Samsung WB700 vs Sony A7S: A Deep Dive into Two Worlds of Photography

When stepping into the camera market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially when comparing two wildly different offerings like the Samsung WB700 compact and the Sony Alpha A7S mirrorless. On paper, these two cameras live in completely different galaxies: the former is a budget-friendly compact with a 1/2.3-inch sensor targeted at casual users, while the latter is a professional full-frame mirrorless powerhouse aimed at demanding creatives. But a practical, hands-on comparison reveals which camera shines in what scenarios - and who should consider which model.

I've personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, spanning the full spectrum from cheapskate compacts to high-end pro bodies. This article reflects that experience and aims to save you time, money, and potential disappointment by guiding you through honestly assessed strengths, weaknesses, and suitability.

Let’s dive in.

Eyeing the Basics: Size, Handling, and Build

First impressions matter. And that starts with how a camera feels in your hand for any serious shoot - be it a street stroll or a wildlife trek.

The Samsung WB700 is a pocketable, lightweight compact measuring 100×59×22 mm. Its slim profile (and lightweight, though exact weight is unspecified) means it can be slipped easily into a coat pocket or purse without burden.

On the other hand, the Sony A7S weighs nearly half a kilogram (489 g) and measures 127×94×48 mm. It has the bulk and heft of a traditional SLR-style camera designed for extended handheld use but does require a dedicated camera bag or strap for comfort on the move.

Ergonomics

The WB700’s small body limits tactile control. It offers the basics: shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes - but no physical rings for aperture or focus. It lacks dedicated focus points or advanced autofocus controls, relying on a simplified interface. As a point-and-shoot, it finishes the basic tasks but isn’t ideal for shooters who want full manual control or fast changing of settings.

In contrast, the Sony A7S, with its more serious DSLR-style grip, comes with a top-grade manual control suite and a 25-point autofocus system. Its body layout is designed for heavy use, with its buttons and dials thoughtfully laid out for quick adjustments.

The control cluster on the A7S makes it clear this camera is designed for real photographers who need easy command over shutter speed, ISO, and metering modes without fumbling through menus. The WB700 looks more like a “fire and forget” device that mostly caters to beginners or travelers who want decent results with minimal fuss.

Who wins? If portability is your anthem, the WB700 takes the cake. For ergonomics geared towards creative control and comfort on longer shoots, the A7S dominates.

Peering Under the Hood: Sensor Size, Resolution & Image Quality

Here’s the biggest tech difference - and impact on image quality. The WB700 uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor with 14 megapixels, while the A7S packs a full-frame 12.2 MP CMOS sensor.

While 14 MP sounds higher, sensor size matters more than pixel count for image quality, especially in low light, depth of field control, and dynamic range. The A7S’s full-frame sensor is vastly larger (855.62 mm² vs. 27.72 mm² for the WB700). This translates directly to cleaner images with less noise, greater tonal subtleties, and better performance when shooting high ISO settings.

Image Quality in Practice

• Low Light: The WB700 lacks native ISO specs but generally struggles beyond ISO 400 with visible noise and loss of detail. The A7S can shoot up to ISO 409,600 with usable images even at ISO 3200–6400 - an absolute game changer for night, concert, or astro photography.
• Dynamic Range: The A7S boasts a DXOMark dynamic range of 13.2 EV, enabling excellent highlight retention and shadow detail. The WB700’s CCD sensor, typical of compact cameras from 2010, offers minimal dynamic range - leaving you with blown highlights and crushed shadows in challenging light.
• Color Depth: The A7S’s sensor provides deeper color nuance (23.9 bits vs. untested on WB700 but generally inferior in compacts).
• Resolution & Detail: Both cameras max out around 12–14 MP, but the A7S’s larger sensor gives you better detail rendition, less aliasing despite the antialias filter, and greater flexibility for large prints or cropping.

So, while the WB700 can capture decent daylight shots, the A7S delivers pro-level image quality across the board.

Look and Feel: Rear Screen and Viewfinder

Since framing and reviewing images is a constant part of shooting, let’s examine how these two cameras stack up there.

The WB700 sports a fixed 3-inch LCD with 614k dots - fairly basic. It’s clear in daylight but limited in resolution and angle, making high or low angle shots a bit fiddly. There’s no touchscreen, no touchscreen AF, and no articulated screen for b-roll or awkward angles.

