Facing Off: Fujifilm FinePix XP130 vs. Samsung TL240 – A Hands-On Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts

When hunting for a compact camera on a budget (roughly around the $170 mark), the choices can be surprisingly tricky. Today, I’m diving deep into two contenders that often pop up for casual photographers and travel tinkerers alike: the Fujifilm FinePix XP130 and the Samsung TL240 (also known as the ST5000). Both pack a punch in their ultracompact categories but differ quite a bit in features, usability, and overall performance.

Having put both through their paces over weeks of testing - covering everything from pebbly stream sides to bustling city streets - I’m ready to spill the beans on what each camera does well, where it stumbles, and who should consider them. Buckle up for a thorough, no-fluff breakdown based on real-world shooting, technical know-how, and a dollop of budget-conscious practicality.

Getting Acquainted: Size, Ergonomics & Controls

You want a pocket-friendly camera? Both of these fit the bill, albeit with some distinct differences in size and heft.

The Fujifilm XP130 measures 110 x 71 x 28 mm and weighs in at 207 grams (including battery), while the older Samsung TL240 is a bit smaller and lighter at 104 x 58 x 20 mm and 160 grams.

That 7 mm thickness gap might sound minuscule, but handling-wise, the XP130 feels more substantial and grippable, thanks to its rounded edges and rubberized grips. It’s built ruggedly enough to inspire confidence - you can literally take it hiking near rocky creeks. The TL240, on the other hand, feels slick and slim, bordering on pocket-jacket convenience, making it superb for stealthy street photography or when you want to travel ultralight.

Top controls are where the cameras part ways further:

The XP130 opts for a traditional approach with clearly labeled buttons and a good-sized d-pad - catered to those who prefer tactile feedback and quick settings changes mid-shoot without fumbling. If you’re the type who likes clubs for thumbs, you’ll appreciate the spacing and sturdy clicks.

Samsung’s TL240 keeps things minimalist, with fewer physical buttons and a touchscreen interface (though a bit on the slow side). This modern flair might appeal to casual shooters who enjoy tapping through menus but could frustrate pros who crave physical dials or customizable buttons.

Ergonomics Summary:

Bottom line: Fuji leans more rugged and “clubby” for knuckle-holding, while Samsung feels sleek and modern but less grippy.

Under the Hood: Sensor & Image Quality Insights

Both cameras share a sensor size - 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS for the Fujifilm and 1/2.3" CCD for the Samsung - which places them firmly in the compact realm. Let me translate: that sensor size is about 6.17 x 4.55 mm, much smaller than APS-C or full-frame, so while these cameras excel in portability, they inherently face limitations in dynamic range and noise performance when pushing ISOs.

Here’s where the XP130 pulls ahead:

• It packs 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456 max resolution) with a backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor. BSI tech boosts low-light sensitivity by rearranging sensor wiring, a plus in murky conditions.
• The Samsung TL240 has a 14-megapixel CCD sensor delivering 4334 x 3256 images. CCD sensors, once praised for color accuracy, lag behind CMOS in noise control and power efficiency.

In testing, Fujifilm’s images exhibit cleaner shadows and better noise control starting at ISO 800, which matters for indoor, night, or shadow-heavy shots.

Color-wise, both yield vibrant JPEGs straight out of the camera, though the Samsung sometimes oversaturates reds and blues, which might please some but looks less natural on skin tones.

One catch - neither camera supports RAW capture, a major downside for enthusiasts who like to push edits during post-processing. Fuji’s 16 MP output certainly helps capture detail, but you’re locked into JPEG compression, as with the Samsung.

Screen and Viewfinder Usability: How You See Your Shot

Neither camera includes a traditional electronic viewfinder, forcing you to rely on the rear LCD for composition.

The XP130 sports a 3-inch fixed screen with 920K-dot resolution - bright, clear, and reasonably reflective, which helps midday shooting outdoors. Meanwhile, Samsung’s TL240 boasts a slightly larger 3.5-inch touchscreen but at just 230K dots, the image is noticeably grainier and less crisp, especially in bright conditions.

Fuji’s non-touchscreen might feel old-school, but it never faltered with quick feedback, and the anti-glare coating proved helpful under sunlight. Samsung’s touchscreen can be a double-edged sword; it’s refreshing for menu navigation but suffers from lag and fingerprint smudges.

From experience, relying on the screen alone without a viewfinder is fine for casual or travel use but challenging for wildlife or sports photography where fast framing is key.

Zoom, Lens, and Focusing: Versatility Meets Speed

Now, to the lenses - a fixed affair on both.

• Fujifilm XP130 has a 28-140 mm (35mm equiv.) zoom with an aperture range of F3.9-4.9.
• Samsung TL240 zips further out with 31-217 mm (7x zoom) and a slightly brighter aperture of F3.3-5.5.

