Samsung WB800F vs. Sony WX70: A Hands-On Comparison for Compact Camera Buyers in 2024

Choosing the right compact camera today means balancing pocketability, image quality, and user controls - all within a reasonable price point. While smartphones have raised the bar for casual photography, dedicated kompacts like the Samsung WB800F and Sony WX70 still appeal to enthusiasts craving more zoom reach, better optics, or specific features.

I’ve spent hours with both cameras in various real-world shooting scenarios, complemented by detailed analysis of their tech specs and usability, to uncover where each shines and where compromises emerge. This comparison dives deep into everything from sensor performance to autofocus, lens versatility, video capabilities, and ergonomics - all to help you decide which model best fits your photographic style and budget.

Let’s unpack how these two cameras stack up in 2024, nearly a decade after their prime releases, yet still relevant for certain shooting needs.

A Tale of Two Compact Designs: Samsung WB800F vs Sony WX70

At first glance, these cameras are cut from similar cloth - pocket-sized, fixed-lens compacts boasting 16MP 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensors. However, their handling and physical dimensions hint at divergent design priorities.

The Samsung WB800F, measuring 111x65x22mm and weighing 218g, skews toward a slightly larger, heavier form factor - likely a tradeoff to accommodate its substantial 21x zoom lens (equivalent focal length 23-483mm). This superzoom capability demands more internal lens elements, making it bulkier but tremendously flexible in framing distant subjects.

In contrast, the Sony WX70 is a pared-down, featherweight 114g unit with dimensions of 92x52x19mm. Its focal length range maxes out at 5x zoom (25-125mm equivalent), emphasizing compactness and ease of carry over long-reach lens performance. I found the WX70 much handier for street photography and travel when you want to keep gear unobtrusive and lightweight.

Both incorporate a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD touchscreen, but the WX70 boasts a sharper, 922k-dot XtraFine display compared to the Samsung’s 460k-dot screen. The difference in pixel density and clarity truly stood out when reviewing images or composing shots in bright light.

Controls and Usability - Where Experience Meets Design

Ergonomics often make or break the shooting experience on compact cameras - and in this respect, the Samsung WB800F aims for greater physical control. Despite lacking an electronic viewfinder (both models forgo finders, relying on LCD screens), the WB800F’s button and dial layout feels more mature, with manual exposure modes (shutter, aperture priority, manual) available for creative control. This appeals to photographers wishing to experiment beyond automatic modes.

Sony’s WX70, by contrast, omits traditional manual modes, limiting you to program auto and scene selections. While this simplifies usage for novices, it marginalizes users seeking nuanced exposure adjustments on the fly.

Both cameras have built-in flash and optical image stabilization (OIS), critical for handholding superzoom shots (Samsung) or achieving cleaner handheld images at tele and macro distances (Sony). I appreciated Samsung’s shutter speeds extending to 1/2000s, allowing some flexibility for bright light action.

In terms of physical buttons, neither has illuminated buttons or top displays, but the touchscreens on both ease navigation. However, the Samsung’s touchscreen response felt a bit sluggish compared to Sony's more fluid interface - a quirk I noted after extended usage.

Image Quality: Sensor Tech and Real-World Performance

Both cameras share a 16MP 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor measuring 6.17x4.55mm, a popular choice in compact cameras balancing cost, size, and pixel density. Samsung’s WB800F and Sony WX70 yield similar maximum resolutions (4608x3456 pixels), but some nuanced differences affect image outcomes.

Sony’s BIONZ processor, paired with the sensor, facilitates a wider max ISO range up to 12,800, ostensibly offering better low-light capabilities compared to Samsung’s capped ISO 3200. In practice, I found Sony WX70 performs slightly better in dim environments, delivering cleaner images with reduced noise up to ISO 800 or 1600.

Color reproduction is balanced on both, with slight variations in saturation - Sony tends to produce slightly warmer tones versus Samsung’s cooler white balance biases. Color depth and dynamic range are limited by the small sensor size, but both achieve adequate results for social sharing or prints up to 8x10 inches.

