Samsung WB2200F vs Sony A7 II: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When you set out to buy a new camera, the options can be dizzying. Two very different models caught my eye recently: the Samsung WB2200F, a compact superzoom with SLR-like styling, and the Sony Alpha A7 II, a full-frame pro mirrorless marvel. Both cameras cater to unique user needs, but their contrast in size, sensor technology, and versatility means they serve very different photographers.

Having tested well over a thousand cameras in my 15+ years as a reviewer, I’m keen to dissect these two from every angle - from sensor quality to autofocus, ergonomics to video, and everything in-between. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast curious about ultra-zoom reach or a pro hunting for a robust full-frame tool, you’ll find deep, practical insights here to guide your decision.

Let’s jump in and start by comparing their physical presence and design philosophies.

Getting a Feel: Size, Style, and Handling

First impressions count, especially in a camera you might carry all day.

The Samsung WB2200F is a classic bridge camera physically resembling a DSLR with its bulkier frame and extended lens barrel, but it features a fixed 60x superzoom lens. In contrast, the Sony A7 II boasts a more compact mirrorless body with interchangeable lenses, embracing portability without sacrificing professional controls.

At roughly 119x122x99 mm and 708 grams, the Samsung is notably chunkier and heavier, primarily due to its 20-1200mm integrated lens assembly. Its grip is deep and rounded, offering a secure hold during extended zoom shots but can feel bulky for urban street photography or travel when packing light.

Sony’s model trims down to 127x96x60 mm and weighs only 599 grams, a featherweight for a full-frame camera. Its slimmer mirrorless design emphasizes portability without compromising durability - it even offers environmental sealing, tough to find in this compact size class.

Control ergonomics reveal the Sony’s professional pedigree. The A7 II sports dedicated dials for exposure compensation, drive modes, and a programmable custom button layout accessible from the sturdy top plate, allowing quick, tactile adjustments in the field. The WB2200F, while functional with basic exposure priority modes and manual settings, lacks customizable buttons and advanced control layouts. Its control scheme feels more novice-friendly but falls short when speed and precision matter.

If you crave a lightweight, responsive shooter designed for extensive manual control, Sony’s full-frame mirrorless wins hands down here. By comparison, Samsung’s bridge camera is more of an all-in-one “point and shoot” beast, excellent for zoom reach but less so for precise manual handling.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor and Image Quality

No discussion is complete without delving into sensor technology and resulting image output. This is where these cameras part ways dramatically.

The Samsung WB2200F uses a compact 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a 16-megapixel resolution. While respectable for a superzoom, this smaller sensor’s physical limitations impact image quality - dynamic range is limited, noise creeps in above ISO 800, and color depth doesn’t rival larger sensors.

By contrast, the Sony A7 II is a full-frame marvel featuring a 35.8 x 23.9 mm sensor with 24 megapixels. The sensor is a technological leap ahead, delivering significantly superior color fidelity, noise handling, and dynamic range - DxOMark rates this sensor at a very strong 90 overall score, highlighting its low-light and color depth strength.

Practically, this means the Sony reliably produces crisp, vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions, while the Samsung is best used in good light and with static subjects to avoid noise and limited tonal graduations.

Autofocus and Performance: Precision vs. Reach

In the field, autofocus performance often defines photographic success or frustration.

The WB2200F employs a contrast-detection AF system with face detection and multi-area capabilities but no phase detection or advanced animal-eye tracking. It offers a respectable burst shooting speed of 8 fps but can lag behind in quick, unpredictable environments.

Sony’s A7 II boasts a hybrid AF system combining 117 phase-detection points with contrast detection, lending excellent speed and accuracy - especially in continuous, tracking, and live view modes. Its 5 fps burst rate is slightly slower, but the focus precision and tracking make up for that, notably for moving subjects.

If your photography revolves around wildlife or sports, the Sony’s AF system handles rapidly moving or erratic subjects smoothly where Samsung stumbles. However, Samsung’s massive zoom lets you get close to distant subjects without changing gear - a huge boon for casual telephoto shooters.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability: Fixed vs. Interchangeable

Your choice here heavily depends on how invested you want to be in system expansion.

Samsung’s WB2200F sports a built-in 60x zoom lens covering 20-1200mm equivalent focal length, an immense range - from wide to super-telephoto - in one rigid package. It’s handy if you want one lens to do it all, without carrying or swapping glass.

Sony’s mirrorless design opens up access to an extensive Sony E-mount ecosystem with over a hundred native lenses from ultra-wide, macro, to top-end telephotos. Need sharp portrait glass or specialized cine lenses? This system grows with you, offering endless creative possibilities, albeit with added investment.

Additionally, Sony’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) benefits every lens you mount by reducing blur even with non-stabilized primes. Samsung’s optical stabilization is good but limited compared to sensor-shift systems in the A7 II.

Viewing and Interface: Screens and EVFs

How you review and compose images is critical for usability.

