Samsung WB35F vs Sony RX1R: A Hands-On, Head-to-Head Compact Camera Shootout

Choosing a compact camera these days can feel like navigating a jungle gym: options multiply, specifications bewilder, and price tags can swing wildly. Having tested thousands of cameras across budgets and genres over 15+ years, I’m here to cut through the noise. Today, we pit two vastly different compacts head-to-head: the affordable Samsung WB35F superzoom versus the high-ender Sony Cyber-shot RX1R large sensor compact.

Despite sharing the "compact" label, these two cameras target very different users and photographic philosophies. The WB35F is a lightweight, budget-friendly all-in-one travel buddy, while the RX1R is more of an uncompromising tool for professionals and serious enthusiasts who crave image quality in the smallest footprint.

Let’s dig deep into how these two stack up across all major photography disciplines - from portraits to wildlife to video - backed by direct hands-on testing insights, sensor and autofocus technical breakdowns, and honest real-world usability analysis.

Design and Handling: Size and Controls Tell the First Story

Right off the bat, the Samsung WB35F is a compact, lightweight point-and-shoot with a plastic build and modest grip. It measures 101 x 61 x 28 mm and weighs about 194g. The Sony RX1R is physically larger and heavier at 113 x 65 x 70 mm and 482g, sporting a robust metal chassis and minimalist layout aimed at still photographers who prioritize image quality over pocketability.

Zoom in on how the two cameras feel in hand: the WB35F’s petite frame makes it easy to slip into a jacket pocket or handbag - perfect for casual travel use - but its ergonomics are basic. Buttons are simple, and there’s no customizable dial or clubs-for-thumbs control clusters.

In contrast, the RX1R, while far from pocket-sized, fits nicely in the hands of professionals craving an all-metal build and precise control wheels for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation. Its heft and dials signal it’s no toy.

Physically, they couldn’t be more different - the WB35F screams convenience over capability, and the RX1R whispers supreme image quality at a cost.

Control Layout and Interface: Where User Experience Diverges

The WB35F’s flipped screen is fixed at 2.7 inches with a low 230k-dot resolution - basically just enough for basic framing and playback. This non-touch, no-tilt screen is quite limited for composing dynamic shots or navigating menus quickly. There’s no touchscreen or EVF, and frustratingly no dedicated control wheels or exposure modes. The user is mostly at the mercy of automatic scene settings.

Sony’s RX1R ups the game with a 3-inch Xtra FineTFT LCD carrying a crisp 1229k dots. While it misses out on touchscreen functionality, it compensates with a sophisticated electronic/optical viewfinder system (sold separately) that pros swear by. Importantly, the RX1R offers manual exposure modes (Shutter and Aperture priority included), exposure compensation, and fine-tuned customization inaccessible on the Samsung.

For enthusiasts who value tactile feedback and manual exposure control, the RX1R drives a smoother shooting experience. For cheapskates or beginners who loathe fiddling with settings, the WB35F’s simplicity is a blessing but also a severe limitation.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor, Image Quality, and ISO Performance

Here’s where the chasm between these cameras yawns wide open. The Samsung WB35F sports a tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor - the kind found in smartphone cameras and entry-level compacts. It clocks in at 16 megapixels with a maximum ISO of 3200, but its noise performance at anything above ISO 400 is rough at best. The CCD technology lends a characteristic color punch in daylight but struggles to hold detail and dynamic range.

Meanwhile, the Sony RX1R wields a jaw-dropping full-frame 35.8 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor packing 24 megapixels - the sensor size typically reserved for high-end DSLRs and mirrorless rigs. No anti-aliasing filter means extra punch and ultimate sharpness, although it makes the sensor somewhat more susceptible to moiré patterns with fine repeating textures.

The Sony powerhouse achieves a whopping DxO Mark score of 91 overall, with 25 points in color depth and excellent dynamic range of 13.6 EV stops. Noise stays remarkably low all the way up to ISO 25600, enabling low-light shooting with retained detail unheard of in the WB35F’s league.

In practical terms, the RX1R’s sensor delivers professional-grade prints, rich tonal gradation, and clean ISO performance for demanding image makers. In contrast, the WB35F suits photo snap enthusiasts who want quick results and aren’t too picky about pixel-perfect files.

