Kodak Z950 vs Samsung SL30

Kodak Z950 vs Samsung SL30: Putting 2010-Era Compact Cameras Under the Microscope

In the world of compact cameras, technological leaps happen fast. But every so often, I like taking a stroll down memory lane, exploring cameras that were designed for convenience and versatility in their heyday. Today, I’m diving deep into a head-to-head between two small sensor compacts from a decade ago - the Kodak EasyShare Z950 and the Samsung SL30 (also known as the ES15).

Both cameras debuted with the promise of being trusty companions for everyday photography enthusiasts, boasting modest zoom ranges and pocket-friendly bodies. But which one gave you more bang for the buck? Let’s unpack their features, real-world usability across photographic genres, and ultimately who each model best serves in today’s camera landscape.

Size, Feel, and Design: Handling the Kodak Z950 and Samsung SL30

Before we attach lenses or tweak exposure, the camera’s body ergonomics often dictate whether you’ll enjoy shooting or endure fumbling through menus.

The Kodak Z950 measures a bit larger at 110 x 67 x 36 mm and weighs 243 grams, while the Samsung SL30 is notably smaller and lighter at 94 x 61 x 23 mm and 140 grams. That inch and a half extra in screen size on the Kodak Z950’s 3” display vs. the Samsung’s 2.5” screen also translates to a more confident grip and easier reviewing of shots.

The Kodak’s chunkier, more squared-off body feels sturdier in hand, while the Samsung’s slim profile offers excellent portability for those pocket shooters or street photographers who prize discretion. Personally, I lean toward the Kodak when I want better ergonomics for longer handheld sessions, but if travel weight is a premium, Samsung’s design wins hands down.

Looking closer at the interface layout in the top view, the Kodak offers manual exposure modes (shutter & aperture priority plus manual) - a surprise feature at this price and class - consolidated with tactile dials and buttons. The Samsung, however, lacks these manual exposure options, instead providing a more simplified point-and-shoot experience.

This detail alone sets the Kodak apart for enthusiasts craving creative control, whereas the Samsung SL30 suits those wanting snap-and-go functionality without fuss.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD Performance in the 1/2.3” Format

Both cameras ride on classic 1/2.3” CCD sensors measuring approximately 6.08 x 4.56 mm, with a sensor area of 27.72 mm². This means direct pixel pitch and dynamic range differences are minimal, but the Kodak edges out with a 12-megapixel resolution compared to Samsung’s 10 megapixels.

In my lab tests and field samples, the Kodak Z950’s higher resolution translates into slightly crisper details in daylight conditions, though neither camera impresses with noise control beyond ISO 400. The Samsung’s lower megapixel count paired with its slightly faster maximum aperture of f/2.8 at the wide end means it can squeeze a touch more light in, helping in dimmer scenes.

Both cameras, unfortunately, lack RAW support - a deal breaker for professionals or serious enthusiasts who want full post-processing flexibility. JPEG output is typical of their class with “digital compact” characteristics: modest dynamic range, moderate sharpening, and limited color depth, though Kodak’s color rendition tends to be warmer and richer, especially for skin tones.

Screen and Viewfinder: Reviewing Images, Live View Usability

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder (EVF), a common omission in compact designs of this era, so you’ll rely on the rear LCD for composing and image playback.

The Kodak’s 3-inch fixed LCD with 230K resolution offers a slightly larger and clearer canvas for framing and menu navigation. The Samsung’s 2.5-inch 230K screen feels cramped and less comfortable when reviewing shots, especially outdoors. Neither sports touchscreen or articulated LCD, so navigating menus relies entirely on buttons.

During outdoor use, both suffer in bright sunlight; reflections and low brightness make precise composition a challenge. That said, the Kodak’s slightly bigger screen offers a modest but appreciable advantage for framing portraits or landscapes on location.

Zoom and Lens Versatility: Stretching the Focal Range

One area where the Kodak Z950 significantly expands your creative options is in its 10x zoom range from 35-350mm equivalent focal length, while the Samsung SL30 comes with a 3x zoom covering 38-114mm equivalent.

This difference becomes especially important for wildlife and sports photography - where reach is king - and travel photography that demands versatility without swapping lenses.

The Kodak’s lens, albeit fixed, balances a respectable aperture range (f/3.5 to f/4.8), meaning it still offers decent light gathering at telephoto, especially with the assistance of its optical image stabilization (OIS).

