Canon S95 vs. Samsung HZ30W: A Detailed Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

In a compact camera market brimming with options, choosing the right model that balances image quality, versatility, and usability can be a challenge. Today, we put the Canon PowerShot S95 up against the Samsung HZ30W - two compact cameras that, despite sharing a general category, cater to different photography needs. Drawing upon hands-on testing, technical analysis, and real-world experience, this in-depth comparison aims to guide photography enthusiasts and professionals alike in making an informed choice.

The Big Picture: Size and Handling Matter

Before diving into specs and features, handling and ergonomics are pivotal for any camera, especially for travel and street photographers who prioritize portability and comfort.

At first glance, the Canon S95 presents a slightly more compact footprint (100 x 58 x 30 mm, 195g) compared to the Samsung HZ30W (107 x 61 x 28 mm, 245g). The S95’s slimmer width and lighter weight make it easier to slip into a pocket or small bag, a benefit many will appreciate for everyday carry and street photography.

The Samsung, while a bit bulkier and heavier, compensates with an extended zoom lens, which naturally increases size. The extra heft may feel less pocketable but can improve stability in-hand during extended shooting sessions, especially at long telephoto focal lengths.

Ergonomic takeaway: The Canon S95 edges out for quick, nimble shooting with better portability, while the Samsung HZ30W feels more substantial and better suited for users who prioritize zoom reach over pocketability.

Design and Controls: A Photographer’s Workflow

A camera’s control layout shapes how quickly and intuitively photographers can operate it under diverse shooting conditions - key during fast-paced or professional work.

The Canon S95 employs a straightforward, minimalistic control system, featuring dedicated dials for aperture and shutter priority modes, a command dial, and customizable buttons. During my testing, the tactile ring around the lens proved especially useful for manual focusing and exposure adjustments, a rarity in compact cameras of its era.

The Samsung HZ30W, with its superzoom lens, balances controls between compactness and flexibility. While it offers manual focus and exposure modes, its top controls are less direct, relying more on menu navigation - something I found slowed shooting responsiveness when chasing moving subjects or adjusting settings on the fly.

Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder, which means reliance on the rear LCD screen is absolute.

Workflow insight: If you value quick, tactile control preferably without menu diving, the Canon S95’s layout better supports fast manual operation.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Image quality grounds the camera’s core purpose - to capture sharp, expressive photos. Sensor tech, resolution, and image processing all matter here.

The Canon S95 uses a 10.0 MP 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor, which is notably larger (41.5 mm²) than Samsung’s 12 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD (28.1 mm²). Larger sensor size often correlates with superior light capture, dynamic range, and noise performance. Despite offering slightly fewer megapixels, the S95 delivers richer color depth (20.4 bits vs. untested on Samsung) and higher dynamic range (11.3 EV vs. untested).

The Samsung HZ30W, by contrast, offers a 15x zoom lens starting at 24mm equivalent - with a very versatile focal range of 24-360 mm. However, the smaller sensor area means that at equivalent ISOs, image noise rises faster, impacting low-light and high-contrast scenes.

In practical shooting, I found the Canon S95 produces cleaner images with better skin tone rendition and more pleasing, natural color, especially in indoor or subtly lit scenes. Samsung’s higher resolution can capture more detail at base ISO in bright light but shows more grain beyond ISO 400.

Image quality conclusion: The Canon S95 provides overall superior image quality, especially notable in portraits and low-light conditions, while the Samsung favors reach and resolution in good light.

LCD Screens and Live View

Without built-in viewfinders, rear LCDs become critical for composing and reviewing images.

The S95 sports a 3-inch fixed LCD with 461k-dot resolution, delivering crisp, bright previews with good color accuracy. The anti-reflective coating enhances visibility outdoors.

Samsung’s screen matches the 3-inch size but only offers 230k-dot resolution - noticeably dimmer and softer in direct sun. This difference may hamper precise focusing and composition on the go.

Neither screen supports touch input, and their fixed nature limits angle flexibility; however, the S95’s sharper display is more comfortable for long use.

Real-World Sample Images

Sample images reveal practical camera performance beyond specifications.

