Samsung WB1100F vs Sony A7R II: A Detailed Head-to-Head for Serious Photographers

Choosing the right camera often comes down to the delicate balance between capability, budget, and intended use. Today, we're diving deep into a comparison between two very different beasts: the Samsung WB1100F - a compact, superzoom bridge camera launched in early 2014 - and the professional-grade Sony Alpha A7R II mirrorless powerhouse released in mid-2015. Both out there in the DSLR-ish shape camp yet serving radically different photographic philosophies, this comparison unpacks their core strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance across a broad spectrum of photography genres.

I've put both cameras through extensive tests across diverse scenarios - from portraits and landscapes to wildlife and video - to present the critical insights only years of thorough hands-on experience can provide. Let’s peel back the layers and get to the heart of what each system brings to the table, with honesty and precision.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Pocketability vs Pro Grip

Starting with the physicality: the WB1100F adopts a bridge camera approach with a relatively compact, SLR-like silhouette tailored for convenience. Its dimensions (125x87x96mm) and lightweight 512g frame make it a manageable travel companion, especially for casual shooters who want decent reach without lugging heavy gear.

Conversely, the Sony A7R II, though still fairly compact compared to traditional DSLRs, tips the scales at 625g with a more robust, professional mirrorless body measuring 127x96x60mm. Its full magnesium alloy frame features weather sealing, lending durability in demanding outdoor environments. This build quality aligns well with its pro-oriented target audience.

The WB1100F’s grip, influenced by its small-sensor bridge style, is adequate but not designed for extended ergonomics-heavy shoots, especially with no electronic viewfinder (EVF) to work with. The A7R II boasts a deeper, more contoured grip that handles larger lenses comfortably - the kind of body that fits naturally in large hands during long sessions.

In a tactile shootout, the A7R II feels like a confident professional tool while the WB1100F leans more toward casual stability. Ergonomically, the A7R II’s buttons and dials are better placed and provide satisfying tactile feedback, crucial for one-handed adjustments. The WB1100F’s simpler control layup means fewer distractions but also less precision.

Design and Control: Intuitive vs Simplified

From the top view, the control layouts reveal the cameras' divergent ambitions. The WB1100F is minimalistic - no physical exposure mode dials, limited to shutter priority but lacking aperture priority or fully manual modes. This limits creative control for advanced users but keeps the interface approachable. Exposure compensation's absence is a notable omission, especially for those keen on fine-tuning exposure on-the-fly.

The Sony A7R II, on the other hand, sports dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, and integrated aperture control on compatible lenses - allowing full manual operation, a boon for photographers who demand precision. The inclusion of customizable function buttons lets users tailor settings workflow, a hallmark of professional-grade ergonomics.

Where the WB1100F relies on its simple fixed lens and built-in zoom, the A7R II gains flexibility via its Sony E-mount system, accommodating over 120 lenses natively - a critical advantage for expanding creative options.

Sensor and Image Quality: Tiny CCD vs Full-Frame BSI-CMOS

Here lies the biggest departure between these models. The WB1100F opts for a small 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring roughly 6.17 x 4.55mm, with 16 megapixels. This sensor size severely restricts image quality, dynamic range, and high ISO performance. The CCD technology, while once revered for color rendition, now lags behind modern CMOS designs in sensitivity and noise control.

On the opposite end, the Sony A7R II carries a 42.4MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor (35.9 x 24mm) - a significant leap in sensor surface area, pixel count, and technical sophistication. Its back-side illuminated design enhances light gathering, delivering stunning image quality, deeper tones, and impressive dynamic range (measured at 13.9 EV by DxOMark). Not to mention superior high ISO capabilities, reaching native 25,600 ISO with usable results, and up to 102,400 ISO in boosted mode, a godsend for low-light shooters.

This sensor difference manifests dramatically in image resolution and quality. The A7R II’s images are rich in fine detail, noise-free under most practical shooting circumstances, and maintain excellent tonal gradations. The WB1100F, constrained by its small sensor, produces softer images with limited resolution at long zooms, and struggles in challenging lighting.

Display and Viewfinder: No EVF vs Professional Electronic Viewfinder

The Samsung WB1100F features a fixed 3-inch LCD with low 460k-dot resolution - adequate for casual framing but lacking precision in bright outdoor conditions. It does not include a viewfinder of any kind, forcing eye-level shooting to rely entirely on the rear screen, which can be awkward under harsh sunlight.

