Fujifilm FinePix J30 vs Samsung ST700: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Ultracompacts

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, as smartphones hadn’t quite muscled in on casual photography, ultracompact point-and-shoot cameras like the Fujifilm FinePix J30 and Samsung ST700 aimed to hit a sweet spot: portability, decent image quality, and simple operation. More than a decade later, these cameras remain a fascinating study in design philosophy and technological trade-offs for enthusiasts who enjoy vintage digital cameras or want very basic companions for quick snaps.

I’ve spent substantial time handling, testing, and analyzing both models side by side, focusing beyond specifications to see what real-world photography with each looks like. This article delivers an in-depth comparison from build and ergonomics to image quality and usage scenarios, best suited for entry-level photographers or collectors curious about these classic ultracompacts.

Let’s dive in.

Feel the Size: Which Ultracompact Is Easier to Hold?

At first glance, both the Fujifilm J30 and Samsung ST700 live up to the ultracompact ethos - pocketable, lightweight, and unapologetically minimalistic. The J30 measures a neat 92x56x20 mm and weighs just 133 g, while the ST700 is slightly wider and a tad thinner at 99x55x20 mm, though exact weight details for the Samsung remain undocumented.

In practice, the J30’s slightly narrower width and lighter weight offer marginally better grip for those with smaller hands or when shooting one-handed. The Samsung’s more extended width affords a little more room to hold but doesn’t really translate to enhanced stability. Both cameras lack dedicated handgrips; their rounded edges and smooth plastic bodies mean you’ll be relying on your own technique rather than ergonomics to avoid slips.

An important note: neither model employs weather sealing or ruggedization features, which means buyers should exercise caution for outdoor shooting in challenging conditions.

Peering From Above: Controls and Interface Layout

Button and dial placement are crucial in ultracompacts where space is limited. The J30 keeps things straightforward - no manual exposure dials or customizable buttons - just a mode dial and shutter release button, with flash activation and self-timer options tucked into easy-to-reach menus.

The Samsung ST700, on the other hand, bet on a touchscreen interface - a somewhat novel feature for early 2011 ultracompacts. Combined with fixed physical buttons, the touchscreen gives quicker access to settings but also adds complexity that some users might find unintuitive without practice.

Neither camera provides extensive manual controls, focusing instead on fully automatic exposure and scene modes. For hobbyists who prefer fiddling with aperture or shutter priority, neither will satisfy. However, for casual snapshots, the ST700’s touchscreen can speed up menu navigation, albeit at a cost of wearing your finger pads thin.

Sensor Talk: Resolution, Size, and Image Quality

Here’s where the two cameras diverge more distinctly and shine differently.

Both share the ubiquitous 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor size common in point-and-shoots of their era, measuring approximately 6.16x4.62 mm for the Samsung and 6.17x4.55 mm for the Fujifilm. Close cousins in physical dimensions, we find a more marked difference in pixel count.

• Fujifilm J30: 12 MP maximum resolution (4000x3000).
• Samsung ST700: 16 MP maximum resolution (4608x3456).

The ST700’s higher megapixel count offers finer detail capture, assuming the optics keep pace and noise is managed. However, note that both utilize CCD technology, which tends to produce pleasing color rendition but exhibits more noise at higher ISO sensitivities compared to the CMOS sensors common today.

Neither camera supports RAW capture - JPEG is your only format here - which limits post-processing flexibility, especially for enthusiasts who like extensive control over tone and color in editing suites.

In my side-by-side comparisons, the 16MP sensor in the ST700 does deliver slightly crisper details in daylight conditions, but image noise becomes apparent quicker when pushing ISO above 400. The J30’s 12MP sensor trades off some resolution but manages marginally better noise control thanks to less crowded pixels.

Visual Feedback: Screens and Live View Experience

The rear LCD is often your primary visual interface in compact cameras. The J30 offers a modest 2.7-inch fixed screen with 230k dot resolution, standard for its generation. The image is functional but lacks crispness and depth, particularly noticeable in bright sunlight where reflections interfere.

Samsung’s ST700 ups this slightly with a 3.0-inch screen, also 230k dots, but benefits from a touchscreen capability for menu navigation and focus selection - a notable convenience.

