Canon PowerShot A810 vs Samsung HZ35W: Which Compact Zoom Camera Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

When it comes to affordable compact cameras that pack zoom versatility in a small package, the Canon PowerShot A810 and the Samsung HZ35W (aka WB650) have long been contenders. Both models hail from the early 2010s, cater to casual photographers craving simple left-in-the-pocket reliability, and feature fixed zoom lenses plus moderately sized sensors. But which one truly stands out in real-world use? And more importantly, which suits your photography style and pocketbook?

Having spent years testing hundreds of cameras myself, I’m excited to bring you an in-depth comparison between these two budget-friendly zoom compacts. We’ll look beyond mere specs, comparing image quality, ergonomics, autofocus, video, and feature sets through the lens of practical photography - all to help you make the best-informed decision for your needs.

Let’s get started with a quick look at their core physical differences and usability.

Size and Handling: How Compact Is Compact Enough?

Despite their compact categories, the Canon A810 and Samsung HZ35W differ noticeably in size and weight - factors that really impact pocketability and comfort during extended shooting. The A810 tips the scales at just 171 grams and measures roughly 95x62x30mm, while the HZ35W is chunkier (245g, 107x61x28mm).

Here’s a side-by-side look showing these subtle size variations - note the Samsung’s longer body and slightly larger footprint:

Practical takeaway: The Canon A810 is easier to slip into a jacket pocket and arguably more comfortable for travel or street photography where discreetness and lightness are king. The HZ35W, while still pocketable, feels more substantial and offers a sturdier grip due to its added bulk - which might appeal to users with larger hands or those who prefer feeling a bit more substantial in hand while zoom-rattling.

On top, basic control layouts are simple on both but differ slightly, which affects quick access in the field:

Canon keeps it bare-bones, favoring ease with fewer dials, but Samsung wins some points with dedicated exposure mode dials for shutter and aperture priority settings, clearly intended for users wanting a tad more manual control.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD Sensors From 1/2.3” Chips

Both camcorders in this duel use similar-sized 1/2.3” CCD image sensors at 28.07 mm² - common in budget compacts - but differ in resolution and hence potential detail capture.

Here’s a visual summary to frame the sensor discussion:

Canon A810 packs 16MP, offering higher resolution files up to 4608x3456 pixels. The Samsung HZ35W trails slightly at 12MP delivering 4000x3000 resolution images.

What does that mean practically? While the Canon’s extra megapixels can yield sharper prints or more cropping latitude, the real world depends heavily on sensor processing, lens optics, and noise handling.

ISO sensitivity reveals more differences - Canon maxes out at 1600 ISO, while Samsung doubles to 3200. It’s a vital consideration for low-light and indoor shooting (more on this shortly).

In my side-by-side shooting tests, both deliver decent image quality for social sharing and travel snaps, but the Canon tends to produce marginally crisper images with natural colors - likely aided by its newer (2012) sensor and processor architecture. The Samsung’s images show a bit more noise at higher ISO but win in available zoom reach and dynamic range balance under tricky light.

LCD and Live View Interface: Seeing and Framing Your Shots

No viewfinders on either, so both rely heavily on their LCD displays for composition and menu navigation. Here's the Samsung’s larger and higher-res 3.0” screen (614k dots) against Canon’s 2.7”/230k dots display:

Clear winner here - Samsung offers a more detailed, brighter palette that makes focusing and reviewing images easier in varied lighting conditions. The Canon’s screen is adequate but feels outdated, especially when squinting in bright sunlight.

Zoom Reach and Lens Quality: From Modest to Mega Zoom

A top selling factor for compacts is their zoom capability, so let’s compare:

• Canon A810: 28-140mm (5× optical zoom) with maximum aperture range f/2.8-6.9

• Samsung HZ35W: 24-360mm (15× optical zoom) with maximum aperture f/3.2-5.8

Notice the forgiving wider raw angle on the Samsung combined with a whopping 360mm telephoto reach - ideal for wildlife and sports beginners. The Canon runs out of reach at standard zoom levels but offers a brighter lens at the wide end, useful indoors and for portraits.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Precision or Patience?

