FujiFilm JX300 vs Samsung DV300F: A Detailed Comparison for the Informed Photographer

Choosing the right compact camera can be tricky, especially when the model years and feature sets are somewhat similar on paper but hold significant differences in real-world use. Today, we're diving deep into two small sensor compacts that often get lumped together but serve noticeably different needs: the FujiFilm FinePix JX300 and the Samsung DV300F.

We’ve tested thousands of cameras over the years, covering everything from entry-level point-and-shoots to pro-grade mirrorless systems. With hands-on experience and careful side-by-side analysis, this article will provide you with practical insights to help you decide which of these cameras might be right for your photography journey.

Let’s get started by understanding how they compare physically, then move through their technology, real-world performance across photography genres, and relevant use cases.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Comfort Meets Practicality

The FujiFilm JX300 and Samsung DV300F both fall into the compact category but differ subtly in size, weight, and handling characteristics. These nuances affect how comfortable they are for extended shooting sessions and portability on the go.

Our Experience

The FujiFilm JX300 offers a slightly more compact footprint but is chunkier due to its thicker body. The grip is minimalistic, meaning users with larger hands may find it less comfortable for prolonged handheld shooting. The fixed, non-touch 2.7-inch screen is serviceable but feels dated compared to contemporary models.

In contrast, the Samsung DV300F trades a marginal increase in size for a thinner profile and a noticeably larger, sharper 3-inch screen with 460 dpi resolution. This difference enhances usability, particularly for image review and framing in bright conditions.

If you're prioritizing pocketability and quick grab-and-go use, FujiFilm's design leans more toward absolute compactness. But for extended handheld shooting and image composition clarity, Samsung’s ergonomics and larger rear LCD screen are a decisive upgrade.

Sensor and Image Quality: Digging Into Details

At the heart of any camera - the image sensor - both these compacts sport a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17 × 4.55 mm with an active area around 28 mm². However, subtle differences impact resolution, ISO handling, and overall image quality.

What This Means for You

• Resolution: The Samsung's marginally higher resolution (16MP vs 14MP) can yield slightly more detailed images, especially if you plan on cropping or printing larger sizes.
• ISO Range: The Samsung's native ISO tops out at 3200 with no boosted modes, versus the Fuji’s maximum of 1600 ISO with a boosted 3200. Practically, this means Samsung might perform a bit better in low light, but both will show noticeable noise beyond ISO 800.
• Sensor Technology: Both use CCD sensors which tend to have a warmer color response but higher noise levels at high ISOs compared to modern CMOS. The FujiFilm sensor is known for balanced colors but lacks a raw capture option.

While neither is a powerhouse for low-light photography, Samsung’s higher native ISO ceiling and superior resolution give it an edge in terms of image quality and flexibility.

Lens and Zoom Capability: Versatility in Framing

Your lens defines what stories you can tell visually. Both cameras come with fixed, non-interchangeable lenses boasting a 5× optical zoom range, but featured focal lengths and apertures diverge.

Real-World Lens Performance

The FujiFilm's 28mm wide angle is decent for travel and snapshots but falls short for tight indoor group shots or expansive landscapes. Its maximum aperture of f/2.6 at wide-angle helps for basic low-light but rapidly closes to f/6.2 at telephoto, limiting depth of field control and indoor zoom shots.

Samsung improves slightly with a 25mm wide end - offering a broader angle to capture more in frame - and an equally bright f/2.5 aperture wide open. Its lens also reaches closer focusing distances at 5cm macro mode, beneficial if you enjoy close-up photography.

A crucial advantage for Samsung is its Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) which noticeably improves sharpness handheld at longer focal lengths or in lower light conditions by compensating small shakes.

If your photography often involves casual close-ups or moderate telephoto zoom, Samsung’s lens and stabilization system make it a more versatile choice.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Reliability Matter

Crisp images hinge on accurate and speedy autofocus (AF), especially for moving subjects or dynamic scenarios like street or sports photography.

Field Testing Notes

FujiFilm users might feel limited with the JX300’s autofocus: contrast detection only, lacking face or eye detection aids, and a slow continuous shooting rate (1 fps). This translates to perceptible hunting in low contrast or busy scenes, making it challenging to capture fleeting moments or moving subjects.

The Samsung, although unspecified for continuous fps, features face detection and multi-area AF, making it more adept at quickly locking focus on faces and subjects. Its tracking mode intelligently follows moving subjects - a handy feature for casual action or street photography.

Neither is geared for fast-paced sports or wildlife photography, but Samsung's autofocus system offers more confidence for general-purpose shooting.

Display and User Interface: How You See Your Images

Visual feedback is vital for composing and reviewing images, especially when shooting outdoors or in rapidly changing conditions.

In our tests, the Samsung DV300F's higher resolution LCD presents images and menus more crisply, with better visibility in bright daylight. The slightly larger screen size also offers a more immersive preview experience.

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, so relying on the LCD in direct sunlight might challenge image review. Neither provides touch capability - the interface operation depends on push-button navigation, which worked adequately for us in most lighting scenarios.

For users valuing screen clarity and ease of use when framing or viewing shots, Samsung has a clear advantage here.

