We review the Samsung WB2200F with a 60x optical zoom lens, portrait grip and built in Wi-Fi.
| Samsung WB2200F in Compact Cameras
ADVERTISEMENT
Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification
The Samsung WB2200F is a new ultra zoom bridge camera from Samsung with a vertical and horizontal grip. The camera offers an electronic viewfinder, a 60x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 20-1200mm in 35mm terms, optical image stabilisation and full HD video recording with stereo sound.
It's been a long time since a non-DSLR camera has featured a vertical grip, with the Samsung WB2200F re-introducing this feature into a bridge zoom camera. With it, you can use the camera in portrait shooting mode, as well as control the zoom. This lets the camera use a larger battery, as well as give size access to the memory card. In fact, the design gives the camera a similar look to a professional Digital SLR such as the Canon EOS 1D X and Nikon D4s, albeit without the several thousand pound price tag.
The camera has a large rubber grip whether held vertically or horizontally, and offers a number of buttons and controls to change settings as well as a function button. To switch between the rear screen and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) there is a button next to the EVF.
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. Autoshare will automatically send photos to a connected smartphone that you have setup with the camera.
The Samsung WB2200F is designed like a mini professional Digital SLR, with a larger rubberised grip for your hand, and a smaller rubber grip on the back for your thumb, making it easy to hold the camera securely whether shooting normally or vertically. The camera feels well built with a solid plastic body.
The camera has a mode dial on top, as well as the zoom control, shutter release, on/off, command wheel 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 iFunction button, and dioptre correction dial.
In auto modes (including Smart modes) you can use the side iFunction button to increase the speed of the zoom, or customise it to go straight to 60x optical zoom. The iFunction button can also be used as a self-timer switch, whereby you simply hold the button down, then press the shutter release button. In program and manual shooting modes the iFunction button is used to adjust exposure, ISO and white balance.
On the back there are a number of controls, giving you quick access to the flash, self-timer, macro, display, exposure as well as function, back and an EVF button. The EVF button switches between the rear screen and electronic viewfinder (EVF). The exposure button is duplicated for portrait shooting, and the portrait shutter release features zoom control, a command dial, as well as a lock switch so that you can disable these.
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 using the electronic viewfinder is preferable, particularly when it is sunny. The electronic viewfinder is quite small and people who wear glasses may find it uncomfortable to use, however in bright conditions it can be useful.
The menus are clearly displayed with easy to read text and there is built-in help that explains what the options are for. Pressing the Fn (Function) button on the back of the camera brings up an on-screen control panel that lets you quickly set options.
Battery life - Battery life is rated at 600 shots according to Samsung / CIPA test results, which is excellent, and should mean you don't need to charge the camera too often.
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 and focus speeds are good, although the switch on time is quite slow. Shot to shot times and continuous shooting are both good.
Sample Photos - Exposure and colour are generally good, with the camera producing pleasing looking images in most situations. Photos taken with flash show no red-eye, although we would have preferred a warmer colour balance.
Lens Performance - Images are generally quite good, with reasonably good levels of detail for a compact camera. The lens performs well at either end of the lens, although the more optical zoom you use the more likely you are to need a tripod or ideal shooting conditions. There is some purple fringing towards the corners of the image or where there are high levels of contrast. The camera does a relatively good job correcting barrel and pincushion distortion in-camera, although there is some vignetting visible when shooting at the wide-angle end of the lens. Some lens flare was noticeable when bright light sources were in the frame, although recomposing the shot quickly resolved this the majority of the time. Macro performance is very good with the camera focusing on subjects just 1cm away from the front of the lens.
ISO Noise Performance - There is slight noise in images at ISO100, although detail is good and remains good as the ISO setting is increased to ISO200 and ISO400. Noise is much more noticeable at ISO800, and detail suffers as a result. Noise increases again at ISO1600, with detail and colour saturation suffering, therefore we'd recommend avoided ISO1600 if possible. ISO3200 and above is definitely best avoided with images showing high levels of noise, poor detail, and an unattractive colour cast to the image.
