Comparing Samsung NX200 and WB850F: A Deep Dive into Two Unique Cameras from 2012

In the ever-evolving world of digital cameras, 2012 proved an interesting year for Samsung with two very distinct models aimed at different users - the Samsung NX200, an entry-level mirrorless camera with an APS-C sensor, and the Samsung WB850F, a compact superzoom with a small sensor but an impressive fixed zoom lens. Each brings its own strengths, weaknesses, and intended audience.

Having spent many years rigorously testing cameras across all categories, I find that understanding the nuanced differences in sensor technology, handling, autofocus, optics, and overall user experience can make or break a buyer’s decision, especially when faced with such disparate offerings. Let's embark on a detailed journey comparing these two Samsung models - from portraiture to astrophotography, from build ergonomics to video capabilities - to help you decide which one might better suit your photographic ambitions.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

One of the most immediate distinctions between the NX200 and the WB850F is their physical presence and how they feel in hand.

The NX200 adopts a rangefinder-style mirrorless body, with dimensions of 117 x 63 x 36 mm and weighing in at 223g. It feels substantially more substantial and camera-like. The magnesium alloy chassis offers a solid and reassuring grip, with dedicated dials for shutter speed and aperture priority modes, which many photographers appreciate for intuitive control.

The WB850F, on the other hand, is a compact superzoom with a smaller footprint (109 x 62 x 25 mm) and slightly heavier at 250g. Its design resembles a typical point-and-shoot camera, optimized for portability over manual handling. It relies mostly on menus and fewer physical controls, catering to users who favor convenience and versatile zooming rather than fine-tuned manual operations.

In practical shooting scenarios, if you’re the type who likes to feel the camera in your hand and adjust exposure settings quickly without diving into menus, the NX200’s ergonomics will appeal more. The WB850F’s smaller size makes it a better candidate for pocketability and grab-and-go travel - just don’t expect the tactile satisfaction of a classic DSLR-like body.

Examining Design and Control Layout

Looking from above provides insight into the control philosophies embedded in each camera.

The NX200 sports dedicated manual dials on the top plate for shutter speed and exposure compensation, along with a shutter button framed by an on/off switch. This straightforward physical control layout allows photographers to set exposure parameters without removing their eye from the scene. Meanwhile, buttons for ISO, drive modes, and flash compensation are within easy reach. The absence of a built-in viewfinder nudges users to rely on the OLED rear screen for composition.

The WB850F dispenses with most physical dials in favor of a more simplified control scheme with a mode dial and fewer direct buttons, making it less ideal for rapid in-the-field adjustment but suitable for users prioritizing ease of use. The substantial zoom rocker near the shutter button is a highlight, given the camera’s superzoom nature.

In real-world testing, the NX200’s layout translates to faster operation in varied lighting or action scenarios, empowering advanced users to react swiftly. The WB850F is better suited for casual shooting where speed and simplicity are paramount - though the absence of customizable button placement is noticeable.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size Matters

At the heart of any camera is its sensor. Here the distinctions are pronounced:

The NX200 sports a 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, totaling nearly 369 mm² - a sensor size commonly found in enthusiast and semi-pro cameras. This larger sensor yields superior image quality, particularly in low light, thanks to bigger pixel size, better dynamic range, and reduced noise.

Meanwhile, the superzoom WB850F houses a far smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor at only 6.17 x 4.55 mm (~28 mm²), with 16MP resolution. While the backside illumination (BSI) design boosts sensitivity, the physics of that small sensor impose limitations on noise performance and dynamic range, especially when pushing ISO sensitivity beyond base levels.

Measured DxOMark scores are available for the NX200, showing impressive figures for color depth (22.6 bits), dynamic range (12.6 EV), and low-light ISO performance (ISO 618). The WB850F was not tested by DxOMark, but knowledge of smaller sensors and in-camera processing indicates it cannot compete in raw image quality.

In real-life shooting, the NX200 excels in landscapes and portraits where detail and color fidelity matter; its images boast smooth gradations and less noise at ISO 800 and above. Conversely, the WB850F serves well for casual snaps and long zoom shots but struggles significantly above ISO 800 with noise and lacks raw support, meaning post-processing latitude is limited.

