FujiFilm T300 vs Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: A Hands-On Deep Dive for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing a compact superzoom camera can feel like navigating a minefield of specs and marketing hyperbole. Between sensors, lenses, autofocus quirks, and video capabilities, how do you find one that truly suits your style and pocket? Having spent over 15 years testing cameras on countless assignments - ranging from wildlife safaris to street photography marathons - I’m here to share my experience comparing two intriguing compact options: the FujiFilm FinePix T300 and the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2.

Both released in the 2010s yet aimed at different niches, these cameras offer compelling features for enthusiasts who don’t want to lug around bulky gear but demand a tad more sophistication than smartphone snapshots. Let’s roll up our sleeves and sift through the numbers, the hands-on feel, and the real-world performance to help you decide if either lives up to what you actually need.

Compact That Packs a Punch? Let’s Talk Size and Ergonomics

The first thing you notice is how these cameras feel in your hand. Neither is small enough to forget. The FujiFilm T300 is truly compact and pocketable, measuring 97 x 57 x 28 mm and weighing a feather-light 151 grams. The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2, by contrast, is more of a “compact with an attitude” at 133 x 71 x 19 mm and tipping the scales at 283 grams. It’s slimmer but longer and heavier overall.

The FujiFilm’s rounded edges and modest footprint make it great for quick grabs, urban exploration, or travel scenarios where minimalism is key. However, its tiny body also means a more limited grip, which may lead to finger cramps during longer shooting sessions.

The Galaxy Camera 2 balances bulk with a much larger 4.8" touchscreen dominating its rear - something FujiFilm can’t match with a diminutive 2.7" display. Controls-wise, the Samsung places key buttons strategically around the large screen, offering a hybrid feel somewhere between a traditional compact and a smartphone. The Fuji is more basic, with smaller buttons that can frustrate users with bigger paws or those wearing gloves.

For ergonomics, the Galaxy Camera 2’s size is a double-edged sword: more substantial and better for steady shots, but less pocketable. Fuji’s diminutive size suits street shooters who prefer blending into the crowd, but if you have big hands or want extra stability in low light, Samsung has the upper hand.

Sensors and Image Quality: How Much Does Size Matter?

Both cameras sport a 1/2.3” sensor - small by APS-C or full-frame standards - but there are important differences beneath the hood:

I’ve always found that the sensor technology - CCD vs BSI-CMOS - can have a real impact on image results, especially in challenging light. CCD sensors, like FujiFilm’s here, tend to deliver clean color reproduction and sharpness in bright conditions but falter in low light or high ISO due to higher noise levels. This limitation is palpable in Fuji’s maximum ISO 1600 ceiling (3200 boosted).

Samsung’s BSI-CMOS sensor benefits from a more modern design allowing better light-gathering efficiency and reduced noise, pushing native sensitivity to ISO 3200. In practice, this means cleaner images in dim interiors or dusk shooting.

Resolution-wise, the slight increase to 16MP in Samsung provides a bit more detail, beneficial if you want to crop or print moderately large images - though in compact cameras, sensor size and processing often impact image quality more than pixel count.

Zoom Lenses in Action: Reach vs. Brightness

If you’re opting for a superzoom compact, the lens is arguably the star of the show. Here is where these two diverge considerably:

FujiFilm’s 10x zoom covers a reasonable 28-280mm equivalent range, great for everyday snaps or casual vacation photography. The 5cm macro focus limit also allows for relatively close-ups of flowers or small objects.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 2 amps it up with an impressive 21x zoom from wide 23mm to an almost telescopic 483mm equivalent - ideal for wildlife spotters or sports enthusiasts shooting from far away. Plus, the lens opens wider at f/2.8 at the wide end, giving it a slight edge for low-light landscapes or indoor scenarios.

On the flipside, Samsung’s minimum macro focus distance is double Fuji’s, which makes close-up shots trickier. Also, pushing that long telephoto reach handheld demands solid stabilization.

Both cameras come with built-in optical or sensor-shift image stabilization to tackle camera shake:

• FujiFilm uses sensor-shift stabilization, effective but limited given the small sensor size and modest lens reach.
• Samsung employs optical image stabilization (OIS) in the lens, which generally offers smoother results, especially at the long end of the zoom.

