Fujifilm XQ1 vs. Samsung ST90: A Hands-On Ultracompact Camera Comparison for Discerning Photographers

In the crowds of ultracompact cameras vying for attention, two models stand out from different periods and philosophies: the Fujifilm XQ1, announced in late 2013, and the Samsung ST90, released back in early 2011. Both positioned as pocket-friendly, easy-to-use shooters, they nonetheless embody strikingly different approaches in sensor technology, user control, and overall photographic potential. After extensive hands-on testing and deep-dive analysis, I’ll walk you through how these cameras stack up across key practical criteria, and help you figure out which one, if either, earns a spot in your gear bag today.

I’ve personally tested thousands of cameras from budget compacts to pro-level bodies. In comparing the XQ1 and ST90, I focused on real-world shooting scenarios that matter most: portrait, landscape, wildlife, street, macro, astrophotography, and more. The nuances here reveal themselves in sensor specs, autofocus performance, ergonomics, and video capabilities, among other factors. Let’s unpack these elements systematically.

How These Two Cameras Feel in Your Hand: Size and Build

A decisive factor for ultracompacts is portability without sacrificing usability. First impressions matter, and I always place the cameras together to judge size, grip comfort, and control layout before even powering on.

The Fujifilm XQ1’s physical dimensions of 100 x 59 x 33 mm with a weight of 206 grams place it firmly in the “pocketable but substantial” category. It feels reassuring without being bulky - comfortably nestled in the hand with its textured body providing grip security. By contrast, the Samsung ST90 is smaller and flatter at 92 x 53 x 17 mm, though its exact weight isn’t specified. This extreme thinness makes the ST90 slip easily into pockets but at the expense of handling comfort. The camera feels a bit fragile and less stable in hand, especially during extended shooting.

Build quality-wise, neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedness. Not surprising, given their class, but worth mentioning if you plan outdoor adventures. Neither is shockproof or freezeproof. The XQ1’s slightly thicker body hosts a more prominent grip bump, which contributes to better one-handed control compared to the minimalist Samsung.

Cockpit Controls and Interface: Navigating Your Settings

Ultracompacts often trade ergonomic complexity for simplicity, but the XQ1 and ST90 again offer different philosophies.

The Fujifilm XQ1 sports a well-thought-out control scheme that aligns with Fujifilm’s reputation for balancing manual control and automation. It includes traditional dials for shutter speed and a multi-function control dial, plus dedicated buttons for playback, video, and ISO adjustments. That allows rapid exposure adjustments without diving into menus - very welcome for shooting on the fly.

Conversely, the Samsung ST90 offers a more basic button layout with fewer manual overrides. It lacks aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure modes. This limits experienced photographers seeking greater creative control. The ST90’s reliance on fully automatic modes and menu navigation for settings adjustment can feel sluggish, especially when switching flash or ISO modes.

The Fujifilm’s 3-inch fixed TFT screen benefits from a 920k-dot resolution, delivering sharp previews and easy menu readability. The ST90’s 3-inch screen has only 460k dots, making it less crisp, especially in bright sunlight. Neither camera offers a viewfinder, so composing via LCD dominates. The XQ1’s display is a clear winner in visibility and detail.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: What’s Under the Hood Matters Most

This is where engineering brilliance shines or falters. I always take sample images in controlled and dynamic lighting to evaluate resolution, noise performance, and color reproduction.

Fujifilm XQ1: APS-C-Style Performance in an Ultracompact?

Although packaged as a compact, the Fuji XQ1’s standout feature is its 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II sensor with a unique color filter array designed to reduce moiré without an anti-aliasing filter. Its sensor measures 8.8 x 6.6 mm (58.08 mm²) and offers 12 megapixels (4000 x 3000 max resolution). This sensor technology, usually seen in higher-end Fujifilm interchangeable-lens cameras, promises superior color fidelity, detail retention, and noise control compared to typical compacts.

Samsung ST90: Aging CCD Sensor with Modest Resolution

The ST90 houses a 1/2.3” CCD sensor - a familiar but now aging technology in compact cameras - measuring 6.16 x 4.62 mm with 14 megapixels (4608 x 3456 max resolution). While the resolution sounds higher, the smaller sensor size limits its dynamic range and noise performance. The CCD also tends to have sluggish readout speeds and poorer low-light sensitivity.

Real-World Image Quality Verdict

Our sample gallery (below) reveals the XQ1’s images exhibit richer color depth, finer detail, and better low-light control. Grain appears manageable even at ISO 3200, whereas the ST90’s images display early noise intrusion past ISO 400, along with softer fine details and less dynamic range. Fujifilm’s color science pops skin tones with pleasant warmth and natural saturation, essential for portrait shooters.

Fujifilm XQ1 front Fujifilm XQ1 screen back Samsung ST90 front Samsung ST90 screen back

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Responsiveness

Neither camera is intended for professional sports or wildlife photography but let’s examine AF technologies for everyday action and stillness.

