Fujifilm HS50 EXR vs Samsung HZ35W: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Superzoom Contenders

When stepping into the world of small sensor superzoom cameras, you quickly realize there is a huge variety of options tailored for different users. Today, I’m diving deep into two classic entries from different camps: the Fujifilm HS50 EXR, announced in early 2013, and the older Samsung HZ35W (also known as WB650), from mid-2010. These cameras sit in the bridge and compact categories respectively, but both boast extended zoom ranges and a suite of features aimed at photographers craving versatility without the bulk of interchangeable lenses.

Having spent many hours with each model - putting them through rigorous tests across genres - I’ll share detailed insights on technical specs, design, handling, real-world performance, and suitability across photographic disciplines. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast looking for an all-rounder or a serious hobbyist craving a budget-friendly zoom powerhouse, this comparison will help you see which of these older cameras still packs value in 2024.

First Impressions - Size, Ergonomics and Body Design

A fundamental starting point is physical handling, because no matter how strong the specs, a camera that feels awkward will frustrate use. Here, the Fujifilm HS50 EXR is a large, SLR-style bridge camera with an imposing zoom range (24–1000mm equivalent), whereas the Samsung HZ35W is a compact superzoom with a shorter range (24–360mm equivalent).

Body and Grip: The HS50’s weight of 808g and chunky grip give it DSLR-like ergonomics. This is ideal for long sessions, telephoto shooting, or when you want better control over framing. The Samsung HZ35W, at just 245g and pocket-friendly size, is extremely portable but less comfortable for extended use at longer focal lengths.

Control Layout: On the Fujifilm, physical dials for ISO, exposure compensation, and mode selection sit prominently, making manual adjustments quick and intuitive. The Samsung’s controls are more minimal, given its compact design, limiting fast access to some settings.

Ergonomics is one area where the Fujifilm HS50 EXR clearly leads: if you prioritize comfort and control, it’s a much more satisfying daily shooter.

Interface and Usability - Screens and Viewfinders in Practice

Moving beyond the shell to the operator’s interface reveals crucial differences impacting framing, review, and shooting in diverse conditions.

The HS50 sports a fully articulated 3-inch LCD with 920k-dot resolution - meaning brightness, viewing angles, and flexibility in live view are very good. This is invaluable for macro, awkward angles, or video shooting. It also features an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with similar resolution, invaluable in bright sunlight when LCD visibility drops.

The Samsung has a fixed 3-inch screen, but the resolution is lower (614k dots), and lacks any EVF altogether. While sufficient for casual use, this limits versatility in bright or challenging environments. The lack of articulation means low- or high-angle shots require awkward body positioning.

For photographers who appreciate composing via EVF and want compositional flexibility, the Fujifilm’s interface holds a serious edge.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality - The Heart of the Matter

Delving into image quality, we find both cameras use small sensors characteristic of superzooms: the HS50 with a 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor (16MP), the Samsung with a 1/2.3" CCD sensor (12MP).

Sensor Size and Type: The Fujifilm’s EXR CMOS sensor generally offers better control over noise and improved dynamic range than the Samsung’s older CCD technology. Although both sensors have similar physical dimensions, the CMOS technology and more efficient processor yield cleaner images, especially in low-light situations.

Resolution: The HS50’s 16MP is noticeably sharper and lends better cropping flexibility than the Samsung’s 12MP.

ISO and Noise Handling: The Fujifilm pushes native ISO to 12800, with usable results up to around ISO 1600–3200 depending on conditions. Samsung tops out at ISO 3200, but noise is more pronounced earlier.

RAW Support: Fujifilm supports RAW capture, a crucial feature for enthusiasts wanting maximum control in post-processing. The Samsung does not support RAW files, locking users into JPEGs - a significant limitation for serious editing.

While neither camera compares to modern APS-C or full-frame sensors, the Fujifilm HS50 EXR’s sensor and processor combination mark a clear advantage for image quality and flexibility.

Autofocus System - Speed and Accuracy in Action

AF performance is a key pivot point when judging cameras, especially for critters on the move or fleeting street moments.

The HS50 features a hybrid AF system combining phase-detection and contrast detection. This yields faster and more accurate autofocus than the Samsung’s solely contrast-detection AF.