Neither camera is a speed demon; they use contrast-detection via CCD sensors, with no phase detection autofocus. Still, based on my hands-on tests:

• Canon provides a nine-point AF system with face detection and center-weighted metering. Continuous autofocus is supported, but only one frame per second burst shooting is available - adequate for relaxed shooting but limiting for action.

• Samsung supports face detection, AF tracking, and offers shutter and aperture priority modes, giving it an edge for users requiring exposure flexibility. AF speed is decent for a small sensor compact, but no continuous AF mode and no rapid burst rates limit fast subject capture.

For wildlife and sports, neither camera excels, though Samsung’s zoom will get you closer - with caveats as autofocus hunting is noticeable in challenging light.

Video Recording Capabilities: Basic but Serviceable

Both cameras max out at 720p HD video but differ in frame rates and encoding formats:

• Canon A810 supports 1280x720 at 25fps in H.264 codec - more efficient compression and standard for its time.

• Samsung HZ35W offers 1280x720 at 30 and 15 fps in Motion JPEG - older and less storage-friendly format.

Neither offers 4K, external mic inputs, nor in-body stabilization specific to video, but both incorporate optical image stabilization that benefits handheld video shooting.

Samsung includes an HDMI output for easy on-screen playback, absent on the Canon - so if quick sharing on a big screen matters, that’s an advantage to consider.

Battery Life and Storage: AA vs Proprietary

Battery type can make or break convenience - especially for travel or extended shoots.

• Canon A810 uses 2x AA batteries, which are cheap, universally available, and easy to swap out in a pinch. Measured battery life is about 220 shots per set, which is moderate.

• Samsung HZ35W relies on a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery (model SLB-11A), but official battery life specs are not clearly provided. From practical experience, expect similar endurance but remember carrying spares or chargers is essential.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for storage - standard and widely compatible.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither model claims environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing, so treat them as typical pocket compacts - not rugged adventure cameras. Their plastic builds feel adequate but not luxurious or heavy-duty.

Connectivity and Extras: Features Missing and Found

Surprisingly, neither camera supports Bluetooth or Wi-Fi wireless transfer, which limits instant sharing.

Samsung bucks the trend by including built-in GPS, useful for geotagging travel shots, a feature absent on the Canon. HDMI on the Samsung also serves those wanting to preview images on TVs without fuss.

Neither supports RAW - a notable caveat for enthusiasts wanting maximum post-processing flexibility.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how these cameras perform across major photography types - the heart of any practical decision.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The Canon’s brighter f/2.8 at wide angles lets in more light and delivers a softer background blur, crucial for flattering portraits. Its 16MP sensor helps preserve detail in skin tones, while face detection autofocus improves accuracy.

The Samsung, while offering a longer zoom for tight facial crops, has a less bright aperture and lower megapixels, resulting in flatter images and less creamy bokeh. Also, manual focus on Samsung is a plus, but in practice, the focus ring feels less precise.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Higher-resolution files from the Canon give you nice detail for large prints, while Samsung’s 12MP is sufficient for web and moderate prints.

Neither sensor is great for high dynamic range shots, but the Samsung slightly edges out in shadow detail retention at lower ISOs, perhaps thanks to its ISO 80 base.

Weather sealing is nonexistent for both - you’ll want to be cautious in adverse conditions.

Wildlife Photography: Zoom and Autofocus Speed

The Samsung HZ35W’s extensive 360mm zoom is a clear winner for wildlife or bird photography newbies.

However, autofocus speed and tracking lag mean you have to be patient and steady, using burst mode sparingly.

Canon’s 140mm zoom is limiting but autofocus is snappier - better for larger animals or closer subjects.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Frame Rates

Both cameras disappoint here; sluggish AF and ~1fps shooting aren't enough for fast sports.

Samsung’s manual exposure modes help control motion blur, but you’ll need to settle for static shots or slow-moving subjects.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

Canon’s smaller size and weight make it easier to carry undetected in urban environments.

Samsung is bulkier and might draw slightly more attention, but its wider 24mm starting point caters well to street framing needs.

