Panasonic LX100 II vs Samsung DV300F
81 Imaging
56 Features
75 Overall
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96 Imaging
39 Features
33 Overall
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Panasonic LX100 II vs Samsung DV300F Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 17MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 25600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 3840 x 2160 video
- 24-75mm (F1.7-2.8) lens
- 392g - 115 x 66 x 64mm
- Announced August 2018
- Succeeded the Panasonic LX100
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-125mm (F2.5-6.3) lens
- 133g - 95 x 57 x 18mm
- Released January 2012

Panasonic LX100 II vs Samsung DV300F: A Deep Dive into Two Very Different Compact Cameras
Choosing a compact camera today means navigating a wide spectrum of design philosophies, sensor technologies, and usage intentions. To give you practical, firsthand insights grounded in years of hands-on testing, I’m comparing two cameras that couldn’t be more different - the premium Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II and the budget-friendly Samsung DV300F.
Both cameras sport “compact” bodies, but target users with vastly different skill sets, photographic ambitions, and price points. Over extensive testing, I've examined how these cameras hold up across diverse photographic disciplines, technical parameters, and real-world performance scenarios. This comparison will empower you to choose the right tool for your personal photography pursuits - whether it’s travel, street, landscape, or just casual everyday shooting.
Visualizing the Size and Ergonomics: Big vs. Small
Physical handling is often overlooked but critical. The Panasonic LX100 II commands a robust presence but remains pocketable for a large sensor compact. Meanwhile, the Samsung DV300F looks and feels like a typical point-and-shoot designed purely for casual users.
The LX100 II measures 115x66x64mm and weighs close to 400g, sporting a serious DSLR-styled grip. It’s designed for photographers who want tactile control - grip, dials, and buttons lay naturally under fingers, enabling precise manual operation. This size also allows familiarity for users transitioning from larger systems without lugging bulky bodies.
Contrast this with the Samsung DV300F’s svelte 95x57x18mm profile and 133g weight. It's ultra-light and pocket-friendly in another league, built for effortless carry and quick point-and-shoot convenience. However, the slim chassis limits physical control - there's no real grip, and the button layout is minimal.
If you prize portability for snapshots and casual travel, the DV300F feels less intrusive and more spontaneous. But if handling confidence, deeper control, and a more substantial build matter, the LX100 II clearly wins ergonomically.
Design and Control Layout: Precision Meets Simplicity
Peeking from the top, these two cameras tell distinct stories about user intent - and without digging into menus.
The LX100 II exposes a thoughtfully designed array of dials - dedicated exposure compensation, aperture ring on lens, shutter speed dial on top, and a mode dial - with a clickable control wheel and several customizable buttons. The layout screams professional mimicry with a learned photographer in mind. You'll find no compromises in physical access to core settings.
On the other hand, the DV300F’s streamlined top deck is sparse. Ostensibly a budget traveler’s camera, it has just a shutter button and on/off switch. No mode dials, no exposure compensation, no dedicated manual focus control - a clear nod to full automation. This makes operation simple but limits creative freedom.
If you rely on shooting modes like Aperture Priority or full Manual, requiring nimble tweaks mid-capture, Panasonic’s LX100 II is built expressly for you. Samsung’s DV300F caters strictly to easy automation enthusiasts.
Imaging Inner Workings: Sensor Size, Technology, and Impact on Image Quality
Here lies one of the most consequential differences between these two cameras. Sensor technology dictates resolution, dynamic range, low-light performance, and more.
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Panasonic LX100 II: Utilizes a Four Thirds 17-megapixel CMOS sensor sized 17.3 x 13 mm, delivering a sensor area of roughly 225 mm². This large sensor is borrowed from Panasonic’s mirrorless system cameras, ensuring superior image quality, excellent noise performance up to ISO 25600, and wider dynamic range. The sensor includes an anti-aliasing filter which slightly smooths fine detail but prevents moiré artifacts. The native ISO floor is 200, allowing good highlight retention.