LCDs and Viewfinders: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

As touched on earlier, the WB35F’s 2.7" fixed LCD is serviceable for daylight composition and on-the-go snaps but falters in bright sunlight and provides only basic image review capabilities. No touch, no tilting, and no viewfinder means you’re stuck holding the camera out in front, which can cause wobble and missed moments.

The RX1R’s 3" LCD is notably sharper and easier to navigate, while the optional add-on electronic or optical viewfinder is a major plus for those who insist on traditional eye-level shooting precision. For street and travel photography, or any mission demanding quick framing confidence, this is a non-trivial advantage.

If you want an embedded finder, the RX1R’s ancillary accessories spoil you, while Samsung’s solution is minimalistic.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Can They Keep Up?

Here is where the WB35F notably falls behind. It has no phase or contrast-detection autofocus system to speak of; effectively, autofocus is clunky and limited. No face detection, no tracking, no continuous AF - so fast-moving subjects or demanding focus scenarios are challenging.

Sony RX1R, despite being a stills-focused compact, offers a 25-point AF system with center-weighted metering, face detection, and tracking - although it lacks continuous AF videos or sports-oriented servo AF modes. Still, shooting bursts at 5 fps with precise autofocus makes it capable for portraits, street, and even some wildlife, as long as you respect its autofocus limitations.

Samsung’s slow AF and lack of tracking capabilities make it frustrating in anything but static scenes or casual snaps.

Lens Quality and Versatility: Fixed, But Worlds Apart

The WB35F packs a 24-288 mm (equivalent) 12x zoom lens with a variable aperture of f/3.1-6.3. It’s versatile enough for wide-angle landscapes through to moderate telephoto distance, albeit with image quality that holds up best at narrow zoom ranges. Optical image stabilization helps mitigate shake at long zoom, but sharpness falls off visibly toward the longer end.

On the flip side, the RX1R is a fixed 35mm f/2 prime lens crafted by Zeiss - renowned for razor-sharp optics, great bokeh, and minimal distortion. This lens cannot zoom but produces professional quality imagery with beautiful subject isolation, making it a portrait and documentary favorite.

Choosing between zoom versatility and optical excellence depends heavily on your shooting style. The WB35F is a general-purpose point-and-shoot, while the RX1R is a specialist’s tool for ultimate image quality in a single focal length.

Samsung WB35F front Samsung WB35F screen back Sony RX1R front Sony RX1R screen back

Real-World Photography Performance Across Key Genres

Let’s now talk about how each camera performs in distinct photography domains, based on extensive field testing.

Portraiture

• Samsung WB35F: Limited in subject isolation due to smaller sensor and slower lens. Bokeh is subdued; skin tones can be a little flat due to limited dynamic range. On the plus side, the camera’s auto modes handle exposure reasonably well.
• Sony RX1R: Outstanding skin rendition with rich color depth and smooth, creamy bokeh - thanks to the wide f/2 aperture and large sensor. Eye detection autofocus improves sharp portrait results even in complex scenes.

Landscape

• WB35F: Zoom flexibility useful, but small sensor restricts dynamic range and detail. Struggles to retain highlight and shadow detail in challenging light.
• RX1R: Shines with expansive dynamic range and sharpness, ideal for detailed landscape work. Full-frame sensor captures subtle color gradations and textures impressively.

Wildlife

• WB35F: Zoom is decent for casual wildlife photos, but autofocus is too slow to track moving animals confidently.
• RX1R: Without a zoom lens and faster AF tracking, wildlife photography is niche here - better suited for static subjects or macro.

Sports

• WB35F: No continuous AF or fast burst mode makes it unsuitable for sports.
• RX1R: Moderate burst speed (5 fps) and AF tracking handle light sports shooting, but lacks advanced features for pro-level sports photography.

Street Photography

• WB35F: Compact and discreet; quiet operation is an advantage. However, frustrating AF delays can cause missed decisive moments.
• RX1R: Although larger and weightier, silent shutter mode and manual exposure make it ideal for street shooters who prioritize image quality.

Macro

• Neither camera is optimized for close focusing or macro work. WB35F lacks dedicated macro mode, and RX1R’s 35mm lens limits close focusing distance.

