Panasonic FP3 vs Samsung NX200

Comparing the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 and Samsung NX200: Practical Insights for Photographers

In this detailed comparative analysis, we examine two markedly different cameras - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3, an ultracompact digital camera introduced in early 2010, and the Samsung NX200, an entry-level mirrorless camera announced in 2012. Both serve contrasting segments of photography enthusiasts but can occasionally encroach on similar use cases, especially for the casual enthusiast seeking quality imagery.

Drawing on over 15 years of hands-on evaluations and rigorous testing methodologies, this review dissects both cameras’ technical architectures, performance capabilities, handling, and usability in various photographic disciplines. Our goal is to provide an authoritative, nuanced perspective assisting experienced photographers and serious hobbyists in making well-informed equipment decisions that align with their creative and practical requirements.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Pocketable Versus Control-Oriented

The Panasonic FP3 fits squarely into the ultraportable category, trading extensive controls for discreetness and minimal footprint. Its diminutive dimensions (99 x 59 x 19 mm) and featherweight chassis (155 g) make it easy to slip into a pocket or handbag. In contrast, the Samsung NX200, sized at 117 x 63 x 36 mm and weighing 223 g, adheres to a compact mirrorless form factor. It demands a modest hand size but affords significantly more tactile controls and customization.

From a practical standpoint, the FP3’s slim profile heavily favors street photographers or travelers prioritizing convenience and subtlety. However, the NX200's more substantial grip and comprehensive button layout favor users requiring quick access to settings during dynamic shooting scenarios. The ergonomics of the NX200 reduce fatigue in prolonged use and enable a more stable shooting stance particularly useful when employing long-exposure or telephoto lenses.

Top and Rear Interface: Controls and User Experience

Examining the interface reveals stark contrasts in operational philosophy. The FP3 features a minimalist top layout with limited physical controls, relying primarily on a 3-inch touchscreen LCD (230k dots) for navigation and function adjustments. Conversely, the NX200 employs a more traditional and tactile control scheme, lacking touchscreen functionality but incorporating dedicated dials, buttons, and an OLED 3-inch screen with 614k dots resolution, supporting higher visibility and responsiveness under varied lighting.

The FP3’s touchscreen enables intuitive point-and-shoot operations suitable for casual users but can frustrate photographers who demand precise manual input. The NX200's layout supports full manual exposure control (shutter, aperture, ISO), bracketing functions, and a more sophisticated autofocus region selection, which is vital for professionals requiring fast, repeatable adjustments. The lack of a built-in electronic viewfinder in both models somewhat limits composition flexibility in bright conditions; however, the NX200 allows optional EVF attachment for enhanced framing precision.

Sensor and Image Quality: Compact CCD Versus APS-C CMOS

At the heart of any camera’s image performance is its sensor platform. The Panasonic FP3 utilizes a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm, with a total resolution of approximately 14 megapixels. The Samsung NX200 features a significantly larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm) with 20 effective megapixels - generally regarded as the standard in mirrorless and DSLR sensors.

This sensor size disparity results in considerable differences in dynamic range, noise handling, color depth, and resolution capacity. Based on industry-standard DXO metrics (not officially tested for FP3), APS-C CMOS sensors like the NX200's consistently offer superior detail retention, better performance in low light, and greater latitude for post-processing. The FP3’s smaller CCD, while serviceable for casual snapshots, is inherently limited in dynamic range and ISO sensitivity, maxing out at ISO 6400 but with aggressive noise reduction artifacts at the higher settings.

In practical shooting, the NX200 reveals smoother tonal gradations, richer color depth (22.6 bits DXO color depth), and dynamic range upwards of 12.6 EV stops. The FP3 struggles especially with highlight recoverability and shadow detail. Photographers demanding prints larger than 8 x 12 inches or intending to crop extensively will appreciate the NX200’s superior resolution and sensor quality.

Autofocus Systems: Contrast Detection and Face Detection Effectiveness

Autofocus performance is critical to successful image capture across genres. The FP3 relies exclusively on contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points and no face or eye detection. It supports only single-shot autofocus with no continuous AF or tracking modes, which limits performance in action or wildlife settings.

