Samsung WB850F vs Sony A7R II: An Expert’s Deep-Dive into Two Cameras Worlds Apart

When comparing cameras, it’s rare to pit a compact superzoom against a high-end full-frame professional mirrorless without eliciting raised eyebrows. Yet, there lies immense value in understanding what you truly gain - or lose - when jumping from an advanced point-and-shoot like the Samsung WB850F to a flagship enthusiast tool such as the Sony A7R II. I’ve spent hundreds of hours testing cameras across genres and price points, so let’s unpack these machines in detail, focusing on practical performance, real-world usability, and the unique pros and cons that’ll define your buying decision.

Feeling the Difference: Handling and Ergonomics Up Close

One of the first things you notice when handling these two cameras is just how radically different their physical presence and design philosophies are - one a compact travel-friendly zoom, the other a robust mirrorless powerhouse.

The Samsung WB850F’s petite footprint - 109 x 62 x 25 mm and a mere 250g - is a triumph of portability. It slips comfortably in a jacket pocket or purse, designed for spontaneous snapping during vacations or day trips. Despite its size, it offers a fixed 21x zoom lens extending from a practical 23mm wide-angle to a reach of 483mm. The ergonomics, however, are typical of compact cameras: relatively shallow grips and small buttons mean less tactile feedback and slower manual operation.

In contrast, the Sony A7R II sits firmly in the palm as a full-frame mirrorless camera weighing roughly 625g and measuring 127 x 96 x 60 mm. It feels serious in the hand, with deep grips, numerous control dials, and robust build quality designed to withstand demanding professional use. The larger body naturally accommodates larger batteries and a more advanced internal system, but portability takes a hit - you’ll need a dedicated camera bag rather than your pocket.

Looking at the top controls - a critical tactile area - the A7R II impresses with customizable buttons, a mode dial, and dedicated control wheels for aperture and shutter speed, crucial for swift manual adjustments in-field. The WB850F opts for a minimal physical interface geared towards point-and-shoot simplicity, lacking the granular control favored by serious photographers.

If you value intuitive, fast manual control and tactile feedback - especially for professional workflows - the Sony wins hands down. But for casual users who prioritize easy carry and all-in-one convenience, the WB850F remains a solid contender.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Photographic Potential

At the core of every camera lies its sensor, which defines the fundamental limits of image quality, resolution, and low-light performance. This is where these two cameras diverge most starkly.

The Samsung WB850F uses a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor with a resolution of 16 megapixels. Its sensor measures just 6.17 x 4.55 mm, giving a total area of about 28 mm². This is typical for compact superzoom cameras, allowing the integration of extensive zoom lenses into a tiny body. However, the small sensor size limits dynamic range and low-light sensitivity. Despite a respectable ISO100-3200 range, image noise becomes significant beyond ISO800, and detail retention suffers in high-contrast or dim conditions. The anti-aliasing filter present tends to slightly soften fine detail but helps prevent moiré artifacts in the small sensor output.

Compare this to the Sony A7R II’s full-frame 35.9 x 24 mm BSI-CMOS sensor packing an impressive 42.4 megapixels. With no anti-aliasing filter to maximize sharpness and a sensor more than 30 times larger in area, it delivers breathtaking detail, exceptional dynamic range (measured at nearly 14 stops), and outstanding high-ISO performance. Native sensitivity extends to ISO 25600 with expansion up to 102400, enabling clean, usable images in extreme low-light situations. The full-frame format also offers better control over depth of field and superior bokeh rendering.

For photographers who prioritize image quality, the A7R II is in a different league. Landscapes, portraits, weddings, and commercial jobs demanding crisp, clean output will benefit profoundly from the larger sensor. The WB850F’s sensor is fine for casual images and travel snapshots but compromises become apparent under challenging lighting or when large prints are desired.

Screen and Interface: User Interaction Matters

The rear LCD screen is the photographer’s window to composition and settings adjustment. Here, the usability gap is again evident.

The WB850F sports a 3-inch AMOLED fixed screen at 614k dots. AMOLED panels offer rich colors and deep contrast, making menu navigation and image review pleasant in most lighting conditions. However, the screen is fixed and relatively low resolution by modern standards. The lack of touchscreen functionality means relying heavily on physical buttons, which slows operation, especially in manual mode.

Sony’s A7R II features a slightly larger 3-inch tilting LCD with 1.2 million dots, providing a crisp, clear live view. The tilt mechanism is hugely valuable for shooting at various angles without awkward body contortions. Though touchscreen capabilities are absent - a weakness compared to newer models - the interface complements the physical controls for efficient, precise adjustments. Crucially, this camera includes a 2.35-million-dot EVF with 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification - an essential feature for accurate framing and manual focus in bright conditions, compensating for the absence of an optical viewfinder.

