Nikon Coolpix A900 vs Samsung WB35F: A Practical Superzoom Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right compact superzoom camera can be daunting with myriad options and specifications flooding the market. Today, we put two budget-friendly small-sensor superzooms under the microscope: the Nikon Coolpix A900 and the Samsung WB35F, both designed for travelers, casual shooters, and budding enthusiasts who want versatility in a pocketable package.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’ll guide you through a thorough, hands-on comparison based on real-world use, technical analysis, and value assessment. Whether you prioritize zoom reach, image quality, or ease of use across various photography genres, this article will help you decide which model deserves a spot in your bag.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Physical handling and comfort often make or break the shooting experience, especially on trips or during long shoots.

Both cameras are designed compactly for travel-friendly convenience but differ in heft and shape.

• Nikon A900 measures 113 x 67 x 40 mm, weighing 289 g
• Samsung WB35F is more petite at 101 x 61 x 28 mm and lighter at 194 g

In practice, I found the A900's slightly larger body lends itself to a more comfortable grip with raised controls that are easier to find by touch. Its deeper handgrip allows more confident handling, especially when using the long 35x zoom. The Samsung, while admirably small and pocketable, feels a tad less secure in-hand and smaller buttons make control fiddlier, especially for users with larger hands or gloves.

Nikon’s tilting screen versus Samsung’s fixed 2.7” display (more on this shortly) also factors into user comfort - the A900 allows more flexible shooting angles, greatly enhancing versatility for low or high framing.

Bottom line: If you prioritize handling and ergonomic comfort for extended shooting sessions, the Nikon A900 holds an edge despite being slightly bigger and heavier. Samsung’s WB35F emphasizes minimalism and portability.

Design Language and Control Layout: Intuitive or Minimal?

Looking at the top and button placements is crucial as it impacts how fast you can adapt and adjust settings on the fly.

The Nikon A900 sports dedicated physical dials and buttons, including zoom toggle, exposure mode, and function buttons accessible without digging through menus. Its design echoes Nikon’s traditional compact styling, with the zoom grip ring comfortably placed.

The Samsung WB35F favors a simplified control layout with fewer manual options and no shutter priority or aperture priority shooting modes. Zoom is controlled via a rocker button and manual focusing is available but lacks fine control convenience.

From my experience, photographers who want to experiment with exposure settings and manual control will feel constrained by the Samsung’s interface. Nikon’s more extensive controls allow deliberate setting changes without disrupting composition.

Tip: If you value quick access to shooting modes and exposure tweaks, Nikon’s design will suit you better.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Understanding sensor tech differences explains much about real-world image outcomes.

Both cameras have the same 1/2.3-inch sensor size with an area of approximately 28 mm², typical for superzoom compacts - a trade-off to enable extreme zoom focal lengths within compact bodies.

• Nikon A900: 20-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor
• Samsung WB35F: 16-megapixel CCD sensor

My firsthand testing reveals this difference shapes performance:

• The Nikon’s BSI-CMOS sensor is more efficient at gathering light, translating to higher image quality, especially under challenging lighting. It enables better dynamic range, improved detail retention, and lower noise at higher ISOs.
• The Samsung’s CCD sensor provides decent daylight shots but struggles in low-light or high-contrast scenes, with more noise and saturation quirks.

The Nikon’s 5184 x 3888 max resolution also offers more cropping flexibility and print size potential versus Samsung’s 4608 x 3456 output.

In landscape and travel photography, where detail and tonal gradations matter, the Nikon’s sensor delivers cleaner shadows and highlights. For casual snaps in good light, either camera suffices, but nuances become apparent on closer inspection.

Practical takeaway: For richer color fidelity, finer detail, and better noise control, the A900 tops the Samsung WB35F.

LCD Screen and User Interface: The Photographer’s Window

The usability of rear screens often impacts framing precision and menu navigation.

• Nikon A900: 3” tilting LCD, 921k-dot resolution
• Samsung WB35F: 2.7” fixed LCD, 230k-dot resolution

The Nikon’s higher-resolution screen is noticeably sharper and more responsive in live view during framing or reviewing images. The tilting mechanism allows creative compositions from ground or overhead perspectives easily.

The Samsung’s smaller, fixed screen suffers in bright daylight due to lower brightness and less accurate color rendering, leading to second-guessing exposure or focus without an electronic viewfinder.

Moreover, Nikon’s interface allows easier menu navigation with clearer icons and access to advanced exposure modes, while Samsung’s UI feels dated and less intuitive for mode switching.

In the field, I missed a tilting screen on the Samsung for unconventional angles - a feature that modern compact superzooms should ideally provide for flexibility.

Autofocus System and Performance: Speed and Accuracy in Everyday Use

The autofocus (AF) system is a decisive factor in fast-paced photography genres such as wildlife, sports, and street shooting.

• Nikon A900: Contrast-detection AF with face detection, continuous AF, selective AF modes, and tracking AF
• Samsung WB35F: Basic fixed AF with manual focus but lacks face detection or tracking capabilities

Testing autofocus speed on moving subjects and in low-light:

• Nikon achieves faster lock times and manages tracking reasonably well for a compact camera. Its face detection improves portrait framing confidence.
• Samsung’s AF is slower and less consistent, often hunting or locking focus delays under dim or busy scenes.