Canon S95 front Canon S95 screen back Samsung HZ30W front Samsung HZ30W screen back

In portraits, the Canon S95’s larger sensor and brighter f/2.0 aperture at the wide end produce graceful subject separation and creamy bokeh, stepping up expressions and skin tones with smooth gradations.

Samsung’s longer zoom allows framing subjects from distance but at the cost of dimmer apertures (f/3.2 to 5.8) and a smaller sensor, resulting in flatter, less nuanced backgrounds.

Landscape shots highlight the S95’s good dynamic range; shadows retain detail without excessive noise, and highlights avoid clipping better than the Samsung. The HZ30W captures broader scenes thanks to its wider 24mm equivalent but struggles retaining highlight detail, especially in bright skies.

Sports and wildlife images tested confirm the Samsung’s advantage in framing distant subjects but also expose its slower autofocus and lower burst capabilities, hindering fast action capture compared to the S95’s steadier response.

Performance Metrics at a Glance

Let’s consider the overall ratings from industry-standard benchmarks and field testing.

While DXOmark has extensively tested the Canon S95 scoring it 47 points overall, the Samsung HZ30W lacks official DxOMark evaluation. Based on personal experience and community reviews, the S95 maintains a leadership position in image quality and low light.

For autofocus speed, burst shooting, and general responsiveness, the Canon S95 operates more smoothly and predictably. The Samsung, with its extended zoom, sacrifices some speed for reach.

Battery life for both cameras is average for compacts of their period, with neither excelling; expect around 200-250 shots per charge, depending on usage.

Strengths and Weaknesses Summarized

Canon PowerShot S95

Pros:

• Larger 1/1.7” sensor with better image quality and dynamic range
• Bright f/2.0 aperture ideal for low light and shallow depth-of-field
• Enhanced manual control, including tactile lens ring
• Sharp, high-resolution LCD screen for composing and reviewing
• Solid build with compact form factor, highly portable

Cons:

• Limited zoom range (28-105 mm), less versatile telephoto reach
• No image stabilization modes beyond optical
• No built-in viewfinder
• Relatively slow continuous shooting at 1 fps

Samsung HZ30W

Pros:

• Extensive 15x zoom range (24-360 mm), versatile for wildlife and travel
• Macro focusing down to 3cm allows detailed close-ups
• Optical image stabilization to assist longer zoom shots
• Decent video capture at 720p, with higher frame option (30 fps)

Cons:

• Smaller 1/2.3” sensor detracts from low-light and dynamic range
• Lower resolution, less sharp LCD with poorer outdoor visibility
• Less intuitive control layout slows fast shooting adjustments
• Bulkier and heavier than the Canon S95
• No RAW shooting, limiting post-processing flexibility

Photography Use Case Analysis: Which Camera Suits Which Genre?

Different photography styles stress different camera attributes. Based on rigorous field trials, here's how these cameras stack up across disciplines.

Portrait Photography

The Canon S95’s larger sensor and bright lens aperture yield more natural skin tones and better subject-background separation. Its capability to shoot in RAW format allows post-processing correction, important for professionals and enthusiasts focused on portraits. The Samsung does deliver adequate portraits but lacks fine tonal gradation and smooth bokeh due to sensor and lens limitations.

Winner: Canon S95

Landscape Photography

Both cameras offer wide-angle capture, but the Samsung’s 24mm equivalent focal length slightly widens framing. However, image quality preferences lean towards the Canon for its superior dynamic range and better shadow recovery on challenging scenes. Lack of weather sealing on both means cautious use in harsh outdoor environments.

Marginal advantage: Canon S95 (for image quality)

Wildlife Photography

The Samsung’s extended 15x zoom goes up to 360mm equivalent, ideal for distant wildlife shots. The Canon’s shorter 28-105mm zoom limits reach, although its faster manual focusing aids in nailing shots of nearby animals. Neither camera offers fast continuous shooting or robust autofocus tracking, making them less ideal for serious wildlife work.

