Fujifilm JV150 vs Panasonic Lumix FH25: A Practical Comparison for Compact Camera Buyers

When looking for a compact camera around the early 2010s era - budget-friendly, pocketable, and ready to capture everyday moments - you’ll find both the Fujifilm JV150 and the Panasonic Lumix FH25 popping up. Having spent many hours testing small sensor compacts over the years, I appreciate how these “point-and-shoot” cameras fill a niche for casual photographers, beginners, or travelers who prefer not to fuss with manuals and large gear.

In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll walk you through their key features, real-world performance nuances, and which kind of shooter each might suit best. Both are small-sensor compacts, but their differences in lens reach, autofocus sophistication, and usability make for a surprisingly interesting face-off. So let’s dive into their specs, handling, imaging, and more - pull up a chair, this one’s detailed but very practical.

Getting a Feel for Size and Ergonomics

First off, how do they feel in your hand? Size and ergonomics deserve priority when you’re carrying a camera all day or shooting in the streets.

The Fujifilm JV150 is notably svelte, measuring roughly 93 x 55 x 21 mm and weighing 126 grams. Its flat, straightforward body design is easy to slip into a jacket pocket or purse without noticing much bulk. The control layout is minimal due to its budget-friendly focus - no exposure dials, no manual controls - just a simple power button and shutter release. It’s a true grab-and-go compact.

In contrast, the Panasonic FH25 is bulkier at 99 x 57 x 28 mm and weighs 159 grams. You get a slightly beefier grip and more robust build, though still far from heavy or cumbersome. The FH25 sports more buttons on top - dedicated flash controls, a zoom rocker stabilized by Panasonic’s Venus Engine VI processor, and a continuous shooting feature. You’ll appreciate this if you prefer some control without stepping into fully manual cameras.

While neither camera offers fancy textured grips or weather sealing, the FH25 feels subtly more substantial and balanced in hand, which can help when zooming or composing shots.

Design and Interface: Simplicity vs. Functionality

Looking down from above gives us insights into the user interface and how intuitive operating each camera might be.

Both cameras forego electronic viewfinders, relying solely on their back-side LCDs for composing shots. The Fujifilm’s minimalist controls extend to its top plate with just the essentials. No dedicated continuous shooting or flash mode toggles here, meaning you’ll bump into menu diving for modes or settings not on quick buttons.

On the Panasonic FH25, you’ll notice a dedicated continuous shooting button and a flash mode toggle right within thumb’s reach. This small but appreciated difference boosts your ability to react quickly, such as when capturing a fleeting moment or adjusting for tricky lighting. The zoom toggle also feels more precise thanks to its snappier feedback.

Sensor Specifications and Image Quality Overview

Both cameras harken from a time when CCD sensors ruled the compact scene, each sporting the common 1/2.3-inch sensor size but with subtle differences.

The Fujifilm JV150 features a 14-megapixel CCD sensor, while the Panasonic FH25 pushes a slightly higher resolution 16-megapixel CCD sensor. Both have anti-aliasing filters, which help reduce moiré but can soften fine details a touch.

In practical testing, the Panasonic’s higher resolution and newer Venus Engine VI processor provide slightly sharper imagery with better noise handling, especially above ISO 400. Still, neither camera competes with modern CMOS sensors; you’ll want to keep ISO as low as possible (often 100 or 200) for clean files.

Dynamic range is fairly narrow on both, typical of CCDs, so landscape shots taken under harsh lighting rarely retain highlight and shadow details simultaneously without some clipping. Here, neither camera shines, but the Panasonic’s improved processing gives it a small edge.

The LCD Screen: Your Window to the World

With no optical or electronic viewfinders, the LCD screen is crucial to how you frame and review shots.

Both cameras offer a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k-dot resolution. This was standard for their time but feels coarse compared to modern HD touchscreen displays.

The Fujifilm JV150’s screen is somewhat reflective and less bright, so outdoor viewing in sunlight can be challenging - a common complaint I noted during field tests.

