Samsung DV150F vs Samsung EX2F: A Hands-On Comparison for the Practical Photographer

When shopping for a compact camera, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of specs and marketing promises. Today, I’m diving into two small sensor compacts from Samsung - the DV150F and the EX2F. Both hail from the early 2010s, but their differences in design, optics, and features reveal very distinct philosophies and capabilities. Having spent plenty of behind-the-lens hours testing these two, I want to take you past the numbers to the real-world image quality, usability, and value for money.

Let’s unwrap how these cameras perform across various photography disciplines and which one makes more sense for your style and budget.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size, Form Factor, and Handling

Before even pressing the shutter button, how a camera feels in your hands can make or break your shooting experience. The DV150F is a slim, ultra-lightweight compact - a true pocket rocket weighing just 116 grams and measuring 96x55x18 mm. In contrast, the EX2F is chunkier, coming in nearly three times heavier at 294 grams and sporting a more substantial grip and body size (112x62x29 mm).

The EX2F’s larger body gives it a more confident, DSLR-like grip, far better suited for longer shoots, heavy use, or anyone with big thumbs craving clubs for control. The DV150F is slim and discreet - ideal for slipping into a coat pocket or taking on a minimalist day trip, but it sacrifices physical dials and ergonomics for convenience.

Flip both over and you’ll see that the EX2F packs a fully articulated 3-inch AMOLED screen, while the DV150F sticks to a fixed 2.7-inch TFT LCD, which feels more cramped and less detailed - more on that later. You won’t find any electronic viewfinder on either, though the EX2F offered an optional EVF accessory (sadly not included standard).

The EX2F’s top plate sports proper manual control dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation - a boon if you’re not averse to fiddling mid-shoot. The DV150F, meanwhile, is almost fully auto, making it less appealing for those who want finger control over exposure.

Ergonomics Verdict: The EX2F wins hands-down for physical control and comfortable handling especially if you shoot for extended periods or want manual exposure modes. The DV150F caters to snapshots and casual shooters valuing pocket portability.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now, specs alone don’t tell the whole story, but digging into sensor technology and size is essential. The EX2F sports a significantly larger 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 7.44x5.58 mm (41.52 mm²), whereas the DV150F uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor at 6.17x4.55 mm (28.07 mm²).

This size difference is huge: the EX2F sensor area is nearly 50% larger, typically translating to better low-light performance, dynamic range, and image sharpness. The CMOS technology with backside illumination (BSI) on the EX2F improves light-gathering efficiency, delivering cleaner images with less noise at higher ISO compared to the CCD in the DV150F.

Resolution-wise, the DV150F offers 16 MP (4608x3456) but given its sensor tech and size, expect more noise at ISO 800+ and less fine detail retrieval. The EX2F has 12 MP (4000x3000), fewer pixels but better pixel pitch, prioritizing image quality over megapixel count - a choice I appreciate and favor after years of pixel-peeping.

Color depth and dynamic range measurements from DxOverify the EX2F’s superiority - with a color depth of 20 bits and dynamic range of 11.5 EV versus the untested but generally lower performance one expects from the DV150F’s sensor type.

Real-world, this means the EX2F delivers richer, more vibrant colors and better highlight and shadow retention when shooting challenging scenes such as landscapes or backlit portraits.

Screen and Viewfinder: Your Window to the World

On a compact, previews and menus make a significant difference when framing and adjusting settings.

The EX2F’s fully articulated AMOLED screen is a joy to use - crisp, bright, and flexible enough to shoot from odd angles or selfies (yes, the EX2F actually gets a semi-cheesy "selfie-friendly" tick). The DV150F’s fixed TFT LCD feels more dated, smaller, and a bit dull in bright lighting, with a much lower native resolution.

Neither camera includes a built-in EVF, though the optional EVF for the EX2F is a rare treat in this segment but unfortunately requires an accessory purchase that bumps up the cost.