White Balance Performance - Auto White Balance (AWB) performs well under tungsten lighting, with a slightly warm colour cast, and the tungsten preset gives a more accurate result. AWB performs well under fluorescent lighting, with the fluorescent preset giving a slightly green colour cast.
1/1000 sec | f/2.8 | 3.6 mm | ISO 100
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.
The camera has an option to expand dynamic range, called ACB (Auto Contrast Balance) which boosts shadows as well as retaining more detail in bright areas. There is also a "Rich Tone HDR" mode that combines a number of shots to produce an image with extended dynamic range.
Digital Filters - There are six filter effects available, with examples shown above. There are also a number of Smart scene modes, including beauty face, macro, action freeze, silhouette, sunset, night, fireworks, and light trace.
Video - The Samsung WB2200F records full HD video at 30fps, with stereo sound, and there is the option to mute sound recording when using the optical zoom, or leave sound recording switched on. The camera features continuous AF and when using a lot of optical zoom the camera can hunt for focus, and a tripod is recommended. An example of using the full optical zoom can be found on the ePHOTOzine YouTube channel.
Nikon Coolpix P600, 60x optical zoom, Wi-Fi, £329
Panasonic Lumix FZ72, 60x optical zoom, flash hot-shoe, £269
Sony Cyber-shot H400, 63x optical zoom, £249
Kodak PixPro AZ651, 65x optical zoom, TBC
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.
60x optical zoom lens
Good handling and ergonomics
Portrait grip and controls
Excellent Wi-Fi connectivity
Side access to memory card
Excellent battery life
HDR mode
Tips over once you zoom past 10x zoom
More expensive than other ultra zoom cameras
Noise at ISO800 and above
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification
The Samsung WB2200F is a new ultra zoom bridge camera from Samsung with a vertical and horizontal grip. The camera offers an electronic viewfinder, a 60x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 20-1200mm in 35mm terms, optical image stabilisation and full HD video recording with stereo sound.
Samsung WB2200F Features
It's been a long time since a non-DSLR camera has featured a vertical grip, with the Samsung WB2200F re-introducing this feature into a bridge zoom camera. With it, you can use the camera in portrait shooting mode, as well as control the zoom. This lets the camera use a larger battery, as well as give size access to the memory card. In fact, the design gives the camera a similar look to a professional Digital SLR such as the Canon EOS 1D X and Nikon D4s, albeit without the several thousand pound price tag.
The camera has a large rubber grip whether held vertically or horizontally, and offers a number of buttons and controls to change settings as well as a function button. To switch between the rear screen and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) there is a button next to the EVF.
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. Autoshare will automatically send photos to a connected smartphone that you have setup with the camera.
Key Features
- 16.4 megapixel B.S.I CMOS sensor
- 60x optical zoom lens, 20-1200mm equivalent
- Optical image stabilisation
- 3inch hVGA screen
- EVF with dioptre correction
- Dual grip - portrait shutter
- Wi-Fi and NFC
- FullHD, 30p video recording with stereo sound
- High Speed 176x128/360fps, 384x288/240fps video
- ISO100 - ISO6400
- 1cm macro mode
- 8fps continuous shooting
- Rich-tone HDR mode
- 600 shot battery life
Samsung WB2200F Handling
The Samsung WB2200F is designed like a mini professional Digital SLR, with a larger rubberised grip for your hand, and a smaller rubber grip on the back for your thumb, making it easy to hold the camera securely whether shooting normally or vertically. The camera feels well built with a solid plastic body.
The camera has a mode dial on top, as well as the zoom control, shutter release, on/off, command wheel 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 iFunction button, and dioptre correction dial.
In auto modes (including Smart modes) you can use the side iFunction button to increase the speed of the zoom, or customise it to go straight to 60x optical zoom. The iFunction button can also be used as a self-timer switch, whereby you simply hold the button down, then press the shutter release button. In program and manual shooting modes the iFunction button is used to adjust exposure, ISO and white balance.