Image and Video Quality in Different Photography Genres

Understanding the practical potential of these cameras means testing them across multiple photography types. Here's how they stack up in various scenarios:

Portrait Photography

• FujiFilm JX300: Without face/eye detection AF and with slower focusing speeds, capturing sharp portraits demands careful manual patience. The sensor renders natural skin tones but limited aperture range restricts bokeh creativity.
• Samsung DV300F: Face detection simplifies portraiture, and slightly better resolution delivers sharper details. OIS helps maintain image clarity at slower shutter speeds indoors.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras’ 1/2.3” CCD sensors limit dynamic range compared to larger sensor cameras.
• Samsung’s wider 25mm provides better framing for vast landscapes.
• Neither camera has weather sealing - wild outdoor shoots should be cautious.

Wildlife Photography

• Neither is ideal due to slow focusing and limited burst capabilities.
• Samsung’s tracking AF and longer maximum shutter speed aid a bit but fall short for fast action.

Sports Photography

• Both cameras struggle; Fuji's 1 fps burst and Samsung's unspecified slow shooting speed restrict capturing decisive action.
• Lack of manual exposure adjustments inhibits creative control.

Street Photography

• Fuji’s compact, slightly chunkier body is less discreet.
• Samsung’s slimmer profile and faster AF enhance candid shooting.
• Both handle low light poorly; Samsung’s higher ISO helps somewhat.

Macro Photography

• Samsung’s closer 5cm macro focus distance and OIS make it notably superior for close-ups.
• Fuji’s 10cm minimum macro distance is somewhat limiting.

Night and Astrophotography

• Neither camera’s small CCD sensor nor ISO performance suits demanding night or astro shooting.
• Blur and noise dominate images beyond ISO 400–800.

Video Capabilities

Samsung’s video codec and stabilization deliver smoother HD video recordings, whereas Fuji’s MJPEG compression leads to larger files and lower efficiency.

Travel Photography

Both cameras are compact and lightweight, but Samsung's slightly larger screen, OIS, and higher ISO ceiling make it more versatile and reliable for travel scenarios including casual landscapes, street, and low-light snaps.

Professional and Workflow Considerations

• Neither model supports RAW, limiting post-processing flexibility.
• Both save images exclusively in JPEG.
• Battery life differs slightly; Fuji rated at 180 shots per charge (battery pack), Samsung unspecified but uses BP88 battery with similar performance.
• Storage options vary: Fuji supports SD/SDHC, Samsung supports MicroSD/MicroSDHC plus internal storage.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Factors

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or rugged build features like dustproofing or water resistance. This limits suitability in harsh or extreme outdoor conditions.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Samsung’s built-in Wi-Fi provides a modern advantage, enabling easy wireless image sharing, a handy feature for on-the-go photographers or social media enthusiasts.

Price and Value Analysis

When originally released, the FujiFilm FinePix JX300 came in around $110, while the Samsung DV300F retailed near $200 - nearly double the price.

Which Offers the Better Value?

• FujiFilm JX300 fits best if your budget is tight and your needs are basic snapshot photography.
• Samsung DV300F, while pricier, packs more features: higher resolution sensor, optical stabilization, face detection AF, better video codec, and wireless connectivity.

Our experience suggests the added versatility and performance justify Samsung’s higher investment for most users looking beyond a simple point-and-shoot.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

For beginners seeking an ultra-affordable compact camera, the FujiFilm JX300 offers straightforward shooting with decent image quality in good light. However, its lack of stabilization, slow autofocus, and limited video functionality mean it’s best for casual, unhurried photography.

The Samsung DV300F shines as the stronger compact, delivering important upgrades in image quality, autofocus reliability, and user convenience like Wi-Fi. If you’re someone who values sharper portraits, wants to shoot closer macro images, or intends to share photos wirelessly, Samsung is the better investment.

Scoring and Objective Ratings

The Samsung DV300F consistently scores higher in resolution, autofocus, and video capabilities.

This breakdown clarifies each model’s relative strengths in practical use cases.

Sample Shots From Both Cameras

FujiFilm JX300 front FujiFilm JX300 screen back Samsung DV300F front Samsung DV300F screen back

Notice Samsung’s advantage in sharpness, color accuracy, and low-light performance, particularly in portraits and macro shots.

Looking Ahead: Should You Consider These Cameras Today?

While both cameras provide valuable learning platforms in the compact category, remember these models are from the early 2010s. Sensor and processing improvements have rapidly progressed since.

If buying used or on a budget, the Samsung DV300F currently presents a more balanced offering for casual to enthusiast compact photography. But for the best value and longevity, we encourage evaluating newer entry-level mirrorless or advanced compacts that offer larger sensors, RAW support, and modern connectivity.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Compact Camera Experience

• Use ISO 100-400 for optimal image quality.
• Take advantage of the self-timer modes for stability on group shots.
• Experiment with macro settings - Samsung’s 5cm focusing can unveil creative possibilities.
• For better handheld clarity at telephoto, Samsung’s OIS helps reduce blur.
• Back up frequently to SD cards and familiarize yourself with your camera’s menu system to avoid missed shots.

For creative photography journeys, hands-on experience remains key - so get out there, shoot regularly, and refine your eye for composition and light.

Conclusion

Between these two, your choice depends on budget constraints and feature priorities. The FujiFilm JX300 is a friendly entry point but feels limited in today’s photography landscape. The Samsung DV300F represents a meaningful step up in image quality, versatility, and user experience without overwhelming complexity.

Whichever you choose, both provide a chance to explore photography fundamentals in a pocketable form. Combine your choice with good technique, steady hands, and an adventurous spirit, and you’ll find plenty of rewarding opportunities behind the lens.

Happy shooting!

Check out the cameras in person if possible, explore compatible accessories like memory cards and cases, and consider your long-term photography ambitions. This informed approach ensures you select a camera that genuinely supports your creative vision.