Samsung WB700 vs Sigma DP1x: A Detailed Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing the right compact camera requires balancing your needs in image quality, usability, and specialized photographic tasks. The Samsung WB700 and the Sigma DP1x each target distinct niches within the compact camera world, offering very different feature sets and imaging philosophies. Drawing from years of hands-on testing and extensive industry experience, this comprehensive comparison covers everything from sensor technology to real-world performance across photography genres, helping you determine which camera fits your creative ambitions.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Design and Handling Insights

Before plunging into image quality and technical specs, examining the cameras' physical design and ergonomics is essential. A camera that fits your style and handling preferences will inspire more confident shooting.

• Samsung WB700: Designed as a pocket-friendly compact, the WB700 measures approximately 100x59x22mm, making it noticeably slim and lightweight. Its smooth, curved body is visually accessible to casual users and travel shooters needing an uncomplicated grab-and-go solution. Buttons are minimal and straightforward, though the lack of a viewfinder and a fixed lens may limit control.

• Sigma DP1x: Measuring 113x60x50mm, the DP1x feels more robust but less pocketable, with a chunky body that favors a secure grip over slimness. The thicker profile is partly due to the larger APS-C sensor and fixed 28mm f/4 optic. Its manual focus ring and physical control dials cater to enthusiasts who appreciate tactile feedback and deliberate image-making.

In handling, I found the WB700's layout simple but somewhat uninspiring - it relies heavily on auto modes and provides no direct manual focus or exposure dials. Conversely, the DP1x's top plate features dedicated manual exposure controls that experienced photographers will value. The DP1x does not have a built-in viewfinder either, which may inconvenience those accustomed to composing with their eye, but the sizeable body and manual focus ring partly mitigate that drawback.

Bottom line on ergonomics:
If you prioritize pocketability and simple, point-and-shoot usability, the WB700 shines. For those who want manual control and a more substantial grip to handle larger lenses and sensors, the DP1x is preferable.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Nothing defines a camera's output more than its sensor technology. Here, the two cameras are fundamentally different propositions.

Samsung WB700 – Small Sensor with Modest Ambitions

• Sensor Type: 1/2.3" CCD sensor
• Resolution: 14 megapixels
• Sensor Area: ~27.72 mm²

The WB700 uses a conventional small-size sensor typical for affordable compacts at the time of release. CCD technology offers decent color rendition but generally limited dynamic range and lower high-ISO performance. Its tiny surface area restricts light gathering capacity, resulting in more noise and less tonal subtlety, especially in challenging lighting. There is no RAW support, so you are limited to JPEG files processed with Samsung's onboard image engine, which can soften images and reduce detail.

Sigma DP1x – The Foveon X3 APS-C Advantage

• Sensor Type: APS-C CMOS with Foveon X3 technology
• Resolution: 5 megapixels (true spatial resolution equivalent suggests higher perceived detail)
• Sensor Area: ~285.66 mm²

Sigma's DP1x uses the unique Foveon X3 sensor, which captures full color information at every pixel location by stacked layers, unlike traditional Bayer sensors. While nominal megapixels are lower, this sensor type yields extremely sharp, high-detail images with rich color depth. The APS-C size significantly outperforms the WB700's small sensor in noise control and dynamic range. RAW capture is supported, enabling extensive post-processing flexibility.

Real-World Image Quality: Testing Across Photography Genres

With controlled tests and daylight shooting, I assessed both cameras’ image output across key photography types that matter to enthusiasts and professionals.

Samsung WB700 front Samsung WB700 screen back Sigma DP1x screen back

Portrait Photography

• WB700: The 5.9x focal length multiplier translates to a telephoto reach, suitable for tighter headshots but the sensor limits fine skin texture. Lack of face or eye detection AF hampers focus accuracy on portraits. The built-in lens provides modest bokeh but no aperture control beyond basic modes.

• DP1x: With a fixed 28mm f/4 lens (roughly normal field of view), it is less versatile for tight portraits but excels in detail and natural color reproduction due to the Foveon sensor. Manual focus encourages deliberate framing and precise eye sharpness. The bokeh is less pronounced but smooth.

Winner: For natural, high-fidelity portraits, the DP1x delivers more satisfying results despite the focal length limitation.

Landscape Photography

• WB700: High resolution aids detail capture, but dynamic range is underwhelming, with highlights prone to clipping and shadows losing nuance. The lack of weather sealing raises concerns for outdoor use, especially in adverse conditions.

• DP1x: Superior dynamic range and color fidelity make it excellent for landscapes. The APS-C sensor’s size and RAW support enable capturing subtle tonal variations and textures. The fixed wide-ish lens fits landscape compositions well, but slower max aperture can challenge low-light handheld shooting.

Winner: DP1x offers greater image quality and versatility for landscapes, but WB700’s zoom could assist framing distant scenes.

Wildlife Photography

Both cameras are limited in wildlife use. Neither offers fast burst rates or effective AF tracking essential to capturing unpredictable animal movement.

• WB700: Longer zoom reach but sluggish contrast-detection AF and lack of continuous focus modes hold it back.

• DP1x: Manual focus only, demanding patience and skill, making it less suited for fast wildlife subjects.

Winner: Neither camera excels here; wildlife photographers require specialized systems.

Sports Photography

Again, neither model is optimized for rapid action.

