Samsung WB1100F vs Panasonic SZ5 Comparison

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Samsung WB1100F

16 MP | 1/2.3 CCD Sensor

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Panasonic SZ5

14 MP | 1/2.33 CCD Sensor

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Samsung WB1100F

Panasonic SZ5

Samsung WB1100F

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Panasonic SZ5

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Samsung WB1100F vs Panasonic SZ5 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two cameras with different body types: Samsung WB1100F, which was introduced in January 2014 is a Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor whereas Panasonic SZ5, which was introduced in July 2012 is a Small Sensor Compact camera with a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor. There is 18 months difference between WB1100F and SZ5 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger WB1100F, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of the Samsung WB1100F and Panasonic SZ5 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Samsung WB1100F Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2014-01-07

16MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 3200

25-875 mm F3.0-5.9 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3.00" Fixed Type Screen

1.0fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

Built-in Wireless

512g. 125 x 87 x 96 mm

Panasonic SZ5 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2012-07-18

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 100 - 1600 ( expands to 6400)

25-250 mm F3.1-5.9 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3.00" Fixed Type Screen

2.0fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

Built-in Wireless

136g. 104 x 58 x 21 mm

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Samsung WB1100F and Panasonic SZ5 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reasons to choose Samsung WB1100F over Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5

Sensor Resolution	16 MP vs 14 MP	14% more pixels
Max Native ISO	3.200 vs 1.600	100% higher Max Native ISO
LCD Resolution	460k dots vs 230k dots	100% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter	1/2000s vs 1/1600s	faster mechanical shutter
Focal Length - Tele	875mm vs 250mm	625 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	35.0x vs 10.0x	more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	3.00 vs 3.10	faster lens at wide
NFC Connection	Yes vs No	Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices

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Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 over Samsung WB1100F

Internal Storage	55 MB vs None	Extra built-in storage
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs No	Easy focusing on portrait shots
Continuous Shooting	2.0fps vs 1.0fps	1 fps faster
Weight	136 g vs 512 g	376 g lighter

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Common Strengths of Samsung WB1100F and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5

Wireless Connection	Yes vs Yes	Better connectivity
Image Stabilization	Optical vs Optical	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Focal Length - Tele	875mm vs 250mm	Very good Telezoom

Common Weaknesses of Samsung WB1100F and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs Fixed Type	Screen tilts or Flips out independently, perfect for both stills and video
External Flash Shoe	No vs No	Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder	None vs None	No eye-level shooting option
RAW Support	No vs No	Lower image quality
LCD Screen Resolution	460k dots vs 230k dots	Low resolution screens
Continuous Shooting	1.0fps vs 2.0fps	Slow shooting speeds
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions
Max Aperture - Tele	5.90 vs 5.90	Slow lenses at tele

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Samsung WB1100F vs Panasonic SZ5: Physical Specs and Body Features Comparison

Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, we are going to illustrate the Samsung WB1100F and Panasonic SZ5 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Samsung WB1100F has external dimensions of 125 x 87 x 96 mm (4.92 x 3.43 x 3.78″) and weighs 512 g (1.13 lb / 18.06 oz) (including batteries). Panasonic SZ5 has external dimensions of 104 x 58 x 21 mm (4.09 x 2.28 x 0.83″) and weighs 136 g (0.30 lb / 4.80 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Samsung WB1100F and the Panasonic SZ5. Panasonic SZ5 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 21mm narrower, 29mm shorter and 75mm thinner than Samsung WB1100F.

Comparison image of the Samsung WB1100F and the Panasonic SZ5 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Samsung WB1100F and Panasonic SZ5.

Comparison image of the Samsung WB1100F and the Panasonic SZ5 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Samsung WB1100F and Panasonic SZ5.