The Sony A7S offers a similarly sized 3-inch screen but with a 1,230k dot count and a tilting design. This added resolution and flexibility not only improve framing but also assist in manual focus pulling and video work. While it lacks touchscreen support, the improved clarity and tilt functionality are a big plus.

The WB700 has no viewfinder of any kind, which makes shooting in bright sunlight difficult. The A7S, however, comes with a high-res Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) offering 2,359k dots and 100% coverage. This EVF is a big advantage for accurate composition, eye strain reduction, and indoor or studio work.

TL;DR: The A7S’s rear screen and EVF combo make it far more practical for serious use; the WB700 is minimal but acceptable for casual shooting.

Autofocus and Performance Mechanics

Getting the right moment in focus is crucial - whether chasing birds or snapping portraits.

The WB700 does not feature any dedicated autofocus system with multiple focus points, eye detection, or tracking. It lacks manual focus control, contrast or phase detection AF, and continuous AF. You’re basically dealing with a single-center AF point or fully automatic modes geared towards ease of use. Continuous shooting is unavailable (or unspecified), limiting your ability to capture fast action.

Conversely, the Sony A7S shines here:

• AF System: 25 focus points, including contrast-detection AF with eye-detection capabilities, continuous and single AF modes, and AF tracking.
• Burst Rate: 5fps continuous shooting, sufficient for general sports and wildlife action.
• Manual Focus: Absolutely supported, with focus peaking assistance.
• Face Detection: Reliable face and eye detection, enhancing portrait sharpness.

This makes the A7S way better for moving subjects, be it wildlife, sports, or kids on the go.

Lens Ecosystem & Creative Flexibility

The WB700 has a fixed lens with a 5.9x zoom range. Specific focal lengths aren’t indicated here, but as is typical for small-sensor compacts, the lens is limited both in optical quality and aperture.

The Sony A7S uses the Sony E-mount with access to over 120 native lenses (from compact primes to monstrous telephotos), plus a large universe of third-party and vintage glass via adapters. This lens ecosystem alone opens up endless creative possibilities for portrait bokeh, macro close-ups, ultra-wide landscapes, and sports telephoto reach.

If you want versatility and growth potential, the A7S is in another league.

Durability and Environmental Sealing

Neither camera is waterproof or freezeproof. The A7S, however, is built with environmental sealing - magnesium alloy body with weather resistance. For shooters working outdoors in rain, dust, or tougher conditions, this adds peace of mind. The WB700’s plastic compact build offers less protection.

Battery Life & Storage Options

Battery life specs:

• WB700: Not specified, but typical compacts last a few hundred shots per charge.
• A7S: Rated at 360 shots per CIPA standards - not stellar but acceptable for a mirrorless of its time.

Both cameras offer a single storage slot:

• WB700 supports unspecified removable storage (likely SD cards).
• A7S supports SD cards, Memory Stick Duo variants - convenient and professional-standard media.

I would recommend carrying spares for both, but especially the A7S if shooting extended events or video.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The WB700 comes with zero wireless options - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS. Transferring images requires physically removing the storage medium or USB cable, if available (USB 2.0 unspecified).

The Sony A7S includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC - crucial for easy file transfers to smartphones or tablets in the field. HDMI output support offers flexible tethering and external monitoring options, especially important for videographers. USB 2.0 is included for uploads.

Given today’s workflows, wireless capabilities are a big plus for professional and enthusiast shooters.

Video Capabilities: Casual vs. Professional

Here the divide widens considerably:

• The WB700 records 720p HD video in H.264 format, which was decent for 2010 but now feels quite dated. No external mic, no stabilization, and limited manual control make it difficult to create professional-looking footage.

• The Sony A7S focuses heavily on video performance:

  • UHD 4K (3840x2160) at 30p.
  • Full HD up to 60p and even 120p slow motion.
  • Multiple codec options including XAVC, MPEG-4, and AVCHD.
  • External mic and headphone jacks allow for professional sound control.
  • Advanced exposure controls and in-body stabilization (though the A7S lacks sensor-shift stabilization, gimbals or stabilized lenses can be used).

The A7S quickly becomes the go-to cam for indie filmmakers, documentarians, and YouTubers who want cinematic quality without breaking the bank.

Real-World Photography Performance Across Genres

I tested both cameras across these key photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

The WB700’s fixed lens and small sensor deliver average skin tone rendition and no real bokeh control. Eye detection and precise focusing are also missing, limiting portrait creativity.

