FujiFilm AV250 vs Samsung NX210: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Shooters and Enthusiasts

Having tested well over a thousand cameras spanning compact point-and-shoots to high-end mirrorless systems, the FujiFilm FinePix AV250 and Samsung NX210 provide a fascinating study in contrasts. Released within a year of each other, these two cameras occupy markedly different segments and philosophies - one a budget-minded compact from 2011, the other a more ambitious mirrorless entry from 2012. Diving deep beyond specs, I’ve pushed both cameras through portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, and video to reveal what they really deliver in day-to-day shooting and advanced applications alike.

Let’s start by putting these two physical bodies side by side to get a feel for their design and ergonomics before unpacking their imaging and performance nuances.

Compact vs. Mirrorless: Size and Handling in the Real World

At first glance, the FujiFilm AV250 epitomizes the small sensor compact category: tiny, pocket-friendly, and minimalist. It measures just 93 x 60 x 28 mm and weighs a featherlight 168 grams. The Samsung NX210 is undeniably bigger, sporting a 117 x 63 x 37 mm chassis and weighing 222 grams, nearly 30% heavier. But considering you’re getting interchangeable lenses and an APS-C sensor, this footprint is still remarkably manageable for a mirrorless camera.

This size disparity translates to radically different ergonomics. The AV250’s petite frame offers limited physical controls and the typical squeeze-shoot approach - quick point and shoot, no fuss. The NX210, in contrast, sports a substantial grip and more thoughtfully placed controls, suited for extended handheld shooting and faster operation.

The NX210’s body emulates a rangefinder style, evoking classic street cameras - compact yet confidently grippy, inviting more interaction. The AV250 feels more akin to a disposable camera in grip and control, which is neither good nor bad per se, but limits user engagement.

Top Panel and Control Layout: A Tale of Two Interfaces

Controls are the physical dialogue between a photographer and their camera, and here we see the cameras’ philosophies in stark relief.

The Fuji AV250 has a sparse top deck: power button, shutter release, and modest zoom rocker, all plastic and small. It lacks dedicated dials for exposure or mode selection - not surprising for a 2011 budget compact without manual exposure options.

By contrast, the NX210 houses shutter speed dial, a clearly marked exposure compensation wheel, and a more pronounced shutter button with a ready grip. This layout supports nuanced exposure control and faster response - crucial for professionals and enthusiasts.

I often find that control placement can make or break usability in fast-moving situations like street or sports photography. At this stage, the NX210’s design philosophy is ahead, supporting a more tactile and engaging shooting experience.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Beyond Megapixels

The decisive feature for image quality is undoubtedly sensor size and technology. The FujiFilm AV250 is equipped with a 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm, resulting in a sensor area of about 28 mm² and 16 megapixels resolution. Meanwhile, the Samsung NX210’s APS-C CMOS sensor dwarfs the compact’s sensor with an area of around 369 mm², delivering a 20-megapixel count.

Having tested countless cameras under standardized lighting and low-light conditions, the physical difference in sensor real estate profoundly impacts dynamic range and noise performance. The NX210’s sensor produces images with noticeably less noise, especially at higher ISOs, and preserves detail in shadows and highlights far better.

The NX210 shines in delivering richer color depth (22.8 bits) and wider dynamic range (~12.5 EV), compared to the limited capabilities of AV250 - which doesn’t even have DxO tested scores, but expectedly falls short due to tiny sensor size and older CCD technology.

This tangible gap translates to practical superiority in demanding genres like landscape and night photography where headroom and noise control are paramount.

The Rear Screen and User Interface: Navigating Your Shots

Both cameras feature fixed LCD screens, but there the similarities end.

The AV250 offers a modest 2.7-inch TFT LCD with 230k-dot resolution – a functional but less detailed display that can make fine focusing and composition tricky in bright daylight. In contrast, the Samsung NX210’s 3-inch OLED screen boasts 614k-dot resolution, delivering richer colors, deeper blacks, and superior outdoor visibility - important for framing precise shots and reviewing details immediately after capture.

Despite the AV250’s simplicity, navigating menus feels sluggish and dated, given limited physical buttons and lack of touch or proximity controls. The NX210, while lacking a touchscreen, features a more responsive UI, smoother menu transitions, and richer functionality such as customizable buttons and quick access to exposure modes.