Conversely, Panasonic’s FH25 uses a TFT LCD, which tends to show better color accuracy and brightness. It also helps that the FH25 has a slight anti-reflective coating, improving visibility when shooting outdoors.

Neither supports touch input or articulation, so expect to compose more traditionally.

Autofocus Systems: Picking Your Moment Reliably

Autofocus can make or break your snapshot experience, especially in fast-paced or low-light scenarios.

The Fujifilm JV150 relies on a basic contrast-detection autofocus with a fixed point - no face detection, no tracking, no continuous AF. You’ll find it accurate but slow to acquire focus, especially indoors or in dim conditions. This limits its practicality for moving subjects or candid street shooting.

In contrast, the Panasonic FH25 boasts contrast-detection AF as well, but significantly more advanced: it offers face detection, multiple AF points (11 points), and continuous AF tracking. During my tests, the FH25 locks focus faster and more reliably on faces and moving objects, ideal for snapping children, pets, or passing street scenes.

Interestingly, the FH25’s macro mode allows focusing down to 5 cm - almost twice as close as Fujifilm’s 10 cm minimum - making the Panasonic more flexible for close-up creativity.

Lens Range and Optical Quality: Reach vs. Brightness

A compact’s lens specification often defines its versatility, and here the cameras diverge significantly.

Feature	Fujifilm JV150	Panasonic FH25
Lens Focal Length	37-111 mm equivalent (3x zoom)	28-224 mm equivalent (8x zoom)
Maximum Aperture	f/3.2 – f/4.3	f/3.3 – f/5.9
Macro Focus Distance	10 cm	5 cm
Optical Image Stabilization	None	Optical Stabilization Included

Panasonic flexes a huge zoom advantage with 8x telephoto reach, nearly doubling Fuji’s telephoto limit. This extended focal range is great for travel or casual wildlife where you can’t get too close.

However, that zoom comes at a cost: the aperture shrinks markedly on the telephoto end (f/5.9), which means less light and slower shutter speeds, making stabilization important. Panasonic wisely includes optical image stabilization to combat this.

Fujifilm’s lens is physically shorter and faster at the wide end, offering a slightly brighter aperture that marginally helps in low light, though its lack of stabilization is a drawback.

Overall, if you prioritize zoom flexibility and image steadiness, Panasonic wins. If you prefer a simpler, brighter lens with less bulk, Fujifilm might suit you better.

Shooting Modes and Customization

The JV150 is pretty barebones here: no aperture or shutter priority modes, no manual exposure, no exposure compensation. You get three automatic flash modes and a self-timer (2 or 10 seconds), but that’s about it.

The FH25 also skips full manual control, but offers more thoughtful touches: it includes custom white balance, white balance bracketing, an adjustable continuous shooting mode at 4 fps, and face detection options affecting focus and exposure.

Neither camera supports RAW files, so you’re shooting JPEGs only, limiting post-processing flexibility.

Image Stabilization: Why It Matters

Almost always a pain point on compacts, the lack of image stabilization (IS) on the Fujifilm JV150 is notable, given its telephoto reach.

Panasonic incorporates optical image stabilization (OIS), a win in my testing. At longer focal lengths or lower light, the FH25 produces more usable shots with less motion blur. If you’re shooting handheld often or want more telephoto reach without a tripod, this is a useful advantage.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Speed: Catching Action

While neither is designed for sports or wildlife, you might want to capture a child in motion or a pet.

The Fujifilm JV150 doesn’t offer continuous shooting at all - a significant limitation for any fast-paced shooting.

Panasonic FH25 offers a 4 frames per second burst mode, fairly brisk for a compact camera, but with continuous autofocus off during burst. This lets you capture short action sequences, improving chances of getting that critical moment.

