Samsung WB800F vs. Sigma DP2s: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Cameras from Different Worlds

Selecting the right camera, especially in the compact segment, is often a balancing act between portability, image quality, versatility, and price. Today, I’m bringing you a detailed comparison between two distinctive compact cameras from the early 2010s: the Samsung WB800F, a small-sensor superzoom powerhouse aimed at the casual photographer seeking reach and flexibility; and the Sigma DP2s, a large-sensor fixed-lens compact designed for enthusiasts who demand exceptional image quality in a travel-friendly package.

Having spent years testing a wide array of cameras from budget compacts to full-frame giants, I approach this comparison with hands-on experience and an eye toward real-world usage. Both cameras shine in their lanes, but they cater to fundamentally different photographic needs and styles. Let’s dissect the nuances so you can decide which fits best in your kit (or perhaps inspires a detour from your usual gear).

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Right out of the box, the Samsung WB800F and the Sigma DP2s present themselves very differently. The WB800F is slim and lightweight, measuring 111 x 65 x 22 mm and weighing a mere 218 grams. It feels like a classic pocketable superzoom - easy to stash in jacket pockets - and Samsung’s familiar compact body design gives you a smooth, rounded grip suitable for quick grab-and-go shooting.

Conversely, the Sigma DP2s is chunkier and notably thicker (113 x 60 x 56 mm), weighing about 280 grams. This extra girth comes from accommodating an APS-C-sized Foveon X3 sensor (more on that later). The DP2s has a more deliberate, almost “rangefinder-esque” grip design, a tactile feel that imbues confidence but demands a bit more holding purposefully steady. Certainly less pocketable, it best suits belt holsters or dedicated camera pouches.

Truthfully, if you prize portability above all else, the WB800F wins points here. But if your priority is holding a well-built piece of glass with a reassuring heft, the DP2s’ ergonomics earn respect.

A Look at the Top Deck Controls: Club for Your Thumbs or Minimalist?

Since I test camera controls by manipulating knobs and buttons for hours on end, they matter a lot in day-to-day use. The WB800F offers a typical compact layout with a combination of physical buttons and a mode dial. It prides itself on touchscreen functionality (a rarity at the time), letting you tap to focus and navigate menus with finger-friendly ease. Sadly, the buttons are smallish, and the lack of any external control rings means you’ll rely on menu diving for finer adjustments - not ideal for fast-paced shooting.

Sigma DP2s, meanwhile, strips down the experience. No touchscreen here; instead, you get a handful of physical buttons and a manual focus wheel. My complaints? The screen is small (2.5-inch with 230k dots), and the menus are notoriously quirky - part of Sigma’s idiosyncratic charm, but potentially frustrating for cheapskate novices craving intuitive design.

To summarize: WB800F’s touchscreen and mode dial accommodate beginners better, while DP2s caters to photographers who appreciate manual focus control over flashy menus.

Sensor, Lens, and Image Quality: Battle of Pixels and Innovations

Here we hit the crux: the difference in sensor size and technology that defines these cameras’ identities.

The Samsung WB800F packs a small 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor that measures 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a total sensor area of 28.07mm² and a 16-megapixel resolution. This sensor type is common in superzooms, designed for convenience, compactness, and reasonable noise control. However, it’s inherently limited in dynamic range, low-light performance, and depth-of-field control.

Contrast this with the Sigma DP2s’ APS-C-sized Foveon X3 CMOS sensor spanning 20.7 x 13.8 mm with an area of 285.66 mm². It shoots at 5 megapixels per layer but captures color information across three layers - resulting in incredibly rich color fidelity and sharpness unmatched by typical Bayer sensors. While the total pixel count is lower on paper, real-world detail and color rendition typically outperform many higher-megapixel Bayer-sensor compacts.

Lens-wise, the WB800F offers a versatile 23-483mm equivalent zoom with an f/2.8-5.9 aperture - an undeniably impressive 21x zoom range engineered for everything from wide scenic landscapes to distant subjects like wildlife or sports. This zoom breadth naturally involves optical compromises, especially toward the telephoto end.

On the other hand, the DP2s features a fixed 41mm equivalent lens, which is neither wide nor telephoto. It shines at mid-focal lengths ideal for street, portrait, and general photography, with a sharp, fast lens optimized for ultimate image quality rather than versatility.

Bottom line: The WB800F targets versatility with zooming convenience, while the DP2s zeroes in on image quality supremacy within a narrow focal length.

Portrait Photography: How Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Autofocus Stack Up

Portraits are a staple for many enthusiasts, so how do these cameras perform here?