Performance in the Field: Autofocus, Burst Rate, and Responsiveness

Performance metrics like autofocus speed, frame rate, and buffer depth critically define usability across genres.

The AV250 sports a contrast-detection autofocus system - the simplest autofocus type. Its autofocus speed and accuracy suffer, especially in low-light or complex scenes. It offers a single shot continuous mode at a meager 1 fps burst rate. Clearly, this camera isn’t engineered for action.

In contrast, the NX210 implements a 15-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection. While not phase-detection AF, it offers reasonably fast autofocus, assisted by the APS-C sensor’s higher quality live view feed. Furthermore, it sports an 8 fps continuous shooting mode, much more useful for capturing sports, wildlife, or fast-moving street scenes.

In my testing under various conditions - from capturing birds in flight to busy urban scenes - the NX210 locked focus reliably and didn’t fall behind, while the AV250 struggled miserably. This difference alone can be a dealbreaker depending on your intended subjects.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Fixed vs. Interchangeable

A critical limitation of the AV250 is its fixed 32-96mm equivalent zoom lens, offering 3x optical range presumably at variable aperture (though not specified). This limits creative control and optical quality, especially for wider landscapes or telephoto wildlife.

Samsung’s NX mount system, while niche compared to Canon or Sony, offers around 32 native lenses covering wide-angle primes, fast standard zooms, telephotos, and specialty optics. For the entry-level NX210, this opens avenues to versatile focal lengths and optical qualities, giving photographers room to grow technically and artistically.

If you want macro, ultra-wide, or professional-grade telephoto, the NX210 beats the AV250 hands down. Fuji’s compact bracketed to fixed convenience, the NX210 invites futureproofing your optical toolkit.

Battery Life and Storage: Longevity Meets Logistics

The AV250 uses common AA batteries, an advantage for casual users without access to rechargers - good for travel or remote use. However, battery life per charge is limited (180 shots), and repeated battery swaps add cost and waste.

The NX210 uses a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery (model BC1030) delivering roughly 330 shots per charge. This is significantly better, though you’ll need to carry a charger and spares - standard for mirrorless systems.

Regarding storage, both cameras rely on SD/SDHC cards; the NX210 extends compatibility to SDXC, supporting larger capacities and potentially faster cards for its higher data rates.

Connectivity and Expandability: The Missing and Present Features

Neither camera supports Bluetooth or NFC, but the NX210 has built-in Wi-Fi - an invaluable feature in 2012 for sharing images directly to smartphones or backing up wirelessly. The AV250 lacks any wireless connectivity.

HDMI output is present only on the NX210, facilitating direct playback on monitors or integration in studio workflows. USB 2.0 ports exist on both for data transfer, but the NX210 supports USB tethering and firmware updates more robustly.

Flash-wise, the AV250 includes a modest built-in flash with basic modes; the NX210 expects users to install external flashes on its hot shoe, which unlocks advanced flash modes like second-curtain sync and fill-flash, essential for professional lighting control.

Real-World Photography Disciplines: Who Fits What?

Now the moment of truth: how does each camera excel (or fail) across major photography genres? I ran extensive side-by-side tests, from spontaneous portraits to challenging wildlife, to chart practical strengths and weaknesses.

FujiFilm AV250 front FujiFilm AV250 screen back Samsung NX210 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Fuji AV250: A fixed moderate zoom lens and lack of manual exposure hamper creative portraiture. Skin tones appear flat under mixed lighting, and limited aperture control weakens subject-background separation. No face-detect AF means missed focus sometimes on eyes.

• Samsung NX210: Thanks to face detection and a wide range of fast prime lenses, portraits come alive with natural skin tones and pleasant bokeh. Custom white balance and manual exposure options permit tailored skin rendering and lighting control.

Landscape Photography

• AV250: Small sensor limits dynamic range, and lack of weather sealing reduces ruggedness. Resolution adequate but noise ramps up quickly in shadows.

• NX210: APS-C sensor provides excellent dynamic range and resolution. Though no weather sealing, solid build means cautious use in the field. The option of wide-angle lenses dramatically improves composition.

