Panasonic FP2 vs Samsung NX210: An Expert’s Deep Dive into Ultraportability and Mirrorless Performance

When cameras from different eras and categories invite comparison, it’s a bit like pitting a trusty compact sports car against a sprightly hatchback - not always apples to apples, but definitely illuminating. That’s the kind of fun dichotomy we find in this face-off: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2, a 2010 ultracompact marvel, versus the Samsung NX210, a 2012 entry-level mirrorless camera aiming at enthusiasts.

Both models aimed to appeal to photography enthusiasts on a budget, but their approaches, technology, and target audiences are quite distinct. Drawing from years of hands-on testing and extensive technical review - plus a few hundred “accidental” street photo moments - I’ll unravel their story in ways that matter: real-world image quality, ergonomics, autofocus speed, versatility, and yes, that ever-important “value for dollar” question.

Let’s sizes things up first, shall we?

Pocket-Sized or Fully Gripped? Handling and Ergonomics Dissected

The Panasonic FP2 is a true ultracompact, designed for the absolute minimum footprint. At 99 x 59 x 19 mm and weighing just 151 grams, it slips into any pocket with ninja-like stealth. In contrast, the Samsung NX210, a rangefinder-style mirrorless with interchangeable lenses, measures 117 x 63 x 37 mm and weighs 222 grams. It’s bigger and chunkier but still commendably portable for a mirrorless system.

The FP2’s compactness comes at a cost: tiny controls, no manual focus ring, and a fixed lens. In practice, that means quick point-and-shoot use but limited tactile feedback or finely tuned adjustment capability. The NX210 sports a more substantial grip and thoughtfully arranged buttons - though no dedicated viewfinder - which translates to a more confident hold and quicker operation during fast-paced shooting sessions.

Looking from above…

We see the FP2’s minimalist approach: a simple mode dial, zoom rocker, and shutter button. The NX210 has a full exposure mode dial, dedicated video record button, and easy access dials for aperture and shutter priority - a boon for more precise control on the fly.

My takeaway: if you prize ultimate pocketability and quick snapshots without fuss, FP2 is tempting. But for those who want more manual control and ergonomic comfort - even on long shoots - the NX210’s body design beats the FP2 hands down.

Sensor Technology: The Heartbeat of Image Quality

A camera’s sensor is its soul, and here is where the gulf between these two widens considerably. The Panasonic FP2 houses a modest 1/2.3” CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm) with 14 megapixels. Meanwhile, the Samsung NX210 leverages an APS-C sized CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, boasting 20 megapixels.

Why does sensor size matter? Larger sensors capture more light, deliver better dynamic range, and excel in low-light conditions. The FP2’s sensor is about 13 times smaller in area than the NX210’s (27.7mm² vs. 369mm²). This inherently restricts its noise performance, depth of field control (hello, bokeh!), and image quality when pixel-peeping.

From my extensive testing with ultracompacts and entry-level mirrorless cameras, the difference is palpable in challenging scenes: the NX210 renders cleaner shadows, richer colors, and finer details with noticeably less noise at ISO 800 and beyond. The FP2 clamps down on ISO at 6400 max, but realistically, anything beyond 400 becomes noisy and mushy - typical CCD limitations.

Samsung’s NX210 also supports RAW capture, allowing advanced post-processing flexibility - something sadly absent in the FP2’s JPEG-only pipeline.

If sheer picture quality and creative control are priorities - especially in portraits and low light - the NX210 is clearly the more capable tool.

Bringing Your Images to Life: Display and Interface

Moving to what you see and touch in live view, the FP2 offers a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with a rather humble 230k-dot resolution. By comparison, the NX210 flaunts a 3-inch OLED screen with 614k dots, delivering crisp, vibrant previews.

Having tested cameras across the spectrum, I can vouch for the OLED’s advantage: better contrast, brightness, and color accuracy ensuring you frame and evaluate images more effectively outdoors and indoors. The FP2’s screen often felt dim under bright sun, hampering quick composition checks.

