Panasonic Lumix FH8 vs Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: A Detailed Comparison for Photographers

Choosing the right compact camera can be a game-changer for photographers who value portability without sacrificing performance. Today, we’re diving deep into two intriguing small-sensor compacts: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2. Both offer unique features, yet differ fundamentally in design philosophy, target users, and photographic capabilities.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’ll guide you through their practical performance across major photography genres, technical nuances, and overall value. Whether you’re a casual snapper, a budding content creator, or someone seeking a travel-friendly secondary camera, this comparison will help you make an informed choice.

At a Glance: Physical Size and Handling

Ergonomics play a vital role when shooting for extended periods or on the move. Let’s start by analyzing the physicality of both cameras.

The Panasonic FH8 is notably smaller and lighter, making it an excellent choice if discretion and portability rank high on your list. Its slim profile slips easily into pockets or small bags. However, its compact frame delivers limited grip support, which can affect stability during longer shoots or in challenging conditions.

Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 resembles a chunky smartphone, larger and heavier - with more mass to stabilize your shots but sacrificing pocket-friendliness. This bulk also accommodates a larger 4.8-inch touchscreen, vastly improving framing, reviewing, and control interface.

If you prioritize compactness and ease of carry, the FH8 leads. For those who want a hybrid camera-smartphone experience with richer control, the Galaxy Camera 2 offers more presence in hand.

Body Design and Control Layout

User interface and control placement influence how quickly you can adjust settings - a critical factor in fast-paced environments.

• Panasonic FH8 allows limited manual control, focused on simplicity. Its top plate features minimal buttons with intuitive access geared towards point-and-shoot users.
• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 takes a more interactive approach, with touchscreen controls complemented by physical shutter and zoom buttons. It supports manual focus and aperture/shutter priority modes - rare in compact cameras of this era.

For beginners or casual shooters, the FH8's straightforward approach minimizes confusion. Advanced users and enthusiasts will appreciate Galaxy Camera 2’s manual control set, which opens creative possibilities.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor performance is the heart of any camera’s ability to capture detail, dynamic range, and low-light fidelity.

Both cameras share nearly identical sensor dimensions and pixel count, but the FH8 uses a traditional CCD sensor, while the Galaxy Camera 2 employs more modern Backside Illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) technology. BSI sensors improve light-gathering efficiency, especially in low-light scenarios.

This difference is tangible in practice: the Galaxy Camera 2 delivers cleaner images with noticeably less noise at higher ISOs. The FH8’s CCD sensor produces accurate colors but struggles beyond ISO 800, making images prone to graininess as you push the sensitivity.

Neither supports RAW shooting, limiting post-processing flexibility - a downside for professionals but acceptable for users focusing on convenience.

In real-world shooting, the Galaxy Camera 2’s sensor excels in dynamic range and noise control, thus providing superior image quality, especially under challenging lighting.

Display and User Interface

Image review and menu navigation depend heavily on an effective display.

The FH8 sports a modest 3-inch TFT LCD with 230k resolution - adequate but far from sharp or bright. The lack of touchscreen limits interaction, making menu navigation somewhat slower.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 2 benefits from a large 4.8-inch “Super Clear” HD touchscreen with 1037k resolution, offering vibrant image previews, intuitive touch-based control, and easy swiping through menus. This screen alone makes it more suitable for vloggers, social sharers, or anyone used to rich smartphone interfaces.

If you love tapping and dragging your way through settings, the Galaxy Camera 2’s display enhances your shooting experience enormously.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities

Lens versatility shapes how well a camera handles diverse photographic scenarios.

The Panasonic FH8 features a 24–120mm equivalent zoom lens with a relatively bright aperture at wide-angle (f/2.5), suitable for portraits and general photography. However, telephoto reach is limited to 120mm – not ideal for wildlife or sports.

By contrast, the Galaxy Camera 2’s superzoom lens covers a monumental 23–483mm range. This massive range covers from wide landscape angles to distant telephoto shots in a single package - great for travel and wildlife. Its aperture range is slightly slower at the long end, which is expected at that reach.

