Compact Cameras in 2009: Samsung HZ10W vs Sony Cyber-shot W220 - A Hands-on Comparison

During my years of testing cameras - from pro-level beasts to compact run-and-gun shooters - I’ve come to appreciate that the devil is in the details. Especially when considering budget or entry-level digitals, it’s rarely about finding the “perfect” camera but rather the one that suits your style, budget, and shooting demands. Today, I’m revisiting two notable “small sensor compact” cameras launched around the same time: the Samsung HZ10W (also known as WB500) and the Sony Cyber-shot W220, both 2009 releases aimed at casual photographers wanting versatility and convenience.

I’ve pored over their specs, usability, and practical performance, drawing on my personal experience and technical insights. Let’s dive deep - no snazzy jargon, just real-world camera wisdom.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

The best camera for you always starts with how it feels in your hands. After all, you’ll be lugging this thing around, often for hours.

Samsung’s HZ10W packs a noticeable chunkier frame compared to the Sony W220:

• Samsung HZ10W: Measuring 105 x 61 x 37 mm and tipping the scales at 249 g, it has a solid, confident grip. The heft is enough to feel substantial but not so heavy as to be a chore for travel or street shots. I liked the rubberized textured coating, which helps avoid that slippery “cheapskate club” feeling. Its body suggests robustness, though it lacks any formal weather sealing.

• Sony W220: In contrast, the Sony is a true pocket rocket - 95 x 57 x 22 mm at a featherweight 147 g. This size difference really shines for travelers or street shooters who want the absolute minimum bulk. The W220’s slimness makes it borderline wallet-sized. Ergonomically, the smaller size means you sacrifice some grip comfort (especially if you’re a big-handed shooter).

Bottom line: Samsung’s HZ10W wins on grip comfort and handling predictability, while Sony’s W220 is the pick for ultra-portability.

Design and Controls: Intuitive or Clunky?

On to the controls, which can make or break your shooting flow. Both cameras are non-pro DSLRs with fixed lenses and target casual users, but do their control layouts reflect thoughtful design?

Samsung HZ10W:

• Despite lacking advanced physical dials (no aperture or shutter priority modes), Samsung provides several hands-on buttons and a dedicated zoom lever. The top plate is uncluttered but sensible.
• Unfortunately, there’s no articulated or touchscreen display, which would be a missed opportunity for framing awkward-angle shots.
• The camera uses a “sensor-shift” image stabilization system, which pairs nicely with the generous 24-240 mm equivalent zoom range.

Sony W220:

• Sony goes even more minimalistic, with fewer physical controls but a straightforward menu navigation system.
• A zoom rocker and a standard shutter release round out the interface; no touch or articulated screen here either.
• The W220 offers optical stabilization (STEADYSHOT), which has historically given Sony a slight edge over sensor-shift systems in compact cameras.

Both cameras have fixed rear 2.7-inch LCDs with identical resolutions (230k dots), which leads us to…

Rear Screen and User Interface Experience

Whether you’re shooting street candid or macro flora, being able to clearly see your frame is essential.

Both the Samsung and Sony stick to the standard 2.7-inch fixed LCD without touch or tilt capability - so nothing fancy, but sufficient for casual framing. The resolution (230k dots) is nothing spectacular by today’s standards (or even now), and in bright sunlight, visibility is a challenge on both.

Samsung’s screen felt a hair sharper with slightly warmer color reproduction in my tests, which may aid in previewing skin tones for portraiture. Sony’s display, meanwhile, veers a little cooler but renders contrast faithfully.

A notable omission on both cameras is any electronic viewfinder, so you’re fully LCD dependent - even in bright conditions, a shaded hand or hood might become your best friend.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Here is where it gets interesting, and where your photos either shine or disappoint.

Both models deploy 1/2.3” CCD sensors, around 27–28 mm² each - a standard in compact digicams of the era. Despite nearly identical sensor sizes, how they handle resolution and detail varies due to color filter array and processing:

• Samsung HZ10W: 10 MP resolution (3648x2432) with an anti-aliasing filter, max ISO 3200.
• Sony W220: 12 MP resolution (4000x3000), also anti-aliased, max ISO 3200.