The Samsung SL30, notably, lacks any form of optical image stabilization. This omission is felt sharply once you’re shooting hand-held beyond 100mm equivalent focal length or in less-than-ideal light. Expect more motion blur or the need for significantly higher ISOs (and their accompanying noise).

In practical testing, I found the Kodak’s zoom capability and stabilization useful for discreet telephoto shots on a walk or even summer wildlife outings, whereas the Samsung’s lens is best suited for everyday snapshots, interiors, or wide to mid-range compositions.

Autofocus, Exposure, and Shooting Modes: Making the Shot

When it comes to focusing systems, both cameras employ contrast-detection AF, common in compacts. The Kodak Z950’s AF operates in a single-shot mode only - no continuous tracking - while the Samsung SL30 adds face detection and multi-area AF to assist in locking focus on people’s faces for sharper portraits.

Although face detection may sound like a winning feature for portraits, in practice on the SL30 it feels slow and occasionally hunts frustratingly, especially in low light. The Kodak lacks face detection but its contrast AF felt a tad quicker in my time tests, likely because it’s focused on center AF.

Exposure control is a clear gap between these two. Kodak’s manual, shutter priority, and aperture priority modes give you creative freedom to control depth of field and motion blur - typically absurd to expect in small sensor compacts at sub-$300 levels. Samsung, with no manual or semi-manual modes, relies entirely on programmed auto-exposure.

If you’re eager to learn and experiment with exposure variables, Kodak’s offering is a rare treat here.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Battery Life Considerations

Unfortunately, neither camera ventures into the realm of weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. Both are designed as indoor/outdoor compact carry-ons without ruggedness credentials. The Kodak’s heftier feel relays a sense of build sturdiness, but the plastics remain humble.

Regarding power, Kodak’s Z950 uses a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery (KLIC-7003), while Samsung’s battery specs weren’t officially listed, and I found the SL30 relies on its own proprietary pack too - with neither offering generous battery life by modern standards. Prepare for around 200-250 shots per charge typical for early 2010s compacts, with the Kodak possibly taking slight advantage due to fewer on-screen commands and more efficient electronics.

Video and Connectivity: Modest Specs for Amateur Videography

Video recording capabilities are limited on both.

Kodak Z950 captures video in 1280x720 (HD) at 30fps, which, while low-res by today’s standards, was respectable then. Its video format is Motion JPEG, which creates larger files with moderate compression. Audio recording is built-in but no microphone input means limited audio quality.

Samsung SL30 records at lower resolutions, maxing out at 640x480 VGA at 30fps, with additional slow frame rates for lower resolutions - common for older sensor tech. No HDMI output limits easy monitoring or SW transfer, but both cameras have basic USB 2.0 ports for image transfer.

Kodak includes an HDMI port, giving you the edge for quick playback on a large screen without needing a PC intermediary.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Disciplines

Let’s drill into how each camera performs for various real-world photographic applications - an essential perspective from someone who’s tested and field used thousands of cameras.

Portrait Photography

Both cameras wrestle with managing skin tones, but Kodak delivers warmer, more natural color rendering. Samsung’s face detection autofocus is a plus for beginners but slow performance and lack of manual exposure control limits portrait creativity. Neither camera offers bokeh control due to small sensor size and mid-range apertures.

Kodak’s manual aperture control gives you some depth-of-field experimentation, but keep expectations modest.

Landscape Photography

Kodak’s higher resolution sensor and longer zoom offer more framing flexibility. However, small sensor dynamic range is limited for both, resulting in some highlight and shadow clipping in high-contrast scenes.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so careful handling outdoors is required. Kodak’s durability and ergonomics provide an edge here for extended landscape shoots.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Here, Kodak’s optical stabilization and 10x zoom clearly outperform Samsung’s limited zoom and no stabilization. Autofocus tracking is non-existent on both, so capturing fast action is a challenge, but Kodak’s wider reach and steadier images make it the better choice.

Samsung’s lighter body could be less tiring on hikes but less practical overall.

Street Photography

Samsung’s compact and lightweight profile suits auteurs who prioritize stealth and portability. Kodak’s bulkier body is less discreet but offers faster AF and manual controls.

Low-light autofocus struggles on both, but Samsung’s face detection helps in social settings.

Macro Photography

Kodak shines here with a 6cm macro focus distance plus image stabilization for steadier close-ups. Samsung’s 5cm macro focus is slightly closer but lacks stabilization, increasing chances of blur.

Neither yields extreme magnification, so expect casual macro results.

Night and Astro Photography

Limited high ISO capabilities (max 1600, with increased noise) and absence of manual bulb mode hamper astrophotography on both.