Top View Comparison image of the Samsung WB1100F and the Panasonic SZ5 Size

Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Panasonic SZ5 is significantly lighter (376g ) than the Samsung WB1100F which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

WB1100F

SZ5

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

WB1100F

SZ5

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither the Samsung WB1100F nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Samsung WB1100F and Panasonic SZ5's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Samsung WB1100F vs Panasonic SZ5: Sensor Comparison

Samsung WB1100F has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Panasonic SZ5 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor .

Below you can see the WB1100F and SZ5 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Samsung WB1100F and Panasonic SZ5 Cameras

Samsung WB1100F and Panasonic SZ5 have almost the same sensor size, so neither of them has any significant advantage over the other in terms of providing control over depth of field when used with the same focal length and aperture.

Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the Samsung WB1100F or the Panasonic SZ5, including hyperfocal distance.

Samsung WB1100F vs Panasonic SZ5 Lens Specs Comparison

Samsung WB1100F features a 25-875 mm F3.0-5.9 35× zoom lens whereas Panasonic SZ5 features a 25-250 mm F3.1-5.9 10× zoom lens.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 25mm. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f3.00, Samsung WB1100F is faster than Panasonic SZ5 at this focal length. On the tele end, Samsung WB1100F has 625mm longer reach than the Panasonic SZ5. Both cameras has a max aperture of f5.90 at tele end.

Wide Coverage

DSLR-Like Cameras

WB1100F

SZ5

Widest - Samsung WB2200F

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

WB1100F

SZ5

Longest - Nikon P1100

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

WB1100F

SZ5

Fastest - Olympus 1

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

WB1100F

SZ5

Fastest - Sony RX10 III

Average

What types of Photography are Samsung WB1100F and Panasonic SZ5 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Samsung WB1100F and Panasonic SZ5 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Samsung WB1100F for Portrait Photography

POOR

Panasonic SZ5 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details

Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.33 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Samsung WB1100F for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic SZ5 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Samsung WB1100F for Sports Photography

POOR

Panasonic SZ5 for Sports Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Wireless Connection
875 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Unknown Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Image Stabilization
23 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
250 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1600s
Poor Battery Life: 250 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Samsung WB1100F for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic SZ5 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

35.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
512g
Body Thickness 96mm
Read the details

Compact Body
136g
Body Thickness 21mm
10.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Samsung WB1100F for Landscape Photography

POOR

Panasonic SZ5 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Manual Focus Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.33 sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Samsung WB1100F vs Panasonic SZ5: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision regarding which camera best suits your needs and budget. However, if you're curious about how we rated the Samsung WB1100F and the Panasonic SZ5, below you'll find their scores across five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Samsung WB1100F and Panasonic SZ5 scores compare:

Samsung WB1100F

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #109 out of 119 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #919 out of 1384 in all Cameras

Panasonic SZ5

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #281 out of 488 in Compact cameras
Ranked #962 out of 1384 in all Cameras

Samsung WB1100F has a higher Overall Score than the Panasonic SZ5 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Samsung WB1100F

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Panasonic SZ5

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General	Samsung WB1100F	Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5
Brand	Samsung	Panasonic
Announced	2014-01-07	2012-07-18
Body Type	SLR-like (bridge)	Compact
Sensor
Type	CCD	CCD
Size	1/2.3-inch	1/2.3-inch
Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm	6.08 x 4.56 mm
Area	28.07mm²	27.72mm²
Megapixels	16 megapixels	14 megapixels
Max Resolution	4608 x 3456	4320 x 3240
Max Native Light sensitivity	3,200 ISO	1,600 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity	-	6400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	80 ISO	100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	n/a	23
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	25-875 mm (35×)	25-250 mm (10×)
Max Aperture	F3.0-5.9	F3.1-5.9
Macro Focus Range	n/a	5cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	3.00"	3.00"
Resolution	460k dots	230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/2000s	1/1600s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization	Optical	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	n/a	5.60 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	1.0 fps	2.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720	1280 x 720
Video Formats	n/a	MPEG-4
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In	Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	512g	136g
Dimensions	125 x 87 x 96mm	104 x 58 x 21mm
Battery Life	n/a	250 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction

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