Panasonic FP1 vs. Samsung NX100: A Deep Dive into Two 2010-Era Cameras

Choosing a camera can feel overwhelming with so many models past and present promising unique benefits. Today, we’re comparing two fundamentally different cameras from 2010: the ultra-compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 and the entry-level mirrorless Samsung NX100. Both were aimed at ambitious photographers eager for quality images but with different design philosophies and use cases.

This hands-on comparison is rooted in extensive experience testing hundreds of cameras across genres, focusing on practical performance rather than marketing hype. We'll look in-depth at sensor and image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, video, and how each camera supports varied photography disciplines - from portraits to wildlife, landscapes to astrophotography. Let’s explore their strengths, limitations, and which photographers each best serves.

Bringing Size and Handling into Focus: Ergonomics and Controls

Understanding a camera’s size and design is crucial as it influences comfort during shoots and portability on the go.

The Panasonic FP1 is truly pocketable - ideal for travelers and street photographers valuing discretion. Its ultra-thin body fits easily into most pockets but offers limited physical controls due to its size.

In contrast, the Samsung NX100 is significantly larger and heavier but benefits from a more traditional camera shape. The rangefinder-inspired body provides a firmer grip and more dedicated buttons and dials. For users accustomed to DSLR-like handling, the NX100 feels more reassuring in hand, especially during longer sessions or in challenging conditions.

The trade-off here is portability versus direct control. If you prioritize something ultra-light for casual use or quick snapshots, the FP1 excels. But if comfort and tactile responsiveness, including manual focus rings and exposure dials, matter, the NX100’s design is better suited.

Peering Inside: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the heart of any camera is its sensor, which defines image quality, dynamic range, low-light capability, and overall performance.

Sensor size is a defining factor in image quality:

• The Panasonic FP1 uses a small 1/2.3" CCD sensor common in compact cameras. While decent for daylight and casual use, it struggles with noise beyond ISO 400–800. Dynamic range and color depth are limited in comparison.
• The Samsung NX100 benefits from a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor - roughly 13 times the area of the FP1’s sensor. This delivers better tonal gradation, superior low-light performance, and enhanced detail resolution.

This difference is palpable when shooting portraits or landscapes that demand fine detail and color accuracy.

We tested both cameras in controlled lighting scenarios:

• The NX100 images portray cleaner shadows, richer colors, and maintain sharpness at higher ISOs.
• The FP1 images tend to show more noise and softer details when zooming in or under dim conditions.

Moreover, the NX100’s RAW support grants you greater flexibility for post-processing - a feature absent on the FP1, which only allows JPEG output.

In practical photography, if you prioritize image quality for printing or professional applications, the NX100’s larger sensor and RAW capability make a noticeable difference. For casual snaps and social media sharing, the FP1 holds its own in bright environments.

Handling Exposure and Focus: Autofocus and Manual Control

Precision in autofocus (AF) and exposure control is vital whether you’re capturing fleeting sports action or carefully composing a landscape.

While both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF - slow compared to modern hybrid or phase-detection systems - the NX100 offers more flexibility with manual focus support and additional exposure modes.

The Samsung NX100’s 15 AF points allow more precise focusing, especially combined with face detection, which improves portrait work and candid street photography. You can also switch to manual to fine-tune focus on macro or low contrast subjects.

The Panasonic FP1 is limited to single AF point contrast detection and offers no manual focus ring, which reduces creative control. Its AF works adequately for static subjects in good light but can hunt in challenging lighting or fast-moving scenes.

Viewing Your Shots: Screen and Viewfinder Usability

Reviewing images and framing shots depends heavily on your camera’s screen and viewfinder setup.

The Samsung NX100’s 3.0-inch AMOLED screen offers a sharp, vibrant display with good viewing angles and better daylight visibility than the FP1’s smaller 2.7-inch LCD.

The NX100 also supports an optional electronic viewfinder (EVF) attachment, which is helpful in bright conditions and for precise composition - an advantage for serious photographers. The FP1 lacks any viewfinder, pushing you to rely entirely on the rear LCD.

If you often shoot in bright sunlight or want a more traditional composition experience, the NX100’s viewing options provide a clear ergonomic edge.

Exploring Lenses and Accessories: System Expansion

Your choice of lenses plays a huge role in creativity and image quality. Let’s contrast what’s possible with these fixed and interchangeable lens systems.

The Panasonic FP1 offers just one fixed zoom lens covering 35–140mm equivalent focal length. It’s convenient for everyday snapshots but lacks the flexibility of specialized lenses like wide-angle, telephoto, or primes with wider apertures for low-light or artistic effects.

In contrast, the Samsung NX100, as an interchangeable lens mirrorless, lets you choose from over 30 dedicated lenses including primes, zooms, macro, wide-angle, and portrait lenses covering a wide aperture range. This lens ecosystem opens doors for nearly every photography genre.

Furthermore, while the FP1 includes a built-in flash, it cannot support external flashes, limiting off-camera lighting options. The NX100 supports external flash units with various modes, which can dramatically improve lighting control for portraits, events, and night photography.

If you value creative control and plan to expand your gear, the NX100 provides a far more versatile foundation.