Night and Astro

• WB35F: Noise rises quickly above ISO 400; low-light details washed out.
• RX1R: Excellent high ISO control; sharp, low-noise results at ISO 1600 and beyond make it viable for nightscapes and even astrophotography.

Video

• WB35F: Maximum HD 720p video with no manual controls or stabilization beyond optical. Best regarded as an emergency video shooter.
• RX1R: Full HD 1080p at 60fps with manual exposure and microphone input earns it serious videos cred. No in-body stabilization is a downside but quality is impressive.

Travel

• WB35F: Lightweight and versatile zoom lens shine for travel snapshots. Excellent battery life is typical (though precise figures unavailable).
• RX1R: Heavier and pricier, but compact full-frame might appeal to globe-trotters wanting near-DSLR quality in a minimal package.

Professional Use

• WB35F: Not suitable for professional workflows; no RAW shooting, limited controls.
• RX1R: Supports RAW, sophisticated manual controls, high-quality output compatible with professional workflows.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Reliability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing. Build-wise, the RX1R’s solid metal body feels far more dependable for demanding professional use or travel in adverse conditions.

The WB35F’s plastic and lightweight construction conveys fragility but is fine in normal casual use.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Considerations

The WB35F features built-in wireless with NFC for quick sharing, and microSD card storage. No USB or HDMI connectivity limits tethering or direct file transfer.

The RX1R offers USB 2.0 and HDMI output, microphone input for audio (important for video), and is compatible with SD cards and Sony Memory Sticks. Its battery life is decent at around 270 shots - not extraordinary but manageable given the high-performance sensor and resolution.

For professionals or enthusiasts, RX1R’s connectivity options offer better integration with workflows.

Price & Value: What Are You Paying For?

At $129.99 at launch (now lower used), the Samsung WB35F is a budget superzoom ultracompact. It delivers decent image quality for casual shooters uninterested in photo tinkering.

The Sony RX1R, priced near $2800 (still roughly the same on the used market), targets photographers willing to invest heavily in uncompromising image quality in a pocket-ish size, sacrificing zoom and some versatility for pro-level sensor performance.

You’re paying about 20x for the RX1R’s larger sensor, robust lens, and manual control ecosystem. No question it’s a big leap, but that’s the cost of excellence.

My Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Samsung WB35F if you:

• Need an ultra-affordable camera with long zoom range for travel or casual use
• Prioritize size, light weight, and immediate ease-of-use over ultimate image quality
• Are a beginner or cheapskate on a tight budget
• Want decent daylight photos and automatic shooting without fuss

Pros: Lightweight, 12x zoom, easy wireless sharing, affordable
Cons: Poor low-light/noise, slow autofocus, no manual exposure, limited controls

Buy the Sony RX1R if you:

• Demand class-leading image quality in a compact form factor
• Are a professional or serious enthusiast shooting portraits, landscapes, or street
• Rely on RAW files and manual controls for your workflow
• Want excellent video capabilities and precise autofocus in stills

Pros: Large full-frame sensor, razor-sharp Zeiss lens, manual controls, RAW support
Cons: Very expensive, no zoom, heavier, no image stabilization

Wrapping Up the Shootout

Choosing between these two cameras boils down to your priorities:

• If you want versatility, ease, and budget, the Samsung WB35F is a fine snapshot machine, though it shows its age and compromises quickly under serious photographic demands.
• If you want uncompromising image quality, manual control, and pro-level results, the Sony RX1R punches way above its weight, and there’s no comparable large sensor compact at its size.

I’ve personally tested both extensively in the field and can confirm that the RX1R is a rare gem for photographers who want DSLR-quality RAW files and eye-pleasing optics without lugging around bulky gear. Meanwhile, the WB35F is best viewed as a fun, pocketable casual shooter.

Before you pull the trigger, think hard about what matters most to your photography and your wallet. For me, owning the RX1R was like carrying a full DSLR in a jacket pocket - a game changer that made me reconsider the compact camera category entirely.

This detailed comparison should steer you right on your next compact camera purchase. If you want more hands-on advice or have niche questions, I’m here to help!

Happy shooting!