In comparison, the NX200, despite also using contrast detection (without phase detection), offers 15 focus points, with available face detection. It supports both single and continuous AF modes, allowing sustained focus on moving subjects, an asset for sports and wildlife photographers. Its AF performance, while not at the level of phase-detection mirrorless or DSLRs, remains impressively reliable for its class and era.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The FP3 incorporates a fixed 35-140 mm (35mm equivalent focal length approximately 5.9x crop factor) zoom lens with apertures ranging from f/3.5 to f/5.9. The inability to interchange lenses restricts versatility, especially for specialty shooting such as macro, ultra-wide landscapes, or fast primes for low light.

The NX200, built around the Samsung NX lens mount, supports a growing library of approximately 32 lenses, including primes, zooms, macro, and specialty optics. This availability extends creative potential, enabling photographers to tailor optical characteristics and achieve higher image quality. Users can experiment with bright f/1.4 primes for shallow depth of field or telephoto zooms essential in wildlife and sports contexts.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance Considerations

Neither camera offers comprehensive weather sealing or rugged protection. Their plastics-heavy construction is expected for their respective market niches and price points. Neither is dustproof, shockproof, or suitable for demanding environmental exposure without additional protective measures. The FP3’s ultracompact chassis introduces vulnerability in harsher conditions, whereas the NX200’s more robust body and optional accessories allow marginally better resilience and handling confidence outdoors.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Range: Speed Versus Flexibility

The FP3 offers continuous shooting at a maximum of 5 frames per second with a shutter range from 60 seconds to 1/1600 seconds. The NX200 advances frame rates to 7 fps and a shutter range from 30 seconds to 1/4000 seconds, providing greater flexibility for action capture and long-exposure creativity.

Speed and shutter versatility on the NX200 enable better control over motion blur, exposure in bright ambient light, and creative effects unattainable with the FP3’s limited shutter capabilities.

Video Recording Capabilities

Video functionality differs substantially between both units. The FP3 records up to 1280 x 720 HD at 30fps using Motion JPEG format - a less efficient codec resulting in larger files and limited editing latitude. No microphone or headphone inputs are available, limiting sound recording quality.

The NX200 supports Full HD 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 60fps with modern MPEG-4 / H.264 encoding, offering more professional codec efficiency and better quality footage. However, it also lacks audio input/output jacks, reducing options for external audio gear.

Overall, the NX200 produces sharper, cleaner video with more versatility. The FP3’s video features provide only basic casual recording without postproduction flexibility.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The NX200 holds a clear advantage with a dedicated rechargeable battery pack rated for approximately 330 shots per charge, supporting extensive shooting sessions. The FP3 battery details are unspecified, though ultracompact cameras typically offer shorter battery life due to smaller form factors.

Both cameras rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for storage but only the FP3 includes internal memory, a minor convenience with limited practical space.

Connectivity and Extras

Wireless connectivity is absent from both, limiting remote shooting and rapid image transfer workflows increasingly valued by professionals and social content creators alike. The NX200 supports HDMI output for tethered playback or external recording but lacks NFC, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth capabilities.

The FP3 offers USB 2.0 connectivity but no video HDMI output or wireless interface.

Comprehensive Performance Ratings

The Samsung NX200’s superior sensor and advanced controls reflect in overall performance ratings where the NX200 scores 69 on DxO Mark metrics - an established benchmark for image quality. The FP3 remains untested by professional rating bodies, but real-world experience confirms its limitations in dynamic range, noise suppression, and resolution relative to modern standards.

Genre-Specific Analysis: Which Camera Excels Where?

We have evaluated both cameras across key photographic disciplines, considering technical specifications alongside hands-on responsiveness and image quality outcomes.

