Panasonic FH3 vs Samsung NX1100

Old School Compact vs. Entry-Level Mirrorless: Panasonic Lumix FH3 and Samsung NX1100 Face Off

Choosing a new camera can sometimes feel like navigating a maze - especially when you pit a supremely basic yet charming compact like the Panasonic Lumix FH3 against a more ambitious entry-level mirrorless system, the Samsung NX1100. Both hail from different eras and philosophies of digital photography, yet both offer key advantages for certain shooters. After months of hands-on testing in varied conditions, I’m ready to share a thorough comparison covering everything from sensor technology to autofocus agility - with practical insights for enthusiasts and pros scouting their next everyday or creative upgrade.

Let’s dive into this battle of cameras from different generations but with some overlapping ambitions.

Why Compare the FH3 and NX1100?

At first glance, the Panasonic FH3 (2010) and the Samsung NX1100 (2013) occupy distinct market segments - compact fixed-lens vs. mirrorless interchangeable lens. But their affordable price points and everyday usability make them relevant to beginner photographers or those who want lightweight, approachable gear without the professional-level bells and whistles.

Despite their differences, they each represent stepping stones in design and technology. The FH3 epitomizes the straightforward “point-and-shoot” ethos of the early 2010s, while the NX1100 steps into mirrorless innovation with a moderate sensor size, lens versatility, and manual controls.

This comparison hinges on what you get for your investment, your style of photography, and how each camera serves distinct photo genres, from portraits to travel, landscapes to video. I’m laying out the facts, proven by rigorous real-world tests, so you can envision the fit for your needs.

Handling and Ergonomics: Compact Simplicity vs. Rangefinder Feel

Starting with physical design, the Panasonic FH3 is pocketable and lightweight, weighing just 165 grams and measuring a dainty 98x55x24 mm. It fits neatly in a jacket pocket or purse - ideal for casual shooting on the go. Samsung’s NX1100 is more substantial at 222 grams and dimensions 114x63x37 mm, reflecting its mirrorless, rangefinder-style architecture.

The FH3’s non-articulating 2.7-inch fixed screen is tiny and low-resolution by today’s standards (230k dots), limiting framing ease and image review fidelity. In contrast, the NX1100 sports a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD at 921k dots - fourfold the resolution - greatly enhancing shooting feedback.

Both cameras lack an electronic viewfinder, so reliance on the LCD can challenge bright outdoor shooting, but the larger and brighter screen on the NX1100 proves invaluable when composing or checking critical focus.

Ergonomically, the FH3 model’s usability is straightforward but minimal - no manual focus ring, no aperture or shutter priority; just a zoom toggle and shutter button. It’s designed for quick snapshots with optical image stabilization (OIS) built into the lens.

The NX1100 embraces manual control with aperture and shutter priority modes, a physical mode dial, and an exposure compensation dial, allowing more nuanced creative input. Although ergonomics are not as refined as more recent mirrorless cameras, the larger body offers better grip and expanded control layout.

For anyone wanting to grow in photographic skill, the NX1100’s user interface and control scheme are more encouraging. But for simple point-and-shoot ease, the FH3 stays true to its compact DNA.

Sensor and Image Quality: Tiny CCD vs. APS-C CMOS

At the heart of any camera comparison lies the sensor. The Panasonic FH3 houses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.08x4.56 mm, delivering 14 megapixels. This sensor type, typical of compact cameras from that era, offers decent image fidelity for snapshots but struggles with dynamic range and noise at higher ISOs.

On the other hand, the Samsung NX1100 features a 23.5x15.7 mm APS-C CMOS sensor with 20 megapixels - substantially larger, both physically and in pixel count. APS-C sensors are the workhorse of enthusiast mirrorless and DSLR cameras, offering superior image quality, better low light performance, and richer color depth.

Testing reveals that the NX1100 produces noticeably cleaner images at ISO 800, whereas the FH3’s noise becomes distracting beyond ISO 400. Color depth and dynamic range metrics, as per DXO data (NX1100’s overall 73 score), confirm the mirrorless camera’s superior tone handling especially in shadow recovery and highlight retention.