Additionally, the Galaxy Camera 2 offers manual focus, enabling fine-tuned control, especially for macro and creative applications. The FH8 does not provide this capability, reducing precision in critical focus situations.

The FH8’s closer macro focus (4 cm) slightly edges out on close-ups over the Galaxy Camera 2’s 10 cm minimum.

Summing up, if lens versatility and telephoto reach matter most, Galaxy Camera 2 wins hands down. The FH8 favors simpler, walk-around shooting basics with a modest zoom.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed

Speed and accuracy of autofocus and burst rate dictate performance in active situations like wildlife or sports.

The FH8 offers 23 contrast-detection autofocus points, including face detection and continuous autofocus modes. However, shooting speed is limited to a max of 1 fps continuous shooting - too slow for sports or fast wildlife action.

The Galaxy Camera 2 lacks continuous AF and tracking but shoots bursts at 5 fps - offering faster frame rates for capturing fleeting moments despite less sophisticated autofocus.

Neither camera supports phase detection or hybrid autofocus, so focusing speed trails behind competitors with modern PDAF systems.

For action photography, the Galaxy Camera 2’s faster burst can capture decisive shots, but the autofocus limitations may cause missed focus. The FH8’s autofocus is more adaptive but hampered by slow shooting speeds.

Video Capabilities

Video options often influence purchase decisions for multimedia creators.

The FH8 records HD video at 720p max, suitable for casual clips but limited if you want full HD quality.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 2 steps up with full 1080p (Full HD) video recording using modern H.264 codec, producing sharper, higher-quality video files. A built-in microphone port lets you connect an external mic - an advantage for vloggers and interviewers requiring better sound capture.

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization to reduce camera shake, but neither offers advanced video features like 4K, high framerate slow motion, or in-body stabilization.

If video matters, especially for content creation, the Galaxy Camera 2 is a more compelling option.

Battery Life and Storage

Practical usability is influenced by battery endurance and storage convenience.

You can expect around 260 shots per charge on the Panasonic FH8 - adequate for casual day outings but limited for extended trips.

The Galaxy Camera 2 offers more stamina, rated at approximately 400 shots per charge, supporting longer shooting sessions.

Regarding memory cards, the FH8 supports full-sized SD cards whereas Galaxy Camera 2 uses microSD cards, which are smaller but sometimes more expensive or less common.

Neither camera offers dual storage slots or USB-C charging - consider these factors for heavy shooters.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

In an era leaning heavily on sharing and cloud integration, connectivity features can be decisive.

While the FH8 provides no wireless connectivity, the Galaxy Camera 2 shines with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS capabilities. This makes the Galaxy Camera 2 a fully connected device, enabling image sharing, geotagging, and integration with smartphone apps or social platforms.

The Galaxy Camera 2 also supports HDMI output, beneficial for on-the-fly presentations or external monitors.

For photographers valuing seamless wireless workflow and GPS logging, the Samsung device clearly leads.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s synthesize the technical data and hands-on insights into genre-specific recommendations.

Panasonic FH8 front Panasonic FH8 screen back Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 screen back

Portrait Photography

• FH8 Strengths: Wide aperture on the 24mm end produces pleasant bokeh on close subjects; accurate skin tones due to CCD sensor.
• Galaxy Camera 2 Strengths: Larger zoom range allows tight headshots at distance; face detection autofocus performs well.
• Winner: Tie – FH8 for natural skin tones and better close focusing, Galaxy for zoom reach and higher resolution screen.

Landscape Photography

• FH8 Weakness: Limited dynamic range; no weather sealing; small sensor size.
• Galaxy Camera 2 Strengths: BSI sensor improves dynamic range marginally; longer zoom captures distant scenery.
• Winner: Galaxy Camera 2 offers more flexibility and detail in varied conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• FH8 Limitations: Only 1 fps burst, limited 120mm zoom.
• Galaxy Camera 2 Strengths: 21× zoom expands reach extensively; 5 fps burst aids action capture.
• Winner: Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 clearly suits wildlife better.