On the back there are a number of controls, giving you quick access to the flash, self-timer, macro, display, exposure as well as function, back and an EVF button. The EVF button switches between the rear screen and electronic viewfinder (EVF). The exposure button is duplicated for portrait shooting, and the portrait shutter release features zoom control, a command dial, as well as a lock switch so that you can disable these.
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 using the electronic viewfinder is preferable, particularly when it is sunny. The electronic viewfinder is quite small and people who wear glasses may find it uncomfortable to use, however in bright conditions it can be useful.
The menus are clearly displayed with easy to read text and there is built-in help that explains what the options are for. Pressing the Fn (Function) button on the back of the camera brings up an on-screen control panel that lets you quickly set options.
Battery life - Battery life is rated at 600 shots according to Samsung / CIPA test results, which is excellent, and should mean you don't need to charge the camera too often.
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 | 0.4-0.7secs |
| Switch on Time to Taking a Photo | 4.5secs |
| Shot to Shot without Flash | 0.85secs |
| Shot to Shot with Flash | 1.3secs |
| Continuous Shooting - JPEG | 7fps (7 shots) |
Shutter response and focus speeds are good, although the switch on time is quite slow. Shot to shot times and continuous shooting are both good.
Samsung WB2200F 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 WB2200F Sample Photos
Previous
Next
Sample Photos - Exposure and colour are generally good, with the camera producing pleasing looking images in most situations. Photos taken with flash show no red-eye, although we would have preferred a warmer colour balance.
Samsung WB2200F Lens test images
Previous
Next
Lens Performance - Images are generally quite good, with reasonably good levels of detail for a compact camera. The lens performs well at either end of the lens, although the more optical zoom you use the more likely you are to need a tripod or ideal shooting conditions. There is some purple fringing towards the corners of the image or where there are high levels of contrast. The camera does a relatively good job correcting barrel and pincushion distortion in-camera, although there is some vignetting visible when shooting at the wide-angle end of the lens. Some lens flare was noticeable when bright light sources were in the frame, although recomposing the shot quickly resolved this the majority of the time. Macro performance is very good with the camera focusing on subjects just 1cm away from the front of the lens.
Samsung WB2200F ISO test images
Previous
Next
ISO Noise Performance - There is slight noise in images at ISO100, although detail is good and remains good as the ISO setting is increased to ISO200 and ISO400. Noise is much more noticeable at ISO800, and detail suffers as a result. Noise increases again at ISO1600, with detail and colour saturation suffering, therefore we'd recommend avoided ISO1600 if possible. ISO3200 and above is definitely best avoided with images showing high levels of noise, poor detail, and an unattractive colour cast to the image.
Samsung WB2200F White-balance test images
Previous
Next
White Balance Performance - Auto White Balance (AWB) performs well under tungsten lighting, with a slightly warm colour cast, and the tungsten preset gives a more accurate result. AWB performs well under fluorescent lighting, with the fluorescent preset giving a slightly green colour cast.
1/1000 sec | f/2.8 | 3.6 mm | ISO 100
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 WB2200F Outdoor images
Previous
Next
The camera has an option to expand dynamic range, called ACB (Auto Contrast Balance) which boosts shadows as well as retaining more detail in bright areas. There is also a "Rich Tone HDR" mode that combines a number of shots to produce an image with extended dynamic range.
Samsung WB2200F Digital filters
Previous
Next
Digital Filters - There are six filter effects available, with examples shown above. There are also a number of Smart scene modes, including beauty face, macro, action freeze, silhouette, sunset, night, fireworks, and light trace.
Video - The Samsung WB2200F records full HD video at 30fps, with stereo sound, and there is the option to mute sound recording when using the optical zoom, or leave sound recording switched on. The camera features continuous AF and when using a lot of optical zoom the camera can hunt for focus, and a tripod is recommended. An example of using the full optical zoom can be found on the ePHOTOzine YouTube channel.
