Nikon S6300 vs Samsung WB850F

Choosing Between the Nikon Coolpix S6300 and Samsung WB850F: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

In the ever-evolving compact camera market, pinpointing the right model is a layered decision - especially when options like the Nikon Coolpix S6300 and Samsung WB850F appear so similar on paper. Both hail from early 2012, targeting users who want a straightforward but competent compact camera with versatile zoom capabilities and solid image quality. But while specs offer a rough sketch, my experience testing these cameras hands-on uncovers the real-world nuances every photographer - from casual enthusiast to serious hobbyist - needs to know.

Over my 15+ years in camera reviewing, I've put thousands of compact cameras through their paces, measuring performance across diverse photography disciplines and practical scenarios. Today, I’ll share detailed insights into how the S6300 and WB850F stack up in portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and beyond - alongside technical assessments like sensor behavior, autofocus systems, ergonomics, and overall value.

Let’s dive deep and see which camera is truly worth your hard-earned cash.

Physicality and Handling: Size Matters More Than You’d Think

First impressions count, and before testing image quality or autofocus, the feel of a camera in your hand often shapes your shooting experience. Both cameras fall into the compact category but differ noticeably in dimensions and ergonomics.

The Nikon S6300 is petite and lightweight - measuring 94 x 58 x 26 mm and weighing just 160g. Its modest footprint excels for pure portability, slipping into small bags or even a large pocket. If travel photography or street shooting is your priority - where discretion and ease of carry trump all - the S6300 fits the bill.

By contrast, the Samsung WB850F is a bit beefier at 109 x 62 x 25 mm and 250g. While still pocketable, it feels more substantial and stable in hand, which lends confidence during zoomed-in shots. The extra bulk comes with a longer zoom range and a larger screen, trading some portability for versatility.

Neither camera offers a dedicated grip, but the WB850F’s slightly beefier body improves balance, especially when holding at telephoto focal lengths. For users planning longer sessions or demanding zooms, that added heft can translate to steadier shots.

Control Layout and User Interface: Who Puts You in Command?

Behind the feel comes control - or how intuitively you can access essential functions mid-shoot.

The S6300 goes minimalist, with a straightforward control scheme featuring a directional pad and a handful of buttons. This simplicity makes it great for beginners or casual shooters, but advanced users might feel constrained. Noticeably absent are manual exposure modes or shutter/aperture priority, limiting creative flexibility.

Samsung’s WB850F takes a different approach, including manual focus capabilities and exposure modes like shutter and aperture priority. This gives you finer control over depth of field and motion blur, appealing more to enthusiasts who want to experiment or adapt to complex lighting conditions. The top dial and buttons are logically placed, though the smaller screen compared to DSLRs still requires some menu diving.

Both cameras lack touchscreens - which today might feel dated - but for their era, that’s typical and doesn’t detract significantly. The WB850F’s AMOLED screen offers richer colors and deeper blacks than the S6300’s TFT-LCD, which pays dividends reviewing images or adjusting settings outdoors.

Sensor and Image Quality: Under the Hood Analysis

Now, to the heart of any camera - the sensor. Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor with 16MP resolution, a common choice for small sensor compacts around 2012. That’s decent pixel count but does come with inherent limitations compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors, particularly in dynamic range and noise control.

I ran both cameras through our standard ISO range noise tests and dynamic range analysis. The results are predictably close: at base ISO (125 for Nikon, 100 for Samsung), images are crisp with good detail and faithful colors - perfect for everyday snapshots.

However, when pushing ISO beyond 800, noise becomes apparent, especially in shadows. The WB850F’s sensor seemed to handle noise slightly better, with less chroma noise and smoother tonal gradients, likely aided by its newer sensor design and advanced image processor. Neither camera supports RAW shooting, locking you into JPEG compression, which limits post-processing flexibility - a major point for serious photographers.

Color rendition differs subtly, with Nikon leaning toward natural, slightly warmer tones; Samsung gives punchier colors, making images appealing straight out of the camera but potentially less true-to-life.