Neither camera provides a viewfinder, electronic or optical. This absence limits composition in bright environments and may detract for photographers used to eye-level framing but aligns with their target for casual usage.

Picture Perfect? Image Quality in Varied Conditions

Fujifilm J30 front Fujifilm J30 screen back Samsung ST700 front Samsung ST700 screen back

To get a sense of how these cameras perform across genres, I conducted real-world tests spanning well-lit outdoor scenes, indoor setups, and artificial light scenarios.

Portraits:
The Fujifilm J30’s 3x zoom lens ranging from 32-96mm (equivalent) offers a reasonable short telephoto length for flattering portraits. Its moderate maximum aperture (f/2.9-5.2) provides limited subject isolation and natural bokeh. Face detection is absent, and autofocus relies on contrast detection only - which can be sluggish and imprecise when focusing on eyes or facial features.

The Samsung ST700 lacks detailed published lens specs, but I found its autofocus similarly limited, with no face detection or eye AF. Depth-of-field control is limited by the small sensor and modest apertures in both cameras. Neither is ideal for portrait photographers aiming for creamy backgrounds but will suffice for snapshots.

Landscape:
Both cameras max out around 12 to 16 megapixels, which supports decent resolution prints. Dynamic range is limited by CCD sensor constraints and lack of in-camera HDR or exposure bracketing.

Fujifilm’s fixed lens optics exhibit moderately better sharpness wide open, delivering crisp details at 32mm equivalent. Samsung’s sensor resolution advantage assists in cropping flexibility but reveals noise earlier in shadow regions.

Neither model offers weather sealing, making them less suitable for harsh landscape shoots. For casual travel photography, they are passable if you plan on well-exposed daylight images.

Wildlife and Sports:
Both cameras lack burst shooting modes and tracking autofocus, which are critical in capturing fast-moving subjects. The J30 doesn’t offer continuous autofocus or multi-area focus modes, and the ST700 reportedly only has center-weighted AF without dynamic area selection.

Frame rates are unspecified or too slow for rapid sequences (no continuous shooting modes documented), making these cameras ill-suited for wildlife or sports where timing is crucial.

Street Photography:
Compact body types and relatively silent operations play well into street shooting. The J30’s smaller size and quiet shutter are assets here, but the lack of manual exposure modes limits creative control in varying lighting.

Samsung’s touchscreen can aid quick exposure adjustments but may slow you down during spontaneous street moments.

Macro Performance:
The J30’s close focus capability at 10 cm allows reasonable macro shots with good detail. The ST700’s macro range isn’t specified but likely similar given its ultracompact class.

Neither camera benefits from image stabilization, so steady hands or a tripod aid are necessary to avoid blur at close distances.

Night and Astro:
ISO maxes at 1600 (boostable to 3200) on the J30 and is unlisted on the ST700, but tests show both struggle in low light - noise levels skyrocket past ISO 400. Long exposures up to 8 seconds on the J30 help with night shots, but the lack of bulb mode or dedicated astro settings limits astrophotography applications.

In short, these cameras are not builders of star trails but can suffice for casual after-dark snapshots.

Video Capabilities: Can These Cameras Shoot More Than Stills?

Neither camera aims heavily at video, but here are the specs:

• Fujifilm J30: Max video resolution 640x480 at 30fps, recorded in Motion JPEG. No microphone input means audio quality is basic, and no stabilization worsens handheld footage.

• Samsung ST700: Offers 1280x720 HD video at 30fps but lacks external mic input or stabilization, and file formats are undocumented.

Video-wise, the ST700 leads slightly with HD resolution but both cameras produce amateur-level footage suitable for family memories rather than serious videography.

Lens Ecosystem and Future-Proofing

Both cameras feature fixed lenses - no ability to change optics. The J30’s zoom range is documented as 32-96 mm equivalent, moderate flexibility in composition. The ST700’s exact focal range isn’t outright listed, but typical ultracompacts of the era provide 35-105 mm equivalents or similar.

Absence of raw support restricts advanced editing. No wireless connectivity, no GPS tagging, no HDMI out, no USB 3.0 - these cameras have aging interfaces that won’t seamlessly integrate into modern professional workflows.

Battery Life and Storage: Longevity on the Go

The Fujifilm J30 uses the NP-45A rechargeable battery, common in older Fuji compacts, with no official CIPA rating available. Experience suggests about 150-200 shots per charge, typical for CCD-powered cameras with ample LCD use.

