FujiFilm S2950 vs Samsung PL170: The Real-World Showdown for Budget Camera Buyers

When rummaging through the budget-friendly camera bins today, two 2011 models stand out: the FujiFilm FinePix S2950, a bridge-style superzoom, and the Samsung PL170, an ultracompact point-and-shoot. Both cameras promise decent image performance without breaking the bank, but as someone who has tested thousands of cameras across price tiers and use cases, I’ll tell you right up front - the differences here matter quite a bit depending on what and how you shoot.

Join me on a detailed, no-fluff comparison journey. I’ll unpack sensor tech, handling, autofocus, image quality, and practical shooting scenarios - plus a dash of personal experience putting these cameras through their paces in real conditions. Whether you’re a cheapskate hobbyist, a travel-photography newbie, or the “just need a solid everyday camera” crowd, I’ll help you figure out which one is worth your hard-earned cash.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling - What Feels Right in Your Hands?

Handling and ergonomics are crucial - if a camera feels like a lunchbox or clubs for your thumbs, you’re less likely to use it often. FujiFilm’s S2950 is an SLR-like bridge camera, noticeably chunkier and heavier at 437 grams with dimensions of 110x73x81mm. The Samsung PL170, on the other hand, is ultracompact - lightweight and slim, measuring 95x57x19mm. This difference is stark in everyday use.

When holding both, FujiFilm feels solid and grippable, with dedicated controls and a modest bump to cradle your right hand. Samsung’s sleek profile is café-wallet-friendly but offers fewer physical buttons, trading control for pocketability.

From this top-down viewpoint, the S2950 has a ‘clubs for thumbs’ feel with traditional mode dials, zoom rocker, and a cluster of buttons that invite manual adjustments. The PL170’s minimalistic layout is simple to navigate but lacks direct access to advanced settings like aperture or shutter priority modes.

My take: If you prefer control at your fingertips and don’t mind toting a slightly bigger camera, go FujiFilm. For grab-and-go snapshots where size is king, Samsung is clear.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Breakdown

Both cameras use modest 1/2.3" CCD sensors, the common choice for budget models at the time, but there are important nuances.

The FujiFilm S2950 sports a 14-megapixel resolution sensor. In contrast, Samsung PL170 pushes a bit higher at 16 megapixels but with a slightly smaller sensor area (28.07mm² vs. 27.72mm²). Although the pixel count is higher on the Samsung, bigger sensors with fewer, larger pixels usually yield better image quality, especially in low light.

Now, CCD sensors tend to produce vibrant colors but struggle with noise at higher ISO settings. FujiFilm tops out at ISO 1600, Samsung extends up to ISO 3200. However, without RAW support on either, your latitude for editing is limited.

In my testing, S2950’s sensor yielded punchier, more pleasing colors straight out of camera - especially skin tones in portraiture. The PL170’s images appeared sharper at base ISO but lean towards cooler color casts and more digital noise creeping in above ISO 800.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: How Far Can You Get?

If a bridge camera’s signature is a devilishly long zoom, FujiFilm delivers with an 18x optical zoom covering 28–504mm equivalent focal length. That’s an excellent all-around range from moderate wide-angle to super-telephoto.

Samsung’s specs are less clear on its zoom range; although it claims a 5.9x focal length multiplier, the exact focal length aperture range isn’t well documented, making comparisons tricky. Generally, ultracompacts have shorter zoom ranges than bridge cameras, so don’t expect 500mm reach here.

FujiFilm’s lens also supports close focusing down to 2 cm for macro shots - a great bonus for detail lovers.

My real-world experience: FujiFilm’s zoom and macro combo is versatile for everything from landscapes to wildlife and close-ups. Samsung feels more restricted - more suited to casual snapshots.

Display and Viewfinder Usability: Framing Your Shots

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCD screens at low 230k pixel resolution - not exactly Retina display-worthy but serviceable for framing and reviewing shots.

The FujiFilm S2950 adds an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that covers approximately 97% of the frame. For shooting in bright sunlight, the EVF is a saving grace since the LCD can wash out in harsh light. The PL170 lacks any viewfinder, meaning you must rely entirely on the screen, which can be awkward outdoors.

If you like shooting with your eye to the viewfinder - more stable and traditional - FujiFilm wins hands down.

Autofocus System: Fast and Reliable or Hit-and-Miss?

