Samsung SH100 vs Samsung WB50F: Which Compact Camera Fits Your Style?

When looking for a compact camera these days, the choices can feel overwhelming - but sometimes, taking a step back to compare two affordable Samsung models from the early 2010s can be enlightening. The Samsung SH100 and the WB50F are both small, easy-to-carry cameras aimed at enthusiasts who want more than a smartphone but aren’t ready to dive into mirrorless or DSLR territory. Which one delivers better value? Which suits your photography style? Having spent countless hours testing gear in fields ranging from macro still lifes to fast-paced sports, I’m here to walk you through these two cameras, highlighting the quirks, perks, and pitfalls you’ll want to know before clicking “Buy.”

Let’s start by looking at the physical footprint and handling, because - let’s be honest - the best camera is often the one you actually want to carry around.

Size and Handling: Pocketability Versus Gripability

At their core, the SH100 and WB50F serve the same basic purpose: compact, point-and-shoot photography. But their form factors reveal different philosophies. The SH100 is a slim, ultracompact camera measuring just 93 x 54 x 19 mm - smartly pocketable, even in tighter jeans or jackets. It weighs minimally (though Samsung doesn’t specify exactly how much), and its fixed lens design means no bulky protrusions.

In contrast, the WB50F measures 101 x 68 x 27 mm - noticeably chunkier, by nearly doubling the thickness. It weighs about 207 grams, which while still light, is a good 50-70 grams heftier than SH100. The WB50F’s beefier body accommodates its superzoom lens (more on that soon), giving it an almost more “serious compact” vibe.

Handling wise, the SH100's wafer-thin profile makes extended use a bit of a stretch - grip can feel fragile, and I often found myself gripping too tightly to avoid slips, especially outdoors. The WB50F’s larger shape, while less packable, delivered a more comfortable and stable hold for longer shooting sessions.

For photographers who prize lightweight travel over grip comfort, the SH100 wins hands down. If you prefer a camera that feels more substantial and secure in hand, especially when zooming, the WB50F’s design will feel more natural.

Let’s check out the control layouts next, since ease of use can make or break shooting experiences.

Control Layout: Straightforward or Spartan?

Neither camera boasts extensive manual control dials - their ultracompact category means simplified functionality. The SH100 offers a minimalist approach, with only a touchscreen interface (a rather early adopter move back in 2011) and no physical mode dials or shutter priority options. It lacks manual focus and any real exposure controls. The touchscreen is responsive but small, making precise input a tad fiddly.

Meanwhile, the WB50F, released three years later, eschews touch functionality but includes a small selection of physical buttons, including a manual focus ring (a definite plus for precision macro or creative control). Unfortunately, its smaller 460k-dot LCD isn’t touch-enabled, which makes quick menu navigation less intuitive.

I personally appreciate tactile controls on compact cameras - muscle memory helps speed up shooting - so the WB50F’s manual focus ring felt like a rare but valuable feature in this class. That said, if you prefer swiping and tapping to button-mashing, the SH100’s touchscreen could appeal.

Speaking of screens...

Viewing Experience: Screen Size and Resolution Matter

Both cameras sport a 3" fixed LCD, but that’s where similarities end. The SH100 uses a basic 230k-dot touchscreen, which is somewhat lacking in detail by today’s standards (heck, even in 2011 it was moderate at best). The display struggles under bright sunlight, hampering composition outdoors - a real frustration when wandering landscapes or street scenes.

In contrast, the WB50F’s 460k-dot fixed display doubles the resolution, offering crisper images and better visibility under challenging lighting. Though lacking touch, its clarity and color accuracy better support framing and reviewing shots in the field.

Neither offers an electronic viewfinder, so eye level shooting is out unless you get creative. For enthusiasts who often shoot landscape or wildlife subjects, a bright and detailed LCD is critical - and the WB50F’s screen wins here.

Sensor and Image Quality - The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor - a common small sensor type in compact cameras of this era. Sensor sizes are virtually identical: roughly 6x4.5 mm, with sensor areas hovering near 28 mm². The WB50F edges out slightly with a 16-megapixel resolution (4608×3456), while the SH100 is capped at 14 megapixels (4230×3240).

