Fujifilm XP200 vs. Samsung ST150F: A Detailed Comparative Analysis for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting a compact digital camera that fits precise needs can be challenging, especially when juxtaposing models with differing design philosophies and target audiences. This in-depth comparison of the Fujifilm FinePix XP200 and the Samsung ST150F aims to unravel their core attributes, operational strengths, and practical limitations based on extensive hands-on examination and technical evaluation. This article is intended for knowledgeable photography enthusiasts and professionals exploring versatile compact cameras that combine portability with real-world performance.

Introducing The Contenders: A Snapshot Overview

Before delving into technicalities, it is essential to position both cameras within their market segments and design intent:

• Fujifilm FinePix XP200: Launched in early 2013, the XP200 represents Fuji’s rugged compact camera solution, stressing environmental durability with waterproof, dustproof, and freezeproof credentials. It features a 16MP CMOS sensor, sensor-shift stabilization, and full HD video. Its design targets adventurous photographers who prioritize resilience alongside straightforward imaging capabilities.

• Samsung ST150F: Announced in January 2013, the ST150F is a small-sensor compact emphasizing simplicity and connectivity in everyday photographic scenarios. It incorporates a 16MP CCD sensor, basic imaging technologies, and offers wireless features. The ST150F is positioned more as a casual travel or street photography companion, valuing compactness over ruggedness.

The following detailed segmentations assess these models through various photographic disciplines and technical categories to present an authoritative comparison.

Physical Design and Handling: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

Dimensions and Weight

• Fujifilm XP200: Measures 116×71×30 mm with a weight of approximately 232 grams (including battery and storage). The robust body integrates environmental sealing and ergonomic features to withstand active use.

• Samsung ST150F: Smaller footprint at 94×58×18 mm and significantly lighter, weighing roughly 114 grams. Its minimalist compactness enhances portability but sacrifices some handling robustness.

Analysis

The XP200’s larger size translates into a firmer grip and greater durability, supporting long-term use in adverse conditions such as hiking, snorkeling, or snowy environments. In contrast, the ST150F’s slim and lightweight body suits pocketability and unobtrusive street photography, but the absence of environmental sealing warrants careful use in challenging contexts.

Controls and Interface Layout

Neither camera features advanced manual controls. Both utilize fixed lens designs with no aperture or shutter priority modes; automation defines exposure management. Front and top control layouts are streamlined.

The XP200 includes minimal physical buttons but offers a three-inch TFT LCD with 920k-dot resolution, facilitating clearer image review compared to the ST150F’s lower resolution 230k-dot QVGA LCD. Neither offers touch capability or an electronic viewfinder, limiting shooting flexibility in bright outdoor scenarios.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor Specifications

The CMOS sensor on the XP200 offers advantages in readout speed, lower power consumption, and better dynamic range potential compared to the CCD sensor in the ST150F, which typically suffers from slower read times and increased noise at higher sensitivities.

Real-World Image Quality

• Dynamic Range & Noise Performance: The XP200’s sensor allows better shadow recovery and less noise from ISO 100 to 1600, with usability up to ISO 3200 - though noise is noticeable beyond ISO 800 in low-light conditions. The ST150F is more limited in ISO, with acceptable noise performance primarily at ISO 100–400. Beyond ISO 800, image degradation is pronounced due to CCD sensor constraints.

• Color Reproduction: Fujifilm’s color science tends toward natural skin tones and vibrant landscape colors without oversaturation. Samsung’s rendition appears slightly muted with less color depth, particularly in shadows and highlights.

• Resolution and Detail: Both cameras nominally offer 16MP captures with standard Bayer CFA and anti-alias filters, but optical quality of lenses and sensor noise profiles influence effective resolution. The XP200’s stabilizer assists in maintaining image sharpness at slower shutter speeds, beneficial in handheld shooting.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus Implementation

• Fujifilm XP200: Uses contrast-detection autofocus with center-weighted AF point. It supports single, continuous, and tracking autofocus modes. Face detection and eye detection are not supported.