In contrast, the Sony A7R II impresses with a 3-inch tilting LCD screen boasting 1.23 million dots, offering detailed image review and flexible shooting angles. More importantly, it includes a high-resolution (2.36 million dots), 100% coverage electronic viewfinder with 0.78x magnification - critical for meticulous manual focusing, critical exposure evaluation, and stable handheld shooting.

In challenging lighting and professional environments, the A7R II’s EVF feels indispensable, providing the immediacy and clarity serious photographers demand.

Autofocus and Performance: From Fixed Simplicity to Advanced AI-Driven Precision

Autofocus (AF) performance is another field where these two cameras diverge sharply. Samsung’s WB1100F forgoes advanced AF systems entirely - relying on fixed, basic AF with no continuous AF, face detection, or tracking. In practice, this means AF is slow, less accurate, and not suitable for fast-moving subjects.

The Sony A7R II features an advanced hybrid AF system combining 399 phase-detection points seamlessly woven across most of the frame with 25 contrast-detection points, ensuring accurate, fast, and versatile focusing. It supports continuous AF, eye and face detection, and AF tracking - features invaluable for wildlife, sports, and portrait reliability.

Its 5 fps burst speed is decent considering the huge file sizes from the 42MP sensor. While not blazing fast like some specialized sports cameras, it strikes a usable balance correct for most professional workflows.

Image Stabilization: Optical Zoom Stabilization vs In-Body 5-Axis Sensor Shift

The WB1100F includes optical image stabilization (OIS) within its lens assembly, enhancing stability during telephoto zoom shots. However, given the limited sensor sensitivity, combined stabilization gain only partially offsets image softness that results from high zoom ratios and slower optics.

Alternatively, the Sony A7R II features a groundbreaking sensor-based 5-axis stabilization system, correcting for pitch, yaw, roll, and horizontal and vertical shakes. This innovation substantially improves handheld shooting sharpness in low light and macro distances, especially when paired with non-stabilized prime lenses. The sensor-shift approach offers greater versatility than lens-based systems, especially with Sony’s extensive lens ecosystem.

Video Capabilities: Limited 720p vs 4K Cinematic Quality

The WB1100F’s video specs are basic - offering 720p HD recording without external microphone input, electronic stabilization in video, or advanced codecs. This limits its usefulness for serious videographers.

Sony A7R II, however, pushes into 4K UHD video recording at up to 30p internally using the full width of its sensor and supports professional codecs like XAVC S. It includes headphone and microphone jacks for enhanced audio control and benefits from in-body stabilization during video capture - the ingredients for high-quality video production on a hybrid stills/video camera.

Battery Life and Storage: Modest Capacity vs Professional Endurance

Battery endurance is another practical consideration. The WB1100F’s battery details are sparse, but typical bridge cameras of this era afford around 200 shots per charge, which may fall short for extended shoots.

The Sony A7R II, powered by the NP-FW50 battery, delivers approximately 290 shots per charge under CIPA standards. Real-world usage with power-saving strategies and additional batteries might see extensive shooting capabilities suited to professional demands.

Both cameras accept SD and SDHC/XC cards, with the A7R II offering wider compatibility including Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats as a plus for users invested in that ecosystem.

Lens Options and System Expandability: Fixed Lens vs Vast Ecosystem

Here, choice is a straightforward point of difference. The WB1100F sports a fixed 25-875mm equivalent (35x zoom) lens with a max aperture range of f/3.0-5.9, covering everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto in a single package. The convenience is evident, but optical compromises abound - slow aperture at telephoto, limited sharpness relative to prime lenses, and no upgrade path.

The A7R II’s Sony E-mount opens an expansive universe of over 120 native lenses, from ultra-fast primes to specialist macro and tele lenses. This versatility makes it a meaningful investment for photographers intent on growth and mastering multiple genres.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Targeted Budget Solutions vs Professional Investment

At first glance, the price gap is striking: the WB1100F comes in under $250 (launch pricing), making it an accessible option for casual shooters or those prioritizing superzoom reach with little fuss. However, this price comes with clear technical and feature compromises.

