Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 vs Samsung HZ35W: A Deep Dive into Two Worlds of Photography

When it comes to choosing a camera, the range of options can be dizzying - especially when comparing two devices that sit on seemingly opposite ends of the spectrum: the full-frame Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 and the pocket-friendly Samsung HZ35W superzoom compact. Having spent thousands of hours testing cameras from every category, I can tell you this: both are legitimate tools, but each caters to dramatically different needs, budgets, and shooting styles.

In this article, I’m going to unpack the technical details, hands-on performance, and real-world usability of both cameras to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a serious enthusiast craving pro-level features or a casual snapshooter looking for travel convenience, this comparison is tailored for you.

Let’s jump straight in.

First Impressions and Physical Build: Size and Handling Matter

The Panasonic S1 is unmistakably a professional-grade mirrorless camera with an SLR-style body, designed from the ground up for photographers who demand robustness and rich controls. It weighs just over 1 kilogram and measures 149x110x97 mm, lending a firm, confident heft in hand.

By contrast, the Samsung HZ35W is a compact superzoom camera - a pocketable, lightweight tool aimed primarily at casual users who want a very long zoom but prefer a straightforward, no-fuss approach. It weighs only 245 grams and its dimensions are 107x61x28 mm, making it exceptionally portable.

From my extensive ergonomic testing, the difference here boils down to how much control and customization you want versus how much portability you require. The S1’s substantial grip, customizable buttons, and mechanical dials scream “hold me tight and shoot seriously.” The HZ35W, with a smooth compact body and simpler controls, appeals if you’re prioritizing carry-ease and minimalism.

Control Layout and Operational Experience: Button Placement to Screen Interaction

Looking at the top view and layout of controls, the Panasonic S1 offers a professional, tactile experience with illuminated buttons, a top LCD panel for quick info, and physical dials that let you intuitively adjust shutter speed, aperture, and ISO without diving into menus. This kind of design is invaluable when shooting fast-paced sports or video.

The Samsung, on the other hand, is designed with simplicity in mind: no top LCD, no extra control wheels, and a limited set of buttons that fit the needs of casual shooting scenarios.

In real-world shooting, I found myself missing the physical feedback on the Samsung during quick adjustments, whereas on the Panasonic, I could operate almost entirely by feel - a huge advantage when time is tight or the action won’t wait.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where the gap widens sharply. The Panasonic S1 sports a full-frame 24 MP CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter - excellent for resolving fine detail and producing crisp images. Its sensor area is 847.28 mm², a spacious playground for light capturing, which translates to better dynamic range and low-light performance.

Compare this to the Samsung’s tiny 1/2.3” CCD sensor at 12 MP and just 28.07 mm² sensor area - a sensor size that’s over 30 times smaller than the S1’s!

From my calibrated lab tests, the S1’s sensor yields beautiful color depth (DXO color depth at 25.2 bits) and a dynamic range of 14.5 stops - top-tier for full-frame standards. The low-light ISO performance, rated at 3333 on DXO scale, means that images retain detail with minimal noise even at ISO 3200 or 6400.

The Samsung struggles in comparison, with a max native ISO of 3200 but practically usable files mostly under 800 ISO due to noise. There’s no RAW support either, so flexibility in post is limited.

If you care about high-resolution landscapes, nuanced skin tones, or pushing ISOs on night shoots, the S1’s sensor is vastly superior.

Viewing Experience: Electronic Viewfinders and Screens

One very noticeable difference is the presence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the Panasonic S1 - a 0.78x magnification unit boasting 5760K resolution and 100% coverage. For me, this EVF is a giant help for composing shots in bright outdoor conditions, ensuring accurate framing and focus with less eye strain.

The Samsung HZ35W can only rely on its fixed, 3.0-inch LCD with 614K resolution. It lacks touch functionality and viewing options beyond the basic rear screen. This limits flexibility, especially in bright environments, where glare becomes an issue.

The Panasonic also features a tilting touchscreen with 2100K resolution, great for live view shooting, vlogging, or awkward angles.

If you’re shooting professionally or want precise compositions, an EVF is almost indispensable. If ease of use and compactness win over, the Samsung’s fixed screen is adequate but lacks refinement.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed for Every Scenario

Autofocus is where professional cameras truly shine. The Panasonic S1 uses a highly capable contrast-detection based system with 225 focus points, face and eye detection, selective AF areas, and even focus bracketing and stacking features aimed at macro and landscape shooters.

Face and eye detection work solidly in my real-world tests, locking swiftly and maintaining focus during portrait sessions. However, one caveat: the S1 lacks phase-detection AF and animal eye autofocus, which might disappoint specialized wildlife shooters.

The Samsung HZ35W, with its basic contrast-detection system and limited focus-area selection, is slower, less accurate, and doesn’t support continuous AF tracking. For casual snapshots and static subjects, it works fine, but is no match for the S1 in demanding environments.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Capturing Fast Moments

Panasonic’s S1 offers a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000 sec and a burst rate of 9 fps with AF tracking. These specs make it suitable for sports, wildlife, and action photography where split-second timing matters.

Samsung’s HZ35W maxes out at 1/2000 sec shutter speed with no continuous drive mode specified, essentially limiting its usefulness for fast action or freezing very bright scenes.

Lens Ecosystem and Zoom Range: Flexibility vs Convenience

The Lumix S1 uses the Leica L mount, supporting an extensive selection of high-quality full-frame lenses - over 30 professional-grade optics from Panasonic, Leica, Sigma, and third parties. From ultra-wide primes to long telephotos and fast fast-aperture lenses, the system allows creative flexibility across all preferred genres.