The specs suggest a modest edge to the Sony in pixel count, but as anyone familiar with image quality knows, bigger megapixels in a small sensor sometimes just mean more noise rather than extra detail.

In side-by-side shooting - landscapes with lots of textures and direct sun - the Sony’s detail extraction edges out Samsung’s by a small margin thanks to its higher resolution. However, Samsung generally produces cleaner, less noisy images at ISO 400 and above, likely due to processing prioritizing noise suppression over pixel peeping.

Both cameras lack RAW support or any advanced exposure modes, limiting post-processing flexibility.

Portrait Photography

• The Samsung’s longer zoom range paired with its sensor-shift stabilization delivers smooth bokeh (out-of-focus background blur) at longer focal lengths (up to 240 mm equiv.). It also does face detection autofocus, aiding snapped portraits with decent skin tone rendering.
• The Sony W220, lacking face detection, delivers softer backgrounds due to shorter maximum focal length (120 mm equiv.) and slower lens at telephoto (max aperture f/7.1).

For casual portrait hit-or-miss shots, Samsung is more reliable with sharper eye detection focus.

Autofocus System and Speed

Neither camera is a speed demon, but autofocus responsiveness often makes or breaks spontaneous shooting.

• Samsung uses contrast-detection AF with face detection focusing. From my real-world experience, it’s fairly accurate for single-point AF but limited: the camera doesn’t do continuous tracking or animal eye AF (no surprise at this budget level).
• Sony employs contrast-detection, too, but with 9 focus points (Samsung doesn’t specify focus points). The W220’s AF occasionally hunts in low-light, stemming from a narrower aperture lens and weaker AF assist.

Neither camera offers manual focus override or focus bracketing/stacking possibilities - no surprises for a point-and-shoot from 2009, but worth noting for macro work.

Lens Performance and Zoom Range

Samsung’s standout feature is its 10x optical zoom range from 24-240 mm equivalent. This scope is a substantial advantage over the Sony:

• The Sony W220 maxes out at a modest 30-120 mm (4x zoom) with a bright but comparatively slower lens (f/2.8 to f/7.1).
• Samsung’s f/3.3-5.8 isn’t blazing fast but at least provides reach for wildlife or distant shots.

In terms of versatility, Samsung’s lens is the clear choice for travel and wildlife photography, where zoom reach matters. The Sony’s wider aperture at the short end (f/2.8) gives slightly better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field for close-ups.

Burst Rate and Video Features

In sports or action scenarios, a camera’s ability to capture multiple frames quickly is king.

• Samsung does not advertise continuous shooting capabilities.
• Sony boasts a 2 fps burst mode, slow by modern standards but functional for casual faster action sequences.

Video-wise:

• Samsung captures HD video at 1280x720 (30 fps) using Motion JPEG format, a big plus for casual video bloggers or families wanting sharper footage.
• Sony is limited to 640x480 (VGA) video, maxing at 30 fps.

Neither has external microphone inputs, so video sound capture is basic.

Macro Performance and Stabilization

Macro enthusiasts take note:

• Both cameras focus down to about 5 cm, allowing close-up work of flowers or insects.
• Samsung’s sensor-shift stabilization tends to outperform Sony’s optical stabilization for handheld macro shots, reducing blur caused by handshake.
• Focus precision is roughly equivalent; neither has focus stacking or manual fine-tuning.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras rely on proprietary battery models (unspecified here), and advertisements from the era suggest modest battery life (around 200-300 shots per charge). Neither has USB-C or fast charging (USB 2.0 only), which feels prehistoric now but was typical then.

Storage wise:

• Samsung uses common SD/SDHC/MMC cards.
• Sony opts for Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo cards, a proprietary format more expensive and less universally embraced.

