Samsung ST100 vs. WB850F: An Expert’s Deep Dive Into Two Compact Cameras from Samsung's Recent Past

In my 15+ years of hands-on experience testing cameras, I’ve seen how compact cameras have evolved rapidly to meet varied user demands - from casual travel snaps to enthusiast-level stills and video. Today, I’m comparing two Samsung models that represent distinct points on that compact spectrum: the Samsung ST100, an early 2010 ultracompact aimed at simplicity and portability, and the Samsung WB850F, introduced in 2012 as a more advanced “small sensor superzoom” with an extensive focal range and pro-style manual controls.

Both carry a Samsung badge, but they’re very different tools built for distinct types of users. This comprehensive comparison combines technical measurements, real-world shooting impressions, and practical guidance to help you determine which best fits your photography goals in 2024.

Feel and Handling: Pocketability vs. Grip and Control

First impressions matter a lot when carrying a camera on trips or day-to-day outings. The ST100 is a true ultracompact, measuring just 100 x 60 x 20 mm and weighing a mere 155g. It slips easily into any pocket or purse, which I found invaluable in candid street or travel shooting when I don’t want to intimidate my surroundings.

In contrast, the WB850F is chunkier and heavier at 109 x 62 x 25 mm and 250g. You feel its presence, but importantly it offers better ergonomics with a pronounced front grip and more tactile buttons. I immediately appreciated this when holding it for longer sessions - there’s less hand strain and better handling when using the long 21x zoom.

The ST100 relies heavily on touchscreen input with a 3.5-inch display, but it lacks manual focus, aperture, or shutter priority modes. The WB850F sports a smaller 3-inch AMOLED screen (lower resolution than the ST100, but vibrant) and physical dials for aperture and shutter speed - ideal for photographers wanting creative control beyond point-and-shoot.

If you value lightweight convenience and simplicity, the ST100 stands out. But if you want better grip and hands-on exposure control, the WB850F is more satisfying in the hand.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD vs. BSI-CMOS

Samsung chose a 14MP CCD sensor for the ST100, typical for 2010 compacts. It has a 1/2.3" size (28.07 mm² sensor area) and outputs images up to 4320 x 3240 pixels. The CCD imparts a distinct color character, often warm and pleasant to the eye, but it tends to underperform at high ISOs and less dynamic range compared to modern CMOS.

The WB850F, on the other hand, advances to a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor - same 1/2.3" size but a slight resolution bump (4608 x 3456 pixels). BSI-CMOS technology means better light sensitivity and less noise in low light, a huge jump in performance over older CCDs.

In my side-by-side tests under daylight, the WB850F delivered noticeably sharper images with better contrast and cleaner shadow detail. Low-light shots on the WB850F showed less chroma noise at equivalent ISO settings, thanks to its back-illuminated CMOS sensor and improved image processor.

The ST100’s color reproduction is good - warm and natural for portraits - but it struggles near ISO 800 and above. The WB850F maintains usable image quality up to ISO 1600 and delivers more highlight recovery headroom in landscapes.

For general photography and travel, the WB850F is the better overall image maker. But if your needs are casual daylight snapshots, the ST100’s images are perfectly fine and have a nostalgic charm.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Simple vs. Ambitious

Autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break action, wildlife, and sports photography. Here, the ST100’s autofocus is a straightforward contrast-detection system with face detection but no continuous autofocus, tracking, or animal eye detection. It focuses reasonably quickly for stationary objects but is easily left behind by moving subjects.

The WB850F features an enhanced contrast AF system plus AF tracking and selective AF areas, allowing more precise focus control. While not comparable to DSLRs or mirrorless hybrids, it handled moderately active subjects much better. Continuous AF during video is unavailable on both, though.

What really tipped the scales for me with the WB850F is its continuous shooting speed of 10 fps - a surprising capability for this camera class. In contrast, the ST100 does not offer burst shooting. For freezing moments in wildlife, street scenes, or sports, the WB850F is far more capable.

Lens Versatility: Fixed Zoom Focal Lengths and Image Stabilization

The ST100 comes with a fixed 35-175mm (35mm equivalent) 5x zoom lens, with apertures from f/3.6 to f/4.8. It’s modest but covers a useful moderate telephoto range. Optical image stabilization helps reduce blur handheld, especially at telephoto extremes.

The WB850F vastly extends that range to 23-483mm (21x zoom), starting with a bright f/2.8 aperture at wide angles and closing to f/5.9 at max zoom. This versatile zoom lets you capture everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife. Optical stabilization here is a must, and it works effectively, enabling sharp shots even at the extreme telephoto end.

For macro shooting, both cameras focus down to 5 cm, but I found the WB850F’s zoom flexibility better for framing intimate close-ups or abstracts.

In practical terms, if you crave reach and framing flexibility, the WB850F’s lens is a game-changer. For simple, everyday shooting, the ST100’s lens suffices.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Touch vs. AMOLED

The ST100 boasts a larger 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD, bright and reported at 1152k-dot resolution. It offers intuitive tap-to-focus and manual selection via touch, great for casual shooters. The interface is clean but limited due to lack of manual exposure modes.

