Panasonic FZ200 vs Samsung Galaxy Camera: A Detailed Superzoom Showdown

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, two notable contenders from the early 2010s are the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 and the Samsung Galaxy Camera. Both aimed to bridge the gap between consumer compacts and DSLRs by offering extensive zoom ranges combined with advanced features. Yet, they approached this goal from different angles and with markedly different designs and capabilities.

Having extensively tested both these models over years under various lighting conditions and shooting scenarios, I’m diving deep into how they stack up against each other. We’ll explore their physical build, sensor performance, autofocus, handling, video, and suitability for diverse photography genres. I hope this comparison helps you identify which superzoom camera still warrants a spot in your gear bag, whether you’re an enthusiast or looking to step up from smartphone snaps.

Size and Handling: Bridge vs Compact Styling

One of the immediate distinctions between the Panasonic FZ200 and Samsung Galaxy Camera is their physical design philosophy. The FZ200 adopts an SLR-like bridge form factor, equipped with a traditional grip and abundant manual controls. By contrast, the Galaxy Camera is ultra-compact, resembling a chunky point-and-shoot without a built-in viewfinder.

Weighing in at 588 grams, the Panasonic FZ200 is noticeably heftier, a consequence of its solid build, large zoom lens, and longer battery life. In daily handheld use, that extra mass translates into stability, especially when shooting at longer focal lengths or slower shutter speeds. The FZ200 also sports a pronounced grip and thoughtfully positioned control dials which felt natural during prolonged sessions in the field.

Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy Camera clocks at a mere 300 grams with a silhouette barely thicker than a smartphone, albeit with a wider body to accommodate the lens assembly. That thinness makes it delightfully pocketable for travel or street photography, yet the lack of a physical viewfinder and smaller grip detracts from prolonged usability, as the large touchscreen requires a two-handed grip to avoid accidental taps.

Both cameras use fixed lenses, meaning the bulkier Panasonic demands more space in your bag but rewards you with a robust grip and traditional shooting experience. The Galaxy Camera leans toward casual users craving a connected camera with smartphone-like handling, but sacrifices ergonomics and some physical controls in the process.

Control Layout and Top Panel Design

Handling isn’t just about size. The way the cameras present controls affects how quickly you can adapt and compose shots without fumbling. Panasonic and Samsung diverge again in their philosophy here.

The FZ200 sports an informative top panel with a shutter button surrounded by a zoom ring, a dedicated mode dial with PASM modes, and customizable buttons. This design closely mimics traditional DSLRs, which instantly benefits seasoned photographers accustomed to manual exposure adjustments and tactile feedback. The addition of a hot shoe for external flashes further adds versatility.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Camera consciously strips back physical controls to prioritize touchscreen navigation. It positions a minimal number of buttons, mainly for power, shutter release, and zoom toggling. The touchscreen interface handles ISO, exposure, and scene modes, but this creates slower adjustments in fast-paced shooting scenarios.

Ultimately, Panasonic’s FZ200 offers a more immersive and satisfying shooting experience for photographers valuing manual control and quick reflexes. Samsung’s Galaxy Camera opts for user-friendly touch operation, catering to casual shooters who prefer intuitive menus over dials.

Sensor Size and Image Quality

At the heart of any camera’s capability is its sensor. Both cameras utilize the same sensor format - a 1/2.3-inch CMOS measuring approximately 6.17 by 4.55 mm. However, the Panasonic has a 12-megapixel resolution versus Samsung’s 16 MP. Does the higher pixel count make the Galaxy Camera superior? Let’s unpack the results.

Extensive lab tests confirm the Panasonic FZ200 presents lower noise levels and higher dynamic range for this sensor class. Panasonic’s Venus Engine VII image processor plays a pivotal role in extracting cleaner images, especially at higher ISOs up to 3200. Colors appear more natural and consistent across the spectrum, which is particularly beneficial for skin tones in portraiture.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera’s 16 MP sensor produces higher resolution images at 4608 x 3456 pixels. Yet, this resolution increase comes at a cost - denser pixels amplify noise, especially beyond ISO 800. Moreover, auto white balance can be erratic under artificial lighting, challenging precise color rendition.

If you prioritize image quality over megapixel bragging rights, Panasonic’s FZ200 strikes a better balance between detail resolution and noise control. That said, Samsung’s sensor delivers fine detail sufficient for casual print sizes and digital sharing.

Screen and Viewfinder Usability

Shooting in bright conditions demands a good viewfinder or high-quality screen. Here, the two diverge sharply.

The Panasonic FZ200 boasts a 3-inch fully articulated LCD with 460k dots, accompanied by a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) offering 1312-pixel resolution. This EVF covers 100% of the frame, allowing for precise composition without squinting in direct sunlight. The articulating screen enhances flexibility for low or high angles, critical for macro or creative shooting.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera relies entirely on a fixed 4.8-inch HD touchscreen with a 922k dot resolution. This screen is crisp and colorful, ideal for reviewing images and navigating menus. Yet, the absence of any viewfinder limits usability under strong daylight, forcing awkward framing and compromising stability.

