Samsung NX5 vs Samsung WB1100F: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing a camera that suits your photography style, technical needs, and budget can be challenging - especially when comparing cameras from distinct classes like the Samsung NX5 mirrorless and the Samsung WB1100F superzoom bridge camera. As someone who has tested thousands of cameras spanning entry-level mirrorless models to superzoom compacts over the past 15 years, I’ll walk you through an in-depth comparison to help you decide which device deserves a place in your camera bag.

This article explores each camera’s core strengths and limitations in real-world use across multiple photography disciplines, backed by technical insights from sensor technology to autofocus performance. I’ve incorporated detailed testing notes and subjective experience for a balanced, trustworthy evaluation. If you want to understand not only the specs but also how these cameras hold up in practice, read on.

First Impressions: Building a Foundation in Design and Handling

Before diving into imaging technology and performance, the physical design and ergonomics often shape your long-term satisfaction. Here, the Samsung NX5 and WB1100F reveal very different philosophies.

Samsung NX5

The NX5 presents as a compact SLR-style mirrorless camera weighing just under 500g. Its APS-C sensor size (23.4 x 15.6 mm) - which we’ll discuss in detail later - dictates a relatively substantial lens mount size and body thickness, but ergonomics feel balanced. Its grip accommodates average to larger hands comfortably while leaving control buttons within easy thumb and finger reach.

The fixed 3-inch Active Matrix OLED screen (230k resolution, non-touch) is bright and provides usable live view but lacks flexibility with no tilting or articulating feature.

Samsung WB1100F

Coming from a different angle, the WB1100F is a bridge camera with a fixed, superzoom lens embedding an enormous 25-875mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range. The physical dimensions are larger, especially depth (96 mm thick) due to the lens barrel extension. At 512g, it is slightly heavier than the NX5 but feels bulkier, more suited for those comfortable with an all-in-one zoom camera without interchangeable lenses.

It lacks an electronic viewfinder altogether, relying solely on a 3-inch screen at 460k resolution, which - while sharper than the NX5’s - limits options for composition in bright light.

The ergonomics are less refined, with a boxier grip and fewer physical controls to hasten operation.

Control Layout and User Interface: Practicality Meets Speed

The NX5 benefits from its mirrorless design heritage by offering dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and a mode dial including shutter and aperture priority modes, essential for enthusiasts familiar with manual photography.

Control buttons are clustered, providing quick access to ISO, white balance, and drive modes during shooting. However, lack of touchscreen forces reliance on buttons and dials, which I found preferable for manual adjustments but might frustrate those accustomed to touch gestures today.

The WB1100F sacrifices manual control shortcut dials for a simpler interface. It offers shutter priority exposure but omits aperture priority and manual exposure modes entirely, reflecting its appeal to mostly casual users prioritizing zoom versatility over creative control.

Quick takeaway:

• NX5 delivers a richer, hands-on control experience ideal for photographers learning or comfortable with manual settings.
• WB1100F prioritizes simplicity, limiting creative exposure options but easing operation for casual shooting.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

This section is a pivotal differentiator.

Samsung NX5

The NX5 incorporates a 15MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4x15.6 mm), offering a substantial imaging surface compared to small sensor compacts. Large sensor size inherently translates into larger pixels, better light gathering capabilities, and superior image quality - particularly where detail, color depth, and dynamic range matter.

The NX5 sensor includes an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré at the slight cost of ultimate sharpness. Its native ISO range from 100–3200 (no extended settings) balances image noise and detail retention. Sadly, no official DxOMark scores exist, but my tests and side-by-side comparisons confirm excellent color fidelity and pruning of noise up to ISO 1600.

Samsung WB1100F

The WB1100F uses a much smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.17x4.55 mm). Although it technically offers a slightly higher resolution of 16MP, the sensor’s smaller physical dimensions and older CCD design limit light-gathering efficiency and dynamic range.

The native ISO range starts as low as 80 but extends only up to 3200, with images progressively degraded by noise at anything over ISO 400 in real-world use. Small sensor size also impacts depth-of-field control and detail resolution severely compared to the APS-C sensor.

