Panasonic FS25 vs Samsung DV150F: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Small Sensor Compacts

Compact cameras have seen a steep evolution over the past decade. While the smartphone camera juggernaut continues to grow, dedicated compact cameras retain a niche for enthusiasts seeking better zoom ranges, more control, or just a smaller form factor for casual shooting. Among these compact options, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25 (hereafter “FS25”) and the Samsung DV150F (“DV150F”) stand out for their balance of features from their respective 2009 and 2013 generations.

Having spent many hours conducting side-by-side tests of both cameras, from sensor performance to ergonomics and real-world imaging scenarios, I want to share an authoritative, detailed comparison. Whether you’re a budding photographer craving a simple travel camera or an enthusiast with a preference for optical zoom performance, this guide will distill the strengths, weaknesses, and real-life usability of these two models.

Form Factor and Handling: Small Packages, Different Feelings

Starting with the basics - both cameras fall into the “small sensor compact” category. The FS25 measures 97 × 58 × 22 mm, weighing around 148 grams, while the DV150F is slightly smaller and lighter at 96 × 55 × 18 mm and 116 grams. At first touch, the DV150F's trim, lighter chassis offers noticeable portability advantages, especially if you prioritize slip-it-in-your-pocket convenience.

However, this size reduction comes with trade-offs. The FS25’s slightly larger grip area and physical size contribute to a surprisingly comfortable hold for a compact camera of its class. Buttons have ample spacing, making one-handed operation less fiddly. Conversely, the DV150F’s smaller profile squeezes controls closer together - manageable but potentially less intuitive during fast-shooting moments.

Further ergonomic insights become clearer when examining the top controls:

The FS25 sports a traditional button and dial layout, where zoom and shutter releases fall intuitively under the fingers. The DV150F’s reliance on shared buttons and a small rear-mounted rocker for zooming offers less tactile feedback - something I missed during dynamic shooting.

Neither model includes a viewfinder, relying solely on LCD displays - a point I’ll expand on shortly.

Verdict on Handling:

If tactile button placement and grip comfort weigh heavily in your decision - especially for longer outings - the FS25 edges ahead. The DV150F feels more pocketable but slightly less ergonomic in extended use.

Display and User Interface: The Window to Your Shot

When assessing compacts, the rear screen is your primary composing tool, so display size, resolution, and interface responsiveness are decisive factors.

The FS25 features a 3-inch fixed LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution. The DV150F’s display is slightly smaller (2.7 inches) but packs a high-res 460k-dot rear TFT LCD, supplemented intriguingly by a small 1.5-inch front LCD designed for quick selfie framing.

From my testing, the DV150F’s sharper screen is a substantial benefit in bright conditions, where the FS25 display can appear washed out and less defined. The touchscreen interface on the DV150F also adds fluid navigation, though some menu options felt sluggish - a common limitation of touchscreen compacts from this era.

Panasonic’s FS25 lacks touchscreen but uses physical buttons for a classic, no-nonsense interface. For users who prefer tactile feedback over swipes, this can be less frustrating for rapid adjustments.

User Interface Complexity:

Both cameras omit any manual exposure modes or shutter/aperture priority options - an important caveat for enthusiasts wanting more control. However, the DV150F’s touchscreen facilitates swifter menu navigation, while the FS25’s button-based UI is more reliable for quick adjustments without hunting through menus.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Capture

Both capture devices utilize 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors - a common size in affordable compacts - but with notable distinctions.

The FS25 has a 12MP sensor pegged at a max native ISO of 1600 (boost to 6400), while the DV150F ups the ante to 16MP with a max native ISO of only 3200. The increased resolution theoretically allows for more detailed images, though pixel-level quality depends heavily on sensor processing and noise reduction methodologies.

Testing Protocol:

I ran both cameras through controlled ISO sweep tests - from ISO 80 to their maximum - to evaluate noise, dynamic range, and color fidelity. Shooting RAW is unsupported on both, so JPEG quality and processing algorithms define output characteristics.

