Panasonic FH25 vs Samsung ST90

A Close Look at the Panasonic FH25 and Samsung ST90: Compact Cameras from 2011 Put to the Test

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital cameras, compact models from the early 2010s offer an intriguing glimpse into the blend of portability and photography performance before smartphones swept the market. I’ve spent significant time testing two such contenders - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25 (simply FH25 hereafter) and the Samsung ST90. Both announced just weeks apart in January 2011, they occupy similar niches yet bring divergent feature sets and handling philosophies. While these cameras now sit well behind current tech trends, revisiting them offers useful lessons in compact camera design, sensor capabilities, and real-world usability that remain instructive for collectors, budget buyers, or anyone curious about earlier camera tech.

Let’s unpack the nuance of their design, performance, and photographic strengths across multiple genres to see which might still carry value today - or where their legacy has influenced modern compact photography tools.

How Size and Handling Shape the Experience

When judging compact cameras, size and ergonomics form the cornerstone of daily use. The Panasonic FH25 measures a comfortable 99 x 57 x 28 mm and weighs just 159 grams, whereas the Samsung ST90 is an even smaller ultracompact at 92 x 53 x 17 mm with weight info unavailable but obviously lighter given the slim profile.

The FH25’s slightly chunkier body puts in a good performance for grip and stability. When shooting handheld for extended periods - say, during cityscape strolls or hiking excursions - I appreciated its modest contouring and button layout that promoted quick access. The Samsung ST90, being sleek and less deep, fits unobtrusively in a jacket pocket or purse. It’s arguably better for street photographers who prize outright discreteness and effortless carry.

Ergonomically, the FH25’s broad design supports steadier shots thanks to optical image stabilization, complementing its physical heft. However, if you’re someone who wants the lightest possible package, the ST90 notably wins with its slim construction.

Comparing Controls and Top-Down Layout

A camera’s user interface shapes your workflow more than specs alone. Neither model offers advanced manual controls (no manual focus, no aperture or shutter priority modes), targeting more casual shooters or novices. But the subtle differences in button layout and accessibility became clear under testing.

The FH25 features a modestly appointed top plate with a mode dial for scenarios like auto, scene modes, and video, alongside dedicated zoom controls. The tactile buttons offer reassuring feedback and a predictable design philosophy common to Panasonic’s compacts from this era.

The ST90 strips back complexity further - there’s no physical zoom ring, and the shutter button nests within a smaller control cluster. This contributes to its compact footprint but at the expense of tactile intuitiveness. Touchscreen capability is absent on both, a limitation reflecting early 2010s design norms. Overall, the FH25’s control scheme feels more mature and user-oriented, better suited for those who want to learn or nudge settings manually without overwhelming complexity.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras employ 1/2.3” CCD sensors, roughly 6 mm by 4.6 mm in physical dimensions, a typical sensor size for compact cameras of this vintage. The FH25 offers a 16-megapixel resolution, while the ST90 provides 14 megapixels - both produce large files around 4608 x 3456 pixels.

CCD sensors from this period generally offered decent color rendition but struggled with high ISO noise and dynamic range compared to modern CMOS sensors. Neither camera supports RAW file capture, locking users into JPEG files for post-processing.

In side-by-side image tests, the FH25 produced slightly more detailed images, attributed partly to the higher sensor resolution and Panasonic’s Venus Engine VI image processor - renowned for decent noise reduction and color accuracy in compact bodies. The FH25 also featured in-body optical image stabilization, giving it a leg up on reducing motion blur during low-light handheld shooting.

The ST90, conversely, with no image stabilization and a simpler processing engine, struggled to maintain clarity at ISOs above 400. Even at base ISO, images exhibited more softness. Notably, its sensor’s slightly larger effective area did not translate into superior image quality in our tests.

So, Panasonic holds a clear advantage on image quality metrics like detail retention and noise handling - critical aspects for most photography genres.

