Exploring Two Samsung Compact Cameras: DV300F vs WB1100F – A Hands-On Comparison

As someone who has rigorously tested hundreds of cameras over the past 15 years – from pro DSLRs to travel-friendly compacts – it's always fascinating to dive back into the compact camera segment, especially models that target different kinds of users on a budget. Recently, I had the hands-on opportunity to thoroughly evaluate two intriguing Samsung offerings from the early 2010s: the Samsung DV300F and the Samsung WB1100F. Both cameras fall under the small sensor category but serve distinct photography styles and user needs.

In this article, I’ll distill my firsthand experience with these two models, explaining their technical makeup, performance nuances, strengths, and limitations. I’ll also guide you on which model fits which photographic discipline and user profile best. Whether you’re a casual shooter, hobbyist, or just investing in a secondary camera for travel or quick shots, this deep-dive should help you make an informed decision grounded in practical use.

Physical Design and Handling: The Feel of Each Camera in Your Hands

Let's start with the physical characteristics because size, ergonomics, and control layout profoundly influence how enjoyable a camera is to shoot with - especially in the often hectic moments of street or wildlife photography.

Side-by-side physical size and weight comparison reveal the DV300F’s ultra-compact, pocketable body vs. the significantly larger and heavier WB1100F bridge-style camera.

The DV300F is remarkably pocket-friendly, weighing just 133 grams with dimensions of 95 x 57 x 18 mm. Its slim, rounded design feels sleek but limited in grip. You can comfortably carry it in a coat pocket - excellent for spontaneous shots or social events. However, its small size means smaller buttons and limited manual controls, which can be a drawback if you like tactile feedback and quick setting changes.

Conversely, the WB1100F jumps to a hefty 512 grams with a chunky 125 x 87 x 96 mm frame. It embraces the bridge camera style, mimicking SLR ergonomics with a prominent grip and more layered controls on the top panel. While it is not pocketable, this design offers balanced handling, especially with longer telephoto lenses extended. For photographers who value stability, particularly in wildlife or telephoto shooting, this is a big plus. However, the bulk can feel cumbersome during casual or travel photography, especially if you’re used to lightweight kits.

Looking from the top to study control layout:

Both cameras present basic layouts, but the WB1100F’s additional dials offer more shooting versatility.

The WB1100F features a shutter priority mode, along with a manual focus ring on its lens, giving the user more creative control. The DV300F remains largely automatic with no manual focus support, emphasizing point-and-shoot simplicity. If you're someone who appreciates experimenting with shutter speeds or focusing zones, the WB1100F’s physical dials and switches make it more satisfying to use.

Sensor and Image Quality: Decoding the Tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensors

Both cameras utilize the same basic sensor size - a 1/2.3” CCD with 16 megapixels resolution - so on paper they’re similar, but real-world image outcomes depend heavily on processing engines, lens optics, and software enhancements.

The 1/2.3-inch sensor size is modest, with limited light-gathering capability compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors.

This sensor size is typical for compact cameras aiming to balance cost, size, and reasonable quality. However, CCD sensors like these from that era tend to struggle more in low light than contemporary CMOS sensors, resulting in more noise at higher ISOs. The DV300F offers a maximum ISO of 3200 but noise rapidly degrades image clarity beyond ISO 400 in my tests. The WB1100F has similar ISO capabilities but lacks the facial and eye detection software that might aid exposure consistency.

Image sharpness is decent for casual use, but neither camera will satisfy those seeking pro-grade resolution or dynamic range for demanding landscape work. The DV300F's lens aperture range (F2.5-6.3) is slightly brighter at the wide end than the WB1100F’s (F3.0-5.9), which helps it capture better low-light portraits with slightly smoother background separation. Still, expect modest bokeh with both cameras given the sensor size and lens construction.

Shooting Experience Across Photography Genres

Now let's dig into how each camera performs in specific genres, based on controlled tests and real-world shooting.

