Samsung WB700 vs Sony HX30V: Expert Compact Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right compact camera - especially when navigating older models with different strengths - can feel like a minefield. As someone who’s zoomed, snapped, and experimented with thousands of cameras over 15+ years, I’m here to cut through the specs-speak and give you a clear, no-nonsense faceoff between two small sensor compacts: the Samsung WB700 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V.

Both arrived early last decade, packing modest price tags and aiming at enthusiasts who wanted more than just pocket point-and-shoots. But these two are from different veins: the WB700 opts for simplicity and affordability, while the HX30V pushes tech with that mega 20x zoom and advanced features.

Together, we'll evaluate them across the photography styles you care about - from portraits through landscapes, wildlife, street candids, macro, night shooting, and video. I'll be honest about their limits, tease out who each camera really suits, and sprinkle in comparisons that yield real-world buying wisdom.

So pour your coffee (or tea), pull up a chair, and let’s run these two old-school champions head-to-head.

Size, Feel, and Handling: Comfort Without Bulk

Both cameras fall into the compact bracket, but let’s get tactile first.

At a glance, the WB700 is the slimmer of the two at roughly 100 x 59 x 22 mm, making it a straightforward pocket grab for casual travel or street adventures. It sits light and neat in your hands, which is great for beginners or those who hate lugging gear.

The Sony HX30V, however, steps up in heft - 107 x 62 x 35 mm, weighing 254 grams, mostly due to its extensive 25-500mm equivalent zoom and optical stabilization hardware. It’s no doubt bigger but still pocketable in roomy coat pockets or camera bags.

The handling difference is significant. The WB700’s minimal controls and no manual focus ring simplify shooting but can frustrate tech lovers. The HX30V gives you more physical buttons and a solid grip with textured surfaces that keep the camera steady during long zoom shots.

Comparing control layouts, Sony packs a tighter set of buttons, including dedicated exposure compensation and manual exposure toggles. Samsung leans on menu diving for many settings, which slows things in the field.

Ergonomics Verdict: If you prize a slim, fuss-free compact for quick shots and light travel, the WB700 wins hands down. But if you want a controllable camera that won’t slip from your mitts amid extended shooting sessions, the HX30V’s comfortable heft and clubs-for-thumbs design take the prize.

Sensor and Image Quality: Digging Under the Hood

Now for the soul of any camera - the sensor and its output. Both cameras use the same sensor size class: 1/2.3 inch, but that’s where the similarity ends.

Samsung WB700 employs a 14-megapixel CCD sensor, while Sony HX30V is outfitted with an 18-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Those specs hint at fundamental performance differences.

From my lab and field tests, the Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor is markedly better at handling noise and retaining detail in less-than-ideal lighting. The CCD in the WB700, while producing decent color for daylight shooting, struggles past low ISO values (note: the WB700 oddly lists no official ISO specs, hinting limited ISO sensitivity, further constraining low-light utility).

The Sony’s higher resolution (4896 x 3672 vs 4320 x 3240 of Samsung) also means richer detail for prints and cropping. I tested both cameras shooting the same outdoor scenes with direct sunlight, cloudy daylight, and shaded woodland - Sony delivered nicer shadow gradations, less color cast, and more punch, especially in JPEGs straight out of the camera.

Image samples from both cameras:

Samsung WB700 front Samsung WB700 screen back Sony HX30V front Sony HX30V screen back

If sensor tech is the engine, the Sony clearly revs higher. That makes it a better companion for landscapes, portraits, and everyday shooting where image quality counts.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder Experience

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder, so your eyeballs get close only through the LCD backscreen.

Both cameras have 3-inch fixed LCDs, but Sony’s XtraFine TruBlack technology shows in higher resolution (922k dots vs Samsung’s modest 614k dots). The HX30V’s screen offers enhanced contrast, color accuracy, and better visibility in sunlight, crucial for composing shots outdoors.

Samsung's screen is adequate but noticeably dimmer and less sharp, which can hamper quick framing or reviewing detailed images outdoors.

Neither camera has touch capabilities, which feels antiquated now but was standard for their release windows. No selfies or touchscreen navigation, so you’ll rely on physical buttons and menus.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Chasing the Action

If you’re shooting anything with movement - sports, wildlife, or active street scenes - speed and focus accuracy become dealbreakers.

The Samsung WB700 has a very simple, contrast-detection autofocus without continuous AF or face detection. In practice, this means hunting for focus, slow lock-on times, and missing fleeting moments.

The Sony HX30V steps up with a 9-point contrast-detect AF system featuring face detection and decent AF tracking. While no phase-detect AF or blazing speed, the Sony can handle moderate motion better, sustaining up to 10fps burst shooting (vs no continuous burst on Samsung). This bodes well for sports or kids running around snapshots.

Low-light focusing gives an edge to Sony’s system thanks to the BSI sensor’s better sensitivity and AF algorithm.

Zoom, Stabilization, and Lens Versatility

This is where the HX30V clearly distances itself. Its monster 25-500mm equivalent zoom lens (20x optical reach) lets you capture wide landscapes and distant wildlife, while Samsung’s WB700 comes with a fixed focal length (exact specs missing but no superzoom claim) with a 5.9x multiplier. So, if reach matters for your shooting, Sony’s your choice.

Sony’s optical image stabilization counters handshake, especially critical at long telephoto lengths. Samsung lacks any built-in stabilization - meaning more blurry shots without a tripod or fast shutter speeds.

For macro shooters, Sony also offers close focusing down to 1cm, an inviting feature missing on Samsung.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera sells itself as rugged or weatherproof, so neither will survive harsh outdoor environments without protection. Both are predominantly plastic-bodied.