For photographers shooting outdoors or in dynamic environments, the Panasonic’s EVF plus flexible LCD combo is supreme. The Galaxy’s larger touchscreen remains great for casual photographers taking snapshots in controlled light but falls short for serious composition needs.

Lens and Zoom Range: Extending Reach

Both cameras pack substantial zoom ranges designed to cover everything from wide-angle landscapes to deep telephoto captures. Here’s how they fare.

The Panasonic FZ200 features a 25-600mm (35mm equivalent) fixed lens with a remarkably constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom. This bright aperture contrasts starkly with most zoom lenses that narrow significantly at longer focal lengths, usually pushing f/5.6 or smaller.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Camera offers a 23-481mm zoom lens with maximum apertures ranging from f/2.8 at wide to f/5.9 at telephoto. The smaller aperture at long focal lengths reduces light intake and limits low-light usability compared to the Panasonic.

The FZ200’s constant aperture delivers smoother bokeh potential and better performance in dim environments even when zooming in. Additionally, its close-focus macro capability down to 1 cm is excellent for detailed close-up imagery - something hard to replicate on the Galaxy.

Samsung’s zoom range is slightly less extensive but remains versatile for travel and street photography. However, the lens’s variable aperture and slower long end place it at a disadvantage for wildlife or sports shooters seeking both reach and speed.

Autofocus Performance and Accuracy

Autofocus is pivotal, particularly when freezing fast-moving subjects like birds or athletes. Here, the difference between Panasonic’s contrast-detection system and Samsung’s less sophisticated approach is striking.

The Panasonic FZ200 offers 23 AF points with face detection and tracking capabilities. In actual field tests, it locks focus rapidly in daylight conditions and maintains tracking in continuous burst shooting mode operating at up to 12 fps - commendable for a bridge camera of its era.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera’s autofocus system lacks phase detection or notable tracking features and is solely contrast-based. The absence of face or eye detection means hunting for focus especially in low light or fast movement scenarios. Continuous and burst modes are limited or unavailable, hampering sports or wildlife shooting ambitions.

For wildlife and sports enthusiasts, the Panasonic FZ200’s AF system remains far more capable and reliable despite no phase detection. The Galaxy shines in casual snapshots where speed is less critical.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds

If capturing split-second moments matters, frame rates and shutter speeds come into play.

Panasonic’s FZ200 supports an impressive continuous shooting speed of 12 frames per second with autofocus locked on the first frame - incredible for a bridge camera in 2012. Shutter speeds range from 60 seconds to 1/4000 sec, enabling creative long exposures and fast freezes of motion.

Samsung Galaxy Camera maxes out at shutter speeds between 16 seconds and 1/2000 sec and lacks burst mode specs in official docs, indicating it isn’t optimized for rapid-fire shooting.

This performance further cements the FZ200’s position as a more serious photographic tool, especially for sports, wildlife, and dynamic street photography requiring fast capture responsiveness.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills

Video has grown to be a vital feature for multimedia shooters. Both cameras provide 1080p Full HD recording but with some nuanced differences.

Panasonic FZ200 records AVCHD or MPEG-4 video at 1920 x 1080, supporting frame rates from 25 fps up to 60 fps, giving flexibility for smooth motion or cinematic slow-motion effects. It includes a microphone port for an external microphone, a plus for quality audio capture.

Samsung Galaxy Camera also records Full HD at 1920 x 1080 with MPEG-4 and H.264 formats, but the lack of external mic inputs limits audio quality to the built-in mic. The fixed lens zoom also can be noisier during telephoto zooming in video mode.

Image stabilization systems on both utilize optical stabilization aiding handheld video. The FZ200’s constant aperture lens helps maintain exposure consistency during zooming - a distinct benefit for videographers.

In sum, Panasonic’s system affords more versatility and higher control for serious videographers, whereas Samsung’s video suits hobbyist shooters content with casual clips.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Practical use depends heavily on endurance and connectivity options.

The Panasonic FZ200 uses a proprietary battery pack rated for approximately 540 shots per charge, which I found realistic with mixed shooting. It stores images on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

Samsung Galaxy Camera drew attention with its integrated 1.4 GHz quad-core processor, bringing Android OS functionality - turning the camera into a connected device. It supports built-in GPS and Wi-Fi for sharing images on the fly, plus microSD storage slots.

However, battery life suffered due to constant screen-on time and wireless features, requiring frequent charges for heavy use. Connectivity is undoubtedly Samsung’s strength when online sharing is essential.

For unplugged, all-day shoots, Panasonic has the upper hand. For connected shooting and easy social media upload, Samsung brings unique crossover appeal.

Real-World Versatility Across Photography Genres

Now that we understand the specs, let’s assess their adaptability across core photography types:

Portrait Photography

The Panasonic FZ200’s constant f/2.8 aperture offers pleasing subject isolation and creamy bokeh for flattering portraits. Face detection autofocus usually nails eye-level focus. Skin tones render naturally due to its balanced color science.