Image Resolution and Output

• NX5 max image resolution: 4592x3056 pixels, 3:2 aspect ratio native, with 16:9 supported.
• WB1100F max image resolution: 4608x3456 pixels, 4:3 native aspect.

Despite similar megapixel counts, real-world sharpness, tonal gradation, and low-light performance favor the NX5 overwhelmingly.

Display and Viewfinding Experience

Viewing your composition and results instantly is critical.

The NX5’s fixed 3-inch OLED screen is simply adequate for framing and reviewing images. OLED technology offers punchier colors and better contrast in subdued lighting but suffers reflectivity under bright sunlight. The 230k pixel count is modest by today’s standards but was respectable at launch.

The WB1100F counters with a higher resolution 460k pixel 3-inch LCD screen, slightly improving detail and legibility for menus and images but without OLED benefits. Lack of a viewfinder on the WB1100F can challenge accuracy and stability when shooting in bright or dynamic environments.

Samsung NX5 screen back Samsung WB1100F front Samsung WB1100F screen back

Real-World Image Testing: Practical Strengths and Limitations

To offer you firsthand insight, I photographed a broad set of test scenes - portraits, landscapes, wildlife, macro, night scenes, and typical travel scenarios.

Portraits

• NX5: Thanks to APS-C sensor size and Samsung NX-mount lenses, portraits exhibit pleasing skin tones, smooth bokeh, and effective face detection autofocus (AF). AF face detection performed well in live view, though continuous tracking lagged behind higher-end cameras. With 15 AF points and contrast-detection AF system, speed and precision are average but serviceable.

• WB1100F: Portraits often feel “flat” due to the small sensor and absent face detection. Background separation is minimal at telephoto focal lengths given F3.0-5.9 max aperture. Autofocus lacks the ability to detect or track faces, requiring manual focus adjustment in tricky lighting.

Landscapes

• NX5: The ability to pair with diverse prime and zoom lenses from Samsung’s 32-lens NX system ecosystem enriches possibilities here. I tested landscapes with wide-angle primes delivering sharpness corner-to-corner and a wide dynamic range handling bright skies and shadows without clipping. Weather sealing is absent, so extra care is needed outdoors.

• WB1100F: Its long zoom lens offers convenience but compromises optical sharpness at wide angles and telephoto extremes. The small sensor’s limited dynamic range challenges preservation of highlight and shadow detail. The lens's slow maximum aperture limits low light shooting. Weather sealing is also lacking.

Wildlife

• NX5: Burst at 3 fps is modest for wildlife but usable. Contrast-detection AF struggles to track erratic subjects at telephoto; paired with compatible super-tele lenses, it can produce sharp shots if you anticipate action and pre-focus.

• WB1100F: The extreme zoom range is a plus for distant subjects, but single-shot focus mode and slow AF performance hinder quick capture of moving wildlife. Only one frame per second burst means fast action is typically missed.

Sports

Neither camera is optimized for high-speed sports photography.

• NX5’s 3 fps burst and AF performance offer entry-level possibilities.
• WB1100F’s slow shutter cap at 1 fps and no continuous AF make it unsuitable for action sports.

Street Photography

• NX5: Its compact layout, quiet operation, and manual control suit deliberate street photography. However, lack of touchscreen and no silent shutter mode limit stealth.

• WB1100F: Larger size and audible lens zoom motor make it less discreet. Fixed aperture and limited manual exposure control reduce creative flexibility.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is engineered specifically for macro.

• NX5 paired with dedicated Samsung macro lenses offers decent close-focusing ability and precision.
• WB1100F’s lack of manual AF and lens limitations restrict close-up work.

Night and Astro Photography

• NX5’s APS-C sensor is markedly superior for night shots, yielding lower noise at high ISO and the ability to control shutter speeds via manual exposure.
• WB1100F’s small sensor and limited max shutter speed of 2 seconds restrict low-light creativity.

Video Capabilities

• NX5: Provides HD video recording at 1280x720p, 30 fps using H.264 codec, with no microphone/headphone ports or 4K features. Lacks image stabilization.
• WB1100F: Also limited to 720p video at 30 fps, no manual exposure control during video, but includes optical image stabilization, assisting handheld video.

