but slightly softens resolution.

In stark contrast, the Sigma DP2 Merrill uses an APS-C sized CMOS sensor (24 x 16 mm; 384 mm²) based on Sigma’s proprietary Foveon X3 architecture. Though also 15 megapixels nominally, the Foveon’s unique stacked sensor captures color at three distinct layers rather than traditional Bayer pattern interpolation, producing images with exceptional color depth and edge detail at its native 4704 x 3136 resolution. This sensor is paired with the robust Dual TRUE II processor, optimizing complex image rendering.

The practical corollaries of sensor differences are unmistakable. The ST700’s sensor restricts low-light usability and dynamic range, leading to earlier highlight clipping and shadow noise intrusion. Meanwhile, the DP2 Merrill’s larger sensor area and advanced Foveon technology yield superior tonal gradations and high ISO performance (up to ISO 6400 native) appropriate for demanding applications like landscape and portraiture.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: User Interface and Composition Aids

Both cameras forego electronic viewfinders, relying solely on rear LCD screens for framing and review. Samsung’s ST700 features a modest 3" touchscreen with a low 230k pixel resolution - a limitation that hampers precision in manual focusing or assessing image sharpness in the field. Touchscreen navigation, however, does simplify menu access for casual photography, albeit at the cost of robustness in bright ambient light due to reflective glare and relatively low pixel density.

Conversely, Sigma’s DP2 Merrill offers a 3" fixed LCD with a significantly higher 920k pixel resolution, supporting critical manual focus and exposure evaluation without touch functionality. Though lacking a touchscreen is a usability decrement for some, the higher resolution image review screen benefits meticulous users engaged in detail-oriented work.

Neither camera offers a dedicated viewfinder, which constrains usability in bright daylight conditions - a notable handicap especially for the DP2 Merrill given its target audience valuing exact composition.

Autofocus and Exposure Systems: Automation versus Manual Control

Autofocus on both cameras is basic, but the philosophies diverge sharply. Samsung’s ST700 lacks autofocus area selection and face detection altogether, with no continuous or tracking AF modes, reflecting its positioning as an entry-level compact meant for casual snapshots. It relies on simple center-weighted contrast detection - adequate for stationary subjects but insufficient for fast action or wildlife.

The Sigma DP2 Merrill similarly lacks advanced AF features common in newer compacts, including face detection and continuous autofocus. Its fixed 50mm-equivalent lens and manual focus ring cater to deliberate shooting styles, making autofocus a marginal consideration for skilled users preferring focus peaking or live-view manual focusing - a workable compromise given the camera’s APS-C sensor and optical precision.

Exposure modes further emphasize the DP2 Merrill’s advanced capabilities. It offers aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual exposure, alongside exposure compensation and custom white balance - features absent on the ST700, which offers no manual exposure controls or compensations. Photographers demanding creative exposure workflows will find the DP2 Merrill markedly superior.

Lens and Focal Length: Fixed Optics, Different Approaches

Both cameras feature fixed lenses, but with different focal length philosophies. The ST700 has a 5.8× zoom lens typical for ultracompacts (exact focal range unspecified in specs) aimed at versatility; however, the optical quality is oriented toward convenience over ultimate sharpness or low-light performance.

In contrast, the DP2 Merrill sports a prime 50mm equivalent lens (F2.8), optimized for image quality rather than zoom flexibility. This focal length, combined with the sensor size, is well suited for portraiture, street, and landscape photography requiring critical sharpness. However, the lack of a zoom limits compositional flexibility and telephoto reach for wildlife or sports shooters.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities: Complementing Different Use Cases

Burst shooting is unavailable on the ST700, and video is limited to 720p resolution without advanced recording options. These restrictions reflect its design as a casual ‘point-and-shoot’ camera prioritizing simplicity over performance.

Conversely, the DP2 Merrill offers a modest 4fps burst rate, facilitating limited sports or action photography, although its slow autofocus and fixed lens temper expectations. Video capability is rudimentary (640x480 resolution in Motion JPEG format), presenting it primarily as a stills camera rather than a multimedia device.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing. Build quality differences hinge on materials and design. The ST700’s body favors lightness and portability with plastic construction typical of ultracompacts. The DP2 Merrill, despite the larger form factor, feels more solid in hand thanks to its metal chassis, aligning with its status as a high-grade compact.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Battery life information is not specified for either camera, though generally the ST700’s smaller sensor and lower processing demands yield longer shooting time per charge. The DP2 Merrill’s larger sensor and complex processor reduce battery endurance, a critical consideration for travel or day-long shoots.

Both cameras offer a single storage slot, with no native wireless connectivity, limiting direct offload options or remote control.

Comprehensive Genre-Based Performance Assessment

Samsung ST700 front Samsung ST700 screen back Sigma DP2 Merrill front Sigma DP2 Merrill screen back

Let’s dissect their suitability across photographic disciplines:

Portrait Photography:

• Samsung ST700: The limited aperture range and small sensor size restrict shallow depth-of-field effects and produce modest bokeh quality. Skin tones are passable but lack subtlety due to sensor limitations. No eye-detection AF impairs tack sharp portraits.
• Sigma DP2 Merrill: The APS-C sensor and 50mm F2.8 lens yield excellent subject isolation and pleasing bokeh. The Foveon sensor’s color fidelity enhances skin tone rendition, crucial for portrait work. Manual focus necessitates skill but rewards precision.