The FH3’s CCD sensor generates a softer look with less fine detail and limited latitude for post-processing, partly smoothed by its anti-alias filter which reduces moiré but at the expense of clarity.

For photographers focused on crisp landscapes or portraits requiring fine detail and smooth, natural skin tones, the NX1100’s sensor provides a significant step up - though at the cost of larger files and the need for RAW workflow support, which the FH3 lacks entirely.

Autofocus Systems: Basic Contrast vs. Flexible Hybrid

Autofocus is another major consideration for everyday photography and specialty usage. The Panasonic FH3 features a simple contrast-detection system with 9 focus points but lacks face detection or continuous autofocus. This means it can hunt noticeably in low light or complex scenes and provides only single-shot AF, no tracking.

Samsung’s NX1100 offers more sophisticated contrast-detection AF with 15 selectable points and face detection, adding versatility. Moreover, it supports continuous autofocus useful for moving subjects, although it lacks phase detection AF that more recent cameras use for faster focusing.

In practical use, the NX1100 locks focus considerably faster and more reliably in a variety of conditions, including indoor portraits and moderately fast action like street candid shots. The FH3’s focusing can feel sluggish or indecisive, making it better suited to static subjects.

While neither camera is a wildlife or sports specialist, the NX1100 at least offers burst shooting at 8 fps with continuous AF, compared to the FH3’s 6 fps fixed-focus approach, making the Samsung more capable for capturing fleeting moments.

Lens Compatibility and Zoom Range

The Panasonic FH3 comes with a fixed 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens (5x optical) with an aperture range of f/2.8-6.9. This covers wide-angle to medium telephoto, suitable for general everyday shooting: landscapes, portraits, and casual telephoto snapping. Its closest focusing distance of 5 cm enables some reasonable macro shots, combined with OIS to reduce shake.

The Samsung NX1100’s big strength is its interchangeable lens mount supporting a wide ecosystem of 32 NX lenses ranging from super wides to telephotos and specialized primes. This lens flexibility adds major creative potential, allowing tailored optics for macro, portraits, wildlife, or professional use.

However, buyers must factor in the cost and weight of additional lenses, and the lack of in-body stabilization (Nikon or Sony equivalents may be better here). The NX system relies on lens-based stabilization, requiring investment to match the FH3’s built-in OIS convenience.

Video Capabilities: Modest HD vs. Full HD with Codec Choices

In video, the FH3 shoots a maximum of 1280x720p at 30 fps using Motion JPEG format. Quality is sufficient for casual clips but won’t satisfy those seeking detailed or longer footage. Audio capture is minimal, with no microphone input, limiting creative control.

Samsung NX1100 improves by providing 1080p Full HD video at 30 fps and a variety of resolutions down to VGA. The NX1100 records MPEG-4 and H.264 - more efficient codecs for better quality to file size ratios. Unfortunately, it lacks external microphone or headphone jacks, so while video quality is stronger, professional audio workflows remain impossible without adapters.

Neither camera offers 4K or advanced video stabilization, and neither supports 4K photo modes that some newer models champion.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery life is one area where mirrorless cameras like the NX1100 typically lag behind compacts due to power hungry sensors and larger displays. The FH3’s battery life is unspecified officially but, given its simplicity and low-res screen, it likely lasts many hundreds of shots per charge.

The NX1100 boasts approximately 320 shots per battery, which is typical for mirrorless cameras of this vintage and size but might require carrying spares for daylong shooting tours.

Both cameras use SD cards (SD/SDHC/SDXC), but the NX1100 supports faster card types for quicker file writing - essential when shooting in burst mode or RAW.

Built-in wireless connectivity is a bonus for the Samsung, enabling image sharing over Wi-Fi. The FH3 has no wireless features, limiting immediacy in today’s connected workflows.

Durability and Build Quality: Everyday Use, Not Adventuring

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedized construction - no waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproof layers, or freeze resistance. Both are designed for careful use in standard conditions.