A key limitation is the lack of RAW file support on both cameras. This restricts post-processing flexibility and confines users to JPEG, which is acceptable for beginners but frustrating to advanced users who want to extract maximum detail.

Let’s Zoom In: Lens and Zoom Range Impact on Use Cases

The Samsung WB800F’s standout feature is its remarkable 21x optical zoom, spanning an equivalent focal length range of 23-483mm (F2.8-5.9 aperture). This proffers extraordinary framing versatility - you can switch from wide landscapes to distant wildlife or sporting events without swapping lenses or moving closer.

The tradeoff is a slower maximum aperture at the telephoto end and potentially more noticeable image softness or chromatic aberration under certain conditions (as often seen with compact superzooms). Nevertheless, for casual wildlife or travel snaps requiring reach and convenience, Samsung’s zoom is hard to beat.

Sony WX70’s zoom is modest at 5x (25-125mm, F2.6-6.3), but its lens optics achieve noticeably better sharpness and contrast in the midrange focal lengths. The comparatively fast wide aperture of F2.6 aids low-light and portrait shots, producing pleasant background separation when shooting close-ups or macros (minimum focus distance 5cm).

If zoom flexibility is your priority, Samsung edges out. If optical quality and handling at standard zooms matter more, Sony’s lens is compelling.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Your Subjects

Neither camera uses advanced phase-detection autofocus; both rely on contrast-detection AF systems, which are slower but adequate for everyday shooting. However, Samsung WB800F includes face detection with AF tracking, which worked reliably for portraits in controlled lighting but struggled in low light or fast motion scenarios.

The Sony WX70 adds touch AF on the LCD, allowing intuitive focus point selection - a definite ergonomic bonus. It further supports a faster continuous shooting rate at 10fps (though with limited buffer depth), whereas Samsung’s burst capabilities are unspecified and generally slower.

For wildlife and sports photography, the WB800F’s superzoom lens is tempting, but the slow AF and lack of robust tracking limit success with fast-moving subjects. The WX70’s faster burst and responsive focus make it marginally better if you must capture quick action within its zoom constraints.

Viewing and Composing: LCD Screen Comparisons Matter

As noted earlier, the Samsung WB800F sports a 3-inch 460k-dot TFT LCD touchscreen, while Sony WX70 doubles down with a 3-inch 922k-dot XtraFine TFT display. The difference in resolution is palpable when reviewing fine detail or framing complex scenes.

The WX70’s screen offers crisper image previews and better visibility outdoors, contributing to more accurate composition and critical focusing during shoot. Samsung’s display can feel grainy under bright sunlight, occasionally frustrating during outdoor shoots.

Neither camera offers a viewfinder, meaning outdoor use demands careful shielding of the screen or reliance on instinct, a potential drawback for stepped-up photography ambitions.

Video Performance: Full HD but Differences Worth Knowing

Both cameras can shoot Full HD 1080p video, but the Sony WX70 records at 60fps for smoother motion compared to Samsung’s 30fps max. This detail renders the WX70 better suited for gently capturing video of sports or movement.

Codec choices also differ - Samsung uses MPEG-4 and H.264, while Sony supports MPEG-4 plus AVCHD, favoring higher-quality compression linked to AVCHD. Neither camera includes microphone or headphone ports, limiting external audio recording options.

Stabilization is optical on both, which helps mitigate camera shake in handheld video but neither offers in-body stabilization - relying solely on lens or digital correction.

For casual videographers prioritizing portable Full HD clips, Sony WX70’s 60fps smoothness and more sophisticated codec edge Samsung slightly forward.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Practical Everyday Considerations

Power-wise, Sony WX70 specifies a rated battery life of approximately 240 shots per charge - average for compacts of this class - while Samsung WB800F lacks official battery life stats, leaving users to rely on estimated performance near that mark.

Samsung compensates with built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and possibly remote shutter control - significant advantages for social media enthusiasts or travelers seeking seamless sharing without cables.

Sony WX70 does not feature wireless connectivity, meaning image transfer involves USB or memory card extraction.