LCD Screens and User Interface

When reviewing compact cameras, the rear LCD is often the sole composition and review tool given the lack of electronic viewfinders on these models.

The FH25 sports a 2.7-inch TFT LCD with 230k-dot resolution - comfortable but not spectacular by today’s standards. The ST90 offers a larger 3-inch screen with a brighter 460k-dot resolution, making it easier to review images and navigate menus under various lighting conditions.

However, neither screen offers touchscreen functionality or articulation, limiting flexibility for creative angles or quick setting changes. Both have fixed panels that perform adequately in shaded environments yet struggle under bright sunlight.

In summary, the ST90 provides a technically sharper viewing experience, but the FH25’s interface benefits from more intuitive menu navigation. For users frequently reviewing images on the go, the ST90 screen size and clarity are compelling.

Real-World Image Gallery from Both Cameras

Practical image output often tells the most convincing story. I conducted field tests shooting varied subjects under various lighting - portraits, landscapes, street scenes, macro shots, and video clips. Here’s a comparative visual gallery showcasing representative shots.

Panasonic FH25 front Panasonic FH25 screen back Samsung ST90 front Samsung ST90 screen back

Observations:

• Portraits: FH25’s face detection autofocus and optical stabilization produce pleasing skin tones and softer bokeh at telephoto focal lengths (up to 224 mm equivalent), whereas ST90’s lack of face detection and image stabilization limit portraitic finesse.

• Landscapes: Both cameras capture good detail in daylight, though FH25’s dynamic range feels slightly better, preserving subtle shadow detail.

• Macro: The FH25’s macro focusing down to 5 cm allows greater close-up detail, while the ST90’s unspecified macro range results in less crisp detail.

• Video: Both max out at 720p HD, with FH25 offering 24 fps motion JPEG and ST90 lacking detailed format specs but delivering similar resolution. Neither excel by modern standards but are adequate for casual use.

The gallery underscores Panasonic’s superior ability to handle varied conditions, with Samsung falling a bit short beyond bright daylight scenarios.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in Practice

Autofocus is critical for subjects in motion and precise framing. Here, the FH25 again pulls ahead with face detection AF and multiple focus points (11 points with multi-area AF and tracking), enabled by contrast detection technology. It supports AF tracking, helping keep moving subjects reasonably sharp.

The Samsung ST90 offers a much simpler system: no face detection, no multi-area AF, and contrast detection disabled in live view, resulting in slower and less reliable autofocus. Point-and-shoot style, center-weighted AF predominates, which can frustrate precise focus in complex scenes.

In wildlife or sports scenarios, neither camera is ideal due to limited burst modes and slow continuous AF, but the FH25’s marginally faster acquisition and tracking gives it an edge.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Reliability

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedized design. Their plastic-bodied compact construction reflects their consumer-oriented price points.

As devices meant for casual handheld use rather than professional fieldwork, their reliability depends on gentle treatment. The Panasonic’s thicker build suggests slightly better resistance to shocks and drops, while the Samsung favors portability over durability.

Battery-wise, the FH25’s 250-shot rating (battery type: rechargeable battery pack) is modest but manageable for day trips, whereas exact stamina numbers for the ST90 are unavailable but presumably lower given smaller form and lack of power-saving stabilization.

Lens Versatility and Optical Capabilities

The Panasonic FH25 sports an 8x zoom lens equivalent to 28-224 mm F3.3-5.9 - quite versatile for an all-in-one compact. It offers a practical wide-angle start for landscapes and telephoto reach for moderate zoom needs.

The Samsung ST90’s lens focal specs aren’t explicitly stated, but it reportedly offers a 5.8x zoom range, similar in reach but lacking in aperture details and optical stabilizer.

Panasonic’s lens, paired with optical stabilization, allows for more confident shooting at telephoto lengths and in lower light, whereas Samsung’s lens difficulty in longer focal lengths is magnified by no stabilization.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Catching the Decisive Moment

In terms of speed, the FH25 offers a 4 fps continuous shooting mode. This burst rate is tolerable for casual action or children’s sports but falls short of dedicated sports cameras.

