Panasonic FH3 vs. Samsung NX1: A Deep Dive into Two Cameras From Different Worlds

When comparing cameras like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 and the Samsung NX1, it’s a bit like putting a pebble next to a boulder - both capture images, but how and what they offer diverge significantly. With over 15 years of hands-on experience testing cameras - from casual compacts to professional workhorses - I find such comparisons fascinating. They reveal how vastly cameras can differ in target audience, design philosophy, and photographic capability.

In this article, I’ll take you through a detailed examination of these two models. The Panasonic FH3 is a small sensor compact announced in early 2010, designed for casual users craving convenience and simplicity. Meanwhile, the Samsung NX1, released in 2014, is a pro-level mirrorless camera packed with advanced technology and aimed at enthusiast and professional photographers.

Our goal? To help you understand the real-world performance and value of each camera across diverse photography genres and use cases. Plus, I’ll make clear recommendations, so you know exactly which one might suit your needs or if you should be looking elsewhere entirely.

First Impressions and What Each Camera Is About

At a glance, these two cameras couldn’t be more different. The Panasonic FH3 is a pocketable compact with a fixed zoom lens, a small sensor, and super-simple controls. It promises easy point-and-shoot operation.

The Samsung NX1, by contrast, is a hefty mirrorless beast with interchangeable lenses, a large APS-C sensor, a complex autofocus system, and a wealth of manual controls.

Understanding these core differences is crucial because it sets expectations for image quality, handling, and flexibility.

As you can see, the FH3 is ultra-compact, lightweight, and easy to carry all day without discomfort - ideal for street or travel photography where discretion and portability matter. The NX1 is bulkier and heavier but offers a more substantial grip and professional-grade durability.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Foundation

Sensor technology is arguably the single biggest differentiator between these two cameras.

The APS-C sensor in the NX1 is roughly 13 times larger in surface area than the FH3’s tiny 1/2.3" sensor. This alone leads to vastly superior light-gathering capability, higher resolution (28MP vs 14MP), and much better dynamic range.

With its back-illuminated CMOS sensor (BSI-CMOS), the NX1 excels in low-light performance, pushing usable ISOs well above 6400, whereas the FH3 can become noticeably noisy above ISO 400-800 in practice despite the spec sheet’s 6400 max ISO rating.

The absence of an anti-aliasing filter on the NX1 improves sharpness and detail, benefiting landscape and studio photographers alike, while the FH3’s filter smooths out potential moiré at the cost of crispness.

In my extensive field tests, the NX1 produces much cleaner, more detailed images with better color depth, especially in shadows and highlights, compared to the FH3, which is limited by its sensor size and older CCD technology.

Ergonomics and Handling: Controls and User Interface

Despite their differing target audiences, usability is important for both.

The FH3’s fixed lens approach means fewer physical controls - no aperture priority, shutter speed priority, or manual exposure modes here. You get basic autofocus (contrast detection with 9 points), optical image stabilization, and a simple menu system navigated via a modest 2.7” fixed LCD with 230k dots (no touchscreen).

Meanwhile, the NX1 shines with a rugged, weather-sealed body built for serious use. Its SLR-style layout includes numerous dials and buttons for exposure modes (manual, aperture, shutter priority), shoot customization, and intuitive operation even under challenging conditions. The 3” tilting touchscreen LCD with 1.03M dots plus a large 2.36M dots OLED electronic viewfinder offer flexible composition options.

From direct experience, the NX1’s interface is modern and versatile - suitable for fast-paced work like weddings or sports. The FH3 caters to casual users but can feel limiting and outdated in comparison.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Here’s where the gap widens sharply.

• Panasonic FH3: Contrast-detection AF only, single AF mode, 9 focus points, no face or eye detection. Continuous shooting tops out at 6 fps but with a limited buffer and no RAW support. Manual focus and advanced tracking unavailable.

• Samsung NX1: Hybrid autofocus with 209 AF points (153 cross-type), combining phase-detection and contrast-detection AF. Offers continuous AF with tracking, face detection, selective AF area modes, and touch AF on LCD. Burst shooting at up to 15 fps RAW, with a deep buffer.

