Samsung GX-1S vs Samsung WB850F: A Tale of Two Cameras from Different Eras

When you set off on a camera comparison journey - especially one pitting a 2006 advanced DSLR against a 2012 compact superzoom - you’re signing up for a nuanced ride. It’s a battle between two very different photographic philosophies embodied by Samsung: the GX-1S, a mid-sized DSLR built to please traditionalists craving manual control and optical viewfinder legacy, and the WB850F, a sleek, feature-packed compact with a massive zoom range, targeting casual shooters hungry for versatility and convenience.

I’ve put both cameras through their paces across a broad set of photographic scenarios - from landscapes and portraits to wildlife and video - and combined that with hands-on technical analysis gleaned from my two decades testing hundreds of cameras. The goal? To help you understand not just specs on paper, but how each camera feels, performs, and fits into real-world photography workflows.

So, grab your favorite brew, settle in, and let’s dive deep into these Samsung cameras that - while separated by sensor size, years, and target users - each offer intriguing insights into camera design and usability.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Understanding how a camera sits in your hands and fits into your shooting style can’t be overstated. After all, a camera that’s painful or awkward to operate can ruin even the most perfect shooting conditions.

Below, you’ll see a side-by-side physical size comparison depicting the GX-1S DSLR’s solid mid-sized SLR body versus the WB850F’s pocketable compact design.

Samsung GX-1S: At 125 x 93 x 66 mm and weighing 605g (without lens), the GX-1S commands a noticeable presence. Its Pentax KAF mount appeals to enthusiasts wanting access to a wide range of lenses (151 compatible optics!). The DSLR’s grip feels robust yet comfortable during extended shoots. The 2.5" fixed LCD screen is modest by today’s standards but functional, offering essential feedback without distraction. The optical pentaprism viewfinder provides a clear, lag-free shooting experience beloved by many purists.

Samsung WB850F: By contrast, the WB850F’s 109 x 62 x 25 mm, 250g compact frame is a delight to carry everywhere. Its slim, lightweight construction screams travel buddy rather than studio tool. Featuring a fixed lens with a huge 21x zoom (equivalent to 23-483mm), it caters to shooters wanting versatility without swapping glass. A larger 3" AMOLED screen with 614k dots is a vivid window into your compositions, though you’ll miss a viewfinder here entirely.

In terms of ergonomics, the GX-1S offers dedicated dials and buttons for quick access to exposure modes and settings (more on that soon), while the WB850F opts for streamlined controls befitting a compact camera - compact, yes, but not at the expense of thoughtful button placement.

Visible on this top-down look, the GX-1S’s shutter speed dial, mode dial, and exposure compensator knob give a DSLR tactile advantage for precise control, whereas the WB850F’s more minimalistic layout suits casual point-and-shoot users.

Verdict for Size & Handling: DSLR shooters who value solid grip and physical controls will prefer the GX-1S, albeit accepting a heftier carry load. Pocketable convenience champions the WB850F for travel and everyday spontaneity.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

The heart of any camera is the sensor - where captured light is converted into a digital image. Comparing a 2006 APS-C CCD sensor vs. a 2012 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor is inherently a study in contrasts.

Samsung GX-1S: Equipped with a 6-megapixel APS-C CCD sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm) boasting 368.95 mm² surface area, this camera benefits from relatively large photosites, yielding excellent color depth and smooth tonal gradations especially at base ISO 200. The CCD sensor’s natural boost in color rendition helps portraits and landscapes pop with organic fidelity. However, top shutter speed caps at 1/4000 s and max ISO of 3200 reflect technology limits of the time.

Samsung WB850F: Packing a 16-megapixel 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²), the WB850F leverages backside illumination to improve low light sensitivity despite its physically tiny sensor. Zoomed-in detail relies heavily on optical stabilization and sensor-shift tech rather than the sensor area alone. Higher native ISO starts at 100, also maxing out at 3200, but higher noise becomes apparent beyond ISO 800 due to sensor size constraints.

In side-by-side shooting of high-dynamic-range landscapes, the GX-1S’s sensor renders skies with richer gradation and controlled highlights, whereas the WB850F struggles with shadow noise and clipped highlights due to compressed sensor dynamic range.

Image samples from both cameras highlight these traits:

Samsung GX 1S front Samsung GX 1S screen back Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back

Notice the smoother bokeh and finer details in the GX-1S portrait, while the WB850F excels in versatility for casual snaps with its extensive zoom range.

Verdict for Sensor & IQ: If image quality and depth are paramount - think portrait, landscape, and professional applications - the GX-1S’s APS-C CCD holds the edge. For casual use, travel, or extreme zoom flexibility, the WB850F’s sensor and lens combo deliver more “grab and go” practicality.

The User Interface: Screens and Viewfinders

In-camera feedback - the back screen and viewfinder - is how photographers frame, review, and troubleshoot their shots. Here, the advances between 2006 and 2012 make for an interesting comparison.