Portraiture: Capturing Skin Tones and Expressive Detail

The DV300F stands out for its face and eye detection autofocus - a feature sorely lacking in the WB1100F. This makes a tangible difference when shooting portraits, especially in casual settings where subjects move unpredictably. I found the DV300F delivered more reliable focusing on eyes, preserving skin tone accuracy and subtle detail. It’s suited for social photographers who want snap-and-go portraits without fussing over focus points. However, the fixed lens focal length range (25-125mm equivalent) caps its flexibility; the telephoto end can isolate subjects somewhat but doesn’t produce creamy bokeh due to sensor constraints.

In contrast, the WB1100F lacks dedicated face detection and relies on contrast-detection autofocus, which frequently hunts especially in dim environments. This makes it less forgiving for portraits, although creative photographers can manually adjust focus due to the manual focus ring. Its longer zoom range allows tight face shots from a distance but can reveal softness at the extremes of the zoom.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Resistance

Given their tiny sensors and lack of weather sealing, neither camera is ideal for demanding landscape photographers who rely on wide dynamic range and high resolution.

However, the fixed wide-angle 25mm equivalent starting point on both cameras enables moderately wide shots for scenic vistas. I appreciated the DV300F’s color rendering, which preserved warm dusk tones well when shooting sunsets. Meanwhile, the WB1100F’s extended zoom is less relevant here, as landscape work often calls for wider angles or high-quality telephotos.

Neither camera offers weatherproofing, limiting their utility in outdoor adventures involving rain or dust. For dedicated landscape photographers needing precision and ruggedness, investing in mirrorless or DSLR systems with APS-C or larger sensors is recommended.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus, Zoom, and Frame Rate Considerations

This is where our cameras diverge sharply.

Samsung DV300F front Samsung DV300F screen back Samsung WB1100F front Samsung WB1100F screen back

The WB1100F with its superzoom reaching 875mm equivalent is designed clearly with telephoto enthusiasts in mind. In my hands, while lens sharpness is acceptable in the mid-range focal lengths, image softness and chromatic aberrations increase sharply at the tele end. Additionally, autofocus is contrast-detection only and slow, making it difficult to track fast-moving animals or athletes. Burst shooting is limited to 1 fps and no continuous AF tracking, so capturing decisive moments in wildlife action or sports is challenging.

The DV300F offers no burst modes and slower zoom but does include face detection AF, useful for portraits not sports. Neither camera meets the demands of dedicated sports photographers who require fast phase-detection AF, high frames per second, and robust continuous autofocus.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Low-Light Handling

Here, the DV300F again shines due to its compact form factor and silent operation. I found it unobtrusive for candid street photography, fitting into pockets easily and avoiding the intimidating presence of larger cameras. Its shooting speed and immediate autofocus response were adequate under daylight conditions.

The WB1100F’s bulk and weight reduce discretion, making it less ideal for street shooters prioritizing stealth. While it offers a longer zoom to capture distant street scenes, the trade-off is size and slower AF performance. Moreover, low-light ISO performance is limited on both cameras, restricting meaningful night street photography.

Macro Photography: Detail Close-Ups

Only the DV300F specifies a macro focus range of 5 cm, allowing close-up capture of small objects like flowers or coins. In practice, it delivers decent sharpness in bright light and benefits from optical image stabilization (OIS) reducing shake at close focusing distances.

The WB1100F lacks a specified macro mode and, given its longer focal range lens, struggles focusing very close. Macro enthusiasts will find both insufficient compared to dedicated macro setups or mirrorless cameras with extension tubes.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Neither camera excels at low-light or night sky imaging due to sensor limitations and absence of RAW support. Noise levels become intrusive above ISO 400 on both models, making astrophotography or long exposure night work challenging. Also, neither camera offers bulb mode or advanced manual exposure.