When considering composition, relying solely on a limited LCD like the DV150F’s can hamper shooting in sunny conditions or when you want to keep a low profile in street photography. The EX2F’s articulating screen helps immensely in these scenarios.

Optical Performance: Lenses and Stabilization

One fascinating functional difference lies in the lenses. The EX2F sports a brighter lens with a max aperture range of F1.4-2.7 over 24-80 mm (3.3x zoom), while the DV150F has a longer zoom range 25-125 mm (5x zoom) but much dimmer optics at F2.5-6.3.

Here’s the practical takeaway: the EX2F lens lets in more light, aiding low-light performance, shallow depth-of-field effects, and overall sharper contrast. If you’re into portraiture, that bright F1.4 wide end provides creamy bokeh and excellent subject-background separation.

The DV150F’s smaller aperture on telephoto end is common in cheapskate compacts but limits artistic control and image sharpness, especially at full zoom where softness and noise creep in.

Another big plus: EX2F includes optical image stabilization (OIS), which reduces blur handheld, especially when shooting telephoto or in dim light. The DV150F lacks any form of stabilization, pushing you toward tripods or blur risk in those situations.

Autofocus and Exposure Control: Who’s Taking the Shot?

If you want full creative freedom, the EX2F’s manual focus option and exposure modes (shutter/aperture priority, manual) give you the tools. The DV150F is an auto-only camera with no manual exposure or shutter-priority modes.

Both rely on contrast-detection autofocus, and neither supports phase detection or eye/animal detection AF systems common in modern cameras. This means slower locking in low light or on moving subjects compared to your current smartphone or DSLR.

Interestingly, the DV150F has some basic face detection and AF tracking features, but they’re rudimentary and often sluggish. The EX2F doesn’t advertise face detection autofocus but benefits from a more precise focusing lens mechanism and manual override.

Video Capabilities: Limited, But Let’s See What’s Under the Hood

Video shooters should temper expectations: the DV150F maxes out at 720p HD video at 30fps - enough for casual clips but lackluster by today’s standards. The EX2F supports 1080p Full HD video at 30fps, providing better detail and smoother recording.

Neither offers microphone inputs or advanced video features like 4K recording, but the EX2F's inclusion of HDMI output is a bonus for viewing or streaming clips.

If you’re a casual videographer shooting family events or travel clips, the EX2F’s superior video specs are worth the premium. Otherwise, the DV150F’s video is a handy bonus but limited.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Practical Considerations

Both cameras use proprietary batteries, with the EX2F’s SLB-10A battery offering reasonably solid stamina for compact cameras of its era - enough for a few hundred shots per charge. Unfortunately, exact battery life specs weren’t widely published for the DV150F, but based on size and power demands, expect more modest endurance.

On storage, the DV150F uses microSD cards while the EX2F supports full-sized SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. I prefer SD cards for their durability and capacity, especially if shooting RAW on the EX2F.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither camera is weather-sealed, shockproof, dustproof, or freezeproof. This aligns with their compact consumer-focused nature and limits outdoor harsh conditions use. The EX2F’s larger body and premium build, however, feel more robust and reliable for travel or demanding shoots, whereas the DV150F is more of a gentle-pocket camera.

Real-World Use Across Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Shines

Portrait Photography: Skin Tone and Bokeh

The EX2F’s fast F1.4 aperture wins here hands down. Subject isolation and skin tones look smoother, and you get more artistic background blur, even in less than perfect lighting. The DV150F struggles to deliver creamy bokeh, and its smaller sensor restricts tonal gradations, producing somewhat flat portraits.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Despite the EX2F’s lower megapixel count, its larger sensor and better dynamic range pull in more detail and tonal fidelity in landscapes - especially in high-contrast scenes like sunsets or shadowy forests. The DV150F captures more pixels, but noise and limited DR reduce usable detail.