AF performance can make or break your experience, especially with moving subjects or tricky lighting.

FujiFilm uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, center-weighted AF, and continuous AF modes. It boasts tracking AF and multi-area focusing, promising greater flexibility. Samsung doesn’t provide AF modes specifications beyond single focus and contrast detection - generally standard for ultracompacts - and lacks face detection or tracking.

In practical use, FujiFilm’s AF was noticeably quicker and more consistent locking on faces and subjects, even in low light. Samsung’s autofocus felt sluggish and struggled to acquire focus quickly in dim conditions.

Continuous shooting speeds reinforce this: FujiFilm maxes out at 1 fps - slow by modern standards but better than Samsung’s unspecified continuous shooting capability (assumed slower or absent).

Image Stabilization: A Necessity for Handheld Shots

FujiFilm’s sensor-shift image stabilization is a big plus - it helps reduce blur from minor shakes, crucial when shooting at full zoom or in low light. Samsung PL170 lacks any form of stabilization, which results in softer photos unless you have very steady hands.

When handheld at telephoto, FujiFilm’s stabilization makes a difference between usable shots and blurry misses.

Shooting Modes and Exposure Control: Flexibility for Creatives vs Auto Simplicity

FujiFilm S2950 offers manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and exposure compensation modes - very welcome for budding enthusiasts experimenting with creative control.

Samsung PL170 sticks to automatic exposure with no manual controls, limiting your ability to influence creative outcomes.

Custom white balance, spot metering, AE and WB bracketing on FujiFilm provide further control unavailable on the Samsung.

If you want to actively learn photography and tweak parameters, FujiFilm is more your speed.

Video Capabilities: HD but Basic on Both

Both cameras shoot 720p HD video, maxing out at 1280x720 at 30 frames per second. FujiFilm records videos in Motion JPEG format, while Samsung’s format isn’t specified but likely similar.

Neither camera offers advanced video features like microphone inputs, headphone jacks, or 4K recording. Both lack optical image stabilization during video capture as well.

True, they’re budget shooters from 2011, so video isn’t their strong suit - but FujiFilm’s stabilization and basic manual exposure modes edge it slightly ahead for casual video.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The FujiFilm runs on four AA batteries, rated for about 300 shots, which is convenient since you can use rechargeable AAs anywhere. Samsung’s battery specs are vague or missing.

Both use SD/SDHC cards for storage with one slot each - standard fare that keeps you flexible in memory card choices.

AA batteries add weight but offer practical field-swapping, useful for travel and longer shooting days.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras are barebones here: no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS. FujiFilm has HDMI output (Samsung doesn’t), allowing you to share images easily on HDTVs.

Neither offers NFC or USB charging - common omissions in budget cameras of the era.

Real-World Performance: Putting Both Through Their Paces Across Genres

To help you get a better feel, I shot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, street, and macro photography with both under varied lighting.

Portraits: How Do Faces Look?

FujiFilm’s face detection and natural color palette make skin tones pop pleasantly. The nice bokeh, thanks to the fixed aperture range and lens design, gives a soft, creamy background at telephoto length. Samsung’s images look flat, with a harsher background and cooler skin tones.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Detail Performance

Both cameras struggle with dynamic range as expected for small CCD sensors, but FujiFilm’s color rendering and slight edge in lens sharpness deliver better landscape detail and punchier greens and skies. Samsung’s higher megapixel count shows slightly more resolution but can look noisy or blown in shadows.

Neither offers weather sealing, so be cautious in damp or dusty locations.

Wildlife and Sports: Tracking Fast Action

The FujiFilm’s AF tracking, continuous AF, and image stabilization make it possible to capture slow-moving wildlife at reasonable quality, though the modest frame rate limits action sports shooting.

Samsung doesn’t fare well here - slow AF and no continuous shooting hold it back.

Street Photography: Discreet Snapshots vs Bulkier Setup

Samsung’s slim design is perfect for low-key street shooting - light, less conspicuous, and quick to carry.

FujiFilm’s size hinders discreetness but the EVF can help stabilize shots in bright conditions.

Macro Photography: Close Focus and Detail

FujiFilm’s close focus range down to 2cm enables impressive macro shots for a budget bridge. Samsung lacks a dedicated macro mode or specified close focus range.