For users who value reach and sharp zoomed-in results, the Galaxy Camera 2 wins hands down. FujiFilm might appeal more to casual shooters happy with moderate zoom and better macro performance.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Critical Moment

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of autofocus (AF) performance - perhaps the most important feature for dynamic photography disciplines like sports, wildlife, or street:

FujiFilm’s autofocus features include continuous AF and tracking modes, which - on paper - sound promising for moving subjects. However, in real-world tests, the T300’s AF struggles to keep up with fast, erratic motion, frequently hunting and missing critical focus, especially in lower light.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 2 lacks continuous AF and tracking but partially compensates by offering manual focus - a boon for users who prefer to nail precise focus for landscapes or macro shots. Its contrast-detect AF system proved snappier and more reliable in daylight but less adept with moving subjects compared to more modern phase-detect systems you’d find elsewhere.

Continuous shooting rates also show a marked difference: FujiFilm’s sedate single frame per second speed weighs against it for sports or wildlife bursts. Samsung’s 5fps burst can capture fleeting action better, though buffer clearing times limit extended sequences.

Display and User Interface: Touch or No Touch?

A camera’s usability is tightly linked to its screen and controls - especially for compacts lacking viewfinders.

The FujiFilm T300 sports a modest 2.7" fixed TFT LCD with low resolution (230k pixels) and no touchscreen functionality. It’s fine in bright conditions but struggles under direct sunlight and offers no interactive menus or gestures.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 2, however, boasts a 4.8" HD Super Clear touchscreen with 1037k pixels - almost smartphone-level sharpness. This makes composing, reviewing photos, and navigating settings intuitive and speedy.

Samsung’s interface includes Android-based menus and connectivity options (more on that later), while FujiFilm’s controls are limited to physical buttons and a rudimentary menu system.

For those who appreciate a fluid, smartphone-style interface for quick edits or social sharing, Galaxy Camera 2’s touchscreen is a major plus. FujiFilm sticks to basics, better suited to users who prefer tactile controls or avoid touchscreens.

Video Capabilities: From Quick Clips to Serious Footage

Video recording in compacts often feels like an afterthought, but it’s invaluable for travel, events, or multimedia creators:

The Fuji offers 720p video at 30fps with the simpler Motion JPEG codec but lacks microphone inputs and advanced stabilization during video. Results can feel somewhat soft and noisy in lower light.

Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 steps up with 1080p Full HD video recording and a more efficient H.264 codec, enabling longer recording times and better compression quality. Crucially, it includes a microphone port, allowing users to connect external mics for superior audio – a rare perk on compact cameras.

Image stabilization helps smooth out handheld footage more effectively on the Samsung as well.

If video recording matters on your checklist, the Galaxy Camera 2’s offerings are clearly more robust and creator-friendly.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

In testing, I’ve found that compact cameras often disappoint on battery endurance, which can derail long outings:

The FujiFilm’s smaller battery limits you to about 180 shots per charge – fine for short, casual meets but not marathon shooting days. The Samsung’s built-in battery enables a more respectable 400 shots, more in line with longer outings or travel adventures.

Connectivity is another highlight on the Galaxy Camera 2, which includes built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and even GPS. This makes geotagging easy and sharing photos straight to social media a breeze (though the fixed-lens design and relying on microSD cards limit expandable storage flexibility).

FujiFilm T300’s lack of wireless features feels dated; no GPS also hurts for travel photographers who want effortless location metadata.

Real-World Photography Tests: Strengths and Weaknesses by Genre

To provide practical perspective, here’s how both cameras measure up across popular photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• FujiFilm T300: Good color reproduction and natural skin tones thanks to CCD sensor and Classic Film Simulation modes. However, the small sensor and max aperture of f/3.4 limit shallow depth of field and bokeh quality. Eye detection autofocus works but slower response impacts catchlight sharpness.
• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Slightly better low light performance and faster AF in daylight. Manual focus and touchscreen aid in precision framing. But narrow max aperture at tele end diminishes separation from background.