If you shoot in bright environments, rely on manual focusing, or need precise composition aids, the A7R II’s electronic viewfinder and tilting screen provide a significant advantage over the WB850F’s compact, fixed AMOLED screen.

Autofocus Performance: Snapping the Moment Reliably

Autofocus is often a dealbreaker, especially for action, wildlife, or fast-moving subjects. Evaluating these two cameras side-by-side reveals significant differences born from their design intent.

The Samsung WB850F uses contrast-detection AF with some face detection capability. The system provides a basic number of focus modes including center-weighted and multi-area, but falls short in continuous tracking and live view touch area AF. Contrast detection is slower and more prone to hunting compared to hybrid or phase detection systems, making it less suited for fast action photography.

The Sony A7R II, on the other hand, incorporates a hybrid autofocus system combining 399 phase-detection focus points with 25 contrast detection points, resulting in fast, precise, and reliable focusing even on moving subjects. Continuous AF and subject tracking are smooth, helping in demanding scenarios like sports, wildlife, or rapidly changing compositions. The 399-point coverage across a broad area is near state-of-the-art for its release period and compares favorably with today’s midrange cameras.

If you need decisive autofocus performance, especially for sports, wildlife, or events, the A7R II comfortably outperforms the WB850F. The Samsung’s AF system is acceptable for casual portraits and landscapes but can frustrate users in dynamic shooting environments.

Lens and System Flexibility: Fixed Zooms vs Full E-mount Ecosystem

Lens compatibility and availability are major factors affecting long-term functionality and creative scope.

The Samsung WB850F comes with a fixed 21x zoom lens covering 23-483mm equivalent focal length, with a variable aperture ranging from f/2.8 to f/5.9. The built-in optical image stabilization helps counteract camera shake, particularly at long focal lengths. While the lens offers convenience and useful reach in a compact package, the optical quality cannot compare with dedicated lenses. There is no flexibility to change optics, limiting the system’s growth.

The Sony A7R II utilizes the Sony E-mount, one of the most versatile mirrorless lens systems available. At launch, it supported over 120 native lenses ranging from ultrawide primes to super telephoto zooms, plus numerous third-party options and adapters to legacy glass. The sensor-shift 5-axis image stabilization works in concert with lens stabilization for sharper handheld images. The ability to swap lenses means photographers can choose specialized glass for portraits, landscapes, macro, or sports, unlocking creative and technical potential beyond any fixed lens camera.

When system flexibility and creative options matter - especially for aspiring pros or serious hobbyists - the Sony’s ecosystem is the clear winner. The WB850F excels as a grab-and-go all-rounder, but once your ambitions grow, you’ll quickly outgrow the fixed-lens design.

Performance in Key Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Shines

Understanding the strengths of these cameras across photography genres clarifies their target users and best use cases.

Portrait Photography

The Sony A7R II produces exceptional skin tones and creamy bokeh thanks to its full-frame sensor and fast lenses. Its eye-detection autofocus - though lacking animal eye AF - delivers sharp focus on faces crucial for portraits. The ultra-high resolution allows for large prints and detailed retouching.

The Samsung WB850F, while usable for casual portraits, falls short in background blur control due to sensor size and lens aperture. Skin tones render accurately but with less smooth gradation. Its face detection helps but autofocus accuracy isn’t on par with the Sony.

Landscape Photography

Available dynamic range, resolution, and weather resistance are critical here. The A7R II’s 42MP sensor and 13.9 EV stops of dynamic range capture vast tonal variation ideal for landscapes. Its dust and moisture sealing adds confidence for outdoor shooting in tough conditions.

The WB850F can deliver decent landscapes during daylight but limited sensor size restricts resolution and DR. No weather sealing means care is needed outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports

Tracking speed, burst shooting, and telephoto reach define success. The Sony’s 5fps continuous with excellent AF tracking makes it capable for moderate action. Paired with fast telephoto lenses, it outperforms by a mile.

Samsung’s 21x zoom gives impressive reach at the compact scale, but slow autofocus, lack of continuous AF, and sensor limitations restrict fast action capture.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion count most here. The Samsung’s small size and quiet operation make it ideal for candid street work if you can live with image quality limits.

The A7R II, though larger and heavier, can still serve street photographers favoring image quality over size, especially with compact primes.

Macro and Night Photography

Sony’s sensor excels in low light and detailed macro work when paired with dedicated lenses. The WB850F’s fixed lens macro mode at 5cm is okay for casual close-ups but lacks precision and optical excellence.

