Nikon P7800 vs Samsung EX2F: Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Small Sensor Cameras

When it comes to small sensor compacts that balance pocketability with image quality, the Nikon Coolpix P7800 and Samsung EX2F stand out as intriguing alternatives – both packed with attractive features that punch above their weight for enthusiast photographers on a budget. I’ve spent ample time with both models, putting them through real-world scenarios across portrait, landscape, wildlife, street, and even macro photography, to see how they truly perform beyond the spec sheet.

In this comprehensive review, I’ll break down their strengths and weaknesses from an expert’s perspective, touching on sensor tech, optics, autofocus, ergonomics, and value for money. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking for a versatile travel companion, a street shooter craving discretion, or a budding pro seeking a backup, this deep-dive will help you decide which is the better fit for your needs.

The Feel and Build: Size, Handling, and Controls

One of the first things I notice when testing any camera is how it feels in my hands during extended use - does it invite me to shoot all day, or does it become a pain point? Here we compare the bodies and ergonomics of the Nikon P7800 and Samsung EX2F.

At 119x78x50mm and weighing approximately 399 grams, the Nikon P7800 is chunkier and more substantial than the sleeker, lighter Samsung EX2F (112x62x29mm, 294g). That thickness translates to a more substantial grip, giving clubs for thumbs like me a confident hold. The extra heft also improves balance when you’re using the telephoto reach or heavier lenses in the Nikon’s fixed zoom range.

The Samsung EX2F’s slim profile makes it borderline pocketable in larger coat pockets but sacrifices grip comfort for portability. It’s a tradeoff: more comfortable for carry, less so for prolonged shooting sessions. If you’re walking city streets or traveling light, the EX2F edges out - but if endurance and physical control matter, Nikon wins handily.

Zoom control, dials, buttons, and interface layout are key to efficient shooting. The P7800’s top controls are thoughtfully arranged with tactile dials surrounding the shutter button, simplified yet accessible, catering well to manual exposure modes. The EX2F’s buttons are more minimalistic, somewhat small, and cramped for fast adjustments, especially with gloves or sweating hands.

The Nikon’s dedicated PASM mode dial, exposure compensation dial, and customizable buttons provide real photographer-grade control, while Samsung relies more heavily on menu diving.

Verdict: For photographers who value handling, physical controls, and prolonged use comfort, Nikon’s bulkier but more camera-like body wins. The EX2F suits travelers and street shooters prioritizing stealth and portability.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Lens: Getting to the Heart of the Matter

Now to the image makers themselves: sensor tech and lens combined determine much of the output quality and creative control. Both cameras employ a 1/1.7” BSI-CMOS sensor with 12MP resolution, but differences in lens speed and sensor tuning influence real-world results.

Sensor size and type: Both use the same sensor dimensions (7.44x5.58mm) and anti-aliasing filters, favoring sharper detail over potential moiré. The Nikon sensor is rated slightly higher by DxOMark (54 overall vs. 48 for Samsung), reflecting subtle but meaningful gains in color depth (21.2-bit vs. 20.0-bit) and dynamic range (11.7 vs. 11.5 EV). The Nikon’s sensor is more finely tuned for low-light performance starting at ISO 200, while Samsung pushes max native ISO higher (3200 vs. 1600), which is common for Samsung’s aggressive noise reduction.

Lens speed and versatility: This is where the P7800 shines with a whopping f/2.0–4.0 aperture over 28–200mm equivalent zoom - way more versatile for portraits, wildlife, and telephoto uses. The Samsung’s lens is shorter in reach (24–80mm equiv) but impressively fast at f/1.4–2.7, offering superior low-light and shallow depth of field potential at wide angle.

Depending on your intended shooting type, these lenses define the creative zone: the Nikon’s extended zoom accommodates wildlife and sports better, whereas the Samsung’s bright wide angle excels for indoor, nighttime, and artistic street photography.

Display and Viewfinder: Seeing Your Shot Clearly

Both cameras include a fully articulating 3-inch LCD screen, which is vital for composing in awkward angles or video capture.

The Samsung EX2F’s AMOLED screen provides punchy colors and excellent contrast, especially useful under bright daylight or tricky lighting, though it lacks touchscreen functionality. The Nikon’s screen offers a 921k-dot resolution, delivering crisp detail but with more natural color tuning over Samsung’s sometimes oversaturated rendering.

The Nikon benefits from a built-in electronic viewfinder with the same 921k resolution, unlike the EX2F where the electronic viewfinder is optional and an accessory add-on - absent from stock. This is a big plus if you prefer shooting with your eye to the viewfinder for stability or reduced glare.

Autofocus, Shooting Speed, and Systems Performance

No matter how lovely images look on paper, the autofocus system and shooting speed profoundly impact usability, especially for moving subjects, fast action, or critical focus.

• Nikon P7800: Features 99 autofocus points with contrast detection, face detection autofocus, and tracking. Continuous AF mode helps maintain focus on moderately active subjects, with a burst speed of 8 fps - a respectable figure for a compact, letting you seize fleeting moments in wildlife or sports.