Image Quality Observations:

• At base ISO 80-100, the DV150F delivers crisper edges and better overall detail retention, benefiting from its higher resolution and improved image processor.
• Panasonic's FS25 captures colors with a warmer, more natural tone in portraits - skin tones appear less processed and softer, which may appeal for face-centric photography.
• Noise performance is limited on both, with DV150F’s sensor showing slightly more noise at ISO 800 and above, partly due to its higher megapixel count on the same sensor size.
• Dynamic range feels narrow on both, with highlights clipping sharply under direct sunlight and shadows crushing easily - typical of small sensors.

Shooting Range:

The FS25 maxes out at 12MP but with a slightly larger pixel pitch (due to fewer pixels), granting marginally better low-light photon catch. Yet, the DV150F holds the practical advantage for detail in daylight landscape compositions.

Zoom Lenses and Optical Performance: Reach Matters

Fixed lenses define the versatility compact cameras can offer.

• FS25: 29–145 mm equivalent zoom (5×), f/3.3–5.9 aperture range, macro focus down to 5 cm
• DV150F: 25–125 mm equivalent zoom (5×), f/2.5–6.3 aperture range; macro focus unspecified

The FS25’s longer zoom reach should theoretically benefit subjects at a distance - wildlife and sports enthusiasts take note. However, the DV150F’s wider starting focal length and brighter maximum aperture at the wide end (f/2.5 vs. f/3.3) better suits low-light or shallow depth-of-field needs.

In my field tests, the DV150F allowed more light in during indoor and evening shoots, resulting in cleaner images where the FS25 could only push ISO higher. Both lenses exhibit noticeable softness and chromatic aberration at their telephoto limits - a known limitation of this compact lens class.

Autofocus and Speed: Chasing the Moment

Here lies one of the most visible differences in handling dynamic scenes.

• FS25 uses contrast detection with 11 focus points, face detection enabled but no continuous AF or tracking
• DV150F includes contrast AF, face detection, plus selective AF and AF tracking capabilities (though unspecified number of focus points)

During action shooting tests - sports, wildlife, and street photography - the DV150F’s AF tracking demonstrated a reliably smoother experience, maintaining focus on moving subjects more consistently than the FS25’s system. While neither is fast by today’s hybrid AF mirrorless standards, this technology edge makes a difference in capturing fleeting expressions or quick-moving animals.

Continuous burst mode is limited or lacking on both - the FS25 offers 2 fps continuous shooting, while the DV150F’s specs leave burst rates unspecified but practically slow in testing (around 1-1.5 fps).

Flash and Low Light Performance

Built-in flash units are functional but basic for both cameras. The FS25 boasts a flash range of 5.3 meters with modes including Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, and Slow Sync. The DV150F’s flash is less documented but shares similar functionality.

Under low-light environments, the DV150F’s wider aperture on the wide-angle end aids handheld shots, but neither handles high ISO gracefully past mid-range settings. Both cameras rely heavily on optical stabilization (FS25 only; DV150F lacks it), which I noticed improves handheld shooting results in the FS25 by reducing blurs from shake.

Video Capabilities: Limited but Serviceable

Neither camera is designed as a multimedia powerhouse, but they have video functions.

• FS25 records 848 × 480 at 30 fps (max), using Motion JPEG format
• DV150F ups resolution to 1280 × 720 at 30 fps, recording MPEG-4 and H.264 formats

Practically, the DV150F produces noticeably smoother and sharper video with better compression efficiency - ideal for casual recording. Both cameras lack external microphone inputs, limiting audio control, and neither provides 4K or slow-motion options.

Connectivity and Storage

Surprisingly, the DV150F includes built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), facilitating simple image transfers to smartphones or computers - absent in the FS25. Both cameras offer USB 2.0 ports; only the FS25 supports HDMI output.

Storage differs:

• FS25 accommodates SD, MMC, and SDHC cards
• DV150F uses microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC cards

MicroSD’s smaller format on DV150F complements its pocket-sized design but may require adapters for card readers.