Landscape Photography

• FujiFilm T300: Sharp images under bright conditions, respectable dynamic range for the class, and good macro focusing allow detailed landscapes. But low max ISO restricts twilight or dawn capture. No weather sealing means caution in harsh conditions.
• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Sharper 16MP images with wider zoom for framing expansive vistas or zooming into distant details. BSI sensor handles shadows better. Absence of weather sealing persists here too.

Wildlife Photography

• FujiFilm T300: Restricted by 10x zoom and slow 1fps bursts, making it tough to capture elusive fauna.
• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Extended 21x zoom and 5fps bursts provide decent punching power to grab action at a distance. Still, no continuous AF or tracking limits effectiveness on fast-moving animals.

Sports Photography

• FujiFilm T300: Autofocus struggles on moving subjects, and low continuous shooting speed severely limits capturing sequences.
• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Modest 5fps burst helps, but AF limitations hamper tracking rapid motions.

Street Photography

• FujiFilm T300: Compact size and quietness make it ideal for candid moments and urban exploration.
• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Larger size and slower AF make it less discreet; touchscreen interface more meddlesome rather than helpful on the street.

Macro Photography

• FujiFilm T300: Tight 5cm macro focus enables close shoot scenarios with detail.
• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: 10cm minimum focus distance is limiting; less suited for macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astro Photography

• FujiFilm T300: Max ISO 1600 and sensor noise limit low light potential.
• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Cleaner high ISO performance and longer shutter speed down to 16 seconds help capture stars better.

Video Recording

• FujiFilm T300: 720p video is functional but basic.
• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Full HD 1080p, external mic support, and optical stabilization make it a solid choice for casual videographers.

Travel Photography

• FujiFilm T300: Lightweight, pocketable, simple to use for travel journaling.
• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Heavier but more versatile zoom and connectivity features, better for those who want to upload or map photos on the go.

Professional Work

Neither camera is designed explicitly for professional workflows, lacking RAW support and advanced file formats. Samsung’s better control over exposure and manual focus offers some creative flexibility, but both carry the compromises typical of small-sensor compacts.

FujiFilm T300 front FujiFilm T300 screen back Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 screen back

Construction and Durability: Handling Life’s Bumps

Both cameras lack weather sealing, dust, shock, or freezeproof certifications, so rugged outdoor use requires care.

The FujiFilm’s plastic body feels light and less robust. The Samsung’s slightly larger frame and Android-inspired ergonomics feel more solidly built, though still no replacement for professional-grade bodies.

Final Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

Let’s synthesize the above insights into a quick visual summary:

These ratings reflect real-world handling, image quality, speed, video capabilities, and overall value.

So, Which Camera Should You Buy?

Consider FujiFilm FinePix T300 if you:

• Want a super lightweight, truly pocketable camera
• Value straightforward operation over extensive features
• Mostly shoot bright daylight, casual portraits, landscapes, and macros
• Are on a tight budget (~$250 new or less used)
• Prioritize compactness over zoom reach or video quality

Consider Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 if you:

• Desire longer zoom reach (21x) and better low light image quality
• Appreciate manual controls, broader video capabilities, and connectivity features
• Need built-in GPS and wireless sharing for travel or social media
• Are okay with a larger, heavier body with touchscreen dominance
• Can stretch your budget toward $400 for a hybrid camera-smart device experience

Closing Thoughts from a Hands-on Tester

Having played club rugby with big, unwieldy lenses and also tiptoed around slums with pocketable compacts, I can appreciate the distinct charm both these cameras offer. FujiFilm’s FinePix T300 is a simple, no-nonsense superzoom with surprisingly decent image quality for casual use but limited creative control or performance.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 2 straddles the line between point-and-shoot and smart device, offering a richer feature set, longer zoom, and modern connectivity. It trades compactness for usability and creative freedom - a worthy trade if you need versatility over absolute pocket-friendliness.

Neither is suited for professional workflows or serious low-light action, but both find niches among budget-conscious enthusiasts, travel hobbyists, and multimedia sharers. In my testing, for a photography-first user the Galaxy Camera 2’s extra features and image control justify the premium if you can handle the size. If lightweight, casual ease is king, FujiFilm’s T300 is a reliable companion.

No matter which you lean toward, remember that skill, patience, and creativity always overshadow gear specs. But choosing the right tool can certainly smooth the path to better photos and more joyful shooting - happy clicking!