In my time comparing real-world AF systems, the NX1’s responsiveness is flagship caliber - instantly locking focus on moving subjects like athletes or wildlife. The FH3’s AF can be a bit “hunt-and-peck,” slower in low light, and sometimes misses fast action moments.

This makes the NX1 suitable not only for portraits but also demanding disciplines like sports or wildlife - the FH3 is better reserved for casual snapshots and still life.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

Lens compatibility is often underestimated but critical.

• Panasonic FH3: Fixed, non-removable 28-140 mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens with an aperture range of f/2.8–6.9. Limited macro focusing down to 5 cm. In-camera optical image stabilization helps with handheld shooting.

• Samsung NX1: Supports Samsung NX mount lenses - a growing range including 32 lenses covering wide-angle, telephoto, macro, and specialty optics, from f/1.4 primes to super-telephoto zooms. No in-body stabilization, but many lenses include optical image stabilization.

The NX1’s interchangeable lens system offers immense creative freedom - from ultra-wide landscapes to tight wildlife telephoto shots. The FH3, by virtue of its fixed lens, can’t match this versatility.

For macro work, the FH3 allows focusing as close as 5 cm, adequate for casual flower or product shots. However, the NX1 with dedicated macro lenses and precise focusing mechanisms clearly excels in that realm.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

The Panasonic FH3 is a lightweight plastic-bodied compact without weather sealing. It is not designed for harsh or dusty environments.

The Samsung NX1 features a magnesium alloy chassis, with dust-proof and splash-resistant seals - making it far more reliable for professional use in varied conditions. However, it’s not waterproof or shockproof.

For travel or outdoor photographers, this build quality infrastructure could tip the scales decisively.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery capacity is another practical concern.

• Panasonic FH3: Battery life specifications are not listed, but typical small compacts have modest endurance - usually around 200-300 shots per charge, adequate for casual use. Storage options include SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.

• Samsung NX1: Rated for about 500 shots per charge, aligning with pro-level mirrorless standards. Uses similar SD card storage, but supports high-speed UHS-II card slots enabling fast buffer clearing during burst shooting.

Samsung’s USB 3.0 connection and built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC also facilitate quick wireless transfers and remote control - a modern convenience not available on the FH3.

Video Capabilities

Though not a video-centric comparison, it’s worth noting.

The Panasonic FH3 records HD video at 1280x720 up to 30fps in Motion JPEG format, sufficient for casual home video but with large file sizes and lower image quality than modern standards.

The NX1 supports 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30fps, the cinematic DCI 4K (4096x2160) at 24fps, plus Full HD up to 60fps - using efficient H.265 codec. It also includes microphone and headphone jacks for audio control and in-camera time-lapse recording.

If video is a priority, the NX1’s capabilities far exceed those of the FH3.

How Each Camera Performs Across Photography Genres

Let’s zoom in on key photography areas to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses.

Panasonic FH3 screen back Samsung NX1 front Samsung NX1 screen back

Portrait Photography

• FH3: Fixed lens with moderate zoom and limited aperture control means limited capacity for shallow depth-of-field or creamy bokeh. No face or eye detection autofocus leads to lower hit rates for tack-sharp eyes. Skin tones can look flat due to sensor constraints.

• NX1: High resolution and APS-C sensor enable exquisite detail rendering and subject isolation. Advanced face/eye detection AF and fast focusing ensure sharp portraits. Wide lens selection allows creative control over depth-of-field.

Landscape Photography

• FH3: Small sensor restricts dynamic range resulting in loss of shadow/highlight detail in challenging scenes. Fixed lens at 28mm equivalent is fine for casual landscapes but limited for wide vistas. No weather sealing limits harsh environment use.

• NX1: Excellent dynamic range and high resolution capture fine textures and subtle tonal gradations critical for landscapes. Interchangeable wide-angle lenses and weather-resistant body make it an ideal choice for demanding nature photographers.

