Samsung WB50F vs. YI M1: A Detailed Comparison for Your Next Camera Purchase

Choosing the right camera is crucial whether you are a photography enthusiast ready to deepen your skills or a professional seeking reliable gear for diverse assignments. In this article, we’ll closely compare two distinct models - the compact Samsung WB50F superzoom and the mirrorless YI M1 - from both technical and practical viewpoints. Drawing on our extensive hands-on experience with thousands of cameras, we'll help you understand how each stands up across various photography disciplines and use cases. You’ll gain insight into their strengths, limitations, and which of these may be a better fit for your creative journey.

Getting Acquainted: Cameras at a Glance

Before jumping into detailed analysis, let’s quickly review the core specifications of the Samsung WB50F and YI M1, highlighting the biggest differences.

Samsung WB50F is compact and pocketable, while the YI M1 is larger but remains very portable for an interchangeable lens system.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensor vs. Four Thirds Advantage

The sensor is the heart of any camera. Its size and technology profoundly impact image quality, dynamic range, noise performance, and creative control.

Samsung WB50F uses a small 1/2.3” CCD sensor, typical of compact superzoom cameras released around its 2014 launch. The sensor area is roughly 28 mm², with a fixed lens offering moderate zoom versatility. At 16MP, it can produce decent resolution but the small sensor area limits dynamic range and low-light performance. CCD sensor technology, once praised for color rendition, is less energy efficient and slower than modern CMOS tech, restricting ISO sensitivity and speed.

YI M1 comes with a significantly larger Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 224.9 mm², about 8x the area of the WB50F sensor, yielding superior image quality potential. At 20MP resolution, it balances high detail capture with excellent noise control. The inclusion of an anti-aliasing filter helps reduce moiré. CMOS technology also enables faster readout and better video capability.

What this means for you:

• Expect the YI M1 to outperform in image fidelity, low-light conditions, and dynamic range. It provides a cleaner baseline and more latitude for post-processing.
• The Samsung WB50F will perform adequately in good lighting and is suited for casual snapshots, but detail, noise, and exposure latitude will be limited compared to the YI M1.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Controls You Can Work With

Handling comfort and ease of use affect how quickly you get results and your enjoyment during shoots.

The Samsung WB50F is a compact point-and-shoot style camera designed for simplicity:

• Traditional fixed control layout with no touchscreen
• Rear 3” LCD of modest 460k resolution, limiting clarity when reviewing images or shooting in bright light
• Lack of viewfinder or advanced focusing assistance means you’ll often use live view zoom to focus manually
• Small body and buttons favor portability but not extensive manual control

By contrast, the YI M1 follows a rangefinder-style mirrorless approach, delivering a richer control experience:

• A higher resolution 3” touchscreen LCD (1040k dots) allows intuitive control and focus point selection
• Physical dials and buttons support full manual exposure modes: aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual
• The larger body accommodates better grip and lens interchangeability
• No electronic viewfinder - important to consider if you prefer eye-level framing

Summary:

• If you want fast point-and-shoot simplicity, the Samsung’s straightforward interface suffices.
• For hands-on photography learning and manual shooting flexibility, the YI M1’s ergonomics and touchscreen provide a superior experience.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Precision in Action

Reliable autofocus (AF) is essential across genres from fast-moving sports to delicate macro work.

• The Samsung WB50F has no autofocus system listed; it relies on manual focus and lacks AF modes altogether. This is typical for simpler compacts but limits usability in dynamic shooting scenarios.
• The YI M1 utilizes contrast-detection AF with 81 focus points, including face detection and selective zone AF, improving accuracy and speed in live view.

In continuous shooting mode, the YI M1 manages up to 5 fps - a respectable rate for entry-level mirrorless, suitable for moderate action scenes.

The WB50F does not specify continuous shooting capabilities, indicating limited burst performance.

Conclusion:

• For wildlife, sports, or any motion photography, the YI M1’s AF and burst speed deliver a considerably better experience.
• The Samsung WB50F is best for static subjects or casual use where autofocus speed is less critical.

Lens System and Flexibility: Fixed Zoom vs. Interchangeable Optics

Lens quality and versatility dramatically steer creative possibilities.

• The Samsung WB50F’s fixed lens spans 24–288 mm equivalent focal length (12× zoom), providing good coverage from wide-angle to telephoto. Aperture ranges from f/3.1 to f/6.3, which is acceptable but relatively slow at telephoto, potentially challenging in low light.
• The YI M1 supports Micro Four Thirds lenses, an excellent ecosystem of over 100 native lenses from wide-angle primes to super-telephoto zooms and specialized optics. This allows you to tailor your kit precisely for the genre and style.

The YI M1’s lens mount compatibility is a powerful feature for growth and experimentation, unlocking superior glass performance and faster apertures.

Recommendation:

• Choose the Samsung if you want a ready-to-use camera with minimal fuss and good zoom reach.
• Choose the YI M1 if you envision expanding your creative gear and need lens adaptability, especially if you want prime lenses for portraits or macro work.