The ST90 does not advertise continuous shooting speed, and practical tests showed sluggish shot-to-shot times, making it unsuitable for fast-moving subjects.

Shutter speed ranges are similar: FH25 from 60 sec to 1/1600 sec, Samsung ST90 from 8 sec to 1/2000 sec - both adequate for daylight and some creative long exposures, but nothing advanced.

Specialized Photography: How Do They Handle the Niches?

To deliver a balanced view, let’s take a genre-specific lens on strengths and weaknesses:

• Portraits: FH25 clearly stronger due to face detection AF and optical IS, producing better skin renderings and sharper eyes.

• Landscape: Both capable; FH25’s wider zoom and slight dynamic range edge matter here.

• Wildlife: Neither is practical; FH25’s autofocus speed is slightly quicker, but slow burst and focus hunting limit potential.

• Sports: Again, FH25 manages better burst and AF tracking but remains a casual shooter.

• Street: ST90’s size and stealthiness win. Easy pocketability and unobtrusive design suit street candids.

• Macro: FH25’s macro functionality and closer focusing distance help deliver more rewarding captures.

• Night/Astro: Both limited by small sensors and CCD noise levels, but FH25’s longer shutter speed and stabilization offer mild advantages.

• Video: Both max at 720p; FH25’s format and frame rate offer more reliable footage.

• Travel: FH25 blends reasonable size, zoom, and stabilization; ST90 is best for minimalist packing and light travel.

• Professional Use: Neither fits professional workflows; no RAW or advanced file types.

Connectivity and Extras

Modern wireless connectivity, USB ports, HDMI, headphone/mic jacks are now standard but were rare in 2011. Neither camera offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, HDMI, or microphone input.

The FH25 includes USB 2.0 for image transfer; the ST90 disappointingly lacks USB completely, complicating workflow.

No GPS or timelapse features for either, reflecting their consumer-level design.

Wrapping It Up: Performance Scores and Value Assessment

While neither camera dazzles by today’s standards, the Panasonic FH25 consistently outperforms the Samsung ST90 across key areas: image quality, stabilization, autofocus, zoom versatility, and handling. The Samsung’s compactness is its standout trait, appealing mainly to those prioritizing sheer portability.

At their launch price points - $179 for FH25 and $149 for ST90 - the FH25 offers superior overall value for anyone interested in a dependable, user-friendly compact. The ST90 is a niche pick for budget ultracompact users with minimalistic needs.

Recommendations for Today’s Buyers

Choose the Panasonic FH25 if you:

• Desire the best image quality and stabilization in a compact.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, or casual wildlife where autofocus and zoom flexibility matter.
• Want slightly more manual control and better ergonomics.
• Value longer battery life and USB connectivity.

Choose the Samsung ST90 if you:

• Need an ultra-slim, pocket-ready camera for street or travel photographic anonymity.
• Prioritize screen quality for immediate photo review.
• Shoot primarily in bright daylight and static scenes.
• Have a strict budget and minimal operational demands.

Final Thoughts From My Experience

Having handled thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, I see the Panasonic FH25 as a solid reiteration of Panasonic’s long tradition of delivering user-friendly compacts that punch above their weight. Its balance of resolution, zoom range, optical stabilization, and autofocus sophistication still impresses when placed alongside its aging contemporaries.

The Samsung ST90 is a testament to trimming features to create an ultracompact, but compromises in autofocus, image stabilization, and connectivity make it less versatile.

If you’re purchasing now, consider more recent models or explore mirrorless systems. But if you land on these older compacts in secondary markets, I’d recommend the FH25 for most casual photography tasks and the ST90 only for the smallest carry ambitions.

This dog is a good boy - but the Panasonic is a slightly better retriever.

I hope this deep dive helps you understand the strengths and limitations of these two compact cameras from 2011. Feel free to ask if you'd like my take on more current models or related gear!