Panasonic FZ47 vs. Samsung WB210: A Detailed Hands-On Comparison of 2011’s Small Sensor Superzooms

Choosing a superzoom camera in the early 2010s was quite the balancing act: you wanted versatile focal lengths, decent image quality, manageable size, and a price that didn’t break the bank. Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ47 and Samsung’s WB210 emerged around the same time as intriguing contenders targeting enthusiasts hunting for affordable all-in-one solutions.

I’ve spent considerable time with both cameras, subjecting them to rigorous testing scenarios across various photography disciplines and everyday shooting situations - from portrait lighting quirks to outdoor adventures, and yes, a fair chunk of late-night astro attempts too. What follows is a comprehensive, no-nonsense comparison grounded in real-world experience and technical scrutiny.

Getting Familiar: Design, Handling & Build

At first glance, the Panasonic FZ47 and Samsung WB210 couldn’t be more different in their physical presence. The FZ47 upholds the classic “bridge camera” personality - robust, a bit boxy, with a prominent grip and an SLR-like shape that says, “I mean business.” The WB210, on the other hand, embraces compactness with a svelte, pocketable form factor and a clean, rounded exterior.

Weight and dimensions tell us a lot about intended use: The FZ47 weighs about 498 grams and measures 120x80x92 mm, offering a comfortable heft for extended holding - which means better stability in my experience. The WB210 is significantly lighter at 174 grams and much slimmer at 101x59x22 mm, making it ideal for quick snaps or travel when every gram counts but shooting comfort might take a hit with longer sessions.

When it comes to ergonomics, the FZ47’s ample physical controls, including a dedicated dial for shutter speed and aperture (thanks to semi-manual exposure modes), provide tactile feedback that photographers love. The WB210 offers a touchscreen interface on its 3.5-inch display, which can be handy but also slower for fumbling through menus in action-packed moments.

The FZ47’s top plate features clearly marked buttons and a mode dial for priority modes (shutter, aperture), whereas the WB210 leans heavily towards full auto or preset scene modes - meaning you’ll be missing some of that finely tuned manual control that many enthusiasts crave.

The takeaway here: if you prize handling substance and quick physical access to creative settings, the FZ47 wins. If size/weight and touchscreen convenience are your top priorities (and full auto is fine), then the WB210 might be your pocket pal.

Sensor Secrets: Image Quality, Resolution & Performance

Both cameras rock a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor - the standard small sensor format prevalent in this class back then - but with subtle differences that impact image output.

The Panasonic’s sensor offers 12 megapixels, whereas the Samsung’s provides 14 megapixels, a bump that initially seems like a clear win for Samsung. However, pixel count alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

The FZ47’s sensor measures approximately 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.72 mm² area), while the WB210’s is marginally larger at 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²). Their sensor sizes are nearly identical, meaning inherent physical capturing potential is similar. The Panasonic’s Venus Engine FHD processor is built to optimize noise reduction and color reproduction more assertively than Samsung’s unspecified processor architecture, which translates into a tangible advantage under challenging lighting.

In controlled lab testing and comparative shooting, I noticed the FZ47 delivering slightly better color depth and more natural skin tones, especially when shooting indoors under tungsten or mixed lighting. The WB210 tends to produce images with a touch more contrast but also a little less accuracy in subtle hues.

Dynamic range, which matters hugely for landscape photographers eager to retain shadow details and highlights in high-contrast scenes, slightly favors the Panasonic - though neither can compete with larger-sensor cameras in this regard, which is expected.

ISO performance is a classic small-sensor headache. Both cameras max out at ISO 1600 natively, with the Panasonic allowing ISO 6400 boosted (albeit with significant noise), and the Samsung tapering off at ISO 3200 boosted. In practice, both start to show noise from ISO 400 onwards, but the Panasonic’s noise reduction algorithms handle grain more gracefully.

Bottom line: For image quality, the Panasonic FZ47 edges ahead due to more refined processing and handling of color and noise, despite having fewer megapixels on paper.

Tailoring Focus: Autofocus Systems Compared

Autofocus is the bread and butter of any camera, and superzooms are no exception - especially when zooming out to 600 mm equivalent in the FZ47’s case.

The FZ47 resorts to contrast-detection AF with 23 focus points and supports continuous AF for tracking moving subjects. It also offers face detection, which I found useful during casual portraits. The WB210’s AF system is simpler, offering touch-to-focus via its touchscreen and relies on fewer focus points, with continuous AF notably absent.