GX-1S sports a 2.5-inch 210k pixel fixed LCD, which feels quaint today but was standard then. Menus are straightforward but text-heavy, requiring a little patience when navigating. The presence of an optical pentaprism viewfinder (95% coverage, 0.64x magnification) means you’re always seeing a nearly real-world preview through the lens, crucial for accurate manual focusing.

On the other hand, WB850F offers a 3-inch 614k AMOLED display that's colorful and crisp, putting it ahead for live view framing comfort. It lacks any kind of viewfinder, making it challenging in bright sunlight, but benefits from touch-sensitive screen features (though no full touchscreen) and live view autofocusing.

Both cameras lack touchscreen interfaces or articulating screens (common in their eras), but WB850F edges usability for casual users with its vibrant AMOLED panel, especially when shooting in challenging lighting.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs Speed

Autofocus can make or break a camera’s utility - especially in fast-paced or unpredictable settings. Here’s where the DSLR vs compact divide really shows.

GX-1S uses a phase-detection system with 11 focus points (number of cross-type points unknown). It supports single, continuous autofocus, and multi-area selection, but lacks face or eye detection. In practice, this means shooters relying on manual focus or center-point autofocus must be patient, especially for moving subjects. I found the continuous AF reasonable for tracking slow subjects, but lagged behind modern standards on speed and accuracy.

In contrast, the WB850F’s contrast-detection AF with face detection and tracking adds AI-powered ease-of-use for point-and-shooters. While it can’t beat DSLR speed, the camera’s 10fps burst and live view make it nimble for everyday moments. Its AF is competent in good light, but search and lock times lengthen under dim or zoomed conditions.

To summarize AF capabilities succinctly:

• GX-1S: Better manual focus ergonomics, phase detection for sharper single-shot focus, but no face detect.
• WB850F: Face detection and AF tracking, faster continuous shooting, but hunting AF in low light and long zoom.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras lack weather sealing or ruggedized bodies, meaning you’ll want to keep them dry and dust-free. The GX-1S’s DSLR body is more robust feeling, with durable polycarbonate and metal parts, while the WB850F’s diminutive chassis feels a bit more delicate - though nicely finished.

Neither are freezeproof, crushproof, or shockproof, placing them strictly as indoor or mild outdoor-use devices. Avoid harsh conditions or invest in protective housing if you plan on serious adventure use.

Lenses and Zoom Versatility

The GX-1S’s Pentax KAF lens mount opens up a treasure trove of lenses - prime and zoom, autofocus and manual, wide angles to telephotos. I personally find this versatility invaluable for portraiture, wildlife, and macro, where creative control of aperture and focal length is mission-critical. Although the camera ships as body-only, pairing it with quality glass unleashes its full potential.

The WB850F’s built-in 23-483mm equivalent zoom lens serves as an all-in-one tool with no lens swapping needed. The max aperture ranges from F2.8 wide to F5.9 telephoto, fair for a compact superzoom. Optical image stabilization (OIS) is present and effective in countering hand shake, particularly useful at long focal lengths for wildlife or sports snapshots.

Continuous Shooting and Shutter Speeds - Catching the Decisive Moment

A camera’s burst speed and shutter speed range reveal its readiness for action photography.

• GX-1S: Offers a modest 3.0 frames per second continuous shooting speed, with a max shutter speed of 1/4000s - quick enough to freeze moderate motion but no sports car drag race captures here.
• WB850F: Impressively ups the ante with 10fps continuous shooting, though being a contrast-detect AF system, it’s better suited for static or mildly dynamic scenes. Max shutter speed caps at 1/2000s.

Neither camera sports silent shutter or electronic shutter capabilities, so expect normal mechanical shutter sounds.

ISO and Low Light Performance

The GX-1S starts at ISO 200, maxing at 3200, with its CCD offering clean, natural gradation at base ISO but tending towards noise softening beyond ISO 800. The WB850F - able to go down to ISO 100 - benefits from BSI-CMOS tech that improves sensitivity, though small sensor size drives up noise aggressively after ISO 400.

For night and astrophotography, neither is ideal exactly, but the GX-1S’s higher bit-depth per pixel and RAW support (unavailable in WB850F) give it a slight edge for post-processing recoveries.

Video Capabilities - The Compact Gains Ground

Here’s one where the WB850F clearly outshines the GX-1S, which sadly offers no video recording at all (understandable for its 2006 DSLR era).

The WB850F can shoot Full HD (1920x1080) at 30fps in MPEG-4/H.264, with additional modes for 720p and even slo-mo bursts (240fps, 480fps at lower resolution). It includes electronic image stabilization during video and HDMI output for easy playback.

The GX-1S does have built-in auto and manual exposure modes, but video enthusiasts will naturally gravitate to the superzoom compact.

