Comparing the Samsung WB700 and Sigma sd Quattro: What’s Best for Your Photography Journey?

Choosing a camera can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. Today we’ll explore two very different models: the compact Samsung WB700, introduced in 2010, and the advanced mirrorless Sigma sd Quattro from 2016. These cameras contrast strongly in design, technology, and intended use - offering us a unique opportunity for a deep dive into how camera tech and features influence photographic outcomes.

Whether you’re a casual shooter seeking simplicity or a photo enthusiast craving sensor innovation, this comparison will equip you to find the camera best suited to your style, budget, and creative goals.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Build

The Samsung WB700 is a slim, pocketable compact, while the Sigma sd Quattro touts a substantial mirrorless body aimed at advanced users.

From an ergonomics perspective, the WB700’s sleek, ultra-portable frame makes it ideal for travel and street photography where discreetness and light carry matter. The substantial heft and grip of the Quattro grant improved stability, comfortable manual handling, and durability for extended shoots. The built-in weather sealing on the Quattro provides confidence to shoot in varied environments - a feature absent on the WB700.

Additionally, the WB700’s fixed lens reduces complexity but limits creative lens choices, while the Quattro’s native Sigma SA mount opens a universe of interchangeable lenses (currently 76+ optical options), enhancing versatility.

Control Layout and User Interface: Intuitive or Intentional Complexity?

The design philosophies here couldn’t be more distinct - one prioritizing simplicity, the other capability.

Upon handling both, the Samsung’s controls feel approachable for beginners or casual shooters. Its limited buttons and simple menu structure streamline usage. However, the absence of a viewfinder means you rely entirely on the LCD screen, which may be challenging in bright daylight.

Conversely, the Sigma Quattro’s top deck features an array of buttons and dials geared toward manual adjustment and fast access. The inclusion of a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a game-changer for precise composition and usability in varying light. While the interface requires a learning curve, it rewards you with tactile control and efficiency once mastered.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: A Quantum Leap

This is where the two cameras diverge most starkly and where your photographic ambitions will find either a basic or sophisticated ally.

The WB700’s diminutive 1/2.3” CCD sensor limits image quality - reflected in lower dynamic range, higher noise under dim conditions, and less fine detail. It suits snapshots and casual photography, but you must temper expectations regarding enlargement or cropping flexibility.

The Quattro shines with its unique Foveon X3 sensor - a 3-layer design capturing full color data at each pixel location, delivering astonishing detail, accuracy, and color depth uncommon in traditional Bayer sensors. Its APS-C sensor provides a much larger light-gathering area, enabling cleaner images in low light and richer tonal gradations.

In practical testing, the Quattro produces impressively sharp textures in landscapes, nuanced skin tones in portraits, and excellent color fidelity across scenes. The WB700's output, while acceptable for social media or prints up to 8x10 inches, reveals noise and softness quickly beyond those sizes.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Fast Focus vs. Manual Precision

The Samsung WB700 notably lacks an autofocus system. This is an unusual limitation that restricts quick focusing and responsiveness, meaning you’ll often face challenges with moving subjects or spontaneous shots. For casual day-to-day photography where patience and static subjects predominate, this can be manageable.

The Sigma sd Quattro offers a modest autofocus system combining phase and contrast detection with 9 AF points and face detection. While not blazing fast compared to rivals, it is competent for portrait, landscape, and general shooting. The continuous AF and tracking enable moderate success on moderate motion subjects such as sports or wildlife, but faster subjects may exceed its capabilities.

Burst shooting is limited on both sides - 3.8 fps on the Quattro is enough for modest action but not for serious sports or wildlife photographers expecting rapid-fire frames.

Shooting Versatility: From Portraits to Macro to Nightscapes

Portrait Photography

• WB700: The fixed lens with moderate zoom and no manual focus or AF makes controlling depth of field or precise focusing challenging. Skin tone reproduction is typical for a compact sensor, with modest bokeh due to small sensor and lens constraints.
• Quattro: With interchangeable lenses and manual focus, the Quattro excels at portraits. The Foveon sensor’s color accuracy renders lifelike skin tones. Its APS-C sensor helps isolate subjects with creamy backgrounds when paired with fast primes. Face detection AF aids focus accuracy.

Landscape Photography

• WB700: Small sensor and limited dynamic range restrict the depth and detail in wide scenes - colors may appear less vivid on large prints.
• Quattro: The large sensor and high-resolution output capture extensive tonal range and fine textures. Its weather sealing supports outings in challenging conditions.

Wildlife and Sports

• WB700: Nearly unsuitable due to absence of autofocus and slow shooting speeds.
• Quattro: Moderate autofocus and frame rates offer some ability for slow-moving wildlife and casual sports but lag behind top-tier specialists.

Street Photography

• WB700: Its compactness and quiet operation make it excellent for candid street shots; however, the lack of reliable AF demands patience.
• Quattro: Larger footprint and louder shutter may draw attention. Yet manual focus mastery enables creative control.

Macro Photography

• WB700: No macro focus range defined, likely limited capabilities.
• Quattro: Interchangeable lenses include macro options with precise manual focusing, aided by high-res EVF.

Night and Astrophotography

• WB700: Small sensor struggles with noise at high ISO; no long exposure modes beyond 30s.
• Quattro: Supports ISO 100-6400, combined with manual exposure and RAW, enabling astrophotography with noise management and skyscape detail.

Video Capabilities

• WB700: Offers 720p HD video in H.264 format; basic but functional for casual use.
• Quattro: No video recording capability, focusing purely on photographic excellence.