With moving subjects, the FZ47’s continuous AF shines - it can maintain decent tracking in good light for subjects that move predictably, such as pets or children. The WB210 is geared more toward snapshot-style shooting where you focus once and shoot.

For macro enthusiasts: the Panasonic boasts an impressive 1 cm minimum focusing distance compared to the Samsung’s 5 cm. This lets the FZ47 get fascinatingly close to subjects like insects and flowers, with crisp detail and decent background separation.

Screen & Viewfinder: Seeing What You Shoot

The Panasonic’s 3-inch fixed LCD sports 460k dots, while the Samsung ups this to a 3.5-inch touchscreen with 1 million dots. In bright outdoor conditions, both struggle a bit, but the Samsung’s larger, higher-res screen feels easier to compose on for casual shooting and menu navigation.

However, the FZ47 adds an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage. While the resolution isn’t specified, it provided a more immersive framing experience, especially in daylight when the LCD can get washed out. The WB210 lacks any EVF, meaning you’re limited to LCD composing - which may pose challenges in bright sun or action scenarios.

If you prefer a traditional shooting style or find holding the camera up to your eye stabilizes shots better (particularly at long zooms), the FZ47’s EVF is a major plus.

Zoom Range & Lens Performance: Who Has the Better Reach?

The hallmark of any superzoom camera is its zoom range, and here there’s a stark difference.

The Panasonic’s lens offers a whopping 25-600 mm equivalent range (24x optical zoom), opening a world of telephoto possibilities. The aperture varies from f/2.8 at wide angle to f/5.2 at full zoom - not bad for this category. This long reach is great for wildlife, distant landscapes, or capturing details at a distance.

The Samsung provides a more modest 24-288 mm zoom (12x optical), with an aperture from f/2.9 to f/5.9. Less reach but still enough for general use.

In practice, the FZ47’s longer zoom comes with caveats. Image quality softens at the telephoto extremes due to lens limitations - but with steady hands, a tripod, or image stabilization, you can pull off shots the WB210 can’t dream of.

Both cameras provide optical image stabilization - Panasonic’s Optical Image Stabilizer and Samsung’s Dual IS equivalent - to reduce blur from camera shake. The FZ47’s stabilization felt more efficient in my handheld tests at long focal lengths, letting me shoot even at slower shutter speeds with better sharpness.

Battling the Elements & Tough Days: Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera features environmental sealing nor rugged protection - fairly standard for their class but worth noting if you want to shoot outdoors in unpredictable conditions.

The Panasonic’s larger size and solid build give a perception of durability, and its grip feels confident in the hand for rough use. The Samsung, being compact and lighter, feels a little more delicate, though not flimsy by any measure.

For travelers or outdoor enthusiasts, this means you’ll want extra care - weatherproof cases or rain covers - especially for the WB210.

Shooting Across Genres: Which Camera Does What Best?

A camera can be technically capable but shines differently depending on the photography style. I tested both cameras under typical scenarios to figure out where each excels.

Portrait Photography

The FZ47’s face detection and more precise focusing gave it comfortable control over skin tones and eye clarity. The longer zoom lens lets you shoot portraits with pleasing background bokeh at the tele end, especially at f/5.2. The WB210’s wider end f/2.9 helps a bit with low-light portraits but less background blur.

That said, the Panasonic’s larger grip, EVF, and manual exposure capabilities let you nudge settings creatively - something pros and serious enthusiasts will appreciate for controlled portrait work.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters will find the WB210’s 24 mm wide-angle a match for framing scenic vistas, but the Panasonic’s 25 mm is close enough to compete. The higher resolution sensor and better dynamic range make the Panasonic favored for retaining detail in shadows and highlights.

The downside? Neither body offers weather sealing, so caution is needed in windy or moist environments.

Wildlife Photography

The FZ47’s extended 600 mm zoom meets the needs of wildlife photography better than the WB210’s 288 mm. Autofocus tracking is also more capable, allowing better capture of birds or animals in motion.

WB210 users might find teleconverters or cropping necessary to approach the 600 mm reach, but at a cost to sharpness.

Sports Photography

Neither camera was primarily designed for high-speed sports action, but the FZ47’s 4 frames-per-second continuous shooting and continuous AF outpace the Samsung, which lacks these features. The Panasonic’s faster minimum shutter speed of 1/2000 sec also helps freeze motion.

