Fujifilm F900EXR vs. Samsung WB1100F: An Expert Comparative Review of Two Small Sensor Superzooms

In the realm of compact superzoom cameras, finding the right balance between performance, usability, and value is often a daunting challenge. Today, I bring you a detailed and firsthand experience-packed comparison of two notable cameras in this category: the Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR, released in early 2013, and the Samsung WB1100F, launched a year later in 2014. Both cameras aim to serve enthusiasts and casual photographers seeking remarkable zoom ranges without the fuss of interchangeable lenses. Yet, how do they stack up in today’s demanding photography landscape?

From sensor technology to autofocus performance, from ergonomics to real-world image quality, we delve deep - over thousands of test shots and hours of fieldwork - to uncover which of these small sensor superzooms deserves your attention.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Right out of the gate, the Fujifilm F900EXR impresses with its lightweight and pocket-friendly compact body. At 105 x 61 x 36 mm and weighing a mere 232 grams, it is significantly smaller and lighter than the Samsung WB1100F, which weighs more than double - 512 grams, with dimensions 125 x 87 x 96 mm. The Samsung’s SLR-like "bridge" body design increases grip size and control surface but makes it far less discreet and portable.

From my experience, weight and size dramatically influence how often you carry the camera and how comfortable long shooting sessions are. The Fujifilm’s compactness made it my go-to on casual urban walks and spontaneous trips, while the Samsung’s bulk felt more suited to planned shoots where a commanding grip and extended hand stability matter.

In short:

• Fujifilm F900EXR - ultra-portable, discreet.
• Samsung WB1100F - chunkier, more robust handling at the cost of size.

When you look at the control layout on top, the Fujifilm strikes me as having a more minimalistic, straightforward arrangement. You get dedicated shutter speed priority and aperture priority modes, plus manual exposure control, something serious enthusiasts will appreciate. Meanwhile, the Samsung lacks aperture priority and manual exposure - it offers shutter priority only. This substantial limitation narrows creative control.

The Samsung also foregoes features like exposure compensation or bracketing, which the Fujifilm incorporates - an essential detail for those shooting challenging lighting.

Ergonomics verdict: For ease of use and flexibility, the Fujifilm feels more refined; the Samsung offers extra heft and grip but with pared-down manual controls.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Two cameras with similarly sized sensors - roughly 1/2 inch class, but subtle differences in technology and performance can profoundly affect image quality.

Fujifilm F900EXR

Packing a 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor sized at approximately 6.4 x 4.8 mm and 16 megapixels, Fujifilm’s sensor utilizes their unique EXR II technology. This EXR II sensor delivers some adaptive modes for optimized dynamic range and noise performance by strategically combining pixels or selecting sensitivity patterns in different lighting. This tech allows better control in challenging highlights and shadows and improved color depth versus typical compact cameras.

Notably, Fujifilm supports RAW shooting - a feature missing from the Samsung - allowing far greater flexibility in post-processing and professional workflows.

ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 native up to 3200, with a boosted setting at 12800, giving moderate usability in low light.

Samsung WB1100F

Samsung’s WB1100F features a 1/2.3" CCD sensor (smaller active area: 6.17 x 4.55 mm), also 16MP. Compared to CMOS, CCD sensors typically drain battery faster, are slower in readout speed, and generally produce more noise at higher ISO, especially in small compact formats.

Critically, the Samsung lacks RAW capture, which limits editing latitude substantially.

ISO tops at 3200 native, no boosted mode.

Real-world image quality tests:

Over several controlled and outdoor shoots, I observed:

• Fujifilm’s EXR II sensor produces finer detail, smoother gradations in shadows, and less noise at ISO 800 and above.
• Samsung’s CCD sensor images appear softer, with more noticeable chroma noise creeping in at ISO 400 and above.
• Dynamic range is visibly better in the Fujifilm, helping landscape and shadow detail retention - a key plus for nature shooters.

Bottom line: The Fujifilm F900EXR’s sensor technology gives it a clear edge in image quality potential, particularly for enthusiasts who want robust post-processing flexibility and cleaner ISO handling.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Reliability

Autofocus can make or break experiences in action and wildlife photography, and it significantly affects frustration levels during street or casual shooting.

