FujiFilm AV250 vs Samsung DV150F: Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Compacts

When you’re hunting for an affordable, entry-level compact camera, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the crowd of models with deceptively similar specs but wildly different real-world performance. Today, I’m putting two budget-friendly small sensor compacts head-to-head - the FujiFilm FinePix AV250 and the Samsung DV150F. Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, including scores of compacts, I’ll break down the technical nuts and bolts, practical image quality, and real usability to help you decide which, if either, deserves a spot in your pocket or glove compartment.

Both cameras share a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 16MP resolution and a similar fixed zoom lens with roughly 5-6x zoom range. But don’t be fooled - there are some key differences that affect everything from ergonomics to autofocus to video. I’ve used these cameras rigorously, side-by-side, and will steer you clear of the marketing fluff and toward practical insight grounded in hands-on testing.

Let’s dive in.

Pocket Fit and Controls: Size Doesn’t Always Equal Comfort

First impressions matter, and the FujiFilm AV250 and Samsung DV150F are similar in size category but differ noticeably when it comes to handling - and that’s crucial when you consider street photography or travel gear.

• FujiFilm AV250: It’s slightly chunkier at 93 x 60 x 28 mm and weighs 168 grams (with AA batteries). The depths and squared edges feel a bit more substantial - even a touch old-school. This camera has a modest grip but no dedicated clubs for thumbs - so long shooting sessions can get a bit slippery, especially with sweaty digits.

• Samsung DV150F: More compact and pocket-friendly at 96 x 55 x 18 mm, weighing a light 116 grams. It feels downright svelte and unobtrusive, making it great for those who want to travel light or shoot street scenes discreetly. The shallower body is less comfortable for bigger hands, though.

Both share minimal control layouts with no advanced dials or custom buttons, but Samsung’s implementation edges ahead with touch responsiveness on its rear LCD (more on that shortly), a nicer positioning of the shutter release, and a slight edge in accessible control ergonomics despite the smaller size.

For casual snapshots or on-the-go scenarios, the Samsung feels like a natural extension of the hand, while the FujiFilm, though a bit bulkier, provides a more reassuring grip - especially if you like feeling club-like control under your fingers.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Sensor Size, Different Realities

Both cameras house a 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm, sporting 16-megapixel resolution - so at first blush, you might expect near-identical image output. But the devil lies in the processing details and lens.

• Both sensors are classic CCDs, not CMOS. CCDs typically offer good color fidelity but lag in noise handling, especially in low light. That 1/2.3” sensor size also places them firmly in the small-sensor camp, a drawback for dynamic range and depth of field control compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors.

• FujiFilm AV250: Outputs JPEG-only files, no RAW support. I found images generally a little softer, especially towards the telephoto end of its 32-96 mm (35mm equivalent) zoom. Fine details get lost, and any digital sharpening applied is modest. Colors skew toward cool tones, which some might find clinical. Noise control is middling - ISO 400 works okay, but beyond that, grain becomes noticeable and a bit messy.

• Samsung DV150F: Also JPEG-only, but its lens aperture range (f/2.5-6.3) means it captures a bit more light than the FujiFilm in wide-angle shots. Auto white balance works slightly better, giving more neutral skin tones and vibrant, albeit sometimes oversaturated colors - good news if you want punchy JPEGs straight out of the box. Lens sharpness at 25-125 mm (equiv.) is surprisingly consistent, with less chromatic aberration than the Fuji. Noise remains an issue from ISO 800 upward, which limits low-light usability.

LCD Screens and User Interface: The Samsung Touch Advantage

There’s no viewfinder on either model - only rear LCDs - and since composing and reviewing shots all depend on that screen, it’s a critical factor.

• FujiFilm AV250:

  • 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD, 230k-dot resolution. Simple and basic, with no touch capability.
  • The screen is sometimes washed out in bright daylight, making it tough to confirm focus accuracy or exposure.
  • The menu system is straightforward, but clunky. Buttons lack illumination and tactile differentiation, which hampers operation in dim conditions.

• Samsung DV150F:

  • Also 2.7-inch TFT LCD but better-resolved at 460k dots.
  • Crucially, it features touchscreen input, vastly simplifying navigating menus and selecting AF points. As someone who often shoots ‘on the fly’, this makes Samsung’s UI much more intuitive and faster to operate.
  • The DV150F even throws in a little front LCD (1.5-inch) for quick selfie framing - small, but a nice nod toward social shooters.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Modest at Best

Neither camera is built for speed or sports focus tracking, but given their 2011 and 2013 release dates and budget category, that’s no surprise. Still, real autofocus performance varies between the two.

