Two Different Worlds in Compact Cameras: Samsung WB850F vs. Sigma DP2s In-Depth Comparison

When shopping for a compact camera that packs a punch, you're faced with a myriad of choices spanning multiple designs and imaging philosophies. Today, I’m breaking down two very distinct models - the Samsung WB850F, a superzoom compact promising versatility, and the Sigma DP2s, a large-sensor fixed-lens marvel aimed at image purists. Although released around the same decade, these cameras cater to drastically different users. After having tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, I’m eager to share hands-on insights, technical comparisons, and practical considerations so you can find your best fit.

Size and Handling: Portability Meets Ergonomics

First, let’s talk about physical presence and how each camera feels in your hands - a dealbreaker for any serious photographer.

The Samsung WB850F is compact and lightweight, measuring roughly 109 x 62 x 25 mm and weighing 250g. Its slim profile makes it pocket-friendly and easy for quick grab-and-go shooting, a must for casual travel or street photography. It sports a 3-inch AMOLED display known for vibrant colors and strong viewing angles.

On the flip side, the Sigma DP2s is noticeably chunkier (113 x 60 x 56 mm) and a bit heavier at 280g, largely because of its large APS-C sensor and robust build. It fits more like a daily carry camera when you have a bag but might feel bulky if you’re accustomed to tiny point-and-shoots. The smaller 2.5-inch screen with lower resolution can feel outdated today.

Ergonomically, the WB850F is more modern with intuitive controls and a grip designed for quick operation. In contrast, the DP2s emphasizes manual focus precision with its dedicated focus ring and straightforward button array, appealing to methodical shooters who value control over speed.

Design and Control Layout: Quick Access vs. Deliberate Adjustments

Taking a peek at the buttons and dials can reveal a lot about the intended user.

The WB850F sports a top view loaded with mode dials, a zoom rocker, and dedicated buttons for exposure bracketing, flash, and ISO, catering to photographers looking for versatility without diving too deep into menus. The lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) nudges reliance on its sharp AMOLED screen.

Sigma’s DP2s, meanwhile, keeps things minimalistic on top - no mode dial, just straightforward shutter and power buttons. It leans heavily on menu diving and manual focus adjustments. This might slow you down in fast-paced scenarios but encourages deliberate framing and exposure decisions. It lacks an EVF too, and its smaller LCD isn’t touch-enabled, making navigation less fluid.

For users who want simple, quick access to key settings, Samsung’s WB850F wins the ergonomics race. For those who prefer a stripped-back tool emphasizing fine control, Sigma’s DP2s offers that tactile manual-focus charm.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size Matters - Big Sensor vs. Superzoom Sensor

Here’s where the story really diverges: the sensor.

The Samsung WB850F packs a standard small superzoom sensor - 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS, with a sensor area of just about 28 mm² and 16 megapixels. This sensor size is common in travel zooms offering an enormous 21x zoom range (23-483mm equivalent) but with inherent compromises in noise performance and dynamic range.

The Sigma DP2s features an APS-C sized Foveon X3 CMOS sensor measuring 285 mm² - over 10 times the surface area - albeit with a modest 5MP resolution. Don’t let the numbers fool you; Foveon’s unique 3-layer sensor design records full color information at each pixel location, delivering extraordinarily sharp and nuanced images with superb color fidelity.

In practical shooting:

• The WB850F captures versatile shots with respectable detail in daylight but struggles in low light and landscapes demanding wide dynamic range.
• The DP2s excels at producing richly detailed textures and natural skin tones, ideal for portraiture and fine art photography, especially when lighting is controlled or ample.

If ultimate image quality is your passion, particularly for prints or critical viewing, the DP2s is the clear winner. If zoom reach and all-around convenience outweigh absolute image fidelity, the WB850F remains compelling.

LCD Screen and Live View Experience

Viewing your shots and navigating menus is often overlooked but important to shooting comfort and creativity.

Samsung’s 3-inch AMOLED screen on the WB850F offers punchy colors and is bright enough to use outdoors on a sunny day. Although it lacks a touchscreen, its crisp display and simple UI mean you won’t be fumbling through settings too much.

The Sigma DP2s’ smaller, 2.5-inch LCD with a mere 230k pixels puts it behind by today’s standards - images look duller and details can be harder to discern during composition. Coupled with its lack of touchscreen, it places increased emphasis on getting exposure and focus settings right with manual controls.

If you’re someone who heavily relies on a sharp live view screen to frame your shots on the fly, the Samsung shines. The DP2s demands a more deliberate setup but rewards patience with exceptional image rendering.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Fast Action vs. Thoughtful Capture

Here’s where usage diverges dramatically based on shooting style.

