Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 vs. Samsung NX300: A Deep Dive Into Two 2013 Cameras for Modern Photographers

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital photography, the year 2013 introduced us to two very different cameras aimed at distinct segments of the market - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5, a compact small sensor point-and-shoot, and the Samsung NX300, a mirrorless entry-level interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras carry the stamp of their creators’ design philosophies, but in practical use and technical specifications, they chart remarkably separate routes. Having put each through its paces extensively in various conditions, I want to share a comprehensive comparison that unpacks what each brings to the table, who they're best suited for, and how they hold up in 2024.

Physical Design and Handling: Pocketable Simplicity Meets Rangefinder Style

Right out of the gate, the Panasonic F5’s sub-100-gram, pocket-friendly compact body screams convenience. Measuring just 97x58x22mm and weighing 121 grams, it's designed for grab-and-go snapshots. The fixed 28-140mm equivalent lens (with a 5x zoom) means you're always ready for anything from environmental portraits to moderate telephoto use without fuss. Its modest 2.7" fixed, non-touch TFT LCD and absence of an electronic viewfinder set expectations squarely within casual photography. No grip bulges, no rugged sealing, no mechanical dials - this is every bit a point-and-shoot for casual users or those prioritizing portability.

The Samsung NX300, by contrast, weighs nearly three times as much at 331 grams and is physically larger (122x64x41mm). It adopts a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless design with a fully articulating 3.3-inch Active Matrix OLED touchscreen. The tilting screen enhances framing versatility - a feature absent on the Panasonic. The NX300 sports physical dials, customizable buttons, and a more pronounced grip that naturally appeals to those coming from DSLR backgrounds or seeking a serious step-up in control and ergonomics.

Handling-wise, if your photography involves quick spur-of-the-moment captures or travel light situations, the Panasonic’s minimalist approach shines. But for deliberate shooting, manual adjustments, or users who want to interact more deeply with exposure controls, the NX300’s physical interface feels more satisfying and efficient. I found shooting in manual and aperture priority modes on the NX300 ended up more enjoyable partly due to tactile feedback and intuitive layout - you’re not clicking through menus as much. This makes a subtle but tangible difference when focused on capturing fleeting moments.

Sensor and Image Quality: Tiny CCD vs. APS-C CMOS, A World Apart

Peeking under the hood, the Panasonic Lumix F5 uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 14 megapixels (6.08 x 4.56mm sensor area) - a common size for compact cameras of the period. This sensor size inherently limits potential for dynamic range, low-light performance, and bokeh due to smaller photosites. CCD technology, once lauded for color rendition, was beginning to fall behind CMOS sensors in speed and noise control by 2013. Panasonic doesn’t provide detailed processing internals for this model, but expect images optimized for daylight and moderate ISO use.

In sharp contrast, Samsung’s NX300 packs a larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7mm) with 20 megapixels. This sensor’s 368.95mm² surface area dwarfs the Panasonic’s, allowing for greater light gathering, wider dynamic range, and finer detail retention. According to DXO Mark results (NX300 scored 76 overall, 23.6 color depth, 12.7 stops dynamic range, 942 low-light ISO), this camera excels in image quality for its class, producing cleaner high ISO images and retaining details in shadows - critical for landscape, low light, and portrait work.

On the Panasonic, images deliver acceptable sharpness and color in bright conditions but suffer in shadows and at high ISOs. The fixed lens aperture range of f/3.2-6.5 further constrains low-light capability and depth-of-field control, limiting artistic flexibility such as creamy bokeh. Meanwhile, the NX300’s native ISO up to 25,600 (compared to Panasonic’s max 6400) and wider aperture lenses available via Samsung’s 32-lens ecosystem allow for pronounced subject isolation and versatility. This is especially valuable for portrait shooters chasing flattering skin tones and smooth backgrounds.

Autofocus Systems: Contrast-Detection Simplicity vs. Hybrid Phase-Detect Complexity

Autofocus (AF) can make or break shooting experiences, especially for wildlife and sports photographers. Panasonic’s Lumix F5 relies solely on contrast-detection AF with unspecified focus points. Although it offers single, continuous, and tracking AF modes, it does not have features like face or eye detection, nor does it support manual focus. Continuous AF is limited to a slow 1 fps burst rate, so rapid subject changes may trip detection lag or focus hunting, common in small sensor compacts.

Samsung’s NX300, on the other hand, delivers a hybrid AF system incorporating both phase-detect and contrast-detection AF with 247 focus points - a formidable setup for 2013. Impressively, it features face detection, selective AF area choices, continuous tracking AF, and touch-to-focus on the OLED display. These capabilities translate to significantly faster, more accurate locking, especially in challenging situations like wildlife or active street photography.

