Samsung NX100 vs WB2200F: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Different Worlds in Compact Photography

When choosing a camera, the range of options can be bewildering. Today, we take a deep dive into two unique Samsung models - the Samsung NX100, an early APS-C mirrorless camera, and the Samsung WB2200F, a superzoom bridge camera - to help you decide which one fits your photography needs. Both cameras originate from different design philosophies and eras, which makes an informed comparison both challenging and fascinating.

I have thoroughly tested both cameras across diverse photographic scenarios, from portraiture to wildlife, landscapes to night shooting, applying industry-standard performance metrics alongside real-world usability assessments. Drawing on years of hands-on experience with thousands of cameras, I aim to offer you a fair, experienced perspective grounded in practical results.

Understanding the Cameras at a Glance: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

Before we dive into technical details and image quality, physical characteristics and user interfaces set the foundation for everyday shooting comfort and handling.

Let’s compare the Samsung NX100 and WB2200F side-by-side:

• NX100: A rangefinder-style mirrorless camera with compact, lightweight design (282g, 120x71x35 mm). The slim profile and minimal heft make it very pocketable for an APS-C camera. It sports a traditional grip but remains subtle enough for street and travel use.
• WB2200F: A larger superzoom bridge camera, weighing 708g with bulkier dimensions (119x122x99 mm). True to bridge style, it features a pronounced handgrip, a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), and extensive zoom range but at the cost of portability.

Next, let’s examine the top controls layout to understand how ergonomics accommodate swift shooting adjustments:

• The NX100’s top plate is minimal, with a hotshoe and modest dial controls emphasizing simplicity. The absence of an integrated viewfinder suggests reliance on the rear screen for composition.
• Conversely, the WB2200F presents a more DSLR-esque control scheme, including an EVF, mode dials, and dedicated zoom rings, catering to enthusiasts who prefer tactile handling.

In summary, NX100 suits photographers prioritizing lightness and classic-looking design, while WB2200F goes for versatility and zoom reach at the cost of heft and size.

Sensor Technologies and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

Image quality fundamentally depends on sensor size and processing capability.

• NX100 features a 15.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm), which at 365mm² surface area, is considerably larger than typical superzoom sensors. This sensor size is chiefly responsible for superior image detail, color depth, and dynamic range.
• WB2200F uses a 16MP 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) - a small sensor typical for compact superzooms. While the pixel count looks comparable, smaller sensor cells struggle in low light and dynamic range.

Technical Insights:

• The NX100 yields an overall DxOMark score of 62, reflecting its ability to resolve fine detail, capture nuanced color depth (22.6 bits), and handle shadows/highlights well (dynamic range ~10.7 EV stops).
• WB2200F hasn’t been officially tested on DxOMark, but similarly sized sensors generally score lower in image quality metrics due to physical limitations. Expect more noise at higher ISOs and less latitude in exposure tweaking.

From practical experience shooting in daylight landscapes and studio portraits, NX100 delivers crisper images with less noise and better tonal transitions. WB2200F’s images tend to soften at longer zooms and in dim environments despite its impressive zoom specs.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder Performance: Composition and Review

Shooting experience depends heavily on display quality and viewfinder utility.

• NX100 sports a 3.0-inch fixed VGA AMOLED screen with 614k dots offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. Though fixed (non-articulated), it is well-suited to composing stills especially under favorable lighting.
• The WB2200F’s 3.0-inch TFT LCD has a lower resolution (460k dots) and lacks AMOLED tech, resulting in less vivid previews. However, it complements a built-in electronic viewfinder of 200k dots, enabling eye-level shooting in bright conditions.

I found the NX100’s screen visually more pleasing outdoors and useful for checking critical focus on portraits and landscapes, while WB2200F’s EVF aids in stabilizing the shot for telephoto zooms in wildlife and sports. Neither camera features touch controls or self-timer-friendly screens.

Autofocus Systems Under Pressure: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Let’s analyze autofocus (AF) capabilities, crucial in many genres such as wildlife, sports, and portraits.

With a contrast-detection AF system offering 15 selectable areas, NX100 provides decent precision and face detection capability. Though it lacks eye or animal eye AF or phase detection for quicker locking, continuous autofocus is supported, helping with basic moving subjects.

WB2200F, meanwhile, offers face detection and AF tracking - which is useful for following subjects but can be less reliable due to sensor constraints. Continuous AF is missing, limiting rapid focus on fast-moving targets.

In field tests, NX100 was responsive for portraits and moderately paced wildlife shots, but struggled with action sports or fast wildlife. WB2200F’s tracking allowed better performance at long zooms for static or slowly moving subjects, but hunting fast focus was still challenging.

Lens Ecosystem and Zoom Flexibility

Lens options dramatically influence a system’s versatility, especially when considering specialized genres.

• Samsung NX100 relies on the Samsung NX mount with a growing lineup of 32 lenses, including primes and zooms. The APS-C format supports high-quality optics with wide apertures and specialized focal lengths for portraits, macro, and landscapes.
• WB2200F is a fixed-lens superzoom with a massive 20-1200 mm equivalent range (60x zoom). Its aperture ranges from f/2.8 at wide angle to f/5.9 at max tele.

For photographers wishing to experiment with different glass, NX100’s interchangeable lens system is a clear advantage. For those prioritizing sheer reach and convenience without swapping lenses, WB2200F’s all-in-one zoom is compelling.

Burst Shooting, Shutter Speeds, and Video Capabilities

Performance metrics often guide sports and event shooters’ choice.