Connectivity, Battery Life, and Storage

The GX-1S uses a simple USB 1.0 interface (1.5 Mbps, laughably slow now) and runs on 4 AA batteries, making for easy replacements but limited longevity and rechargeability. Storage is via SD/MMC cards, single slot.

The WB850F is more modern: USB 2.0, HDMI port, and built-in WiFi for wireless image transfer and remote shooting. GPS is also built in, a useful tool for travel photographers wanting location data.

Battery-wise, the WB850F’s proprietary SLB-10A lithium-ion offers better runtime and rechargeability.

Practical Application Across Photography Genres

Let’s zero in on how each camera stacks up for the various styles of photography you might pursue.

• Portrait Photography: The GX-1S’s large APS-C sensor and lens compatibility allow superior bokeh, skin tone rendition, and manual focusing precision. Its lack of face detection is a mild hindrance but irrelevant if you know your craft. The WB850F’s small sensor struggles to isolate subjects, but face detection helps casual portraitists.

• Landscape: The GX-1S’s dynamic range and moderate megapixel count create natural tonal transitions and large prints. Weather sealing is absent from both, but the DSLR’s sensor size offers noticeable edge in image quality.

• Wildlife: The WB850F’s massive zoom combined with OIS and 10fps burst rate make it a convenient safari companion, though limited by contrast-detection AF speed. The GX-1S with a telephoto lens excels in AF accuracy, but slower continuous shooting limits fast action capture.

• Sports: Neither camera is ideal for high-level sports. The GX-1S’s 3fps and somewhat slow AF hold it back; the WB850F’s contrast AF also lags in tracking. Dedicated sports cameras or newer mirrorless options would be preferable.

• Street Photography: WB850F’s diminutive size and silent operation suit candid situations well, whereas the GX-1S feels conspicuous. The DSLR’s optical viewfinder helps manual exposure control but at a cost of bulk and noisiness.

• Macro: The GX-1S with macro lenses wins here, thanks to greater focusing precision and lens options. The WB850F can do 5cm close-ups, good for casual macros but no serious work.

• Night/Astro: GX-1S’s lower noise at base ISO and RAW support make it a better candidate. WB850F is hampered by sensor size and noise.

• Video: WB850F stomps GX-1S - full HD recording, stabilization, and multiple frame rate options add versatility.

• Travel Photography: Here, the WB850F’s compact size, zoom range, built-in GPS, and wireless connectivity deliver maximum convenience, though with image quality compromises.

• Professional Use: GX-1S offers RAW files, exposure flexibility, and better lens ecosystem, but falls short on speed and sensor resolution compared to modern DSLR or mirrorless systems. WB850F cannot compete on RAW or professional-grade output.

Final Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

Bringing it all together, here’s a snapshot summary of the two cameras’ overall and use-case specific scores based on my testing and benchmarking metrics.

• Samsung GX-1S: Strong in image quality fundamentals, optical viewfinder shooting, and manual control; hampered by low resolution and aging tech.
• Samsung WB850F: Impressive zoom and video for a fixed-lens compact, great for travel and casual, but limited image quality and manual control.

Who Should Buy the GX-1S or WB850F?

If you’re a photography enthusiast or semi-pro who still enjoys manual exposure control, swapping lenses, and desires an image quality jump – the Samsung GX-1S delivers a nostalgic DSLR experience with respectable fundamentals. Use it primarily for portraits, landscape, and macro work, and prepare for slower operations and no video.

On the other hand, if your priority is lightweight, versatile travel zoom camera with decent video and easy connectivity, the Samsung WB850F is an excellent second-camera or casual everyday shooter. It cannot match the DSLR’s IQ or manual handling, but its convenience wins hearts for street shooting, wildlife from afar, and quick snaps.

Final Thoughts: Bridging Classic and Compact Worlds

Comparing these two Samsung cameras is like comparing a sturdy mountain bike to a nimble city scooter - both get you places, just on different roads and at different speeds. The GX-1S embraces the DSLR’s tactile precision, image quality foundations, and optical legacy, but doesn’t hide its age in autofocus nor resolution. The WB850F’s compact convenience, huge zoom, and video chops can’t mask its small sensor’s limitations in IQ or fast-paced shooting.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on photographic aspirations: Are you chasing that beautiful bokeh and manual artistry, or seeking the freedom to zoom far and fast in a pocket-friendly package? Both cameras carve niches that remain interesting even in today’s mirrorless-dominated landscape - testament to Samsung’s quirky but passionate forays into photography gear.

I hope this detailed exploration provides you with practical, actionable insight that goes beyond spec sheets and marketing hype. If you want a hands-on ruggedness and image control, the GX-1S is nostalgic goodness; if convenience and all-round quick shooting tempt you, the WB850F makes a compelling compact companion.

Happy shooting, whichever camera you choose!