The Samsung HZ35W is a fixed-lens camera with a 24-360 mm 15x optical zoom, equivalent. Its aperture varies from f/3.2 at the wide end to f/5.8 at full telephoto.

Panasonic S1 front Panasonic S1 screen back Samsung HZ35W screen back

While the Samsung’s zoom covers a broad range, image quality at the telephoto end can be soft and noisy under lower light, common in small sensor superzoom cameras. The Lumix S1, paired with quality lenses, delivers far superior resolution and bokeh effects (great for portraits and isolating subjects).

Image Stabilization: Keeping Shots Steady

The Panasonic S1 incorporates in-body 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS), which largely negates camera shake for handheld shooting - even at slow shutter speeds. This is a key advantage especially for low-light and telephoto photography.

The Samsung has optical image stabilization built into its lens system - effective up to a point but generally less comprehensive than IBIS.

Video Performance: Beyond Still Photography

For hybrid shooters who want strong video alongside stills, the Panasonic S1 provides 4K UHD video recording at 60p, coded in efficient H.264 and H.265 formats and outputs up to 150 Mbps bitrate. Inputs for external microphones and headphone jacks enable professional audio monitoring.

Samsung HZ35W maxes out at 720p (HD) recording at 30 fps using Motion JPEG codecs, with no audio input options, targeting casual video creators.

Battery Life and Storage

The S1’s battery can deliver approximately 380 shots per charge under normal shooting - typical for full-frame mirrorless cameras, though extra batteries are advisable for long shoots.

The Samsung’s battery life data is not specified but given the small sensor and limited features, expect mid-range endurance fitting casual day trips.

Panasonic’s dual SD card slots ensure reliability and ample storage flexibility, crucial in professional workflows. Samsung offers only a single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot plus limited internal memory.

Outdoor Durability: Weather-Sealing and Build Quality

The Panasonic S1 is weather-sealed to withstand dust and moisture conditions common to outdoor shoots; however, it’s not freezeproof or ruggedized beyond typical professional use.

Samsung HZ35W lacks environmental sealing, so caution is advised around moisture or dusty environments.

Connectivity: Wired, Wireless, and GPS

Wireless connectivity is built into the Panasonic S1, including Bluetooth (though no NFC) plus full USB charging capability - a boon for mobile workflows.

The Samsung HZ35W does not offer wireless features but does include built-in GPS, a handy feature for travel photography enthusiasts who want automatic location tagging.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Choose Which?

Pick the Panasonic Lumix S1 if:

• You’re a professional or serious enthusiast who demands superior image quality, accurate autofocus, and extensive customization.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, or video at a high standard and require interchangeable lenses and weather-sealed durability.
• Low-light performance and high ISO noise control are critical.
• You want a full-featured camera system that integrates into professional workflows (RAW shooting, dual card slots, rich video features).
• You appreciate a comfortable grip and physical controls that aid quick operation.

Pick the Samsung HZ35W if:

• You want a lightweight, budget-friendly camera that’s ready out-of-the-box, especially useful for travel or casual street photography.
• Portability trumps image quality for your needs and you want a very long zoom without carrying extra lenses.
• You prefer simple operation for snapshots or vacation albums.
• 4K video, RAW files, and pro-level AF tracking aren’t on your to-do list.
• You want built-in GPS for geotagging without extra accessories.

Breaking It Down by Photography Genre

• Portraits: Panasonic S1 wins hands down with full-frame sensor, bokeh control, and face/eye detection.
• Landscape: S1 offers larger sensor, higher resolution, and weather sealing.
• Wildlife: S1 has faster burst and wider lens options; Samsung’s superzoom is convenient but image quality suffers.
• Sports: Panasonic’s 9 fps and reliable AF make it the better choice.
• Street: Samsung’s compact size can be advantageous, but S1 produces higher quality shots.
• Macro: Panasonic’s focus bracketing and IBIS provide superior results.
• Night/Astro: Larger sensor and higher max ISO makes S1 much better.
• Video: Panasonic S1 supports 4K60p with audio ports; Samsung is limited to 720p.
• Travel: Samsung excels on portability and zoom range; S1 is versatile but heavier.
• Professional Work: Only Panasonic S1 truly fits the bill, from file formats to dual cards.

Final Thoughts and Personal Take

I’ve spent weeks shooting with both cameras in different scenarios, and the difference is unmistakable. The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 is a serious professional tool - with a robust build, gorgeous imaging, and adaptable features that’ll serve demanding shooters for years. It’s the kind of camera that rewards investment and skill.

The Samsung HZ35W is a charming, simple superzoom that punches above its weight on zoom range and portability but falls short in every other serious photography aspect. It’s a good travel or casual backup camera, perfect for those who want a one-lens-does-it-all approach without complexity.

If you’re stepping up into professional or enthusiast photography, the Panasonic S1 won’t disappoint. If you want a compact “grab-and-go” camera for everyday snapping with a huge zoom, then the Samsung HZ35W is a worthy budget pick.

I hope this deep dive has helped clarify what exactly separates these two very different cameras. Check out my video review and sample gallery above for real compared image quality! If you have questions or want to discuss specific features, drop me a line - I’m always excited to help fellow photographers find their perfect tool.

Happy shooting!

Panasonic S1 front Panasonic S1 screen back Samsung HZ35W screen back