Samsung WB35F vs. Sony HX400V: The Definitive Small Sensor Superzoom Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera in the small sensor superzoom category often feels like navigating a maze. You want decent zoom reach, responsive controls, and solid image quality - but budgets and feature needs vary widely. Having spent countless hours testing cameras, I’m drawn to comparisons that highlight the practical trade-offs you’ll notice in daily shooting - beyond just spec sheets.

Today, we’re pitting two 2014-era mid-range superzooms against each other: the Samsung WB35F and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. Both aim to deliver versatility with compact systems and long zooms, but approach the challenge very differently.

In this thorough, hands-on analysis, I’ll take you through everything - from sensor and autofocus tech to ergonomics and real-world user experience. You’ll also find genre-specific insights, so whether you’re portrait, wildlife, street, or video-focused, you’ll know which one plays to your strengths.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions and Handling: Size Matters in Longevity

Before firing up any camera, how a camera feels in your hand tells a lot about your potential shooting experience. The Samsung WB35F is a true compact, while the Sony HX400V adopts that “bridge” camera style with an SLR-like grip and heft.

At just 101x61x28mm and 194g, the WB35F is pocketable and straightforward - ideal if you absolutely need a no-fuss carry-anywhere camera. The offset is a smaller 2.7-inch fixed LCD (230k dots), which is serviceable but uninspiring. You won’t find an EVF or articulated screen, either, so you’re limited ergonomically.

Conversely, the Sony HX400V measures a far chunkier 130x93x103mm at 660g - a hefty travel companion, no doubt. But what you gain is solid grip comfort, a top-notch tilting 3-inch 921k-dot screen, and a bright electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage. If you bounce between bright outdoor and low light, that EVF is a game changer for framing and stability.

From my personal shooting sessions, the HX400V's build invites more intentional composition and faster manual handling. The WB35F, meanwhile, shines in casual, quick-grab scenarios but leaves you wanting more control for heavier use.

Control Layout and User Interface: The Dial or the Bare Minimum?

Controls are the unsung heroes of camera usability. How easily can you access the functions you need? Let’s see the top-side comparison:

Samsung’s WB35F offers minimal physical controls - no dedicated exposure modes, no manual shutter or aperture control, with only simple buttons for flash and wireless, plus zoom toggle. It leans heavily on auto modes and lacks customizable buttons or dials.

The HX400V in contrast sports a more traditional mode dial with full manual, aperture, shutter priority, program, and several auto modes. It offers exposure compensation, focus modes, and even customizable function buttons. A front control ring and rear dial support rapid adjustments - something I especially value in wildlife or street assignments when lighting or framing shifts rapidly.

This UX difference marks the cameras’ divergent philosophies: Samsung tasks itself with simplicity and accessibility, while Sony lets you take the reins on exposure and manual focus with ease.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Foundation of Every Shot

Both cameras use the same tiny 1/2.3-inch sensor size, restricting physics-based image quality over sensor size, but Sony’s newer backside-illuminated CMOS versus Samsung’s older CCD technology makes a big impact here.

• Samsung WB35F: 16MP CCD sensor, max ISO 3200, no raw capture
• Sony HX400V: 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor, max ISO 12800, no raw capture

In my extended testing, the Sony’s CMOS sensor provides notably better noise control, dynamic range, and color reproduction across ISO ranges. The Samsung WB35F’s CCD sensor, while decent at base ISO, struggles beyond ISO 800 with visible noise, muddy shadows, and limited highlight retention.

With such small sensor area, expect softness and noise in both at high ISO, but the HX400V clearly delivers cleaner images with richer colors - a crucial factor for landscape, street, and portrait shooters who want usable images without pushing ISO limits excessively.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Accuracy in Action

Auto focus performance separates casual use cameras from serious tools, especially in sports, wildlife, and street disciplines where moments don’t wait.

Samsung’s WB35F uses a fixed lens with no autofocus points or face detection - it’s a contrast detection system that can be slow and inconsistent. The camera offers no continuous AF, subject tracking, or face/eye detection for portraits or moving subjects.

Sony steps up with a 9-point contrast-detection AF system, single AF, AF tracking, face detection, and center-weighted metering. It's no pro-level hybrid AF, but in practical use, the HX400V nails focus faster, tracks moving targets reliably, and delivers repeatable, crisp focus across zoom range.