Wildlife Photography

• FH3: Slow AF, limited zoom, and fixed lens make it unfit for capturing elusive animals or birds. Burst speed modest at 6 fps and no tracking AF.

• NX1: Fast, accurate hybrid autofocus with tracking is invaluable in wildlife scenarios. Compatibility with telephoto lenses (e.g., 300mm+ equivalents), 15 fps burst, and robust build make the NX1 a strong contender here.

Sports Photography

• FH3: Limited AF speed and lack of burst buffer mean missing most fast-paced sporting action.

• NX1: Burst shooting at 15 fps, wide AF coverage with tracking, and excellent low-light ISO make this camera a serious tool for indoor and outdoor sports coverage.

Street Photography

• FH3: Superb portability and discreteness due to size. Quick startup and simple operation suit everyday snapping.

• NX1: Bulkier body might draw more attention but superior image quality and low-light performance render it a professional street shooter’s choice where discretion isn’t paramount.

Macro Photography

• FH3: Macro focus down to 5 cm is decent for casual close-ups but no focus bracketing or stacking.

• NX1: With compatible macro lenses and precise AF, produces stunning close-up images, although lacks focus bracketing features.

Night/Astro Photography

• FH3: Limited ISO and noise performance restrict night shooting to brighter scenes.

• NX1: High ISO range and low noise facilitate astrophotography and night landscapes. Also offers manual exposure modes vital for long exposures.

Video

• FH3: Basic 720p video suitable for casual shooters.

• NX1: Professional-grade 4K recording supports creative and commercial video projects.

Travel Photography

• FH3: Lightweight and pocketable, great for day trips and social media snaps.

• NX1: Versatile all-rounder but heavier. Best suited for those prioritizing image quality despite adding bulk.

Professional Work

• FH3: Limited to casual, snapshot photography - unsuitable for professional demands.

• NX1: Reliable, fast, and flexible, plus raw file format support and extensive connectivity make it a robust professional tool.

Technical Specs Recap and Performance Ratings

For a concise overview, here’s our editorial scoring aggregated from detailed testing:

And by photographic genre:

Who Should Buy Which?

Panasonic FH3: Best For...

• Absolute beginners and casual users wanting lightweight, easy operation.
• Travelers needing a pocket-sized camera for quick shots.
• Users on a strict budget (priced ~ $160 new).
• Social media sharers happy with straightforward point-and-shoot functionality.
• Street photographers valuing discretion over ultimate image quality.

Samsung NX1: Best For...

• Advanced amateurs and professionals requiring superior image quality.
• Portrait, landscape, sports, and wildlife photographers.
• Hybrid shooters wanting excellent photo and video performance.
• Those who desire manual control, interchangeable lenses, and fast autofocus.
• Photographers willing to invest ~$1500 for a cutting-edge APS-C mirrorless system.

Final Thoughts: Experience Trumps Spec Sheets

Comparing the Panasonic FH3 and Samsung NX1 highlights the dramatic evolution in camera technology and the importance of matching gear to intent.

The FH3 offers simplicity and convenience to untouched beginners or those needing a no-fuss compact. However, the compromises in sensor size, autofocus, and manual control desperately limit its creative potential.

The NX1 is a true pro system camera, with cutting-edge autofocus, high-resolution sensor, and professional features born from a deep understanding of photographic needs. It excels in every major genre except for absolute portability.

While these cameras occupy different ends of the photographic spectrum, understanding their strengths and weaknesses empowers you to make an informed choice. I always advise stepping beyond specifications - spending hours testing cameras in real shooting conditions - to appreciate subtle performance nuances.

If image quality, speed, and versatility top your priority list, the Samsung NX1 is - and remains - a strong contender where you can find it, though it comes at a cost of size and price. If you dread complexity and simply want to capture quick snapshots with minimal fuss, the Panasonic FH3 still offers a neat solution within its scope.

Either way, choosing the right camera should align with your creative vision, workflow, and budget - only then will your images truly flourish.

Thank you for joining me on this in-depth comparison journey. Feel free to comment with your experiences or questions as you explore these cameras or others in your photographic pursuits.