Value For Money
The Samsung WB2200F is available for £379 which makes it reasonable value for money, particularly up against the following cameras, shown below:Nikon Coolpix P600, 60x optical zoom, Wi-Fi, £329
Panasonic Lumix FZ72, 60x optical zoom, flash hot-shoe, £269
Sony Cyber-shot H400, 63x optical zoom, £249
Kodak PixPro AZ651, 65x optical zoom, TBC
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 WB2200F Verdict
The Samsung WB2200F offers an impressive 60x optical zoom lens with styling and handling similar to a professional Digital SLR. This is designed to help you get the best grip possible when using a lot of optical zoom. Another benefit of this design is the use of a large battery that gives an impressive 600 shots. Along with other Samsung Smart Cameras, the Samsung WB2200F has the best Wi-Fi connectivity of any camera currently available, and it's a shame that other companies aren't as good at Wi-Fi as Samsung. It makes taking and sharing photos as simple and straightforward as sharing from your smartphone, except that you benefit from the noticeably better image quality, optical zoom and features of using a real camera. For anyone who wants a lot of optical zoom, good battery life, and excellent Wi-Fi connectivity, the Samsung WB2200F would make a good choice.|
|
 |
|
| The Samsung WB2200F offers an impressive 60x optical zoom lens, a unique design, and excellent Wi-Fi connectivity. |
Samsung WB2200F Pros
60x optical zoom lensGood handling and ergonomicsPortrait grip and controlsExcellent Wi-Fi connectivitySide access to memory cardExcellent battery lifeHDR modeSamsung WB2200F Cons
Tips over once you zoom past 10x zoomMore expensive than other ultra zoom camerasNoise at ISO800 and above| FEATURES |
 |
|
| HANDLING |
 |
|
| PERFORMANCE |
 |
|
| VALUE FOR MONEY |
|
|
| VERDICT |
|
Samsung WB2200F Specifications
| Manufacturer | Samsung | |
| Lens | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 - f/5.9 | |
| 35mm equivalent | 20mm - 1200mm | |
| Optical Zoom | 60x | |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Pixels | 16.3Mp (Megapixels) | |
| Pixels (W) | 4608 | |
| Pixels (H) | 3456 | |
| Sensor Type | Back-lit CMOS (B.S.I.) | |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.3inch | |
| Sensor Size (width) | No Data | |
| Sensor Size (height) | No Data | |
| Aspect Ratio |
| |
| LCD Monitor | ||
| LCD Monitor | 3in | |
| Screen resolution | hVGA 460k dots | |
| Touch Screen | No | |
| Focusing | ||
| Min Focus | 1cm | |
| Focusing modes |
| |
| Exposure Control | ||
| Shutter speeds shortest | 1/2000sec | |
| Shutter speeds longest | 1sec | |
| Bulb mode | No Data | |
| Exp modes |
| |
| Metering |
| |
| ISO sensitivity | 100 - 6400 | |
| White balance |
| |
| Exposure Comp | +/-2 | |
| Shooting Options | ||
| Continuous shooting | 8fps | |
| Video | ||
| Movie mode | Yes | |
| Video Resolution |
| |
| Video FPS | 30fps | |
| Stereo Sound | Yes | |
| Optical Zoom with Video | Yes | |
| Other Features | ||
| Image Stabilisation | Yes | |
| Interface | ||
| HDMI | Yes | |
| USB | USB 2 | |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | |
| Storage | ||
| Card Type |
| |
| File Type |
| |
| Power Source | ||
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion BP-1410 | |
| Battery Life (CIPA rating) | 600shots | |
| Box Contents | ||
| Box Contents | Samsung WB2200F, USB AC Adapter, USB cable, Battery, Neck Strap, Lens cap, Quick Start Guide | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 608g | |
| Width | 119mm | |
| Height | 121.8mm | |
| Depth | 35.5mm | |
Buy Now
We don't have the latest price however the link below will take you to the most relevant items. Samsung WB2200F SEARCH |
We don't have the latest price however the link below will take you to the most relevant items. Samsung WB2200F SEARCH |
Support this site by purchasing Plus Membership, or shopping with one of our affiliates: Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon CA, ebay UK, MPB. It doesn't cost you anything extra when you use these links, but it does support the site, helping keep ePHOTOzine free to use, thank you.
ADVERTISEMENT
You must be a member to leave a comment.
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Join for free
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
ADVERTISEMENT