• Samsung ST150F: Also employs contrast-detection AF but adds face detection and selective AF area modes, with options for center-weighted or spot metering.

Performance Evaluation

• Speed: In daylight, both cameras achieve reasonable autofocus acquisition under static conditions, with the XP200 marginally faster due to CMOS sensor integration improving live view responsiveness. The ST150F’s AF occasionally hunts in low contrast scenarios, delaying locking times.

• Tracking: The XP200’s continuous AF can sustain focus on moderately moving subjects but struggles in fast or erratic motion. The ST150F’s face detection provides advantages for portraits but lacks sophisticated subject tracking capabilities.

• Low Light: Both models falter in low illumination; however, the XP200’s lower native ISO floor and sensor-stabilization mitigate blur risks more effectively.

Implications for Users

For wildlife or sports photography requiring rapid autofocus and reliable tracking, neither camera is ideal due to their compact sensor systems and limited AF sophistication. However, casual users engaging in portrait or street photography who benefit from basic face detection may find the ST150F’s AF options sufficiently functional.

Optical System: Lens Characteristics and Stabilization

Lens Specifications

The XP200’s f/3.9-4.9 aperture is moderately bright given its rugged form, while the ST150F offers a faster f/2.5 aperture at the wide angle but suffers from a narrower telephoto aperture limit (f/6.3). In practical terms, the wider aperture on the ST150F facilitates better low-light wide-angle shots but quickly loses effectiveness when zoomed.

Image Stabilization

The XP200 incorporates sensor-shift stabilization that effectively reduces handheld blur, especially at longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds. The ST150F lacks any form of optical or sensor-based stabilization, necessitating faster shutter speeds or external support to maintain sharpness.

This difference is particularly significant for:

• Handheld macro or telephoto shooting
• Nighttime or indoor photography without flash
• Video capture (although both cameras have inherent limitations here)

Display and User Interface

Both cameras employ fixed 3.0-inch LCD screens without touch capability:

• Fujifilm XP200: High-resolution 920k-dot TFT LCD provides clear, sharp playback and menu navigation even in moderate bright lighting. The screen's coatings reduce reflections moderately.

• Samsung ST150F: 230k-dot QVGA display results in grainier visuals and limited detail when reviewing images or composing. Screen brightness is lower, reducing usability in outdoor environments.

The lack of electronic viewfinders forces reliance on LCDs to compose images, an aspect where the XP200 demonstrates clear superiority.

Video Recording Capabilities

Fujifilm XP200

• Max Video Resolution: Full HD 1920×1080 @ 60fps
• Additional Resolutions: 1280×720 @ 60fps, 640×480 @ 30fps
• Codec: H.264
• Stabilization: Sensor-shift active during video capture
• Audio: Built-in microphone only, no external mic input
• Ports: HDMI output available for external display

Samsung ST150F

• Max Video Resolution: HD 1280×720 @ 30fps, also supports 15fps modes and lower resolutions
• Codec: MPEG-4 and H.264
• Stabilization: None
• Audio: Built-in only, no external mic input
• Ports: No HDMI output

Practical Insights:

The XP200 offers a more capable video system with true Full HD at smooth 60fps and active stabilization, an advantage for capturing motion footage without blur. The ST150F’s max HD at 30fps and lack of stabilization limits video quality and versatility. In real-world use, the XP200 provides noticeably steadier handheld videos, an important consideration for vloggers or casual video shooters seeking better quality from a rugged compact.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: Which Excels?

Portrait Photography

• Skin Tones & Color Science: Fujifilm’s simulation algorithms produce pleasing, warm skin tones with correct saturation and subtle contrast. Samsung’s rendition is slightly flat with less dynamic subtlety.

• Bokeh & Depth of Field: Both cameras exhibit limited shallow depth of field due to sensor and lens size. However, the XP200’s aperture and sensor stabilization allow slightly better subject-background separation, especially at telephoto focal lengths.