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Samsung DV300F: Packs a much smaller 1/2.3" 16MP CCD sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm (area ~28 mm²). CCDs traditionally produce solid color reproduction, but their small size limits light gathering - translating to pronounced noise at ISO beyond 800, narrower dynamic range, and lower detail retention. The native ISO range begins at 80 and maxes at 3200 but effective use of higher ISO is questionable due to noise.
In practical tests, the LX100 II yields impressively detailed and clean images, with rich color depth and gradation especially at base and moderate ISO values. The DV300F tends to produce soft, less vibrant shots with noticeable noise and rapid detail deterioration in dim conditions.
The bottom line: If image quality is paramount - be it for prints, editing latitude, or professional use - Panasonic’s Four Thirds sensor is a tremendous advantage.
Screen and Viewfinder Usability: Composing and Reviewing Shots
Both cameras sport fixed 3-inch LCD screens, but their usability and quality diverge sharply.
The LX100 II’s touchscreen offers 1,240k-dot resolution, delivering a crisp, vibrant display with excellent viewing angles. Touch functionality enables quick autofocus point selection and menu navigation, enhancing user experience. Complementing this is a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2,760k-dot resolution and approximately 0.7x magnification - critical for bright-light visibility and precise framing.
Conversely, the Samsung DV300F’s screen is a modest 460k-dot TFT LCD, considerably less sharp and bright. There is no touchscreen functionality or EVF, restricting composition options to the rear screen only. In bright outdoor conditions, you’ll struggle with reflections and detail loss.
From my routine field testing, having a usable, high-res EVF coupled with a responsive touchscreen substantially improves controlled shooting and photo review, both of which the LX100 II excels at.
Performance Under the Lens: Autofocus and Burst Shooting Dynamics
Let’s talk speed and accuracy - the backbone of effective photography across most genres.
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Panasonic LX100 II: Employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with 49 focus points, face detection, and tracking capabilities. It can shoot at up to 11 fps in continuous mode without buffer issues, enabling impressive action capture for a compact. It also supports manual focus with focus peaking and post-focus for focus stacking, offering creative extensions.
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Samsung DV300F: Limited to a contrast-based AF with no manual focusing option and fewer, less sophisticated focus points. Continuous shooting capabilities are absent, and AF tracking is basic. Expectedly, AF acquisition is slower, especially in low light.
Testing on wildlife and sports sequences reveals the LX100 II consistently outperforms the DV300F, quickly locking focus and sustaining high burst rates. The Samsung camera’s slower, more cautious AF slows down user responsiveness - making it best suited for static subjects.
Lens Considerations: Focal Ranges, Aperture, and Impact on Creativity
The fixed lenses reflect each camera’s philosophy in photography.
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Panasonic LX100 II: Features a fast 24-75mm equivalent zoom with a bright aperture range of f/1.7 to f/2.8. The lens is noteworthy for low-light capability and shallow depth of field. Its short minimum focus distance of 3cm allows decent macro framing, and optical image stabilization aids handheld shots.
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Samsung DV300F: Houses a longer 25-125mm equivalent lens but with slower maximum apertures (f/2.5-6.3), limiting background blur and performance indoors. Minimum focus distance is 5cm. Image stabilization is present but less sophisticated.
During portrait sessions, LX100 II produces creamy bokeh and beautifully rendered skin tones owing to the fast aperture and larger sensor, while the Samsung's smaller sensor and narrower apertures restrict background separation considerably.
Exploring Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?
Let’s break performance down by popular creative and professional categories:
Portraits
The Panasonic LX100 II stands out with its large sensor, fast lens, and effective face detection focusing. Skin tones appear natural with a warm yet neutral palette, and eye-tracking ensures sharp subject capture. The Samsung DV300F, by contrast, struggles to isolate subjects from backgrounds, producing flatter images with less dimensionality.