The FH3’s plastic body feels less robust than the NX1100’s more solid construction, but neither would inspire confidence in harsh outdoor or professional environments.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

I ran tests across multiple photography types to see which camera holds up under genre-specific expectations.

Panasonic FH3 screen back Samsung NX1100 front Samsung NX1100 screen back

Portraits: The NX1100 shines here with its larger APS-C sensor capturing smooth skin tones and pleasant bokeh when using fast primes. Its face detection AF also offers reliable focus on eyes. The FH3 is serviceable for casual portraits but its smaller sensor and slower lens limit separation and depth.

Landscape: Resolution and dynamic range favor the NX1100, allowing detailed shots with rich tonal gradations. The FH3’s limited range and lower detail render it more of a snapshotting option.

Wildlife: Neither camera is optimized but the NX1100’s faster burst and interchangeable telephotos make it a contender for casual wildlife shoots; FH3’s fixed lens and slower AF hamper this genre.

Sports: Again, NX1100’s 8 fps burst and continuous AF edged over FH3’s sluggish 6 fps single AF. Neither approach pro-level tracking, yet NX1100 feels less frustrating.

Street: FH3’s compact pocketable size and quiet operation appeal for discrete shooting, while NX1100 is bulkier but offers creative controls - the choice depends on shooter preference.

Macro: FH3’s 5 cm close-focus is surprisingly good for casual macro, boosted by OIS. NX1100 offers better magnification potential via dedicated lenses but at extra investment.

Night/Astro: NX1100’s high max ISO 12800 and RAW support allow post-processing to rescue starry skies better than the FH3’s ISO 6400 max and noisy CCD sensor.

Video: NX1100 clearly superior with Full HD, efficient codecs and flexible exposure controls.

Travel: FH3 excels in portability and simplicity, but NX1100’s versatility plus Wi-Fi connectivity wins out for those packing light but wanting quality.

Professional Work: The NX1100 holds more promise given RAW shooting and manual controls; FH3 is strictly casual snapshot territory.

Image Review and UI Experience

Examining user interface, the NX1100’s bigger, sharper screen combined with logical menu design motivated exploration and adjustments on location. The FH3, while simple to navigate, felt restrictive, its low-res screen making critical focus checking a chore.

Overall Performance and Value Judgments

Stacking all factors - image quality, autofocus, versatility, video, controls, connectivity - the Samsung NX1100 decisively outperforms the Panasonic FH3. However, we must weigh price and intended use.

The FH3 can be found under $200 today, making it a tempting ultra-budget compact ideal for casual shooters who want nothing more than point-and-shoot convenience and flash memory card compatibility.

The NX1100 ranges around $600 new and best fits beginners or enthusiasts seeking a solid foundation in mirrorless photography without diving into the full-throated complexity and cost of higher tiers.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Panasonic Lumix FH3 if:

• You want an ultra-lightweight, simple pocket camera for casual travel and snapshots
• You’re on a tight budget and value ease of use over image refinement
• Portability and quick point-and-shoot are your top priorities
• You rarely edit photos and only share images online at small scale

Choose the Samsung NX1100 if:

• You want to grow photography skills with manual modes and interchangable lenses
• Image quality, especially in portraits and low light, is a priority
• You plan diverse shooting styles, including video and street or landscapes
• You desire wireless connectivity for quick image transfer and sharing
• Investing in lens expansion is doable and appealing

Parting Shots

While these two cameras hail from different bodystyles and price brackets, each carries its own charm and limitations. The Panasonic FH3 might seem an anachronism today, but for simple everyday photography with minimal fuss, it remains a tiny, capable companion - in the right hands and scenarios.

The Samsung NX1100 opens the door to more creative expression, better technical quality, and adaptable system expansion - a real foundation for learning and growth, albeit with a learning curve and increased expense.

No one-size-fits-all here, but with these detailed insights, you should confidently match camera to user intent, budget, and style. This kind of knowledge comes from testing thousands of cameras, field trials, and careful metrics evaluation - and I hope it saves you time and money on your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

Article images, cherished for crystallizing the above insights:

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• Panasonic FH3 screen back Samsung NX1100 front Samsung NX1100 screen back