Kodak’s manual exposure lets you experiment more but handheld noise and sensor size are bottlenecks. Neither camera is ideal for serious night work.

Video and Vlogging

Kodak records HD video, lacking mic inputs or advanced codec support. Samsung’s VGA video and slower frame rates restrict quality further.

Neither camera includes image stabilization in video mode, limiting handheld footage quality.

Travel Photography

For average travel scenarios, Kodak is versatile with its zoom range and stabilization, though heavier to carry all day. Samsung is ultra-lightweight and pocket-friendly, great for casual street shots and snapshots.

Battery life on both demands multiple spares or regular charging.

Professional and Workflow Considerations

Neither camera offers RAW or tethered shooting, limiting professional workflows. File formats are conventional JPEG with standard SD card storage.

The Kodak’s manual modes may suit amateurs wanting to learn exposures, but neither camera is suitable for serious professional use in 2024 terms.

Image Gallery: Real-World Samples from Kodak Z950 and Samsung SL30

Here are comparative sample images from both cameras in various lighting conditions. Notice the Kodak’s sharper resolution and balanced color tones versus Samsung’s softer but adequate file output.

Kodak Z950 front Kodak Z950 screen back Samsung SL30 front Samsung SL30 screen back

Comprehensive Performance Scores and Ratings

While neither camera is listed on DxOMark, my internal testing scores reflect balanced consideration of autofocus, image quality, ergonomics, and feature set.

Kodak’s overall score edges ahead due to manual modes, stabilization, and zoom range. Samsung’s compactness and face detection score bonuses for lightweight usability.

Genre-Specific Capabilities: Which Camera Excels Where?

Breaking down their suitability by genre:

• Portrait: Kodak for image quality; Samsung for face detection ease.
• Landscape: Kodak for resolution and zoom.
• Wildlife/Sports: Kodak by margin; Samsung not ideal.
• Street: Samsung shines in stealth and size.
• Macro: Kodak for stabilization.
• Night: Neither great; Kodak slightly better manual.
• Video: Kodak for HD; Samsung limited.
• Travel: Samsung for lightweight; Kodak for zoom.
• Professional: Neither fit; Kodak as learning bridge.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Kodak EasyShare Z950 is the more versatile compact for enthusiasts dipping toes into manual control and wanting better telephoto reach. Its optical image stabilization aids handheld shooting, and manual modes offer creative exposure control - quite rare in compacts under $300 even then. If you prioritize zoom, image control, or want to learn exposure basics affordably, the Z950 is hard to beat.

On the downside, the Kodak’s larger size and lack of wireless connectivity make it less nimble for discrete shooting or modern workflows. Battery life is average and no RAW files limit post-processing.

Samsung SL30 suits casual shooters who want a truly pocketable camera with simple point-and-shoot ease. Face detection autofocus helps beginners nail portraits without fuss, and the lightweight design favors street photographers or travelers who value portability over bells and whistles.

However, its limited zoom, no stabilization, and absence of manual controls mean it will frustrate those who want creative freedom or better low-light performance.

Who I Would Recommend These To Today

• If you’re a beginner or budget traveler looking for compact simplicity and can find a Samsung SL30 at a bargain, it’s fine for snapshots but don't expect to grow much with it.
• If you’re an enthusiast wanting a low-cost entry manual camera, or a travel-conscious zoom seeker, the Kodak Z950 delivers rare features in its class, making it more worthwhile as a used purchase or backup.
• Both cameras deserve respect as artifacts of their time, but if you can stretch your budget, I’d advise considering more recent compacts or mirrorless cameras for significantly better image quality and usability.

Summary Table of Key Differences

Closing Words

While neither Kodak EasyShare Z950 nor Samsung SL30 will dazzle modern photographers accustomed to the capabilities of today's mirrorless or smartphones, understanding their nuances provides fascinating insights into the evolution of compact cameras.

My hands-on evaluation reaffirms the Kodak’s value as a pocket zoom-friendly manual control tool, while Samsung’s SL30 caters to basic snapshot needs. Whichever you favor, ensure your expectations match their vintage design and limitations.

If you’re scouting for a reliable beginner’s camera or a backup zoom compact on a shoestring budget, the Kodak Z950 likely delivers more to satisfy curiosity and creativity. But for effortless street and travel candids requiring lightweight gear, Samsung’s SL30 remains a neat, unassuming option.

Thank you for reading this detailed comparison - if you have questions or want my recommendations for current-generation alternatives in this style or price range, I’d be happy to share those too! Happy shooting.