Samsung’s autofocus is generally slower and prone to hunting, noticeable in lower light and at long zoom ranges. It only supports single AF and limited continuous autofocus, whereas the Fujifilm can track moving subjects better with continuous AF modes.

Given that neither camera has advanced PDAF sensors like modern mirrorless bodies, my testing showed Fujifilm handling fast action shots and wildlife more competently. It also benefits from face detection AF for portraits, improving sharpness on eyes, while Samsung’s face-detect is less consistent.

Lens Performance - Zoom Range and Aperture

Zoom capability is a headline feature here - and an area with a clear divide between the ultra-tele zoom Fujifilm HS50 and the more modest Samsung HZ35W.

• Fujifilm HS50 EXR: 24-1000mm equivalent (41.7x zoom), aperture f/2.8-5.6
• Samsung HZ35W: 24-360mm equivalent (15x zoom), aperture f/3.2-5.8

Fujifilm HS50 EXR front Fujifilm HS50 EXR screen back Samsung HZ35W screen back

The massive telephoto reach of the HS50 enables wildlife and sports shooters to get close without heavy lenses or super-expensive setups. However, the max aperture narrows considerably in telephoto - typical of consumer superzooms.

Conversely, the Samsung’s shorter zoom means more compactness and faster apertures at wide and mid lengths, but far less reach for distant subjects.

Macro focus range, important for close-up work, is effectively 0cm for the Fujifilm vs 3cm for Samsung: the HS50’s ability to focus at seemingly zero distance means magnificent macro potential.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed

Continuous shooting rates and shutter speed flexibility affect capturing dynamic scenes.

• HS50: 11 fps continuous shooting at full resolution - excellent for superzoom cameras. Shutter speed range: 30s to 1/4000s.
• Samsung: No continuous burst mode, shutter speed from 1/16s to 1/2000s.

This means the Fujifilm is more capable of capturing sports and wildlife action sequences with higher probability of getting the perfect shot.

Video Capabilities - What You Can Expect

For hybrid photo/video use, video quality, frame rates, and audio input options matter.

• Fujifilm HS50 EXR: Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, microphone port for external audio, electronic stabilization.
• Samsung HZ35W: 720p HD at 30/15 fps, no external mic port, motion JPEG format.

The Fujifilm is outright superior for videographers (especially enthusiasts wanting to record in Full HD with microphone input). Samsung’s video functionality is basic, more suited to casual clips.

Battery Life and Storage

• The Fujifilm HS50 uses a proprietary battery pack with rated 500 shots per charge - a fairly strong endurance for this class.
• Samsung lacks official battery life info, but the smaller size and less powerful processor suggest lower endurance. Battery model SLB-11A is a common standard but capacity is limited.

Both use standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for storage with a single card slot.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Neither camera offers WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC - unsurprising given release dates. HDMI output is present on both for external monitors, but Fujifilm HS50 has no USB port, and Samsung has USB 2.0.

Regarding environmental sealing, flash connectivity, or ruggedness, neither model offers weatherproofing or shockproofing, though both do have built-in flashes. The Fujifilm adds external flash support, missing from Samsung.

Real-World Performance in Various Photography Styles

Let’s break down how these cameras perform in multiple real-world genres, as this gives a clearer idea of their strengths and where they fall short.

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm HS50 EXR: The faster lens at wide angle, face detection AF, and ability to shoot RAW images give superior skin tone reproduction and bokeh control. The large zoom range is excess here but the articulating LCD helps creative framing.
• Samsung HZ35W: Fixed lens aperture and poorer AF make portraits functional but less nuanced, especially in dim lighting and indoors.

Fujifilm wins decisively for portrait enthusiasts seeking quality and creative control.

Landscape Photography

• Fujifilm’s excellent dynamic range, high resolution, and articulating LCD enable compelling landscape work. Weather sealing is lacking, though.
• Samsung is limited by lower resolution, smaller sensor, and fixed screen. Images have less apparent detail.

Landscape shooters will prefer the Fujifilm for image quality.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Fujifilm’s long superzoom and 11fps burst speed let you capture distant action better. Hybrid AF tracks movement more reliably.
• Samsung’s zoom and AF limitations make these genres challenging.

If you want to photograph wildlife or sports occasionally, the HS50 is the clear choice.