• Samsung EX2F: Autofocus is contrast-detection only with no continuous or tracking modes, making it largely suitable for still subjects, static portraits, or more deliberate compositions. Continuous shooting is not formally supported, limiting chances to capture decisive moments when things get hectic.

In practice, during wildlife shoots or fast-paced street scenes, the P7800’s AF system feels noticeably more confident and versatile. The EX2F struggles with moving subjects and can be frustrating with focus lag or hunt in low light.

Versatility Across Photography Disciplines

I tested both cameras in a wide range of photography genres to gauge adaptability.

Portrait Photography

• Nikon: Its longer zoom and relatively fast f/2 lens definitely create attractive background separation and decent bokeh. The face and eye detection autofocus are helpful, bringing quick, reliable focus to your subject. Skin tones remain natural thanks to Nikon’s color science.
• Samsung: While the EX2F’s f/1.4 aperture is excellent for creamy backgrounds at the wide end, the shorter zoom limits framing options. Autofocus without face detection requires more manual attention, which may deter beginners.

Landscape and Travel

Both cameras feature similar sensor resolutions and benefit from raw output capability for post-processing dynamic range. Nikon’s slightly higher dynamic range and better exposure control advantages landscapes with broader tonal gradations and highlight recovery.

Weather sealing is nonexistent in both, so protect them in harsh conditions. Nikon’s longer zoom and bigger battery life (350 shots vs. unclear on Samsung) edge it ahead for extended travel days and varied terrain.

Wildlife and Sports

The Nikon’s 28-200mm lens, 8fps burst rate, and tracking AF make it a much more credible choice here. The EX2F’s limitations in lens reach and AF ability make it ill-suited for animals or sports.

Street Photography

Samsung’s compactness and stealthier design appeal for street shooters who prize discretion and lightness. The Nikon’s larger frame is less subtle but offers more creative latitude with focal range. Samsung’s AMOLED screen helps frame shots quickly even in glaring sun.

Macro Photography

The Nikon’s focusing down to 5cm in macro mode with optical stabilization provides useful closeups, while Samsung lacks a specified macro focusing range, limiting true macro abilities.

Night and Astro Photography

Samsung’s brighter lens and higher max ISO (3200) theoretically offer better low-light capability, but practical noise and exposure control differences were narrow. Nikon’s raw format and broader shutter speed range give more control.

Video Capabilities

Both record Full HD 1080p at 25 or 30 fps (Samsung at 60 fps in 720p), with optical image stabilization. Nikon advantageously has a microphone port for external audio input, critical for content creators. Samsung lacks a microphone input, limiting professional use.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

• Battery: Nikon’s EN-EL14 delivers about 350 shots per charge, a practical figure for day trips. Samsung’s SLB-10A spec is absent but generally lower, making Nikon the better option for prolonged outings without recharges.

• Storage: Both rely on single SD card slots supporting SDHC and SDXC cards, a standard and flexible choice.

• Connectivity: Nikon offers optional wireless with external adapters; Samsung comes with built-in Wi-Fi for sharing - useful for casual users but less critical if you prefer wired workflows.

Price and Value: What Are You Getting for Your Bucks?

At their respective price points, Nikon provides superior versatility for the money, especially when factoring in low-light reach, faster autofocus, and shooting controls. Samsung appeals for enthusiasts or casual shooters prioritizing portability and bright prime-like optics.

Summary Table of Pros and Cons

Nikon P7800 front Nikon P7800 screen back Samsung EX2F front Samsung EX2F screen back

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix P7800 if:

  • You want a versatile all-rounder with significant zoom reach.
  • Manual controls and autofocus sophistication matter.
  • You involve yourself in wildlife, sports, or longer telephoto work.
  • Video creation with quality audio input is a goal.
  • Battery longevity is essential for your shooting bite.

• Choose the Samsung EX2F if:

  • Portability and pocketability are your top priority.
  • You shoot mostly wide-angle, indoors, or street scenes.
  • You appreciate a bright lens for shallow depth of field effects.
  • You want a lively, colorful AMOLED screen out in the sun.
  • Your budget is slightly tighter and you don’t need speed or tracking AF.

Parting Thoughts from the Field

Having tested these cameras extensively, my personal pick leans toward the Nikon P7800 for its superb balance of control, zoom, and shooting versatility. It respects the demands of enthusiasts and even professional backup shooters while staying compact enough for travel. That said, the Samsung EX2F’s wide-aperture lens and compact form hold genuine appeal, particularly for casual photographers who love vibrant, punchy colors and will mostly shoot static or low-movement subjects.

At the end of the day, both cameras offer strong photographic bang for your buck with different philosophies: Nikon as the technical workhorse, Samsung as the stylish, bright, user-friendly companion. Your choice depends on your shooting style, ergonomics preference, and the types of images you value most.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera be exactly the right fit for your creative journey!

If you're considering the Nikon or Samsung models in today’s market, you may also want to check for any used or refurbished options, given their release years, to maximize value. And don’t forget to pair either with good glass or accessories that can extend their usability.