Travel Photography

• WB700: Extremely travel-friendly due to size and weight, simple menus, and integrated flash.
• Quattro: Heavier, less pocketable yet highly versatile for comprehensive creative control and image quality.

Image Gallery: Real-World Sample Comparisons

To better understand how these cameras perform, take a look at real images captured in varied contexts. Note the detail level, color fidelity, and noise.

Samsung WB700 front Samsung WB700 screen back Sigma Quattro front Sigma Quattro screen back

Here you can observe:

• The Quattro’s superior detail and tonal range in landscape and portrait shots.
• The WB700’s decent snapshots under bright conditions but evident softness and noise in low light.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Reliability

The WB700 is designed for occasional use, travel snapshots, and family events. It lacks ruggedness or environmental protections.

The Sigma Quattro is constructed with professionals and serious enthusiasts in mind, featuring a durable body and sealed chassis to withstand rain and dust, enhancing reliability on demanding assignments.

Ergonomics and Interface Practicality

The Quattro’s intentionally designed physical controls offer tactile feedback and custom button assignments, accelerating workflow once you adapt.

The WB700 relies more heavily on menus and limited button inputs, which beginners may find straightforward but which pros may find restrictive.

Lens and Accessory Ecosystem: A Tale of Fixed vs. Flexible

The WB700’s fixed lens limits creative latitude but keeps things simple. If you want to experiment with focal lengths, apertures, or specialty lenses, the Quattro’s broad Sigma mount ecosystem is invaluable.

Battery Life and Storage

• WB700: Battery specs are unspecified; expect average use typical of compacts.
• Quattro: Uses BP-61 battery, solid for advanced shooting sessions; single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

USB 3.0 on the Quattro allows faster transfer, while the WB700 lacks USB or HDMI connectivity.

Connectivity Features: Modern Sharing and Workflow

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or NFC, reflecting their production periods and target uses.

The Quattro includes a USB 3.0 port for speedy file transfer and an HDMI port for external monitor output, suiting workflow integration.

The WB700 lacks all video/audio output or USB options, focusing on card-based file transfer.

Pricing and Value Analysis

The WB700’s budget-friendly price reflects its straightforward design. For beginners needing portability and simple point-and-shoot functions, it delivers value.

The Quattro commands a premium justified by its sensor technology, build quality, and professional orientation. It's a long-term investment for creators prioritizing image fidelity over convenience.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

• Portraits: Quattro dominant due to sensor size, lens flexibility, and manual focus.
• Landscapes: Quattro excels in resolution and dynamic range.
• Wildlife: Neither a specialist, but Quattro fares better with AF modes and lenses.
• Sports: WB700 unsuitable; Quattro limited but usable with patience.
• Street: WB700 good for stealth shots; Quattro offers control but is bulky.
• Macro: Quattro superior with macro lens support.
• Night/Astro: Quattro capable; WB700 limited by noise and ISO.
• Video: WB700 only for casual HD clips; Quattro none.
• Travel: WB700 lightweight, Quattro versatile but heavier.
• Professional: Quattro built for pro workflow; WB700 falls short.

Final Overall Performance Ratings

The Sigma sd Quattro leads in overall image quality, control, and build, while the Samsung WB700 scores for portability and simplicity.

Recommendations: Which Camera Fits You?

Get the Samsung WB700 if you:

• Want a small, pocket-friendly camera for travel or casual daily shooting.
• Don’t need manual focus or advanced features.
• Prefer simplicity over image perfection.
• Have a limited budget around $300.
• Occasionally shoot video at 720p resolution.
• Enjoy simple snapshots of family, events, or street scenes.

Choose the Sigma sd Quattro if you:

• Are a serious enthusiast or professional demanding superior image quality.
• Want interchangeable lenses and creative manual control.
• Value a rugged, weather-sealed body for varied conditions.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, or macro where detail and color fidelity matter.
• Need RAW support, flexible exposure modes, and advanced AF features.
• Can invest over $700 in a camera body as a long-term tool.
• Are less concerned with video but focused on still mastery.
• Prefer an EVF and tactile controls over a minimal compact.

Wrapping Up: Understanding Your Photography Priorities

Our hands-on assessment reveals these cameras cater to markedly different users and needs.

The Samsung WB700 is a sensible, straightforward companion for those just starting or wanting an easy-to-use compact. However, it shows its age in image quality and lacks essential functions like autofocus and RAW. We recommend it only if you prioritize portability and casual shooting without creative ambitions.

The Sigma sd Quattro breaks barriers with its unique Foveon X3 sensor, providing exceptional image quality and color depth. While its autofocus isn’t cutting-edge, its manual control, build, and optics make it a compelling choice for demanding photographers. It’s ideal for those ready to engage deeply with their craft and unlock new creative possibilities.

Feel encouraged to try both in person, considering how each aligns with your practical shooting style and growth plans. Dive into learning manual controls, explore lens options for the Quattro, or simply enjoy the ease of the WB700’s compact design.

Thank you for exploring this comparison with us. If you want to elevate your photography and embrace detail-rich images, check out the Sigma sd Quattro and its accessories. For effortless portability and quick social sharing, the Samsung WB700 remains a nostalgic, compact choice.

Happy shooting!

Appendix: Quick Specifications Table

Explore Further:

• Lens options and reviews for Sigma SA mount
• Tech tips on manual focus and exposure for the Quattro
• Low-light shooting techniques with small sensor compacts
• Post-processing workflows using RAW from Foveon sensors

Stay curious, keep experimenting, and find gear that inspires your creative vision every day.