Photography Disciplines: Which Camera Fits Your Focus?

Let’s break down how each camera handles various popular photography genres.

Portrait Photography

• YI M1 shines due to its larger sensor, interchangeable lenses with wide apertures for creamy bokeh, and face detection AF, helping keep eyes sharp.
• Samsung WB50F can shoot portraits but won’t deliver the creamy out-of-focus backgrounds or precise focus controls desired for high-quality portraits.

Landscape Photography

• The YI M1’s sensor advantage ensures better dynamic range to capture bright skies and shadow detail. With interchangeable wide lenses, you can capture expansive vistas sharply.
• The WB50F’s small sensor and limited wide-angle capability restricts resolution and dynamic range; it is suitable for casual landscapes but not professional uses.
• Neither model is weather sealed, so caution is needed in harsh conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The YI M1’s 5 fps burst and fast contrast AF provide basic sports shooting solutions, but it lacks phase detection and advanced tracking. Good for casual sports or bird photography with fast lenses.
• The WB50F lacks autofocus and burst, making it unsuitable for fast action or wildlife.

Street Photography

• WB50F’s compact body makes it unobtrusive and easy to carry for street candid shots.
• The YI M1 is larger but still portable, with better low-light capability but less discreet.

Macro Photography

• YI M1 can use dedicated macro lenses with close focusing and better depth control.
• WB50F does not optimally support macro work.

Night and Astro Photography

• The YI M1’s higher ISO range up to 25600 and larger sensor deliver superior night shots with less noise.
• The WB50F’s max ISO is 3200 and small sensor produce noisy images in very low light.

Video Capabilities

• The YI M1 supports true 4K video at 30 fps with H.264 compression, appealing for hybrid shooters and vloggers.
• The Samsung WB50F offers only HD 720p video, limiting video quality.
• Neither camera has microphone or headphone jacks; external audio setups will be limited.

Travel Photography

• Samsung WB50F’s compactness and built-in zoom make it an easy travel companion.
• YI M1 offers flexibility and better image quality but adds bulk and weight.

Battery Life and Storage: Long Shoots and Image Management

• YI M1 offers approximately 450 shots per charge, which is solid for mirrorless cameras; battery pack style.
• Samsung WB50F specifications don’t list battery life, but compacts typically have shorter endurance.

Both cameras support SD storage, with the Samsung accepting MicroSD versions (MicroSDHC/SDXC) and the YI M1 supporting standard SD cards.

Connectivity and Extras: Sharing and Workflow Integration

• Samsung WB50F has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, aiming for simple wireless sharing with compatible devices. No USB or HDMI ports are available.
• YI M1 features Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, and HDMI output, enabling faster file transfers, tethered shooting possibilities, and external monitor use (although professional features like headphone jacks are missing).

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Factors

Both cameras are made for general consumer use and lack weather sealing or rugged protections like dustproofing or freezeproofing.

Pricing Perspective: Value for Money

Given the significantly improved image quality, manual controls, and 4K video, the YI M1 offers better overall value for serious hobbyists, albeit at higher cost and size.

Real-World Image Samples and Performance Ratings

Samsung WB50F front Samsung WB50F screen back YI M1 front YI M1 screen back

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who should choose the Samsung WB50F?

• Beginners or casual photographers wanting an easy-to-use, pocketable camera
• Travelers needing lightweight, simple superzoom without lens changes
• Those on a tight budget prioritizing price over image quality, or who want a secondary camera

Who should consider the YI M1?

• Enthusiasts seeking excellent image quality and full manual controls
• Hybrid stills/video content creators requiring 4K video recording
• Photographers wanting the Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem and room to grow creatively
• Users comfortable with slightly larger form factors who value technical performance

Bringing It All Together: Which Camera Fits You Best?

Both the Samsung WB50F and the YI M1 serve different photography missions. The WB50F is a compact superzoom classic, excellent for casual users prioritizing zoom reach and portability. In contrast, the YI M1 opens doors to creative freedom, superior image and video quality, and technical versatility for ambitious creators expanding their skills.

If image quality, flexibility, and video capability matter most, the YI M1 is the clear choice. Conversely, if simplicity and ease of carry are your priorities, the Samsung WB50F remains a competent option for snapshots and travel.

We recommend trying both in person if possible, pairing the YI M1 with a native lens to fully explore the potential before committing.

Ready to explore further?

• Check out the Micro Four Thirds lens lineup to complement your YI M1.
• Experiment with the Samsung’s zoom range to capture distant subjects effortlessly.
• Try manual mode on the YI M1 to discover its creative control potential.
• Consider accessories like external flashes for the YI M1 or wireless sharing options for the Samsung.

Your next camera should empower your vision - whether that’s spontaneity and simplicity or precision and growth.

We hope this detailed comparison helps illuminate the real-world roles these cameras can play in your photography journey. Happy shooting!