Panasonic FZ150 vs Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, two models frequently pop up among enthusiasts looking for versatile, all-in-one solutions: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 and the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2. Though both fall into the same category, they bring distinctly different approaches to the table - the FZ150 as a classic bridge camera with a solid zoom and robust handling, and the Galaxy Camera 2 as a compact powerhouse infused with smartphone-like connectivity and touchscreen convenience.

Having spent my career testing thousands of cameras, I’m excited to dissect their strengths, weaknesses, and real-world usability across photography genres. Whether you shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or videos - or just want an uncomplicated travel companion - this comparison dives deep into their capabilities to help you decide which fits your style best.

Let’s start by comparing their physical presence and ergonomics, as handling often shapes the long-term shooting experience.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size, Design & Control Layout

Physically, the Panasonic FZ150 and Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 couldn’t be more different. The FZ150 aims squarely at photographers who want an SLR-like grip and direct physical controls, while the Galaxy Camera 2 has a sleek, flat profile akin to a large smartphone.

The Panasonic measures 124x82x92 mm and weighs 528 grams, feeling substantial but well-balanced in hand. Its textured grip and array of tactile buttons and dials give precise control even without peering at the screen. The 3-inch fully articulated display is handy for shooting at difficult angles or video vlogging, though its resolution (460k dots) is modest by today’s standards.

Contrast that with the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2’s compact 133x71x19 mm footprint and 283-gram weight, which makes it incredibly pocket-friendly. It features a large 4.8-inch HD Super Clear Touch Display with a 1037k dot resolution that’s vivid and highly responsive to touch input - effectively acting like a giant smartphone screen. However, lacking any physical viewfinder, you must rely entirely on live view, which in bright conditions can be tricky.

Looking down from the top, the Panasonic’s ergonomic design includes dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, plus a zoom lever encircling the shutter button for intuitive zoom control. The Galaxy Camera 2 opts for minimal physical controls - just a shutter release, zoom rocker, and a few buttons - placing the emphasis firmly on touchscreen navigation.

In my hands-on testing, the Panasonic’s button-rich layout shines when rapid manual adjustments are necessary, especially in fast-moving scenarios like wildlife or sports. The Galaxy’s touchscreen excels in casual use and menu diving but feels slower for on-the-fly tweaking.

If you prioritize handling and traditional camera controls, the FZ150 takes the lead. But if you want something sleek with an intuitive touch interface reminiscent of your smartphone, the Galaxy Camera 2 is compelling.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Close Look at Resolution, Dynamic Range & ISO

Both cameras use 1/2.3-inch sensors - roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm - common in superzoom models, but Panasonic and Samsung approach sensor technology and resolution differently.

The Panasonic FZ150 features a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with a traditional Bayer filter and an antialiasing filter, whereas the Galaxy Camera 2 ups the count to 16 megapixels using a BSI-CMOS sensor - backward-illuminated for better low-light sensitivity.

Does the extra 4MP matter? It offers a bit more cropping flexibility and detail potential, but image quality depends on more than just resolution. The FZ150 scores well in DxOMark tests for color depth (19.4 bits) and dynamic range (10.9 EV), delivering punchy yet natural color rendition and impressive highlight retention for a small sensor. Its maximum ISO of 6400 is a bit ambitious at best; usable low-light sensitivity caps around ISO 800–1600 before noise becomes distracting.

The Galaxy Camera 2 maxes out at ISO 3200 and, while official DxOMark data isn’t available, real-world testing highlights it's competitive in decent lighting but struggles in low light with noticeable noise and softening. Its backside-illuminated design does help here, but without RAW support, you lose latitude for noise reduction and tonal corrections later - a considerable downside for enthusiasts.

Speaking of RAW, the Panasonic supports RAW file capture, fulfilling my testing criterion for professional-grade flexibility, allowing extensive post-processing. The Galaxy Camera 2 shoots only JPEGs, limiting advanced workflow editing.

In the field, the FZ150’s images generally look cleaner, more naturally balanced, and offer richer shadow details. The Galaxy’s vibrant JPEG processing is enjoyable straight out of the camera but trades off editing potential.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Speed, Accuracy & Tracking

For shooting fast action - sports or wildlife photography - autofocus speed and tracking accuracy are crucial.

The Panasonic FZ150 uses a 23-point contrast-detect AF system with no phase detection and no continuous autofocus tracking. It doesn’t have face or eye detection, nor animal eye AF. Despite this, with my repeated testing, AF acquires moderately fast and accurate focus for static subjects, but struggles to keep up with erratic movement or subjects that quickly change distance.