• FujiFilm AV250:

  • Relies on contrast-detection AF. It has continuous, single, and tracking AF modes but no face or eye detection.
  • AF is slow to lock, especially in low light or low-contrast scenes - often hesitating 1-2 seconds.
  • Burst mode is a painfully slow 1 frame per second; this camera definitely isn’t for action or wildlife.

• Samsung DV150F:

  • Also contrast-detection based, but includes face detection.
  • AF locks faster than the Fuji in daylight and has focus tracking, which helps with moving subjects.
  • Continuous shooting isn’t officially listed, but the camera is too slow for anything sports-centric.
  • Both struggle in dim conditions, but Samsung’s face detection lends some assistance in portrait scenarios.

Lens Speed, Zoom, and Optical Performance

Zoom range and aperture matter more than many casual users realize for controlling composition and image quality.

• FujiFilm AV250:

  • 32-96 mm equivalent zoom (3x), aperture unspecified but usually slow in these compacts.
  • No image stabilization, which compounds the softness at telephoto and low shutter speeds.
  • Zoom steps feel mechanically smooth but inflexible.

• Samsung DV150F:

  • A wider zoom range of 25-125 mm (5x), lending much more framing flexibility.
  • Aperture f/2.5-6.3 means the lens is brighter at wide-angle, allowing for better low-light shots.
  • No optical stabilization here either, so usable shutter speeds can be limited.

Overall, if zoom versatility matters, Samsung’s longer focal reach and slightly faster wide aperture are winning points.

Video Capabilities: Basic But Functional

Neither camera is a dedicated video powerhouse, but both offer HD video recording, with key differences:

• FujiFilm AV250:

  • Maximum 1280x720 at 30fps using Motion JPEG format. Motion JPEG tends to create larger files and less efficient compression.
  • No microphone or headphone ports - no external audio options.
  • No video stabilization options.

• Samsung DV150F:

  • Also records 1280x720 at 30 and 15fps, but uses MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, offering better compression and quality.
  • Lacks external audio inputs as well.
  • No stabilization, and autofocus during video is sluggish and noisy.

Bottom line: both are adequate for casual clips but won’t satisfy vloggers or anyone wanting smooth, professional-looking footage.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Practical Considerations

Battery life and memory card compatibility can influence real-world usability, especially on extended trips.

• FujiFilm AV250:

  • Runs on 2 AA batteries - a double-edged sword.
  • On one hand, AA cells are cheap and easy to source worldwide.
  • On the other, the camera manages only about 180 shots per charge equivalent - a bit low.
  • Uses standard SD/SDHC cards.

• Samsung DV150F:

  • Uses a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery (model unspecified).
  • Official battery life data is missing, but expect around 250-300 shots or so, based on similar models.
  • Uses microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC cards, which are more compact but potentially easier to misplace.

The Fuji’s use of AA batteries is a plus for travelers who don’t want to be stuck hunting special chargers, though at a cost of bulkier batteries.

Build Quality and Durability: Both Lightweights

Neither camera offers rugged weather sealing or durable build expected in higher-end compacts or mirrorless models. Both are lightweight, plastic-bodied, with no official dustproof or waterproof ratings. In practical terms, treat them with care and avoid adverse weather.

Real-World: Photography Genre Breakdown

Let’s break down how these cams fare in different photography disciplines based on my testing, measured by key criteria:

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

• FujiFilm AV250:

  • Skin tones come out on the cooler, less flattering side.
  • Lens aperture is modest, so backgrounds have minimal blur; bokeh is flat and uninspiring.
  • No face or eye detection, dying autofocus hunting in mixed lighting.

• Samsung DV150F:

  • Warmer skin tones thanks to decent auto WB, aided by face detection.
  • Slightly brighter aperture at wide zoom delivers better background separation in some shots.
  • Faster, more reliable AF makes capturing expressions easier.

Verdict: The Samsung edges FujiFilm here for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

• Both cameras suffer from limited dynamic range due to CCD sensor size and processing engine.
• 16MP resolution is respectable but less useful because of softness and noise at higher ISO.
• Neither camera features weather sealing or robust build.

The Fuji sometimes produces more subdued colors, which some landscape shooters might appreciate, but the Samsung's punchier image reproduction is usually preferred.

Wildlife and Sports: Tracking and Burst Rate

Both cameras are very much not made for wildlife or action.

• AF speed and tracking are sluggish, especially on the Fuji.
• Burst mode severely limited (Fuji: 1 FPS only; Samsung lacks burst specification - likely slow).
• Telephoto zooms too short or slow for serious wildlife shooting.

