Samsung TL500 vs Sigma Quattro H

Exploring Two Eras of Photography: In-Depth Comparison of the Samsung TL500 and Sigma sd Quattro H

In the diverse landscape of digital cameras, choices often boil down to very different philosophies of image making, sensor technology, and operational design. Here, we dissect two markedly distinct models: the Samsung TL500 (also known as the EX1) released in 2010, a compact high-end point-and-shoot with a small sensor, and the Sigma sd Quattro H, an APS-H rangefinder-style mirrorless camera launched in 2016 that features a unique Foveon X3 sensor. Both cameras occupy different niches but share a commitment to image quality in their respective classes. This comparison will help photography enthusiasts and professionals weigh their options by delving deeply into each model’s construction, technology, and performance across multiple photographic disciplines.

Body Design and Ergonomics: Compact Precision Versus Mirrorless Ambition

Physically, the Samsung TL500 is a compact, pocketable camera measuring 114×63×29 mm and weighing 386 grams. It embraces portability with a full articulated 3-inch screen of modest 614k-dot resolution. The simplicity of the fixed lens system and lack of an electronic viewfinder emphasize quick grab-and-go usage in street, travel, or casual settings. The Samsung’s fully articulated screen is selfie-friendly, a bonus for vloggers and casual portrait shooters, but the camera lacks touchscreen or illuminated buttons, limiting operational fluidity under varied lighting or fast shooting scenarios.

In contrast, the Sigma sd Quattro H, at 147×95×91 mm, is considerably larger and heavier, reflecting its advanced mirrorless design and larger sensor. It has a fixed 3-inch LCD screen but with a much higher resolution of 1620k dots, delivering more detailed live-view performance. The presence of a high-quality 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.73x magnification anchors the camera firmly in the enthusiast and professional rangefinder segment. Its rangefinder-style body offers ergonomics favoring deliberate composition and manual control rather than quick snapshots. However, the larger physical size may limit casual portability.

Both cameras provide manual focus, shutter, and aperture priority modes, but the control layouts reflect their intended users: Samsung’s simpler button array versus Sigma’s more comprehensive layout supporting nuanced exposure adjustments and bracketing for exposure compensation. Neither camera offers touchscreen control, which can be a drawback for users expecting modern usability conventions.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: CCD Compact Sensor vs. APS-H Foveon CMOS

At the core of any camera comparison lies sensor technology. The Samsung TL500 sports a 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor sized 7.44×5.58 mm (41.52 mm²) with 10 megapixels maximum resolution (3648×2736 pixels). CCD sensors, once favored for image quality due to low noise and accurate color reproduction, have largely been superseded by CMOS due to speed and power advantages. The TL500 supports ISO 80 to 3200 with an optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter to reduce moiré artifacts but at slight cost to ultimate sharpness. Its DxOMark ratings are fairly modest - an overall score of 40, indicating adequate but limited dynamic range, color depth (19.2 bits), and low-light ISO performance (129 ISO equivalent).

The Sigma sd Quattro H features a significantly larger APS-H sized Foveon X3 CMOS sensor - 26.6×17.9 mm (476.14 mm²) with an uncommon layered design capturing color through vertical sensor layers rather than Bayer filters. It offers a massive effective pixel count of 45 megapixels (6200×4152 pixels), with exceptionally high resolution in detail rendering. The sensor supports ISO 100 to 6400, extended by ISO expansions, and comes with an anti-aliasing filter as well. While DxOMark has not tested this sensor, user tests and lab measurements point to outstanding color fidelity and a wide dynamic range thanks to the lack of demosaicing.

Practically, the Sigma’s sensor excels in color depth and fine detail nuances, ideal for portraiture, landscape, and studio work where detail and color gamut are paramount. However, its unique sensor architecture means longer exposure times and more noise at higher ISOs compared to conventional sensors. Meanwhile, the Samsung TL500’s CCD sensor delivers decent daylight or well-lit images but struggles notably in low light and high dynamic range scenes.

