Panasonic Lumix TS25 vs Samsung DV150F: The Budget-Friendly Compact Shootout You Didn’t Know You Needed

In the crowded world of budget-friendly compact cameras, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of specs and marketing claims. Today, I’m rolling up my sleeves to pit two 2013-era entry-level shooters against each other: the rugged Panasonic Lumix TS25 (also known as DMC-FT25) and the more traditional compact Samsung DV150F. Both aim to serve casual shooters and adventure hobbyists on a shoestring budget but approach the concept of “compact camera” quite differently.

Having tested thousands of cameras ranging from pro bodies to point-and-shoots, I dug deep into these two – putting their sensors, lenses, ergonomics, and real-world shooting capabilities under the microscope. Along the way, I’ll help you figure out if either deserves a spot in your bag, or if your money is better elsewhere.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Handling & Design

When budget cameras compete, the devil’s in the ergonomics. How a camera feels in your hand can dictate how much you enjoy - not just tolerate - shooting with it.

Build Quality and Body Type

• Panasonic TS25: Rugged, splash-proof, dustproof, shockproof, and even freezeproof! A real survivor at heart. The TS25 is built for waterproof adventures, rated to 7 meters underwater, and tough enough to withstand the occasional tumble. If you want a camera that doubles as an outdoor buddy, this one’s it.

• Samsung DV150F: Classic compact plastic shell, no weather seals, no ruggedness claims. Lighter and smaller, but wouldn’t think twice about shielding it from rain or rugged environments.

Size and Weight

TS25 tips the scales at 144 grams with a chunkier profile (104x58x20 mm) – thanks largely to its protective cladding and a fixed zoom lens.

Samsung DV150F is lighter at 116 grams, thinner at 18 mm thickness, and slightly smaller footprint (96x55 mm).

If you care about ultimate portability and pocket-ability, Samsung wins. But if you’re the type who shoots poolside or on hikes, the TS25’s robust housing will reduce anxiety about accidental damage.

Lens and Zoom: Flexible or Fixed Range?

Both cameras come with fixed, non-removable lenses, standard fare for this class. But look closer and the differences matter for your shooting style.

Samsung offers a longer zoom range, getting you slightly closer to distant subjects - useful for casual wildlife, sports, or street shots where you can’t always get up close. However, this extended zoom comes at the expense of a narrower aperture at telephoto, which means dimmer images and potentially slower shutter speeds or higher ISOs.

Panasonic’s lens is less zoomy but offers a brighter aperture at the wide end (f/3.9 versus f/2.5). Bonus points here for Samsung’s brighter wide-angle lens, which can be helpful in low light situations and gives a shallower depth of field.

Neither camera has macro-specific optics beyond Panasonic’s 5cm closest focusing distance, so don’t expect exceptional macro shots out of these.

Sensor and Image Quality: Identical Specs, Different Results?

Both cameras sport a typical 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 16 megapixels crammed in. On paper, that should mean roughly similar image quality, but details matter.

Sensor Characteristics and Performance

• Panasonic TS25
  • Sensor Area: 27.72 mm²
  • Max ISO: 6400 (native)
  • Anti-aliasing filter present
• Samsung DV150F
  • Sensor Area: 28.07 mm² (slightly larger)
  • Max ISO: 3200 (native)
  • Anti-aliasing filter present

Both CCDs are a generation behind the now-common CMOS sensors, which generally offer better low light sensitivity and faster readouts. These CCDs tend towards vivid color reproduction but can suffer from noise at higher ISOs.

TS25’s higher max ISO ceiling theoretically enables better low light flexibility, but without image stabilization data on the Samsung, the Panasonic’s built-in Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is a tangible advantage to avoid blur.

Real-World Image Quality Notes

Having tested both, I found the Panasonic’s OIS and modest aperture paired with the CCD produces sharper handheld images in low to moderate light, less prone to blur from shaky hands. Samsung’s better aperture at wide angles gives punchier daylight shots but struggles in dimmer scenes, producing noisier photos at ISO 800 and above.