Video Capabilities: Casual Filming

Neither is a powerhouse for video, but both offer HD capture:

• Fujifilm JV150: 1280x720 at 30 fps, Motion-JPEG format
• Panasonic FH25: 1280x720 at 24 fps, Motion-JPEG format

Both lack microphone or headphone jacks, no 4K or high-framerate video, and stabilization during video is only on Panasonic thanks to OIS. Panasonic’s video output is generally smoother and less noisy, thanks to slightly better processing and AF tracking during capture.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The Fujifilm JV150 uses a proprietary NP-45A lithium-ion battery, but exact shot counts aren’t specified. Based on similar models, expect around 200 shots per charge.

Panasonic FH25 boasts a battery life of approximately 250 shots, slightly better but still modest by today’s standards.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC cards and have a single slot. Connectivity is limited - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS on either. You transfer images via USB 2.0, which is slow but standard at the time.

Real-World Photography Scenarios

Let’s see how these two compare across specific photography genres to help you decide which fits your style.

Portrait Photography

The Panasonic FH25 provides better face detection autofocus and eye-aware detection (though not advanced like today’s models), which means more reliable focus on your subject’s eyes and face. Its lens is a bit softer at portrait focal lengths (~28-50mm equivalent) but the autofocus consistency delivers a more satisfying result.

Fujifilm JV150 lacks face detection and produces softer images, with slower AF - making portraits hit-or-miss unless lighting is excellent.

Winner: Panasonic FH25 for reliable focusing and versatile framing.

Landscape Photography

Landscape benefits from resolution, dynamic range, and lens sharpness.

While the Panasonic FH25’s slightly higher 16MP sensor means larger prints and better detail, its slower maximum aperture and heavier noise reduction can soften fine textures.

Fujifilm JV150’s 14MP sensor resolves nicely on a tripod at base ISO and delivers slightly punchier colors, with a faster wide-angle aperture aiding in lower light handheld shooting.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or extensive bracketing modes, so they are best kept in good conditions.

Winner: Slight edge to Panasonic FH25 for resolution, but Fujifilm holds its own on color.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands fast autofocus, long reach, and burst shooting.

Panasonic’s 8x zoom lens extends focal length impressively. The 4fps burst and continuous face tracking (though no specialized animal eye AF) let you capture fleeting moments with more confidence.

Fujifilm checks out poorly here - no burst, shorter zoom, and slow contrast-detect AF hinder effectiveness.

Winner: Panasonic FH25 hands down for reach and responsiveness.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is designed for serious sports, but if you want to capture kids playing or amateur events:

Panasonic’s burst mode plus AF tracking offers a chance at usable shots.

Fujifilm’s single-shot, slow AF will frustrate you if subjects are moving fast.

Low light at events will challenge both due to small sensors.

Winner: Panasonic FH25, no contest.

Street Photography

For minimalists and stealth shooters:

Fujifilm is smaller and lighter, more pocketable, and has a quieter shutter sound (subjective but noticeable). The lack of continuous AF is a downside, though.

Panasonic is bigger but offers face detection and faster AF - helpful for candid moments but less discreet.

Winner: Depends on your preference; I lean Fujifilm for silent discreetness, Panasonic for reactive AF.

Macro Photography

Getting close to small subjects is easier on the Panasonic FH25 with a 5 cm minimum focusing distance versus Fujifilm’s 10 cm. This allows for more creative compositions and sharper close-ups.

Both lack focus stacking or bracket modes, and neither has stabilization for macro, so a tripod is helpful.

Winner: Panasonic FH25 for macro flexibility.

Night and Astro Photography

Small-sensor compacts struggle here, but low light performance and ISO options matter.

Panasonic extends ISO up to 6400 (though noisy), while Fujifilm taps only to 3200 (boosted). Panasonic also offers white balance bracketing, helpful under mixed lighting.

Neither supports manual exposure, which limits astro photography options.

Winner: Panasonic FH25, marginally better in low light.

Video Use

Both max out at 720p HD, but Panasonic’s optical stabilization gives smoother footage, and face detection aids autofocus during recording.