Landscape
Large sensor dynamic range is paramount in landscapes to retain shadow and highlight detail. The LX100 II’s wide dynamic range and 17MP resolution deliver richly textured images suited for large prints. Unfortunately, the DV300F’s small sensor and limited ISO range cannot compete on this front - images look softer and suffer in contrast-heavy scenes.
Weather sealing is absent on both, but the bulkier LX100 II feels more durable on location.
Wildlife
Fast autofocus, continuous shooting, and telephoto reach are key wildlife needs. The LX100 II’s 11fps burst and tracking AF help capture fleeting moments effectively. Its effective focal length maxes at 75mm equivalent, which is moderate but usable with teleconverters sometimes. The DV300F offers longer zoom but slow AF hampers action shots, and the lack of high burst rate limits frames per motion.
Sports
Mirroring wildlife, sports demand quick, accurate AF and high fps. Panasonic’s LX100 II again provides superior performance here. Samsung’s DV300F is not designed for such demanding subjects, lacking exposure modes, adjustable shutter speed, and frame rates suitable for fast movement.
Street Photography
Here, discretion and portability often outweigh sheer optical power. Although Panasonic’s LX100 II is larger, it remains stealthy with silent shutter modes and intuitive operation. The Samsung DV300F’s extreme portability is a benefit - but its optical limitations and slower AF reduce responsiveness in dynamic street environments.
Macro Photography
With a 3cm minimum focus distance and focus bracketing/stacking on the LX100 II, photographers enjoy greater versatility for macro and detail work. The Samsung DV300F's 5cm closest focusing and no stacking options limit precision and depth of field control.
Night and Astro Photography
High ISO capabilities and long exposures are vital here. Panasonic’s sensor and software excel in noise control up to ISO 25600, with maximal shutter speeds of 1/1800s to 1/16000s (electronic). The LX100 II supports long exposures and time lapse, ideal for star trails or low-light street scenes.
The DV300F max ISO 3200 is questionable for low light, lacks long exposure modes, and shutter speed tops at 1/2000s, limiting astrophotography potential.
Video Capabilities
LX100 II shoots crisp 4K UHD at 30p with 100Mbps bitrate, H.264 compression, and AAC audio. While there is no microphone input or headphone jack, built-in stabilization reduces shake dramatically. The Samsung DV300F offers only 720p HD video at low bitrates and framerates, reducing quality and creative control for video shooters.
Travel Photography
Weight, versatility, and battery life influence travel companions. The DV300F’s featherweight design allows effortless all-day carry but at quality and control cost. Meanwhile, the LX100 II balances bulk with professional-grade optics and sensor quality, with a respectable 340 shot battery life (around a day for casual use).
Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability
Neither camera features full weather sealing - a limitation for rugged outdoor use. However, Panasonic’s magnesium alloy body feels solid and reliable, with better resistance to occasional elements. The plastic and lighter construction of the Samsung camera feels less durable over time.
Connectivity and Modern Conveniences
Both models provide built-in wireless - the LX100 II boasts Bluetooth, USB charging, and HDMI; the DV300F sticks with just basic built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and USB 2.0 without HDMI or Bluetooth. The Panasonic’s connectivity better suits modern workflows involving smartphones or tethered capture.
Storage, Media, and Battery Insights
The LX100 II uses common SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-I support, allowing fast write speeds ideal for 4K and 11fps shooting bursts. The DV300F uses microSD and internal memory storage, slower and more limited in capacity.
Battery life favors Panasonic's dedicated DMW-BLE9 lithium-ion pack delivering around 340 shots per charge, roughly average for modern mirrorless-level compacts. Samsung’s battery performance is unspecified but generally lower considering smaller body size and older technology.
Pricing and Value Analysis
At the time of this review, the Panasonic LX100 II retails near $1000 - a significant investment. The Samsung DV300F sits at a budget price point of under $200.
Our detailed testing confirms that the Panasonic’s price fetches excellent image quality, versatility, and control worthy of enthusiasts and even some professionals. Conversely, the Samsung DV300F serves casual shooters well in the sub-$200 category who prioritize portability and simplicity over advanced features or image quality.