Low-light performance is similar - neither shines, but Canon’s slightly better high-ISO handling helps.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Precision

Both cameras support macro focusing down to 3cm. Samsung’s manual focus aids precise focusing on tiny subjects but lacks focus peaking.

Canon’s autofocus struggles here but image stabilization helps handheld macro shots.

Night & Astrophotography: ISO and Exposure

Neither is designed for serious low-light work. Canon caps ISO at 1600 and Samsung at 3200, but noise rises sharply beyond ISO 400.

Long exposures up to 15s are available on both, but without RAW capture, post-processing latitude is limited.

Video Use: Afternoons with a Mic

720p video at 25-30fps is usable for casual clips, but neither camera offers mic inputs or advanced stabilization.

Samsung’s HDMI out lets you review footage easily; Canon does not.

No 4K or advanced video features here - think of these as snapshot video cameras.

Travel Camera Suitability: Versatility and Battery

Canon’s small size, AA battery system (easy to replace on the go), and decent zoom make it a friendly travel buddy for city breaks and daylight shooting.

Samsung’s stronger zoom, GPS geotagging, and better LCD suit travelers who want more framing options but don’t mind carrying extra chargers.

Professional and Workflow Considerations

Neither camera supports RAW or tethered shooting - rules them out for serious professional use.

File formats are confined to JPEG, limiting editing potential.

Still, both are solid casual shooters or backup devices for pros who want ultra-compact zoom options.

Sample Images: A Visual Comparison

Here’s a gallery of test shots from both cameras under varied conditions - take note of color rendering, detail, and noise in these crops:

Canon A810 front Canon A810 screen back Samsung HZ35W screen back

Performance Ratings: A Holistic Scorecard

When assessing key performance categories - image quality, handling, zoom, and features - here’s how the two stack up overall:

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

A deeper dive into specific photography types highlights their respective sweet spots:

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

If you want simplicity, pocketability, and a fresh set of batteries wherever you go, the Canon PowerShot A810 remains a trustworthy companion - especially good for street photography, casual family portraits, and travel in well-lit conditions.

Its limitations at ISO and zoom can frustrate some, but its reliable autofocus and impressive resolution punch above its price.

On the other hand, if zoom range is your top priority and you value manual exposure control, GPS tagging, and a nicer screen, the Samsung HZ35W could be your go-to - particularly for wildlife, landscape, and travel photography where reach and framing versatility matter more than speed.

I’d caution that the Samsung is heavier, less pocket-friendly, and less adept in low light, but for those willing to invest in extra batteries and patience, it offers novelty at the superzoom level rare at this price.

My Personal Pick

For everyday shooting and a pocket-friendly grab-and-go camera, I’d tilt toward the Canon A810. Its simple reliability, ease of use, and impressive megapixels hold true for casual users and point-and-shooters.

However, if you’re passionate about exploring longer reach photography and appreciate manual controls to push creativity, Samsung HZ35W offers more to dig into - provided you can live with its bulk and battery quirks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can either camera shoot RAW?
No, both are limited to JPEG only, which restricts professional editing flexibility.

Q: Which camera has better autofocus?
Canon’s nine-point AF with face detection is more responsive overall, though Samsung offers manual focus for critical tweaking.

Q: Are these good for video blogging?
Their 720p video is basic and lacks mic inputs, so not optimal for vlogging but fine for casual home movies.

Q: Which camera is better in low light?
Samsung has a higher max ISO but more noise; Canon’s brighter lens and better processing make it slightly better at ISO 400 and below.

Closing Recommendations

Choosing between the Canon PowerShot A810 and Samsung HZ35W boils down to your priorities: portability and simplicity versus zoom range and manual exposure capability. Both fill niches well within their entry-level compact realms but are no substitute for modern advanced compacts or mirrorless systems.

For casual shooters seeking an affordable, snapshot-ready companion, the Canon A810 is my recommendation. For those adventurous types who want extra zoom and exposure flexibility in a similar budget, the Samsung HZ35W is worth a look.

Whichever you pick, know you’ll get a functional camera with vintage charm and capable of generous creativity given the right conditions.

Happy shooting!