Sports Photography

• FH8 Constraints: Slow burst, basic AF.
• Galaxy Camera 2 Advantages: Faster continuous shooting, manual exposure modes.
• Winner: Galaxy Camera 2 for higher frame rates and manual controls.

Street Photography

• FH8 Advantages: Discrete, pocketable.
• Galaxy Camera 2 Drawbacks: Bulky design draws more attention.
• Winner: Panasonic FH8 for stealth and portability.

Macro Photography

• FH8: Closer macro distance (4 cm) yields better close-ups.
• Galaxy Camera 2: Manual focus helps but macro distance is 10 cm.
• Winner: Panasonic FH8 edges out for macro enthusiasts.

Night/Astro Photography

• FH8 Issue: CCD sensor noise at high ISO; no RAW support.
• Galaxy Camera 2 Advantage: BSI sensor better handles low light; manual exposure helps lengthen shutter.
• Winner: Galaxy Camera 2 for superior noise control and exposure flexibility.

Video Capabilities

• FH8: 720p video, limited controls.
• Galaxy Camera 2: Full HD 1080p, external mic input.
• Winner: Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 for content creators.

Travel Photography

• FH8 Benefit: Lightweight, pocketability.
• Galaxy Camera 2 Benefit: Versatility with zoom, connectivity.
• Winner: Depends on style – FH8 for minimalists, Galaxy Camera 2 for versatile shooters.

Professional Work

• Both cameras lack RAW support, robust build quality, or environmental sealing required for professional work.
• Workflow integration limited due to absence of professional codecs or tethering.
• Neither suitable as main professional body.

Overall Performance and Ratings

Here’s a comprehensive summary and performance scoring based on our detailed testing metrics.

What Type of Photographer Should Choose Each?

Panasonic Lumix FH8: Your Go-To Pocket-Friendly Travel and Street Camera

• You want a fuss-free snap-and-go compact camera.
• You value compactness and light weight for casual daily use.
• You shoot mostly in good light with limited zoom needs.
• You prefer reliable face detection and simple controls.
• Your budget is constrained (~$150).

This camera lets you capture memorable moments with minimal fuss, perfect for family outings, casual street photography, and travel snapshots.

Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: A Versatile All-Rounder for Enthusiasts and Content Creators

• You want superior zoom flexibility (up to 483mm equivalent).
• You need manual exposure modes and focus control.
• You shoot photo and Full HD video regularly.
• You appreciate wireless connectivity for instant sharing.
• Battery life and touchscreen usability are priorities.
• Budget is less restrictive (~$400).

Ideal for travellers who demand flexibility, vloggers requiring more video features, and enthusiasts exploring creative controls without switching to an interchangeable-lens system.

Wrapping Up: Our Experienced Take

Both cameras represent interesting interpretations of the "small sensor compact" concept from their manufacturers.

• The Panasonic Lumix FH8 serves as an ultra-compact camera offering simplicity and basic versatility, suitable for novice photographers prioritizing ease and portability.

• The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 targets hybrid users blending photography with smartphone-like connectivity and richer control, at the expense of size and battery weight.

In our extensive hands-on tests, the Galaxy Camera 2 outperforms the FH8 overall in image quality, zoom range, video, and connectivity. Yet, for ultra-light carry and simplicity, the FH8 holds value.

If your creative journey benefits from greater manual control, higher resolution video, and expansive zoom, the Galaxy Camera 2 is compelling - especially as a secondary travel or casual workhorse camera.

If you’re on a tighter budget or want pocket ease, the FH8 remains a worthy introduction to digital photography.

Additional Recommendations

• Check out quality microSD cards and external batteries if choosing the Galaxy Camera 2.
• Explore available Panasonic accessories and cases to improve handling for the FH8.
• Practice manual exposure and zoom usage to maximize Galaxy Camera 2’s potential.
• Consider pairing either camera with your smartphone for seamless sharing workflows in the field.

For your next step, we invite you to explore hands-on in-store demos or trustworthy rental services to feel these cameras firsthand. The real-world user experience often reveals nuances only partly hinted at in specs.

Happy shooting, and may your photography journey be filled with inspiration and discovery!