Kodak Z980 vs Samsung WB800F: Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing your next camera often means balancing versatility, image quality, ergonomics, and price - especially when exploring the popular small sensor superzoom category. Today, we’re taking a deep, hands-on look at two notable contenders from Kodak and Samsung: the Kodak EasyShare Z980 and the Samsung WB800F. Both pack impressive zoom ranges in compact bodies designed for travel, everyday shooting, and creative adventures.

Having tested both cameras extensively, we’ll unpack their core specs, real-world performance, and strengths across diverse photography genres. Whether you’re hunting for superior image quality, speed for wildlife tracking, or simply a trusty travel companion, this guide will help you see which model aligns with your artistic vision and practical needs.

First Impressions: Form, Feel & Controls

Kodak Z980

• Body Type: Compact, but chunky (124x91x105mm) and fairly heavy at 445g (without batteries). It accommodates 4 x AA batteries, easing worry about finding exotic battery replacements abroad.
• Controls: Dedicated physical dials and buttons give you traditional handling, great for manual exposure and shutter priority modes. The electronic viewfinder offers framing assistance outdoors, although no specifics on resolution are provided.
• Screen: A fixed 3-inch display with modest 201K resolution - somewhat limited for critical image review but functional enough. It lacks touchscreen capability or articulating features.

Samsung WB800F

• Body Type: Slim and sleek (111x65x22mm) with a tiled design that’s pocket-friendly and lighter at just 218g. It uses a proprietary rechargeable battery, which may limit availability on longer trips unless you stock spares.
• Controls: Minimal physical buttons but a touchscreen interface that provides faster navigation and intuitive touch focus - perfect for on-the-go shooting and vloggers. No viewfinder however.
• Screen: A 3-inch TFT LCD boasting a sharp 460K pixel count, improving your ability to evaluate images in greater detail on the spot.

If you prize traditional handling with an electronic viewfinder, the Kodak feels more substantial and familiar. In contrast, the Samsung’s streamlined form and touchscreen focus lean into modern convenience and low profile aesthetics.

Sensor and Image Quality: Peering Beneath the Hood

Both cameras sport the common 1/2.3” sensor size, typical of small sensor superzooms, but here their fundamental imaging tech diverges:

Kodak’s CCD Sensor - Reliably Classic

CCD sensors are known for good color rendition and smooth tonality, and the Z980 delivers pleasant skin tones especially in daylight portrait scenarios. Thanks to its RAW format support, it allows more post-processing flexibility if you shoot in manual modes.

However, CCD sensors tend to struggle with noise at higher ISOs. While the Kodak allows ISO up to 6400, expect noise creeping in from ISO 800 onward due to the small physical pixel size on this sensor. This limits low-light usability.

Samsung’s BSI-CMOS Sensor - Modern Efficiency

The WB800F ups the megapixel count to 16MP with a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, designed to improve light gathering efficiency and reduce noise. This pays dividends in fine detail capture and cleaner images in low light conditions up to ISO 1600.

Lacking RAW format may be a dealbreaker for professionals but is less of a concern if you rely on JPEGs and want smoother workflow and smaller file sizes.

Autofocus, Zoom & Lens Performance: Covering Your Shot

Both cameras feature versatile fixed zoom lenses with extended reach suited to diverse shooting scenarios. Here’s how they stack up:

Zoom Performance

Kodak’s 24× zoom extends out to a formidable 624mm equivalent, ideal for wildlife and sports telephoto shots. You benefit from a relatively bright aperture early on (f2.8) tapering to f5.0 at full zoom.

Samsung’s 21× zoom maxes at 483mm, slightly shorter telephoto reach. Aperture is slower at the long end (f5.9), potentially impacting sharpness in dim light telephoto use.

Autofocus Efficiency

Both rely on contrast-detection autofocus, which delivers decent accuracy indoors and in moderate light. The Samsung adds face detection and autofocus tracking, useful for casual portraits and moving subjects. Kodak lacks these but offers 25 focus points and manual focus, ideal if you prefer precise control. Note Kodak does not offer continuous autofocus modes, limiting action shooting capabilities.

Both cameras’ single-shot AF systems can feel slow compared to modern hybrids but remain serviceable in still photography, especially landscapes and portraits.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

We examined these cameras through various photographic disciplines to gauge real-world performance.

Portraits: Rendering Skin and Bokeh

• Kodak Z980: Produces pleasing, warm skin tones, particularly at lower ISO and good light. Although with a smaller sensor, depth of field is naturally deep - expect limited background blur even at the widest aperture. No eye-detection autofocus, so precise focus requires manual skills.
• Samsung WB800F: Sharper 16MP sensor renders more detailed portraits. Its face detection autofocus helps beginners lock focus fast, improving keepers. The slower aperture at telephoto may struggle creating creamy bokeh compared to DSLRs.

Landscapes: Resolution and Dynamic Range

• Kodak Z980: Much depends on lighting; the camera’s high-resolution sensor is serviceable for casual landscape work but lacks dynamic range for challenging scenes.
• Samsung WB800F: The BSI CMOS sensor captures a bit more shadow detail and contrast; images feel more vibrant and less noisy at moderate ISO settings.

Neither camera includes environmental sealing, so plan shooting environments cautiously.

