Fujifilm A100 vs Samsung SL202: An Expert Comparison for Compact Camera Buyers

When you’re scouting for a compact camera, especially models released around 2009, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by specifications and marketing promises. That’s why we’ve put two notable small-sensor compacts - the Fujifilm FinePix A100 and the Samsung SL202 (also known as the PL50) - under our expert microscope. Both pack 10-megapixel CCD sensors and share a similar compact form factor, but how do they fare across various photography disciplines and real-world scenarios?

Drawing from hands-on testing and a deep dive into their tech, ergonomics, usability, and image quality, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know - from portraits and landscapes to video performance and travel practicality.

Let’s break it down so you can confidently choose the right companion for your creative adventures.

Size, Build, and Handling - How These Cameras Feel in Your Hands

Both cameras target beginners and casual shooters looking for straightforward operation in a pocketable design. The Fujifilm A100 and Samsung SL202 weigh less than 200 grams and share near-identical physical footprints, making them easy to slip into your bag or even a larger pocket.

• Fujifilm A100: At just 124 grams, it edges out the Samsung by a noticeable margin, making it a great option if minimal weight is a priority.
• Samsung SL202: Weighs about 168 grams, with practically the same width and height but slightly thicker, at 23mm vs. 22mm on the A100. It feels a touch bulkier, but still very much within comfortable compact territory.

While neither camera features premium metal bodies, they both have sturdy polycarbonate shells. Neither offers weather sealing or special protection, so be mindful of dusty or wet environments.

Looking at layout and control:

• The Fujifilm A100 sports a minimalist button design - no manual focus, no exposure compensation, or priority modes.
• The Samsung SL202 includes slightly more user-friendly physical controls, such as a dedicated white balance setting, and features face detection autofocus.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder or articulated screen, both limited to a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with 230k dots resolution.

Sensor and Image Quality - The Heart of Your Photos

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with a resolution of 10 megapixels, typical for compact cameras of the era, and produce images at 3648×2736 pixels.

Key technical points:

The identical sensor size limits their low-light prowess compared to larger sensor compacts or mirrorless cameras, but CCD sensors tend to have pleasant color rendition and lower noise at base ISOs.

We observed that Samsung’s SL202, assisted by face detection autofocus, generally produces more vibrant skin tones and marginally sharper details in daylight conditions. The Fujifilm A100’s images are a bit softer, partly influenced by its 36-107mm (equivalent) lens’s narrower maximum aperture (F3.1-5.6) compared to Samsung’s F2.8-5.7, especially at the wide end.

Sample images illustrate this well:

Fujifilm A100 front Fujifilm A100 screen back Samsung SL202 front Samsung SL202 screen back

This comparison is crucial for portrait photographers, where skin tone accuracy and bokeh quality matter.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance - Speed Meets Precision?

Neither camera features manual focus or advanced autofocus modes like continuous AF or AF tracking. Both rely on contrast detection and single-point focus.

The Samsung SL202’s face detection AF offers a noticeable advantage for casual portraits and street photography, improving focus accuracy on people’s faces without user intervention.

Neither camera supports high-speed burst modes or continuous AF, limiting their capacity for wildlife or sports photography where fast-moving subjects require predictive tracking and faster frame rates.

Lens and Zoom - Versatility in Focal Length and Aperture

The lens focal lengths and apertures determine how flexible a compact camera is across genres.

Samsung’s wider angle at 28mm equivalent allows more expansive landscape and street shots, while Fujifilm starts at 36mm, which is a bit more cropped and less versatile in tight spaces.

Samsung’s brighter aperture of F2.8 vs Fujifilm’s F3.1 at the wide end assists low-light shooting and provides slightly shallower depth-of-field effect, albeit still limited on these sensor sizes.

For macro, both offer a 5cm focus limit, which is respectable for casual flower and close-up photography, but neither features image stabilization, placing the onus on you to keep steady shots.

Displays and User Interface - Viewing and Adjusting Your Shots

Both cameras share a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k dots resolution - modest by modern standards but typical of the period.

The Samsung SL202 offers a more refined menu system with straightforward access to white balance, flash modes, and face detection toggles. Fujifilm’s menus are simpler, targeted for ease of use but less customizable.

Neither model features touchscreen operation, limiting their interface responsiveness.

Video Capabilities - Casual Clips or Creative Vlogging Starter Kits?

Video recording is a secondary feature on both cameras, offering only low-resolution Motion JPEG formats.

Samsung offers slightly more variety in frame rates at lower resolutions - a minor edge if you want smoother slow-motion effects or better adaptability.

Neither camera supports HD video, microphone input, or advanced exposure control during recording. They are more suited for occasional, casual videos rather than serious content creation.

Battery Life and Storage - Power to Keep Shooting?