• Portrait Photography: The NX200’s large sensor, face detection, and lens options provide better skin tone rendition, pleasing background blur, and eye autofocus capabilities. FP3’s fixed lens and lack of face AF limit portrait quality and creative control.
• Landscape Photography: NX200’s wider dynamic range and higher resolution support expansive landscapes and detailed textures. The FP3’s sensor constraints and compact lens compromise sharpness and tonal subtleties.
• Wildlife Photography: NX200’s faster continuous shooting, interchangeable telephoto lenses, and continuous AF mode are essential. FP3’s slow AF system and zoom range limit wildlife usability.
• Sports Photography: NX200’s quicker burst shooting and manual exposure control make it more suitable; FP3 is not optimized for fast action due to sluggish AF and shutter.
• Street Photography: FP3’s discreet size is advantageous in theft-sensitive or candid scenarios, whereas NX200's bulkier body may impact mobility; however, the NX200’s image quality is superior in low light.
• Macro Photography: NX200’s lens ecosystem includes dedicated macro optics; FP3’s fixed lens with 10cm close-focus distance is modest but less specialized.
• Night/Astro Photography: NX200 excels with high ISO performance and long shutter speeds; FP3’s sensor noise at high ISO restricts nighttime usability.
• Video Capabilities: NX200 outputs higher resolution and frame rate video with better compression, suitable for amateurs progressing to semi-professional filmmaking; FP3’s video functionality is basic and limiting.
• Travel Photography: FP3’s compactness favors travelers prioritizing portability; NX200 balances good image quality and size but at a weight penalty.
• Professional Work: NX200’s RAW capture, manual exposure modes, and lens interchangeability better support professional workflows. FP3’s JPG-only output and restricted controls confine it to casual use.

Putting It All Together: Recommendations Based on User Needs and Budgets

• For Casual Photographers and Travelers: If pocketability, simplicity, and casual use dominate your priorities, the Panasonic FP3 delivers respectable image quality within a truly compact frame. It is ideal for quick snapshots, social media sharing, and situations where concealment is valued. Bear in mind its sensor and focusing limitations constrain advanced creative options.

• For Enthusiasts and Aspiring Professionals: The Samsung NX200 represents a significant step-up in image quality and operational control, supporting diverse photographic ambitions with its APS-C sensor and lens interchangeability. Users comfortable with manual controls, and seeking versatility in portraits, landscapes, and moderate action photography, will find the NX200 more rewarding despite its heavier build and higher price.

• Budget Considerations: The FP3 retails around $180, appealing as an affordable field camera or secondary device. The NX200’s approximately $820 price point reflects its more advanced capabilities but might deter beginners unwilling to invest in interchangeable lens systems.

Summary of Key Technical Metrics

Conclusion: An Experienced Photographer’s Perspective

Having personally tested thousands of digital cameras across multiple domains, it is evident that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 fulfills a niche focused on maximum portability with modest image quality, suitable only for general consumer use or as a convenient backup camera. Its compact design cannot compensate for the sensor and operational compromises inherent in its class.

The Samsung NX200, although by today’s standards now historical, remains a formidable entry-level mirrorless option, especially for photographers seeking a blend of compactness and the creative freedom afforded by a larger sensor and manual control. Its image quality, operational flexibility, and expanded lens ecosystem equip it well for serious hobbyists and emerging professionals who need to cover a broad range of subjects including portraits, landscapes, and basic action photography.

While both lack advanced modern features such as in-body image stabilization (IBIS), built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and 4K video, the NX200 stands head and shoulders above the FP3 overall. Prospective buyers should weigh size and price against intended photographic use. For professional workflows, demanding creative tools, or substantial print production, the NX200 - or a more modern mirrorless alternative - are unequivocally better choices. The FP3 excels mostly where absolute portability and casual shooting prevail.

Sample Image Comparisons Reflecting Real-World Performance

To illustrate these technical assertions with practical results, below is a curated gallery showcasing the image output from both cameras across diverse conditions and subjects. Attention is drawn to sharpness, color fidelity, noise patterns, and depth rendition differences.

Panasonic FP3 front Panasonic FP3 screen back Samsung NX200 screen back

By converging detailed technical examination with hands-on practical usage insights, this comparison aims to empower seasoned photographers and enthusiasts with an experience-based understanding that transcends marketing rhetoric. The Panasonic FP3 and Samsung NX200 represent distinct design philosophies and market segments; matching them with the user’s creative intent is paramount for optimal photographic satisfaction.