The WB850F offers a contrast-detection autofocus system with face and AF tracking, including eye detection - a nice touch for portraits and family snaps. It supports continuous AF (though not continuously tracking moving subjects vigorously) and can shoot up to 10 frames per second in burst mode. It’s a competent camera for capturing kids, pets, and fleeting moments.

The Sigma DP2s, meanwhile, has a contrast-detection AF optimized for pinpoint focus accuracy rather than speed. It shoots at a modest 3 fps burst but does not have continuous or face-detection AF. It’s suited for static subjects or street photography where you can take time to nail focus. The lack of image stabilization pushes the need for sturdy handling or tripod use.

For sports, wildlife, or fast-paced shooting, the WB850F’s speed and AF system will serve you better. For contemplative portraits, landscapes, or studio, the DP2s’ impressive image detail compensates for slower focus.

Lens Versatility and Macro Capabilities

The fixed lenses on both mark a big distinction in flexibility.

The Samsung’s superzoom lens spans 23-483mm equivalent at f/2.8–5.9 with optical image stabilization. This enormous zoom range lets you cover everything from wide-angle group shots to distant wildlife and sports, a rare all-in-one convenience.

Sigma’s DP2s sticks to a prime 41mm lens - a normal field of view for natural perspective - at a bright aperture (around f/2.8). The lack of zoom means no reach expansion, but primes typically have better image quality. The DP2s doesn’t specialize in macro, while the WB850F offers a minimum focusing distance of 5cm at the wide end - usable for close-ups but less precise than dedicated macro models.

If you crave a do-it-all travel companion, Samsung’s zoom range is a versatile dream. But if you demand pristine image quality for portraits or art, Sigma’s fixed prime lens won’t disappoint.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Handling the Elements

Neither camera offers professional weather sealing, so neither will thrive in pouring rain or rugged conditions. However, the WB850F’s lighter plastic build and slimmer profile emphasize portability over ruggedness.

The DP2s has a more solid feel with its chunkier body and weather-resistant-ish traits (though no official rating). Still, both models require careful handling in outdoor and inclement conditions.

Photographers who need robust durability should consider other models, but hobbyists and casual users will find both manageable with some extra care.

Video Capabilities: A Tale of Two Strategies

Samsung WB850F:

• Supports Full HD 1080p video at 30fps using MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs.
• Optical image stabilization helps smooth handheld footage.
• HDMI output allows external monitor connection.
• No microphone or headphone jacks limit audio control.

Sigma DP2s:

• Video maxes out at a tiny 320 x 240 resolution.
• No real practical video capability for modern creators.
• No HDMI or audio ports.

In other words, the WB850F doubles as a reasonable casual video camera for family events or quick clips, while the DP2s is strictly a stills machine.

Videographers would be wise to pass on the DP2s unless video is a complete non-factor; the WB850F offers far more practical functionality here.

Night and Low-Light Performance

The small 1/2.3” sensor on the WB850F struggles above ISO 800, with noticeable noise creeping in but stabilized lens helps keep shutter speeds manageable in dim conditions.

The Sigma’s larger APS-C Foveon sensor provides better noise control and maintains color fidelity down to ISO 3200, though its slower lens and lack of stabilization mean tripod use or steady hands are essential when light fades.

Despite the DP2s’ slower shooting speed, for night enthusiasts who want fine detail and color accuracy, it’s a worthy choice if you can plan shots carefully.

Battery Life and Storage

Neither camera provides stellar battery life compared to recent mirrorless or DSLRs, typical of compact designs from their era.

The WB850F uses Samsung’s proprietary SLB-10A battery, delivering moderate shot counts suitable for casual outings but perhaps insufficient for non-stop day-long shooting without extras.

The DP2s specs are sketchy on battery capacity but roughly comparable, with rechargeable batteries but no USB charging.

Both rely on a single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot, standard and convenient.

Travelers and event shooters should budget for spare batteries with either camera.

Connectivity and Extras: What’s Missing and What’s Useful

Samsung WB850F:

• Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS tagging, handy for travel photographers and easy photo transfers.
• USB 2.0 and HDMI output.
• No Bluetooth or NFC (typical settings for 2012).

Sigma DP2s:

• No wireless connectivity or GPS.
• USB 2.0 only.
• No HDMI.

These wireless extras may be overlooked by purists favoring image quality but make the WB850F more modern and user-friendly in the mobile age.

Pricing and Value: Budget vs. Specialist Investment

At launch, the WB850F hit around $600, offering versatility and convenience at a modest price. Its zoom flexibility and interface make it a good buy for everyday enthusiasts or travelers on a budget.

The DP2s’s initial price near $940 put it squarely in the niche market of large-sensor compact photographers who value image quality over everything else. It’s a more specialist choice and less beginner-friendly.

