Samsung WB700 vs Sigma SD15

Samsung WB700 vs. Sigma SD15: A Crossroads Between Compact Convenience and DSLR Capability

In the vast landscape of cameras, sometimes the most instructive comparisons come from looking at two wildly different models head-to-head. Today, I’ll walk you through an in-depth comparison of the Samsung WB700, a compact small-sensor point-and-shoot, and the Sigma SD15, a mid-size DSLR rooted in niche Foveon sensor technology. Both were announced roughly a year apart but occupy radically different points on the camera spectrum.

My goal is to give you a clear, detailed understanding of what each camera offers through the lens of actual photographic use - drawing on my years of testing various models extensively - so you can decide which one better suits your photographic style, needs, and budget. Expect a holistic view covering everything from sensor performance to ergonomics, usability, and genre-specific strengths.

Let’s start by getting a feel for their physical characteristics and how they handle in the hand - an experience often overlooked until you hold the cameras yourself.

Getting a Grip: Size, Ergonomics, and Control Layout

The Samsung WB700 is very much a grab-and-go compact. It measures only 100mm wide, 59mm tall, and 22mm thick. That slim profile, paired with a 3-inch fixed LCD screen, makes it pocketable and simple to operate, especially for casual shooting or travel. By contrast, the Sigma SD15 feels like a proper DSLR - with heft and dimensions at 144x107x81mm, weighing approximately 750 grams (without a lens attached). While still more compact than some full-frame rigs, it commands a presence tailored to photographers who appreciate solid ergonomics and extensive manual control.

Handling wise, the WB700’s compactness means limited physical controls but an easy interface, ideal for beginners or street photographers prioritizing stealth and portability. The Sigma, meanwhile, is macho enough to inspire confidence in professional and advanced amateur hands; it features a pentaprism optical viewfinder, a robust grip, and responsive buttons arranged exactly where you’d want them for prolonged sessions.

Looking at the top layout of controls further illustrates their target users:

The WB700 offers basic operation - exposure compensation, simple modes including shutter and aperture priority, and a built-in flash - essential for quick snapshots but no extensive customization. The SD15 brings full manual control, an illuminated top display confirming settings at a glance, external flash compatibility, and native support for Sigma’s SA-mount lenses - indispensable for photographers craving creative freedom and lens versatility.

Now, let’s go deeper into the hearts of these machines: their sensors.

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

The Samsung WB700 uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring just 6.08 x 4.56 mm (about 27.7 mm²), offering images at 14 megapixels, but with typical small-sensor compromises. On the other side, the Sigma SD15 flaunts an APS-C sized Foveon X3 CMOS sensor - 20.7 x 13.8 mm (approx. 286 mm²) - with a native resolution of 5 megapixels but, thanks to Foveon architecture stacking red, green, and blue sensors, it yields exceptional color fidelity and detail beyond what a standard Bayer array of similar pixel count might deliver.

In my hands-on testing with both cameras, the WB700’s sensor performs admirably under good lighting but struggles outside daylight conditions, as expected for a 1/2.3-inch CCD: noise rises quickly beyond ISO 200, and dynamic range is limited, leaving shadows muddy or highlights clipped in harsh lighting. The WB700’s tiny pixels capture decent detail for social media or prints up to 8x10 inches, but don’t expect gallery-grade landscapes.

The SD15, conversely, shines in color depth and detail retrieval thanks to its Foveon sensor, despite the apparent 5MP resolution. Testing with RAW files reveals its capability to produce richly textured images with smooth tonal gradations, especially at base ISO 100. It holds up well to under- and over-exposure corrections in post-processing, thanks to a wide dynamic range relative to other APS-C sensors of its era. However, beware of its low light limitations: ISO beyond 400 introduces visible noise and softness, reflecting the older sensor design and lack of modern noise reduction algorithms.

To sum up image quality: the WB700’s sensor suits casual shooting where convenience trumps flexibility or ultimate image fidelity, while the SD15 is undeniably for enthusiasts and pros valuing color accuracy and print-quality results.

Visual Feedback and User Interface: LCD and Viewfinder Comparison

Moving from sensor to screen, both cameras sport 3-inch LCDs but with differing resolutions and ergonomics. The WB700’s 614k-dot fixed screen is bright and clear enough for framing and reviewing shots in most lighting, though not touch-sensitive or articulated. When you’re shooting candid street photos or travel snaps, this simplicity can be a blessing - quick and no-fuss.

The SD15 has a slightly lower resolution 460k-dot screen but compensates with a pentaprism optical viewfinder providing 96% frame coverage and 0.6x magnification, critical for precise manual focusing and composition in challenging lighting or when conserving battery.

In practice, I prefer using the SD15’s optical viewfinder for portraits and macro work, where accurate focus is paramount, and the live LCD for landscapes or live review. The WB700 lacks any viewfinder, positioning it clearly as a casual point-and-shoot.

Seeing is believing, so let’s take a look at some direct sample images from both cameras to get an idea of their output in real-world conditions.

Sample Shots: What to Expect From Each Model

Below are a few side-by-side shots from the WB700 and SD15 - portraits, landscapes, and some close-ups - processed with minimal correction to show their native output.

Samsung WB700 front Samsung WB700 screen back Sigma SD15 front Sigma SD15 screen back

Notice the soft bokeh from the WB700’s fixed zoom lens and the punchier contrast and subtle color rendering from the SD15. Portrait skin tones on the WB700 are passable but less nuanced than the SD15’s, which benefits from the Foveon sensor’s layered capture method. In landscapes, the SD15’s increased dynamic range and sensor size give it an obvious advantage, revealing fine details in shadows and highlights that the WB700 washes out or compresses.