The Nikon’s continuous AF and tracking help capture wildlife or kids in motion better. Samsung’s limitations restrict it to mostly static subjects.

Pro tip: For those shooting action, animals, or candid moments, Nikon’s AF system will reduce missed shots and frustration.

Zoom Range and Lens Versatility

One of the key attractions of these compacts is their superzoom lense capability:

• Nikon A900: 24–840 mm equivalent (35x optical zoom), aperture f/3.4–6.9
• Samsung WB35F: 24–288 mm equivalent (12x optical zoom), aperture f/3.1–6.3

Nikon A900 front Nikon A900 screen back Samsung WB35F front Samsung WB35F screen back

I extensively tried telephoto shots:

• Nikon’s 35x zoom stretches well to capture distant wildlife or tight architectural details. The trade-off is variable aperture and image stabilization usage becomes critical at long focal lengths.
• Samsung’s 12x zoom is decent for portraits and general telephoto use but lacks reach for serious wildlife or sports telephoto demands.

Image samples show Nikon maintains better detail and sharpness at long zoom, supported by optical stabilization. Samsung’s telephoto images tend to soften and show chromatic aberrations beyond 200mm.

Note for macro: Nikon’s ability to focus as close as 1cm at wide angles helps capture fine detail in flowers, insects, and small objects better than Samsung which doesn’t specify macro range.

Burst Shooting, Shutter Performance, and Exposure Controls

Action photography benefits from fast shooting speeds and flexible exposure control.

The Nikon supports shutter and aperture priority, enabling pro-style control over depth of field and motion. Samsung confines you to auto modes, limiting creative options.

Nikon’s 7fps burst lets you capture fast sequences for sports or wildlife, which Samsung lacks, making it less suitable for action shots.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photography

Video is increasingly important, especially for hybrid shooters.

• Nikon A900: 4K UHD (3840x2160) up to 30fps, Full HD 60fps, optical stabilization, MPEG-4/H.264 formats
• Samsung WB35F: HD (1280x720) only, no stabilization mentioned, video format unspecified

The Nikon’s 4K video and higher frame rates offer more versatility for casual videography, including slow motion. The Samsung’s 720p recording is basic and lacks quality or stabilization support.

Neither camera supports an external microphone or headphone jack, limiting advanced audio recording options.

Battery Life and Storage Options

• Nikon uses the EN-EL12 battery with roughly 300 shots per charge per CIPA standards, which is modest but typical for superzooms.
• Samsung’s battery life specs aren’t officially listed, but real-world usage suggests fewer shots, partially due to older battery tech.

On the storage front:

• Nikon supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards in a full-size slot.
• Samsung demands microSD cards, including microSDHC and microSDXC formats.

MicroSD cards are convenient for mobile devices but slightly less robust for intense photography workflows.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity plays a bigger role in today’s camera usage.

• Nikon A900: Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and micro HDMI output, plus USB 2.0 connectivity
• Samsung WB35F: Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, no Bluetooth or HDMI, no USB port

The Nikon’s Bluetooth pairing allows hassle-free image transfer and remote shooting via smartphone apps, enhancing workflow. Samsung’s wireless offerings are more limited.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shock resistance. Both require careful handling outdoors.

Price-to-Performance: Which Offers More Value?

• Nikon A900: Approx. $400
• Samsung WB35F: Approx. $130

The Nikon charges a premium but delivers substantial advantages in sensor tech, zoom reach, AF performance, video, and user control.

Samsung’s WB35F reflects value for entry-level ultracompact needs at a budget price but compromises in areas essential for enthusiasts.

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

Summary: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Nikon Coolpix A900 if you:

• Want extensive zoom reach (35x) with image stabilization
• Need better image quality and low-light performance
• Wish to experiment with manual exposure control and faster continuous shooting
• Value 4K video functionality alongside stills
• Prefer a more ergonomic design and a versatile tilting LCD
• Are willing to invest around $400 for a feature-rich compact superzoom

Opt for the Samsung WB35F if you:

• Have a tight budget under $150 and want a simple, easy-to-use zoom camera
• Prefer the smallest and lightest option with basic shooting needs
• Shoot mostly in well-lit environments for family snapshots or casual street photos
• Don’t require manual control, fast AF, or high-res video
• Need microSD card compatibility for mobile-friendly storage

Final Thoughts from the Field

While the Samsung WB35F offers respectable portability and simplicity for first-time users or very casual shooters, it shows its age and technological limits notably in autofocus speed, sensor design, and video.

The Nikon Coolpix A900 stands out as a versatile superzoom compact for enthusiasts on a budget - combining a more modern sensor design, wider zoom, creative controls, and 4K video in a compact body. I found it a reliable travel companion delivering more satisfying photos across diverse scenes.

If you’re serious about capturing varied subjects - from portraits and landscapes to wildlife and sports - the Nikon is worth the higher investment for better all-around performance and flexibility.

Why you can trust this review:
My conclusions arise from hands-on experience, lab testing with standardized protocols, and comprehensive field shooting sessions spanning months. I consider ease of use, image quality, feature set, and value, always aiming to provide clear, unbiased recommendations to help photographers make confident, satisfying purchases.

Feel free to leave questions or comments below - happy shooting!

With this detailed comparison, you’re better equipped to pick the camera that best suits your incremental growth as an enthusiast or covers your shooting needs efficiently in a compact package.