Samsung WB700 vs Sony RX100 VII: A Hands-On Expert Comparison for Serious Buyers

When stepping up your photography game, picking the right camera often feels like choosing a new car. You want something that fits your style, budget, and the tasks you’ll throw at it. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head between two very different beasts: the Samsung WB700, an aging small sensor compact from 2010, and the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII, a 2019 large sensor compact powerhouse. Each serves a different crowd - and price bracket - but I’ve pored over specs, put them through real-world paces, and scrutinized their images to distill who should consider what.

Whether you’re a casual snapper aiming for better travel photos or a pro with a travel-friendly backup cam, read on. I’ll share the practical differences, trade-offs, and hands-on insights you usually can’t glean from spec sheets alone. You might be surprised how far tech has come - or how the budget-minded still have options.

Size and Ergonomics: Pocketability vs Control

First, let's talk form factor and handling. The Samsung WB700 is quite slim and trim, measuring roughly 100×59×22 mm with a fixed lens and no real removable parts. It’s a true compact - easily pocketable and lightweight. However, with minimal grip and relatively flat controls, it’s more of a “point-and-shoot” style camera. If you prefer something that just fits effortlessly in your pocket for casual outings, the WB700 still feels very modern in that regard.

The Sony RX100 VII, a beastier but still pocket-sized large-sensor compact, tips the scales at about 302 grams and measures 102×58×43 mm. The body is chunkier to accommodate a bigger sensor, an extending 24-200mm zoom lens with optical stabilization, and a pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF). Ergonomics here benefit from a more pronounced grip and tactile buttons, but you lose pocketability unless you’re fine with a larger coat pocket or a dedicated pocket in your bag.

Between these two, the Samsung is a pure grab-and-go, minimal-effort camera for casual users or cheapskates on a budget. The Sony demands a club for your thumb but rewards you with that extra control and heft.

Controls, Dials, and User Interface: Minimalist vs Professional

Looking at the top view comparison, the difference is stark. The WB700 sports a very basic control layout with few physical dials or buttons, no manual focus ring, and no viewfinder. The entire interface is built around simple modes like shutter priority and aperture priority, though manual focus is a no-go. The camera leans heavily on auto modes, which might disappoint serious shooters who want direct control or fast access to settings.

The RX100 VII shouts “pro camera in a compact form.” It has dedicated exposure dials, a customizable function button, a pop-up EVF with nearly 100% coverage, and tilting touchscreen that supports touch-to-focus. It supports manual focus both via dial and touch, plus fast autofocus modes (more on that later). This user interface combo offers tons of flexibility - perfect for enthusiasts who want creative control but dislike lugging around DSLRs or mirrorless rigs.

So essentially, the WB700 is for users who want a fuss-free experience without the clubs for thumbs, but the RX100 VII caters to those who want the best manual and auto control in pocketable size.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: From Old CCD to Modern BSI-CMOS

Here’s where the gulf widens decisively. The WB700 uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring about 27.7 mm² with 14 megapixels. This sensor size is typical of budget compacts but brings limitations in noise performance, dynamic range, and overall image quality. CCD sensors are older technology; they tend to produce decent colors but struggle in low light and high ISO.

In stark contrast, the RX100 VII is built around a 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor of 116.1 mm² and offers 20 megapixels resolution. The BSI (Backside Illuminated) design drastically improves sensitivity, reducing noise and enhancing dynamic range. Sony consistently leads the compact sensor race, and this camera yields stunningly sharp, clean images, even in challenging conditions.

Here are some numbers from DxOMark to put things in perspective:

• Color depth: WB700 unknown (no tests), RX100 VII scores 21.8 bits (excellent)
• Dynamic range: WB700 unknown, RX100 VII 12.4 EV (very good for a compact)
• Low light ISO: WB700 unknown, RX100 VII 418 (very usable at high ISO)

The RX100 VII's superior sensor means better portraits with natural skin tones and creamy bokeh, more detailed landscapes, and flexibility to push images in post-processing.

Rear LCD and Viewfinder: Viewing and Composition Tools

The Samsung gives you a fixed 3.0-inch LCD with 614k dots - basic but serviceable. Unfortunately, no touch, no articulation, no viewfinder, which limits framing options especially outdoors or in bright conditions.

Sony’s RX100 VII counters with a 3.0-inch 921k-dot tilting touchscreen, ideal for tricky angles, selfies, or video vlogging. The touchscreen allows you to set focus points instantly and navigate menus more quickly - a boon for speed-centric shooters. Plus, its pop-up electronic viewfinder with 2360k dots provides a crystal-clear preview with real-time exposure and focus info, which many appreciate under harsh light or for steady framing.

This difference translates to real-world comfort: the RX100 VII lets you compose creatively and shoot confidently in all lighting environments.

Autofocus Capabilities: Hunting Ducks vs Tracking Falcons

The Samsung WB700’s autofocus is essentially contrast-detection, with no face or eye detection, no continuous AF, and no tracking modes. This results in hunting focus on moving subjects, slower acquisition times, and challenges in low light. For static scenes or casual snapshots, it’s fine - but nothing to write home about if you shoot wildlife or sports.

The RX100 VII is a technological tour de force in this respect. Using hybrid AF with 315 phase-detection points and contrast AF, it boasts:

• Eye AF for humans and animals
• Real-time tracking for moving subjects
• Up to 20 fps burst with continuous AF tracking
• Touch-to-focus and manual focus assist

The RX100 VII’s AF system is aligned with mirrorless cameras twice its size and price. This means you can confidently shoot birds in flight, kids playing soccer, or street performers with sharp focus and high keeper rates.

