Samsung WB850F vs. Sigma DP2 Merrill: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing between two cameras as distinct as the Samsung WB850F and the Sigma DP2 Merrill can be a bit like deciding between an all-terrain SUV and a nimble sports car. Both have their merits, but each targets quite different photographic territory. After extensive testing and a deep dive into their specs and real-world use performance, here’s my thorough breakdown to help you understand what each offers - and which one suits your shooting style and budget best.

Eyeing the Cameras: Size, Handling, and Controls Matter More Than You Might Think

Before you even fire up the shutter, how a camera feels in your hands largely shapes your shooting enthusiasm and capabilities. The Samsung WB850F comes in as a classic compact superzoom with a sleek, pocketable design. In contrast, the Sigma DP2 Merrill carries a chunkier, heftier profile, reflecting its large sensor and premium positioning.

The WB850F measures a trim 109 x 62 x 25 mm and weighs a light 250 grams - truly handy for travel and street shooting where discretion and portability are paramount. The small, rounded body feels comfortable even for extended use, though the plastic build is obvious to the touch.

On the other hand, the DP2 Merrill is bulkier: 122 x 67 x 59 mm and tipping the scales at 330 grams. It’s by no means a monster, but its more substantial, boxy form factor is built around that APS-C sized Foveon sensor and fixed 50mm lens. You get a robust, solid feel with a bit more heft - a bit like lugging around a quality clubs for thumbs rather than a delicate putter. It’s not for cheapskates or pocket-shrinkers, but serious shooters will appreciate its heft and reassurance.

Let’s also peek at the controls and top layout, since fiddly menus and awkward buttons can slow you down when timing is everything.

Samsung’s WB850F sports a simple, intuitive button cluster and mode dial, designed for quick access to shooting modes, zoom, and flash. There’s minimal clutter, ideal for photography newbies or quick snapshots. However, the buttons are tiny and could pose problems if you have larger hands.

Sigma’s DP2 Merrill opts for a stripped-down approach - just enough dials and buttons to control exposure modes, ISO, and shutter speeds manually. It’s all straightforward, though lacking some shortcut keys found in conventional DSLRs or mirrorless rigs. No touchscreen on either model, so you’re relying on tactile controls alone.

Sensor Showdown: Small Sensor Superzoom vs. Large APS-C Foveon Power

The real heart of any camera is its sensor, and these two don’t play in the same league - technically or visually.

The Samsung WB850F uses a standard 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm with 16 megapixels resolution. This sensor size is typical for superzoom compacts and delivers usable image quality, especially in good light. But don’t expect amazing low light results or fine-grain detail – the small sensor’s limited surface area means higher noise at ISO above 400 and constrained dynamic range.

In contrast, Sigma DP2 Merrill’s pride and joy is its APS-C sized Foveon X3 sensor (24 x 16 mm) packing 15 megapixels - but in a unique layered design capturing red, green, and blue color data separately for each pixel location. This results in highly detailed, painterly images with outstanding color fidelity and sharpness unmatched by conventional Bayer sensors at the same pixel count.

The tradeoff? The Foveon sensor is notorious for slower readout speeds and more delicate noise handling at high ISOs. Still, base ISO 100 images are breathtaking if you shoot RAW and process carefully. Sigma offers excellent manual control with singular lens quality (a fixed 50mm f/2.8) designed for ultimate image purity rather than zoom versatility.

What About the Screen and Interface? An AMOLED Luxury vs. HD Simplicity

Beyond the sensor, reviewing images and composing shots benefit hugely from your LCD screen quality.

The WB850F features a bright 3-inch AMOLED display with a modest 614k dot resolution. This provides punchy colors and good contrast, making reviewing images outdoors easier than average. However, no touchscreen means menu navigation still depends on buttons or dials.

Sigma’s DP2 Merrill also sports a 3” fixed screen, but with a higher resolution of 920k dots. While not AMOLED, it offers a crisp, detailed preview of your shot. Unfortunately, the lack of touch functionality feels archaic in today’s market, and the screen brightness can struggle under direct sunlight.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, which could disappoint photographers used to composing eye-to-loom in bright environments. You’re fully dependent on the rear LCD for framing.

Zoom, Lens, and Focusing: Reach Versus Precision in a Fixed Package

This is where the cameras diverge sharply in their primary photographic use cases.

The Samsung WB850F boasts an impressively versatile 21x optical zoom lens ranging from 23mm to 483mm equivalent. The lens’ aperture spans f/2.8 at the wide end to f/5.9 telephoto - not the fastest glass but surprisingly effective for casual superzoom shooting.

This wide zoom range makes the WB850F a perfect pocket companion for travel, wildlife at a distance, and sports or street snaps where you want to stay physically separate or unnoticed. It features optical image stabilization which makes handheld shots at the long end less shaky - a practical lifesaver in the real world.