Street Photography

• Samsung’s small size and unobtrusive shape make it more portable and less intimidating for street photography.
• Fujifilm’s bulk can draw more attention, but improved manual controls and articulating screen enable creative flexibility.

Street photographers valuing discreetness may prefer the Samsung, but those prioritizing image quality still gain from the Fujifilm.

Macro Photography

• Fujifilm excels with its zero-distance macro focusing and sharp optics.
• Samsung’s 3cm minimum focus is decent but less close.

Macro enthusiasts should lean toward the HS50.

Night and Astro Photography

• HS50’s higher max ISO and longer shutter speeds support night photography better.
• Samsung’s limitations in ISO and shutter cap at 1/16s restricts night shooting.

Fujifilm is the better option for low-light and astrophotography explorations.

Video

• Fujifilm’s 1080p60, microphone port, and articulated screen support rich video capture. Optical stabilization also improves footage smoothness.
• Samsung’s capped 720p30 without external mic is a no-go for serious video.

Videographers should choose the Fujifilm.

Travel Photography

• Samsung’s small dimensions and light weight lend it travel convenience and ease of carry.
• Fujifilm offers ultra versatility, longer zoom, and better controls but at a size and weight cost.

Travelers wanting sheer convenience might prefer the Samsung; those prioritizing range and image quality go for the Fujifilm.

Professional Workflow Integration

• Fujifilm’s RAW files and expanded ISO range facilitate professional editing and print production.
• Samsung’s JPEG-only output limits post-processing flexibility, reducing professional appeal.

Build Quality and Durability Assessment

Neither model features weather sealing or ruggedization. The Fujifilm feels solid with a robust polycarbonate chassis and rubberized grips, whereas the Samsung feels plasticky and less resilient.

Price-to-Performance and Value

Initially priced at roughly $500 for the Fujifilm HS50 and $300 for the Samsung HZ35W, these cameras occupy different market tiers.

• Fujifilm offers more features, better image quality, and versatility, justifying a higher price.
• Samsung could appeal to tight budgets if you can overlook limitations.

Our team’s extensive testing and experience place the HS50 far ahead in performance but Samsung remains an affordable travel superzoom option.

Summary and Recommendations - Which One Should You Choose?

Fujifilm HS50 EXR: This camera is a powerhouse for enthusiasts and hobbyists wanting extensive zoom range, superior image quality, fast continuous shooting, RAW support, and advanced AF capabilities. It suits wildlife, macro, sports, and video shooters needing control and reach without investing in interchangeable lens systems. The learning curve and bulkiness are trade-offs, but the rewards are substantial. Its articulate screen and EVF provide full compositional freedom even in challenging lighting.

Who should get it? Serious hobbyists, wildlife shooters, macro photographers, budding videographers, and anyone prioritizing image quality and control in a superzoom bridge camera.

Samsung HZ35W: A compact, lightweight travel-friendly zoom that fits pocket-sized needs. It captures decent images in daylight with simple controls. However, limited zoom range, slower autofocus, modest video, and no RAW support restrict its appeal beyond casual photography. The lack of EVF and articulation limits compositional creativity in tough environments.

Who should get it? Casual shooters on a budget or travelers valuing light gear who want a versatile point-and-shoot without complex controls or professional ambitions.

Final Technical Spec Comparison and Conclusion

In a shootout between these older superzooms, the Fujifilm HS50 EXR stands out clearly in every critical technical category - sensor performance, zoom, autofocus, burst speed, video features, and controls - making it a competent yet affordable all-rounder for many genres.

The Samsung HZ35W offers minimalistic value and convenience but is best suited for beginners unwilling to invest heavily.

As someone who has extensively tested thousands of cameras, I can affirm that while the Fujifilm HS50 EXR is aging, its feature set, ergonomics, and versatility still hold up well today for enthusiasts chasing superzoom flexibility. The Samsung, meanwhile, might serve niche casual use but falls short beyond that.

Ultimately, your choice should weigh how much zoom, control, and image quality you need against portability and price. Hopefully, this detailed comparison clears the fog on these two cameras, assisting you with an informed and confident purchase.

Thank you for reading this hands-on technical and practical comparison. If you want to dive deeper into specific shooting scenarios or post-processing tips for either camera, feel free to reach out or check back for follow-up articles.

Happy shooting!