Now, more megapixels don’t necessarily mean better images, especially on small sensors where pixel density can introduce noise and reduce dynamic range. Unfortunately, neither camera supports RAW capture, so your post-processing latitude is limited to in-camera JPEGs - an important consideration for the serious enthusiast or pro.

In my testing, both cameras delivered consistent daylight images with sharp details and decent color in good lighting. However, the WB50F’s higher sensor resolution paired with improved image processing yielded slightly crisper results, particularly in detailed foliage and textured surfaces. The SH100’s images tended to be softer, likely due to earlier sensor tech and less refined processing.

As for low light, both fell short - expected from small CCDs with no ISO boost support on SH100 and max ISO 3200 on WB50F (though noise became prominent beyond ISO 800). The WB50F benefited from optical image stabilization, helping reduce blur in handheld shots, a feature absent in the SH100.

If image quality takes center stage in your decision, the WB50F holds a modest advantage.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: From Casual to Superzoom

Here’s where these cameras truly diverge.

The SH100 sports a fixed lens with a 5.9x focal length multiplier equivalent, which translates to a modest zoom range - not explicitly specified by Samsung, but typically these ultracompacts hover around 24-140mm in 35mm terms. This setup targets casual photographers emphasizing walk-around versatility and compactness.

Conversely, the WB50F boasts a robust 24-288mm (12x zoom) range - a superzoom lens rivaling early bridge cameras - with an aperture range of f/3.1 at wide angle, tapering to f/6.3 telephoto. The 12x reach makes it a playground for wildlife, sports, and travel photography where lens swapping or large gear isn’t an option.

The WB50F’s lens incorporates optical image stabilization, a godsend for handheld shooting at long focal lengths, helping maintain sharpness without a tripod.

In practice, the SH100 feels limited if you crave zoom flexibility - it excels as a grab-and-go point-and-shoot for portraits or street snaps but can’t reach distant subjects. The WB50F, meanwhile, lets you explore distant birds or architectural details without carrying an extra lens.

Suspecting the tradeoff - the larger lens of WB50F adds bulk and cost - but the creative latitude it offers is invaluable for many users.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: A Camera’s Reflexes Matter

Neither camera breaks new ground in autofocus tech: both utilize contrast detection AF systems with unspecified numbers of focus points. Unfortunately, neither offers face/eye detection, continuous autofocus, or tracking modes that modern shooters expect, limiting their usefulness for demanding subjects.

Shutter speeds on the SH100 range from 1/8 to 1/2000 sec, while WB50F’s range isn’t well documented but presumably similar. Neither supports silent electronic shutters or higher frame rates for sports or wildlife shooting.

Continuous shooting modes are absent or unspecified - so forget high-speed action bursts.

Both cameras’ autofocus systems proved sluggish in poor light during my real-world tests, with WB50F occasionally hunting noticeably at long zoom settings, a common drawback in superzooms of the era.

For fast or unpredictable subjects like athletes or wildlife, these cameras are not ideal. But for family portraits, travel snaps, or landscapes, their AF accuracy at single point focusing is adequate.

Video Capabilities: Basics Only

Both shoot HD video at 1280×720 resolution - standard definition by today’s standards. SH100 records motion JPEG format, while WB50F's video format is unspecified but likely similar.

Neither supports Full HD (1080p) or 4K video, nor do they offer advanced video features like manual exposure control, continuous autofocus during video, or external mic inputs (SH100 surprisingly offers a microphone port but no headphone jack; WB50F has neither).

The video quality is serviceable for casual use - think short clips for social sharing rather than serious video projects.

Connectivity and Storage: Fitting the Era

Both cameras include built-in wireless connectivity. The SH100 offers built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer, a boon in 2011, though plagued by Samsung’s less polished app ecosystem. The WB50F adds NFC functionality (a 2014 innovation), which streamlines pairing with compatible smartphones.

Neither camera has USB or HDMI ports, limiting wired connectivity options - a factor for those wanting smooth tethered shooting or quick charging during shoots.

Regarding storage, the SH100’s storage slot isn’t specified, but most models of the era used SD/SDHC cards. The WB50F explicitly supports MicroSD, MicroSDHC, and MicroSDXC cards, providing more modern flexibility.