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on the rear LCD - a compromise notable for outdoor or action shooting where live view can get washed out.

On usability, the NX210’s interface offers menu depth and customizability (including exposure compensation and advanced shooting modes), while the FP2’s simplicity suits absolute beginners or those who want “snap and go” without diving deep into settings.

Real-World Photography Performance: Where Each Shines

Let’s explore specific use cases with my hands-on tested observations, drawing on image samples, autofocus speed trials, and versatility.

Panasonic FP2 front Panasonic FP2 screen back Samsung NX210 screen back

Portraits: Skin tones are lifeblood for portraiture. FP2’s limited lens (35-140mm equivalent with variable f/3.5-5.9 aperture) and small sensor struggle to isolate subjects with creamy bokeh. Plus, no face or eye detection autofocus reduces keeper rate for moving subjects.

NX210’s APS-C sensor, coupled with a wide range of Samsung NX lenses (including fast primes), delivers flattering bokeh and pleasing skin rendition. Face detection autofocus works smoothly to lock on eyes and faces, vastly improving precision and sharpness.

Landscape Photography: Here, resolution and dynamic range weigh heavily. 14MP of FP2 versus 20MP of the NX210 already signs a difference, but the APS-C sensor’s inherent dynamic range advantage allows recovery of detail in shadows and highlights commonly clipped on the compact.

The FP2 lacks weather sealing and has a fixed lens, limiting compositional versatility; the NX210 benefits from interchangeable lenses and, although not weather-sealed, offers more creative freedom.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Speed is king here. FP2’s contrast-detection AF and max burst of 5 fps are underwhelming, with hunting focus and sluggish response that can cost throw-away shots of fast animals or athletes.

NX210 raises the bar with 8 fps burst shooting and continuous autofocus modes, though no phase detection means AF is not blazing fast by today’s standards - still, it’s much better than FP2. Its lens mount supports telephoto lenses vital for wildlife reach.

The Street Photographer’s Ally: Discretion and Portability

Street shooters often prize silence, stealth, and quick operation. The FP2’s diminutive size and optical image stabilization let you shoot handheld at slow shutter speeds, great for ambient-lit street scenes. However, no silent shutter mode (no electronic shutter). The clipped max shutter speed of 1/1600s limits freezing of fast action in bright light.

NX210, larger but not bulky, offers more control and faster frame rates at 8 fps, useful for candids. Its lack of a built-in flash might require external accessories, which could be cumbersome on the street.

So FP2 wins on casual, ultra-discreet shooting; NX210 edges forward when faster AF and frame rates matter.

Macro Magic and Close-Up Creativity

The FP2 promises a 10cm macro focusing range. In practice, this results in decent close-ups of flowers or textures with reasonable sharpness but limited magnification due to sensor size and lens particulars.

The NX210’s macro performance depends on chosen lenses, but Samsung’s ecosystem includes close-focusing primes that surpass FP2’s capabilities. Moreover, its manual focus option lets you fine-tune focus during macro shoots - a huge plus.

Night and Astrophotography: Battle of High ISO and Long Exposure

FP2’s CCD sensor and ISO ceiling of 6400 (with JPG only) caps its low-light usability. Image noise and detail loss become evident above ISO 400-800. Without RAW, options to salvage shadow detail are limited.

NX210’s APS-C CMOS sensor shines in this area, delivering cleaner high ISO images up to 3200-6400 ISO with acceptable noise levels, especially when paired with fast lenses. RAW capture genial for astrophotography post-processing is a major plus.

Both lack advanced exposure modes designed specifically for long exposures or astro (like bulb timers or built-in intervalometers), so external accessories remain necessary.

Video Capabilities: Basic vs More Advanced

FP2’s video maxes out at 720p HD at 30 fps in Motion JPEG - a dated format that rapidly eats storage and limits editing flexibility. No microphone or headphone inputs curtail audio quality.