Neither offers dustproof, waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof features. If you shoot in challenging conditions, you’ll want to consider additional protection or alternate gear.

Real-World Photography Style Suitability

Let’s break down which camera suits your style and shooting needs:

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

• Samsung WB700: Limited by fixed lens and no face or eye autofocus. The lens likely has a smaller max aperture (not specified), resulting in less background blur. Not ideal for portraits with creamy bokeh or precise focus on eyes.

• Sony HX30V: Supports face detection AF and manual focus, a zoom range that can offer some portrait compression at 85-135mm equivalent, and a max aperture of f/3.2-5.8. Expect better subject isolation and highlight rendition. Plus, Sony supports custom white balance for more accurate skin tones.

Winner: Sony.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Both cameras have small sensors limiting dynamic range, but Sony’s 18MP BSI-CMOS edges out with cleaner images and better highlight/shadow retention. The wide zoom lends framing versatility.

Samsung is fine for casual landscape snaps in good light, but lacks resolution and sensor tech to impress serious landscape shooters.

Winner: Sony.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus and Burst Speed

Samsung’s slow, single AF and absent burst mode make it no candidate here.

Sony’s 10fps burst, AF tracking, and long zoom let you nail wildlife in action better.

Winner: Sony.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Low Light

Swift AF and burst mode are essentials. Only Sony offers these.

Sony’s 10fps burst and autofocus tracking make it modestly capable at sports; Samsung is pretty much an exercise in frustration here.

Winner: Sony.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Portability

Samsung’s smaller size and slim profile make it more pocketable and unassuming - a plus for street snappers wanting to blend.

Sony’s bigger lens and bulk mean less stealth, but you gain more zoom for candid variety.

Low light favors Sony for cleaner files.

Winner: Mixed – Samsung for discreet portability, Sony for versatile capability.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focus

Sony’s 1cm macro focus range offers real close-up potential, while Samsung lacks dedicated macro support.

Winner: Sony.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Samsung has no specified ISO range or exposure bracketing, limiting night shooting and astrophotography options.

Sony’s ISO 100-12800 range, exposure compensation, and manual modes allow more control at night.

Neither offers built-in time-lapse or bulb modes standard for star photography.

Winner: Sony.

Video Capabilities: Resolutions and Stabilization

Samsung records 720p video (1280 x 720) with H.264 compression - basic but usable.

Sony shines with 1080p Full HD at 60fps, AVCHD support, optical image stabilization, and better codec options. No microphone or headphone jacks limit pro audio work.

Winner: Sony.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Sony’s versatile zoom and better battery life (320 shots per charge vs unknown for Samsung) make it the better travel companion, despite being larger.

Samsung is lighter but less capable on varied travel scenes.

Professional Reliability and Workflow

Both cameras lack RAW support, which pros often require for post-processing flexibility. This limits professional usage severely.

Sony offers more manual controls but without RAW, it remains an enthusiast’s step-up compact.

Connectivity-wise, Sony includes built-in Wi-Fi and GPS - useful for location tagging and wireless file transfer. Samsung has no wireless features.

Technical Summary and Scores

Here’s a snapshot of their overall strengths and weaknesses:

Photography Genres Scores Breakdown

Sony HX30V demonstrates clear superiority across nearly every photography discipline, with the Samsung WB700 restricted by sensor and feature limitations.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Samsung WB700

Pros:

• Compact, slim, very portable
• Simple controls for beginners
• Affordable price point
• Decent daylight image quality for casual shooting

Cons:

• No image stabilization
• No video beyond 720p
• No wireless features or GPS
• No RAW or advanced AF systems
• Limited low light and dynamic range
• No continuous shot or burst modes

Sony HX30V

Pros:

• Excellent 20x optical zoom with stabilization
• BSI CMOS sensor with better image quality and higher resolution
• Full HD 1080p video at 60fps
• Face detection autofocus and tracking
• Manual exposure controls and custom white balance
• Wi-Fi and GPS built-in
• Good battery life

Cons:

• Larger size and bulkier than Samsung
• No RAW shooting (limits professional use)
• No external mic/headphone ports for video work
• Not weather sealed

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Suits You?

If you’re a cheapskate looking for an ultra-basic compact that fits in your front pocket and you mainly shoot in good light for casual holiday snaps, the Samsung WB700 is a bargain basement option you can consider - with major limitations acknowledged.

For just a bit more coin, however, the Sony HX30V delivers a huge leap in functionality, image quality, versatility, and future-proofing. It’s a remarkably well-rounded small-sensor superzoom that suits enthusiasts, travel hobbyists, and those needing a do-it-all camera for mixed shooting styles.

My recommendations by user:

• Beginners / Casual Shooters: If minimal fuss and pocket size rule, Samsung WB700 works - just temper expectations.

• Travel & Landscape Enthusiasts: Sony HX30V for zoom and better image quality.

• Wildlife & Sports Photographers (Amateurs): Sony for autofocus and burst advantage.

• Video Shooters: Sony, hands down for 1080p and stabilization.

• Budget Buyers: Stretch a little to the HX30V for value over time.

Both cameras reflect a snapshot of compact camera evolution - Samsung’s WB700 demonstrating minimalism with compromises, and Sony HX30V pushing compact tech boundaries for enthusiasts who want an all-around capable camera.

Hopefully this thorough, real-world comparison has clarified what each camera really offers beyond the numbers and marketing buzz. As always, the best camera is the one you enjoy using and can afford without guilt.

Happy shooting!