Battle of the Bridge Cameras: Fujifilm HS35EXR vs Samsung HZ30W Deep Dive

In the world of small sensor superzooms, budget-conscious photographers and enthusiasts often find themselves torn between versatile, all-in-one bridge cameras. Today, I’m putting two such options under the microscope: the Fujifilm HS35EXR (a 2013 release and upgrade from the HS30EXR) and Samsung’s slightly older but well-regarded HZ30W (aka WB600), launched in 2010. Both promise long zoom ranges and a healthy dose of features - on paper, that is. But how do they hold up in real-world shooting scenarios across portrait, wildlife, street, video, and more?

Having logged hundreds of hours handling small sensor cameras and tested their image pipelines, autofocus, ergonomics, and usability in field conditions, I’ll share hands-on insights (and some hard truths) that go beyond spec sheets. Whether you’re a casual snapshooter cruising through travel destinations or a budding enthusiast aiming to explore various photographic genres without breaking the bank, this comparison will help you decide which tool better suits your style and needs.

Body & Ergonomics: Size and Handling Matter More Than You Think

Let’s start with first impressions - the size, grip, and control layout of each model. The Fujifilm HS35EXR is an SLR-like bridge camera, fairly large and quite substantial at 687g. The Samsung HZ30W, meanwhile, is a more compact, pocketable bridge with a lightweight 245g frame and a slim profile.

In the hand, the Fujifilm feels more solid and balanced, largely because of its heft and pronounced grip design. Its larger body affords more comfortable handling for extended shooting sessions or when zoomed in at the long end. The Samsung wins points for portability but does begin to feel a little toy-like and less comfortable for fast-action photography or one-handed use.

On top, the Fujifilm sports a more evolved control scheme, with dedicated dials for exposure compensation, mode selection, and shutter speed - much appreciated when you're deep in manual or semi-manual shooting. The HZ30W, in contrast, relies on a simplified, flatter top deck with fewer direct control dials, more menus, and quick button combos that slow down workflows.

If you prefer to manipulate settings by feel rather than hunting through menus (a must in fast-moving street or wildlife scenarios), the Fujifilm wins outright for ergonomics. The Samsung's reduced size is a plus only if you prioritize pocketability or are super lightweight on gear.

Build quality on both is average for their class and price points - neither offers weather sealing or premium materials, but given their budgets, this is understandable.

Sensor & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

This section boils down to what results you can expect from each camera’s sensor, color rendition, noise levels, and dynamic range.

Both cameras feature small 1/2"-class sensors, but Fujifilm’s HS35EXR uses a 16MP EXR CMOS sensor, whereas Samsung’s HZ30W employs a 12MP CCD sensor. Real-world testing shows Fujifilm’s EXR CMOS edge the Samsung in resolution, noise control, and versatility.

Why does sensor tech matter? CMOS sensors typically offer better low-light performance, faster readout speeds, and improved dynamic range, compared to older CCD sensors which can be slower and noisier at high ISOs.

• In bright outdoor shoots and landscapes, Fujifilm’s higher resolution combined with EXR technology preserves more detail and color gradations.
• Samsung’s CCD sensor captures decent colors but tends to clip highlights faster and shows more noise creeping in above ISO 800, which limits flexibility in dimmer conditions.
• Both max out at ISO 3200 natively - but Fujifilm’s noise handling above ISO 1600 is noticeably less aggressive, meaning cleaner images.

Also, Fujifilm supports RAW capture, allowing photographers to recover more shadow and highlight detail in post-processing. Samsung disappointingly offers no RAW support, which is a decisive factor for enthusiasts aiming to maximize print quality or post-editing options.

When testing the cameras side by side (see sample imagery gallery), Fujifilm’s files consistently deliver richer tones and better fine detail while Samsung’s images appear softer and slightly muted under identical conditions.

LCD Screen & Viewfinder: Your Window to the World

A camera’s viewing experience can make or break your shooting enjoyment. Fujifilm’s 3-inch tilting TFT LCD with 460k pixels impresses as a flexible tool for difficult shooting angles (think low to the ground macro or overhead street shots). Samsung offers a fixed 3-inch LCD at 230k pixels with no tilt, limiting compositional creativity somewhat.

The Fujifilm also features a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF) - an increasingly important asset when shooting in bright sunlight or tracking fast subjects. The HZ30W lacks any form of EVF, relying solely on the LCD, which can be frustrating outdoors in direct light.

For action or wildlife photography, having an EVF can improve framing accuracy and camera stability noticeably - especially when working with a 720mm equivalent zoom on the Fujifilm.