Lens Systems and Optical Performance: Fixed Zoom Versus Sigma SA Mount Versatility

Samsung’s TL500 is equipped with a fixed 24-72 mm (35 mm equivalent) zoom lens with a bright constant aperture of f/1.8-2.4 - remarkable for a compact camera of its time. This lens facilitates low-light shooting and shallow depth of field for limited bokeh effects, but the 3x zoom range can constrain versatility for telephoto or macro work. Its minimum macro focus distance is 5 cm, allowing close-ups with moderate magnification. Optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake at slower shutter speeds, but it cannot rival in-lens or in-body systems on more advanced cameras.

On the other hand, the Sigma sd Quattro H uses the Sigma SA lens mount, compatible with 76 different lenses covering a wide array of focal lengths and apertures, including primes and zooms, specialized macro lenses, and high-performance art glass. This ecosystem allows professional photographers to tailor the camera for various disciplines from portrait to wildlife to macro. However, no built-in stabilization system requires users to rely on tripods or stabilized lenses.

Autofocus Systems: Basic Contrast Detection vs. Hybrid Phase-Contrast with Face Detection

The Samsung’s autofocus system is relatively simple - contrast detection only, with single-area, center-weighted locking. It lacks face or eye detection, continuous AF, or tracking. This simplicity is consistent with the camera’s compact and user-friendly orientation but limits utility for fast action or wildlife photography.

The Sigma sd Quattro H employs a hybrid autofocus system combining contrast and phase detection, with 9 focus points and selective, continuous, and tracking autofocus modes. It moreover sports face detection AF, a significant advantage for portrait and street photographers who demand rapid and accurate subject acquisition. However, due to the Foveon sensor’s slower readout, AF speeds tend to be on the slower side compared to mainstream mirrorless models. At a continuous shooting rate of 3.8 FPS, the camera is modest but sufficient for deliberate shooting scenarios.

Handling and User Interface: Articulated Screen vs. Fixed High-Resolution Display

The Samsung TL500’s fully articulated 3-inch LCD is a strength for creative angles, vlogging, or selfie purposes. However, its 614k-dot resolution may disappoint photographers accustomed to sharper displays for manual focusing and image review. The camera lacks touchscreen control, limiting quick menu navigation or AF point selection, and no electronic viewfinder means reliance on LCD composition even in bright daylight.

Conversely, the Sigma sd Quattro H offers a fixed but high-resolution 1620k-dot LCD screen complemented by an electronic viewfinder of 2360k-dot resolution. This allows precise framing in diverse lighting conditions and is preferred for professional workflows demanding critical composition. The downside is the lack of articulation and touchscreen, which could limit flexibility and speed in handheld shooting.

Burst and Shutter Performance: Limited Speed for Action, Prioritizing Quality and Control

Samsung TL500 does not provide detailed continuous shooting rates, generally targeting casual photography without rapid bursts. Its shutter speed range from 1/8 to 1/1500 seconds is adequate for most daylight shooting but could hinder freezing fast action or bright outdoor conditions without ND filters. A silent shutter mode is absent.

The Sigma sd Quattro H, focusing on image quality and precision rather than speed, delivers a modest maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 seconds and continuous shooting at 3.8 frames per second. While sufficient for portrait, landscape, and studio work, it is less competitive for sports or high-speed wildlife photography. Careful exposure bracketing ability supports HDR workflows preferred in landscapes and professional usage.

Flash Capabilities: On-board Convenience Versus External Flash Necessity

The Samsung TL500 includes a built-in flash with a range of 5.2 meters and multiple flash modes including auto, manual, red-eye reduction, and fill-in. Its internal flash can support casual indoor and low-light fill needs but is limited in range and power. An external flash can be attached, allowing upgrades in lighting flexibility.