Wildlife Photography

• AV250: Autofocus is lethargic and single fps burst severely restricts capturing action.

• NX210: Fast burst shooting and respectable autofocus make this a competent wildlife companion, although lacking advanced phase detection AF.

Sports Photography

• AV250: Practically unusable due to slow burst and poor AF.

• NX210: More agile, but still limited by contrast-detection AF for fast tracking. Good enough for casual sport shooting, less for pro-fast action.

Street Photography

• AV250: Ultra-compact and discreet, ideal for casual street shooters who prefer less conspicuous gear.

• NX210: Small but more noticeable; offers better image quality and lens versatility, suitable for more serious street work.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is optimized; fixed lens on AV250 offers no macro modes; NX210 can leverage specialized macro lenses for better results.

Night and Astro Photography

• AV250: High noise at ISO 1600 limits night use; long shutter speed of 8 seconds helps but with limited quality.

• NX210: Robust ISO 12800 expands low-light capability, though no in-body stabilization demands tripod use.

Video Capabilities

• AV250: HD (720p) at 30 fps using Motion JPEG - basic quality, no manual controls.

• NX210: Full HD (1080p) at 30 fps using MPEG-4/H.264, manual exposure, and external mic possible (though requires adapter). Clear advantage for vloggers and casual filmmakers.

Travel Photography

• AV250: Light, uses AAs, easy to pack; limited quality but simple for snapshots.

• NX210: Bulky but versatile; better image quality supports travel memories for serious enthusiasts.

Professional Work

• AV250: Not viable - limited control, no raw support, poor imaging.

• NX210: Entry-level mirrorless providing raw capture, manual modes, and lens flexibility - entry gateway for professionals on a budget.

Durability and Build Quality: Roughing It vs. Everyday Use

Neither camera offers environment sealing or rugged design. The AV250’s plastic shell feels fragile, designed for gentle use. The NX210 is sturdier with metal alloy components, better suited to daily enthusiast use.

Summing Up the Strengths and Shortcomings

Which Should You Buy? Tailored Recommendations

Sitting here after repeated use, it’s clear these cameras serve very different audiences.

Buy the FujiFilm AV250 if:

• You want a lightweight, simple point-and-shoot with very basic photographic needs.
• Your budget is extremely tight and you want a pocketable camera for casual snapshots.
• Battery convenience (AA) and simple operation trump image quality and creative control.
• You prefer sheer portability for travel or only want a digital camera as an occasional backup.

Pick the Samsung NX210 if:

• You want genuine creative flexibility with manual controls and lens options.
• Image quality, particularly for portraits and landscapes, is paramount.
• You shoot in more demanding scenarios like wildlife, sports or low light.
• You value video quality and connectivity for sharing and streaming.
• You are an enthusiast or budding professional looking for an affordable, expandable mirrorless.

In Closing: The FujiFilm AV250 and Samsung NX210 - Not Just Cameras, But Statements

Though initially one might lump these cameras as generational steps or upgrades, the testing shows they occupy nearly separate photographic universes. The AV250 is a testament to the ultimate budget compact where simplicity and portability rule; the Samsung NX210 boldly enters the realm of serious enthusiasts wanting near DSLR quality and control without the weight or complexity.

Choosing between them boils down to your photographic ambitions, willingness to engage with manual controls, and whether image quality and expandability are essential to your craft.

For those who want a no-nonsense snapshot camera to stash in a bag for quick shots of life’s moments, the AV250’s modest specs serve well enough. But if you yearn to push your skills, explore varied genres, and demand professional-grade images that tell compelling stories, the NX210 offers a much more capable toolbox.

Ultimately, carrying the right camera means balancing your technical demands with comfort and workflow. I hope this detailed comparison helps you make that choice confidently.

Happy shooting!

All tests conducted under controlled and real-world conditions using standardized targets and varied lighting. The images and results presented reflect typical usage scenarios, with each camera updated to the latest firmware available as of mid-2012.

Gallery of Sample Images: A Direct Look at Output

FujiFilm AV250 front FujiFilm AV250 screen back Samsung NX210 screen back

Visual Summary

FujiFilm AV250 front FujiFilm AV250 screen back Samsung NX210 screen back