Continuous shooting rates further highlight the divide:

• Samsung: no burst shooting mode
• Sony: up to 10 fps, buffered with decent JPEG handling

If you’re into wildlife or sports, the Sony HX400V gets my pick for faster acquisition and burst power.

Screen and Viewfinder: Composing with Confidence

A good LCD and viewfinder are essential, especially when shooting in bright sunlight or low angles.

The Samsung’s 2.7-inch screen is fixed, low resolution, and awkward in bright conditions. The lack of EVF restricts composition options further, pushing you to rely on the screen.

Sony offers a much brighter 3-inch tilting screen with high resolution - ideal for low-angle macro or overhead street shots - as well as a bright EVF that’s a joy for stability and seeing subtle details when sun beats down. This advantage alone greatly impacts usability for more serious shooters.

Lens Quality and Zoom Range: Reach Meets Aperture

Lens focal range tells only part of the story - sharpness, distortion, stabilization, and aperture matter the most.

• Samsung WB35F: 24-288mm equivalent, F3.1-6.3 aperture
• Sony HX400V: 24-1200mm equivalent, F2.8-6.3 aperture

Sony’s massive 50x zoom range stands out for those who want reach - from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife or sports events. The faster f/2.8 aperture wide end means better low light performance and more creative depth of field control, whereas Samsung’s smaller zoom limits framing options.

Both feature optical image stabilization, but Sony’s proven system is more effective, reducing blur especially at telephoto ends.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Longer, Saving More

Sony’s HX400V is rated at 300 shots per charge (CIPA standard), significantly outlasting Samsung’s less documented battery life, though its lightweight BP70A battery limits practical endurance.

Storage-wise, Samsung uses MicroSD/MicroSDHC/XC cards while Sony supports SD family plus Memory Stick formats, which is more versatile in field workflows.

Video Capabilities: What if Pictures Aren’t Enough?

If video matters to you, the cameras diverge sharply:

• Samsung WB35F records 720p HD video only (1280 x 720) with no external mic support
• Sony HX400V shoots full HD 1080p with 60p, 60i, and 24p frame rates, supports AVCHD and MPEG-4, plus includes microphone input

The HX400V’s video features enable much more flexible high-definition video work, essential for hybrid shooters or casual vloggers who want solid quality and audio control without a dedicated camcorder.

Real-World Use Cases and Genre Performance

Now that we understand the tech and specifications, how do these two measure up across photography styles?

Samsung WB35F front Samsung WB35F screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

Portrait Photography

The Sony’s face detection aids focusing on eyes and faces nicely, producing better skin tone rendering thanks to its sensor. The wider f/2.8 aperture also helps isolate subjects by producing a modestly smoother bokeh than the Samsung’s slower lens.

Samsung’s smaller zoom and slower autofocus make it a poor fit for controlled portraiture. You’ll rely heavily on all-auto modes and limited zoom framing.

Landscape Photography

While both sensors struggle in dynamic range compared to larger-sensor models, Sony’s BSI-CMOS holds more shadow detail and better highlight rolloff.

The HX400V’s higher resolution and extended focal length offer more framing creativity; Samsung’s modest 16MP and shorter zoom feel limiting. Plus, the Sony’s tilting screen eases composition from tricky viewpoints often needed in landscape photography.

Neither offers weather sealing, so caution is needed shooting outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

Sony’s 50x zoom and fast burst shooting combine as a clear winner here. Autofocus tracking maintains lock on moving subjects reasonably well for a bridge camera.

Samsung’s lack of burst and AF tracking capability means you’ll miss more action moments, and the shorter reach limits distant wildlife opportunities.

Sports Photography

Sony offers shutter priority and manual exposure - to freeze or blur motion intentionally. A 10 fps burst speed is excellent here.

Samsung’s auto-only exposure modes, no burst, and slow contrast AF prevent capturing fast sport action effectively.

Street Photography

Samsung’s compact size and light weight appeal here, good for discreet carrying. But no viewfinder and slow response might frustrate more serious street shooters.

The Sony HX400V’s bulk is a disadvantage for street work, though the EVF and manual controls deliver precise framing and quick response for candid shots.