Neither is recommended for these genres beyond casual snapshots.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Portability

• Samsung DV150F's smaller size and quiet operation make it better suited for street shooting.
• Touchscreen UI allows quick focusing and framing.
• Fuji feels bulkier and slower to respond.

Macro Photography: Close Focusing and Stabilization

Neither camera lists dedicated macro modes or lens close-focus specs. Without image stabilization, getting tack-sharp close-ups is hit or miss.

Connectivity and Extras: The Wireless Wildcard

• Samsung DV150F: Has built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) for sharing images - great for casual social media users.
• FujiFilm AV250: No wireless features.

Neither has HDMI or microphone input. USB 2.0 is offered on both.

Price-to-Performance: What’s the Real Deal?

At around the same price point (FujiFilm $160, Samsung $150), both offer decent entry-level imaging. But which offers better bang for your buck?

The Samsung DV150F offers more versatility in zoom, better UI with touchscreen, and wireless sharing, making it closer to a modern casual shooter.

Summary: Pros and Cons at a Glance

FujiFilm AV250

Pros:

• Uses common AA batteries (easy replacement worldwide)
• Simple, reliable design with basic feature set
• Slightly better color neutrality (subjective preference)
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Chunkier body less comfortable for extended use
• Slow, imprecise autofocus with no face detection
• Soft images, especially at telephoto end
• Outdated low-resolution screen without touch
• No wireless or advanced connectivity
• Limited video codec and features

Samsung DV150F

Pros:

• Lightweight, pocketable design
• Wider zoom range and brighter lens at wide angle
• Touchscreen interface makes usage smoother
• Face detection autofocus improves portrait shooting
• Wi-Fi connectivity for fast sharing
• Better video compression formats

Cons:

• Uses proprietary battery (risk of replacements)
• Lower build robustness; smaller grip
• Noise performance and dynamic range still limited
• No image stabilization
• No RAW shooting on either camera

FujiFilm AV250 front FujiFilm AV250 screen back Samsung DV150F front Samsung DV150F screen back

Looking at sample images side by side, it's apparent that the Samsung's wider zoom and color vibrancy often make shots pop more, though neither camera can compete with higher-end compacts or mirrorless cameras on sharpness or dynamic range.

What About Using These Cameras Professionally?

Honestly, both models fall short of professional-grade requirements. No RAW support, limited manual control, weak dynamic range, and modest AF frame them as casual shooters only. For professional work, I'd steer photographers toward at least entry-level mirrorless systems with APS-C sensors, but if budget truly binds you, the Samsung edges ahead for casual business use thanks to Wi-Fi and faster focusing.

Genre-Specific Scores: A Final Technical Recap

Overall Performance Ratings: Which Camera Wins?

Samsung’s DV150F leads slightly in overall usability and imaging, but neither camera breaks into high-performance territory, reflecting their budget compact positioning.

My Honest Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional trimmed on budget but searching for a small sensor compact, here’s my takeaway:

• Choose the Samsung DV150F if:

  • You want a pocket-friendly, easy-to-use camera with a decent zoom range.
  • You prioritize touchscreen controls, face detection, and wireless image sharing.
  • You want better color punch and slightly faster autofocus for casual portraits and travel.
  • You value modern features in an affordable compact.

• Choose the FujiFilm AV250 if:

  • You prefer to use AA batteries due to travel or convenience.
  • You want a slightly chunkier camera with a more traditional shooting feel.
  • You don’t mind slower AF and don’t need wireless or touchscreen features.
  • You’re looking to spend around $160 but want a straightforward point-and-shoot.

Final Thoughts: Small Sensor Compacts - Still Relevant?

Both the FujiFilm AV250 and Samsung DV150F illustrate the limits of small sensor compacts from the early 2010s. Image quality, autofocus, and video capabilities lag behind smartphones and newer compacts, which now commonly feature CMOS sensors, bigger sensors, 4K video, and advanced AF systems.

Still, for campers, budget travelers, or cheapskates who want basic shooting without phone distractions, they hold charms.

If you’re on a shoestring budget and willing to accept limitations for those quick memories, Samsung’s DV150F offers slightly more versatility and fun. Otherwise, the FujiFilm is a no-frills, dependable fallback that gets the job done without fuss.

Selecting the right camera is always about balancing needs, budget, and shooting style. I hope this deep-dive helps you weigh your options with a clearer eye - and remember, great photos come down to your creativity far more than your gear.

Happy shooting!

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