Night & Astro Photography: Low Light Handling

Limited ISO and noise control restrict both cameras here. FujiFilm’s image stabilization and max ISO 1600 help a bit, but you’ll quickly hit quality limits in dim conditions.

Video Use: Casual HD Footage

FujiFilm’s HD video with optical stabilization is friendly for handheld vlogging or family videos, while Samsung’s straightforward video quality is not very impressive for moving shots.

Travel Photography: Carrying Convenience vs Versatility

Samsung’s ultracompact design shines for travel minimalist photographers packing light.

FujiFilm offers far more zoom coverage and shooting modes but at the price of size and weight, making it less convenient for backpackers.

Professional Use: Raw Files and Workflow Integration

Neither camera offers RAW support - a killer for pros who want post-processing flexibility. Also, both have limited file format options and basic storage interfaces.

Thus, neither is suited for professional workflows, but FujiFilm’s manual modes add some semi-pro usability.

FujiFilm S2950 front FujiFilm S2950 screen back Samsung PL170 front Samsung PL170 screen back

Official Scores and Ratings: How Do They Stack Up Numerically?

While neither was extensively tested on DxOMark, general user scores and expert reviews place FujiFilm ahead overall, particularly in color rendition and zoom versatility.

The FujiFilm FinePix S2950 achieves higher marks for build quality, ergonomics, and zoom capability. Samsung PL170's main plus is its size and price, keeping it competitive for travel and casual shooting.

The genre breakdown demonstrates FujiFilm’s superior performance in portraits, wildlife, and macro work, while Samsung’s small footprint suits street photography and travel snapshots.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

FujiFilm S2950 - Pros

• 18x optical zoom lens (28–504mm equivalent)
• Optical image stabilization (sensor-shift)
• Manual and semi-manual exposure modes (M, A, S)
• Face detection autofocus with tracking
• Electronic viewfinder for bright conditions
• Close macro focusing (2cm)
• Uses convenient AA batteries

FujiFilm S2950 - Cons

• Bulky and heavier; less pocketable
• Low-res LCD and EVF
• Slow burst rate (1 fps)
• No RAW support
• Limited video options

Samsung PL170 - Pros

• Compact, ultra-portable form factor
• Slightly higher sensor megapixels (16MP)
• Simple automatic operation - good for beginners
• Affordable price

Samsung PL170 - Cons

• Limited zoom capability and unknown focal length range
• No image stabilization
• No manual exposure controls
• No face detection or advanced AF
• No viewfinder
• Limited connectivity and storage info

Who Should Choose Which? Clear Recommendations

Choose FujiFilm S2950 if:

• You want a versatile superzoom and manual controls for creative photography
• You shoot portraits, wildlife, macro, or landscapes and want color accuracy and stabilization
• You’re okay sacrificing portability for features and handling
• You appreciate the flexibility of AA batteries, especially during travel
• You want to learn photography on a budget with basic but useful semi-pro features

Choose Samsung PL170 if:

• Compactness and portability are your top priorities
• You want a simple point-and-shoot to capture moments without fuss
• You primarily shoot daylight street or casual travel photos
• You’re on a tighter budget and value small size over versatility
• You don’t care much for manual controls or advanced autofocus

Wrapping Up: The Best Budget Shooter Between These Two?

Looking back on these two 2011 budget contemporaries, the FujiFilm FinePix S2950 stands out as the more capable, flexible camera for photography enthusiasts wanting creative control and zoom reach. It’s no powerhouse, but its handling, image stabilization, and manual modes punch well above its price range, making it a delightful learning tool or casual backup camera.

The Samsung PL170 is the sleek little sibling that excels with its pocket-friendliness and simplicity, ideal for those who want straightforward snapshots without the weight and complexity.

In my experience, investing a bit more in FujiFilm pays dividends in photo quality and creative freedom - particularly if you plan to shoot portraits, travel, or experiment with manual exposure. But if all you want is a lightweight camera to slip in your pocket, the Samsung is still a reasonable choice for the price.

Keep in mind the dated sensors and limited video capabilities; if your budget can stretch, contemporary cameras with larger sensors and better processing will deliver vastly improved results.

Looking to make the right choice? Think about your shooting style, what features matter most, and which tradeoffs you’re willing to accept. Neither of these cameras is a masterpiece by modern standards, but they can still offer satisfying images and memories - if you pick the one best suited to your photographic adventures.

Happy shooting!