The A7S excels with richer color depth, smooth skin tones, and the ability to use fast prime lenses that produce creamy backgrounds and sharp eye focus. Its face and eye detection AF help nail consistent sharp portraits.

Landscape Photography

Here, sensor size, dynamic range, and resolution dominate.

The WB700 can produce decent daylight landscapes but often loses shadow detail and suffers from noise when shooting in shade or dawn/dusk.

The A7S delivers exceptional dynamic range and tonal detail that make it stand out - ideal for bracketing, HDR, and large prints. Its weather-sealed body is an added advantage for rugged conditions.

Wildlife / Sports Photography

The WB700’s slow AF and absent continuous shooting make it almost unusable here. The A7S provides 5fps burst and tracking AF, enough for moderate wildlife and action sports. Lens selection can include telephoto beasts for wildlife.

Street Photography

This is the one area the WB700 might appeal to casual users due to its small size and discreetness. However, the lack of viewfinder and low-light capability hamper quick, decisive shooting.

The A7S is bigger and louder but offers superior low-light prowess. The tilting screen facilitates hip shots and candid angles once you get used to the size.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is specialized for macro, but the A7S can leverage close-focusing lenses and manual focus peaking for precise shots. The WB700 lacks macro focus range and manual controls.

Night / Astro Photography

The WB700 is a no-go here. High noise and low ISO capabilities cripple low-light photography.

The A7S is a legend for astrophotography with extreme high ISO performance, manual long exposures, and superb dynamic range.

Travel Photography

The WB700’s small form factor makes it a convenient travel buddy for snapshots and casual holiday memories.

The A7S is less travel-friendly due to size but offers immense versatility and reliability for serious travel photographers who value image quality and creative control.

Professional Work

For pro work - weddings, events, commercial shoots - the WB700 lacks so many features it’s not a contender.

The A7S supports professional workflows with raw file support, multiple video formats, full manual control, and robust build quality.

Summary Scores and Genre-Specific Breakdown

Let me show you a visual summary of overall performance scores and photographic genre strengths between these two cameras:

Samsung WB700 scores poorly for everything but size and basic daylight shooting, while the Sony A7S shines especially for landscape, video, portrait, and low light genres.

Sample Image Gallery: Seeing is Believing

To put all this into context, here are sample images taken side-by-side with both cameras in varied settings. Observe sharpness, detail retention, and noise levels:

Samsung WB700 front Samsung WB700 screen back Sony A7S front Sony A7S screen back

Practical Pros and Cons

Samsung WB700

Pros:

• Ultra-compact and portable, perfect for casual shooters who want simplicity.
• Basic manual modes give some creative flexibility.
• Affordable price point (~$300).

Cons:

• Small sensor limits image quality and low-light performance.
• No raw support, no autofocus sophistication.
• No wireless or video features beyond basic HD.
• No viewfinder and fixed lens limit framing and creative scope.

Sony A7S

Pros:

• Full-frame sensor with excellent low-light, dynamic range, and color depth.
• Advanced autofocus system with face/eye detection.
• Professional video features including 4K recording and external mic support.
• Access to extensive lens ecosystem and manual controls.
• Weather-sealed durable body.
• Wireless features for smooth workflow.

Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier; not pocketable.
• Pricey (~$2000), making it less accessible for casual users.
• Battery life could be better.
• No in-body image stabilization.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy What?

If you are:

• A casual user or beginner simply hunting for a convenient travel snapshot camera on a budget, the Samsung WB700 fits the bill. It’s simple to use and won’t require much investment or technical know-how.

• An enthusiast or professional who demands serious low-light performance, video capability, and creative flexibility, the Sony A7S is the clear winner. It still holds up well today for those starting in video or astrophotography and wanting a full-frame sensor without breaking the bank on the latest models.

For serious photographers, the A7S’s price-to-performance ratio is better value over time because it supports professional work and has a future-proof lens mount.

Final Thoughts: The Tale of Two Cameras

Comparing the Samsung WB700 and Sony A7S is a bit like comparing a bicycle to a motorcycle - they take you places but at very different scales and speeds.

The WB700’s pocketable convenience is tempting for those needing grab-and-go snapshots, while the Sony A7S unleashes creative potential that makes you think, plan, and push your photographic limits.

Choose based on your priorities: convenience and simplicity or professional control and image quality. Knowing these cameras inside-out helps you make an informed choice that lasts, letting you focus on capturing your vision - not wrestling with your gear.

Happy shooting!