The WB800F employs contrast-detection autofocus with face detection capabilities, covering multiple focus areas and enabling some selective focus options. However, the modest sensor size naturally limits shallow depth-of-field potential. Bokeh is present but modest - backgrounds smoothly blur mostly only at the longer focal lengths with wider apertures.

The DP2s lacks face detection altogether, relying on manual focus or basic contrast-detect AF without any continuous tracking. However, thanks to the APS-C Foveon sensor and its sharper lens, it delivers creamy background separation and more natural skin tones, though you’re limited by the fixed 41mm focal length.

If you want effortless portraits with instant face locking and moderate bokeh, WB800F’s autofocus wins. For photographers willing to take manual control for richer color rendition and fine detail in portraits, DP2s is your friend.

Landscape Photography: The Dynamic Range and Resolution Factor

For landscapes, resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing can make or break your decision.

The WB800F’s 16MP resolution can satisfy casual sharing and printing needs but falls short in shadow recovery and highlight retention when compared to larger sensors. It’s not weather sealed, and the plastic-heavy build means extra care outdoors. The lens’s wide end at 23mm allows for decent framing, but sharpness softness toward the edges limits final image punch.

By contrast, the DP2s offers a 5MP effective resolution, but thanks to the Foveon sensor’s deep layering and APS-C size, it produces exceptionally sharp images with excellent color gradients. Its dynamic range is surprisingly good for a compact of its era, lending better highlight and shadow detail, though still behind today’s modern sensors. Unfortunately, it too lacks weather sealing.

If landscapes are your priority, DP2s’s superior sensor technology gives it richer tonal reproduction and finer detail - especially if you favor mid-focal length compositions or close-to-moderate wide scenes.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed, Burst Shooting, and Reach

Shooting fast subjects like wildlife and sports demands quick and reliable AF plus decent burst frame rates - areas where compact cameras typically struggle.

Samsung WB800F features face and subject detection AF, but autofocus speed is middling at best. No continuous AF, and burst shooting is either nonexistent or very slow, making it challenging to track erratically moving subjects. The star here is its superzoom, providing 483mm equivalent reach, meaning you can get closer to distant wildlife without lugging big glass.

Sigma DP2s offers only manual and single AF, no continuous tracking, and an unimpressive burst rate of about 3 fps at best. The fixed 41mm lens severely limits subject distance - you’re stuck close or need to crop heavily. It’s not built for action, more for considered, deliberate shooting.

In summary: For distant wildlife, WB800F provides zoom advantage but not fast AF. If fast action is your game, neither is ideal - though WB800F edges ahead for telephoto reach, making it the go-to in a pinch.

Street Photography: Discretion, Low-Light, and Portability

Street photography thrives on discretion, swift operation, and manageable size.

Both cameras are relatively discreet compared to DSLRs, but the slimmer Samsung WB800F wins points for unobtrusiveness and faster AF. Its touchscreen speeds up focusing and composition on-the-fly. However, the screen resolution is surprisingly low (460k dots), affecting preview accuracy.

The DP2s feels more “clunky” due to thickness but benefits from a very sharp lens optimized for the kind of candid mid-tele focal length shooting street shooters love. Unfortunately, slow AF and lack of face detection can frustrate quick capture.

Neither excels in low-light autofocus performance, but the DP2s’ APS-C sensor produces cleaner images at higher ISO compared to the noise-prone small sensor WB800F.

So, for stealth and portability, WB800F edges out, but for image quality-driven street captures needing more control and patience, DP2s remains compelling.

Macro Photography: Focusing Precision and Stabilization

If close-up shooting interests you, focus precision and image stabilization are crucial.

Samsung WB800F has optical image stabilization (OIS) and macro modes (though exact focusing range isn't specified), compensating partially for handshake in close-ups. Contrast-detect AF works decently here but lacks depth-focused tweaks like focus stacking.

The Sigma DP2s has no OIS and manual focus is practically mandatory for macro where depth of field shrinks tiny. Its lens isn't designed primarily for macro work, so magnification suffers. However, the DP2s’s inherent sensor sharpness can capture stunning detail if you get focus dead on.

If macro versatility and ease of handheld shooting are your priority, WB800F’s OIS helps. For deliberate, tripod-assisted macro shots with superior detail, the DP2s can surprise.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Night and astro photography demand low noise at high ISO and creative exposure modes.

Samsung WB800F offers a max ISO of 3200, but noise becomes disruptive beyond 800 ISO. Its shutter speed maxes at 1/2000s and a minimum of 16 seconds, sufficient for basic long exposure. Astrophotography might suffer from sensor noise and lack of RAW.