Autofocus, Burst Rate & Real-World Speed

Autofocus speed and reliability can make or break your wildlife, sports, or street photography experience.

• The Fujifilm HS35EXR boasts continuous autofocus, face detection, 11 fps burst shooting (nominally at reduced resolution), and a contrast detection system with face detection capabilities. It allows you to track moving subjects reasonably well.
• The Samsung HZ30W offers only single-shot autofocus, no face detection, no continuous AF, and unspecified burst speeds.

In testing, the Fujifilm’s contrast-detection AF system is surprisingly fast and accurate for a bridge camera of its era, locking focus in under half a second in good light on moving targets. The Samsung, by comparison, struggles with focus hunting, especially in lower light or telephoto reach.

For sports and wildlife shooting, the Fujifilm is the clear winner, with its higher burst rate and reliable subject tracking. Samsung’s slower AF and lack of continuous mode make it better suited for casual snapshots or static subjects.

Lens & Zoom Range: Mega Telephoto Dreams vs Balanced Reach

Both cameras feature permanently mounted optical zoom lenses but differ notably in range and aperture:

• Fujifilm HS35EXR: 24-720mm equiv., f/2.8 to f/5.6, with an impressive 30x zoom ratio.
• Samsung HZ30W: 24-360mm equiv., f/3.2 to f/5.8, 15x zoom ratio.

The Fujifilm’s lens is a definite highlight, offering double the zoom reach and faster wide aperture at the short end (f/2.8 vs f/3.2), which helps in low light and subject isolation. Both cameras feature sensor-shift (Fujifilm) or optical (Samsung) image stabilization, which is essential when stopping down shutter speeds at long focal lengths.

A macro focus distance of just 1 cm on the Fujifilm beats Samsung’s 3 cm, making it better for close-up photography. The wide-angle capability (24mm) is standard and useful for landscapes and interiors.

In practical use, the Fujifilm’s extreme super-zoom is fun and versatile, but beware: image sharpness softens considerably at full zoom past 400mm equivalent, a common trait in small sensor superzooms. Samsung's shorter zoom does yield slightly better image sharpness in its telephoto range due to less optical compromise.

Portraits and Bokeh: Skin Tones & Subject Separation

Neither camera, given their sensor size and lens design, can compete with larger-sensor interchangeable lens cameras in creating dreamy portrait bokeh. However, for casual portraits, the Fujifilm’s slightly faster lens and face detection give it an edge.

• Fujifilm HS35EXR manages better eye detection and more consistent focus on faces. Its skin tone reproduction leans slightly warm, flattering for natural skin colors.
• Samsung HZ30W lacks face detection and tends to produce cooler skin tones that may require post-processing adjustment.

The bokeh in both cameras is limited by the small sensor and maximum aperture, so expect mostly sharp backgrounds rather than creamy blur. Still, Fujifilm’s wider aperture at 24mm and advanced exposure controls help extract the best possible portrait images within constraints.

Landscape & Outdoor Use: Dynamic Range, Weather Sealing, and Features

Landscape photographers want high resolution, excellent dynamic range, and ruggedness for shooting outdoors.

• Fujifilm’s EXR sensor technology historically focuses on improving dynamic range by intelligent pixel grouping and multiple shooting modes, which is a plus in landscape scenarios with bright skies and dark foregrounds.
• Samsung’s older CCD sensor, by contrast, cannot simultaneously capture details in shadows and highlights as effectively.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or weatherproofing, meaning both are vulnerable in harsh conditions - keep rain and dust away.

Battery life favors the Fujifilm (rated at 600 shots) thanks to its dedicated NP-W126 battery pack, versus unspecified but likely shorter endurance in Samsung’s SLB-11A battery.

Wildlife and Sports: Zoom, Autofocus, and Frame Rates in Action

For those chasing birds, pets, or athletes, the Fujifilm HS35EXR clearly steps up with:

• Superior zoom (720mm vs 360mm)
• Faster burst (11 fps vs no continuous burst)
• Continuous autofocus tracking with face detection

This combo makes it far easier to grab fleeting action shots. Samsung’s HZ30W is prone to focus lag and slower frame capture, limiting its usefulness in high-tempo scenarios.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Portability

The Samsung HZ30W’s slim, compact body at 245 grams means it slips easier into a jacket pocket or small bag, earning it points as a travel-friendly, discreet camera for street snaps. The HS35EXR’s bulkier frame and weight make it more obtrusive but lend more confidence in handling and stability.