Focusing on the WB850F is contrast-detection based but surprisingly nimble with single and tracking autofocus modes plus face detection, a rarity on cameras of this class back in 2012. However, it lacks continuous AF for video or fast-moving objects.

Sigma DP2 Merrill opts for a fixed 50mm equivalent prime, which means no zooming - but uniquely it renders superb sharpness and “subject isolation” with its f/2.8 aperture. If you enjoy portraits, street scenes with beautiful bokeh, or landscape compositions where cropping can be done post-capture, this lens excels.

Autofocus is fully manual or contrast detection with no tracking or face detection - so patience and deliberate composition are required. Macro focus is not officially supported, but its close-focus capability ensures decent detail on nearby subjects.

What Each Camera Brings to the Table for Different Photography Genres

Here’s my breakdown after shooting extensively across genres, factoring in technical performance, handling, and practical usability:

Portrait Photography

• WB850F: Built-in face detection aids subject tracking, decent bokeh at telephoto but limited by small sensor depth of field. Skin tones are generally natural but can look a little plasticky due to JPEG processing.
• DP2 Merrill: Excels at skin tones and color thanks to the Foveon sensor’s layered RGB capture. Beautiful bokeh from the fixed 50mm f/2.8 primes you for dreamy portraits, though you must nail focus manually - no face or eye AF help here.

Landscape Photography

• WB850F: Modest dynamic range from its small sensor limits highlight and shadow detail, but the extensive zoom lets you frame distant scenes creatively. No weather sealing means you’ll need to treat it gently outdoors.
• DP2 Merrill: Large APS-C sensor delivers superior dynamic range and astonishingly detailed landscapes. Fixed lens requires you to move physically or crop crops creatively but offers unmatched sharpness and color fidelity, ideal for landscape fans who prioritize image quality over convenience.

Wildlife Photography

• WB850F: Superzoom and decent AF tracking make this a capable wildlife companion for casual to semi-serious shooting. Its 10fps burst mode also helps capture split-second animal antics.
• DP2 Merrill: Manual focusing and fixed focal length make it a poor choice for wildlife unless you enjoy stalker-style practice; slower continuous shooting limits action capture.

Sports Photography

• WB850F: Modest burst speed and AF tracking help somewhat with amateur sports events in good lighting, but shutter lag and noise at higher ISOs inhibit professional-level action photography.
• DP2 Merrill: Not designed for action; manual focus and single shot make it virtually useless for sports.

Street Photography

• WB850F: Good zoom range can let you shoot candidly from afar, decent low light ISO performance to capture urban scenes in dimming light, and compact size helps discretion.
• DP2 Merrill: High image quality and color accuracy suit artistic street projects, but the size and manual focus mandate a more deliberate, slower pace.

Macro Photography

• WB850F: Close focusing down to 5 cm and optical stabilization help capture fine close-ups, though image quality suffers due to small sensor constraints.
• DP2 Merrill: No specific macro mode, but reasonably close focusing combined with high image detail rewards patient composition for tabletop or natural macros.

Night and Astro Photography

• WB850F: Limited by high noise above ISO 400 and max ISO 3200, but optical stabilization and slow shutter speeds up to 8 seconds allow basic night shooting.
• DP2 Merrill: Superior dynamic range and color accuracy shine in low light, though slower shutter speeds and manual focus require care. Limited video and no dedicated astro mode restrict usability.

Video Capabilities

• WB850F: Offers 1080p Full HD video at 30fps with stereo sound; optical IS helps smooth handheld footage - good enough for casual video content creators.
• DP2 Merrill: Video is limited to VGA resolution (640x480) Motion JPEG format, making it practically useless for modern videographers.

Travel Photography

• WB850F: Small, lightweight, versatile zoom, GPS tagging, and wireless connectivity tick all the boxes for travel enthusiasts who want instant sharing and flexibility.
• DP2 Merrill: Bulkier, fixed focal length, limited connectivity makes it more suited for planned stationary shoots than road trips.

Professional Use and Workflow

• WB850F: Lacks RAW support, restricting editing latitude, but easy JPEG workflow makes it plug-and-play for casual users. Good battery life and SD card slot are practical benefits.
• DP2 Merrill: RAW shooting with Foveon’s unique files suits professionals who demand ultimate image quality and post-processing creative control, but slow workflow and lack of video/audio options limit multimedia usage.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Real-World Relevance

While specs often flaunt numbers without context, real shooting conditions expose the truth. Working with both cameras in a variety of lighting and subjects gave me a clear sense of their focus systems.

• Samsung WB850F autofocus is contrast-based but surprisingly quick and accurate for a compact, especially with its face detection and multi-point AF modes. I found it reliable for portraits and casual wildlife where the subject holds still or moves moderately.