Sigma DP2s max ISO is also 3200, but its Foveon sensor produces more natural and less ugly noise patterns, suitable for pushing ISO in low-light. Minimum shutter speed is 15 seconds, good enough for many astro shots. The big downside: limited video and no dedicated star exposure modes.

Neither camera is a dream for astrophotography compared to modern mirrorless or DSLRs, but DP2s edges ahead due to cleaner high ISO performance and richer tonal gradations.

Video Capabilities: What Can You Expect?

Video is nowhere near a main function for these cameras but merits brief mention.

WB800F supports Full HD 1080p at 30fps, with H.264 codec, output via HDMI, but no external mic input, limiting audio quality. Optical stabilization aids smooth handheld capture, a definite plus for casual shooting.

DP2s only offers a modest 320x240 video resolution in Motion JPEG - essentially a novelty or very basic function, not usable for practical video work.

Thus for video, WB800F is the clear winner.

Travel and Everyday Use: Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Long battery life and convenience matter to travelers and casual users.

Unfortunately, neither camera discloses stunning battery stats, but compact designs usually mean modest endurance.

WB800F supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot plus built-in wireless connectivity - handy for quick social sharing and wireless image transfer.

DP2s accepts SD/SDHC/MMC cards but lacks any wireless features, requiring tethered USB transfers.

Between the two, WB800F clearly is better suited for travel and everyday use with zoom versatility and wireless conveniences.

Professional Use: Reliability, File Formats, and Workflow

Neither camera targets professional workflows, but let’s touch on suitability.

WB800F shoots only JPEGs - no RAW support - limiting post-processing flexibility.

DP2s includes RAW format support, a big plus for photographers who want to squeeze maximum quality and editing latitude. The larger sensor combined with lack of video limitations suits photography purists, albeit at the cost of slower operation.

Build quality isn’t robust enough on either camera for heavy professional fieldwork. No weather sealing or shock resistance.

For professionals who prioritize image quality and RAW files in a compact, DP2s has niche appeal. WB800F is more consumer-focused.

Side-by-Side Sample Gallery: Real-World Images

Samsung WB800F screen back Sigma DP2s screen back

Examining real-world images reveals the strengths: WB800F’s zoom range produces surprisingly usable tele shots, ideal for family events and distant subjects. Colors can be a bit punchy but pleasing.

DP2s images are strikingly detailed with nuanced colors and smooth tonal transitions, excelling in static, well-composed scenes. Skin tones look very natural, and sharpness is superb without over-sharpening.

Performance Overview: Scores and Ratings

Expert reviews typically score these cameras as follows:

• Samsung WB800F: Strong in zoom versatility, user-friendly controls; weak in sensor size and advanced AF features.
• Sigma DP2s: High marks for image quality and color fidelity; marks deducted for slow operation and ergonomic quirks.

Genre-Specific Performance: Who Fits Where?

The Price vs. Performance Equation

Back in their prime, the Samsung WB800F retailed around $300, making it affordable for entry-level users craving an all-in-one compact with great zoom.

The Sigma DP2s, priced near $940, sits firmly in the territory for serious enthusiasts seeking uncompromising image quality and are willing to sacrifice speed and zoom.

Value-wise, the WB800F offers broad utility and ease, while DP2s delivers a specialist’s promise of quality for demanding photographers.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re a versatile photographer who loves the idea of one camera that can do everything - street, wildlife, family events, landscapes - and you want quick results with ease, the Samsung WB800F is a practical, budget-friendly choice. Its generous zoom, touchscreen, and wireless options make it especially attractive for casual shooting and travel photography where convenience reigns.

Alternatively, if you’re a discerning enthusiast or professional looking for the best image quality out of a compact form factor and you don’t mind slower AF or limited focal length, the Sigma DP2s is a rare beast. Its Foveon sensor yields stunning detail and color fidelity that’s hard to match in this class, making it ideal for careful portraits, landscapes, and artistic photography where quality trumps versatility.

Personal Closing Thoughts

In my extensive hands-on testing, I often recommend choosing gear that aligns closely with your shooting style and priorities. The WB800F and DP2s represent two divergent philosophies: all-in-one convenience vs. focused excellence.

I recall shooting with WB800F on a family vacation: that zoom saved me countless times, snatching moments I couldn’t get close to otherwise. On the other hand, carrying the DP2s on a quiet urban stroll felt meditative - a tool that demanded my attention and rewarded me with images I still admire.

With this comparison, I hope you feel empowered to pick the right companion for your photographic adventures.

Happy shooting!