In my testing at the local bird sanctuary, the NX300 locked focus swiftly on fast-moving subjects and maintained it with reliable tracking, while the Panasonic struggled in similar conditions, often hunting or lagging behind quick flight. For sports photography, the NX300’s 9 fps burst outshines the Panasonic’s 1 fps, ensuring fewer missed action moments.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Lightweight Plastic vs. Quality Construction

Neither camera features professional-grade weather sealing or ruggedized construction, but the build quality approach differs. The Panasonic F5 is primarily lightweight plastic designed to minimize bulk, consistent with its compact design ethos. It feels less solid in hand and more like a casual snapshot tool. There’s no environmental sealing, so outdoor photographers concerned about dust or moisture should approach with caution.

The Samsung NX300 boasts a more substantial exterior, with a metal lens mount and better overall chassis rigidity. Though still not weather sealed, the materials and construction feel more durable with better resistance to day-to-day handling stresses. For professionals or enthusiasts who frequently photograph outdoors, the NX300’s build inspires greater confidence without leaping to the weight and size of a DSLR.

User Interface and Screen: Basic Fixed LCD vs. Bright Tiltable OLED Touchscreen

User interface choices often reveal target user groups. Panasonic’s DMC-F5 keeps it simple with a fixed 2.7-inch 230k-dot TFT LCD. There’s no touch sensitivity, no articulating mechanism, and no EVF, steering users to framing by eye or using the LCD alone. Operation involves minimal buttons, no manual exposure modes, and no customization. This simplicity benefits casual shooters but restricts creative flexibility and preview quality in challenging light (sunshine or low light).

The Samsung NX300’s 3.3-inch 768k-dot OLED screen is one of its standout features. Not only is the resolution significantly higher, but the OLED technology provides deeper blacks and vibrant colors, useful for accurate image review and composing in the field. The tilting design lets you shoot comfortably from waist-level or high and near-ground angles, enhancing creativity. Touch sensitivity facilitates spot focusing, menu navigation, and quick settings adjustments.

If you value interactive, responsive shooting and want to inspect your files crisply on the camera, the NX300 delivers a much-refined experience.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Fixed Lens Convenience vs. Expansive Mirrorless Range

The Panasonic F5’s fixed 28-140mm equivalent lens offers a versatile range for walk-around shooting but limits users from specialized optics. The maximum aperture tapers from f/3.2 wide to f/6.5 telephoto - a rather slow lens by modern standards. Also, absence of optical image stabilization places the burden on ISO or shutter speed to minimize blur.

Conversely, Samsung’s NX mount supports a robust lineup of 32 native lenses from wide apertures, primes, zooms, to specialty macros and teles. This lens ecosystem, while not as vast as Canon or Sony, offers users clear pathways to grow their system, enabling tailored setups for portraits, wildlife, landscapes, and more. The ability to swap lenses means you can choose faster optics for low light or portrait bokeh, macro lenses for tight focusing, or super-telephotos for wildlife.

If you value optical variation and long-term investment in a flexible system, the NX300 clearly wins.

Battery Life and Storage: Moderate Endurance, Single SD Card Slot

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs and offer SD card support. The Panasonic F5 is rated at approximately 250 shots per charge - adequate for casual travel or street use but limiting for long explorations without spares. The battery compartment and card slot are straightforward, with no dual slot redundancy.

The Samsung NX300 boasts around 330 shots per charge, respectable given its sensor size and screen brightness. Its single SD card slot supports larger capacities (SDHC/SDXC). For video shooters or event photographers, these numbers mean you should carry spares or external power options if shooting extensively.

Connectivity and Video Capabilities: Minimal vs. Modern Wireless and Full HD

Connectivity is another domain of clear difference. Panasonic’s F5 offers no wireless networking, no HDMI, no microphone input, and only USB 2.0 connectivity. Video filming is limited to 720p at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format - usable for casual clips but not professional work. Lacking advanced codecs and stabilization, videography remains rudimentary.

Samsung’s NX300 features built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for quick pairing and wireless image transfer, an optional GPS accessory, HDMI output, and more video resolution options, including true 1080p Full HD recording with MPEG-4 and H.264 compression. This makes it more appealing to hybrid photo/video users who want moderately advanced functionality without stepping into pro video territory. Audio input remains absent, limiting control over sound quality.

Real-World Photography Testing Across Genres

To put these specs into perspective, I tested both cameras across key photography styles.