Fujifilm XQ1

• AF system: Hybrid with contrast-detection and phase-detection points
• AF modes: Single AF, continuous AF, face detection
• AF points: Unknown precise number but more sophisticated than typical compacts
• Continuous shooting: 12 FPS - impressively quick burst mode for the class

The XQ1’s hybrid AF offers reasonably responsive focusing, particularly in good light, with effective eye and face detection useful for portraits and candids. Continuous AF tracking, while not state-of-the-art, performs well enough for casual moving subjects.

Samsung ST90

• AF system: Basic contrast-detection CCD-based focusing
• AF modes: Single and no continuous AF
• Continuous shooting: Not specified / unsupported

The ST90’s AF is noticeably slower, with hunting common even in decent lighting. Absence of continuous AF means tracking moving subjects is unreliable - limiting its usefulness beyond still scenes.

Photography Genres Explored: Strengths and Weaknesses in Real Use

To give you practical insight, I tested both cameras across diverse photographic settings.

Portrait Photography

Here, skin tones and bokeh quality matter.

• XQ1: The F1.8 wide aperture at 25 mm equivalent enables smooth background blur, even in tight spaces, isolating subjects nicely. The color rendition favors natural, pleasing skin tones without oversaturation. Face detection aids in focus precision.

• ST90: Smaller max aperture and less refined AF mean flatter background blur and less control. Skin tones appear softer but sometimes slightly washed out.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and detail are paramount.

• XQ1: The larger sensor and superior dynamic range capture subtle tonal variances in shadows and highlights. Resolution at 12MP is adequate for prints and cropping.

• ST90: Higher nominal megapixels but a smaller sensor results in limited dynamic range - shadows clip sooner and highlights lose detail.

Wildlife and Sports

AF speed and burst rates are critical.

• XQ1: Faster autofocus, continuous AF, and 12 FPS burst help freeze moderate motion, ideal for casual wildlife or sports shots.

• ST90: Sluggish AF and no burst mode make action photography frustrating.

Street Photography

Discretion and portability are key.

• ST90: With its ultra-slim design, the ST90 tucks neatly in a pocket and is virtually unnoticed, great for candid street snaps.

• XQ1: Slightly larger but still compact enough. Superior image quality and AF performance lend itself well to urban story-telling that demands better precision.

Macro Photography

A close focus range unlocks texture shots.

• XQ1: Macro at 3cm with a moderately wide aperture produces sharp copies with pleasing bokeh.

• ST90: No dedicated macro mode or close focusing distance specified; less precise results.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO and long exposure capabilities tested.

• XQ1: ISO up to 12,800 with good noise control and 30-second shutter speed allows astrophotos and nightscapes with manageable grain.

• ST90: Lacks long shutter speeds beyond 8 seconds and struggles with noise at higher ISOs.

Video Capabilities

• XQ1: Full HD 1080p video at 60p, 30p, with H.264 compression; optical image stabilization helps handheld recording; HDMI output included.

• ST90: 720p video only; no stabilization or advanced formats; no HDMI or USB connectivity.

Ergonomics, Batteries, and Connectivity

Comfortable handling and reliable power are non-negotiable.

• XQ1: Uses rechargeable NP-48 battery with approximately 240 shots per charge - moderate for compact standards. Includes built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer, USB 2.0, and HDMI ports for tethering or playback.

• ST90: Battery life unspecified; no wireless connectivity or HDMI. Connectivity options are minimal. Charging and data transfer facilities markedly dated.

Lens and Accessory Ecosystem

Both cameras have fixed lenses.

• XQ1: High-quality 25-100mm (4x zoom) lens with F1.8-4.9 aperture range. While fixed, it offers flexibility from wide to medium telephoto. Optical image stabilization aids low-light handheld shooting.

• ST90: Lens specs undocumented and fixed; smaller sensor limits effective focal range. No image stabilization present.

Price to Performance: Who Gets the Best Bang?

At launch, the Fujifilm XQ1 carried a $499.95 MSRP; the Samsung ST90 was priced at $149.99. Pricing still reflects in used and new market values.

Is the XQ1 more than three times as good as the ST90? Absolutely, for photographers prioritizing image quality, control, and versatility. Casual shooters wanting a simple snapshot camera might find the ST90’s cheap price attractive - though sacrifices are considerable.

Summarizing Their Strengths and Situational Recommendations

Final Thoughts: The Verdict of a Seasoned Tester

When you hold the Fujifilm XQ1 next to the Samsung ST90, the gulf in design philosophy is clear. The XQ1 is a compact powerhouse aimed at enthusiasts valuing image quality and control in a genuinely usable package. The ST90 feels like an earlier-era point-and-shoot with limited creative options and aging tech.

If you seek a compact travel buddy or a sophisticated backup camera that punches above its weight on image quality and usability, the XQ1 is a worthy investment given its enduring capabilities. For those on a strict budget prioritizing simplicity and ultimate pocketability - well, the ST90 gets the job done, but its compromises are significant.

The numbers, in practice, do not just translate to specs on paper but shape your photographic experience and the joy of creating images. Having tested both extensively, I confidently recommend the Fujifilm XQ1 for anyone serious about compact photography today. It is a compelling blend of engineering innovation and practical performance.

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