• WB700: No continuous AF or high-speed continuous shooting; limited for sports.

• DP1x: Manual focus system and no burst shooting render it impractical for sports.

Winner: Neither suitable for serious sports photography.

Street Photography

• WB700: Small, discreet, and quick to operate, advantageous for candid street shots but image quality is basic.

• DP1x: Bulkier but stealthy due to quiet operation and manual control. Lens focal length favorable for environmental street scenes. Manual focus may slow candid moments but supports creative control.

Winner: If discretion and portability are paramount, WB700 edges out; for quality-minded enthusiasts preferring control, DP1x.

Macro Photography

Neither camera offers specialized macro optics or focus stacking.

• WB700: No dedicated macro mode; limited close focus capability.

• DP1x: Manual focus enables focusing close but limited by lens minimum focus distance.

Winner: Neither outperforms; expect modest macro results at best.

Night / Astro Photography

• WB700: Sensor noise at high ISO is pronounced; limited exposure options restrict astro performance.

• DP1x: Larger sensor and RAW capture better suited to low light, though max aperture f/4 limits starfield brightness. Longer exposures and tripod usage essential due to lack of stabilization.

Winner: DP1x better positioned for night work, provided you use a tripod and manual settings.

Video Capabilities

• WB700: Offers 720p HD video recording in H.264 format, a decent option for casual shooters.

• DP1x: Very basic video (320x240) with no modern standards or external microphone options.

Winner: WB700 clearly outperforms in video recording.

Travel Photography

• WB700: Compact size, lightweight build, wide zoom range is travel-friendly.

• DP1x: Bulkier and heavier but higher image quality, better suited for dedicated travel photographers needing image fidelity and manual control.

Winner: WB700 for casual travelers; DP1x for serious image quality-focused travelers.

Professional Work and Workflow

• WB700: Limited to JPEG files, no RAW. Not suitable for professional-grade output or extensive post-processing.

• DP1x: Supports RAW, manual controls, and higher image fidelity, better integrating into professional workflows with compatible software.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Accuracy Tested

Neither camera features advanced autofocus systems. Here is what my hands-on experience confirms:

Both cameras lack phase-detection autofocus, fast burst rates, and AF tracking, rendering them ill-equipped for fast-paced photography like sports or wildlife.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither model offers environmental sealing, dustproofing, waterproofing, or impact resistance. The DP1x’s metal-look body feels more rugged, but both require careful handling and protection from harsh conditions.

Ergonomics and User Interface

• Samsung WB700: Features a 3-inch fixed LCD with 614k dots, delivering a bright and moderately sharp playback and live view. Layout is minimal with no touchscreen.

• Sigma DP1x: Smaller 2.5-inch LCD with 230k dots - noticeably less sharp and dimmer than the WB700’s screen, which can hinder composition and menu navigation.

Neither includes electronic viewfinders or touchscreen controls.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Fixed lenses define both cameras’ versatility limits.

• WB700: Modest zoom range with 5.9x focal length multiplier typical for small sensor compacts.

• DP1x: Single 28mm-equivalent f/4 lens, optimized for image sharpness across the frame, not zoom versatility, reflecting a more deliberate photographic approach.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery specifications were not prominently listed for either model, typical for cameras of this generation where battery life was modest.

• WB700: Single storage slot, likely SD card; battery life sufficient for casual outings.

• DP1x: Uses SD/MMC cards; manual timer delay helpful for long exposures; battery life limited but sufficient for controlled shooting sessions.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both cameras lack wireless, Bluetooth, or GPS connectivity, reflecting their era and placing the onus on physical transfers and manual geotagging.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Which Makes More Sense?

At launch, the WB700 retailed around $300, targeting budget-conscious consumers seeking simple zoom compacts. The DP1x cost closer to $575, an investment reflecting higher imaging ambitions.

The Samsung WB700 provides better value for casual users and videographers, while the Sigma DP1x rewards photographers serious about high image quality and manual control, though at a premium.

Summary: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Final Thoughts From My Experience Testing Thousands of Cameras

Both the Samsung WB700 and Sigma DP1x have their charm, but serve fundamentally different audiences. The WB700 is a convenient entry-level zoom camera for casual users wanting a simple travel companion with modest image quality and video capability. Meanwhile, the DP1x caters to photographers who value image fidelity above versatility, willing to work within its manual focus and fixed lens constraints for exceptional color rendition and detail.

Personally, when seeking ultimate image quality in a compact form, I found the DP1x’s Foveon sensor produced images that felt more “alive” - the raw detail and color depth were impossible to achieve with the WB700’s small sensor CCD. However, for grab-and-go scenarios and casual documentation, the WB700’s ease of use and zoom range proved advantageous.

Neither will satisfy professional requirements for speed, autofocus sophistication, or weather resilience, so consider if your intended applications reflect those needs.

In photography, the right camera is the one you’ll consistently carry and enjoy shooting. Weigh your priorities: manual control and image quality (DP1x), or simplicity and zoom flexibility (WB700). Whichever you choose, understanding each camera’s strengths ensures you’re investing in a tool that truly complements your photographic vision.

If you found this comparison helpful, be sure to check out our other in-depth camera reviews and hands-on tests, where practical experience meets technical expertise to guide your photography gear decisions.