In low light, the Panasonic’s superior noise handling makes it better suited to indoor sports or evening games.

Street Photography

The smaller Samsung WB210’s pocketable form and large touchscreen make it a nimble street camera - unobtrusive and quick to fire off snapshots. The lack of an EVF isn’t a dealbreaker here, especially given the WB210’s silent operation.

The bulkier FZ47, while offering more control, might draw attention and is less convenient for all-day carry.

Macro Photography

With its 1 cm macro focusing distance, the Panasonic FZ47 clearly wins for those keen on close-up shots. The WB210’s 5 cm minimum distance limits tight close-ups but is fine for general close work.

Night & Astrophotography

Both cameras face noise and sharpness issues at high ISO, but the FZ47’s image processor reduces noise impressively up to ISO 1600. While I wouldn’t recommend either for heavy astro work compared to DSLR or mirrorless competitors, the Panasonic allows slightly better control via manual exposure.

Samsung’s limited ISO and lack of shutter priority modes restricts manual night shooting options.

Video Capabilities

The Panasonic captures Full HD (1920 x 1080 at 30 fps) using AVCHD format - offering more efficient compression and better quality suitable for casual video and home movies. The WB210 records HD at 1280 x 720, but only in Motion JPEG, which tends to produce larger files and less crisp videos.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone ports, so audio options are limited.

Neither offers 4K or advanced video features (unsurprising, given their age), but Panasonic’s superior video codec is more future-proof.

Travel Photography

For the traveler, size, weight, battery life, and flexibility carry disproportionate weight.

The FZ47 weighs nearly three times the WB210, but balances with higher battery life (approx 400 shots vs. unspecified WB210). The Panasonic’s robust stretch zoom is a significant advantage for adventures where changing lenses isn’t an option.

On the flip side, the WB210’s compactness and touchscreen ease are charming for street markets or tours where minimal gear is best.

Technical Specs & Features: The Nuts and Bolts

Connectivity and Storage

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards - standard for the era - easily allowing for extended storage without fuss. Neither offers wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which limits instant sharing or remote control options, a non-issue in 2011 but a shortcoming by today’s standards.

Both have HDMI and USB 2.0 ports for connectivity, useful for straightforward file transfers and display on TVs.

Pricing & Value: What Does Your Money Buy?

At launch pricing, the Panasonic FZ47 retailed around $379, and the Samsung WB210 around $279 - both attractively positioned for enthusiasts on a budget.

Given the Panasonic’s broader feature set, better exposure controls, longer zoom reach, EVF, and video sophistication, the $100 premium aligns well with added capabilities.

The WB210’s main draw remains its portability, touchscreen interface, and affordability, suitable for casual users wanting simple all-in-one photography without fuss.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Pick?

After extensive hands-on testing across styles and lighting, my conclusions rest on your priorities:

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix FZ47 if:

  • You want full manual controls or shoot semi-pro portraits and landscapes.
  • You love telephoto reach (600 mm is no joke).
  • You want an EVF for stability and better composition.
  • Video quality matters - Full HD AVCHD recording wins here.
  • You don’t mind the extra weight for improved handling and battery life.

• Choose the Samsung WB210 if:

  • Portability and compactness top your list.
  • You want a responsive touchscreen interface.
  • You mainly shoot casual photos in well-lit environments.
  • You’re on a tighter budget but want a respectable zoom range (12x).
  • Manual exposure or continuous AF aren’t essential to your workflow.

Both cameras deliver solid photos for their class but shine in different arenas. The FZ47 takes the crown for versatility and control, while the WB210 charms with simplicity and portability.

A Parting Tip

While these cameras served their niches well a decade ago, consider that technology has sprinted ahead - especially in sensor size, autofocus sophistication, and connectivity. If your budget allows, modern mirrorless options or advanced compacts may offer far better image quality and versatility.

But for nostalgia, budget builds, or simple superzoom thrills, both Panasonic and Samsung brought serious value with the FZ47 and WB210, respectively. And sometimes, shooting with a little less tech can remind us how much the pure fun of framing a good shot still matters.

Panasonic FZ47 front Panasonic FZ47 screen back Samsung WB210 front Samsung WB210 screen back

Whichever you pick, may your shots be sharp, your memories vivid, and your adventures well zoomed in (or out).

End of Comparison Article