Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification
The Samsung WB1100F is a mid-range bridge camera with a 35x optical zoom lens, a 3inch screen and built in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for instant sharing. It is available in black or red for around £219.
Samsung WB1100F Features
The 35x optical zoom lens is equivalent to 25-875mm in 35mm terms, and features optical image stabilisation to help keep shots steady when using the optical zoom or shooting in low light. There is a speed control button on the side of the lens which can be used to increase the speed of the zoom to zoom into a far away subject quickly.
Wi-Fi and NFC lets you send photos to a smartphone or tablet device. You can use the Samsung Smart Camera app to remotely control the camera, adjusting the zoom, flash, self-timer and image size, or you can use the app to transfer images from the camera to your phone so that you can then share them from your phone onto social network sites. It's also possible to share directly from the camera to social media sites including Facebook, Picasa, YouTube and Dropbox over a Wi-Fi network.
Key Features
- 16.4 megapixel CCD sensor
- 35x optical zoom lens, 25-875mm equivalent
- Optical image stabilisation
- 3inch, 460k dot screen
- 720p video recording with sound
- ISO80 - ISO3200
- 1cm macro mode
- Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- Available in black and red
Samsung WB1100F Handling
The Samsung WB1100F is styled like a mini Digital SLR, however the camera does not feature an electronic viewfinder. There is a large rubber grip around the right hand side of the camera, with a rubber area on the back for your thumb. This gives you a steady hold of the camera, and for additional support you can use your left hand to support the lens and left hand side of the camera. The body feels well built with a solid plastic construction.
The camera has a mode dial on top, as well as the zoom control, shutter release, on/off and direct link (Wi-Fi) buttons. On the left hand side of the camera is the pop-up flash release button, as well as the speed control button - holding this while zooming makes the camera zoom in or out more quickly. On the back there are a number of controls, giving you quick access to the flash, self-timer and macro settings.
With a 3inch screen on the back and a 460k dot resolution it's easy to compose images and colours look good, although there are times when an electronic viewfinder would be preferable, particularly when it is sunny. The menus are clearly displayed with easy to read text and there is built-in help that explains what the options are for.
Battery life - Battery life is rated at 200 shots according to Samsung / CIPA test results, which is average for this class of cameras, therefore we would recommend a spare battery if you plan on shooting more. Extended use of Wi-Fi is likely to reduce the number of shots possible.
Speed - We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot, focusing speed etc. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras.
| Shutter Response | 0.1secs |
| Wide - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.35secs |
| Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.6secs |
| Switch on Time to Taking a Photo | 3.8secs |
| Shot to Shot without Flash | 1.2secs |
| Shot to Shot with Flash | 1.8secs |
| Continuous Shooting - JPEG | 1.5secs |
Focus is reasonably quick, although continuous shooting is quite slow, along with the camera's switch on time.
Samsung WB1100F Performance
Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.
Samsung WB1100F Sample Photos
Sample Photos - The portrait photo taken with flash has given the image a blue colour cast, which is disappointing, and not particularly flattering for the subject, although red-eye is very low. Colour and exposure are generally good in other situations, although at times exposure compensation was needed when using the optical zoom.
Samsung WB1100F Lens test images
Lens Performance - Super Macro mode lets you focus on a subject that is just 1cm away from the front of the lens, however the lens zoom position is fixed. Auto macro lets you use the zoom and it is possible to get an even closer macro shot without the lens blocking any light from reaching the subject.
Detail is reasonable in the centre of the frame, however there is vignetting when shooting at the wide-angle end of lens. There are also soft corners when using optical zoom. There is reasonably good control of barrel and pincushion distortion, although purple fringing can be an issue when shooting images with high levels of contrast, particularly towards the corners of the image.
Samsung WB1100F ISO test images
ISO Noise Performance - The camera has low noise at ISO80, and ISO100 with good detail. There is a slight drop in detail at ISO200. At ISO400 fine detail starts to disappear, although noise is still quite low. ISO800 shows more noise, and detail suffers. There is a noticeable loss of colour at ISO1600, and we'd try and avoid this setting if possible. ISO3200 images are at a lower resolution and best avoided.
Samsung WB1100F White-balance test images
White Balance Performance - Auto White Balance (AWB) performs well under tungsten lighting with a slightly warm result, and the tungsten preset gives a more accurate result. AWB performs well under fluorescent lights, and the fluorescent preset gives a good result as well.
Panoramic | 1/583 sec | f/3.0 | 4.5 mm | ISO 80
Panorama mode - The panoramic mode automatically stitches the images as you pan the camera and works in any direction, left, right, up, or down. The camera does a good job with exposure and stitching the images together although the resolution is low.
Samsung WB1100F Digital filters
Digital Filters - There are six filter effects available, with examples shown above. To extend dynamic range there is an ACB option, which brings out additional detail in shadows and dark areas of the image, however there is no dedicated HDR mode.
Video - The camera records 720p video and optical zoom is available. Sound is recorded in mono, and there is the option to mute sound recording when using the optical zoom, or leave sound recording switched on. The camera struggled to focus when using the optical zoom to zoom into a subject, but was fine zooming out. Image stabilisation struggled as well when the camera's optical zoom was used handheld.
Value For Money
The Samsung WB1100F is available for around £219 which makes it average value for money, particularly up against the following cameras:
Fujifilm FinePix S8400W, 44x optical zoom, FullHD, Wi-Fi, EVF, £149
Panasonic Lumix LZ40, 42x optical zoom, £210
Nikon Coolpix L830, 34x optical zoom, FullHD, Tilting screen, £200
Kodak PixPro AZ362, 36x optical zoom, FullHD, £159
You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.
Samsung WB1100F Verdict
The Samsung WB1100F is capable of taking some pleasing photographs, however the competition tends to offer fullHD video, or additional features, including an electronic viewfinder and additional zoom from the Fujifilm FinePix S8400W. However, if you simply want to be able to share your photos straight to Facebook or other social media sites, then the Samsung WB1100F could make a good choice for those on a budget, particularly if the price drops over time.