Fujifilm F900EXR

The camera employs a hybrid autofocus system that incorporates phase-detection AF, rare in compact zoomers of this era, plus predictive 11fps continuous shooting. It supports face detection and continuous AF tracking, accommodations that delight portrait portraitists and those photographing unpredictable scenes. While the system isn’t as cutting-edge as today’s flagship mirrorless AF with deep machine learning, for its generation and price point, it’s impressively fast and accurate.

I tested it extensively on moving subjects and found autofocus to be sufficiently snappy for casual wildlife shots and sports. Continuous AF struggles with very fast subjects but is notably better than average in this category.

Samsung WB1100F

Samsung's contrast-detection-only system lacks face detection and continuous AF tracking - features vital for reliable autofocus on moving subjects. Accordingly, continuous shooting is limited to 1 fps, which drastically reduces practical usability in dynamic scenarios.

Manual focus is available, but no focus peaking or refinements assist ease of use. Consequently, the WB1100F serves best for static subjects or methodical shooting rather than fast-paced photography.

Autofocus verdict: Fujifilm’s hybrid PDAF system and tracking capabilities outclass Samsung’s CCD contrast AF by a wide margin, particularly valuable in wildlife, sports, and street photography.

Lens and Zoom: Reach, Aperture Range, and Versatility

Superzoom cameras live or die by the flexibility and quality of their lenses.

• Fujifilm F900EXR: 25-500mm equivalent (20x optical zoom), aperture f/3.5-5.3
• Samsung WB1100F: 25-875mm equivalent (35x optical zoom), aperture f/3.0-5.9

The Samsung touts an impressive 35x zoom range, promising massive telephoto reach. But such lengths often come at a cost in sharpness and stabilization difficulty. The Fujifilm, more modest at 20x zoom, focuses on maintaining cleaner optics and more reliable image stabilization.

Both cameras feature image stabilization: Fujifilm employs sensor-shift stabilization, and Samsung uses optical stabilization. Sensor-shift tends to be more effective across focal lengths and reduces blur better in low light. Indeed, in my tests, the Fujifilm’s shake correction proved more consistent - particularly at longer focal lengths.

For macro capability:

• Fujifilm can focus as close as 5cm, enabling detailed close-ups.
• Samsung does not specify macro range and was less comfortable getting ultra-close reliably.

This makes the Fujifilm a friendlier option for macro enthusiasts and creative shooters.

Screen, Interface, and Controls: Usability Under the Lens

On the rear, both sport 3" fixed LCD screens but with critical differences:

• Fujifilm boasts 920k-dot resolution, delivering sharp, bright previews.
• Samsung’s display is 460k-dot, noticeably less crisp and, in sunlight or high-contrast conditions, harder to judge exposure or focus.

Neither have touchscreens or articulating displays, limiting flexible angles for shooting or menu navigation.

User interface on the Fujifilm is well-laid-out, with dedicated dials and buttons complementing on-screen menus. Samsung leans toward a more simplified interface lacking dedicated manual exposure controls or bracketing options.

Video Capabilities: Moving Beyond Still Images

Video in these cameras is relatively entry-level, but worth discussing for hybrid shooters.

• Fujifilm F900EXR records Full HD (1920x1080) at up to 60fps, using H.264 codec, providing smooth, relatively sharp HD footage.
• Samsung WB1100F maxes out at HD 720p (1280x720), at 30fps, less suited for detailed or action video.

Neither has external microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control options - the usual trade-off in this camera segment.

If video is occasionally part of your workflow, the Fujifilm’s superior resolution and frame rate options make it the better lightweight hybrid tool.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Practical Daily Use

Battery life often overlooked, becomes crucial if you’re traveling or capturing full-day events.

• Fujifilm uses the NP-50A battery, rated roughly 260 shots per charge.
• Samsung’s SLB-10A battery life data is unspecified but subjectively felt shorter in field tests - partly because CCD sensors consume more power.

Contrasting connectivity:

• Both have built-in WiFi for image transfer.
• Samsung includes NFC, enabling simplified pairing with compatible devices - a small connectivity edge.
• Fujifilm includes HDMI out; Samsung lacks this, limiting on-the-fly external monitoring or playback.

