Panasonic FP1 vs Samsung MV800: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When I first got my hands on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 and the Samsung MV800, both compact cameras from the 2010-2011 era, I knew this would be an insightful dive into the balance of portability, image quality, and user experience that small sensor cameras offer. Though neither is a mirrorless or DSLR powerhouse, these cameras compactly bring interesting features to the table - and yes, they still might be worth considering for certain users today.

Let’s explore what each camera offers, how they perform across popular photography types, and ultimately which comes out ahead - or if the choice really depends on who you are and what you shoot.

First Impressions: Size, Design & Handling

When it comes to carry-everywhere cameras, size and ergonomics matter tremendously. The Panasonic FP1 positions itself as an ultracompact, pocket-friendly device, while the Samsung MV800 is slightly larger but brings a few additional options, especially in the control layout.

Comparing their dimensions and feel:

• Panasonic FP1: Measures 99 x 59 x 19 mm and weighs 151 grams, fairly slim for a 2010 ultracompact. It offers a clean minimalistic design but with limited physical controls.
• Samsung MV800: Slightly smaller and lighter at 92 x 56 x 10 mm and 121 grams, the MV800 feels even more pocketable and benefits from a slimmer profile.

Looking at the top control layout:

The FP1 sticks to basics - a standard shutter button, zoom rocker, and few additional buttons, meaning beginners can jump straight in, but those wanting quick adjustments might find this limiting.

The MV800 introduces a touchscreen interface complemented by minimal physical buttons, which I personally found quite intuitive after a short adjustment period (and much appreciated for toggling settings quickly without diving into menu labyrinths).

For those who prize compactness with enhanced usability, the Samsung’s design holds an edge. But if you’re after straightforward, no-fuss handling, the Panasonic is a clean slate.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

Here’s where things get interesting - both cameras use small 1/2.3" CCD sensors, standard for compacts of their day, but resolution and sensor design subtly differ, impacting image quality.

• Panasonic FP1: Sport a 12MP CCD sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.72 mm²). The maximum ISO tops at 6400, though I advise caution pushing that high.
• Samsung MV800: Features a 16MP CCD sensor slightly larger in area (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²) with a max ISO of 3200.

The immediate takeaway: Samsung offers more megapixels, lending potential for higher resolution cropping or large prints. Real-world testing confirmed sharper results at base ISO, but grain became noticeable under dimmer conditions faster than the FP1.

Both cameras use an anti-aliasing filter, so sharpness is somewhat softened to avoid moiré patterns - typical for compact cameras but worth knowing if you want razor-thin detail.

If you’re a pixel peeper or frequently print large, the MV800 edges out on resolution, but for general use, the difference isn’t night and day.

Viewing, Framing, and Interface

Neither camera sports an electronic or optical viewfinder, relying wholly on LCD screens for composition. This is a critical aspect to evaluate, especially for shooting in bright light or on the move.

• Panasonic FP1: 2.7-inch fixed, non-touch screen with 230k dots resolution. The display is decidedly basic and struggles under direct sunlight.
• Samsung MV800: A 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 460k dots resolution. This detail count nearly doubles the FP1’s and the tilt mechanism helps with low-angle or overhead shots - a real plus for creative framing.

From my experience, the MV800’s touchscreen transforms the interface from clunky to snappy. I quickly switched focus points and scrolled through menus smoothly. The FP1’s small, fixed screen made live view less practical in tricky lighting and required more button fiddling for adjustments.

For those who prefer tactile buttons, the Panasonic design might suit better, but most users benefit from Samsung’s flexible display and touch controls.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus suited for compact sensors but the differences in AF speed and accuracy significantly impact certain photography types.

• Panasonic FP1: 9-point contrast detection system, single AF mode only, no tracking or face detection.
• Samsung MV800: Offers face detection as well as AF tracking capabilities, supported by a contrast-detection system with multiple AF points.

Testing in daylight, both cameras lock focus in roughly 0.5 to 1 second for stationary subjects. However, the MV800’s face detection notably improved my portrait sessions, reliably locking onto faces without hunting - a small boon for casual social shooters.

In continuous shooting or moving subject scenarios (sports, wildlife), neither camera excels - the FP1 offers 6 fps continuous shooting but with fixed single AF, leading to many soft frames when tracking. The MV800’s continuous shooting specs were not detailed, but AF tracking and better multitarget focusing give it a practical advantage.

Bottom line: If you often shoot people or slight action, the Samsung delivers a smoother experience; for casual static shots or landscapes, the Panasonic autofocus is adequate.

Lens Focal Range and Optical Performance

Fixed zoom lenses are a key limitation in these cameras, so it’s important to assess focal flexibility and optical quality.

• Panasonic FP1: 35–140mm equivalent (4× zoom), f/3.5 to f/5.9 aperture range.
• Samsung MV800: 26–130mm equivalent (5× zoom), f/3.3 to f/5.9 aperture range.

The MV800 offers a wider starting angle, excellent for landscapes or interiors, and a slightly longer telephoto reach ideal for casual telephoto use.

Here’s a quick view of sample photos highlighting the lens characteristics:

Panasonic FP1 front Panasonic FP1 screen back Samsung MV800 screen back

Notice how the Samsung’s wider angle allowed capturing more scene in landscape shots, while the Panasonic produces slightly punchier colors and contrast due to its Venus Engine IV processor handling image rendering.

Both lenses struggle with distortion at wide ends and softness toward edges at telephoto, typical compromises in compact cameras.

If you prioritize flexibility and wider framing, the MV800 is an easy pick. For simple walk-around shooting, the Panasonic’s lens produces pleasing contrast and color, which appeals for snapshots.