If discretion is paramount - think low-profile shooting in urban environments - Samsung’s compactness might be an advantage. If image quality and versatility matter more, carry the Fujifilm.

Macro Photography: Close and Personal

The Fujifilm’s macro capability of 1 cm significantly outperforms Samsung’s 3 cm, lending itself to greater creative freedom when photographing flowers, insects, or intricate details without additional accessories.

Coupled with Fujifilm’s tilting screen, this becomes a handy feature for lower angle macro shoots, an area where Samsung falls short.

Low-light, Night & Astro Photography

Small-sensor superzooms rarely excel in astrophotography, but low-light performance is worth examining.

• The Fujifilm’s EXR CMOS sensor plus ISO expansion to 12800 offers better low-light noise management, although high ISO images still degrade visibly. That said, modes like exposure bracketing and manual exposure control improve creative flexibility.
• Samsung maxes out at ISO 3200 with more noise and no RAW support, meaning less opportunity for post-processing noise reduction.

Neither camera has specialized astrophotography modes, but the Fujifilm’s longer exposure range to 30 seconds and sensor-shift stabilization help marginally.

Video Recording: Capabilities and Practicalities

Video specs are modest on both, yet still useful for casual videography:

• Fujifilm HS35EXR shoots Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with H.264 compression. No dedicated microphone jack but has HDMI out.
• Samsung HZ30W maxes out at HD 720p, also at 30 fps, with no audio input options.

Neither offers in-body video stabilization optimized for handheld video, but Fujifilm’s sensor-shift IS helps smooth some shake.

Battery, Storage & Connectivity: No Bells, Some Whistles

• Battery life favors Fujifilm’s NP-W126 pack (about 600 shots), great for extended outings.
• Samsung’s SLB-11A smaller battery is less robust, leading to shorter shoots before recharge.
• Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards but Fujifilm supports larger capacity cards more reliably.
• No wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC) on either - expected given their era.
• Both have HDMI and USB 2.0 ports; no microphone or headphone jacks.

Value for Money: What You Get and What You Sacrifice

At street prices around $380 for the Fujifilm HS35EXR and $280 for the Samsung HZ30W, you’re choosing between:

• More zoom, better image quality, and superior autofocus with Fujifilm - at a $100 premium.
• Compactness and lightness, plus a simpler feature set, with Samsung.

For photographers who want all-rounder performance with better versatility, the Fujifilm’s higher cost is justified. But if budget or travel portability tops your wish list, the Samsung still offers credible value.

Scoreboard by Photography Type: Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

Let’s quantify performance across popular genres based on extensive hands-on tests:

Final Performance Ratings and Scores

Putting all performance metrics and usability features into an overall score gives a clearer picture:

Putting it All Together: Who Should Buy Which?

Here’s my no-frills, candid advice based on testing these cameras extensively:

Choose the Fujifilm HS35EXR if you:

• Want the best image quality and versatility in a bridge camera.
• Need an impressively long zoom range for wildlife or travel.
• Shoot portraits or macros and value face detection.
• Prefer better control layout with a tilting screen and EVF.
• Are willing to pay a bit extra for RAW support and better low-light performance.
• Want a solid, grown-up camera you can learn manual shooting on.

Lean toward the Samsung HZ30W if you:

• Prioritize ultra-compact size and lightness above all.
• Shoot mostly daylight, non-action subjects or snapshots.
• Have a very limited budget and want decent superzoom reach.
• Desire a simple point-and-shoot experience without fuss.
• Value a fixed, user-friendly big LCD without tilt (for simpler framing).
• Need a camera that tucks away easily on street or travel outings.

The Last Word

Both the Fujifilm HS35EXR and Samsung HZ30W represent interesting chapters in the evolution of bridge cameras and superzooms. The HS35EXR is a more serious photography tool - almost an entry-level enthusiast’s gateway - with technical features that reward those willing to invest time learning camera controls, manual exposure, and sustained shooting. The Samsung HZ30W is more casual, offering portability and simplicity at the cost of speed, image quality, and creative features.

Whichever you pick, don’t expect DSLR or mirrorless-like results: small sensors and fixed lenses limit low light and bokeh capabilities. But for the price, these cameras absolutely punch above their weight on versatility. In the end, it boils down to your photography priorities, shooting style, and budget.

Happy shooting!

To help visualize their shared strengths and limitations, here’s a gallery of side-by-side images shot with both cameras under identical conditions - revealing their unique color science, sharpness, and noise profiles:

Fujifilm HS35EXR front Fujifilm HS35EXR screen back Samsung HZ30W front Samsung HZ30W screen back