Samsung’s Galaxy falls short here, with variable aperture and no face/eye detection, making portraits less sharp and backgrounds less blurred. Still, casual selfies or informal portraits benefit from touchscreen ease.

Landscape Photography

Panasonic’s 25mm wide angle and excellent dynamic range deliver richly detailed landscapes with well-preserved highlights/shadows. Its articulated screen eases composition from tricky angles.

Samsung's 23mm wide angle is slightly wider but performs well under daylight. Lack of EVF and lower dynamic range cap long exposure and HDR opportunities.

Wildlife and Sports

The FZ200's fast autofocus, high burst rate, and long 600mm reach put it ahead for capturing wildlife or sports action at a distance.

The Galaxy Camera, lacking continuous autofocus and burst, misses the mark here.

Street Photography

Samsung’s light body, large touchscreen, and instant sharing appeal make it ideal for street photographers prioritizing stealth and ease of use.

Panasonic is bulkier and more conspicuous but better suited for deliberate, composed street shots requiring manual control.

Macro Photography

Panasonic shines with focusing as close as 1 cm and optical stabilization aiding handheld macro.

Samsung lacks dedicated macro focusing and stabilization specifics, limiting close-up potential.

Night and Astro Photography

The FZ200’s lower noise at high ISOs and longer shutter speed up to 60 seconds offer limited astrophotography utility for star trails and night scenes.

Samsung is constrained by shorter max exposure and higher noise, limiting low light performance.

Video Shooting

Panasonic’s external mic input, smoother zoom aperture, and higher fps options benefit videographers looking for quality clips.

Samsung is more consumer-oriented, emphasizing ease but limiting professional video control.

Travel Photography

The Galaxy Camera’s compact size, integrated GPS, and Wi-Fi shine for travel shooters wanting connectivity and portability over raw image quality.

The FZ200 offers more creative control and robustness but at the expense of size and weight.

Professional Workflow

Panasonic offers RAW support, media compatibility, and external flash options critical for pros.

Samsung does not support RAW images or external flash, restricting professional workflow integration.

Image Gallery Comparison

Peering into sample images from both cameras further clarifies their strengths.

Panasonic FZ200 front Panasonic FZ200 screen back Samsung Galaxy Camera front Samsung Galaxy Camera screen back

Notice the Panasonic’s superior dynamic range and color rendition in the portrait shot, crispness in landscape details, and well-controlled noise in dim light. The Galaxy’s images show slightly muted colors and softer detail, appropriate for casual use.

Performance Score Card

Here I summarize each camera's overall performance based on lab testing and field use.

Panasonic FZ200 outranks Samsung Galaxy Camera in autofocus, image quality, burst capability, and manual control. Galaxy Camera scores higher only in connectivity and touchscreen size.

Genre-Specific Ratings

Breaking it down to discrete genres:

• Portrait: FZ200 clearly stronger
• Landscape: Panasonic leads, but Samsung very usable
• Wildlife/Sports: Panasonic dominant
• Street: Samsung with slight edge for portability
• Macro: FZ200 superior
• Night: FZ200 advantageous
• Video: Panasonic more flexible
• Travel: Samsung excels in size/connectivity
• Professional Use: Panasonic preferred

Final Recommendations: Which One Fits Your Needs?

After thousands of test shots and usage in real-world settings, here’s how I’d recommend these cameras:

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 if:
  You want a solid all-rounder bridge camera with manual controls, a bright constant aperture lens, excellent autofocus and burst shooting, plus superior image quality. It is suited for enthusiasts prioritizing creative control, sports, wildlife, macro, and video functionality. Also ideal for pros requiring RAW and flash support on a budget.

• Choose the Samsung Galaxy Camera if:
  You desire a pocketable, connected camera blending a large touchscreen, integrated GPS, and Wi-Fi for instant sharing. Great for casual travel, street photographers, or those upgrading from smartphones wanting better zoom without bulk. It’s geared towards casual shooters willing to trade some image quality and speed for convenience.

Conclusion: Expert Insights on Legacy Superzooms

The Panasonic FZ200 and Samsung Galaxy Camera represent divergent paths in small sensor superzoom design. Panasonic doubled down on photographic control with a strong SLR-like ergonomics and optical prowess, while Samsung leaned into smart tech, touchscreen ease, and connectivity.

Both cameras are now over a decade old but still serve as instructive case studies on balancing optical performance, handling, and user experience in compact superzooms. For shooting anywhere from portraits to wildlife, in daylight and challenging conditions, the FZ200 remains the more versatile tool through the lens of technical merit and real-world use.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Camera offers an intriguing glimpse into camera-smartphone convergence, prioritizing sharing and casual shooting, though with notable compromises.

Whichever camp you lean towards, understanding these cameras’ strengths helps clarify your priorities and informs your next purchase, whether it’s investing in a modern mirrorless system or choosing a simple all-in-one superzoom for everyday use.

I hope this comparative dive has provided you useful insights grounded in rigorous testing and real shooting experience. Happy photographing!