For budget travelers, Samsung’s SD card support is a win.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS. HDMI output exists only on the Samsung HZ10W, enabling easier playback on TVs. The Sony W220 relies solely on USB 2.0 for data transfer.

Neither boasts environmental sealing, so extra care is required shooting outdoors in inclement weather.

Real-World Use Case Recommendations

Samsung HZ10W front Samsung HZ10W screen back Sony W220 front Sony W220 screen back

After handling both cameras in various scenarios and reviewing their sample output, here’s my breakdown:

• Portrait Photography: Samsung’s longer zoom and face detection gives it an edge for casual portraits with smoother backgrounds. Sony’s wider aperture at the wide end helps indoors.

• Landscape: Sony’s higher resolution shines here, resolving more detail in textured scenes. Samsung’s longer lens range less critical outdoors.

• Wildlife: Samsung’s 10x zoom is essential; Sony’s max 4x zoom limits usability for distant subjects.

• Sports: Neither camera specializes here; Sony’s 2 fps burst is better but still slow. For real sports, look elsewhere.

• Street: Sony’s pocket-friendly size is perfect for discreet street snapping. Samsung’s bulkier body less so.

• Macro: Both perform similarly; Samsung’s stabilization offers steadier handheld close-ups.

• Night/Astro: Neither excels. Max ISO 3200 but likely with noise at higher ISOs.

• Video: Samsung’s HD video support is a clear bonus for casual movie makers.

• Travel: Depend on portability? Sony wins. Need versatility and zoom - Samsung takes the cake.

• Professional Work: Neither supports RAW or advanced controls, limiting professional usage.

Performance Ratings Summary

Let’s put it all together in some handy charts.

Technical Deep-Dive: Why These Differences Exist

• Sensor & Processing: Both use CCD sensors, heavily compressed JPEG pipelines, and limited processing power. Sony’s extra 2 MP translates to more cropping potential but can increase noise. Samsung’s noise reduction suppresses grain but at the cost of added softness.

• AF Systems: Simpler contrast detection with no phase detect, no tracking modes, no AI eye focus. Samsung’s face detection system, still a novelty in 2009, helps nudging portraits.

• IS: Samsung’s sensor-shift stabilization generally handles jitter better in zoomed-in and macro work than Sony’s optical lens-shift system at this zoom range.

• Lens Choices: Samsung’s wider zoom range means compromises on aperture speed but provides more framing options.

Final Pros and Cons: Quick Reference

Who Should Buy Which?

• Pick the Samsung HZ10W if:

  • You want versatility with a long zoom for travel, wildlife, or portraits.
  • You appreciate image stabilization that works well in zoom and macro.
  • You want basic HD video capabilities.
  • Your budget stretches to $300 (new pricing equivalent).
  • You don’t mind a slightly bigger camera.

• Opt for the Sony W220 if:

  • Carrying around a tiny, light camera is a must.
  • You favor a brighter lens for indoor or low-light shooting at standard zoom.
  • You want simpler, pocket-friendly point-and-shoot for everyday street snaps.
  • You seek the lowest price point (around $160).
  • You can live without HD video or extensive zoom.

Wrapping Up: Which Compact Fits Your Style?

In my hands-on testing journey, I found both cameras offer interesting value propositions typical of their generation. Samsung’s HZ10W stands out as an all-rounder compact zoom with better video and stabilization at a slightly heftier price and size. Sony’s W220 is a clever, compact companion for low-commitment shooters prioritizing portability and ease.

Neither camera would impress a professional or serious hobbyist today, especially given absent RAW support and limited ISO and focusing systems. But for budget enthusiasts, family snapshots, or travelers seeking a simple, decent shooter circa 2009, both cameras hold merit.

Just remember: the best compact for you balances your priorities - zoom reach, size, image quality - and the kind of shooting you do most. If you can, test them yourself in a store to see which feels right. Or scour eBay for gently used units - they remain reliable pocketworkhorses even today.

Thanks for reading my detailed walk-through - and as ever, happy shooting!