The DV300F’s max shutter speed is 1/2000s, fine for bright conditions but doesn’t extend long exposures. The WB1100F allows shutter priority mode but lacks manual ISO control or extended exposure options. Serious night photographers should consider cameras with larger sensors and dedicated night modes.

Video Capabilities: 720p HD Recording for Casual Use

Both models max out at 1280x720 (720p) video recording at 30fps. The DV300F supports H.264 encoding and includes basic manual white balance controls, while the WB1100F’s video options are simpler and lack microphone input for external audio.

Neither camera includes image stabilization optimized for video beyond optical stabilization in stills mode, resulting in somewhat shaky clips if handheld. For casual home movies or social media sharing on a budget, the video quality is passable but lags behind nowadays' standards.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery, and Size Trade-Offs

Travel photographers often require lightweight cameras with a flexible zoom range and reliable performance. Here, insights from physical and technical tests matter deeply.

The DV300F’s ultra-compact stature wins on portability and ease of carry, making it a perfect grab-and-go companion for vacation snaps, urban travel, or family days out. Its 5x zoom covers common shooting needs though telephoto reach is modest.

The WB1100F’s extensive 35x zoom is excellent for varied travel scenes - from landscapes to distant architecture or wildlife. However, the increased size and weight, plus slightly slower startup and AF speed, mean it requires more commitment to carry around all day.

Battery life for both was not officially specified but tested usage points to average endurance typical of CCD cameras - sufficient for a day’s casual shooting but with reservations on extra long trips without spares.

User Interface, Ergonomics, and Connectivity

Both cameras sport 3-inch TFT LCDs with identical 460k-dot resolution - adequate though hardly bright or high-res by modern standards.

Neither camera features touchscreen input - something expected even in compact cameras today. Menus are straightforward but limited: the DV300F omits manual exposure modes entirely, while the WB1100F offers shutter priority for some creative control.

Wireless connectivity is built-in on both, delivering basic image sharing options. Notably, the WB1100F includes NFC for quick pairing with compatible smartphones. USB connectivity is present on the DV300F but absent on the WB1100F, affecting tethering or data transfer convenience.

No cameras feature electronic viewfinders, relying exclusively on LCD screens, limiting use in bright daylight or advanced framing preferences.

Performance Summaries and Ratings

Bringing all of this together, here’s how I would rate and summarize overall performance:

And genre-specific performance clarifications:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Which Samsung Compact is Right for You?

After logging extensive shooting hours and side-by-side comparisons, I see the Samsung DV300F and Samsung WB1100F serving very different photographers despite some sensor commonality.

Choose the Samsung DV300F if you:

• Value pocket portability and a sleek compact design
• Prioritize portrait and casual street photography with face detection AF
• Desire a simple, user-friendly camera with quick startup and minimal fuss
• Shoot mostly in good lighting with casual sharing in mind
• Appreciate built-in optical stabilization for handheld macro and general use

Opt for the Samsung WB1100F if you:

• Need an ultra-telephoto superzoom for wildlife, travel, or distant subjects
• Want more manual control including shutter priority and manual focus
• Don’t mind the larger size and heavier weight for expanded focal reach
• Are interested in NFC wireless sharing and prefer a more rugged SLR-like grip
• Need a camera that can handle varied focal lengths within one body

In conclusion, neither camera will replace mid-range mirrorless or DSLR systems for demanding photographic work, but both provide reliable entry points with distinctive strengths. My testing confirms that understanding your shooting style and priorities is key. If you demand portability and quick candid shots, grab the DV300F. If zoom versatility with some creative control matters more, the WB1100F earns its keep.

Disclosure: I tested these cameras extensively on a controlled lab bench alongside real-world scenarios at multiple shooting locations, ensuring consistent lighting and a variety of photography challenges to inform this review. I hold no affiliation with Samsung and remain independent to deliver unbiased insights.

If you want hands-on image samples, detailed exposure data, or help matching lenses and accessories, feel free to reach out. Happy shooting!

Article images courtesy of Samsung product resources and in-person camera testing sessions.