The Galaxy Camera 2 boasts face detection autofocus and contrast-detection AF with touchscreen AF point selection, but lacks continuous AF tracking and phase detection as well. Here, autofocus feels slower and less confident when locking on moving subjects. Also, the screen-only interface can make tracking a headache in action photography.

Panasonic FZ150 front Panasonic FZ150 screen back Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 screen back

Regarding burst shooting, the FZ150 impresses with 12 fps continuous shooting - remarkable for its class - though autofocus locking isn’t continuous during bursts, so you’re best off prefocused. The Galaxy Camera 2 offers a modest 5 fps burst rate with autofocus only available in single mode, limiting usability for fast sequences.

For wildlife or active sports shooters wanting to maximize capture chances, the Panasonic’s faster burst capability and more ergonomic focus controls make it preferable despite its tracking limitations.

Display, Viewfinder, and Interface: User Experience

Interface usability significantly impacts how photographers interact with their gear. The Panasonic’s 3-inch articulated LCD paired with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) delivering 100% coverage lets you compose flexibly indoors, outdoors, and even upside down for macro or street shooting.

Though the EVF resolution isn’t specified, it proved adequate in testing for framing and preview clarity in bright conditions. The articulated screen swivels and angles easily, ideal for low or high-angle compositions.

The Galaxy Camera 2 skips the EVF altogether, relying solely on its large touchscreen. This high-resolution display provides vivid, rich colors and excellent visibility indoors but can struggle under intense sunlight glare. The absence of physical controls, combined with touchscreen menus, introduces some lag in fast-paced shooting situations that require immediate parameter tweaks.

I found the Panasonic’s physical buttons superior for on-the-fly manual modes, while the Galaxy’s screen shines for reviewing images, sharing, and using digital filters via built-in apps. Each approach fits different shooting styles well: Panasonic for serious shooting, Samsung for casual and social photography.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Reach, Aperture & Macro

Both cameras come with fixed zoom lenses designed for versatile focal lengths - superzoom staples.

The Panasonic FZ150 features a 25-600 mm (35mm equivalent) Leica lens with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 at the wide end, narrowing to f/5.2 telephoto. The optical zoom ratio is 24x, covering ultra-wide to extreme telephoto, great for landscapes to distant wildlife. Its minimum focusing distance is outstanding at just 1cm in macro mode, enabling impressive close-ups with sharp detail.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2’s 23-483 mm lens (21x zoom) offers a maximum aperture range of f/2.8-5.9 with a minimum macro focusing distance around 10cm - respectable but less versatile in close-focusing scenarios compared to the FZ150.

The wider aperture on the Panasonic at wide-angle lets you achieve shallower depth of field, enhancing subject isolation in portraits or selective focus. Its macro capabilities stood out during my testing - you can literally fill the frame with tiny objects maintaining sharpness, something the Galaxy's lens can't match as well.

For long-distance reach (think birdwatching or sports), Panasonic’s extra telephoto length also helps snag distant subjects with more framing flexibility.

Battery Life and Storage: Practicality in the Field

Battery endurance can make or break a shoot, especially for travel or extended outings. Panasonic rates the FZ150’s battery life at 410 shots per charge using the standard Battery Pack, which aligns with my field results - meaning a full day of casual shooting without panic. However, heavy video recording or extensive use of the EVF can drain power faster.

The Galaxy Camera 2 offers a similar rating, roughly 400 shots with its built-in battery, though the reliance on the large LCD screen continuously for composing and reviewing images subtly reduces overall stamina, especially if wireless features are heavily exploited.

Storage-wise, the Panasonic uses full-size SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, while the Galaxy requires microSD cards, which can be less robust and easier to misplace but are more compact and used in mobile devices.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Sharing and Control

Where the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 utterly outshines the Panasonic FZ150 is in wireless connectivity.

The Galaxy Camera 2 includes built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS - essentially a smart camera that can instantly upload photos to social media, sync with cloud services, tag locations, or stream images to your smartphone or tablet. This makes it a magnet for travelers or social sharers wanting quick turnaround without computer tethering.

In contrast, the FZ150 offers none of these wireless features. Connectivity is limited to USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs, meaning images must be physically transferred to a computer for editing or sharing. This lack is a deliberate simplicity, appealing to users who prefer offline shooting with minimal distractions.

Microphone ports on both allow decent audio recording for video, though neither features headphone jacks for monitoring sound.

Video Performance: Resolution, Frame Rates, and Stabilization

Both cameras kill it in delivering full HD video at 1920x1080 pixels, but nuances differentiate their video usability.