Rear LCD Screens and Viewfinding

Both cameras offer a 3.0-inch fixed screen with similar resolution (614k dots), but differ in screen technology and additional viewing aids.

The NX200 uses an Active Matrix OLED screen, delivering vivid colors, excellent contrast, and wide viewing angles - making it easier to frame and review shots accurately in bright outdoor light. However, it lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), instead offering an optional accessory EVF, which some photographers may find inconvenient for eye-level shooting.

The WB850F offers a 3.0-inch AMOLED display, similarly rich in color but without a viewfinder option, typical of compact superzooms.

Practical experience shows that OLED/AMOLED screens excel in viewing clarity compared to traditional LCDs, but the ephemeral battery penalty is a factor (more on that later). The absence of an EVF on both cameras favors live view composition, which works well for landscapes and casual shooting but is less ideal under bright sun or fast-paced use.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy

Autofocus capabilities often distinguish cameras powerfully in terms of usability.

The NX200 incorporates a 15-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection. While contrast-detection is slower than phase-detection autofocus, in 2012 this system proved reliable for stationary subjects and decent for continuous AF, especially with Samsung’s well-tuned algorithms. However, it lacks eye-detection AF and animal eye AF functionality.

The WB850F offers autofocus with an unspecified number of points, center-weighted area emphasis, face detection, and contrast detection too. It additionally supports continuous tracking AF but lacks the more refined phase-detection sensors. Manual focus is present on both cameras but more practical on the NX200 due to the larger lens system.

In wildlife or sports shooting, neither camera boasts the blistering AF speeds modern systems offer. The NX200’s 7 fps burst shoots well but isn’t optimized for extended tracking. The WB850F’s 10 fps burst speed is nominally faster, but image quality and AF precision lag behind.

Lens Ecosystems: Flexibility vs. Fixed Zoom

A vital consideration for photographers is the lens system, defining creative versatility.

The Samsung NX200 is based on an APS-C system with a dedicated Samsung NX mount supporting a catalog of 32 lenses ranging from wide-angle primes to telephoto zooms. This breadth gives photographers the freedom to choose specialized glass for portraits, landscapes, macro, or wildlife.

Conversely, the WB850F has a fixed 23-483mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens with an aperture ranging from f/2.8 to f/5.9, which provides excellent telephoto reach for snapshots and distant subjects but sacrifices the option to swap lenses for optimized optics.

From my experience testing interchangeable lens cameras, having access to prime lenses or professional zooms dramatically improves image quality and creative control. The WB850F excels as an all-in-one convenience camera rather than a serious photographic toolkit.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

Neither camera is weather sealed or built to military specs. Both lack dustproof, waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, or freezeproof certifications.

The NX200's magnesium-alloy body feels more resilient and professional compared to the mostly plastic WB850F compact body. The NX200’s more robust construction is reassuring during intensive outdoor use, though you’d still want appropriate protective measures in adverse conditions.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery endurance often decides whether a camera is an all-day companion or a midday snapper.

The NX200 uses a BC1030 battery rated for approximately 330 shots per charge - decent for a mirrorless camera of its era but definitely requiring spare batteries on extended shoots.

The WB850F uses the SLB-10A battery, though official CIPA ratings aren’t listed. In my testing, compact superzooms like this often offer 200-300 shots per charge, sufficient for casual use but less for professional workflows.

Both cameras rely on a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot with no dual card redundancy - common for their market segment but a limitation for pros demanding fail-safe workflows.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The WB850F surprises with built-in GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling geotagging and wireless image sharing. In 2012, this was relatively rare for compact cameras and gave it a modern edge for travel-focused users.

The NX200, however, lacks wireless connectivity but offers HDMI output and USB 2.0 for file transfer and tethering.

Neither camera supports microphone or headphone jacks, limiting their video recording utility.

Video Capabilities

Video on both models tops out at full HD 1080p at 30fps. The NX200 also supports 720p at 60fps, offering smoother motion capture. Both record using MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs.

Neither camera offers advanced video features like 4K, log recording, external mic input, or in-body stabilization for video. The WB850F does have optical image stabilization (OIS), which helps steady footage during zoomed shots, whereas the NX200 has no in-body or lens stabilization, relying on stabilized lenses if available.

Real-World Use Across Photography Genres

Let’s translate specifications into how each camera performs in the field for popular photography styles.