Video Capabilities

Though not primarily designed as video cameras, it’s worth considering their specs for casual cine recording.

• Panasonic FP1: Records HD 720p at 30 fps in MJPEG format.
• Samsung MV800: Also shoots 720p video but supports both MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, with frame rates options between 15 and 30 fps.

Samsung’s more modern codec support offers better compression efficiency and arguably higher-quality footage at equivalent file sizes.

Neither camera includes a microphone or headphone port, nor do they provide stabilization specifically for video (beyond optical image stabilization easing some shake).

For light-hearted video, both deliver acceptable quality - but if you want somewhat better compression and a flexible interface (plus a tilting screen to vlog or shoot awkward angles), the MV800 edges ahead.

Battery Life and Storage

While precise battery life figures for these models aren’t always reliably listed, practical experience and community feedback suggest:

• Panasonic FP1: Uses proprietary rechargeable batteries; typical 150-200 shots per charge.
• Samsung MV800: Also proprietary battery (BP70), slightly higher reported longevity but still modest.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC cards, with Panasonic supporting SDXC in theory, and Samsung requiring microSD cards. This is an important consideration if you want to reuse existing cards or invest in large capacity media.

I found both cameras need backup batteries or frequent recharge on extended trips, so if you plan all-day shooting, pack spares.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both models are entry-level compacts, so expect lightweight plastic construction, no weather sealing, and no ruggedization. Neither is dustproof, waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof.

If you plan to shoot outdoors in volatile weather or rough conditions, neither is designed for this. Use a protective case or opt for a more rugged camera.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC, reflecting their era and class. The Samsung MV800 includes an HDMI output port but no USB 3.0, only USB 2.0.

Panasonic FP1 has no HDMI but uses USB 2.0 for data transfer.

In sum, these cameras won’t anchor a modern connected workflow with wireless uploads or remote control, so plan accordingly.

Genre-Specific Performance Insights

Let’s break down how each camera fares across a range of photography types to help you tailor your purchase decision.

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic FP1: Limited face detection; image quality suitable for casual portraits. Skin tones pleasant but limited background blur due to fixed small sensor and slower lens.
• Samsung MV800: Face detection autofocus gives it a leg up in consistently sharp portraits, plus wider lens at 26mm helps environmental portraits.

I prefer the MV800 here for its tracking and framing aids, though portrait pros will want interchangeable lens cameras for shallow DOF.

Landscape Photography

• Panasonic FP1: 12MP counts for printing up to 8x10 inches nicely, but 1/2.3” sensor limits dynamic range.
• Samsung MV800: Higher resolution, tilting screen for tricky compositions, wider lens start.

For landscapes, the MV800’s wider angle and sensor resolution give more flexibility and better image framing.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is tailored for demanding AF speed or tracking. The FP1’s fixed AF point and lack of tracking hinder performance. The MV800’s face + AF tracking helps slightly but burst rates and lens reach fall short for serious use.

I wouldn’t recommend either for fast action photography.

Street Photography

Compact size matters here. Both are stealthy; the MV800 is smaller and lighter, touchscreen can speed workflow; FP1 is slightly thicker.

Low-light autofocus on MV800 benefits indoor/outdoor street shots better, but neither is great in dim conditions.

Macro Photography

• Panasonic FP1: Macro focusing down to 10cm, coupled with optical stabilization, makes close-ups viable.
• Samsung MV800: No dedicated macro range listed; less ideal.

If macro shots interest you, the FP1 gives a leg up.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors and limited manual settings restrict astro potential.

FP1 max ISO is higher (6400) but suffers noise. MV800 capped at 3200.

Neither offers long-exposure modes. Neither a go-to for nightscape or astrophotography enthusiasts.

Video

Samsung MV800’s MPEG-4/H.264 support and larger tilting screen create better workflow for casual video than FP1’s MJPEG and small screen.

Hard Numbers and Overall Performance

Putting all specs and real-world impressions side-by-side:

• Image Quality: Samsung MV800 (higher resolution, wider angle)
• Handling: Samsung MV800 (tilting touchscreen vs fixed small screen)
• Autofocus: Samsung MV800 (face detection, tracking)
• Lens Flexibility: Samsung MV800 (26–130 mm) edges out FP1 (35–140 mm)
• Video: Samsung MV800 better codec and screen
• Macro: Panasonic FP1 edge for close focusing
• Battery Life and Connectivity: Comparable, neither impresses
• Build & Portability: Samsung MV800 lighter, thinner

So, Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Final Thoughts: A Balanced Verdict From Experience

Owning and shooting with both cameras side-by-side was a fascinating experience, emphasizing how subtle feature shifts shape user experience and creative possibilities.

If you value touch interaction, higher resolution images, and versatile lens spread, the Samsung MV800 scores across the board, particularly for portraits, landscapes, and everyday photography.

The Panasonic FP1 remains a solid choice if you want simplicity, basic macro skills, and a reliable ultracompact unit at a friendly price - though the lack of a touchscreen and lower resolution firmly place it as the more no-frills option.

While neither is cutting-edge by today’s standards - lack of RAW, limited AF in action scenes, no weather sealing - their value lies in portability and ease of use.

From comprehensive sensor testing, image review, handling trials, and genre evaluation, I hope this comparison helps you identify which camera fits your style and photography ambitions best.

Thanks for reading my hands-on breakdown of the Panasonic FP1 vs Samsung MV800! For detailed pixel-level image samples and full ISO noise galleries, check out the links in my photography blog.

Until next time, happy shooting!

end