Storage options on both are similar - one SD/SDHC/SDXC slot - but Sony also supports its proprietary Memory Stick formats, broadening media choices for Sony-centric users.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Suitability for Harsh Conditions

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or rugged construction features such as dust, shock, or freeze resistance. Both are designed primarily for casual indoor/outdoor use but without the robustness required for professional outdoor assignments or extreme conditions.

For occasional travel or street photography, this is acceptable; however, buyers planning sustained use in adverse environments should consider more modern rugged compacts or mirrorless systems.

Samsung WB800F screen back Sony WX70 front Sony WX70 screen back

Image Samples Tell the Story: Real-World Shooting Comparisons

Looking at comparative test shots, the Samsung WB800F’s strength lies in reach and framing versatility. Wide-angle shots appear decently sharp with good colors, but telephoto images suffer subtle softness and occasional chromatic aberrations - expected given the long zoom lens on a small sensor.

Sony WX70 images demonstrate punchier colors and improved sharpness in mid-range focal lengths. Portrait shots rendered smoother skin tones and manageable bokeh given small sensor constraints combined with its wider aperture.

Low light scenarios favored Sony for slightly cleaner files and better noise control, though both cameras struggled above ISO 800 - common among small sensor compacts of their generation.

Objective Performance Ratings: A Summary of Key Metrics

Our expert reviewers assigned subjective and technical performance scores to each model:

Both cameras land very close in overall assessment, excelling in different areas - Samsung in zoom reach, Sony in image quality and portability.

Who Should Pick Which? Matching Cameras to Photography Types

Breaking down suitability per genre:

• Portraits: Sony WX70’s slightly faster lens at wide focal lengths and higher-resolution screen favor casual portraiture more than Samsung’s slower telephoto end. Samsung’s face detection also helps but with less finesse.

• Landscape: Both limited by small sensor size, but Samsung’s wider zoom range benefits framing diverse scenes. Neither has weather sealing, so caution outdoors.

• Wildlife: Samsung’s formidable 21x zoom is a clear plus, though autofocus sluggishness blunts potential. Sony’s reach is limited.

• Sports: Neither ideal for rapid action, but Sony’s faster burst and better video frame rate give it a modest advantage.

• Street: Sony WX70’s compactness and discreet profile make it a better street photography companion. Samsung’s bulkier build can attract unwanted attention.

• Macro: Sony excels slightly due to close focusing capability (5cm) and sharper optics.

• Night / Astro: Both hit sensor noise walls by ISO800-1600, limiting astro prospects.

• Video: Sony edges out with 60fps and AVCHD format.

• Travel: Sony’s lightweight size and decent image quality win over Samsung’s zoom prowess when portability is prized.

• Professional Use: Neither caters to demanding pro workflows due to lack of RAW or advanced features.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

Both the Samsung WB800F and Sony WX70 represent interesting snapshots of early-2010s compact camera technology - with each model taking a distinctly different approach to balance size, zoom, and quality.

• Choose the Samsung WB800F if: You prioritize zoom reach for casual wildlife or distant subjects and want some manual control for creative flexibility. Its Wi-Fi connectivity and exposure modes are bonuses in this price and class. Just brace for a bulkier camera and potentially slower autofocus.

• Choose the Sony WX70 if: Compactness, image quality, and ease of use matter more, especially for street, travel, and everyday photography where portability shines. Its sharper display and better video frame rates round out its appeal. The absence of manual exposure modes may deter advanced users, though.

Neither camera competes with today’s mirrorless or premium compacts sensor-wise but for enthusiasts on a budget craving decent zoom or pocketable travel companions, these remain reasonable secondary options - even in 2024.

Technical Summary Table for Quick Reference

In closing, cameras like the WB800F and WX70 demonstrate how engineering choices shape photographic needs - whether you prioritize zoom reach or compactness, manual control or simplicity. My advice: define your shooting style and pay close attention to where each camera’s strengths align with your priorities - then pick accordingly.

If you have questions on these models or want to explore alternatives within or outside this compact segment, I’m happy to help you navigate those choices with my hands-on experience. Happy shooting!