Both lack weather sealing, so neither is a rugged landscape choice - but for casual day hikes, the EX2F is more dependable.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst

Both cameras lack fast phase-detection AF and high burst rates. Tracking moving subjects isn’t their strong suit, making them less ideal for action photography. The DV150F’s basic AF and no continuous shooting make it impractical here. The EX2F’s better lens and focusing speed offer a slight edge, but pros would run away from either.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Low Light

Simple pockets and lightweight cameras suit street shooters, so the DV150F’s tiny form factor is attractive. However, the sluggish AF and weaker low-light performance are drawbacks.

The EX2F is heavier but offers quieter operation and better low-light ability. Its articulating screen also helps get shots from hip or awkward angles discreetly.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focus Precision

Neither camera is a macro specialist - limited minimum focus distances and no focus stacking. The EX2F’s manual focus helps precision focusing, though, lending a modest advantage here.

Night or Astrophotography: High ISO Performance and Exposure Control

The EX2F’s CMOS sensor and manual modes empower longer exposures and higher ISO with less noise, making it passable for night scenes or light trails. The DV150F’s CCD struggles with noise and no manual shutter control limits creative night use.

Video and Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery

For travelers wanting one go-to camera, the EX2F’s higher video resolution, articulating screen, and flexible manual controls mean richer content creation. The DV150F is ultra-light but limited to casual snapshots and video clips.

Samsung DV150F front Samsung DV150F screen back Samsung EX2F front Samsung EX2F screen back

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow

While neither camera competes with professional DSLRs or mirrorless in file quality or RAW flexibility, the EX2F supports RAW capture, essential for post-processing heavy workflow. The DV150F shoots only JPEGs, limiting professional retouching. Robust control dials and exposure modes on the EX2F aid precision work.

Connectivity and Extras

Both include built-in wireless but no Bluetooth or NFC for modern pairing ease. The EX2F’s HDMI output is a valuable feature for quick playback on large screens.

Neither has a microphone or headphone jack for video creators, which might deter serious multimedia users.

Price-to-Performance: Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?

At the time of introduction, the DV150F retailed around $150, championing basic point-and-shoot convenience at a budget-friendly price. The EX2F sits notably higher at approximately $480 - a serious step up reflecting its advanced optics, sensor, and manual controls.

If you’re a “just capture the moment” casual shooter or need an ultra-compact backup camera, the DV150F holds appeal. But if you want better image quality, manual creative control, and more robust features for serious hobbyist or travel photography, the EX2F offers good value for the premium.

How They Score Across Photography Genres

The EX2F dominates in portraiture, landscape, and low-light shooting, while the DV150F only briefly keeps pace in portability and casual street use.

Final Takeaways: Which Samsung Compact Should You Buy?

Choose Samsung DV150F if:

• You want the smallest, lightest camera that fits in tiny pockets
• Your shooting style is casual snapshots and basic family photos
• Manual controls, RAW, and video quality are non-essentials
• Your budget cannot stretch beyond $150

Choose Samsung EX2F if:

• You demand better image quality and low-light performance
• You enjoy manual control over exposure and focus
• You want crisp Full HD video and a versatile articulating screen
• You need RAW support for post-processing
• You’re willing to invest close to $500 for higher capabilities and handling

Wrapping Up

As someone who’s tested countless cameras over the last 15 years, I find the EX2F’s combination of a larger sensor, manual controls, and higher-quality glass aligns better with enthusiasts who want a compact yet capable system. Meanwhile, the DV150F fits a narrow niche of casual users prioritizing portability and ease.

Both cameras have their quirks and compromises, but knowing what matters in your photography journey is key. If you’re after a capable pocket travel companion or backup, consider the DV150F as a no-frills choice. If image quality, creative flexibility, and multimedia output matter, the EX2F deserves serious thought.

Whichever you pick, you’re getting a snapshot of Samsung’s compact camera efforts during a Transitional Era, reminding us how sensor tech and user expectations have advanced. For today’s photography nut, these cameras are fun reference points - but for the truly dedicated shooter, looking at newer options is probably the way to go.

Happy shooting!