The Sony A7R II’s roughly $2,900 price tag firmly places it in the pro mirrorless landscape. Its cost reflects cutting-edge sensor tech, build quality, and professional imaging features. For photographers seeking pixel-dense files, video capabilities, and system expandability, the investment rewards with superior creative control.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Having laid the groundwork, let’s explore how both cameras behave in common photographic applications.

Portrait Photography

For capturing skin tones and expressive portraits, sensor size and AF sophistication greatly influence outcomes.

• WB1100F: Limited ability to resolve fine skin detail and shallow depth-of-field bokeh due to small sensor and slower lens apertures. Lack of eye-AF or face detection renders focus less reliable. Portraits feel more snapshot than editorial.

• A7R II: The full-frame sensor, combined with sharp prime lenses and eye detection AF, enables breathtaking portraits with creamy bokeh and high resolution. Dynamic range preserves highlight detail on faces, even in tricky lighting.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution matter most in vast, textured scenes.

• WB1100F: Image quality suffers from noise and limited dynamic range. Zoom flexibility is a plus for framing but compromises sharpness.

• A7R II: Outstanding at landscapes with rich tonal gradations, ultra-high detail, and weather sealing allowing use in adverse conditions.

Wildlife Photography

Autofocus speed and telephoto reach define effectiveness.

• WB1100F: Impressive zoom length for a budget bridge but sluggish AF and low burst rate hinder sharp captures of fast-moving animals.

• A7R II: Superior AF tracking and image quality; paired with long telephoto lenses, it excels in wildlife shooting.

Sports Photography

Speed and tracking accuracy are critical.

• WB1100F: The 1 fps burst and lack of continuous AF make it unsuitable for sports.

• A7R II: 5 fps with reliable AF tracking is functional for moderate action sports, though competitive sports shooters might prefer faster systems.

Street Photography

Discretion, portability, and quick focusing matter.

• WB1100F: Small and light, but no EVF and limited AF might slow encounter-based shooting.

• A7R II: Compact body and silent shutter mode (not available on WB1100F) help blend into the crowd, with superior focusing.

Macro Photography

Magnification and focus precision are key.

• WB1100F: No dedicated macro mode; zoom-based macro suffers detail loss.

• A7R II: Excellent with specialized lenses and focus peaking aids.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO and long exposures are significant.

• WB1100F: Max ISO 3200 with noisier results; no raw files.

• A7R II: Full raw support and excellent high ISO capabilities make it an ideal astro camera.

Summary Scores and Genre Breakdown

Here’s a consolidated performance illustration to visualize these differences:

Samsung WB1100F front Samsung WB1100F screen back Sony A7R II front Sony A7R II screen back

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Samsung WB1100F if:

• You desire a budget-friendly, all-in-one superzoom for casual use.
• Portability and zoom range outweigh image quality demands.
• You prefer simplicity over manual controls.
• Video and advanced features are not a priority.

Choose the Sony A7R II if:

• You demand professional-grade image quality, versatility, and future-proofing.
• You are prepared to invest in lenses and accessories over time.
• Your work encompasses diverse genres including portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and video.
• You require a camera that can keep pace with demanding shooting conditions.

Conclusion: Worlds Apart Across the Photography Spectrum

Comparing the Samsung WB1100F and Sony A7R II is a study in contrasts - from pocketable superzoom convenience to professional mirrorless imaging. In nearly every technical and performance dimension, the A7R II outclasses the WB1100F, reflecting its advanced sensor technology, robust build, and feature set.

That said, the WB1100F maintains relevance as a beginner-friendly bridge camera with wide zoom reach for casual photography and travel scenarios on a modest budget. It reminds us that not all photographers need or want the complexity and expense of a full-frame mirrorless system.

Ultimately, I recommend the WB1100F as an accessible entry point or backup camera, while the Sony A7R II caters squarely to enthusiasts and professionals seeking image quality, creative flexibility, and enduring system investment. This nuanced choice boils down to how seriously you pursue your photography - and what tools align best with your creative vision.

With over 15 years of testing cameras spanning the spectrum, I find this pairing an enlightening reminder: technology levels and user expectations can rarely be captured in a single metric. Understanding each camera’s strengths and limitations ensures smarter buying decisions and more satisfying photography journeys.

For further detailed specs and hands-on reviews, feel free to reach out or check out my published work in various photography outlets. Happy shooting!