Samsung WB700 front Samsung WB700 screen back Sony RX100 VII front Sony RX100 VII screen back

Real-World Image Samples: Portraits, Landscapes, Street, and More

Let’s talk photo results across different genres, with sample images side by side to highlight the difference.

• Portraits: The RX100 VII’s larger sensor delivers smoother skin tones and the lens aperture range (F2.8–F4.5) allows pleasing background blur. WB700 can struggle with color accuracy and harsh skin texture under artificial light.
• Landscape: The RX100 VII’s resolution and dynamic range capture shadow and highlight details beautifully; the WB700’s small sensor compresses the dynamic range and resolution feels limited.
• Street: The WB700’s inconspicuous size is appealing, but the RX100 VII’s rapid and accurate AF coupled with silent shutter mode wins the day.
• Macro: The RX100 VII can focus as close as 8 cm, enabling detailed macro shots with good bokeh. WB700 lacks a dedicated macro focus range.
• Night/Astro: RX100 VII’s high ISO capability and RAW support pull stars and nightscapes from near darkness. WB700’s noise is crippling after ISO 400 and no RAW limits post-edit control.

While WB700 images can be pleasing in bright daylight and casual settings, the RX100 VII consistently produces crisp, vibrant, and technically superior images across the board.

Burst Shooting and Video: From Simple Clips to Pro-Grade Movies

Here’s where the WB700 really shows its age. It offers video recording at 720p HD at a basic frame rate and no continuous shooting specification. No 4K video, no stabilization, and no advanced audio inputs.

Sony ups the ante with 4K video recording 3840×2160 at 30p, 100 Mbps bitrate, with H.264 codec and linear PCM audio for higher sound quality. The camera has optical image stabilization, microphone input port, and full manual controls for video shooters. Also, it supports time-lapse and slo-mo, making it a versatile tool for hybrid shooters.

Burst shooting on the RX100 VII reaches 20 frames per second with buffer for 233 JPEGs, which is phenomenal for a compact. The WB700’s burst performance is unreported but certainly nowhere near this.

For avid videographers or those wanting an all-in-one compact capable of handling casual video and action sequences, the RX100 VII is in a league of its own.

Battery Life and Storage: Power When It Counts

Both cameras rely on proprietary lithium-ion batteries, but the RX100 VII offers around 260 shots per charge, which is respectable but not exceptional. The WB700’s battery life info is sparse - typical of early compacts meaning you’d likely get fewer shots per charge.

Both feature a single memory card slot - the RX100 VII supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, while the WB700’s storage type is unspecified but presumably similar.

Importantly, the RX100 VII integrates USB charging - handy on the go - while WB700 uses removable batteries but no USB port.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Rugged or Delicate?

Neither camera is weather sealed or shockproof, and both lack dust-proofing. The RX100 VII’s build feels more premium and solid in hand, with metal body elements and thoughtful button placement. The WB700 feels lighter and more plasticky, more at risk of damage if dropped.

For professional or frequent travel work, the RX100 VII’s build quality adds peace of mind, even if it’s not fully weather sealed.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Needs Answered

Connectivity is another sticking point. The WB700 offers zero wireless or wired connectivity - no USB, no Bluetooth, no Wi-Fi.

The RX100 VII boasts built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, HDMI output, a microphone input port, and USB charging. For photographers wanting quick image transfers or remote control, Sony’s compact simplifies workflow tremendously.

Which Camera Excels For Each Photography Genre?

Let’s break it down by practical use:

Price and Value: Budget vs Premium Compact

As of now, the Samsung WB700 can be found secondhand for pocket change (under $100 in many cases), offering an incredibly cheap entry point for basic casual photography. New units at launch were $299, a fraction of the Sony RX100 VII’s retail price near $1,300.

Is the RX100 VII worth more than four times the price? From my hands-on experience, absolutely - if you value image quality, speed, video quality, and professional features in a pocket-friendly package.

However, if your needs are casual and budget is king, the WB700 can still be a decent travel buddy for daylight snaps - not a tool for serious creative work.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Samsung WB700

Pros:

• Very compact and lightweight
• Simple, easy to use for beginners
• Affordable, especially used
• Decent sensor resolution for its era

Cons:

• Outdated sensor technology, poor low light
• No manual focus support
• No RAW, no Wi-Fi or USB
• No advanced AF features, slow performance
• No viewfinder, limited control options

Sony RX100 VII

Pros:

• Large 1” BSI-CMOS sensor with excellent IQ
• 24-200mm lens with stabilization
• Fast, hybrid autofocus with eye and animal tracking
• 20 fps burst shooting, excellent low light capability
• 4K video with microphone input
• EVF and tilting touchscreen
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB charging

Cons:

• Expensive
• Slightly bulky for a compact
• Battery life modest

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you’re a camera cheapskate or casual snapper who just wants an easy point-and-shoot on a tight budget, the Samsung WB700 is a remnant from a bygone era but still capable for simple daylight snaps. It won’t wow you in image quality or speed but brings basic photography skills within reach.

For enthusiasts, content creators, and pros wanting a versatile all-in-one pocket powerhouse, the Sony RX100 VII is a stellar companion. Its sensor, optics, AF, video, and connectivity match or exceed many mirrorless cameras at a fraction of size and weight.

Think of the WB700 as a club for your pocket - light but limited. The RX100 VII is like a Swiss Army knife for advanced shooters needing detailed photos, fast action capture, and serious video. It’s pricey, yes, but the returns in creative potential and image quality justify the premium.

Whether you pick cheap and cheerful or compact pro-grade, understanding these trade-offs will help you invest wisely and shoot happily. Feel free to ask if you want tailored advice for your niche.

Happy shooting!