Canon PowerShot N100 vs Samsung HZ35W: A Thorough Practical Comparison for Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera in today’s crowded marketplace is always a balancing act - juggling sensor size, zoom range, image quality, and usability. Both the Canon PowerShot N100 and Samsung HZ35W present interesting options in the small-sensor compact segment, released a few years apart but targeted at photographers who want capable point-and-shoot versatility.

After extensively testing both models in real-world conditions alongside lab benchmarks - evaluating autofocus, image quality, ergonomics, and more - I’m here to guide you through which camera might best fit your photography style and budget. Let’s dive into a hands-on comparison supported by technical analysis and firsthand experience.

Getting Comfortable: Size, Feel, and Controls

Before even pressing the shutter button, how a camera handles can make or break the shooting experience. Both the Canon N100 and Samsung HZ35W are clearly designed for portability with a compact form factor, yet subtle differences in shape and control layout really affect everyday use.

At first glance and feel, the Canon N100 measures 105 x 68 x 36 mm and weighs 289 grams, while the Samsung HZ35W is slightly thinner and lighter at 107 x 61 x 28 mm and 245 grams. In practical terms, the N100 has a chunkier build with a taller grip area that my hand appreciated during longer shoots. The grip on the HZ35W feels somewhat flatter and less secure, which might challenge users with larger hands or quick shooting scenarios.

Looking at the top view shows differing design philosophies:

Canon embraces a minimalistic yet functional approach with a clear mode dial and a dedicated zoom lever surrounding the shutter. Samsung squeezes in more manual exposure controls but on smaller buttons - a trade-off I found tricky in fast-paced street shooting.

The Canon’s tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD is a significant usability advantage over Samsung’s fixed, non-touch 3-inch screen. I relied heavily on the tilting capability for awkward angles and self-portraits, an area where the Samsung’s screen held it back.

If portability with occasional use is your priority, Samsung’s lighter body makes sense. But if comfort and quick tactile control are key, the Canon N100 feels like the more ergonomically refined tool.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Neither model boasts large sensors by modern standards - the Canon N100 uses a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm, while the Samsung HZ35W sports a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor sized at 6.17 x 4.55 mm. This difference explains much in terms of image quality potential.

Larger sensor area generally translates to better light gathering capability, superior dynamic range, and less noise at higher ISOs. Here, the Canon’s sensor area of approximately 41.5 mm² offers an inherent advantage over Samsung’s 28 mm².

Image resolution is equal on paper – both at 12 megapixels (4000 x 3000). But my side-by-side tests reveal the Canon’s CMOS sensor paired with the DIGIC 6 processor produces cleaner images with richer colors and deeper gradations, particularly noticeable in shadows and highlight retention during landscape shots.

Samsung’s CCD sensor struggles with ISO performance; despite a maximum ISO of 3200, images become noisy and lose detail past ISO 400. Canon extends native ISO up to 6400, and though images get grainy above 1600, the results remain usable, especially in JPEG output.

Color depth and dynamic range are not officially tested by DxOMark for these cameras, but visually, Canon maintains better overall tonal fidelity - indispensable if you want to push images in post-processing.

So, if image quality ranks as your highest priority, Canon N100 stands out due to its sensor size and modern processing. Samsung, although capable in well-lit scenarios, shows its limits under more challenging light.

Lens Versatility and Optical Performance

An important consideration - especially when working in varied shooting genres - is the lens’s focal length and aperture.

The Canon N100 sports a 24-120 mm equivalent zoom (5×) with a bright maximum aperture ranging from f/1.8 at wide angle to f/5.7 at telephoto. In contrast, the Samsung HZ35W features a 24-360 mm equivalent superzoom (15×) but starts at f/3.2, stopping down to f/5.8 at the long end.

This means:

• Canon N100 offers a relatively wide-angle start paired with a faster lens beneficial for low-light and portraits with shallower depth of field.
• Samsung HZ35W trades wider aperture for impressive zoom reach - ideal if you frequently shoot distant subjects like wildlife or sports casually.

In practice, I found the N100’s lens to deliver sharper images at normal focal lengths with less distortion at wide angles. The Samsung’s telephoto reach is attractive but comes with image softness and chromatic aberration at maximum zoom - a typical superzoom tradeoff.

Both models include optical image stabilization, crucial for handheld shots, especially at telephoto. Canon’s system was more effective based on my shake-handling tests, allowing me to shoot at slower shutter speeds without blur, especially useful in dim environments.

However, the Samsung’s macro focusing capability starting as close as 3 cm across focal lengths provides better close-up flexibility compared to Canon’s “n/a” macro specification.

So, if you want to emphasize portraiture or street photography with shallow depth effects, Canon’s faster lens shines. But if you anticipate capturing distant or macro subjects on the fly, Samsung’s extended zoom and close focusing come into play.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

Autofocus system performance can significantly impact your ability to capture fleeting moments - think kids playing, wildlife darting about, or sports action on the field.

The Canon N100 employs a contrast-detection autofocus system featuring 9 focus points with face detection support. Samsung’s autofocus also uses contrast detection but includes AF tracking for subjects which is not present in Canon.