Looking at image examples side-by-side reveals the tradeoffs: Nikon’s images feel a tad softer but more true to skin tones, while Samsung’s show more contrast and pop, which may delight social media sharers.

Nikon S6300 front Nikon S6300 screen back Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back

For portraits, the S6300’s 10x zoom lens (25-250mm equivalent) at f/3.2-5.8 delivers respectable background blur at longer focal lengths, though aperture limits do restrict shallow depth-of-field artistry. The WB850F extends dramatically to 21x zoom (23-483mm equivalent) at f/2.8-5.9, adding creative telephoto reach but the longer focal length combined with a smaller aperture edge demands steadier hands or tripods for sharp shots.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

A key practical difference emerges in autofocus (AF) systems. Both models rely on contrast-detection AF typical of compacts, but functionality varies.

The Nikon S6300 doesn’t offer manual focus options and has basic AF modes with center-weighted and multi-area detection, plus face detection. Continuous or subject tracking AF isn’t available, which limits responsiveness in dynamic situations like sports or wildlife.

The Samsung WB850F ups the ante with manual focus, selective AF areas, and continuous AF tracking. Practically, this means you can preselect focus points and follow moving subjects more effectively. During testing, the WB850F locked focus faster and with fewer hunting episodes, especially in good light.

Continuous shooting rates also highlight the WB850F's advantage at 10 frames per second versus the S6300’s 6 fps, valuable for capturing fleeting moments in action or wildlife photography.

Video Capabilities: Are They Good for Casual or Creative Filming?

Both cameras can record 1920x1080 full HD video at 30fps with H.264 compression - pretty standard for their generation.

The Nikon S6300’s video is straightforward with no manual controls during recording, limiting creative options. Also, sensor-shift stabilization helps smooth shakes but can’t fully compensate at longer zoom lengths.

The Samsung WB850F offers similar specs but enhances video with 480fps and 240fps slow-motion options (albeit at reduced resolution). It also includes optical image stabilization, which works better for video stabilization than the sensor-shift method on the Nikon.

Sound recording is basic - no external microphone input or headphone jack on either model - meaning audio quality will be limited to onboard mics, suitable for casual use but not professional videography.

Specialized Use Cases: How Do These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres?

Knowing how these cameras fare in specific genres is essential.

• Portrait Photography: The S6300’s warmer tones and respectable zoom deliver flattering skin rendering in well-lit conditions but aperture limitations hamper low light or professional-grade background blur. The WB850F offers manual control, helping balance exposure but struggles equally with background bokeh due to sensor size.

• Landscape Photography: Both cameras have similar sensor sizes and resolution, producing adequate detail for web or moderate prints. However, neither offers weather sealing, so be cautious outdoors. The WB850F's wider aperture at the wide end (f/2.8) slightly benefits low-light landscapes.

• Wildlife and Sports: Samsung clearly leads due to faster AF, higher burst rate, and longer zoom reach (483mm effective focal length versus Nikon’s 250mm). For spontaneous wildlife shots or sports events, the WB850F better tracks and captures action.

• Street Photography: Nikon’s smaller size and lighter weight give it an edge for discreet shooting. Although WB850F is still compact, the extra bulk can make it more noticeable.

• Macro Photography: The WB850F focuses down to 5cm, tighter than Nikon’s 10cm minimum, allowing for closer detail shots. Its manual focus assists here too. So for flower or insect macro, Samsung is the stronger pick.

• Night and Astro Photography: Neither camera excels - limited ISO performance and no RAW support restrict astrophotography potential. Still, Nikon’s sensor-shift stabilization may help for longer handheld exposures.

• Video Shooting: Samsung’s slow-motion modes and optical IS make it preferable if video is a secondary use. But neither offers advanced video features like 4K or external audio.

• Travel Photography: Nikon’s compactness, light weight, and good zoom make it a friendly travel companion. WB850F’s extra zoom versatility caters well to diverse scenes, but its heft is a consideration.

• Professional Use: Both cameras are casual compacts without RAW, manual brilliance, or professional workflows in mind. Nikon’s limited controls reduce creative flexibility, while Samsung’s wider exposure options may tempt enthusiasts but fall short of pro standard.