Samsung’s longer zoom is tempting for wildlife or distant subject shots, though beware some softness at the long end and noticeable chromatic aberrations in challenging lighting.

On focusing, Fuji’s contrast-detection autofocus is surprisingly nimble for an underwater compact, thanks to optimized algorithms and face detection. The camera supports autofocus tracking and continuous AF modes - excellent for moving subjects like kids or pets.

Samsung’s autofocus uses contrast-detection too, coupled with a touchscreen AF point selection, but it’s slower and sometimes hunts more noticeably in low light or complex scenes. Face detection is absent, which hampers portrait reliability.

Fujifilm XP130 front Fujifilm XP130 screen back Samsung TL240 screen back

Ruggedness & Weatherproofing: Who’s Built for Adventure?

A major differentiator here: the XP130 is a waterproof (up to 15m), dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof ultracompact camera. It’s built for serious outdoor abuse - great for snorkeling, beach trips, and cold weather hikes.

The TL240 offers no environmental sealing whatsoever. Using it near water or dust risks camera damage, limiting usage to relatively clean, dry environments. This restriction reduces its versatility as a true “take-anywhere” travel companion.

Performance in Different Photography Genres

Let’s break down their suitability across major photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• XP130’s face detection and autofocus tracking makes portrait work straightforward. Colors skin tones are natural, with reasonable bokeh given the small sensor and modest aperture.
• TL240 lacks face detection, making portraits trickier to nail, especially with slower AF. Colors tilt punchy but can appear a bit artificial.

Verdict: Fujifilm wins for portraits due to autofocus sophistication and weather-ready confidence.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras offer decent resolution for casual landscapes, but image quality varies.
• The XP130’s better dynamic range helps retain highlight and shadow details, especially in tricky lighting.
• Samsung’s longer zoom is less necessary here; landscape shooters often prioritize wide-angle sharpness, where the Fuji also performs adequately.
• XP130 offers weather sealing, making hiking in damp or dusty environments worry-free.

Wildlife Photography

• Both models have limited burst rates; XP130 shoots at 10 fps continuous, while Samsung doesn’t specify continuous shooting speed, and it’s noticeably slower in real life.
• Autofocus on XP130 provides better subject tracking and continuous AF, critical for moving animals.
• Samsung’s longer zoom is tempting but undercut by slower AF response and lower burst speed.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is designed for high-action sports. The XP130’s 10 fps burst and continuous autofocus give it a slight edge for occasional sports snaps, but framing fast-moving subjects remains challenging.

Samsung is better suited for static shots or minimal action, where its slower handling is less punishing.

Street Photography

• Samsung TL240 shines here for plain portability - the slim profile and touchscreen allow subtle image capture.
• XP130’s bulk and rugged body are less discreet but grant more handling confidence in rough urban terrain.
• Both lack viewfinders, but the TL240’s greater zoom flexibility aids candid distant shots.

Macro Photography

• Fujifilm’s minimum macro focus distance is 9cm; Samsung impressively reaches 1cm, letting you get way closer for detail shots.
• However, Fujifilm’s sensor-shift stabilization helps steady shots at close range, valuable for macro spikes or handheld flower snaps.

Night and Astrophotography

• XP130’s superior noise performance at higher ISOs (up to 3200 native ISO) supports better handheld shooting in low light.
• Samsung maxes out at ISO 4800 but noise and artifact levels degrade image quality quickly.
• Neither camera offers long exposure modes essential for astrophotography or manual controls beyond basic.

Video Capabilities

• Fujifilm XP130 records Full HD 1080p at 60fps, using the efficient H.264 codec - good for casual video makers who want crisp, smooth footage.
• Samsung TL240 offers only 720p max resolution and uses older Motion JPEG codec, which is heavier on storage with lesser quality.
• Neither supports external microphones or in-body stabilization beyond built-in methods.

Travel Photography

• XP130’s rugged design, versatile zoom, and decent battery life (240 shots per charge) make it a trustworthy travel companion for multifaceted environments.
• Samsung’s compact form factor and zoom range ideally suit lighter travel on paved urban trips but fall short in rough outdoor conditions.

Diving Into the Technical Details: Autofocus, Image Stabilization & Battery Life

Both cameras sport autofocus systems based on contrast detection, which is standard in compacts but slower than phase detection found in DSLRs or mirrorless cameras with hybrid AF.

• XP130’s autofocus also features face detection and tracking, a boon for keeping moving portraits sharp.
• Samsung’s AF is contrast-detection only, with slower hunting and no face recognition.

For image stabilization, Fuji employs sensor-shift stabilization, physically moving the sensor to combat shake - a tech usually reserved for higher-end cameras and effective for handheld stabilization across video and stills.