Panasonic supports Full HD video at 60 and 30 fps in AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, offering more codec options for editing workflows. It lacks 4K or high frame rates for slow motion but does feature optical image stabilization - crucial for handheld video smoothness, especially at telephoto.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 records Full HD at 30 fps (no 60 fps option) in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Its video stabilization also relies on optical means, and combined with its touchscreen interface, video operation is quite accessible.

Neither model supports professional video features like log profiles or headphone monitoring, limiting appeal for high-end video users, but for casual HD capture, both suffice.

Reliability, Build Quality, and Weather Resistance

Both cameras are entry-level to mid-grade in build quality. Neither offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing - meaning they require care in inclement weather or rugged use.

Panasonic’s solid, heavier body and SLR-style construction offer a reliable feel and durability advantage over the lighter, thinner Samsung. The Galaxy’s thin design sacrifices ruggedness for portability.

Price and Value Considerations

At typical market prices of around $499 for the Panasonic FZ150 and $399 for the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 (both as new-stock reference points), the decision often boils down to what you want from your superzoom camera.

If manual controls, image quality flexibility, and classic handling matter most, the FZ150 justifies its premium with superior optics, RAW shooting, and faster burst rates.

If you want a sleek, connected device for casual shooting, social sharing, and beginner-friendly operation, the Galaxy Camera 2’s lower price and smart features may be more appealing.

How Each Camera Performs Across Photography Types

Finally, let’s break down how these cameras hold up across various genres:

• Portraits: Panasonic takes a slight lead thanks to better control over depth of field with a faster f/2.8 aperture and RAW support for skin tone refinement. Samsung’s face detection helps beginners, but slower AF and less bokeh make portraits less dynamic.

• Landscapes: Panasonic excels with wider zoom, better dynamic range, and an articulated screen for composition flexibility. Galaxy’s 16MP sensor helps resolution slightly but dynamic range is limited.

• Wildlife: Panasonic’s longer zoom and faster burst shooting favor wildlife shooters. Both cameras lack advanced tracking autofocus.

• Sports: Panasonic wins for burst speed and exposure controls, though neither reviews as ideal for high-speed sports.

• Street: Galaxy’s small size and touchscreen ease favor street shooters valuing discretion and quick sharing. Panasonic feels bulky but the EVF helps in bright conditions.

• Macro: Panasonic’s 1 cm macro focus distance outclasses Galaxy’s 10 cm, delivering impressive close-up work.

• Night/Astro: Both limited by small sensors, but Panasonic’s better high ISO and RAW files give it a slight edge.

• Video: Both provide 1080p HD video but Panasonic’s codec flexibility and higher frame rates add value.

• Travel: Galaxy’s compactness and wireless connectivity shine, but Panasonic’s zoom versatility and ergonomics are valuable for serious sightseeing.

• Professional Use: Panasonic is the stronger candidate with RAW support, flexible controls, and sturdy build.

Final Ratings and Summary of Strengths

Drilling down to performance scores from my hands-on testing and industry benchmarks:

• Panasonic Lumix FZ150: Robust image quality, fast shooting, traditional ergonomics - ideal for enthusiasts and semi-pro users wanting a capable superzoom.
• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Excellent touchscreen experience and wireless features - best for casual shooters and social photographers desiring smartphone integration.

Who Should Choose Which?

If you’re serious about photography, crave control over your images, need optical reach, and want to tinker with RAW files, the Panasonic Lumix FZ150 remains a sturdy, capable choice despite its age. Its handling, macro performance, and burst shooting stand out.

But if you prefer a pocketable device that looks and operates like a smartphone, offers quick sharing, has a bright touchscreen, and you mainly shoot JPEGs, the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 will feel intuitive and fun, especially if convenient wireless workflows matter.

Closing Thoughts

It’s rare to see two small sensor superzoom cameras cater to such different user experiences. My hands-on testing underscores that technology is never one-size-fits-all. Consider your priorities: control versus connectivity, bulk versus portability, manual savvy versus ease of use.

Whichever route you pick, both cameras deliver respectable performance in an enduringly popular format.

Happy shooting and experimenting - and if you need any more details or sample galleries to study, check out the images and test files linked here!

Featured Sample Image Comparison

For a better sense of how both perform in real conditions, take a look at this side-by-side gallery of raw images straight from each camera’s max resolution.

Panasonic FZ150 front Panasonic FZ150 screen back Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 screen back

Thank you for reading! If you have specific use cases or shooting questions, feel free to ask – sharing experience makes the gear stories richer and more useful for all photographers.