In practice:

• The WB2200F’s faster burst mode at 8 fps is attractive for casual sports or wildlife photography, though buffer depth and AF consistency moderate total shots captured.
• NX100’s slower 3 fps burst stream may disappoint sports shooters but is adequate for portraits/landscapes.
• Higher shutter speed on NX100 aids in freezing extremely fast motion or shooting with wide apertures in daylight.
• Video-wise, WB2200F provides full HD 1080p recording with better codec options (MPEG-4, AVCHD), while NX100 tops out at 720p - more limited but decent for casual use.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither model offers weather sealing or ruggedness features such as dust-proofing or freeze-proofing, limiting their usage in adverse conditions. However:

• NX100’s lighter build invites careful handling but encourages mobility.
• WB2200F’s heft and robust plastic build feel more substantial, making it better suited for extended outdoor shooting sessions where protection from bumps matters.

Battery Life and Storage

A critical factor for field photographers and travelers.

NX100’s battery life is respectable for an entry-level mirrorless, giving about 420 shots per charge during mixed shooting. WB2200F lacks official rating but due to its larger body likely houses a larger battery, offering competitive endurance.

Both models rely on single SD card slots - standard practice but means keeping backup cards handy for heavy shooting.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless, Ports, and Flash

Connectivity options can enhance workflow and sharing flexibility.

WB2200F takes the lead with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick image transfer to smartphones - handy for social media sharing on the go. NX100 offers limited connection, relying on USB and HDMI outputs.

The absence of external mic or headphone ports limits video recording capabilities on both, but WB2200F’s built-in flash offers more convenient fill light options.

Real-World Use Cases: Who Should Buy Which?

Let’s break down how these cameras fit specific photography genres - backed by tested data and practical shooting insights.

Portraits and People Photography

Samsung NX100 shines here thanks to:

• Larger APS-C sensor capturing rich skin tones with natural gradations.
• 15 focus points with face detection improving subject identification.
• Good manual lens choices enabling attractive bokeh and shallow depth of field.

The WB2200F's small sensor and fixed lens produce decent portraits but softer backgrounds with less subject isolation.

Landscape Photography

For landscape shooters seeking high dynamic range and modular focal lengths, NX100 is the winner:

• Superior sensor dynamic range retains shadow and highlight detail.
• Interchangeable lenses support wide corners and telephoto framing.
• Compactness aids portability on hikes and travel.

The WB2200F offers convenience with built-in zoom range but sacrifices fine detail and shadow recovery capabilities.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The WB2200F edge lies in:

• 60x zoom spanning 20-1200mm equivalents for distant wildlife.
• Faster continuous shooting (8 fps) better tracking slow-moving subjects.
• AF tracking to maintain focus on moving animals or athletes.

However, lack of continuous AF and smaller sensor limit overall sharpness and flexibility.

The NX100 gives better image quality but slower burst and AF limit tracking fast action.

Street and Travel Photography

For discreet street shooting and travel:

• NX100 wins for compactness and lightweight feel.
• Larger sensor ensures image quality in variable lighting.
• Simple controls support quick candid shooting.

The WB2200F is bulkier but packs versatility for travel scenarios needing a single camera with long zoom.

Macro and Close-Up Work

The NX100's interchangeable lenses include dedicated macro options with excellent focusing precision. WB2200F can focus down to 10cm but cannot match specialized optics.

Night and Astro Photography

Thanks to the larger sensor and better high ISO capabilities, NX100 produces cleaner night shots. The WB2200F’s small sensor results in noisy images under dim lighting.

Video Recording

WB2200F offers full HD 1080p recording with better codec support, whereas NX100 maxes out at 720p. Neither has audio input or stabilization optimized for video, so videographers might look elsewhere.

Performance Ratings and Summary Scores

Here’s an overall performance rating based on my evaluations balancing technical specs with practical experience:

The NX100 ranks higher in image quality and low light, while WB2200F scores better in zoom versatility and continuous shooting. Judging by specific photographic types:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Samsung NX100: Your Pick if You Want…

• Excellent image quality and color fidelity from an APS-C sensor.
• Compact, lightweight mirrorless body appealing to street, portrait, portrait, and landscape shooters.
• Flexibility to grow system with interchangeable lenses.
• Moderate burst and AF suitable for casual action shots.
• Budget-friendly used-market availability at around $400.

Limitations: No built-in EVF, modest burst rate, limited video specs, no wireless connectivity.

Samsung WB2200F: Your Pick if You Want…

• A powerful all-in-one superzoom (20-1200mm equivalent) for travel, wildlife, sports.
• Faster burst shooting and AF tracking for moving subjects.
• Built-in EVF and flash for compositional and lighting convenience.
• Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, NFC) for immediate image sharing.
• Full HD 1080p video capabilities.

Limitations: Smaller sensor compromises image quality especially in low light, bulky size, fixed lens limits creative options, video and audio features are modest.

Closing Notes: Trusting Experience Over Specs

I have personally used both cameras in diverse lighting and subject conditions, using evaluation protocols aligned with DxOMark metrics, practical AF responsiveness tests, and real shooting sessions ranging from portraits to wildlife. Neither camera is flawless; each offers distinct advantages tailored to different users.

Your choice depends primarily on your photography priorities: image quality and system flexibility (NX100) versus convenience and zoom reach (WB2200F).

As always, be sure you’re buying the best fit for your style and budget - not just the latest specs or marketing buzz. Happy shooting!

Samsung NX100 screen back Samsung WB2200F front Samsung WB2200F screen back