The NX210 shoots full 1080p HD at 30fps (and a 24fps cinematic-like mode at 1920x810), using more efficient MPEG-4/H.264 codecs - lighter files, better compression, and smoother quality. Still, no audio jacks mean external audio recording is required for enthusiasts.

No 4K, no 6K photos, and no in-body stabilization for video footage on either camera, so handheld movies demand careful technique or tripods.

Travel Photography: Jack of All Trades or Specialist?

The FP2’s unbeatable size and very light weight make it a default travel companion for minimalist packers who want hassle-free snapshots without bulk, battery anxiety, or lens swaps.

The NX210 requires a bit more care (larger body, lens kit, extra batteries) but rewards with impressive image quality and creative flexibility, making it a more “grown-up” option when travel is a blend of vacation memories and serious photography projects.

Battery life - while not listed in detail for FP2 - is generally shorter on ultracompacts. The NX210 offers a respectable 330 shots per charge, enough for daily touring with a spare battery.

Professional Workhorse? Not Exactly, But Useful

Neither camera is positioned as a pro-grade machine, but diversity matters.

FP2’s limited format, lack of RAW, fixed lens, and slow autofocus constrain professional utility. It’s an excellent backup or casual camera for social documentation but not a mainstay.

The NX210 supports RAW, manual modes, exposure bracketing, and an impressive 15 autofocus points. Connectivity (built-in Wi-Fi) and external flash compatibility add workflow options. It could serve as a budget secondary camera or for entry-level professional use in suitable contexts.

Putting Numbers to Work: Ratings and Value

Evaluating image quality, handling, speed, and features, the NX210 consistently outperforms the FP2 by a clear margin, reflecting its more advanced sensor, control options, and larger lens system.

The genre-specific breakdown aligns well with expectations - FP2 trumps in street convenience and ultracompact portability but falters elsewhere, while the NX210 excels in portraits, landscapes, macro, and video.

Pricing also diverges heavily: the FP2 remains a bargain basement choice (~$80), ideal for those who want a capable ultracompact - no frills but effortless shooting. The NX210, priced around $625, caters to enthusiasts craving DSLR-like image quality and creative control at an accessible price.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Panasonic FP2 If:

• You want an ultra-light, ultra-compact camera for spontaneous everyday snapshots.
• You prioritize pocketability over image quality or manual control.
• You shoot mostly in bright light and casual settings.
• Budget is extremely tight and you need a reliable travel companion.
• You dislike fiddling with settings and want a simple, fast experience.

Opt for the Samsung NX210 If:

• Image quality - the detail, dynamic range, and depth of field - matters greatly.
• You want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses and manual controls.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or video with intention.
• You value RAW capture and advanced exposure options.
• You desire a mirrorless system that punches above its entry-level price.

Wrapping Up: A Tale of Two Cameras

Comparing the Panasonic FP2 and Samsung NX210 feels like contrasting a well-behaved pocket notebook with a fully featured laptop. Both have their place, but the NX210 clearly stands out as the better photographic tool, especially when image quality and control count.

Yet, the FP2’s charm lies in its simplicity and stealth - qualities that remain precious for certain photographers. Ultimately, your choice hinges on weighing size and convenience against versatility and quality.

Whatever side you land on - happy shooting!

Did this detailed comparison help clarify your decision? Feel free to share your favorite ultra-compact or mirrorless camera experiences - I’m all ears for your stories!

Additional Images Recap:

1. – Size and handling first impressions
2. – Button placement and usability
3. – Sensor size and technology insights
4. – Rear screen quality and interface responsiveness
5. Panasonic FP2 front Panasonic FP2 screen back Samsung NX210 screen back
   – Real image samples illustrating sensor performance
6. – Comparative summary scoring overview
7. – Performance by photography types

Thank you for reading this expert comparison - may it aid in finding the perfect photographic partner tailored to your style and needs.