Battery Life and Durability

Neither model’s manufacturer-listed battery life is specified in detail, but my extended field usage reveals the FS25’s marginally better endurance - likely due to its slightly less demanding display and no wireless features.

Both cameras lack weather sealing or ruggedization - no waterproofing, dustproofing, or shock protection - limiting outdoor use to fair weather conditions.

Panasonic FS25 front Panasonic FS25 screen back Samsung DV150F front Samsung DV150F screen back

Sample Images: Portrait to Landscape

Here, I compare portraits, landscapes, and macro shots from both cameras to illustrate their practical differences:

• Portraits from the FS25 exhibit natural skin tones aided by warm JPEG processing, though shallow depth of field control is minimal due to lens aperture limits.
• The DV150F delivers sharper landscape details thanks to its higher megapixel count, though with more aggressive noise reduction that can soften subtle textures.
• Macro capability on the FS25 is enhanced by a close focusing range of 5 cm, producing usable flower and detail shots. Macro capabilities on the DV150F are less remarkable.

Overall Performance Ratings

After extensive testing based on sensor quality, autofocus, ergonomics, video, and usability, I would rate:

• FS25: Generally solid compact camera for beginners and casual photographers with better ergonomics and optical stabilization but limited video and AF features.
• DV150F: Slightly advanced feature set with higher resolution, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and improved AF tracking, optimized for users willing to trade some grip comfort and battery life for connectivity and image detail.

Performance in Different Photography Genres

Portrait Photography
The FS25’s warmer color reproduction and face detection enhance casual portraits despite no advanced eye AF. DV150F yields more clinical but detailed facial imaging.

Landscape Photography
DV150F’s higher resolution and sharper imagery suit landscapes better, though both struggle with dynamic range in contrasty scenes.

Wildlife & Sports Photography
Neither camera is ideal, but the DV150F’s AF tracking and marginally faster responsiveness edge it ahead for basic wildlife and slow sports capture.

Street Photography
Compact size and quiet operation favor DV150F; however, FS25’s sturdier grip aids fast response without fumbling.

Macro Photography
FS25 shines with its 5cm macro focus, enabling more engaging close-ups than the vague macro specs of DV150F.

Night/Astro Photography
Limited by small sensors and noise, but FS25’s optical stabilization and lower base ISO help eke out better handheld low-light shots.

Video Capabilities
DV150F provides significantly better HD video both in resolution and compression.

Travel Photography
DV150F’s lighter weight, Wi-Fi, and touchscreen usability enhance travel experience - though FS25’s battery life and sturdier handling provide dependable backup.

Professional Work
Neither suited for pro-level workflows lacking RAW shooting, exposure controls, or ruggedness.

Final Recommendations: Which Small Sensor Compact Should You Choose?

Both cameras are relics of a market segment increasingly overshadowed by smartphones, but each retains unique merits depending on your photography preferences:

• Choose the Panasonic FS25 if:

  • You favor ergonomics and comfort with a more traditional button-driven interface.
  • Optical image stabilization and macro photography interest you.
  • You prioritize natural skin tones and straightforward photo shooting over connectivity.

• Choose the Samsung DV150F if:

  • You want higher resolution imagery with better video quality.
  • Touchscreen control and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity matter to your workflow.
  • You value a more pocketable design and better autofocus tracking capabilities.

Neither model breaks new ground in advanced photography, but both deliver solid performance in their niche. For casual shooters and budget-conscious travelers, they remain relevant options - provided expectations are managed in terms of dynamic range, speed, and manual control.

For those considering newer compacts, hybrid mirrorless setups, or advanced smartphones, these two cameras present instructive benchmarks of small sensor technology circa 2009-2013. But if your priority lies in simple, reliable point-and-shoots with optical zoom, testing these models side-by-side remains a fruitful exercise.

In closing, my advice - handle both in person if possible, keeping in mind ergonomics, screen usability, and zoom range specifics aligned with your photographic interests. That tactile experience usually trumps spec sheets in compact camera decisions.