Portrait Photography

NX200 shines with large sensor and interchangeable lens options, providing attractive bokeh and more natural skin tones. Face detection autofocus helps nail focus on eyes, though no eye-AF limits precision compared to later cameras.

WB850F can deliver decent portraits in good light but struggles to isolate subjects due to its small sensor and limited lens aperture. Background blurring is minimal and less pleasing.

Landscape and Nature

NX200’s dynamic range and high resolution make it a clear winner, capturing fine details and rich tonal gradations - vital for landscape shooters. Lack of weather sealing is a caveat for outdoor use.

WB850F offers outstanding zoom reach and convenient travel portability; however, its small sensor limits image quality in complex light scenarios.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is ideal for pro-level action. The NX200’s burst shooting and AF are decent but fall short of pro mirrorless baselines. The WB850F’s superzoom and burst speed help reach long distances but with compromised accuracy and sharpness.

Street Photography

WB850F’s compact size and stealthiness serve street shooters better than the more conspicuous NX200. Both lack dedicated silent shutter modes, but the WB850F is less likely to draw attention.

Macro Photography

NX200 benefits from interchangeable macro lenses offering high magnification and fine focusing. WB850F supports close focusing at 5 cm but yields less detail and limited control.

Night and Astro Photography

NX200’s large sensor, high ISO capability, and manual exposure modes make it suitable for low-light and night sky imagery. WB850F struggles considerably under dim light, with heavy noise and restricted exposure control.

Video Shooting

Both models deliver competent full HD video for casual use. WB850F’s stabilization adds value when hand-holding at long zoom. NX200 has manual exposure controls enabling more creative video, but absence of mic input and stabilization is limiting.

Travel and Everyday Use

WB850F’s size, integrated extensive zoom, GPS, and Wi-Fi make it a compelling travel companion for snapshots and distance shots without lens swapping. The NX200, although larger, offers superior image quality but requires carrying lenses and extras.

Professional Application

Due to limited durability, lack of advanced AF, absence of weather sealing, and no tethered shooting, neither model is a frontline pro camera today. However, the NX200 could serve as a backup or lightweight option where portability trumps ruggedness.

Image Quality Sample Gallery

Below, you can see side-by-side photographs taken with both cameras under diverse conditions:

Samsung NX200 screen back Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back

The crispness and fine detail of the NX200 images stand out, especially in mid to low light. The WB850F’s images appear softer with more noise in shadows but hold their own in good lighting and wide zoom shots.

Overall Performance Scores at a Glance

To provide a quantitative snapshot, here are the overall performance ratings summarizing image quality, handling, and features:

As expected, the NX200 leads balanced performance while the WB850F focuses on zoom and convenience.

Performance by Photography Genre

Breaking down the cameras’ aptitude across photography types clarifies their end-user fit:

The NX200 excels in portraits, landscapes, and low-light work but scores lower for travel convenience. WB850F shines for travel, street, and zoom-heavy casual photography.

Verdict: Which Camera Suits Your Needs?

Having walked through these cameras from multiple angles, here’s my distilled advice:

• Choose the Samsung NX200 if:
  You desire high image quality, flexibility with interchangeable lenses, manual exposure controls, and plan to shoot portraits, landscapes, or any creative photography where image detail and tonal quality matter. It’s ideal for enthusiasts stepping into mirrorless systems.

• Opt for the Samsung WB850F if:
  You prioritize portability, a powerful all-in-one zoom lens, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi for travel-oriented shooting, and ease of use over manual controls. It suits casual users and travelers wanting a bridge camera with extensive zoom reach without fuss.

Closing Thoughts: Context and Legacy

In retrospect, both the NX200 and WB850F highlight Samsung’s experimentation with diverse camera formats during the early 2010s, a period marked by rapid innovation and market shift. The NX200 pushed mirrorless technology toward higher resolution and refined handling, while the WB850F embraced connectivity and zoom versatility in tiny packages.

Neither is cutting-edge by today’s standards, but their respective strengths still offer valuable lessons and viable uses depending on your photographic priorities.

I hope this comprehensive comparison, grounded in both technical data and photo experience, helps clarify what each camera brings to the table and guides you to the right photographic partner.

Happy shooting!