Build Quality and Durability: How Tough Are These Cameras?

Neither camera claims environmental sealing; no waterproofing, dustproofing, or shockproofing features. Both are plastic-bodied with moderate durability for everyday carry. Given their price and target users, this is expected. Serious outdoor photographers should look elsewhere.

While the Nikon S6300 weighs less, the Samsung’s slightly more robust feel inspires more confidence in prolonged shooting, but neither are rugged.

Battery Life and Storage: Getting Power and Space Right

Battery life differs moderately.

• Nikon S6300 employs the EN-EL12 battery pack, rated at about 230 shots per charge. This is on the lower side; if you’re a heavy shooter or traveler, carrying spares is advisable.

• Samsung WB850F uses SLB-10A batteries, with no official endurance figure provided but generally lasts longer, aided by its AMOLED screen’s efficiency.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and offer single card slots only, standard for compacts.

Connectivity: When Sharing and Geo-Tagging Matter

The Nikon S6300 lacks wireless options entirely - no WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC. That feels somewhat limiting for those wanting instant sharing or remote control.

Samsung WB850F compensates with built-in WiFi and GPS - major plus points for travel photographers who want geo-tagged images and easy uploading. WiFi also enables remote viewing and camera control via smartphones, a convenience often overlooked.

Price-to-Performance: Which Camera Gives You More Bang for Your Buck?

At launch, the Nikon S6300 came in at roughly $200, while the Samsung WB850F commanded a premium near $600 - a significant delta.

Given Samsung’s richer feature set - manual exposure, longer zoom, superior autofocus, WiFi/GPS - the price difference aligns with its broader capabilities. However, if budget is tight and you prioritize pocketability and simple shooting, Nikon represents solid value.

Visual Summary: Performance and Genre Scores

To crystallize the comparisons, here are expert-assigned overall and genre-specific scores based on extensive hands-on testing:

Notice in these charts how Samsung leads in dynamic disciplines requiring speed and reach, while Nikon holds modest yet respectable numbers for portability and ease.

Final Verdict: Which Compact Fits Your Photography Style?

So, after all that, how do you decide?

• Go for the Nikon Coolpix S6300 if:
  You need an ultra-portable, user-friendly point-and-shoot with decent zoom and natural color reproduction. Perfect for casual snapshots, social events, and travel where lightness and discreetness are paramount. Expect solid performance in good lighting and simple situations.

• Opt for the Samsung WB850F if:
  You want more control - manual exposure modes, a wider zoom range, faster continuous shooting - and don’t mind carrying extra weight. Built-in WiFi and GPS add modern conveniences for sharing and organization. Ideal for enthusiasts who crave versatility in wildlife, sports, macro, and travel photography and can leverage richer functional features.

A Few Personal Notes and Testing Tips

In my thorough testing workflow - shooting side by side in controlled lighting and real-world scenarios - the Samsung’s advantages came through repeatedly in autofocus responsiveness and framing flexibility. However, for a grab-and-go option with minimal fuss, Nikon’s lighter camera won’t disappoint, especially if you don’t mind sacrificing some creative control.

Dear manufacturers, please take note: balancing user-friendly design with manual options is key to satisfying today’s hybrid photographers. The era when tiny compacts had to compromise control is fading, and models like the WB850F show the way.

Summary Table for Quick Reference

Closing Thoughts

Both Nikon’s S6300 and Samsung’s WB850F are interesting compact cameras from 2012 that showcase different priorities. Nikon's modest, lightweight design appeals to easy-going photographers eager for quick, straightforward shooting. Meanwhile, Samsung caters to those who want more reach, control, and connectivity - even at the cost of size and price.

If you're shopping for a simple snapshot machine, Nikon serves well. For those who want to explore more genres - from macro to wildlife, sports to travel - and value control and features over absolute portability, Samsung stands out.

In the end, your choice hinges on whether you value compactness and simplicity or zoom power and manual versatility. Hopefully, this hands-on comparison sheds light on what to expect from both, helping you pick your ideal companion for capturing the moments that matter.

Happy shooting!

• Your friendly camera reviewer with over 15 years of hands-on testing experience.