Samsung’s 3-inch TFT LCD offers a modest 460k dots resolution and fixed position, adequate but uninspiring. The electronic viewfinder with 200k-dot resolution is basic, usable in daylight but less sharp.

Sony leaps ahead with a higher-res 3-inch tilting LCD at 1.23 million dots and a vibrant 2.36 million-dot OLED EVF providing 100% coverage and 0.71x magnification. This makes frame composition and manual focusing much easier, especially for critical work.

The Sony interface is geared toward experienced users with quick menu access and customizable settings, while Samsung’s menu caters more to casual shooters.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will You Shoot?

Shooting power can be a deal-breaker for travel and long sessions.

While Sony lists approximately 350 shots per battery charge (via the NP-FW50 pack), Samsung’s battery life specifics are unspecified but generally less robust, given the bridge camera form factor and built-in zoom lens power consumption.

Both accept SD cards, but Sony also supports Memory Stick formats, adding versatility.

Build Quality and Durability: Handling the Elements

Out in the field, ruggedness counts.

Sony offers sealed weather resistance, a big plus for professionals shooting outdoors in unpredictable conditions. The well-built magnesium alloy body feels solid yet light.

Samsung’s WB2200F lacks environmental sealing and is more vulnerable to dust and moisture - a consideration if you photograph landscapes or wildlife frequently outdoors.

Image Samples and Output Quality

Seeing is believing. Let’s compare sample images captured with both cameras under varied conditions.

Samsung WB2200F front Samsung WB2200F screen back Sony A7 II front Sony A7 II screen back

You see the Sony’s advantage in sharpness, fine detail, and noise control, especially at higher ISOs. The WB2200F images serve well in good light and offer incredible reach but fall short in subtle tones and low light.

Video Capabilities: Where Both Stand

Video has become crucial for hybrid shooters.

Samsung offers Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with basic formats (MPEG-4, AVCHD) plus very high-speed slow motion modes, but no 4K or microphone/headphone ports - limiting serious video use.

Sony shoots Full HD at up to 60 fps, supports professional codecs including XAVC S, and importantly includes microphone and headphone jacks for audio control. While no 4K yet (A7 III fixed this), video quality is solid, with in-body stabilization markedly helping handheld moves.

Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

Here’s a summarized performance chart to clarify strengths per genre.

• Portraits: Sony’s larger sensor and 5-axis IBIS lend stunning skin tones, eye detection autofocus, and creamy bokeh that WB2200F can’t match.
• Landscapes: Sony’s dynamic range and weather sealing offer much better results across light conditions - Samsung’s zoom helps reach remote details.
• Wildlife: Samsung’s zoom lens shines for casual telephoto reach, but Sony’s AF speed and accuracy dominate for fast action.
• Sports: Sony’s AF tracking and burst hold an edge; Samsung’s high frame rate helps but less precise focusing limits frames.
• Street: Sony’s compactness and discreet operation are ideal; Samsung feels bulky.
• Macro: Sony’s lens selection and focus precision surpass fixed lens macro capability on Samsung.
• Night/Astro: Sony’s high ISO performance and dynamic range enable better low light results.
• Travel: Samsung’s all-in-one zoom appeals for minimal gear; Sony balances size with professional results.
• Professional: Sony’s reliability, file formats (RAW), and lens system establish it as the clear pro choice.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choosing between the Samsung WB2200F and the Sony A7 II ultimately boils down to your photography style, budget, and priorities.

If you want a superzoom bridge camera that delivers unmatched focal length versatility in a single package, mostly shoot in daylight, and value simplicity over expandability, the Samsung WB2200F fits well. It’s great for casual wildlife outings, family travel, and anyone who wants to avoid changing lenses but still enjoy a DSLR-like feel.

Conversely, if you seek a full-frame mirrorless powerhouse with superior image quality, fast and accurate autofocus, extensive lens choices, and professional features for portraits, landscapes, and demanding conditions, the Sony A7 II is the better investment. Its price reflects this, but so does the quality and creative control you unlock.

For landscape photographers craving dynamic range and stellar color, or sports shooters needing reliable AF tracking, the Sony A7 II is practically in a league of its own here. Professionals and enthusiasts who appreciate the balance of compact size with pro-grade reliability will feel right at home with this camera.

A Quick Summary Table

Closing

After extensive testing and real-world shooting, it’s clear these cameras occupy very distinct niches. The Samsung WB2200F is a feature-rich, budget-friendly superzoom for casual shooters who need reach without fuss, while the Sony A7 II is a versatile, professional-oriented full-frame mirrorless camera for creators pursuing superior image quality and long-term system growth.

Whatever you choose, I recommend handling both if you can, to get a tactile sense of which better suits your style. My experience suggests that investing in a well-rounded system like Sony’s will serve passionate photographers longer, but the Samsung’s zoom convenience remains a compelling draw for certain types of shooters.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera be the perfect fit for your photographic journey!

For a deeper dive into specific techniques and image quality testing protocols used here, check out my video review series linked above.