Neither camera supports RAW format - only JPEG - limiting your editing flexibility.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

For casual photography, autofocus speed and accuracy matter for capturing that fleeting moment.

The TS25 prioritizes simplicity with 23 AF points but no face detection. It supports continuous autofocus and tracking, enabling shots of moving subjects to stay reasonably sharp despite the slower max burst rate.

Samsung adds face detection, selective AF area, and tracking but does not support continuous shooting, which limits dynamic shooting scenarios like sports or wildlife.

Neither camera sports phase-detect autofocus; both rely on contrast detection, which can be slower and “hunt” in low light or low contrast.

In practice, expect both to be sluggish compared to modern standards, but the Panasonic’s more versatile AF modes and OIS give it a slight edge for quick snaps on the go.

Shutter and Exposure Control: Minimalist Options

Don’t expect manual exposure control here. Neither camera offers aperture or shutter priority modes, nor manual exposure adjustments.

TS25’s slightly longer max shutter speed suits long-exposure or night shots better. Samsung’s max 1/2000s shutter speed is faster, potentially useful for freezing action outdoors in bright conditions.

Neither camera supports exposure compensation or bracketing, limiting creative control, which is expected at this price.

Screen, Viewfinder, and Interface

Neither model boasts an electronic viewfinder, making the rear LCD your window into framing and reviewing shots.

• Panasonic TS25: 2.7-inch TFT LCD with 230k dots (lower resolution), fixed angle, no touchscreen.
• Samsung DV150F: 2.7-inch TFT LCD with 460k dots (double the resolution), also fixed angle, plus a quirky 1.5-inch front LCD for shooting selfies and a touch interface.

Samsung’s higher resolution display and touchscreen mean better usability in bright conditions and quicker menu navigation, especially for less patient users or beginners.

Video Capabilities: Just Enough for Casual Sharing

Both cameras max out at 720p HD video at 30fps, with hardware simplicity driving this limitation.

Neither camera supports external audio inputs or high-res video modes like Full HD (1080p) or 4K. The Panasonic’s OIS helps reduce shake during handheld video better than Samsung, which lacks any image stabilization.

For casual home videos or social media clips, these specs suffice but content creators requiring sharp, stabilized footage should look elsewhere.

Battery Life and Storage

• Panasonic uses a proprietary battery pack rated for about 250 shots per charge.
• Samsung’s battery life isn’t specified but likely similar, with no battery model listed.

Both support standard SD card formats - Panasonic accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC, Samsung only accepts microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC cards.

If you shoot extensively, spare batteries may be a wise investment, especially for Panasonic, whose rugged body encourages outdoor use.

Connectivity and Sharing

• Panasonic TS25 has no wireless connectivity at all.
• Samsung DV150F offers built-in Wi-Fi, enabling wireless photo transfer.

For casual shooters wanting easy sharing on the fly, Samsung’s Wi-Fi is a clear winner.

Handling in Various Photography Scenarios

I like to talk real-world here because technical specs only tell half the story. Let’s walk through the disciplines.

Portrait Photos: Skin Tone and Bokeh

Neither camera sports large sensors or bright lenses to generate creamy bokeh or shallow depth of field. Skin tones are respectable but practically flat; the Panasonic’s OIS helps prevent camera-induced blur on faces.

Samsung’s face detection was more reliable during testing, which aids focus lock on portraits.

Winner: Samsung for face detection, Panasonic if you shoot in lower light without flash.

Landscapes: Detail, Dynamic Range, Weather Toughness

The rugged Panasonic shines here - the water, dust, and freezeproof ratings mean you can shoot in the wild worry-free.

Dynamic range on both sensors is limited, typical CCD physiology kicking in - expect blown highlights and patchy shadows.

Image resolution is identical at 16MP, but Panasonic’s lower resolution screen and no raw support cap post-processing.