Neither camera offers Bluetooth, GPS, or advanced wireless features, not unexpected in this price and category.

Weather Sealing and Durability

Neither camera is weather-sealed, dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof, so both require typical care. The Samsung’s beefy build feels more rugged in hand, but neither is designed for professional-level environmental resilience.

Image Samples and Real-World Shooting Scenarios

Fujifilm F900EXR front Fujifilm F900EXR screen back Samsung WB1100F front Samsung WB1100F screen back

I compiled side-by-side images to illustrate differences across several photography areas:

• Portraits: The Fujifilm’s EXR sensor yields smoother gradation in skin tones and a more pleasant bokeh blur at telephoto focal lengths. Samsung’s images - while decent - appear flatter and noisier in shadows.

• Landscapes: Fujifilm’s better dynamic range shines here with richer details in skies and shadow areas. Samsung’s sensor clipping is more obvious in high-contrast scenes.

• Wildlife and Sports: Fujifilm captured more in-focus frames thanks to faster AF and burst mode. Samsung’s slower single-shot cadence and weaker AF limited potential.

• Street and Travel: Fujifilm’s compact size makes it less intrusive and easier for candid shots.

• Macro: Fujifilm’s close focusing delivers crisp, colorful fine details. Samsung’s macro ability is limited.

• Night and Astro: Fujifilm’s boosted ISO and sensor tech excelled in low light; Samsung’s images showed heavy noise and smearing.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

By evaluating parameters such as image quality, autofocus speed, ergonomics, video, and value, the Fujifilm F900EXR scores consistently higher, delivering a more balanced and capable package.

Breaking down by shooting genres:

• Landscape, Portrait, Macro, Night: Fujifilm leads.
• Wildlife, Sports: Fujifilm clearly better due to AF and burst speed.
• Travel & Street: Fujifilm’s compactness and image quality give it the edge.
• Video: Fujifilm again outperforms marginally.
• Samsung only gains on extreme zoom reach, but at practical cost.

Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choose Fujifilm F900EXR if...

• You value image quality with the flexibility of RAW shooting.
• You want advanced manual control modes (shutter & aperture priority, manual).
• Predictive autofocus and burst shooting are crucial (sports, wildlife).
• Compact, lightweight design for travel or street photography matters.
• You appreciate sharper, higher resolution live view.
• Your workflow incorporates video in Full HD.

This camera fits photography enthusiasts wanting a versatile, dependable superzoom without breaking the bank.

Choose Samsung WB1100F if...

• You need an extra-long telephoto reach up to 875mm for distant subjects.
• Budget is very tight and you can tolerate slower shooting speeds and more limited manual exposure.
• NFC connectivity for simple smartphone image sharing is attractive.
• You prefer a larger, heavier bridge design with pronounced grip.
• You shoot mainly static or posed subjects (travel, wildlife at long reach but slow shutter speeds).

I consider this camera a basic superzoom for casual shooters prioritizing reach over speed or quality.

Summary: Expert Recommendations and Final Thoughts

After thorough hands-on testing across multiple disciplines, I find the Fujifilm F900EXR substantially outperforms the Samsung WB1100F in the majority of serious photography tasks. The advanced sensor technology, superior autofocus system, better image stabilization, richer manual control, and superior video define it as the more balanced and performance-oriented tool.

The Samsung WB1100F’s main appeal is its impressive 35x zoom reach and simple interface, but the concession in autofocus, image quality, and video puts it at a disadvantage except for very niche users prioritizing maximum zoom length on a limited budget.

Choosing depends on your photography priorities:

• For professionals or enthusiasts needing flexible, well-rounded gear, Fujifilm F900EXR is the clear choice.
• For amateurs who want “crazy zoom distance” and don’t mind speed or quality limitations, Samsung WB1100F can serve as a budget zoom beast.

Ultimately, no matter which you pick, understanding these trade-offs ensures your investment supports your creative vision effectively.

If you found this comparison valuable and want more expert insights into cameras that fit your unique needs, stay tuned for our upcoming reviews covering mirrorless systems, DSLRs, and specialty cameras. Happy shooting!