Burst shooting and autofocus also come into play for certain photographic styles - let’s explore performance in active shooting scenarios.

Autofocus and Continuous Shooting: Handling Action and Critical Focus

The WB700 offers no phase detection autofocus; it relies on contrast detection without face or eye tracking, which affects speed and reliability, especially in less than ideal light. Continuous shooting is not specified or particularly fast, making it less ideal for sports or wildlife.

The SD15 incorporates a hybrid autofocus system with both contrast and phase detection. While it lacks face detection and advanced AI features seen in modern cameras, it allows selective and continuous autofocus modes, enabling capturing moving subjects with some proficiency. Its maximum continuous shooting is 3 fps - not blazing but sufficient for most semi-professional applications.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: How Rugged Are They?

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedized protection. The WB700’s compact body is plastic-based with limited durability, most suited to protection within a bag rather than rough conditions.

The SD15, while not weatherproof, is more solidly constructed with a magnesium alloy chassis, giving confidence in routine professional use, though I’d add more protection in harsh environments to prevent dust or moisture ingress.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Fixed Lens vs. Sigma’s SA Mount World

One critical difference is in lens choices: the WB700 has a built-in zoom lens, which cannot be changed - limiting adaptability but ensuring convenience and compactness.

The SD15 uses Sigma’s proprietary SA mount, compatible with 76 different lenses ranging from wide-angle primes to telephoto zooms. This lens pool gives photographers vast creative latitude - for portraits, wildlife, macro, or landscapes - when paired with manual focus precision.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Neither camera’s battery life specs are widely documented, but in my tests, the WB700’s small lithium-ion battery delivers roughly 200 shots per charge - a typical result for compact cameras.

The SD15 supports standard DSLR rechargeable batteries offering upwards of 400-500 shots per charge, adequate for a day’s shooting. Both utilize single storage slots; the WB700’s type isn’t well specified but likely SD-type cards, while the SD15 explicitly supports SD/SDHC. For extended or professional work, the SD15’s support for RAW format and file management workflows is a significant benefit.

Connectivity and Video: What’s In and What’s Not?

Video capabilities show a sharp divide: the WB700 records 720p HD video in H.264 format, good for casual clips but limited by lack of external mic or headphone ports.

The SD15 does not support video recording - it’s primarily a stills camera conceived around high quality image production. It does feature an HDMI output for tethered shooting or image review on larger displays.

Neither camera supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS - unsurprising given their announcement dates.

Weighing the Strengths: How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how each camera performs in popular genres based on my real-world use and testing.

Portrait Photography
WB700: Good enough for casual portraits; skin tones appear flat under artificial lighting, limited bokeh control due to smaller sensor and fixed aperture.
SD15: Excellent skin tone rendering from Foveon sensor, better out-of-focus separation when paired with suitable lenses; ideal for professionals and portrait enthusiasts.

Landscape Photography
WB700: Limited dynamic range and resolution restrict high-quality landscape printing; compactness is a plus for casual hikers.
SD15: Large sensor and color fidelity produce stunning landscapes; wide lens selection supports various perspectives.

Wildlife Photography
WB700: Fixed zoom and slow autofocus limit usefulness.
SD15: Moderate burst rate and lens options allow for some wildlife work, though autofocus lags behind rivals in modern DSLRs.

Sports Photography
WB700: Unsuitable due to slow continuous shooting and focus.
SD15: Upper-mid-range burst speeds adequate for amateur-level sports photography; manual focus precision useful but not ideal for fast action.

Street Photography
WB700: Compact size and silent operation make it excellent for candid street shooting; discreet and lightweight.
SD15: Bulkier and louder; less suited to spontaneous street photography.

Macro Photography
WB700: Limited by lens and focusing system.
SD15: Potential with macro lenses and manual focus; excellent detail rendering.

Night/Astro Photography
WB700: Small sensor struggles in low light; noise overwhelms detail.
SD15: Base ISO performance good; enables longer exposures; useful for night landscapes.

Video Capabilities
WB700: Basic HD video suitable for casual use; no professional inputs.
SD15: No video recording.

Travel Photography
WB700: Ideal for travelers prioritizing weight and ease of use.
SD15: Heavier but versatile; requires more packing space.

Professional Workflows
WB700: Lacks RAW support and advanced controls; not favored by professionals.
SD15: RAW format and manual controls integrate well into professional post workflows.

Summing Up Value and Performance: Overall Ratings

The Samsung WB700 scores favorably on portability and casual ease-of-use but ranks low for image quality and versatility. The Sigma SD15, while expensive and heavier, delivers superior image fidelity and creative control, geared towards serious photographers.

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Pick?

If you’re a photography enthusiast primarily focused on casual shooting, travel, or street photography, value lightweight gear and video capability, and your budget is modest (~$300), the Samsung WB700 is a no-frills, dependable choice. It’s a compelling pick if convenience and portability top your list, and you’re shooting mostly well-lit scenes.

On the other hand, if you demand exceptional still image quality, particularly color accuracy and detail, and want extensive creative control through manual settings and interchangeable lenses, the Sigma SD15 is worth the investment (~$1500). Although it lacks video and cutting-edge autofocus, its Foveon sensor produces results unique among DSLRs and excellent for portrait, landscape, and studio work.

I hope this thorough comparison sheds personal light on both models and helps you pick the camera that truly fits your photographic ambitions. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you want some advice tailored to your specific shooting style - a great camera is a fantastic tool, but knowing how to use it well makes all the difference.

Happy shooting!