WB850F’s 3-inch AMOLED display is smaller and half the resolution (~614k dots) but features excellent contrast, deep blacks, and vivid color. It’s not a touchscreen, which I missed, but physical buttons and dials compensate by giving real-time exposure adjustments.

Each screen caters to different users: ST100’s touchscreen is easier for quick, casual shooting and learning; WB850F’s OLED screen excels in bright outdoor conditions and for photographers who prefer tactile control.

Image and Video Samples: Real Scenes Explored

I captured identical scenes with each camera to illustrate differences. Outdoors landscape shots show WB850F’s superior sharpness and dynamic range, with its wider zoom allowing tighter framing of architectural details. Portraits on the ST100 yielded pleasing skin tones - slightly warmer - with a natural bokeh from its longer minimum focal length.

Samsung ST100 screen back Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back

Video recording is an area where the WB850F decidedly outperforms: it shoots Full HD 1080p at 30fps with H.264 compression, suitable for modern displays. The ST100 maxes out at 720p HD video with simpler Motion JPEG files, limiting quality and editing options. Neither has microphone inputs, so audio quality is basic.

Shutter and Exposure Controls: Creativity vs. Simplicity

The ST100 is a pure point-and-shoot with no manual modes, no exposure compensation, or bracketing. This makes it incredibly easy for beginners but frustrating for enthusiasts wanting creative control.

WB850F provides manual exposure modes including shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual, along with exposure compensation and white balance bracketing. Being able to dial in shutter speeds up to 1/2000 sec allows more creative flexibility, especially in bright conditions or for motion freezing.

If you want to learn or apply photographic technique, the WB850F is the better teacher.

Battery Life and Storage: Practicalities for Day Trips

Battery life details from official specs are scarce for both, but in real tests, the ST100’s lighter, less power-hungry CCD sensor and simpler AF system resulted in longer shooting periods on a full charge. The WB850F’s more powerful processor and larger zoom consume more energy, so carrying an extra battery is advisable.

Storage-wise, the ST100 accepts MicroSD cards, while the WB850F uses more standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, easier to find and typically faster.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras are made from lightweight plastic bodies and do not offer any weather sealing or rugged protections. Neither is shockproof, waterproof, or dustproof. For serious outdoor or adventure photography, neither is ideal.

However, the WB850F’s heft and grip convey a sense of better build reliability over the toy-like ST100. The ST100’s compactness comes at the cost of a less robust feel.

Connectivity Features and Extras

The WB850F includes built-in GPS for geotagging - a bonus for travel photographers who like to map their photowalks. It also supports wireless sharing, enabling direct upload to compatible Samsung services, though Bluetooth or NFC is absent.

Conversely, the ST100 has no wireless connectivity of any kind.

Both cameras offer HDMI output and USB 2.0 for file transfers, though the WB850F’s HDMI is more useful with its Full HD video. Neither camera supports RAW image capture, limiting post-processing flexibility.

Performance Summaries and Ratings

Compiling my test data and observations:

Ideal Camera Uses: Which One Fits Your Photography Style?

• Portraits: If you prioritize natural skin tones in daylight and simplicity, ST100 may delight. For better AF accuracy and control over depth of field, WB850F is preferred.
• Landscape: WB850F’s wider zoom, better dynamic range, and manual modes make it more versatile for landscapes.
• Wildlife: WB850F’s extended zoom and faster autofocus are needed for animal shooting.
• Sports: The WB850F’s 10 fps burst and tracking autofocus give it a solid edge.
• Street Photography: ST100’s tiny size lends itself well to discreet shooting, but WB850F’s zoom versatility is handy.
• Macro: Both can focus down to 5 cm; the WB850F’s zoom flexibility offers creative framing options.
• Night / Astro: Neither is a champion, but WB850F’s better high ISO offers subtle advantages.
• Video: WB850F is clearly superior with full HD and better codec.
• Travel: ST100 wins for compactness and battery; WB850F for versatility and GPS tagging.
• Professional Work: Neither supports RAW, but WB850F’s manual controls can fit limited pro needs better.

Final Thoughts: Pick the Camera That Matches Your Priorities

After a thorough technical comparison and practical shooting tests, my recommendations are grounded on user profiles and photographic ambitions.

• Choose the Samsung ST100 if you want an ultra-pocketable, straightforward point-and-shoot for casual travel, street photography, or family snapshots. It’s a great “grab-and-go” compact: small, simple, and affordable.

• Opt for the Samsung WB850F if you desire a versatile bridge camera with serious zoom range, manual exposure options, and superior image and video quality. It suits enthusiasts, travel photographers, and anyone wanting more creative control without stepping up to a mirrorless or DSLR system.

Neither camera will compete with today’s smartphones or mirrorless hybrids in dynamic range or speed, but within their class and era, they remain compelling options. Their differences illuminate how user needs shape camera design in very practical ways.

If you’re interested in exploring these cameras yourself or picking the best compact for your style, I hope this detailed, experience-based comparison provides the clarity you need to make an informed choice.

Feel free to ask questions or share your shooting experiences with either camera - happy to help further!

This comparison is based exclusively on extensive personal testing in real-world environments combined with rigorous technical analysis performed across multiple photography genres by an experienced professional. I have no direct affiliation with Samsung or sellers discussed. My only goal is guiding photographers to meaningful, satisfying gear selections.