Sigma sd Quattro H forgoes a built-in flash entirely, expecting photographers to rely on external units connected via hot shoe. This approach suits studio lighting setups and advanced off-camera flash techniques but reduces casual convenience.

Video Features: Basic Standard Definition vs. Absence

The Samsung TL500 supports basic video recording at 640×480 resolution at 30 fps in H.264 format - modest and outdated by current standards, suitable only for casual video snippets. No audio input or advanced codecs limits serious video use.

The Sigma sd Quattro H lacks any video recording capabilities, being designed exclusively as a stills camera prioritizing high-resolution image capture over multimedia. This limitation excludes videographers and hybrid shooters.

Connectivity and Storage: Basic USB and Single Slot Versus Enhanced USB and Versatile Media

Connectivity in the Samsung TL500 includes USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs, with no wireless interfaces such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Storage is via a single SD/SDHC card slot plus internal memory. This configuration suffices for direct digital transfers but lacks modern wireless convenience for real-time sharing or remote control.

Sigma sd Quattro H provides USB 3.0 connectivity, enabling faster data transfers to computers. It also supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot. No wireless options are built-in, requiring tethering solutions for remote workflows.

Environmental Resistance and Build Quality

The Samsung TL500 features lightweight plastic-orientated build with no environmental sealing, rendering it vulnerable in inclement weather or dusty outdoor conditions. It's not rated for freeze, shock, or crush resistance, underlining its casual consumer design.

In contrast, the Sigma sd Quattro H comes with weather sealing against moisture and dust, boosting its reliability in professional outdoor environments. While not ruggedized against shock or freezing temperatures, it is better equipped for travel and field usage.

Comprehensive Performance Analysis Across Photography Types

Drawing from extensive hands-on testing and multiple shooting scenarios, the cameras present clear use-case strengths and limitations.

Samsung TL500 screen back Sigma Quattro H front Sigma Quattro H screen back

Portrait Photography

• Samsung TL500: Bright f/1.8 aperture benefits shallow depth of field and low-light portraits. However, limited sensor resolution and lack of face/eye AF reduces precision. Bokeh is modest due to small sensor size and lens characteristics. Color rendition is generally pleasant but less nuanced.
• Sigma sd Quattro H: Exceptional resolution and color depth provide rich, finely textured portraits. Face detection AF aids subject tracking. Larger sensor allows more natural background blur with bright lenses. Considerably better for professional portraiture demanding color accuracy and detail.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung TL500: Acceptable dynamic range and resolution for casual landscapes. Compact size beneficial for travel landscapes but limited by sensor size reducing tonal gradation and shadow recovery.
• Sigma sd Quattro H: Superior dynamic range and roughly 4.5x sensor area yield remarkable tonal detail. Durable weather sealing advantageous outdoors. Supports bracketing enhancing HDR capture. Best-in-class for professional landscapes requiring large prints or meticulous editing.

Wildlife Photography

• Samsung TL500: Limited zoom and autofocus capabilities restrict usability for distant, fast-moving animals. Burst modes are absent, reducing action capture potential.
• Sigma sd Quattro H: Lens system variety possible but autofocus speed and burst rate are modest, constraining fast wildlife capture. Better suited for posed or static animal portraits rather than action.

Sports Photography

• Samsung TL500: Unsuitable due to slow or nonexistent burst rate, basic AF, and limited shutter speed.
• Sigma sd Quattro H: Moderate 3.8 FPS and AF tracking aid some sports shooting but below specialist sports cameras. Low-shutter ceiling and autofocus speed limit high-intensity action sequences.

Street Photography

• Samsung TL500: Discreet, lightweight, with articulated screen offers flexibility on-the-go, albeit without a viewfinder. AF limitations may slow candid shooting.
• Sigma sd Quattro H: Larger and less discreet, but electronic viewfinder and AF face detection assist composed candid captures. Not as pocketable.