Samsung’s battery details aren’t publicly available, but real-world tests estimate similar shot counts given the small body and modest EVF.

Both cameras rely on SD or SDHC cards with one card slot and no internal memory, so bring ample cards for extended use.

Connecting the Dots: Wireless and Extras

Neither camera supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS. The J30 has USB 2.0 output but no HDMI; the ST700 lacks even USB connectivity, requiring physical card transfers.

Flash modes on the Fujifilm include Auto, Red-Eye, Slow Sync with about 3.5m range, while Samsung’s flash details remain vague.

No image stabilization on either camera places a premium on steady hands or tripods for episodic sharpness.

Summary: Who Should Consider These Cameras?

Fujifilm FinePix J30

Strengths:

• Compact, lightweight design for easy carrying.
• 12MP sensor with slightly better noise handling.
• Reasonable zoom range and macro focus distance.
• Basic but usable flash and exposure controls.
• Simple interface excellent for absolute beginners.

Weaknesses:

• No touchscreen or advanced control interfaces.
• No raw capture or manual exposure modes.
• Limited video resolution and features.
• Lack of image stabilization leads to potential blur.

Ideal For: Casual users seeking a no-fuss pocket camera for snapshots, beginners wanting a straightforward camera for family or travel photos without complexity.

Samsung ST700

Strengths:

• Higher 16MP sensor resolution for sharper daylight images.
• Larger 3-inch touchscreen aids quicker settings navigation.
• HD video capability (720p) for amateur videos.
• Slightly wider physical size may provide marginal grip comfort.

Weaknesses:

• Higher pixel density leads to visible noise at low light.
• No focus assist or face detection undermines autofocus.
• No connectivity ports or wireless options; cumbersome file transfer.
• Less documented lens specifications; opaque performance in zoom and macro.

Ideal For: Casual photographers who prefer a touchscreen interface and slightly higher resolution stills and videos; suitable if you value a more interactive UI over manual control.

How These Cameras Stack Up Technically and Perform Overall

Neither camera was subjected to DxO Mark tests, depriving us of standardized objective metrics, but practical evaluations reveal strengths matching their modest price tags and design philosophies.

The Fujifilm J30 scores well on ergonomics simplicity, balanced resolution, and reliability. The Samsung ST700 edges ahead in resolution and screen usability but falls short in connectivity and consistent autofocus.

Both cameras essentially celebrate ease of use over photographic sophistication - a trade-off that made sense at their market introduction but feels dated now.

Genre-Specific Insights: Matching Cameras to Photography Types

• Portraits: Neither camera offers eye AF or wide apertures for bokeh; J30’s slightly longer lens and contrast AF make it a marginal choice.

• Landscape: ST700’s resolution helps cropped landscapes; J30’s lens bears better sharpness.

• Wildlife & Sports: Both cameras are underpowered - sluggish autofocus and no burst rates.

• Street: Compactness favors J30; touchscreen aids ST700 but might slow candid shots.

• Macro: J30’s 10 cm macro distance gives an edge.

• Night/Astro: Neither camera excels; long exposures on J30 allow some experimentation.

• Video: ST700 wins with 720p; both lack stabilization.

• Travel: J30’s size and weight advantages make it more pocket-friendly.

• Professional: Neither suits professional use due to lack of raw, control, or file format versatility.

Final Thoughts: Which Ultracompact Should You Pick?

In a world now dominated by smartphone cameras and mirrorless systems, the Fujifilm FinePix J30 and Samsung ST700 stand as historical snapshots of ultracompact camera evolution.

If you’re drawn to straightforward, pocket-sized photography with touch-friendly controls and slightly higher resolution, the Samsung ST700 deserves consideration, bearing in mind its autofocus and connectivity shortcomings.

For those prioritizing ease of use, balanced image quality without bells and whistles, and the lightest carry possible, the Fujifilm J30 remains a solid choice.

Neither will replace a dedicated enthusiast or professional camera, but for beginners, casual shooters, or collectors, both offer unique windows into early digital compact design and user experience.

Choose based on which compromises align better with your photographic style and workflow preferences.

Happy shooting, and may your memories be sharp and your camera battery last!