In today’s used market, the WB850F remains accessible, while the DP2s commands a premium among pixel peepers and Sigma enthusiasts.

Real-World Sample Images: Detail and Color in the Field

Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back Sigma DP2s screen back

Diving into side-by-side samples reveals the essence of their philosophies:

• The WB850F’s images show flexibility in framing with nice color saturation but softness at pixel-level when heavily cropped.
• DP2s files display rich texture, exceptional tonal gradation, and punchy but natural colors, perfect for portraits and carefully composed landscapes.

This correlation between sensor and optics quality and resulting photo impact is clear in practice.

Performance Scores by Camera: Snapshot of Strengths

From in-depth testing metrics (including AF speed, image quality, and usability), WB850F ranks well for speed and convenience but lower for image quality under critical scrutiny.

DP2s scores high for image sharpness, color depth, and dynamic range but subscores on speed and features hold it back in versatility.

Genre-Specific Analysis: Which Camera Excels Where?

• Portraits: DP2s offers superior skin tone rendering and bokeh creamy enough for delicate faces. WB850F face detection helps beginners but optics limit bokeh quality.
• Landscape: DP2s’ sensor size and image fidelity win hands down in tonal range and detail. WB850F’s zoom versatility can be handy though sensor noise hurts in shadows.
• Wildlife: WB850F dominates with long zoom and fast continuous shooting. DP2s’ slow AF and fixed prime make it impractical.
• Sports: Same story; WB850F’s 10 fps and tracking autofocus are better.
• Street Photography: DP2s’ discreet design, image quality, and prime lens suit thoughtful street shooting; WB850F is bulkier and zoom can clog up the moment.
• Macro: WB850F’s 5cm close focus is adequate; DP2s doesn’t cater to macro.
• Night/Astro: DP2s’ high-ISO color fidelity and exposure latitude have an edge, but lack of stabilization handicaps handheld shots.
• Video: WB850F is strictly better.
• Travel: WB850F wins by offering all-in-one zoom and wireless features.
• Professional Work: DP2s offers RAW support and detailed files appreciated by pros; WB850F’s JPEG output is aimed at casual shooters.

Pros & Cons Summary

Samsung WB850F

Pros:

• Massive 21x zoom with optical stabilization
• Fast shooting (10fps) and decent autofocus with face detection
• Vibrant AMOLED screen and built-in Wi-Fi, GPS
• Lightweight and pocketable
• Full HD video capabilities

Cons:

• Small sensor limits image quality, especially in low light
• No RAW support
• Plastic build, no weather sealing
• No EVF or touchscreen

Sigma DP2s

Pros:

• Large APS-C Foveon sensor with exceptional color fidelity and detail
• Prime lens optimized for image quality
• RAW file support for serious editing
• Solid, tactile manual controls
• Unique image rendering ideal for portraits and fine art

Cons:

• Fixed prime lens limits composition versatility
• Slow autofocus and low burst rate
• No image stabilization
• Weak video capabilities and small low-res LCD
• No wireless connectivity and shorter battery life

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional craving superlative image quality, superb color rendering, and don’t mind slower shooting speed or limited zoom, the Sigma DP2s remains a unique gem. It’s a camera for deliberate creatives who savor getting each shot just right, ideal for portraits, landscapes, and fine art. Its RAW support and large sensor make it viable for professional workflows, despite its quirks.

Conversely, if you’re a budget-conscious traveler, family snapper, or content creator needing zoom flexibility, good autofocus, and video capability in a lightweight, wireless-equipped package, the Samsung WB850F offers a compelling and practical all-rounder. It covers a wide range of real-world scenarios albeit at some sacrifice to low-light quality and professional processing options.

My Hands-On Experience and Recommendations

I recall testing the WB850F on several family holidays where its impressively long zoom captured distant wildlife with ease and its Wi-Fi saved me hours of cable transfers. However, under dim museum lights, noise was frustrating, making me reach for my phone’s HDR modes instead.

The DP2s reminded me why sensor technology matters most. Working slowly in a studio setting, the vibrant colors and exquisite detail in portraits were breathtaking. Yet, I wouldn’t recommend it for fast-moving subjects or casual walks without planning.

If you’re just dipping toes into photography or want an all-in-one travel pocket camera, Samsung’s WB850F offers a sensible lens to your budget and everyday needs. But if image quality - and the joy of the photographic process - are your primary motivators (and the price is right in your mind), Sigma’s DP2s is a rewarding companion.

In the end, choosing between these two is not about better or worse, but about matching a camera’s personality and strengths to your photographic passions and lifestyle. I hope this detailed hands-on breakdown helps you avoid the cheapskate traps and clubs for thumbs - and captures exactly what you’re after.

Happy shooting!