Landscape Photography:

• Samsung ST700: Dynamic range constraints of the small CCD reduce highlight and shadow detail. Limited resolution and optical quality hamper large prints. Lack of weather sealing makes outdoor use vulnerable.
• Sigma DP2 Merrill: Larger sensor area provides superior dynamic range; Foveon sensor excels in detail retention. Higher resolution supports large-format prints. Though not weather sealed, the robust build and manual controls facilitate nuanced landscape capture.

Wildlife Photography:

• Samsung ST700: Absence of fast continuous AF and lack of telephoto zoom render it largely ineffective.
• Sigma DP2 Merrill: Fixed 50mm F2.8 lens and slow manual focus limit wildlife utility. Burst mode aids some fast sequences, but autofocus speed is insufficient for erratic movement.

Sports Photography:

• Both cameras fall short due to slow continuous shooting, lack of effective autofocus tracking, and absence of high ISO performance in the ST700’s case. The DP2’s manual focus further restricts usability for fast-paced subjects.

Street Photography:

• Samsung ST700: Small size and touchscreen interface promote stealth and rapid deployment but limitations in manual control reduce compositional flexibility.
• Sigma DP2 Merrill: Larger and more conspicuous but manual focus and aperture availability support artistic street shooting by experienced photographers valuing image quality over speed.

Macro Photography:

• Neither camera provides specialized macro modes or close focus distances acknowledged in specs. The DP2 Merrill’s manual focus and sensor detail may aid in achieving tighter framing, but both cameras are marginal for macro enthusiasts.

Night/Astro Photography:

• Samsung ST700: Limited max shutter speed (1/8s minimum), low ISO capability, and absence of raw output limit nighttime and astro performance.
• Sigma DP2 Merrill: Supports long exposure via manual controls, native ISO up to 6400, and raw capture. These features enable better astro and night photography outcomes, assuming tripod use.

Video Capabilities:

• Both cameras are limited video performers; the ST700 shoots HD 720p at an unspecified frame rate, while the DP2 Merrill maxes out at VGA resolution with Motion JPEG compression. Neither supports audio input or stabilization for video.

Travel Photography:

• Samsung ST700: Compact and lightweight with zoom versatility suits casual travel users prioritizing convenience over image quality.
• Sigma DP2 Merrill: Higher image quality benefits serious travelers dedicated to landscapes and portraits but size, weight, and slower operation may hinder spontaneous shooting.

Professional Workflows:

• ST700’s lack of raw support and minimal manual controls exclude it from professional workflows.
• DP2 Merrill supports raw file output and manual exposure, facilitating integration into professional post-processing pipelines despite slower operation.

Technical and Price-to-Performance Summary

The ST700 offers a straightforward compact package at an affordable price, suitable for novices prioritizing portability and simplicity. However, compromises in image quality, manual control, and performance are significant.

The DP2 Merrill commands a substantial premium, justified by a larger and more advanced sensor, professional-level manual control, and better image fidelity. This camera targets demanding photographers willing to trade speed and convenience for ultimate image quality from a compact form.

Recommendations Based on Photographic Needs and Budgets

• For Beginners or Casual Users Seeking Simplicity and Portability: The Samsung ST700 is adequate for snapshots, vacation photos, and social media sharing where high manual control and advanced image quality are not priorities. Its touchscreen interface eases operation.

• For Enthusiasts Demanding Image Quality and Creative Control: The Sigma DP2 Merrill is a superior choice, especially for portrait and landscape photography where its Foveon sensor and manual features excel. It suits users comfortable with slower shooting styles and manual focusing who value detailed image rendition.

• For Wildlife, Sports, or Action Photography: Neither camera adequately meets the rigorous autofocus and frame rate demands. Enthusiasts in these genres should look toward dedicated interchangeable lens cameras with advanced AF systems.

• For Street Photography: The DP2 offers higher image quality but at a portability trade-off. The ST700’s discreet size benefits stealth but sacrifices compositional flexibility.

• For Budget-Conscious Travelers: The ST700’s compact form favors portability, but image quality and creative control are limited. Consideration should be given to newer compact models with improved sensors.

Conclusion: Deliberate Choice Between Convenience and Quality

This comparison underscores the essential trade-offs between compact convenience and uncompromising image quality in fixed-lens cameras. Samsung’s ST700 epitomizes budget and ease of use without manual control or high-end sensor performance. Sigma’s DP2 Merrill extends a specialist’s promise of exceptional image fidelity, manual exposure precision, and rich color depth derived from the unique Foveon sensor architecture at the cost of size, autofocus speed, and price.

Careful alignment of photographic intent with feature priorities is mandatory. Professionals and serious enthusiasts should regard the DP2 Merrill as a potent tool optimized for projects valuing image quality and control. Conversely, users seeking a pocketable companion for casual snapshots with minimal effort may find the ST700 fulfilling despite its dated technology.

In all, this analysis reflects beyond headlines and megapixels to reveal how sensor technology, interface design, and shooting ergonomics actualize photographic potential in two markedly different compacts.

Images embedded throughout this article provide additional side-by-side comparison visuals and sample image quality assessments vital for an informed purchase decision.