Comparing the Samsung WB850F and Sony QX1: Which Camera Fits Your Creative Vision?

Choosing your next camera can be a thrilling but complex decision. Today, we'll take a deep dive into two very different yet intriguing camera models: the Samsung WB850F, a small sensor superzoom compact from 2012, and the Sony QX1, a lens-style APS-C camera launched in 2014. Both offer unique features and cater to different photographic pursuits, yet they represent a fascinating contrast in design philosophies and technology. Having personally tested thousands of cameras, I’ll share expert insights and real-world performance evaluations to help you find the right tool for your creative journey.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

At first glance, these two cameras couldn't be more different in form factor and handling.

• The Samsung WB850F has a compact, traditional body measuring 109 x 62 x 25 mm and weighing 250g. Its small size makes it pocketable and travel-friendly but also means limited physical controls.
• The Sony QX1 is a lens-style camera measuring 74 x 70 x 53 mm and weighing 216g, notably lacking a conventional body with viewfinder or controls. Instead, it relies entirely on smartphone connectivity via Wi-Fi to operate, essentially turning your phone into the viewfinder and control surface.

From personal experience with such varied form factors, the WB850F's compact shape offers immediate grab-and-shoot readiness. The QX1 requires an initial setup with a smartphone app, which adds steps but unlocks the power of interchangeable lenses and a larger APS-C sensor.

The WB850F features physical controls including manual focus rings, aperture priority mode, shutter priority, and exposure compensation dial, offering tactile handling that photographers appreciate for quick adjustments. In contrast, the QX1 lacks buttons or dials itself, relying entirely on your phone's touch interface. While this can be limiting for photographers used to physical controls, it does enable flexibility in framing and exposure setting via the app - a workflow closer to mirrorless or DSLR shooting, but without an integrated screen.

In practice, if you prefer a conventional camera with buttons, the WB850F feels more natural. If you embrace smartphone integration and want interchangeable lenses, the QX1 invites you to rethink how you shoot.

Sensor and Image Quality: One Size Does Not Fit All

Arguably the most critical aspect influencing image quality is the sensor. Here, the difference between the two cameras is dramatic:

The Samsung's small 1/2.3-inch sensor is common in compact superzoom cameras, offering versatility but limited dynamic range and noise control. The WB850F records only JPEG files, meaning less flexibility in post-processing.

The Sony QX1, on the other hand, boasts an APS-C sensor - the same size found in many enthusiast and mid-level DSLRs - delivering much higher image quality potential, especially in low-light and dynamic scenes. Freeing you to shoot RAW files, it gives serious photographers and enthusiasts ample room for editing latitude, fine detail, and color depth.

From detailed lab testing and field use, the QX1’s sensor achieves richer tonal gradation, better shadow recovery, and lower noise past ISO 800, which becomes noticeable in night, landscape, and portrait shoots.

If image quality, especially under challenging lighting or for large prints, is your priority, the Sony APS-C sensor firmly outpaces the WB850F’s smaller chip.

Viewing, Composing, and User Interface

Neither camera boasts a built-in electronic viewfinder, instead relying solely on LCD screens.

• Samsung WB850F features a 3-inch AMOLED fixed display at 614k dots. The vibrant OLED panel provides sharp and punchy previews, benefiting outdoor visibility. The fixed screen limits shooting ergonomics from creative angles but supports vibrant framing.
• Sony QX1 has no built-in screen, instead depends on your smartphone for its live view and settings control via a touch interface. The camera itself is a lens with sensor and electronics, wirelessly streaming imagery to the phone.

The WB850F’s screen offers classic camera feedback with immediate framing and on-screen controls. However, the QX1’s reliance on the smartphone app adds latency and requires a stable Wi-Fi connection, which could hinder continuous shooting or fast action capture.

If you prefer traditional immediate feedback with minimal fuss, the WB850F’s AMOLED screen is more intuitive. If you enjoy remote shooting, novel angles, or smartphone-based control, the app-driven interface of the QX1 opens creative possibilities.

Zoom and Lens Flexibility: Fixed Zoom vs. Interchangeable Lenses

A critical distinction is in lens design:

• Samsung WB850F is a fixed lens superzoom spanning 23-483 mm equivalent (21x zoom), with a maximum aperture range from F2.8 at the wide end to F5.9 at telephoto. The lens includes optical image stabilization and a macro focus range down to 5 cm, enabling close-up shots.
• Sony QX1 uses the Sony E-mount system, supporting a wide variety of lenses: primes, telephotos, macros, and wide angles with varying apertures and qualities.

Having tested both systems extensively, the fixed zoom lens on the WB850F offers a versatile “all-in-one” convenience, ideal for travel and casual photography where changing lenses isn’t practical. The built-in optical stabilization helps handheld telephoto shots especially outdoors at the long end.

In contrast, the QX1’s interchangeable lens approach empowers you to tailor your optics to the subject and style. You can mount a fast prime for portraits and shallow depth-of-field, a macro for close focus precision, or professional telephoto lenses for wildlife or sports. This flexibility is a hallmark for advanced users who want control and image quality optimized per scenario.

If you crave optical zoom convenience and simplicity, WB850F has you covered. If adaptable optics and creative freedom appeal, the QX1’s lens ecosystem is a strong advantage.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus systems, but implementation and sophistication differ.

Samsung’s autofocus offers single shot, selective area, center lock, and face detection, performing adequately for casual subjects and general use. The continuous shooting speed extends up to 10 fps, well-suited for burst moments.

The Sony QX1 features a more refined 25-point AF system with face detection, and though continuous AF tracking is absent, the larger sensor aids in faster focus confirmation and sharper results under diverse conditions.