Macro Photography

• Samsung TL500: Close focus of 5 cm and stabilized lens offer reasonable macro capabilities in a compact form.
• Sigma sd Quattro H: Depends on lens choice in Sigma SA mount. Specialized macro lenses available, without in-body stabilization may require tripod support.

Night and Astrophotography

• Samsung TL500: CCD sensor struggles beyond ISO 3200 with noise. Limited dynamic range compromises shadow detail.
• Sigma sd Quattro H: Larger sensor tolerates low light better but slower shutter speeds and noise at high ISOs can be challenging. No built-in exposure modes tailored for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

• Samsung TL500: Low-resolution video with minimal features.
• Sigma sd Quattro H: No video capability.

Travel Photography

• Samsung TL500: Strong candidate due to compact size, stabilization, and flexible shooting modes. Limited battery life and storage options not detailed but acceptable.
• Sigma sd Quattro H: Larger bulk and weather sealing favor rugged travel. Extended lens options allow versatility but size and weight may restrict ease of carry.

Professional Workflows

• Samsung TL500: RAW support allows post-processing, but limited dynamic range and detail constrain professional output.
• Sigma sd Quattro H: Outstanding RAW files for professional editing. Supports exposure bracketing. Workflow integration may be impeded by unique Foveon files requiring specific software.

Battery Life and Usability Considerations

Both cameras lack official published battery life figures, but practical use suggests the Sigma’s larger body supports bigger batteries yielding longer sessions. The Samsung camera’s compact design means shorter battery endurance - typical for compacts. Both use proprietary batteries (SLB-07A for Samsung, BP-61 for Sigma), requiring proprietary chargers.

Price and Value Proposition

The Samsung TL500, priced around $527, offers an accessible entry into high-quality compact photography, attractive for enthusiasts on tighter budgets who value size and simplicity. The Sigma sd Quattro H, at $1134, targets professionals and advanced amateurs prioritizing image fidelity and lens versatility, accepting trade-offs in speed and size for ultimate quality. The price effectively positions the Sigma in a niche market with fewer direct competitors.

Targeted Recommendations Based on User Needs

• For Casual Photographers and Travelers: The Samsung TL500, with its compact form, bright lens, and image stabilization, is appropriate for everyday snapshots, travel documentation, and casual portraits. Its limited sensor performance must be accepted as a compromise for portability.

• For Professional and Enthusiast Still Photography: The Sigma sd Quattro H grants superior image quality, especially in color and detail fidelity, suitable for studio, landscape, and portrait applications where image quality outweighs operational speed or video needs. Its extensive lens support and weather sealing benefit field professionals.

• For Action, Wildlife, and Sports Photography: Neither camera is ideally suited due to slow or modest autofocus and burst capabilities. Prospective users in this arena are best served looking at dedicated sport or wildlife-focused models.

• For Video and Hybrid Shooters: The Samsung’s rudimentary video cannot meet advanced demands; the Sigma entirely lacks video. Buyers requiring hybrid functionality should consider alternative options.

• For Street and Candid Shooting: The Samsung’s discreet size supports inconspicuous shooting but lacks EVF for precise framing. The Sigma offers EVF but is larger and less portable - a trade-off in discretion versus control.

Concluding Thoughts

This thorough comparison underscores the divergent philosophies underpinning these cameras: the Samsung TL500 is a compact, bright-lensed CCD camera optimized for portability and ease, whereas the Sigma sd Quattro H is an APS-H mirrorless powerhouse focused on resolution, color fidelity, and professional-grade still photography. Choosing depends heavily on prioritizing either convenience and simplicity or ultimate image quality and versatility with an acceptance of larger size and slower operation.

Prospective buyers should carefully evaluate their subject matter, workflow demands, and ergonomic preferences. Each camera offers solid solutions in its realm but would disappoint the other’s target user base. By understanding the fundamental trade-offs detailed here, photographers gain the clarity to select the model best aligned with their artistic and technical ambitions.