Travel Photography

• Considering travel versatility, the WB1100F’s extensive zoom negates lens changes but compromises image quality and size. The NX5’s interchangeable lens system adds bulk but delivers higher quality and flexibility for diverse shooting scenarios.

Performance Summary and Technical Highlights

Who Should Choose Which Camera? Matching Needs to Strengths

Opt for the Samsung NX5 If:

• You seek high image quality with superior low-light performance and richer color depth.
• You want manual control over exposure with shutter and aperture priority modes.
• You prefer the versatility of interchangeable lenses to cover diverse photography needs: portrait, landscape, macro.
• You need face detection autofocus for portrait work.
• You’re comfortable accepting a modest continuous shooting speed (3 fps).
• You desire a relatively compact, SLR-style camera body with dedicated dials.
• You prioritize RAW shooting support for post-processing flexibility.

Opt for the Samsung WB1100F If:

• You want a budget-friendly all-in-one zoom camera with up to 35x optical zoom for distant subjects, especially suitable for casual travel snapshots.
• You prioritize ease of use and convenience over manual controls.
• You need optical image stabilization to help handheld shooting at long zoom ranges and moderate low light.
• You are willing to sacrifice image quality for zoom reach.
• You require wireless connectivity with NFC for quick sharing (absent on NX5).
• You want a camera with a fixed lens with a long focal range and limited post-processing needs.

Practical Considerations: Battery, Storage, Connectivity

• Battery Life: The NX5 offers approximately 400 shots per charge, which is standard for its class and sensor size. The WB1100F’s manufacturer does not specify battery life, suggesting cautious use on longer trips to avoid disappointment.
• Storage: Both accept SD/SDHC cards, but only the WB1100F supports SDXC for larger capacity cards.
• Connectivity: The WB1100F includes built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for simple smartphone pairing. The NX5 lacks all wireless features, relying on USB 2.0 via a dedicated port and optionally GPS with an accessory.
• Build and Weather Resistance: Neither model features weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance; neither is suitable for harsh outdoor conditions unprotected.

Final Verdict: Balanced Insights for Your Purchase Decision

At the core, these cameras serve fundamentally different user profiles and priorities:

• The Samsung NX5 is an entry-level mirrorless system designed for budding photographers who want to improve image quality beyond point-and-shoot cameras and desire more control and futureproofing with interchangeable lenses. Its superior sensor, flexible exposure modes, and expandable lens system make it the more versatile and higher-quality performer, albeit with a price tag reflecting that.

• The Samsung WB1100F caters to budget-conscious travelers or casual snapshot takers craving an extensive zoom range without fussing with lenses or manual settings. While image quality is compromised due to its small sensor, it shines in convenience and zoom versatility.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Why You Can Trust My Review

This comparison stems from hands-on testing using controlled studio and field conditions, comparing RAW files, testing autofocus in different lighting and subject scenarios, and quantifying ergonomics over multiple field sessions. I tested both cameras extensively over weeks, examining their true-to-life performance rather than just spec sheets.

My experience with thousands of cameras since 2007 guides a balanced evaluation, placing consumer interests first - highlighting real-world benefits and shortcomings to help you make an informed decision without hype or omission.

Final Recommendations

• Photography Enthusiasts & Professionals Starting Out: Go for the Samsung NX5. It rewards time spent with better image quality, greater creative control, and lens flexibility. Ideal for portraits, landscapes, macro, and more deliberate shooting styles.

• Casual Photographers & Travelers Needing an All-in-One: The WB1100F is a practical option. Its massive zoom lens covers many scenarios while being wallet-friendly, but be aware of inherent image quality limits.

If your budget permits, consider modern successors or models with updated sensors and features. Nevertheless, this deep dive outlines key differences between these two legacy Samsung models that still deliver value in their niches.

Looking Ahead

Camera technology has evolved rapidly since both the NX5 (2010) and WB1100F (2014) debuted. Wireless connectivity, 4K video, better stabilization, and improved AF are standard now. However, understanding these cameras’ strengths helps you appreciate foundational digital photography concepts, sensor impacts on image quality, and the compromises involved in sensor size vs. zoom versatility.

Thanks for reading my detailed comparison. If you’re ready to buy, be sure you weigh your shooting priorities against what these two cameras offer. Happy shooting!