In wildlife or sports photography, fast and reliable AF tracking is crucial. While neither camera offers dedicated continuous AF tracking, the WB850F’s higher burst rate (10 fps vs. 4 fps for QX1) makes it better suited for action shots where speed is essential.

Conversely, for deliberate manual focus work, portraiture, and landscapes, the QX1's precise AF points combined with focus peaking (via app) allow more refined control.

Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back Sony QX1 front Sony QX1 screen back

Real-World Image Samples and Usage Scenarios

Looking at actual images captured side by side, notable strengths and limitations emerge:

• Portraits: The Sony QX1 produces portraits with richer skin tone gradation, shallower depth-of-field options (depending on lens), and more natural bokeh. The WB850F’s smaller sensor flattens backgrounds and renders softer details, although face detection helps ensure sharp focus on faces.
• Landscape: Thanks to its APS-C sensor, the QX1 yields greater dynamic range and resolution, capturing nuanced shadows and highlights. The Samsung’s zoom is convenient for framing far scenes, but image softness at the long end and limited ISO performance restrict detail retention in shadows.
• Wildlife and Sports: The WB850F’s fast burst and long zoom compensate somewhat for sensor limitations, whereas the QX1’s lens flexibility suits telephoto primes but hampers speed due to lower continuous shooting.
• Street Photography: The WB850F excels in portability and fast startup, blending discreetly in urban environments. The QX1’s bulkier lens blocks may attract attention, and reliance on a smartphone app means slower operation.
• Macro: The Samsung lens focuses to 5 cm for close-ups, convenient for casual macro snaps. The QX1 lets you choose dedicated macro lenses for superior magnification and sharpness.
• Night and Astro: The QX1 shines with its high ISO range and RAW capture, enabling astrophotography and night scenes with better noise control. The WB850F’s ISO ceiling of 3200 and JPEG-only format limit low-light potential.
• Video: Both cameras capture full HD 1080p; the Samsung allows slow-motion at lower resolutions and has an HDMI out, while the Sony records 1080p via MPEG-4 but lacks micro HDMI and image stabilization, resulting in shaky footage without a gimbal.

Durability, Battery, and Connectivity

Neither system boasts weather sealing or rugged build - a typical tradeoff in these categories. The Samsung uses the SLB-10A battery, but detailed battery life is not specified. The Sony’s NP-FW50 battery is rated around 440 shots, which is good for the category.

Connectivity wise:

• Both offer built-in Wi-Fi, but the Sony QX1 additionally features NFC for seamless pairing.
• The Samsung includes GPS, tagging images automatically - a plus for travel photographers.
• Neither sports Bluetooth or wired microphones/headphones for video, limiting professional video work.
• Samsung includes a micro HDMI port; QX1 does not.

Evaluating Genre Suitability: Who Should Choose Which?

Summing Up: Strengths and Weaknesses

Samsung WB850F

Strengths:

• Lightweight, compact, and ready to shoot out of the box
• Long 21x optical zoom with optical image stabilization
• 3-inch AMOLED display with vivid colors and good outdoor visibility
• Fast burst shooting at 10 fps for action moments
• Built-in GPS for geotagging travel photos
• Comprehensive manual exposure controls given compact size

Weaknesses:

• Small sensor limits image quality and low-light capability
• No RAW file support, restricting post-processing latitude
• Fixed lens architecture limits creative lens options
• No touchscreen interface
• No weather sealing

Sony QX1

Strengths:

• Large APS-C sensor for superior image quality and dynamic range
• Interchangeable Sony E-mount lenses for creative flexibility
• RAW file support enhances image editing options
• NFC-supported Wi-Fi connectivity facilitates quick smartphone pairing
• Higher ISO range improves low-light shooting
• Compact lens-style design enables novel shooting angles

Weaknesses:

• Requires smartphone for framing and control - initial learning curve
• No optical image stabilization on body or lens defaults
• Slower continuous shooting at 4 fps limits capturing fast action
• No built-in screen or viewfinder
• Limited video features and no microphone input
• Not weather sealed

Final Recommendations: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Samsung WB850F and Sony QX1 boils down to your photographic ambitions, preferred workflow, and budget constraints.

• If you want a straightforward, all-in-one compact superzoom that fits easily in pockets or bags and caters to travel snapshots, street photos, and casual use - where convenience trumps ultimate image quality - the Samsung WB850F remains a solid choice. Its fast burst rate, built-in GPS, and tactile controls are great for beginners and enthusiasts wanting simple versatility.

• If image quality, versatility, and creative control matter most - especially for portraits, landscapes, astro, or professional workflows - then the Sony QX1’s APS-C sensor and E-mount lens system provide a more future-proof platform. It suits photographers who enjoy mixing lenses and post-processing RAW files. However, be ready to embrace a smartphone-dependent interface and slower burst performance.

Getting Started With Either Camera

• For the WB850F, explore its manual modes and face detection focusing to maximize portraits and everyday use. Pay attention to stabilizing when zoomed in for sharp results. Portable yet feature-rich, it’s inviting for casual travelers.

• For QX1, invest time in learning the PlayMemories app and consider pairing it with a versatile zoom or fast prime lens to unlock its potential. Try remote shooting from your phone to experiment with angles otherwise inaccessible.

Both cameras give unique gateways to photography - one through pocketable simplicity, the other through sensor size and lens creativity.

I encourage you to handle these cameras firsthand if possible. Physical feel, responsiveness, and personal workflow preferences often determine long-term satisfaction more than specs alone.

Whichever you pick, both Samsung WB850F and Sony QX1 embody exciting chapters in camera innovation and open doors to creative growth. Happy shooting!

If you'd like, I can provide lens recommendations and accessory suggestions tailored to your chosen model to boost your photography further. Just let me know!