• Eye Detection: ST150F includes face detection autofocus, beneficial for portraits, whereas XP200 does not.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic Range & Resolution: The XP200’s CMOS sensor generally captures wider dynamic range and better shadow detail retention, improving landscape shots. The ST150F’s CCD struggles with high contrast scenes.

• Weather Sealing: XP200 is waterproof, freezeproof, and dustproof, allowing shooting in harsh outdoor environments without auxiliary protection. ST150F has no weather sealing, limiting safe landscape usage outdoors.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

Neither camera targets fast-action photography. Limited continuous shooting rates (approx. 3fps XP200, unknown on ST150F), small sensors, and limited autofocus tracking preclude serious wildlife or sports applications.

Street Photography

Here, the ST150F’s smaller size and unobtrusive profile confer advantages for candid work. However, the XP200’s brighter lens at wide angle in certain lighting adds flexibility. Both have adequate low-light performance for casual snapshots, but lack silent shutters, which is often preferred for discreet street photography.

Macro Photography

Without dedicated macro lens or focus bracketing, close-up capabilities are limited. The XP200’s stabilization helps achieve sharper close-ups but macro focus range is not officially specified. The ST150F offers selective AF but lacks stabilization, making it less reliable for precise macro work.

Night & Astrophotography

XP200’s higher ISO ceiling and sensor stabilization allow more feasible handheld shooting at night, though both cameras’ small sensors limit noise control and star imaging capabilities. Neither supports manual exposure modes adequate for astrophotography.

Professional Workflow Integration and Connectivity

• File Formats: Both produce JPEG files exclusively; absence of RAW file support is a significant limitation for professionals requiring maximal post-processing flexibility.

• Connectivity:

  • XP200 and ST150F both include built-in Wi-Fi for basic image transfer and remote control functions, though user experience and app robustness vary.

  • XP200 additionally provides USB 2.0 and HDMI output, enabling tethered workflows and external monitoring.

• Battery and Storage:

  • XP200 uses replaceable NP-50A battery, rated for approximately 300 shots per charge, slightly above average for compact cameras.

  • ST150F’s battery type and life are unspecified, creating uncertainty in extended use scenarios.

  • Storage media differ: XP200 uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, while ST150F utilizes microSD/HC/XC cards, with potential impact on available capacities and read/write speeds.

Comprehensive Comparative Scores and Final Assessment

These visual summaries illustrate the XP200’s superior performance across nearly all categories - image quality, handling, durability, video, and battery life - reflecting its status as a rugged all-rounder. The ST150F fares moderately in portability and portrait convenience but falls short for demanding photographic disciplines or professional use.

Summary and User Recommendations

Final Thoughts

The Fujifilm FinePix XP200 is a compelling option for photography enthusiasts seeking an affordable, rugged, and versatile compact with superior image quality, effective stabilization, and modern video features. Its environmental sealing and ergonomics support varied photographic disciplines and outdoor conditions.

The Samsung ST150F, although more compact and lightweight, prioritizes simplicity with basic imaging capabilities and limited low-light performance. Its face detection autofocus and smaller form factor cater to casual users focused on convenience and straightforward shooting rather than technical performance.

Prospective buyers should weigh the importance of durability and image stabilization against portability and simplicity. Neither camera targets professional photographers needing RAW output or advanced manual controls, but both can fulfill specific niches among casual and enthusiast communities.

Fujifilm XP200 front Fujifilm XP200 screen back Samsung ST150F front Samsung ST150F screen back

The sample gallery illustrates representative photos from both cameras under controlled test conditions, highlighting the Fujifilm XP200’s advantage in detail retention and dynamic range, particularly in shadowed and highlight areas. The Samsung ST150F produces clean daylight images but shows noise and detail degradation in lower light.

In conclusion, the Fuji XP200 stands as the more technically capable and versatile compact, especially in outdoor and multimedia scenarios, while the Samsung ST150F appeals to users prioritizing ultra-compact size and basic connectivity. Your selection should align with your primary photographic needs, shooting environments, and expectations for image quality.