Battery life details are sparse, but the WB50F uses a dedicated lithium-ion battery (BP70A), whereas the SH100’s battery is unlisted but likely similar in endurance given size and sensor power.

Build Quality and Reliability: No Weather Sealing Here

Neither camera features weather sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezing resistance. This is unsurprising given their consumer-grade positioning and compact dimensions.

Samsung’s plastic builds feel sturdy enough for casual handling but don’t inspire confidence in harsh conditions. If you shoot outdoors often in variable weather, investing in a robust weather-sealed body might be wiser.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Now, putting it all together across different photography styles:

• Portraits: The SH100’s limited zoom and fixed aperture make it a simple portrait tool. Skin tones come out natural, but bokeh is shallow, and no eye-detection AF means you have to rely on steady focus placement. WB50F’s longer zoom adds framing flexibility but more noticeable lens compression at long focal lengths may affect naturalness.

• Landscape: The WB50F’s higher resolution and optical stabilization aid sharp handheld captures, while SH100 feels limited. Neither is ideal for bracketing or advanced exposure control, which pros often need.

• Wildlife: Without fast AF or high frame rates, both struggle with moving wildlife. WB50F’s zoom helps reach distant subjects, but image softness and AF hunting are issues.

• Sports: Neither camera supports the quick burst speeds nor continuous AF tracking necessary for most sports photography. Both are better suited for casual snaps at events.

• Street: SH100’s compact, discreet profile is a plus for street candid-ness. WB50F is bulkier but offers zoom reach.

• Macro: WB50F’s manual focus ring supports closer focusing control, while SH100 lacks precise focus aids.

• Night/Astro: Weak low-light ISO performance and small sensors mean both are poor astro cameras. No bulb modes or long-exposure options exist.

• Video: Basic HD video is passable for casual clips - neither suits serious videography.

• Travel: Here the WB50F’s zoom and screen advantages shine, though the SH100’s pocketability appeals for minimalist travelers.

• Professional Work: Neither model incorporates TIFF or RAW shooting, advanced file options, or robust workflow compatibility, limiting their use in professional pipelines.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

In a nutshell, both cameras score modestly in overall image quality, handling, and feature set - but the WB50F nudges ahead on versatility, zoom reach, and display. The SH100’s novelty touchscreen and ultra-thin form factor make it a distinct alternative for ultra-lightpacking photographers.

Sample Image Look: Seeing Is Believing

Samsung SH100 front Samsung SH100 screen back Samsung WB50F front Samsung WB50F screen back

Examining real shots, colors appear vibrant on both, though slight softness and noise creep show on the SH100’s images. The WB50F’s longer zoom shots reveal more detail but occasionally show chromatic aberration at extremes - a tradeoff for such a superzoom on a small sensor.

Final Verdict: Which Samsung Compact Should You Choose?

So, who wins - the cool, slim 2011 SH100 or the chunky 2014 WB50F with the extra zoom? Frankly, they occupy slightly different niches.

• If absolute portability and ease of use are your top priorities, and you mainly shoot casual portraits, street scenes, or everyday moments with the occasional video clip, the Samsung SH100 could suit you. Its touchscreen interface, sleek design, and simplicity make it a neat everyday carry option - just don’t expect retail store camera-level snapping speed or weather durability.

• For more photographic versatility, especially if you want to explore wildlife, travel photography, or zoomed framing without gear swapping, the Samsung WB50F is likely the better pick. Its 12x optical zoom, higher resolution, and optical stabilization offer tangible benefits for composition and image quality. Plus, the manual focus ring gives you a measure of creative control missing on the SH100.

Both cameras share limitations inherent to small-sensor compacts: limited dynamic range, noise in low light, modest autofocus, and very basic video capacities. For serious photographers or professionals, these are entry-level devices best paired with a smartphone or upgraded mirrorless system.

That said, both represent interesting snapshots of Samsung’s compact camera efforts in the early 2010s - and if you find either at a bargain price and don’t mind their quirks, they’re fun little shooters with enough punch to satisfy casual photographic adventures.

Hope this detailed, hands-on comparison helps you choose the Samsung compact that fits your style and camera bag. Feel free to reach out if you want real-world shooting tips or alternatives in the compact camera space - after all, with thousands of cameras tested under my belt, I’m always eager to chat gear!

Happy shooting!