Winner: Panasonic for weather sealing and durability; tie on image quality.

Wildlife and Sports: AF Speed and Burst Shooting

Neither camera is designed with high-speed autofocus or rapid shooting in mind.

Panasonic offers 1 fps continuous shooting with basic tracking AF. Samsung lacks continuous shooting modes entirely.

Telephoto zoom advantage nudges Samsung slightly ahead for reach, but the lack of stabilization and missing burst mode restrict serious wildlife or sports usability.

Winner: Panasonic by a whisker for AF modes; Samsung for zoom range.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

Samsung is thinner, lighter, and has a quieter lens with no overt rugged bumpers, making it easier to slip into a pocket for inconspicuous street shots.

Panasonic’s tough exterior is bulkier and less street-friendly but delivers durability.

Winner: Samsung for size and discreet look.

Macro Photography

Panasonic offers a macro focus of 5 cm, which is decent for casual close-ups.

Samsung doesn’t specify macro range, suggesting less emphasis here.

Neither camera features focus stacking or other advanced macro aids.

Winner: Panasonic for dedicated macro capability.

Night and Astro Photography

Longer shutter speeds on Panasonic (up to 8 seconds) enable low light and night shots handheld using OIS.

Samsung also supports 8 seconds but lacks OIS and struggles with noise at higher ISOs (max 3200).

Neither camera is an astro powerhouse, but Panasonic’s wider ISO range and stabilization help.

Winner: Panasonic by a mile for stability and higher ISO ceiling.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Panasonic’s robust, waterproof design is a travel photographer’s friend, especially in unpredictable conditions.

Samsung’s Wi-Fi and touchscreen are great for instant photo sharing while traveling light.

Battery life is similar, but Panasonic’s weather sealing justifies the weight tradeoff.

Winner: Depends on traveler type - rugged explorers favor Panasonic; casual urban tourists lean Samsung.

Professional Work: Workflow and Reliability

Neither camera supports RAW formats or offers advanced controls required for professional use.

Reliability favors Panasonic due to weather sealing but limited connectivity and lack of manual controls don’t cater to pros.

Samsung’s wireless connectivity is nice but lacks robustness.

Winner: Panasonic for tough environments; neither ideal for professional workflows.

Overall Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Ratings

Seeing the numbers side-by-side helps distill the comparison.

The Verdict: Who Gets Your Hard-Earned Money?

Here’s the short of it:

Buy the Panasonic Lumix TS25 if:

• You need a rugged, waterproof, shockproof camera for outdoor adventures
• Plan to shoot in rough weather or wet conditions without carrying extra protective gear
• Value Image Stabilization and longer max ISO settings
• Want a decent macro mode
• Can tolerate a chunkier body and lower-resolution screen

Pick the Samsung DV150F if:

• You want a sleeker, lighter compact for everyday casual shooting
• You crave a longer zoom range (5x vs. 4x)
• Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) and touchscreen appeal to your lifestyle
• Prioritize ease of use and better-screen resolution over ruggedness
• Plan mostly daytime, well-lit shooting scenarios

Summing Up Pros and Cons

My Personal Take: The Cheapskate’s Clubs for Thumbs

If people like me had to pick just one for travel camping trips where a smartphone’s camera feels precarious, TS25 is my go-to. Its durability cannot be faked or replaced by specs - it just works when the weather turns sour, or you’re careless with the gear.

Yet, for street shooters or family snaps, Samsung’s lightweight design and smart features win hearts if you’re okay with velvet gloves on your sensor.

Ultimately, neither camera is a wizard in creative control or image innovation, but they serve specific niches well - Panasonic for rugged reliability, Samsung for connected convenience.

I hope this detailed showdown empowers your decision - choose what suits your habits, budget, and shooting style best. Happy snapping!

Panasonic TS25 front Panasonic TS25 screen back Samsung DV150F front Samsung DV150F screen back