Winner: Samsung HZ30W (reach advantage)

Sports Photography

Both cameras struggle with fast action due to slow continuous shooting rates and contrast-detection autofocus systems. The Canon’s manual controls and shutter priority modes offer slightly more creative control, but the Samsung’s zoom range can frame distant subjects better. Neither is optimum; an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless offers significant gains.

Recommendation: Neither ideal; Canon S95 preferred if forced.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion are paramount. The Canon S95’s compact size, quiet operation, and quick handling make it a natural street shooter. Samsung’s bulk and slower responsiveness detract from spontaneity, though zoom flexibility is a bonus.

Winner: Canon S95

Macro Photography

Samsung’s minimum focusing distance of 3cm allows closer, more detailed shots compared to Canon’s 5cm. However, S95’s sharper optics and larger sensor generally contribute to better image sharpness and texture rendition.

Tie: Slightly favor Samsung for closer focusing, but Canon for image quality.

Night and Astro Photography

The Canon S95’s larger sensor and lower noise at high ISO make it more capable for low-light scenes. Its manual exposure modes plus exposure bracketing underlines its suitability for creative night shooting. Samsung’s smaller sensor and fewer ISO options limit performance here.

Winner: Canon S95

Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot 720p HD video using H.264 encoding: Canon at 24 fps, Samsung at 30 fps. Neither has microphone input or advanced stabilization beyond optical lens-shift. Video quality is comparable, but Canon’s crisper sensor slightly edges in video detail.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

The Canon S95’s support for RAW images improves workflow flexibility in professional editing suites. Its availability of commonly used battery models and broad SD card compatibility helps reliability. The Samsung’s lack of RAW support limits professional appeal.

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity beyond Canon’s Eye-Fi card compatibility, nor built-in GPS, important considerations depending on client or travel demands.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras use proprietary lithium-ion batteries (Canon NB-6L, Samsung SLB-11A). In practice, expect an average of around 200 shots per charge, requiring frequent recharging on long shoots.

Storage uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; Samsung also has internal memory but limited capacity.

Connectivity options are similar: USB 2.0 for data transfer, HDMI output for viewing. Canon’s Eye-Fi card compatibility aids wireless image transfer, a bonus for rapid sharing.

Price and Value Assessment

At launch, the Canon S95 retailed around $495, whereas the Samsung HZ30W was priced more affordably at under $280.

The price difference reflects in the feature sets:

• Canon’s superior sensor, RAW support, and manual control justify higher investment for serious photographers.
• Samsung’s budget-friendly price and extended zoom appeal for casual users needing versatility over fine image quality.

The lower price point of the Samsung makes it an attractive travel companion for those prioritizing zoom reach, while the Canon offers more long-term value via image quality and flexibility.

Final Verdict: Which Compact Camera Should You Choose?

Both cameras bring unique strengths to the table, but your decision should align with your photographic priorities.

How We Tested: Methods and Considerations

Our comparison draws from direct hands-on shooting under varied real-life scenarios: portraits under mixed lighting, street photography in urban environments, macro close-ups, landscape scenes during golden hour, and field tests focusing on autofocus speed and burst modes.

Image quality was assessed using both subjective viewing and objective benchmarks, including noise at increasing ISOs, color accuracy measured with a color checker, and sharpness at different focal lengths.

We also evaluated ease of use by timing manual exposure adjustments, zoom transitions, and interface navigation - important for workflow efficiency.

Closing Thoughts

Choosing between the Canon PowerShot S95 and Samsung HZ30W ultimately hinges on what you value most: image quality and tactile control, or zoom versatility at an affordable price.

The Canon S95 stands out as a compact powerhouse favored by enthusiasts who want reliable, high-quality images, manual controls, and a nimble form factor.

The Samsung HZ30W equips users needing extended focal reach without breaking the bank but compromises some quality and speed.

Whichever camera you pick, understanding these trade-offs ensures you’re investing in a tool that fits your photographic vision - because no matter the specs, it’s how you wield the camera that truly counts.

Ready to make your decision? Consider your shooting style, preferred subjects, and budget, then choose the camera that best complements your creative pursuits. Happy shooting!

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