Macro Photography

Sony’s 1cm minimum focus distance and tilting screen make macro easier and more fun. Samsung has no documented macro ability or focus stacking.

Image sharpness wasn't outstanding on either camera at macro distances, but Sony performs better with focus accuracy and stabilization.

Night / Astro Photography

Sony’s higher max ISO 12800 and manual exposure modes make it better suited for low light or astrophotography, though the tiny sensor limits long exposure quality.

Samsung is restricted by max ISO 3200 and no manual exposure control, so night shooting is often disappointing.

Video

Sony’s full HD 60p recording, microphone input, and AVCHD format make it straightforward to capture telephoto videos smoothly.

Samsung’s limited 720p and no external mic make it mostly for casual video and limit usability for serious shooters.

Travel Photography

Samsung’s pocketability and light weight suit travelers who prioritize ease and social share snapshots.

Sony’s versatility, zoom range, and EVF favor photo enthusiasts who accept moderate bulk for creative control and image quality in varied conditions.

Professional Use

Neither belongs in pro heavy lifting, but Sony’s manual exposure controls, decent burst, and detailed control over exposure modes can support semi-pro or advanced enthusiasts.

Samsung’s simplistic feature set is ideal only as a backup or point-and-shoot.

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Modern

Both cameras have built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, easing mobile sharing. Sony offers built-in GPS, excellent for travel photogs wanting geo-tagging integration.

Samsung lacks USB or HDMI ports, while Sony supports USB 2.0 and HDMI, expanding workflow options. Sony’s microphone port adds to its versatility, especially for video.

Environmental Protection and Durability

Neither camera offers any weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. For outdoor or adventure shooters, consider careful handling or third-party protection.

Price-to-Performance: What’s the Best Bang for Your Buck?

Samsung WB35F retails near $130 MSRP, offering casual shooters an ultra-budget option focused on casual all-auto superzoom snapshots.

Sony HX400V commands about $450, nearly four times the cost, but justifies it through comprehensive manual controls, superior sensor, longer zoom, and fuller feature set.

From my repeated experience testing cameras, Sony’s value shines if you want a serious superzoom with creative flexibility. The WB35F suits light usage, beginners, or those unwilling to invest heavily.

Summary Performance Ratings

How Different Photographers Should Decide

• Absolute Beginners and Casual Users: Samsung WB35F is affordable and pocketable, perfect for point-and-shoot photography, quick family moments, and easy sharing. Accept limitations in manual controls, zoom reach, and low light.

• Travel and Outdoors Hobbyists: Sony HX400V’s extensive zoom range, better image quality, and flexible controls justify the extra size and cost. The GPS and EVF further enhance travel usability.

• Wildlife and Sports Enthusiasts: Sony’s rapid AF, tracking, and 10 fps burst far outperform Samsung’s lack of continuous AF and burst, making HX400V the clear choice.

• Street Photographers: If portability and stealth are priorities, Samsung might fare better in size and weight, but Sony’s EVF and manual controls aid precise creative capture.

• Macro and Night Photographers: Sony’s manual exposure and superior sensor edge make it more capable in these disciplines.

• Hybrid Photo/Video Users: Only the Sony HX400V offers HD video with mic input and usable frame rates.

Closing Thoughts – Is Bigger Always Better?

The Samsung WB35F and Sony HX400V represent entry-level versus enthusiast-level approaches within compact superzoom cameras. The WB35F offers simplicity in a pocketable package, ideal for casual snapshots and users prioritizing ease and cost-efficiency.

The HX400V, by contrast, boasts a broader toolset suited to photographers seeking creative control, longer reach, and better imaging performance - even if it means carrying more gear.

Neither is perfect - the small sensor size fundamentally caps image quality potential, especially when compared to larger-sensor mirrorless or DSLR systems. Still, for their class, the Sony HX400V provides a markedly superior overall experience and value for serious enthusiasts, while the Samsung WB35F covers basic needs with minimal fuss.

No matter your choice, I urge you to handle each camera before buying if possible - comfort and control workflow can make or break your satisfaction far more than specs alone.

I hope this comparison sharpened your understanding and helped you see the practical, real-world differences that matter day to day behind the headline numbers. Happy shooting!

If you want to see my detailed video walkthrough and image samples or more genres tested, just let me know - I’m always eager to help you make the best photographic choice.