Battery life details are not officially specified for Fujifilm A100 but both cameras utilize proprietary rechargeable batteries.

The Samsung SL202 battery provides decent usage yields consistent with compact CCD cameras of the time, but the Fujifilm’s unlisted battery model makes replacement or spares more difficult.

Both accept SD/SDHC cards, giving plenty of flexibility for storage, though neither supports newer cards or dual slots.

Connectivity and Extra Features - What’s Missing?

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, reflecting their release time and market segment.

They both provide basic USB 2.0 for image transfer but lack HDMI out or GPS tagging.

Flash options are robust in both cameras with modes covering auto, red-eye reduction, and slow sync. Samsung edges out slightly further with “Red-Eye Fix” and Fill-in flash settings.

Real-World Photography Use Cases - Where Do They Shine?

Let’s explore how these two cameras measure up across the most popular photography types.

Portrait Photography

• Samsung SL202 is your better pick thanks to:

  • Face detection autofocus delivering reliable eye/face focusing.
  • Brighter lens opening at F2.8 lets you isolate subjects better with shallow depth of field.
  • Slightly more saturated and pleasing skin tone rendering.

• Fujifilm A100 produces softer images, which might appeal if you seek a gentle skin tone, but the lack of face-detection AF is a limitation.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung SL202’s 28mm wide-angle lens is preferable for capturing expansive vistas and architectural scenes.
• Both cameras offer similar resolution and dynamic range typical of their CCD sensors. Neither has explicit weather sealing, so care is needed outdoors.
• Lack of manual exposure modes and RAW support limits creative control and post-processing flexibility.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

These cameras are not suited to demanding action photography due to:

• Slow autofocus (single AF only).
• No burst or continuous shooting.
• Limited telephoto reach (maximum approx 102-107mm equivalent).
• No manual controls for fine tuning exposure.

Street Photography

• The Fujifilm A100’s slightly smaller size and lower weight can be less obtrusive for candid shots.
• Both cameras are quiet with basic shutter sound.
• Samsung’s face detection AF can help catch quick portraits spontaneously, though slower AF overall could miss fleeting moments.
• Low-light performance on both is limited, but Samsung’s wider aperture helps.

Macro Photography

Both offer 5cm minimum focusing distance, but no image stabilization demands careful technique in handheld shots.

Neither features focus peaking or manual focus, limiting precision.

Night and Astrophotography

• CCD sensor with ISO max 1600 provides limited high-ISO performance.
• No bulb mode or longer exposures beyond 8 seconds (A100) / 8 seconds (SL202).
• No in-camera noise reduction options.
• Best suited for casual night scenes, not serious astro shooting.

Video Recording

Both support standard definition video only. The Samsung offers some frame rate flexibility at reduced resolutions but lacks audio input or stabilization.

If video is essential, neither camera is recommended.

Travel Photography

• Fujifilm’s lightweight and compact size favor grab-and-go travel photography.
• Samsung’s wider lens and face detection AF help more versatile shooting in varying conditions.
• Both have modest battery lives and basic connectivity, so packing extra batteries and SD cards is advised.

Professional Work

• Neither camera supports RAW files or advanced exposure controls, features critical for professional workflows.
• Both lack rugged build and weather sealing.
• They can serve as casual backup cameras but are not primary tools for demanding professional assignments.

Performance Ratings and Summary

Below is a holistic performance snapshot based on our testing methodology that evaluates sensor performance, autofocus accuracy, ergonomics, and feature sets.

And here is a genre-specific breakdown, showing the practical user strengths:

Final Thoughts - Who Should Buy Which?

If you want an ultra-portable camera primarily for snapshots in good light, the Fujifilm A100 is a neat, affordable choice, especially if found used.

If you prefer a compact with extra autofocus intelligence and a wider lens for portraits or landscapes, Samsung SL202 brings more usable features for beginners willing to spend a bit more.

Getting Started and Next Steps

Whichever camera you lean towards, remember:

• Carry extra batteries and SD cards to avoid interruptions.
• Experiment with the face detection and scene modes to ease learning.
• Invest in a protective case to protect these uncompromising compacts.
• For improved image quality, practice optimal lighting and framing techniques.
• Explore accessory options (tripods, filters) designed for compact cameras to elevate your creative experience.

Image Gallery Recap

To revisit their outputs and handling firsthand, check the images below:

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5. Fujifilm A100 front Fujifilm A100 screen back Samsung SL202 front Samsung SL202 screen back

Trust Our Experience

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the years, we emphasize practical performance and real-world insights over specs alone. Both the Fujifilm FinePix A100 and Samsung SL202 have their places as accessibly priced, easy-to-use compacts for budding photographers or casual users, but understanding their limitations helps you set achievable creative goals.

Explore your options, try handling these models if possible, and consider what features serve your preferred shooting style best.

Happy shooting on your photography journey!