Portraits: Skin Rendering and Bokeh

The NX300’s larger sensor and lens options gave consistently superior skin tone reproduction - natural with balanced contrast and smooth gradations. Its capability to shoot fast primes at wide apertures yielded pleasant background separation, critical for flattering portraits. Face detection AF further aided sharp focus on eyes.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic F5’s fixed lens and smaller sensor struggled to separate subject from background, with flat, noisier images at indoor or shaded conditions. Lack of face or eye AF meant more missed focus opportunities. Its modest maximum aperture compromised bokeh quality, making portraits less compelling and more snapshot-like.

Landscape: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Landscape photography rewards sensors with high dynamic range and resolution. Here, the NX300’s 20MP APS-C sensor shined, capturing wide tonal latitude in skies and shadows - key for sunrise or sunset scenes. The availability of manual exposure modes and RAW support allowed deeper post-processing.

The Panasonic F5’s limitations showed: lower resolution and compressed dynamic range resulted in less detailed images and blown highlights or crushed shadows, especially under challenging illumination. Without RAW, creative edits were constrained. Its fixed lens prevented specialized wide-angle low-distortion capture but was passable for some moderate landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Frame Rate

Samsung’s hybrid AF and 9 fps continuous shooting came into play effectively tracking birds and athletes, minimizing focus hunting and maximizing keeper rates. The Panasonic, hamstrung by slow contrast AF and 1 fps burst, missed many split-second moments. This is a critical gap for action enthusiasts.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

Panasonic’s featherweight, pocketable F5 excelled in unobtrusiveness and quick grab shooting - ideal for candid street moments. However, slow AF and limited ISO performance curtailed night shooting capability.

The NX300, though larger and more conspicuous, offered better low-light capability and versatile framing with its tilting screen, at the cost of slightly more weight and setup time.

Macro and Close-Ups

Samsung’s lens assortment includes true macro primes with high magnification and precise focusing mechanisms. In contrast, the Panasonic's close focus at 5cm was useful but lacked flexibility and detail for professional macro work.

Night and Astro

The NX300’s superior high ISO control and RAW capture make it suitable for astrophotography and night scenes with long exposures and cleaner results. Panasonic’s limited ISO range and fixed lens aperture restricted night shooting outcomes.

Video

The NX300’s Full HD video output with manual exposure control represents a viable hybrid shooter option; the Panasonic’s 720p MJPEG videos feel dated, lacking refocus and stabilization for dynamic shooting.

Panasonic F5 front Panasonic F5 screen back Samsung NX300 screen back

Workflow, Professional Use, and Value Proposition

The NX300’s inclusion of RAW files, advanced exposure controls, and robust lens options integrate well with professional workflows using Lightroom, Capture One, or other RAW processors. While it lacks weather sealing and advanced ruggedness, its image quality and customization justify its place as a prosumer introduction to mirrorless.

The Panasonic F5 is best viewed as a basic everyday snapshot tool or first camera for casual users who don’t demand advanced features, manual modes, or optical flexibility. Its incredibly low price point (~$100 new at launch) appeals for budget-conscious shoppers who want simplicity.

Final Thoughts: Picking Your Camera Companion

When weighing the Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 against the Samsung NX300, you’re essentially contrasting two fundamentally different approaches to photography.

• Choose the Panasonic F5 if you want a super lightweight, pocket-friendly camera for casual, daylight travel or snapshot photography without fuss over settings or lenses. It’s a low-cost camera for basic recording, best suited to novices or those who prioritize portability.

• Choose the Samsung NX300 if you desire significantly better image quality, a flexible lens system, faster and smarter autofocus, handy manual controls, and modern video capabilities. It suits enthusiasts stepping up from smartphones or compacts who want creative control; those invested in portrait, landscape, or action genres; and users who want room to grow their kit.

Given its age, the NX300 still competes well today in terms of sensor performance and system flexibility, particularly if you find a used or discounted body. The F5 remains an example of budget convenience but is heavily limited by older sensor technology, fixed optics, and minimal features.

I hope this detailed comparison assists you in making an informed choice between two vintage yet distinctive 2013 cameras. Whether it’s the simplicity and portability of the Panasonic F5 or the flexible, image-quality-centric NX300 that fits your needs, both have their place in the photography world. For serious photography enthusiasts or professionals, the NX300’s compelling sensor and feature set firmly place it in the winner’s circle for quality and versatility.

If you have questions on specific shooting scenarios or want an assessment against more modern cameras, feel free to reach out - I’m eager to help you find your perfect photographic companion!