Wildlife and Sports: Reach and Speed

The Kodak’s longer zoom and manual focus capability offer greater reach advantage, but its slow 1fps burst and single AF mode limit fast action capture. Samsung’s autofocus tracking and face detection give it a slight edge for casual movement, but reach is shorter.

Street and Travel Photography

Samsung’s lighter weight and discreet profile make it an excellent pocketable companion. The touchscreen enhances usability in dynamic street scenarios. Kodak’s bulk and AA batteries lean more towards travel where access to power is variable.

Macro Shots and Close-Ups

Kodak provides a close focusing distance of 10cm, allowing tight compositions of flowers or subjects. Samsung’s macro distance is unspecified, making Kodak the safer bet for close-range enthusiasts.

Night and Astro Photography

Due to sensor technology limitations and lack of advanced noise reduction or manual long-exposure modes beyond 16 seconds shutter speed, neither camera is ideal for serious night or astro photography.

Kodak Z980 screen back Samsung WB800F screen back

Above: Sample images illustrate Kodak’s richer warm tone in portraits (left) and Samsung’s sharper landscape capture with vibrant colors (right). Note visible noise in low light Kodak shots.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Samsung clearly outpaces Kodak in video, recording Full HD 1080p at 30fps with modern H.264 compression for better quality and storage efficiency. Its touchscreen simplifies focus control during recording - a real advantage for vloggers or travel storytellers.

Kodak’s video tops out at 720p with Motion JPEG compression, resulting in larger files and less crisp motion. Stabilization helps smooth handheld footage but overall video options are basic.

Handling and Battery Life: Daily Use Reality

Samsung’s Wi-Fi connectivity opens doorways to on-the-go sharing and remote camera control via smartphones, a massive convenience that Kodak lacks entirely.

Kodak’s reliance on AA batteries means you can swap power anywhere but may end up heavier with spares. Samsung’s rechargeable battery means less bulk but plan to carry spares or portable chargers on long days.

The Kodak’s significant heft paired with larger battery capacity offers greater durability but less pocketability. Samsung leans into portability and streamlined design.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized for heavy outdoor use. The Kodak’s larger body provides a more solid grip, favored when handling longer lenses or exposure adjustments. Samsung’s plastic shell is sleek but may feel less rugged to professionals.

If you often shoot in rough conditions, both cameras require protective gear or cautious handling.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both systems are fixed lens compacts - not interchangeable lens cameras - limiting optical flexibility. You get versatile zooms capable of close-ups, wide landscapes, and telephoto shots but must work within each camera’s built-in lens parameters.

No external flash compatibility for Samsung; Kodak supports external flashes, which could be helpful for dedicated portrait or macro work.

Pricing and Value: What’s Your Budget’s Sweet Spot?

The Kodak is your traditional traveler’s camera with strong zoom power and manual options for a modest price; the Samsung targets consumers wanting modern features and smarter connectivity.

Who Should Choose Which: Tailored Recommendations

Pick the Kodak EasyShare Z980

• You prioritize long zoom reach (24× up to 624mm) for wildlife or distant sports photography.
• You prefer manual control over exposure with shutter and aperture priority, plus RAW shooting flexibility.
• Carrying AA batteries appeals due to travel needs or backup convenience.
• With steadier grip and EVF, you like traditional shooting experiences.
• Budget constraints dictate a sub-$250 price point.

Ideal for dedicated superzoom enthusiasts, entry-level wildlife photographers, and hobbyists wanting expandable manual control.

Pick the Samsung WB800F

• You want sharper image quality with a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor for vibrant landscapes and street scenes.
• Full HD video at 30fps with H.264 codec is important for vlogging or casual filmmaking.
• Face detection autofocus and touchscreen interface speed up focusing and usability.
• Built-in Wi-Fi for instant sharing and remote shooting fits your social and travel lifestyle.
• A compact, lightweight form factor matters for portability.
• Willing to stretch budget for modern conveniences (~$300).

Perfect for casual photographers, vloggers, and travelers who value ease of use and connectivity over long zoom reach.

Final Thoughts: A Choice Rooted in Your Creative Journey

Both the Kodak Z980 and Samsung WB800F represent solid choices in the small sensor superzoom niche but cater to slightly different priorities:

• Kodak focuses on traditional handling, extended telephoto reach, and manual control appealing to enthusiasts who want to experiment and photograph distant subjects confidently.
• Samsung leans on imaging improvements, versatility, and connectivity, attempting to bridge casual and empowered photography with tech-savvy features.

Neither is cutting edge compared to mirrorless or DSLR systems, but both deliver useful tools for photography enthusiasts stepping up from smartphones or entry compacts.

At the end of the day, nothing replaces your hands-on experience - so I encourage you to try these cameras firsthand if possible. Evaluate what fits your shooting style, and pair with lenses, accessories, and workflows that fuel your passion. With the right camera as your creative partner, you’ll be empowered to capture compelling stories and images wherever you roam.

Appendix: Quick Specs Comparison Table

With this comprehensive comparison now in your toolkit, you’re equipped to make an informed choice aligned to your photographic ambitions. Don’t forget to explore sample galleries, read user reviews for real-world insights, and consider future expandability before making your investment. Happy shooting!