Fujifilm lacks stabilization and face detection, resulting in shakier clips.

Winner: Panasonic FH25 for competent casual filming.

Travel Photography

When out and about, size, battery life, zoom, and reliability matter.

Fujifilm’s smaller body and lighter weight are attractive for those prioritizing portability.

Panasonic’s longer zoom and image stabilization make it the versatile choice, especially when you want to capture landscapes, architecture, and distant subjects.

Battery life is slightly better on Panasonic, an added bonus on long trips.

Winner: Panasonic FH25 for versatility, Fujifilm JV150 for pocketability.

Professional Work and Workflow

Neither camera targets professional markets: no RAW files, limited controls, no environmental sealing.

However, Panasonic’s support for custom white balance, bracketing, and superior autofocus make it a more reliable backup or casual second camera for professionals needing simplicity.

Performance Scoring and Summary

Having put both through a range of tests and field experience, here’s a concise performance overview:

Criterion	Fujifilm JV150	Panasonic FH25
Build and Size	7/10	8/10
Image Quality	6/10	7/10
Autofocus Speed	5/10	8/10
Lens Versatility	5/10	9/10
Video Recording	5/10	7/10
Battery Life	5/10	6/10
User Interface	6/10	7/10

Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

Fujifilm JV150	Panasonic Lumix FH25
+ Smaller, lighter, more portable	+ Longer zoom range (8x)
+ Faster wide-end aperture for low light	+ Optical image stabilization
+ Simpler, less intimidating for beginners	+ Better autofocus with face detection/tracking
– No stabilization, limiting telephoto usability	+ Burst shooting (4 fps)
– No continuous focus or face detection	+ Macro focus down to 5cm
– Lower resolution (14MP)	– Heavier and larger
– Limited video and connectivity	– Narrower max aperture at telephoto end (f/5.9)

What Photography Enthusiasts Should Choose

So, who is each camera designed for?

• Choose the Fujifilm JV150 if...

  • You want the lightest, most pocket-friendly camera for casual snapshots.
  • You prefer simplicity over features - just point and shoot with minimal fuss.
  • You are mostly shooting static subjects or landscapes in daylight.
  • Portability and ease trump zoom reach and speed.

• Choose the Panasonic FH25 if...

  • You want a more versatile compact with extended zoom for travel, wildlife, or street scenes.
  • You need better autofocus reliability and basic continuous shooting capabilities.
  • You appreciate stabilization for telephoto and video use.
  • You shoot in varied lighting with macro interests.

In Closing: A Practical Lens on Two Compact Cameras

Neither model reinvents the wheel, but each brought practical appeal in its time.

The Fujifilm JV150 is a no-frills shooter with user-friendly simplicity, built for those who want a straightforward camera to capture moments without the complication of menus or settings. Its lightweight and small form factor make it ideal when gear volume is a concern.

Conversely, the Panasonic Lumix FH25 represents a more advanced compact camera from the early 2010s - more sophisticated autofocus, longer zoom, image stabilization, and better video capabilities. If you’re willing to carry a bit more weight for these advantages, it’s the more flexible choice.

While both cameras are dated by today’s standards, their practical features still hold value for entry-level buyers or as affordable backup cameras.

If budget permits and you want more speed, zoom, and reliability, the Panasonic FH25 is my recommendation. If weight and simplicity are your priorities, the Fujifilm JV150 remains a respectable compact option.

Visual Examples to Help Your Decision

Below, you can compare sample images taken side-by-side in similar conditions to see how each camera handles color, sharpness, and exposure.

Detailed Genre-Based Scores for Quick Reference

Finally, here’s a visual summary of how each fares across the major photography types to clarify where each camera excels and where it falls short for specific uses.

If you’re interested in more comparisons or deep dives into similar compact cameras, check out my full archive on compact camera reviews and sample galleries to help find the perfect device for your shooting style.

Thanks for reading, and happy shooting!