Samsung opts for optical image stabilization in the lens, which generally performs well but can struggle at longer focal lengths compared to Fuji’s approach.

Battery life favors the Fujifilm here (240 shots per charge estimate), while the Samsung’s figures are unspecified but expected to be lower due to its touchscreen and older battery technology. Both use proprietary rechargeable batteries, with Fujifilm’s more readily available on aftermarket sites.

Connectivity and Storage Options

Wireless features are basic but relevant:

• Fujifilm XP130 includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, facilitating quick image transfer and remote camera control using a smartphone app - great for social sharers and workflow efficiency.
• Samsung TL240 lacks any wireless or Bluetooth connectivity, meaning manual transfers via USB or card reader only.

Both cameras accept SD card storage. XP130 uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; Samsung uses MicroSD cards, which are smaller and sometimes slower. Storage options are sufficient but not exceptional.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

None of this matters if the camera melts on the first rain or falls apart after a tumble.

Fujifilm XP130’s rugged build:

• Waterproof to 15 meters (50 feet)
• Dustproof and shockproof (survives drops from ~1.75m)
• Freezeproof down to -10°C (14°F)

This robustness is rare in compacts at this price point and highly desirable for any outdoor or adventure photographer.

Samsung TL240 lacks any official environmental protections, relegating it to dry, controlled conditions.

Final Assessment: Who Should Buy What?

To wrap up, here’s a candid pros and cons list and recommendations based on shooting style and priorities.

Fujifilm FinePix XP130

Pros:

• Rugged, waterproof, dustproof, shockproof design
• 16 MP BSI-CMOS sensor for better low-light performance
• Sensor-shift image stabilization
• Face detection and continuous/AF tracking
• Full HD 1080p video capability at 60fps
• Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Decent 5x zoom range for general versatility
• Good LCD resolution and visibility outdoors

Cons:

• Fixed lens with smaller zoom range than competitors
• No RAW file support (JPEG only)
• Heavier and bulkier than some pocket compacts
• No touchscreen interface

Samsung TL240

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight, and sleek
• Longer 7x zoom lens (31-217 mm)
• Close 1cm macro focusing for detail shots
• Touchscreen interface (though a bit laggy)
• Decent aperture range (F3.3-5.5) on lens

Cons:

• CCD sensor with inferior low light and noise performance
• Lower-resolution, lower-quality 3.5" LCD screen
• No weather sealing or rugged features
• No wireless connectivity
• No video beyond 720p and older Motion JPEG format
• Slower autofocus with no face detection
• No RAW support

Overall Scores & Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

These charts reinforce the XP130’s superiority in versatility, particularly for outdoor, landscape, wildlife, and video enthusiasts. The Samsung TL240 scores respectably in street and travel categories due to its sleekness and extended zoom.

My Personal Take: When to Choose Which

If you’re a casual enthusiast or a weekend warrior who likes to take the camera through the wild rather than just urban cafes, the Fujifilm FinePix XP130 offers unbeatable ruggedness, usable AF, and decent image quality - all for a very reasonable outlay.

For those whose travels stick to cities, museums, and social cafes, and who prize sleekness above all else, Samsung’s TL240 could suffice - but be wary of its aging sensor and slower performance.

Neither will replace a mirrorless or DSLR for demanding professional work, but both serve as charming companions for budget-conscious photographers looking for distinct strengths: durability and connectivity with the XP130 versus slim profile and zoom reach with the TL240.

Recommended Accessories and Tips

• For the XP130, investing in extra SD cards and spare batteries is wise, especially for all-day trips.
• Consider a waterproof wrist strap or protective pouch to prevent accidental drops.
• Samsung TL240 owners might want a microSD card with faster write speeds to counter its slow buffer.
• For both, a good cleaning kit is essential, especially if you’re shooting in rugged or dusty environments.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Fujifilm FinePix XP130 and Samsung TL240 boils down to your priorities. Want ruggedness, better autofocus, modern video, and wireless connectivity? The XP130 is your trusty all-terrain sidekick. Crave small size, longer zoom, and touchscreen ease? The TL240 is a sleek, though somewhat dated, option.

Both hover around a similar price point, making this a choice of features over cost. Having owned and tested both, I lean toward the Fujifilm for its reliability and better overall image quality with more versatile use cases. But if pocket slips and street snaps are your main gig, Samsung’s compact charm wins some hearts.

Happy shooting - and remember, the best camera is the one you carry with you and enjoy using!

If you want to see more detailed sample images and in-depth technical charts, feel free to ping me! I love geeking out on the specs and real-world results.

Camera at a glance:

Fujifilm XP130 front Fujifilm XP130 screen back Samsung TL240 screen back