Performance in Real-World Photography Genres

We put the Panasonic FP1 and Samsung NX100 through their paces in standard photographic disciplines. Here’s how they stack up with practical, hands-on insights:

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

• FP1: The smaller sensor struggles to render smooth skin tones, particularly under low light. Background blur (bokeh) is minimal due to small sensor size and limited aperture.
• NX100: Larger sensor and use of bright prime lenses (e.g., 30mm f/2) provide creamy bokeh and more natural skin rendering. Face detection AF aids precise focus on eyes.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Detail

• The FP1’s limited dynamic range leads to blown highlights and crushed shadows in high-contrast scenes.
• The NX100 excels with greater tonal latitude and sharpness, capturing more detail across the image.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Rate

• FP1 offers 6 fps burst but with slow AF hunting, resulting in many missed shots.
• NX100 has slower burst speed (3 fps) but more consistent AF with continuous mode, though not ideal for fast action.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Low Light

• Ultra-compact FP1 wins for stealth and portability.
• NX100 is bulkier but quicker to control manually in low light due to better ISO performance.

Macro: Magnification and Focus Precision

• Macro focusing on FP1 is limited to 10cm minimum but without manual focus options.
• NX100 combined with macro lenses provides sharper detail and focus precision.

Night & Astro: High ISO and Exposure Flexibility

• FP1’s CCD sensor produces noisy images above ISO 400.
• NX100’s CMOS sensor and manual modes enable longer exposures and cleaner high ISO shots, better suited for night sky imagery.

Video Capabilities

• Both offer HD 720p at 30 fps.
• FP1 uses Motion JPEG, resulting in larger files and lower compression efficiency.
• NX100 uses H.264 codec with HDMI output support, offering higher quality and easier integration into video editing workflows.
• Neither supports microphone or headphone ports limiting external audio capture.

Travel: Battery Life and Versatility

The FP1’s extreme compactness suits minimalist travel. The NX100 demands more packing consideration but rewards users with superior image quality and creative control.

Ratings at a Glance: Overall and Genre-Specific Scores

We summarize overall impressions and genre performance based on rigorous lab and field tests.

The ratings reveal the Samsung NX100’s clear lead in core photographic qualities - dynamic range, low light, creative flexibility - reflecting its larger sensor and advanced features. The FP1 scores respectably for its size and simplicity but lags in almost every other category.

Connectivity, Battery, and Storage Convenience

Both cameras provide standard USB and SD cards, but the NX100’s HDMI output offers better integration with external monitors and TV playback, useful for studio or event review.

Battery life is notably better on the NX100, with approximately 420 shots per charge, compared to the FP1’s unspecified but generally lower endurance due to smaller size.

Honest Strengths and Limitations Overview

Panasonic FP1

Strengths:

• Ultra-compact, lightweight design for discreet shooting
• Optical Image Stabilization compensates for camera shake
• Intuitive for beginners requiring minimal manual controls
• Built-in flash with multiple modes

Limitations:

• Small sensor limits image quality, low light, and dynamic range
• No RAW support or manual exposure control
• No viewfinder and lower resolution screen
• Fixed lens restricts creative options
• No wireless or HDMI connectivity

Samsung NX100

Strengths:

• Large APS-C sensor delivers superior image quality
• RAW support and multiple exposure modes for creative control
• Interchangeable lens system with broad selection
• Face-detection autofocus and manual focus ring
• Vibrant AMOLED screen and optional EVF support
• HDMI output for video workflows
• Longer battery life and flash system flexibility

Limitations:

• Bulkier and heavier than compact cameras
• No built-in flash (requires external units)
• Autofocus slower than modern hybrid systems
• Lacks wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth)

Who Should Choose Which?

• If you want a pocket-friendly camera for casual shooting or travel and simplicity is key, the Panasonic FP1 suits your needs. It’s a neat compact that captures decent daylight snaps with basic zoom.

• If image quality, creative control, and system expandability are priorities, especially for portraits, landscapes, or artistic photography, the Samsung NX100 is the smarter investment. It grows with you as your skills advance and lets you explore different genres and lenses.

Bringing It All Together: Summary Table

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both the Panasonic FP1 and Samsung NX100 represent interesting milestones from the early 2010s, reflecting the evolving camera market. The FP1 is a competent ultra-compact designed for convenience and simplicity, suitable for hobbyists and travelers needing a pocket shooter. In contrast, the NX100 is a more serious enthusiast camera with a larger sensor, more control, and the versatility that mirrorless systems offer.

If you’re starting and want something easy yet capable for everyday use without extra fuss, the FP1’s small package and optical stabilization might impress you. However, for those looking to build an expandable system capable of professional-grade output, investing in the NX100 and its versatile lens lineup is a more future-proof path, even if it means carrying more gear.

Whichever you pick, I encourage you to handle them in person if possible and test their ergonomics and responsiveness. Pair your choice with the right lenses and accessories to unlock the full creative potential.

See These Cameras in Action

Here’s a gallery showcasing side-by-side sample images highlighting practical shooting differences.

Panasonic FP1 front Panasonic FP1 screen back Samsung NX100 screen back

Design and Control Layouts Up Close

For the curious about button placement and top dials, here’s a top-view comparison.

Ready to explore further? Check out available third-party lenses and mounts for the Samsung NX system or find accessories for your lightweight Panasonic FP1 to enhance your everyday photography. Your next camera should feel like a trusted tool that supports your creative journey every step of the way.

This comparison was compiled from detailed hands-on testing, reference to manufacturer specs, and real-world photographic use cases we've conducted over years of camera reviews. It prioritizes user-focused insights and practical recommendations to help you invest wisely in the camera that best fits your passion and style.