Despite Samsung’s AF tracking, in my hands, both cameras autofocus speed is distinctly on the slower side compared to modern standards. The Canon shows snappier lock-on performance in daylight, helped by touch-to-focus on its touchscreen, enabling very precise point selection. Samsung lacks a touch interface, so it relies on button selection, which slows shooting rhythm.

Neither camera offers continuous autofocus, making them both less ideal for fast-moving sports or wildlife photography. Burst shooting is limited or non-existent, which further restricts action capture capabilities.

If you prioritize decisive autofocus for dynamic scenes, neither camera excels, but Canon’s touchscreen AF and multi-area focusing options give it a slight edge in user confidence.

Display and User Interface

Intuitive menus and quality displays enhance your shooting experience and post-shoot review.

The Canon N100 sports a 3-inch tilting TFT PureColor II G touchscreen with 922k-dot resolution, offering bright, responsive control and flexible framing from high or low angles. This touchscreen interface lets you quickly shift focus, change settings, and swipe through images - a definite pleasure for daily use.

Samsung’s 3-inch fixed screen, while decent, has a much lower 614k-dot resolution and no touch sensitivity, making navigation feel dated and clunky by comparison.

Lack of a viewfinder on either camera means you’ll rely on the LCD in all conditions. Canon’s screen shines in bright sunlight better thanks to its slightly higher brightness and tilting mechanism, an advantage for outdoor photographers.

Both cameras exclude an electronic viewfinder, which isn’t surprising given their compact size and budget range.

Video Capabilities: Casual Recording Compared

For enthusiasts dabbling in video, the Canon N100 offers 1920x1280 (approximately 720p HD) recording at 30 fps using H.264 compression and includes a microphone input jack - a semi-pro touch allowing external mics for better sound capture. Samsung records up to 1280x720 at 30 fps as Motion JPEG, an older and heavier codec, and lacks any microphone input.

Neither camera shoots 4K or utilizes advanced video stabilization. While Canon marginally steps ahead with higher recording resolution and audio capabilities, it’s fair to say both are best suited for casual video clips rather than serious filmmaking.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery endurance impacts how much shooting you can do on the go. Canon’s N100 uses a rechargeable NB-12L battery rated for about 330 shots per charge. Samsung’s battery information isn’t specified officially, but in testing, it proved less enduring.

Both cameras support SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards but only have single card slots - standard for this class.

Connectivity options set them apart:

• Canon includes built-in wireless connectivity with NFC for seamless pairing with smartphones or tablets - an extremely handy feature for instant image sharing.
• Samsung offers no wireless features but includes built-in GPS for geotagging images, which can appeal to travel photographers.

Depending on your priorities - image sharing convenience versus embedded location data - either camera has its perks.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Neither model offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock-proofing, so plan accordingly if you expect challenging environmental conditions.

Price and Value Assessment

On launch, Canon N100 was priced around $349, and Samsung HZ35W around $300 - reflecting their target markets.

Given Canon’s newer DIGIC 6 processor, larger sensor, touchscreen, NFC connectivity, and slightly better optics, the incremental cost brings meaningful technology gains.

Samsung’s strength lies in its extended zoom and embedded GPS at a lower price point.

Real-World Photography Across Genres

Let’s break down how these cameras perform across popular photographic disciplines, helping you decide based on your genre:

Canon N100 screen back Samsung HZ35W screen back

You can visually inspect these sample images - Canon shows richer colors and finer detail in low light, while Samsung’s longer zoom offers impressive framing even if image clarity softens at extremes.

Overall Performance Ratings

Compiling lab tests and field trials across all functional parameters, here’s a combined scoring map:

Canon consistently edges Samsung in image quality, autofocus speed, and interface usability. Samsung rates more favorably for zoom range and GPS.

Performance by Photography Type

To finalize our assessment, here’s a performance graph highlighting strengths per photography genre:

The visual summary shows Canon dominating portrait, landscape, and night categories, with Samsung besting in wildlife zoom and macro photography.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

After testing the Canon PowerShot N100 and Samsung HZ35W extensively, my recommendations come down to your priorities:

• Choose the Canon PowerShot N100 if you want superior image quality, a versatile zoom with a fast lens, better ergonomics, and modern features like a touch screen and wireless connectivity. It’s ideal for portrait, street, landscape, and casual travel photography where image quality is paramount.

• Opt for the Samsung HZ35W if your shooting revolves around distant subjects, needing a superzoom at a friendly price. Its macro focusing and built-in GPS add travel utility, particularly if you don’t mind trading off low-light performance and slightly dated interface.

Neither camera is designed for professional use or demanding sports photography but shine in their respective niches within consumer compact cameras.

To sum up, the Canon N100 feels like a more refined, user-friendly companion for serious enthusiasts shooting diverse genres, whereas Samsung appeals more to explorers craving reach and basic photographic fun.

Choosing between these two comes down to weighing optical versatility against image quality and contemporary usability. Whichever you pick, knowing their strengths and limits will help you get the most out of your photographic adventures.

Dear Canon and Samsung, please update these lines soon! But meanwhile, these models still offer thoughtful choices in their segment.

If you have questions about particular shooting scenarios or want me to compare another camera lineup, just ask - I’m always ready to help you navigate the evolving world of photography gear.