Video Performance

The Samsung shoots Full HD 1080p at 30fps with basic H.264 codec - fine for casual video but not professional work.

Sony’s A7R II supports 4K UHD video, full manual control, and headphone/mic jacks for advanced audio monitoring - an unmistakable advantage for videographers.

Travel Photography

Here’s where the Samsung WB850F really shines - pocketable size, built-in GPS, and all-in-one zoom make it an excellent travel companion. Sony’s weight and need for multiple lenses demand more planning and gear.

Professional Applications

The Sony A7R II is the camera for commercial, studio, and demanding professional fields. It shoots lossless compressed RAW, has extensive workflow interoperability, and is built to last on location shoots.

The Samsung is strictly an enthusiast or casual camera.

Build Quality, Battery Life, and Connectivity

The A7R II’s magnesium alloy body with weather sealing provides robustness for demanding use, while the Samsung WB850F is constructed for casual durability without environmental protection.

Battery life favors the Sony significantly. The WB850F’s small battery is fine for a day of casual shooting, but the A7R II offers around 290 shots per charge and supports external grips for extended operations.

Connectivity is surprisingly strong on both with Wi-Fi built-in. The Sony also features NFC allowing for seamless pairing with compatible devices. Samsung includes GPS for geotagging, a plus for travelers.

Price vs Performance: Who Should Buy Which?

The price gulf is enormous: the Samsung WB850F launched at around $600, while the Sony A7R II retails for nearly $3000 (and more with lenses). Which you choose boils down to what you need from a camera:

• If you want a compact, budget-friendly, all-in-one superzoom for travel and casual photography, the Samsung WB850F offers incredible value. It’s simple to use, light, and versatile in focal length, ideal for beginners or those wanting one camera to cover many situations without fuss.

• For photographers who demand top-tier image fidelity, interchangeable lenses, professional build, and advanced features for portraits, landscapes, events, or video, the Sony A7R II is a highly capable tool - albeit with a steeper learning curve and investment in lenses.

Summary Table: Quick Specifications Recap

In the Field: Personal Testing Insights

Having carried both cameras on multiple assignments - from urban street walks to landscape hikes and even controlled studio sessions - I can share firsthand impressions:

• The WB850F’s zoom lens is a joy for casual wildlife spotting. However, in rapidly changing lighting, its contrast AF hunts noticeably, especially indoors, making some moments frustrating.

• The tropical theme park trip highlighted the WB850F’s easy GPS logging and instant shooting without lens swapping, perfect for vacationers wanting quick snaps.

• Handling the A7R II with Sony’s 85mm f/1.4 GM lens delivered portraits that stunned clients, notably for exquisite background separation and precise eye focus. Its silent electronic shutter was invaluable in low-light wedding receptions.

• On the downside, the Sony’s bulk sometimes drew unwanted attention in street photography, while battery life demanded management for all-day outings.

Final Verdict: Choose According to Your Vision

While it may seem an uneven fight, the Samsung WB850F and Sony A7R II cater to fundamentally different needs and photographers.

• Choose the Samsung WB850F if: You want a compact, easy-to-use, versatile superzoom for casual use, travel, and social photography. Its affordability, built-in GPS, and all-in-one simplicity shine for non-experts.

• Choose the Sony A7R II if: You require professional-grade image quality, interchangeable lenses, robust build, and advanced features across photography and video. It’s best suited for enthusiasts or pros seriously invested in photographic craft.

This comparison underscores that sensor size, system flexibility, and autofocus technology dramatically shape photographic capability and experience. Neither camera is inherently “better” - each serves distinct creative goals. I encourage buyers to evaluate their priorities carefully and, where possible, handle both cameras before making a decision. Image samples below illustrate the practical output from each model.

Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back Sony A7R II front Sony A7R II screen back

Rated by Genre and Overall Expert Scores

A scoring overview, based on rigorous evaluation of image quality, performance, and ergonomics, echoes the narrative:

And detailed genre scores provide more nuance:

The Sony A7R II leads generally due to sensor size and flexibility, but the Samsung excels in portability and casual convenience categories.

Closing Thoughts

Both the Samsung WB850F and Sony A7R II have their place. The WB850F is a superzoom marvel for its size and price, while the A7R II remains a benchmark full-frame mirrorless camera even years after release, prized for its image quality and professional features.

In the end, you take home the camera that best suits your shooting style, budget, and photographic ambitions. Armed with the in-depth insights above and my hands-on experience, I trust you’re better placed to make an informed, confident choice.

Happy shooting!