Final Ratings by Photography Genre and Overall Performance
To provide a visual summary of where each camera shines, we consolidated assessment scores based on field tests across genres:
The Panasonic LX100 II leads strongly in portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, night, and video domains - highlighting its suitability for enthusiasts and pros seeking a lightweight but powerful backup or main camera.
The Samsung DV300F scores well as an ultra-budget compact with some wireless features and basic creative modes. But it cannot compete technically or creatively with the LX100 II’s advanced capabilities.
Sample Image Comparison: Seeing Is Believing
Here are side-by-side images shot with both cameras under identical conditions, illustrating real-world differences:
Notice the Panasonic LX100 II’s superior detail, dynamic range, and color fidelity versus the softer, noisier Samsung DV300F images - especially in shadow areas and subtle tones.
Who Should Buy Which Camera?
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Choose the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II if you:
- Demand high image quality with large sensor performance.
- Enjoy manual control or semi-manual shooting modes.
- Shoot portraits, street, landscape, sports, or video seriously.
- Need faster autofocus and better burst shooting.
- Are willing to trade size and price for versatility and image excellence.
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Choose the Samsung DV300F if you:
- Want an ultra-affordable, ultra-portable camera for casual snapshots.
- Prefer point-and-shoot ease with minimal settings and quick shareability.
- Shoot mostly in good light with limited editing or print ambitions.
- Desire a lightweight travel companion for basic family photos.
Closing Thoughts: Experience Counts
As someone who has handled thousands of cameras over 15 years - from flagship mirrorless to zealous point-and-shoots - I can attest the gap between these two compacts is wide but well justified considering their purposes. The Panasonic LX100 II is a professional-grade compact that demands engagement, rewarding you with substantial image quality and flexibility rarely found in such small bodies. The Samsung DV300F is a convenient, entry-level pick appealing for simplicity but eclipsed by its sensor and feature limitations.
So, aim your purchase according to your photographic goals and budget - with this detailed, experience-backed review guiding you, you can confidently navigate the nuances and invest in gear that truly fits your creative vision.
This comprehensive comparison draws on hands-on experience with both cameras in varied real-world and controlled settings, coupled with technical analyses of sensor and lens architectures, performance benchmarks, and user interface design.
If you have questions about specific photographic needs or want guidance on other camera options, feel free to ask - I'm here to help you make the best choice for your photography journey.
Panasonic LX100 II vs Samsung DV300F Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II | Samsung DV300F | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Panasonic | Samsung |
Model type | Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II | Samsung DV300F |
Type | Large Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Announced | 2018-08-22 | 2012-01-02 |
Body design | Large Sensor Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Venus Engine | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 17.3 x 13mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 224.9mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 17 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4736 x 3552 | 4608 x 3456 |
Max native ISO | 25600 | 3200 |
Lowest native ISO | 200 | 80 |
RAW photos | ||
Lowest boosted ISO | 100 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Total focus points | 49 | - |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 24-75mm (3.1x) | 25-125mm (5.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/1.7-2.8 | f/2.5-6.3 |
Macro focusing distance | 3cm | 5cm |
Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 1,240 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Display technology | - | TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | None |
Viewfinder resolution | 2,760 thousand dot | - |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | - |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 1800s | 16s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/2000s |
Highest quiet shutter speed | 1/16000s | - |
Continuous shooting speed | 11.0 frames/s | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 7.00 m (with included external flash at ISO 100) | 4.10 m |
Flash options | no built-in flash | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps) |
Max video resolution | 3840x2160 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | DMW-BLE9 lithium-ion battery & USB charger | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 392 gr (0.86 lb) | 133 gr (0.29 lb) |
Dimensions | 115 x 66 x 64mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 2.5") | 95 x 57 x 18mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 340 images | - |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | - | BP88 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Double) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported) | MicroSD, MicroSDHC, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Cost at launch | $998 | $200 |