• Sigma DP2 Merrill requires manual focus or contrast detection AF for a single point - and it’s deliberately slow and exacting. This means it’s a camera for deliberate photographers who don’t mind taking their time, rather than those chasing fleeting moments.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity Along the Way

Both cameras rely on removable battery packs that are proprietary - Samsung’s SLB-10A for the WB850F and a less specified model for the DP2 Merrill. Neither provides outstanding battery life by today’s standards; expect to carry spares if shooting a whole day.

Storage-wise, Samsung’s support for SD/SDHC/SDXC cards provides flexibility and modern convenience. Sigma uses a single storage slot (type unspecified), presumably also SD cards, but lacks Wi-Fi or GPS features. Samsung’s built-in GPS and wireless capabilities edge it further ahead in modern usability.

These differences influence your workflow heavily, especially if you value instant sharing or geotagged travel images.

Visual Proof: How Do Images Actually Stack Up?

I captured sample galleries in multiple scenarios to compare output from both cameras.

Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back Sigma DP2 Merrill front Sigma DP2 Merrill screen back

Samsung’s images, while generally sharp and colorful in bright light, degrade quickly under low light or high zoom. Images tend to exhibit moderate noise and some loss of fine detail.

The Sigma DP2 Merrill’s shots impress with their painterly quality, color depth, and sharpness - even in shadows and highlights. The fixed focal length might frustrate zoom lovers, but if image purity is your obsession, its output is stellar for large prints and serious post-processing.

Breaking Down the Scores From Our Overall and Genre-Specific Testing

Numbers never tell the full story, but they can confirm what our eyes tell us.

In overall performance, the Samsung WB850F scores solidly for versatility, convenience, and ease of shooting - ideal for everyday snappers and hobbyists.

The Sigma DP2 Merrill scores higher in pure image quality metrics and color depth but falls short in speed, convenience, and video capabilities.

Specific genres highlight these strengths:

• Portrait and landscape: DP2 Merrill
• Wildlife, sports, travel, street: WB850F
• Video and casual: WB850F

Pros and Cons At a Glance

Samsung WB850F

Pros:

• Long 21x zoom range with optical stabilization
• Lightweight and pocket-friendly
• GPS and wireless connectivity
• Face detection autofocus for better tracking
• Full HD video recording
• Affordable price point (~$600)

Cons:

• Small 1/2.3” sensor limits image quality, especially in low light
• No RAW support reduces editing flexibility
• Plastic build feels less premium
• No viewfinder or touchscreen

Sigma DP2 Merrill

Pros:

• Large APS-C Foveon sensor offers superb color and detail
• Outstanding image quality at base ISO
• Solid build with premium feel
• RAW support for professional workflow
• Crisp 50mm f/2.8 lens superb for portraits and landscapes

Cons:

• Fixed focal length limits compositional flexibility
• Manual focusing only - slower operation
• No video beyond VGA
• Bulky for a compact camera
• No wireless or GPS connectivity
• Pricey (~$930) for limited versatility

Who Should Choose Which?

Pick the Samsung WB850F if you…

• Need a highly versatile travel or family camera with an extensive zoom range.
• Want straightforward shooting with face detection and decent autofocus.
• Value video recording and connectivity features.
• Seek a relatively affordable option for casual photography and video.
• Crave a lightweight, pocketable form for street or wildlife photography at a distance.

Choose the Sigma DP2 Merrill if you…

• Are a photography purist prioritizing the absolute best image quality and color fidelity.
• Don’t mind manual focus and fixed focal length in exchange for exquisite detail.
• Require RAW workflow compatibility for professional editing.
• Shoot primarily portraits, landscapes, or still subjects in controlled settings.
• Can tolerate slower operation and limited video capability.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Cameras for Two Very Different Types of Photographers

My long experience testing thousands of cameras over the years tells me there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The Samsung WB850F is a respectable, versatile compact superzoom from an era when consumer cameras began integrating connectivity and intelligent autofocus features - perfect for casual users, travel aficionados, or anyone who wants a reliable “grab and zoom” without fuss.

Meanwhile, the Sigma DP2 Merrill represents a specialist’s tool: demanding, slow, but potentially rewarding with image quality that punchy zoom compacts simply can’t touch. It’s a camera tailored to experienced photographers who want to explore the limits of a unique sensor and fixed prime lens combination - at the cost of portability and speed.

If you consider yourself a cheapskate in search of a flexible, multimedia-friendly allrounder, the WB850F wins hands down. But if you yearn for image excellence, shoot mostly still subjects, and enjoy manual controls, the delightful and quirky DP2 Merrill deserves a serious look.

Photographers, weigh your priorities carefully. Image quality? Speed? Zoom? Video? Budget? There’s a tool here for everyone.

Thanks for reading! If you have questions about either camera or want recommendations for current alternatives, drop me a line - I’ve tested thousands of cameras, and I’m here to help you navigate the ever-changing photography landscape.

Happy shooting!